Charles II - volume 113: February 19-28, 1665

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles II, 1664-5. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1863.

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'Charles II - volume 113: February 19-28, 1665', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles II, 1664-5, (London, 1863) pp. 209-232. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/chas2/1664-5/pp209-232 [accessed 24 March 2024]

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February 19–28, 1665.

Feb. 19.
Portsmouth.
1. Andrew Newport to Williamson. At Sec. Bennet's request, nominated a deputy comptroller for prizes in the port, Arth. Bradshaw; begs that he or some other deputy may be appointed, since by instructions from the Commissioners of Prizes, the officers are often to have recourse to the deputy comptroller.
Feb. 19.
Rye.
2. Jo. Dallatt to Williamson. The Hope of London has come in from the Canaries, laden with Canary [wine], and the Speedwell of London from Seville, laden with oranges and olives.
Feb. 19.
Blackamoor, The Hope.
3. Capt. John Barton to the Navy Comrs. Wants provisions; has brought up 50 pressed men from Harwich for the St. George. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 19.
Southwark.
4. Lieut. Martin Gardiner to Sam. Pepys. Requests redress of the abuse committed by seamen pressing soldiers out of the Duke of York's regiment. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 19.
Dover.
5. Thos. Wales to the Navy Comrs. Account of work performed according to general warrant. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 20. Warrant for a pardon to William Ring, of Netherhaven, co. Wilts, for all offences committed before 24 June last. [Ent. Book 22, p. 20.]
Feb. 20. Corroboration of presentation of Allan Smallwood, D D., to the Rectory of Graystock, co. Cumberland. [Docquet.]
Feb. 20. Warrant to pay to Lady Elizabeth Gage 2,000l., as the King's free gift. [Docquet.]
Feb. 20. Warrant to pay to Col. John Frescheville 2,000l., as the King's free gift. [Docquet.]
Feb. 20. Warrant to pay to Chas. Viscount Fitzharding, keeper of the privy purse, 10,000l., for the use of the said purse. [Docquet.]
Feb. 20. 6. Wm. Coventry to Sam. Pepys. Ballast for the London must be hastened down; her men are to be turned into the Prince, either by ticket or book. The merchant ships are to be got out of the docks, to take their stores on board. The Montague and London are almost ready for victualling. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 20. 7. Capt. Wm. Badiley to the Navy Comrs. The work of carrying ballast to the London cannot be done by lighters; six hoys must be employed. The Briar is ready to take in her provisions. [Adm. Paper, damaged.]
Feb. 20.
Ipswich.
8. Anthony Deane to the Navy Comrs. Particulars of the dimensions, &c., of the six Ipswich ships pressed for the King's service. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 20. 9. List of 25 prize ships brought into Dover since November last; stating the masters' names, destination, lading, number of guns, by whom taken, and when brought in. [Adm. Paper, two pages.]
Feb. 20.
Portsmouth.
10. Commissioner Thos. Middleton to Sam. Pepys. It is impossible to take the measure of any ship, unless she be dry upon the ground, and even then it must be done by a skilful man. No orders have been received, nor men sent down, to clean and grave the merchant ships. Particulars of timber. Purchase of cordage from Weymouth, and other stores. Great want of money; 200 men are employed who beg money to diet themselves, which would be 50l. a week. Account of the Royal Charles having narrowly escaped a disaster, only breaking a hawser. Never knew a worse ship to careen than the Henry. [Adm. Paper, three pages.] Encloses,
10. i. Invoice by Jacob Bryan of canvas to be sold on board the Violet from St. Malo. Portsmouth, Feb. 16, 1665.
10. ii. Contract with Giles Hounsel, of Weymouth, for cordage, at 39s. per cwt. Portsmouth, February 17, 1665.
Feb. 20.
Gravesend.
11. James Pugh to the Navy Comrs. List of nine ships at Gravesend with the number of men on board, and of those absent and sick on shore. They are now well supplied with clothes. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 20.
Portsmouth.
12. Commissioner Peter Pett to Sam. Pepys. Danger incurred by the Royal Charles, through the indiscretion of her officers, who in clearing an anchor supposed to be foul, cast her ashore; no damage was sustained; proposes to sail her to-morrow. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 20.
Yarmouth.
13. Rich. Bower to Williamson. Complains of wrong three years ago, in being detained 12 months in London to give information of some Custom House abuses, and then dismissed without reward and rendered ridiculous, because three of the accused Commissioners were members of the Committee to which the business was referred. Delay of sailing of the pressed men, because one was sent whom Bailiff Cubitt would not spare; he allowed him to go on board, lest the others should refuse to go, but had him put ashore again, and Sir Thos. Meadows sent a warrant to take him. The town has at length agreed to incorporation with Little Yarmouth.
Feb. 20.
Whitehall.
14. Warrant to Ralph Rutter and John Wilson, messengers, to set at liberty Benj. Olding and Roger Williams. With draft of an order for the names of the Duke of Buckingham and others to be inserted as Commissioners of Appeals in the business of prizes.
Feb. 20.
St. James's.
15. Pass by Lord Admiral the Duke of York for the Crown, a ship built in the United Provinces for the French East India Company, to go to France, provided she carry no goods belonging to persons in hostility with the King.
Feb. 20. 16. Edw. Adams to Williamson. Asks his commands to Consul Maynard in Portugal. Presents him with part of a box of China oranges.
Feb. 20.
Rydal.
17. Dan. Fleming to Williamson. Requests him to share with himself and his cousin Kirkby, in the next lease of the Lancashire excise, for which they are willing to give within 100l. of the present rent.
Feb. 20. Reference to the Lord Chancellor and three others on the petition of Lord Paget. [Ent. Book 18, p. 127.]
Feb. 21. 18. Aug. Fen to Edw. Reynes. Expects soon to be employed elsewhere. Wants Erastus, if he can spare him. Has been skirmishing with the Nigri, who are ignorant and knavish beyond imagination, for the sake of Mr. Sharples, an honest man and former justice of peace, who is staggering. Wishes that Reyner, being near to Blackburn, would see Mr. Sharples and do the deed with him.
Feb. 21. 19. J[ohn] I[ronmonger] to Sir Thos. Gower. The consultation at Northallerton was to arrange how they may meet with least suspicion, to agree on ways of writing, places where their agents may be furnished with fresh horses, money, &c.; their pretences of meeting will be a suit-at-law, bargain, or arbitration, and their letters will always have some real business. Letters from Holland say that the English settled there are 3,000 good men; believes them to be only 800, but good soldiers and ready to hazard anything. If the Dutch would land them, they would venture themselves. The Dutch vary in counsels; sometimes they talk of landing in March or April, sometimes of spinning out the war till the King's money is spent, and they think he could hardly get more; much depends on the issue of the French Ambassador's journey to England. There may be an attempt in the bishopric, but not till the Dutch are at sea. The chief agitators are now in London. Col. Gilby Carr in Holland manages the affairs of the Scottish remonstrators. Leving may be taken in London.
Feb. 21.
Woolwich.
20. Chris. Pett to the [Navy Comrs.] The sample of broom sent in by Isaac Sanderson, minister of Plumstead, is large and fit for service. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 21. 21. Ro. Richbell to Sam. Pepys. Being ill, sends his kinsman, John Shattock, to sign his contract for 20 tons of rosin, at 10l. per ton, and allowance for carriage from Southampton to Portsmouth.
Feb. 21.
Chatham.
