|
Sept. 1. Hicks' Hall. |
Sir William Smythe to Sir Leoline Jenkins. We have prevented
great perjuries, which would have been made this session on
several bills. I have sent you some of Mr. Bolron's depositions,
which you may send to Mr. Attorney, who is resolved to make
as much of them be published in court as may consist with
prudence. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 416, No. 131.] |
Sept. 1. |
The deposition of Robert Bolron. The informations Bolron
has given are voluntary and free. A Scotchman, whose name
he thinks is Murray, took his informations and carried them to
the Earl of Shaftesbury and said he should be well considered
by my lord for what he did for him and that those informations
are before the Lord Mayor. He received of Aaron Smith 20s.
the Saturday before College's trial and 40s. the next day and the
same day 20s. of Mr. Dalby, Dr. Oates' man, and Mowbray then
received 3l. of Dr. Oates' man. Bolron's wife received 20s. and
he himself 20s. at Oxford and 20s. more when he returned and
all his and his wife's charges were defrayed by Aaron Smith
and one Starkey. For this he was to swear whatever Mr. Everard
should dictate. |
|
Aaron Smith, Everard, the said Scotchman and one Ayloffe, told
him, that what they did was by the Earl of Shaftesbury's direction
and that Ayloffe and one Harrington are the chief agents for the
said Earl. One Norton told him the Parliament would consider
him for what he did for the Earl and Dr. Oates threatened that,
if he did anything for the King, the Parliament would punish
him. Murray told him the said Earl did not like the first information against John Smith but liked the last. Everard dictated
the things he was to swear against Mr. Warcupp and John Smith
and most of them were false. Many of the things attested by
him at Oxford for College were false and Everard said it was
only telling a lie. Sir John Brooke and divers other Parliament
men of the North came to Oxford with 5 or 6 men apiece well
armed with swords, pistols, blunderbusses and carbines and said
they went so provided, because they hoped there would be cutting
of throats at Oxford. This was said at Ferrybridge, 16 March.
He said they intended to meet at Grantham. Harrington took
a lodging in Prince's Street by the Old Exchange for Mowbray
and Bolron at 20s. the week and they were to have what money
they wanted for their expenses. They were to keep themselves
private there, to be ready, when called by the said parties to
give evidence as they should be directed. [1½ page. S.P.
Dom., Car. II. 416, No. 132.] |
Thursday, Sept. 1. |
Thomas Hyde to Sir Leoline Jenkins. A little after 11 yesterday
College was executed, who made a general denial of everything,
even of what he had owned both in court and elsewhere, and
took his denial on his salvation, but many things being so well
known and proved not only in Court but otherwise, he is looked
on as a liar. I will give an instance of one of his lies. About
two days before his execution he was asked what he had done
with the papers he wrote in the Castle. He answered, he had
not written anything there but two letters and vowed on the
word of a man in his condition that he had not written any
others. It was told him he ought not to deny it, seeing
his papers were already intercepted and, when he saw the
thing was certainly known, he confessed he had indeed
written papers, but would not tell who had conveyed
them from him. By this you may find he would not stick at
avowing a lie in the most serious manner. Of his speech you
will have an account. He said the King does not appear in
all this, but those witnesses were suborned to take away my life,
whereby he would wickedly insinuate that the King had suborned
the witnesses. His speech was full of equivocation and reserves,
which might impose on the unjudicious vulgar. For example,
he said, he was a Protestant of the Church of England according
to the best and last reformation, as it was purged from idolatry
and superstition, by which he meant he was of the Anabaptists'
Church of England, but the vulgar might easily understand it
in a better sense. The chief thing I have to tell you is, the day
before his execution the minister appointed to pray with him
asked him, of what religion he was. He answered, a Protestant