22. Edw. Gregory to the Navy Comrs. Sends muster-books of several ships; the last 300l. imprest is all paid away. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 21. 23. W. Coventry to Sam. Pepys. Desires men to be set to work immediately, to refit the bread-room, powder-room, &c., of the John and Thomas, as the owners make difficulty about it. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 21.
London.
24. Certificate by Stephen Pyend that the Sea-flower ketch sailed from Chatham on the 15th, with pressed men from Rochester and elsewhere on board, and is at anchor over against Horseydown, in readiness to sail. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 21. 25. W. Coventry to Sam. Pepys. John Langrack is the carpenter of the Breda proposed as purveyor for Aliceholt; he is to have his dispatch as soon as possible. [Adm. Paper.] Encloses,
25. i. Earl of Sandwich to Coventry. Recommends John Langrack for the employment of purveyor. Downs, Feb. 18, 1665.
Feb. 21. 26. Wm. Coventry to Sam. Pepys. Concurs in the opinion that Mr. Pett must not think himself so wholly master of the office as to impose both men and rates; thinks the man had better be employed the old way, till Pett proposes the other way. Asks in what readiness the fire-ships are for sailing. Endorsed "About the fitness of choosing Langrack as purveyor, with regard to Mr. Pett at Woolwich. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 22.
Woolwich.
27. Wm. Bodham to Sam. Pepys. A chimney has fired in the George alehouse, near the ropeyard, at 3 a.m.; it was caused by the keeper's entertaining some ropemakers, and suffering them to be drunk; has turned him out of the work. Recommends an honest fellow in his stead, but being one whose private opinions suffer him not to go to church, is doubtful whether he may be entered. Proposes that a good middle-sized water engine be kept in the yard; one could be provided for 20l. [Adm. Paper, two pages.]
Feb. 22.
The Downs.
28. Capt. Thos. Teddeman to Sam. Pepys. Particulars of ships. The Earl of Sandwich intends setting out for London. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 22.
Harwich.
29. Anthony Deane to the Navy Comrs. Contracts for timber. Requests a press warrant for providing shipwrights. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 22. 30. W. Coventry to Sam. Pepys. A warrant must be sent to Woolwich for receiving some yarn; does not presume it to be very bad, and they cannot be very curious at this time. Is of Mr. Bodham's opinion that the King's own spinning would be best. [Adm. Paper.] Encloses,
30. i. Wm. Bodham to Wm. Coventry. Entreats an order for the receipt of nine tons of Hamburg cable yarn, delivered by James Johnson of Yarmouth without any warrant or copy of contract. If time permitted, it would be more to the King's profit to have yarn spun by his own workmen. Woolwich, Feb. 21, 1665.
Feb. 22.
Woolwich.
31. Wm. Bodham to Sir Wm. Batten. There are 24 tons of yarn received from Mr. Herris. Asks what cordage shall be made of it. Some Hamburg cable yarn is taken in. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 22.
Portsmouth.
32. Commissioner Thos. Middleton to Sam. Pepys. The Royal Charles is unable to get out of harbour for want of wind. [Adm. Paper.] Encloses,
32. i. Certificate by John Kempthorne of the fitness of the Mayflower ketch, under command of Thomas Norwood, to wait on the Royal James. Feb. 18, 1665.
Feb. 22.
Ollerton.
33. Thos. Corbyn to W. Coventry. Particulars of felling and carriage of timber in Sherwood Forest. Thinks carriages may be had from Yorkshire and Derbyshire, being within 12 miles. The watermen pretend they dare not stir without some security, for fear of pressing. Begs to be discharged from the service, and reimbursed for money spent out of his own pocket. Mr. Russell will cheerfully serve in his stead, and Capt. Green will manage the loading in the wood. [Adm. Paper, two payes.] Encloses,
33. i. List of three justices in Derbyshire, four in Yorkshire, and three in Nottinghamshire, and names of the 21 watermen employed in the two great ketches.
Feb. 22. Pass for Philip De Marinis, returning to China and other Eastern parts, for the conversion of infidels. [Ent. Book 22, p. 22.]
Feb. 22. Privy seal for 1,000l. to George Lord Berkeley, of Berkeley Castle, for repairs of the fences, &c., at Nonsuch Park. Minute. [Ent. Book 22, p. 22.]
Feb. [22.]
Whitehall.
Pass for Anthony Carew, of Ostend, sent for by the King to England for two months, and protection from trouble in reference to any prizes taken during the usurpation. [Ent. Book 22, p. 23.]
Feb. ? 34. Petition of Major Rob. Walters, prisoner in the Tower, to the King, for release; confesses his heinous offence in concealing the late horrid treason in the Northern parts, yet has now not only confessed to His Majesty and Lord Lieutentant the Duke of Buckingham all he knows, but has witnessed against the conspirators who are brought to trial, omitting not the least thing against any of them.
Feb. 22. Warrant to Sir John Robinson to release Robert Walters. Minute. [Ent. Book 22, p. 23.]
Feb. 22. Reprieve for Jean Mesandière from being burnt in the hand. Minute. [Ent. Book 22, p. 24.]
Feb. 22.
Whitehall.
Order in Council, on full debate about the Newfoundland fishery, that the Lord Admiral shall give licence to one ship of Dartmouth only to go for Newfoundland. [Domestic Corresp., Feb. 15, 1665.]
Feb. 22.
London.
35. "John Keymor's observations made upon the Dutch fishing about the year 1601, demonstrating that there is more wealth raised out of herrings and other fish in His Majesty's seas, by the neighbouring nations in one year, than the King of Spain hath from the Indies in four, and that there were 20,000 ships and other vessels and about 400,000 people there set on work by both sea and land, and maintained only by fishing on the coasts of England, Scotland, and Ireland." Printed for Sir Edw. Ford, and licensed by Roger L'Estrange, Feb. 22, 1665. [Twelve pages.]
Feb. 22.
Deal.
36. Ri. Watts to Williamson. The Earl of Sandwich landed last night, expecting orders to go up by land. A fleet of Hollanders is near the Spurn.
Feb. 22.
Warwick.
37. Sir Hen. Puckering and John Rous to Sec. Bennet. Wish through him to inform the Council that they have committed to gaol several persons suspected of clipping money. Three ounces of clippings, chiefly from shillings and sixpences were found; yet the people concerned are beloved among their neighbours, and in a few hours, got a good certificate of their past deportment from many of the better sort.
Feb. 22.
Gainsborough.
38. Note that 30 sail of Hollanders have been for ten days about Flamborough, have taken the ketch with the pressed men from Hull, and by their long boats, fetched many sheep from the coast.
Feb. 22.
Whitehall.
39. Order in Council for the printing and publishing of the King's declaration on his proceedings for reparation of affront and injuries done by the States of the United Provinces. [Printed.] Annexing,
39. i. The King's declaration that many spoils have been committed by the Dutch East and West India Companies, and instead of reparation as demanded, De Ruyter is sent to act hostilely against the English in Africa, and they have granted letters of marque against the English; therefore the Dutch being clearly the aggressors, letters of marque shall be issued to seize their ships as prizes, and also any other vessels that carry soldiers, arms, &c., to their territories, and all merchandise belonging to them in any vessel whatsoever, unless it have a safe conduct from the Duke of York. [Printed, four pages.]
Feb. 22. 40. Examination of Edward James, before Sir Hen. Wroth. Being at Ely, in the house of Cornet Graves, a late officer under Col. Hacker, Graves taking him for one of their party, told him that 60 of old Oliver's boys met and mustered in the town, and they should have a day soon.
Feb. 22.
Hull.
41. Luke Whittington to James Hickes. The fleet of 12 sail, bound for London, are to go under convoy of the Convertine, which has arrived for the pressed men.
Feb. 22.
Dover.
42. Jo. Carlisle to Williamson. A prize is taken; 24 sail of ours are in the Downs, and four sent to cruise in Margate Road. The Earl of Sandwich is ashore, and intends for London. No prize goods are landed yet, for want of an order from the Admiralty.
Feb. 22.
Poole.
43. Wm. Skutt to Williamson. A vessel arrived from Kinsale has seen nothing of the enemy. Begs influence with the Commissioners of the wine licences, in the renewal of a licence for a house at the end of the town which he holds in behalf of his mother-inlaw, Melior Allen of Sarum, at 10l. a year, to which sum it has been raised from 4l.; some whose houses are in the heart of the town [Sarum] can give 40l.
Feb. 23.
Whitehall.
44. The King to Aubrey Earl of Oxford, chief justice in Eyre south of the Trent, the Earl of Southampton, warden of the New Forest, and the Officers of the court of Lyndhurst. Orders John Lewin to be continued gamekeeper of Lynwood walk, New Forest, from which office he was likely to be dispossessed by one Tarvor, as he appears on examination to be an able and fit person. [Copy.]
Feb. 23. Entry of the above. [Ent. Book 16, p. 337.]
Feb. 23. Note of the above letter. [Ent. Book 22, p. 27.]
Feb. 23.
Dover.
45. Jo. Carlisle to Hen. Muddiman. Sends a letter on a quarrel between Mr. Watts and Mr. Lodge of Deal. Watts is honest, willing to serve, and loyal; but Lodge was always a factious impertinent fellow. Wishes Williamson would silence him. Encloses,
45. i. Ri. Watts to Mr. Carlisle. Complains that Lodge of the post office abused him for an old fanatic, turned him out of the office, and refused to send to Williamson his letter, in which he reported a large Holland fleet to be in sight off the Spurn, because he had not put the date outside; asks if Lodge can command this to be done.
Deal, Feb. 22, 1665.
Feb. 23.
Yarum, Yorkshire.
46. News from the North. There are 20 or 30 Dutch men-ofwar and 60 Flushing capers coasting between Flamborough and Berwick. A Dutch 40-gun vessel came into Burlington, hoisting English colours, and sent a counterfeit letter, pretending to be sent as a convoy to any ships in that or the parts near land. A Scarborough ketch went on this false summons, and has not been heard of since. A vessel manned with half Dutch is in the Tees, and may easily send spies ashore to spy out the naked places of the coast, such as Redcar, Whitby, Hartlepool, Stockton, &c.; see where men may be landed, do mischief enough, and go away scot free.
Feb. 23. 47. Leonard Williams to Sec. Bennet, Fawcett, having brought himself incautiously into suspicion with his party, to ingratiate himself with them, informed against Leving, as a trapanner, on which some of them enticed Leving to an obscure place, threatened to murder him, and charged him with his treason; he denied it, saying that had he betrayed their lodgings, as he could have done, they would have been taken; they produced testimony, but at last spared his life, on condition that he would retire and have nothing to do with Sec. Bennet. With note by Wm. Leving, that Sir Roger Langley can give an account of the unworthiness of "this man."
Feb. 23.
Whitehall.
48. Warrant to Sir Thos. Ingram to order payment by the Receiver General of the duchy of Lancaster of 1,000l. to Sir John Denham, surveyor of works, towards the buildings and works now in hand at Greenwich.
Feb. 23. Entry of the above. [Ent. Book 17, p. 92.]
Feb. 23. Reprieve for Jean De la Court, condemned for murder at the Old Bailey sessions. Minute. [Ent. Book 22, p. 24.]
Feb. 23. Warrant to the Navy Commissioners to order payment to Sir Allan Apsley of 2,000l., by appointment of the Duke of York, to be employed for secret services, by the Duke's directions. [Ent. Book 22, p. 24.]
Feb. 23. 49. Capt. Wm. Badiley to the Navy Comrs. The Paul and Fame are ready to take in provisions. [Adm. Paper, damaged.]
Feb. 23.
Barking.
50. Thos. Cartwright, minister, to Sir Wm. Batten. Has been much injured by John Barnard, a drunken innkeeper in Barking, in confidence of not being arrested or called to account for it, because he is purser to the Henrietta. Begs counsel and assistance to take remedy at common law. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 23.
Woolwich.
51. Chris. Pett to the Navy Comrs. Repairs of ships. Plank wanted. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 24. 52. Certificate by John Fortescue of the measurement of the Loyal George, 91½ ft. by 8 ft. 11 in. [Adm. Paper.] Annexing,
52. i. Calculations of the said measurement.
Feb. 24. 53. Capt. Wm. Badiley to Sam. Pepys. The vessel employed to carry down ballast to the London was stopped at Deptford, and all her men pressed away, in spite of a warrant of protection signed by the Board. [Adm. Paper, damaged.]
Feb. 24.
Whitehall.
54. Order in Council,—on petition of the Merchant Adventurers' Company and of John Browne, clothworker and officer employed under Rob. Thomas, farmer of the duty on white cloth, now in custody of a messenger,—that he be so continued till the Lord Treasurer and Lord Ashley report their opinions on the whole business, and meanwhile Mr. Browne be desired to surcease all proceedings in the Exchequer; also that the report be dispatched, the Board having often been troubled on this business.
Feb. 24.
Garsdall, Yorkshire.
55. Abraham Nelson to Sec. Bennet. The fanatics there hope that the Dutch wars will open a gap. They hear that General Lambert has escaped to Holland, and that there are two full regiments of English fugitives there. The trained band was called up to receive six days' pay; wishes an oath were imposed on them to be true to the King, not only in foreign wars, but in insurrections on what pretence soever. A competent number of horse would do the work.
Feb. 24.
Egglestone.
56. Christopher Sanderson to Sir Phil. Musgrave. A grand Quaker reports that the Dutch intend to plague the English by keeping from engagements till their provisions are exhausted. He says their party have several persons of quality in the country for their friends, so that, however the tide turns, they will be well used. John Joplin, when leaving Durham, said, "Farewell to subjects' liberty, or having the benefit of the known laws of the nation." He said many of their banished friends were in London, being safer there than elsewhere, and cannot be discovered, having periwigs and other disguises. Has given 3l. to an intelligencer, with a letter of recommendation from this Quaker to Grisell Pate, who knows where all the parties are in London, and what is transacted there or elsewhere.
Feb. 24.
Dover Castle.
57. Capt. John Strode to Williamson. Sir Wm. Berkeley has passed for Portsmouth. A Denmark ship in port was examined by a Dutch galley, which, after a little plundering, let her go, as she was bound for France. Hen. Howard and his brother and Fras. Digby have gone for Calais. Fears the Dunkirk packet will fall into the hands of a Zealand privateer in the road.
Feb. 24.
Dover Castle.
58. Capt. John Strode to Sec. Bennet. No such ship as that he mentions has come into the road, only a Denmark vessel which might give rise to the report.
Feb. 24.
Deal.
59. Ri. Watts to Sec. Bennet. The soldiers and money for Tangiers have gone on board. Account of vessels in the Downs.
Feb. 24.
Yarmouth.