of the Church of England. There being several sorts of Protestants,
he was urged to tell of what particular church he was. He plainly
answered, he would not tell, for, if it were known of what church he
was, his faults would be laid on his whole church, whereby you may
see that their stubborn denying of all things and protesting their
innocence is only to blind the world and keep up the credit of
their complices. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 416, No. 133.] |
Sept. 1. St. Lawrence House near Canterbury. |
Lieut.-col. W. Rooke to Sir Leoline Jenkins. The implacable
Dissenters having for some time been so bold and insolent, arming
themselves in several parts of this county, particularly in and
about Canterbury, the deputy lieutenants and Justices have
lately thought it absolutely necessary to put the laws in execution
against them, which has been acted with great moderation,
endeavouring by fair warnings to give a stop to their seditious
conventicles, which no way prevailing on them, they boldly giving
out they will continue to meet in despite of authority, we have
unanimously resolved to prevent and break those fanatical
meetings. |
|
I am desired to give you an account of it at this time, Hurst,
an attorney of Canterbury and a principal busy header for several
years of these incendiaries, having gone towards London yesterday,
intending to procure the recommendation of Col. Dering to
his brother[-in-law], Sir Robert Southwell, that some expedient
may be procured, if possible, to check us for discharging our
duties. Our hope and confidence in his Majesty will not discourage us in our loyalty and care to preserve the peace, by any
way favouring those whom, it is found by experiment, no act
of kindness will ever oblige to be faithful or obedient. [Ibid.
No. 134.] |
Sept. 1. |
Memorandum that Sir Thomas Dereham, Resident to the
Great Duke of Tuscany, took leave of his Majesty on that day.
[S.P. Dom., Entry Book 50, p. 82.] |
Sept. 1. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to [Sir Thomas Hardres]. On his Majesty's
first return hither I acquainted him with your care and zeal as
also that of other gentlemen in executing the laws. He commanded me to report it to the next Council, but that on last
Wednesday (being the first since his Majesty's return from Windsor)
was so crowded with other business, that my report was put
off to another day, which will not be till Wednesday next,
to-morrow being the fast-day for the dreadful fire in London.
Then you shall hear from me. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 62,
p. 276.] |
Sept. 1. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to the Duke of Newcastle. I should have
acknowledged much sooner your most obliging letter of the 20th,
but. that I was ambitious to give you some account of your
commission to Capt. Withrington. He acquits himself in my
poor judgment very becomingly of it. You directed he should
let me see your letter by the last post to him. I was very glad
to find you had written to the Earl of Halifax. All the credit
I have with his lordship I shall employ to bring your proposition
so full of ancient loyalty and most generous condescension to
effect. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 62, p. 277.] |
Sept. 1. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to Henry Coventry. A petition having
been presented somewhile since in the name of Mr. Warcupp,
but, as is pretended, on behalf of many inhabitants about the
Haymarket, for passing a grant of that market, to which you
have taken exceptions, a caveat is likewise entered by your order
in the Signet Office to stop further proceedings till you be heard.
His Majesty has commanded me to send you a copy of that
petition, which is enclosed. You will please determine whether
it be not safe enough for you to withdraw your caveat and cause
your reasons for stopping the said grant to be represented to the
Lord Chancellor and obtain such amendments as shall be thought
reasonable before it pass the Great Seal. His Majesty would
have you satisfied, but he also thinks it requisite the grant should
pass in order to that public good which is pretended. [S.P. Dom.,
Entry Book 66, p. 4.] |
Sept. 1. Whitehall. |
Commission to Capt. William Selwyn to be captain of the
company, whereof Col. Edward Sackville was captain in Col.
John Russell's regiment of Guards. Minute. [S.P. Dom.,
Entry Book 164, p. 71.] |
Sept. 1. Whitehall. |
Pass to Alexander Campbell, eldest son of Sir Hugh Campbell
of Calder, who is going beyond sea. [Latin. S.P. Scotland,
Warrant Book 6, p. 436.] |
Sept. 1. Whitehall. |
Warrant for a charter of new infeftment to John Gordon, of
Baldornie and Anna Gordon, his spouse, in conjunct fee and
liferent and to John Gordon, their son, his heirs and assigns,
of the third part of the lands of Balchirie, which belonged to
Robert Maitland, of Auchincrieve, and of the town and lands of
Baldornie and other lands on the resignation of John Lyon of
Craigstoun, with a new gift and a change of the holding of the premises (except of the third part of the lands of Balchirie) from
simple ward to taxt ward. [Docquet. Ibid. p. 437.] |
Sept. 1. Whitehall. |
Memorial of a protection to Sir John Whiteford, of Miltoun,
for two years. [Ibid. p. 438.] |
Sept. 2. Hicks' Hall. |
Sir William Smythe to Sir Leoline Jenkins. We have made
some further progress in this horrid design of subornation of
perjury. I would have waited on you to give you a personal
account, but I dare not be from the court, so long as it sits, and
we sit so long that I am tired before we rise. I have therefore
entreated Mr. Warcupp, who took the depositions with me, to
wait on you with them to-night and make my excuse to you.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 416, No. 135.] |
Sept. 2. |
The Address of the Loyal Protestant Apprentices, presented
to the Lord Mayor 2 Sept., the day appointed to be yearly observed
in commemoration of the burning of that famous Protestant
city by Papists, Jesuits and Tories, with the reasons of the said
Addresses. |
|
1. Some few of their fellows having lately presented an address
to his Majesty, the favours they received made them boast themselves the only loyal young men of the City, which was such an
affront to the rest of them that they lay under a kind of necessity
to vindicate themselves. 2. The tendency of the other address
seemed to reflect on parliaments, and this was noised to be the
general sense of the London apprentices. How reasonable was
it therefore to check such an aspersion ? 3. The long exploded
and detestable idolatories of the Church of Rome by a hellish
plot and a variety of sham plots threaten once more to invade
us. What could be more necessary than for so many thousand
young men to declare their detestation of those abominations
and that their blood shall not be so dear to them as the preservation of the true Protestant religion and the legal liberties of
Englishmen? 4. 'Tis well known the method of gaining subscriptions to this address has been candid and open, no masters
prompting their servants, no men of bulk or title over-persuading
any. On the contrary they lay under great discouragements
by printed and verbal lies and tearing of several papers, whereby
some thousands of hands were lost, and yet the disproportion
between the subscribers of this and the other address is remarkable, theirs not amounting at most to 3,000 and these to above
20,000. |
|
The Address. They have never intermeddled with matters
beyond their sphere, but, being fully aware that there has been and
is a devilish plot against the King and to subvert the Protestant
religion and the established government, in which the conspirators
have always appeared most active during the intervals of parliaments, and observing that a late address is represented as the act
and sense of the generality of apprentices, they cannot but think
it their duty to declare to his lordship and to all the world that
they shall never be behind any of their fellow apprentices in
demonstrations of loyalty to his Majesty against any traitors
or rebels whatever and that, as they abhor Popery, and all its
bloody traitorous practices, so they utterly dislike any such
proceedings from private persons as tend to reproach parliaments
but unanimously express their satisfaction in and thanks for
the Petition and Address of his lordship and the Common Council
presented last May and since approved of in Common Hall for
the assembling and sitting of a parliament. |
|
His lordship answered that he was glad to see so great a number
of young men of the City thus cordially express their due loyalty
to his Majesty and zeal for the Protestant established religion.
[2 pages. Printed for William Ingol, the elder. Ibid. No. 136.] |
|
Another copy of the above Address only, with 6 signatures.