60. Rich. Bower to Williamson. A ketch has come down for 100 men, but they will hardly be got in the town, unless Capt. Saunders were sent; every man in the town would have gone with him voluntarily, he is so winning on all seamen, and as stout as ever salt water bore. The works about the town are in such a condition, and so wanting in powder, gun-carriages, &c., that there is not wherewithal to defend the ships in harbour.
Feb. 25.
Newcastle.
61. John Dobson to Sir Phil. Musgrave. Asseverates the truth of his report about a design being in hand against the government; Sir Philip will hear of it from other hands.
Feb. 25. Commission to Sir Henry Belasyse to be Captain of a company of foot lately commanded by Lord Belasyse. Minute. [Ent. Book 20, p. 50.]
Feb. 25. Warrant to Sir Ralph Freeman and Hen. Slingsby, masters and workers of the Mint, to pay to Hen. Brounker 2,974l. 5s., for 63 pounds weight of gold brought by the Royal African Company; also warrant for coining the same into medals or healing pieces, after a form described, with a hole to pass a ribband through; the said medals to be delivered to Viscount Fitzharding, keeper of the privy purse. [Ent. Book 22, pp. 28–30.]
Feb. 25. Warrant prohibiting any person whatsoever from entering the attiring house of the Duke of York's theatre, under the management of Sir William Davenant, except such as belong to the company, complaints having been made of great disorders, through resort of persons thither. [Ent. Book 22, p. 32.]
Feb. 25. Order for a warrant to pay to Sir Philip Musgrave, Bart., governor of Carlisle, 3,667l. 6s. monthly, for the service of the garrison, according to an establishment made Nov. 26, 1664; and also 71l. 17s. 4d., for arrears of the said forces. [Ent. Book 22, pp. 32–3.]
Feb. 25.
Whitehall.
Warrant to Sir Francis Cobb, high sheriff of Yorkshire, to discharge Samuel Poole, John Levens, and eight other Quakers convicted of præmunire for refusing to take the Oath of Obedience, who have been imprisoned two years and a half, and should have so continued for life, but His Majesty takes compassion on them, in hopes of their proving more obedient in future. [Ent. Book 22, p. 33.]
[Feb. 25.] 62. Draft of the above.
Feb. 25. Pass for six horses for the Earl of Lincoln. Minute. [Ent. Book 22, p. 34.]
Feb. 25. Privy seal for 1,560l. to Robert Lye, for jewels to the Portuguese Ambassador, Envoy, and Secretary. Minute. [Ent. Book 22, p. 35.]
Feb. 25. The King to [the Dean and Chapter of Salisbury]. Requests Richard Clayton, B.D., to have the next residentiary's house vacant. [Ent. Book 17, p. 95, similar to the entry of Feb. 6.]
Feb. 25.
York.
63. Sir. Fr. Cobb to Sec. Bennet. Would neither appear too officious nor too negligent. Sends depositions, a paper taken from a Quaker, and a letter from Acklom, chief of the sectaries in the East Riding, written on his being sent to York. Encloses,
63. i. Information of Henry Lathley of Hollam, East Riding of Yorkshire, taken before Sir Fras. Cobb. Heard John Nicholson of Risam say, that if God put the sword into his hand, he must strike, and that the Quakers had ships of their own, which they employed for intelligence beyond seas. Has had several Quakers' books sent him, and a book has been written of the sufferings and deliverance of seven sent to be banished, but after three months, the ship was beaten back by weather. Peter Johnson has not been lawfully married, and he and other Quakers named were not at church on 30 January. Also,
Information of Tim. Rhoades, of Hornsea, and John Tompson and Edw. Gall, of Hollam. Peter Acklom of Hornsea has often held meetings at his house, since his release from prison, at Hull. He said tithes would soon be put down, and they would fight the Lord's battles; he reproached Hen. Lathley, minister of Hollam, as preaching lies. Also,
Information of John Giles, of Hollam, that John Isaac of Tunstall carried two guns from John Wetwon's house. [Three pages.] Beverley, Feb. 21, 1665.
63. ii. Peter Acklom, [a Quaker,] to [Sir] Fras. Cobb, high sheriff of Yorkshire. Requests him not to do so unjust an act as to send him to prison, only because some men and women were seen coming towards his house; remonstrates that an unjust act is against his oath as justice of the peace. Feb. 25, 1665.
Feb. 25.
Whitehall.
64. Warrant for a grant to the Earl of Middleton of 1,000l. as the King's free gift.
[Feb. 25.] Minute of the above. [Ent. Book 22, p. 24.]
Feb. 25.
Dorchester.
65. John Cole to [Williamson]. M. Dumas, an envoy from the King of France, landed at Weymouth and has gone for Portsmouth, to clear away French goods on board of Dutch vessels. He says the French troops preparing are meant for Portugal, and that M. De Vernueil and another ambassador extraordinary are coming to mediate a peace between the English and the Dutch. A courier has been sent from France to Spain for explanation of the forces sent from Germany to Flanders; also to demand Namur and other provinces, belonging to the Queen of France, after the King of Spain's death.
Feb. 25.
Lichfield.
66. Sir B. Broughton to Williamson. Sends him a scout's information. Is marching to a fellow justice, with a company of conventiclers. Encloses,
66. i. — to [Sir B. Broughton]. The party will not rise till the Dutch are fighting our ships, which will be in May. Dispute between the Presbyterians and the Council in London. The North is pretty firm, and Leicestershire, but no other place to be counted on, except London. The Quakers will not fight, but wish them well. Some of the Scots are drawn off; only the Independents and Baptists stand firm. They want not seamen, having those that Hewson commanded. [One and a half pages.]
Feb. 20, 1665.
Feb. 25.
London.
Levant Company to [the Earl of Winchelsea]. Send Hen. Denton, Fellow of Queen's College, Oxford, as minister to Constantinople, and John Luke to Smyrna, to succeed Mr. Bradgate, for whose irregular and hasty dismissal they blame the consul. Are sorry that Mr. Bendish should suffer by dismissal from the consulate at Cairo, but it is much to the advantage of the Company, in preventing avanias, &c. Still wish Mr. Pickering's removal, on account of his ill-example to the young men at Smyrna. Think it needless to have a dragoman always residing at the Grand Seignior's court, which they hope will soon return to Constantinople. Instructions as to consulage, &c. in particular cases. Beg him to obtain the settlement of the customs at Aleppo, without their being paid in kind; also the repairs of Moral Bs. bridge. Hope the four general ships sent with great quantities of cloth, &c., will arrive safely, having a good convoy. Send him a gratuity of 2,000 dollars. [Levant Papers, Vol. v., pp. 91–94.]
Feb. 25.
London.
Levant Company to Willm. Hedges. Exceptions to his accounts as to charges of feasting, over-payment to the minister, personal avanias, &c. The tents provided for the ambassador's intended journey to Adrianople will not be needed, and had better be sold. [Levant Papers, Vol. v., pp. 94–5.]
Feb. 25.
London.
Levant Company to Consul Cave. His proceeding in dismissing Mr. Bradgate, contrary to their positive order, is adjudged irregular and prejudicial, therefore the payment of any gratuity to him is stopped during pleasure; one of 700 dollars is ordered to Bradgate, and his books, &c., are to be allowed to be sent over. Each should give the other a general release, and avoid lawsuits. Send another minister, John Luke, B.D., very well recommended, and hope he will not meet with neglect and indignity. To avoid the ill custom of leading women about the streets, those who have no husbands are to quit the country. Particulars of duties to be levied in individual cases. Roger Rayner, a poor man, asks aid in gathering in the goods of his brother, Thos. Rayner, a cooper, who died three years ago at Smyrna. Shipmasters are now ordered to land goods at his or the Treasurer's scale, unless by licence, which is only to be given to conformable factors, that the others may not escape the fines. Particulars of ships and their ladings. Refuse to allow the gratuities granted to dragomen and the cancelier, &c. Damages are to be allowed to merchants, according to the bills of lading. The enforcing duties and fines should not be wholly left to the Treasurer. [Levant Papers, Vol. v., pp. 95–100.]
Feb. 25.
London.
Levant Company to Rich. Mowse. Similar to the last as to the landing of goods, &c.; exceptions to his accounts, and to those of former treasurers. Refuse to allow his own consulage to Capt. Woodgreen, who went to Constantinople on his own occasions. [Levant Papers, Vol. v., pp. 100–103.]
Feb. 25.
London.
Levant Company to Consul Lannoy. Four ships are now departing for Smyrna, but as they cannot all have a lading back, Capt. Hill's ship Hannibal is to be considered a general ship, and allowed to seek a freight at Scanderoon, and he to have a gratuity of 100 dollars. [Levant Papers, Vol. v., p. 103.]
Feb. 25.
London.
Levant Company to Capt. Hill. Permit him to go to Scanderoon if he wish it, and grant him 100 dollars for port charges. [Levant Papers, Vol. v., p. 104.]
Feb. 25.
The Garland.
67. Capt. Charles Talbot to Sam. Pepys. Sends the names of four seamen to be discharged from the Golden Lion, being entered on the Garland. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 25. 68. Jonas Shish to the Navy Comrs. Progress of ships. [Adm. Paper, damaged.]
Feb. 25.
John and Katherine, Spithead.
69. Capt. John Whatley to the Navy Comrs. Desires a new master, his late one being dead. [Adm Paper.]
Feb. 25.
Harwich.
70. Giles Bond, master of the Harwich hoy, to the Navy Comrs. Has arrived at Harwich, and hopes to sail for London shortly. Account of stores transported by him. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 25. 71. Certificate by Nicholas Hill, and two others, that three and a half tuns of beer leaked out in the hold of the Resolution. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 25. 72. Certificate by Capt. John Fortescue that the Return is completely equipped and fitted by the owners, according to contract. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 25.
Portsmouth.
73. Commissioner Thos. Middleton to Sam. Pepys. The Royal Charles and James are still in port for want of wind. The Henry cannot be careened with an engine. Fifteen tuns of whale oil, taken in a Dutch vessel, are brought into the stores. Particulars of stores. Thinks the Royal Oak will prove the best man-of-war in England. Details of a new house to be built for himself, with accommodation for any of the Commissioners when they come down. [Adm. Paper, three pages.]
Feb. 25. 74. Report by Wm. Acworth that Mr. Morison refuses to deliver the remainder of the 200 lasts of tar contracted for by Mr. Cutler, until he has made sure of his money. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 26.
The Augustine, Portsmouth.
75. Capt. Rich. Teate to the Navy Comrs. Has arrived, but is delayed in unlading, owing to the want of lighters and the lowness of the tide. Was prevented sailing by contrary winds. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 26.
The Blackamoor, Harwich.
76. Capt. John Barton to the Navy Comrs. Asks whether his ship is to be tallowed this victualling. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 26. 77. W. Coventry to Sam. Pepys. Desires money, and a warrant to Mr. Hill for pressing watermen to carry down the merchant ships. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 26. Warrant to the Keeper of the Gatehouse to discharge De la Brillere. Minute. [Ent. Book 22, p. 24.]
[Feb. 26.] Warrant for Sir Robt. Smyth, of Upton, Essex, to be a Baronet. Minute. [Ent. Book 22, p. 24.]
Feb. 26.
Hull.
78. Willm. Gower to Williamson. The Convertine frigate is waiting with 130 pressed men, and the ketch with 50. The London fleet of 17 sail comes with this convoy, and among them John Williamson, commander of the Endeavour of York, by whom he sends him a cask of ale.
Feb. 27.
Cradock.
79. James Scudamore to Williamson. Thanks for his letter. The ripening of the counsels for sea must follow such barbarism as none but the Dutch could have acted. Hopes to repay their inhumanity with interest, and is glad that, being water rats, they will not drown so soon, and then their punishment will last the longer.
Feb. 27.
Isle of Wight.
80. — — to Williamson. Four of the Royal Company's ships have set sail for Guinea. The prodigious news of throwing the English overboard will make the seamen more desperate against the Dutch. Capt. Douce, in the Pembroke, has sailed to Morlaix, to convoy some vessels laden with linens. No appearance of enemies.
Feb. 27.
Margate.
81. Joh. Smith to Williamson. Will give notice as requested of ships, &c., at North Foreland. The Paradox is ordered about Margate Roads, to convoy vessels in and out of the Thames. Several of the King's ships are going to Chatham to repair.
Feb. 27.
Dover Castle.
82. Capt. John Strode to Williamson. An order having come to stop Hamburghers, has brought in one off the coast, which pretends to be bound for Newcastle for coals.
Feb. 27. 83. James Hickes to Williamson. Regrets the misunderstanding between Watts and Lodge of Deal. Will write to call the latter to account for miscarriage of letters, and order him to more civil behaviour. Mr. Hall wants favour in something that may contribute to the King and Williamson's service. There has been neglect in delivery of letters.
Feb. 27.
"Ad vada Boum." [Oxford.]
84. Anthony Trevor to Williamson. Is out of temper with the news. Has a surfeit of Holland cheese. Exhorts him to take care of his health. Dr. Owen, sometime dean of Christ Church, has a bill found against him for unlawful assemblies for religious worship.
[Feb. 27.] 85. Petition of Col. Edward Grey, Sir Chas. Cotterell, Edw. Progers, Col. Thos. Culpeper, and Col. Bullen Reymes, to the King, for a lease on moderate rent of lands left by the sea in Lancashire, now withheld from His Majesty, the embanking and improving thereof to be done at their expense, they will advantage His Majesty, and render those lands of great benefit to the country.
Feb. 27. Reference of the above petition to the Lord Treasurer. [Ent. Book 18, p. 128.]
Feb. 27.
Whitehall.
86. Warrant to the High Sheriff of Surrey to reprieve William Ashenhurst, condemned to death for felony at the Surrey assizes, on consideration of his former services and sufferings. [Copy.]
Feb. 27. Entry of the above. [Ent. Book 22, p. 29.]
Feb. 27. Order that all persons attending the Royal theatre pay at the first door, their money to be returned if they leave before the end of the act, complaint having been made that they refuse to pay, whereon the doorkeepers have to send after and solicit them for their entrance money; the names of offenders are to be reported to the Lord Chamberlain of the Household. With memorandum that a duplicate of the above warrant was signed, the same date. [Ent. Book 22, p. 31.]
Feb. 27. Order to the Constable of Windsor Castle, the Comptroller and Surveyor of works, and the inferior officers, to obey certain instructions. [Ent. Book 22, p. 35.] Annexing,
i. Instructions to the said officers, relative to confining themselves to their respective charges; the drawing up of warrants for repairs, felling and sale of timber and old materials, payment of labourers, &c.
Feb. 27. Grant to Wm. Lord Crofts and Eliz. his wife of an annuity of 400l. from the revenues of the duchy of Lancaster. [Docquet.]
Feb. 27.
London.
Sir And. Riccard, governor of the Levant Company, to Morgan Read, consul at Leghorn. Thanks for his interposing to detain a Turk who escaped from Spain in Capt. Rand's vessel, and was left at Leghorn with Arena Milenet, as the matter might have proved of ill consequence to their trade. Capt. Rand must be blamed for meddling in such a business, and the captive returned in safety to his own country. [Levant Papers, Vol. v., p. 105.]
Feb. 27.
London.
Sir And. Riccard, governor of the Levant Company, to Capt. Chamblet. The King having promised a good convoy to accompany them out, they may wait for it, without breach of articles. With note of like letters to Captains Hill, Bradenham, and Bates. [Levant Papers, Vol. v., p. 105.]
Feb. 27. 87. Certificate by Sir Wm. Berkeley that 121 Dutch prisoners, as per list prefixed, were victualled on board the Resolution for a day; with note by Jer. Smyth, Sept. 1, 1669, that they had the whole allowance of 81 men for a day. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 27.
Portsmouth.
88. Commissioner Thos. Middleton to Sam. Pepys. The Eagle wants nothing but ammunition. Ketches demanded for the Royal Oak and James. Has no hemp fit for standing riggings. Discovery of a hawser and some hemp suspected to be embezzled. Will vex his heart out to see the ruin made by such a pack of rogues. Particulars of ships. Account of stores found in one of the prizes. [Adm. Paper, two and a half pages.]
Feb. 27.
Woolwich.
89. Estimate by Chris. Pett and Francis Fletcher of repairs for the Golden Lion; total, 446l. [Adm. Paper, two pages.]
Feb. 27.
Lea.
90. Dan. Furzer to the Navy Comrs. Requests orders concerning the shipwrights, squarers, carpenters, &c., waiting to be employed upon the new ship. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 27.
Harwich.
91. Anthony Deane to the Navy Comrs. The masters of the Ipswich ships will shortly be in London. Purchase of timber; there is not an elm within 12 miles. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 27. 92. J. Sotherne to Thos. Hayter. Mr. Coventry desires that some laws of war be hastened down to the ships at the Hope. With order to Mr. Pugh for one book and two sheets to be distributed to each commander in or near the Hope. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 28.
Chatham.
93 Jas. Norman to Sir Wm. Batten. Wants 5,000 hammocks, as the men have to lie on deck. Other stores are not sent, though often asked for. Is obliged to be importunate, the service being so exceedingly urgent. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 28. 94. Certificate by Capt. John Fortescue of the St. George being ready to sail. [Adm. Paper.] Annexing,
94. i. Account of her length, 90 ft., and burthen, 260 tons.
Feb. 28.
Chatham Dock.
95. Phin. Pett to the Navy Comrs. Repairs of ships. Timber wanted. Provisions necessary to make the place more serviceable for carrying on the works. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 28.
Portsmouth.
96. John Tippetts to the Navy Comrs. Has received no advice from Sir John Lawson about the ketch to be built, nor from the Board whether to proceed upon the second-rate ship. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 28.
Leghorn.
97. Captain Thos. Clutterbuck to the [Navy Comrs.] Has received no reply to his repeated demands for repayment of the 1,300l. expended two years past, in victualling Capt. Smith's squadron. Begs that it may be paid without further loss of time. The Mantua ordinary has been robbed of all his letters. English letters coming by the same mail as those from Holland are opened by the ministers of health, and often so burnt in the smoking that one cannot read their contents. Requests that his letters may be forwarded by the French ordinary. Twelve of the King's ships are at Gibraltar, where lie 25 Dutchmen laden with corn. Wishes that ships might have orders often to visit Leghorn; at no port could they be more speedily and cheaply supplied with stores, or receive more certain intelligence of all that passes in the Mediterranean. The Dutch are in fear for their Smyrna convoy, which in 10 or 14 days will be at Messina; ten sail of frigates might easily surprise them; they will be worth near a million of pieces of eight. [Adm. Paper, three pages.]
Feb. 28.
Deptford.
98. W. Coventry to Sam. Pepys. Finds a want of good hammocks, though plenty of bad; a supply must be sent down immediately; if the persons usually serving will not send good ones, they must be had of some others. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 28.
The Triumph, Spithead.
99. Wm. Blundeston, surgeon to the Triumph, to Sir. Wm. Penn. Begs satisfaction for three months' service, and great expense of medicine, on board the Royal Charles, before being appointed to the Triumph. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 28.
Dover.
100. Thos. Wale, shipwright, to the Navy Comrs. Has commenced deepening the water at the pier head. Has had in his custody, ever since the last Dutch war, some oars and a boat. Daily demands of the carpenters for canvas, nails, and pump chains. [Adm. Paper.]
Feb. 28.
Newcastle.
101. Rich. Forster to James Hickes. There are some Holland men-of-war and freebooters off the coast. The news of the Dutch cruelty is much lamented, and has inflamed the people to revenge the blood of their innocent fellow subjects, shed by those barbarous people.
Feb. 28. 102. Grant to Wm. Longueville, in reversion after Thos. Sparkes, of the office of Chirographer in the Court of Common Pleas; with note of the grant of the said office, June 15, 1660, to Thos. Sparkes and John Perrott. Minute.
Feb. 28. Warrant to pay to Dr. Hardy, vicar of St. Martin's-in-the-Fields, 18l., for four years' allowance in lieu of tithes for Lower Crowfield close, taken into the King's physic garden, and for the same to be continued yearly. [Docquet.]
Feb. 28. Reference to the Attorney General on the petition of James Duke of Monmouth and Wm. Lord Crofts, for examination by him of Sir Thos. Hyde's title to the Manor of Albury. [Ent. Book 18, p. 130.]
Feb. 28.
Hull.
103. Luke Whittington to Williamson. The pressed men are on board the Convertine and ketch, except 60 taken to man the fleet of 18 sail going under their convoy, laden with lead, beans, oats, iron, hemp, butter, &c., worth 40,000l.,—a large adventure for one convoy in these times. Two Hull ketches have been taken by Holland freebooters; 40 Holland and Zealand men-of-war are on on the coast; and coals have risen very high, no ships venturing to Newcastle. The fleet from London is daily expected. Some of the Convertine's men were ill, but are recovered.
Feb. 28.
Whitehall.
104. Petition of Lieut.-Col. Thos. Duncan to the King, for a letter to Lord Belasyse, governor of Hull, that he may be mustered in his company as a reformado, free of duty, as granted by the Duke of Albemarle; also for some other office for relief of his wife and children, whom he has not seen for five years. With order thereon that the King will remember him if he can find any fit gift not already disposed of. [Copy.]
Feb. ? 105. Petition of Lieut.-Col. Thos. Duncan to Sec. Bennet, to expedite his dispatch according to the annexed petition and report, and deliver it to Mr. Williamson; he promised him a letter seven months ago, according to the Duke of Albemarle's reference on his petition, but it has been omitted to his great damage.
Feb. ? 106. Petition of Lieut.-Col. Thos. Duncan to the King, for dispatch of a letter to Lord Belasyse, governor of Hull, to grant him a Reformado's place in the garrison there, duty free; it was promised on 17 September last, on an order by the Duke of Albemarle on his former petition, but through great poverty, he has not been able to obtain the letter.
Feb. 28.
Chester.
107. Alexander Rigby to Sir Geoffrey Shakerley. Lord Derby, Lord Cholmondeley, and Mr. Cholmondeley, of Vale Royal, keep the keys of the chest. There was a meeting of Quakers in Castle Lane; 20 of them are sent to the Northgate. Mr. Dutton, of Hatton, apprehended some Anabaptists who met in the country; those fanatic sort of people are of late very peremptory.
[Feb. 28.] 108. Notes from the Parliamentary journals of addresses made by the Houses of Parliament to the King, from 1662. [Four pages.]
Feb. 28. Warrant for the Dukes of Buckingham, Albemarle, and Ormond, and 11 others to be appointed Commissioners for Appeals in the business of prizes and prize goods. [Ent. Book 22, p. 37.]
Feb. 28 ? 109. List of eight Commissioners of Appeal for prizes, to be presented to the King.
Feb. 28. Warrant to the Lord General to order the levying of 1,200 men to be added to Colonel John Russel's regiment of Guards, in order to raise it to 2,400 men, and 1,000 to Lieut.-Col. Morgan's, to raise it to 2,000. [Ent. Book 22, p. 38.]
[Feb. 28.] 110. Draft of the above.
Feb. 28. Warrant to the Farmers of Customs to permit 300 barrels of gunpowder to be shipped for the use of the King of Portugal. [Ent. Book 22, p. 38.]
Feb. ? 111. Petition of Henry Bruncard to the King, for a grant to him, as promised to the late Hugh Boteler, of licence to erect one or more lighthouses at Milford Haven, co. Pembroke, and to receive 2d. a ton on English ships, and 4d. on foreign, towards the expenses.
Feb. 28. Warrant for a licence to Henry Bruncard to erect and maintain for 31 years, on rent of 20 nobles, one or more lighthouses at Milford Haven, co. Pembroke, receiving therefor 2d. a ton on English ships, and 4d. from strangers,—the said grant to be confirmed by Act of Parliament,—the Navy Officers and Masters of Trinity House certifying that shipwrecks often happen for want of such lights. [Ent. Book 22, pp. 39–40.]
Feb. [28.]
Whitehall.
112. Order for a warrant to pay to the Earl of Lindsey, as keeper of the Manor of Woodstock, 40l. a year for wages of the keepers, 40l. for purchase of hay for the deer, and other necessary sums.
Feb. 28.
Whitehall.
113. Similar warrant, premising that the allowances are the same as granted by the late King to Philip Earl of Montgomery, on finding that the expenses of the manor and park amounted to more than the rent of 114l. 1s. 10d., which he was to pay for it. [Two pages.]
[Feb. 28.] 114. Draft of the above. [One and a half pages.]
Feb. 28. Entry of the above, assigning the payment on the ReceiverGeneral of Oxfordshire. [Ent. Book 22, p. 43.]
Feb. 28. Petition of Sir Chas. Stanley, K.B., to the King, for leave to present a bill in Parliament for restoration in blood and absolute pardon of all offences; His Majesty's pardon touching the death of George Symonds, slain when in his company, not sufficing for his restoration. With order thereon, granting the petition. [Ent. Book 18, p. 133.]
Feb. ? 115. Petition of Alexander Eakins, of Weston-Favell, co. Northampton, to the King, for a letter to the mayor and aldermen of the town to elect him to the stewardship of the corporation, void by death of Wm. Rushton. Was loyal and lost most of his estate during the late war.
Feb.? 116. Petition of the Gate Porters to Sec. Bennet, for payment of the arrears of their board wages, they being five in number with their five servants; have attended day and night, and received nothing for 18 months. Endorsed with a list of numerous petitions, including the 16 immediately following.
Feb. ? 117. Petition of Monsieur Ferdinand to the King. Requests on his dismissal, which he hears is intended, a recompense proportionate to his expense, incurred in leaving France and settling in England, on understanding that His Majesty wished to have his services, and also to the pension and allowances that he had, as one of the first musicians of the King of France, to which place he cannot hope to return. [French.]
Feb. ? 118. Petition of the Churchwardens of St. Margaret's parish, Westminster, to the King, for continuance of his bounty of 100l. a year to the poor, 50l. of which is for relief of the poor children in the hospital in Tuttle Fields, founded by the late King.
Feb. ? 119. Petition of James Lord Lundoris, prisoner in the Fleet, to the King, not to suffer his grey hairs to go with dishonour to the grave, but to be his good angel and lead him through these iron gates of misery into freedom. Has divested himself of his small fortune in behalf of his late and present Majesty, and has no hope but in his favour.
Feb. ? 120. Petition of the Canary Company to the King, that Edw. Prescot and John Smith, jun., of Teneriffe, may be called home and punished, as the ringleaders who incited the islanders to a tumultuous rising against the Company's factors, thereby endangering their lives; and that Sam. Wilson, merchant of London, who by his letters has encouraged them therein, may be called to account.
Feb. ? 121. Petition of John Gregory, prisoner in Sandown Castle, to the King, for release on security, or for a hearing, or for some maintenance to preserve his life. Has been there and in the Tower two years, and never heard the cause of his commitment; must starve to death if he remain longer, having no maintenance there as he had in the Tower.
Feb. ? 122. Petition of John Sherman to the King, for the colours in Capt. Gray's company in His Majesty's now regiment of Guards, commanded by Col. Russell. Details his services.
Feb. ? 123. Petition of Katherine Haswell to the King, for the next small office that falls void for her husband, who though formerly an officer serves under Sir Wm. Berkeley, as a foremast man in this Dutch war. Her father was kept in chains during the late rebellion; her brother slain at Edgehill, and she, after many services in carrying letters, was dangerously wounded at Basing House, and disabled from a livelihood. Marked "for Sir Wm. Berkeley."
Feb. ? 124. Petition of Elinor, wife of Daniel Bailey, who is imprisoned in Maidstone gaol for horsestealing, to the King, for suspension of the execution of her husband, who is to die the next day; and for his reprieve, this being his first offence.
Feb. ? 125. Petition of Col. Hen. Starkey to the King, for a free pardon for Dan. Baily, late an expert soldier under his command in service of the late King, but now prisoner in Kent gaol for stealing a mare, which he says he intended to return, after riding her to Deptford to enlist in His Majesty's service at sea.
Feb. ? 126. Petition of Hugh Jones ap Price, of Newbury, Anglesea, to the King, for a commission to himself and others to discover lands, &c., in the north of Wales, concealed from the Crown by their inhabitants for many years past, and converted to their own uses; and for the benefit thereof for himself, according to Act of Parliament. Endorsed with a blank certificate, that in the late King's time many Crown lands in cos. Pembroke and Cardigan were taken for private purposes.
Feb. ? 127. Petition of the Pages of the Bedchamber to the King, for payment of their board wages in future, with arrears since Michaelmas, 1663.
Feb. ? 128. Petition of Elizabeth Calvert, widow, to the King, for pardon and release from the King's Bench, where she is close prisoner, for having helped John Wilson of Chester, author of a book called Nehnston, to print it, she being wholly ignorant of the sedition contained therein; faithfully promises never to be concerned in such books for the future.
Feb. ? 129. Petition of John, son of the late murdered Dr. John Hewitt, to the King, for payment of a pension of 100l., promised four years ago, with arrears; has hitherto been at great charge in soliciting, but received nothing.
Feb. ? 130. Similar petition to the same effect. Has paid the fees of the several officers to procure his patent, and was obliged to borrow from his friends, who are now urgent for payment.
Feb. ? 131. Petition of Lady Diana, relict of Sir Joseph Colster, Bart., to the King, for a grant of a debt of 500l., which though desperate, she hopes to compound for; it was left by Isaac Gould to his son Isaac, who being convicted of felony, this money became due to the Crown, though he afterwards released it to his brother John, who is lately dead.
Feb. ? 132. Petition of Col. John Russell of His Majesty's regiment of Guards to the King, for restoration to liberty and to his attendance on His Majesty, being still continued in his displeasure. Marked "Col. Russell's 2nd petition."
Feb. ? 133. Petition of two Clerks of the Cheque and 40 Messengers of the Chamber in ordinary to the King, for an assignment of their arrears of wages, and future settlement of the same. Notwithstanding their several petitions and references, they are still two years and a quarter in arrear at Lady Day next.
Feb. ? 134. Petition of John Matthew Magra, banker at Turin, to the King, to depute some of the Council to do him and his partners justice, their ship, bound for Amsterdam, being taken in the Channel, before the declaration of the present war with Holland, and their goods belonging to themselves.
[Feb.] 135. Petition of Abraham Meza and David Baruh and their families to the King, for permission to come on shore, being all in perfect health. Came from Rotterdam, and are on their way to Surinam, but were stopped at Tollhaven in the Thames, by his order.
Feb. ? 136. Petition of Sir Rich. Mauleverer and 14 other gentlemen, sufferers for the late King, to His Majesty, for a commission to take such Dutch vessels as they may encounter in the Straits, and for a small frigate to execute it therewith, a war against the Dutch being resolved on.
Feb. ? 137. The King to the Lord Lieutenants of Counties. Recapitulates the directions given in his letter of 30 Dec. last, relative to the gathering in of the month's assessment for the last two years, the drawing out the militia, and paying the officers, as he understands the orders have been neglected in some counties. [Three and a half pages, see 1664, Dec. 30.]
Feb. ? 138. Memoranda of letters to the Lord Lieutenants for the arrears of the 70,000l., delivered out to sundry persons.
Feb. ? 139. List of the Lord Lieutenants of Counties to whom letters were addressed for arrears.
Feb. ? 140. Commission to Capt. Gilbert Thomas and three others to execute the office of Provost Marshal of Middlesex, Westminster, Southwark, Surrey, and other places adjoining the King's palace; to prevent murders, robberies, and misdemeanors by rogues and vagabonds disguised as persons of quality, or as Quakers or sectaries met for divine worship, but who plot against government, through neglect of the constables in keeping watch. They are to suppress seditious books, apprehend offenders and sectaries assembling more than five in number, suppress tumults, quarrels, and unlawful games in the streets, keep watch and ward, try weights and measures, test provisions, &c., receiving a third of all fines allowed to prosecutors. [One and a half sheets.]
Feb. Memoranda from the Signet books [by Williamson] of warrants, &c., passed during the month, the uncalendared portions of which are as follow:—
Commission to the Duke of York to empower the Governors of Colonies to grant commissions to whom they shall think fit, against the Dutch.
Grant of 400l. to Sir Charles Cotterel, going as envoy to Brussels, to congratulate Castelrodrigo, the governor. [Domestic Coresp., Dec. 1664.]
Feb. 141. Similar memoranda, the uncalendared portions of which are as follow:—
Grant to Hen. Robinson of the sole use of his inventions for quenching fire, for preserving ships in war, and for raising water.
Notes that the Queen's five gentlemen ushers daily waiters have 100 marks each yearly; the 11 gentlemen ushers, quarter waiters, 12l.; the seven yeomen ushers, 7l. 2s. 6d.; the two yeomen harbingers, 30l.; the two yeomen attending her robes, 20l.; the two yeomen attending her beds, 20l.; all paid out of the treasury of the chamber.
Grant to the Earl of Carlisle of 1,000l. on his return from his embassy to Russia.
Grant to the Duke of Monmouth of a pension of 6,000l. a year.
Lease to Lord Mordaunt, Sir Thos. Peyton, and Sir Jeremy Whichcott, for 31 years from Jan. 1661, of the duty of 12d. a chaldron on coals; rent, 1,838l. 12s. 6d.
Grant to George Johnson of 12d. a day for life, as yeoman o the bows.
Note that all payments assigned on the duchy of Lancaster are to be made payable by the Receiver-General of the duchy.
Note that M. De Persigny, envoy from France, had a jewel of 470l.
Note that the pages of honour have 120l. annuity, on the King's pleasure signified by the master of the horse.
Grant to — Brimsmead of pardon for having two wives.
Licence to Sir Edw. Ford and [Thos.] Togood to erect water houses at Wapping and Marybone, and one between Temple Bar and Charing Cross, not above 15 feet high.
Feb. ? 142. Form of letters of reprisal granted by the Duke of York to private men-of-war, against the ships and goods of the United States. [Four and a half pages.]
Feb. ? 143. Commission of especial reprisals to Sir Edmund Turner and George Carew against the ships and Merchandise of the States General, until they have recovered 151,612l., the value of the Bona Esperanza and Hen. Bonaventure, ships of the late Sir Wm. Courteen, spoiled by the Dutch East India Company, in 1643. [Fifteen pages.]
Feb. ? 144. Earl of Peterborough to [Williamson]. Is still on shore, his stores not being ready; shows kindness to the Duke's servants and officers of the fleet, especially Mr. Coventry; is sorry to hear of more coming this way. The Lord Constable [of Windsor Castle?] had better have stayed and gathered laurels more easily in his own garden, but his wife's envy exposes all they have; the Duke's force will soon be completed, but some captains secretly complain of want of men, and say that the order for their not being harboured in the country where they lie is ineffectual. [Two pages.]
Feb. ? 145. Request that, in spite of the King's prohibition against correspondence with Holland in the declaration of war, a warrant may be granted for the Postmaster-General to dispatch the Holland mails to and fro, as necessary for corresponding with ambassadors in the Northern courts, and for enabling merchants to withdraw their estates and effects.
Feb. ? 146. Statement that the King, wishing to encourage the fishing trade, lately incorporated the Royal Fishing Company under the Duke of York, but at Lynn in Norfolk, their bank of money was seized and squandered by Capt. John Rookewood, their agents beaten, and their implements broken. The King refers the case to the person addressed, to see that the rights of the Royal Fishing Company may be preserved.
Feb. ? 147. Brief notes of commissions issued since the King's restoration. [Thirteen pages.]
Feb. ? 148. Regulations proposed by Mr. Millington for carrying on trade in the present time of war. The plantations and Turkey trade to be managed by English shipping only; in other trades the shipping of any friendly nation to be allowed on payment of strangers' duties; and convoys to be provided at certain months for vessels trading to certain places. [Two pages.]
Feb. ? 149. List of the King's fleet, with the names of the commanders, and an account of the present disposal of the fleet under the Duke of York, Prince Rupert, and the Earl of Sandwich, or in harbour; also a list of ships not appointed to any squadron. [Three pages.]
Feb. Lists sent by Morgin Lodge to Williamson of ships in the Downs during the month, the state of the wind, &c.:—
No. Date. King's. Merchants'. Wind. Remarks.
150 Feb. 18 29 0 W. Will send two lists daily.
151 " 19 26 1 N.W.
152 " 20 23 1 N. by E.
153 " 21 20 1 N. N. W. Earl of Sandwich goes to London to-morrow.
154 " 27 14 1 E.S.E.
155 " 28 11 1 S.W.