[Printed for Thomas Goodwill. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 416, No. 137.] |
|
Manuscript copy of the above address. On the back is an
Address of the Apprentices to the Lord Mayor and Aldermen,
thanking them for their indefatigable endeavours to maintain
and preserve the rights and property of the subject and for their
petitions for a new parliament and hoping they will continue
steadfast in their endeavours and declaring their resolution to
stand by them to the last drop of their blood. [Ibid. No. 138.] |
Sept. 2. |
David Fitzgerald to Sir Leoline Jenkins. A great many are
come out of Ireland rather to get pardon for their former crimes
than out of any sense of allegiance to the King. If you entrust
them or any other with pardons, before they prove what they
have sworn, they will flinch from you to the rabble and use the
King's favour against his own interest, so, if the pardons be
but drawn and left with the Attorney-General to use them as
occasion shall require, you will have them bound fast, but otherwise they will leave you in the lurch. Prefixed, |
|
Proposals for the commitment and trial of Titus Oates with
reasons for the same and list of witnesses that would appear
against him. [2½ pages. Ibid. No. 139.] |
Sept. 2. Dover. |
Nicholas Cullen, Mayor, to Sir Leoline Jenkins. Informing
him that Stock had been committed for the words spoken by
him till his Majesty's pleasure be known, and desiring directions.
[Ibid. No. 140.] |
Sept. 3. |
Memorandum about coinage referring to the paper of 31 Aug.
calendared ante, p. 429, about the amount coined annually before
and after the Coinage Act and that abundance of money increases
the revenue. [Ibid. No. 141.] |
Sept. 3. Dover Castle. |
Col. John Strode to Sir Leoline Jenkins. I have been pressed
to write to you in behalf of Mr. Stock, against whom you have
an information for words spoken of the King. They would have
persuaded me he was drunk and had been urged to it by being
called a mongrel himself, but, when I came to speak with the
gentlemen, I found this was all false. |
|
I enclose a letter from Rye, where there is such another
perverse generation madly carried on by that incendiary Jeake,
an Independent preacher. [Ibid. No. 142.] |
Sept. 3. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to the Mayor of Dover. Your letter to
me and the enclosed information were read at the Council Board
this morning. The Council directed me to write to you that
as to the bailing or not of Abraham Stock, now under commitment,
you should take the assistance of the proper officer, that is by
your charter to advise you in matter of law, your Recorder, if
there be any such, or else your Steward, and, when you have
carefully examined the matter of fact and all its circumstances,
that you proceed as the law directs in such a case with due regard
to his Majesty's honour. Pray send me an account of what you
do. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 62, p. 278.] |
Sept. 3. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to Sir Jonathan Jennings. I thank you
for your two letters. You have done exceedingly well in the
apprehending and examining of Brownrigg. I have acquainted
his Majesty with your care and zeal. If Brownrigg be sincere,
you shall obtain anything reasonable in his behalf. Pray ask
him if he did not write to Sir Robert Clayton For his imprisoning or otherwise take the advice of some good lawyer, Sir William
Danson or any other. [Ibid. p. 280.] |
Saturday, Sept. 3. London. |
Newsletter to Roger Garstell, Newcastle. Describing the
observance of the 2nd as a day of humiliation, being the anniversary
of the great fire.—I have not heard of any who took for his text
Ezra c. 4 v. xv as Nathaniel Thomson in his false, malicious
Intelligence of 30 Aug. said he heard there would be. |
|
The two gentlemen appointed by the French Church to go
with some artificers and treat with Ipswich for settling there
some French Protestant families, who will set up the linen
manufacture, have viewed the conveniency and approved thereof
and the town readily embraced the occasion and have offered
them one of their churches and to free them from town and parish
charges with all other suitable encouragements. |
|
If it be considered how populacy and riches once made several
towns happy, which now are poor and depopulated, witness
Dover, Sandwich, Winchelsea, Southampton and others, it will
appear their best condition took its rise from such a sort of
industrious strangers, who had their churches there, and their
decay from discouragements put on them and their then departing
those places. May Ipswich persist in their kindness and, besides
the reward all acts of mercy carry with them, have the prayers
of a distressed people, whom his Majesty himself has declared
he will protect and also that this church shall be within the patent
of the French churches at London and elsewhere, that he will
allow support for their minister &c., on all which encouragement
a stock is raising to set up 20 or 30 looms with materials to employ
them and Sir Samuel Barnardiston is gone down to Ipswich
in order thereto. |
|
Our last letters from France say that the King has set forth
an edict on the Protestants in Saintonge, in which is Rochelle,
and Poictou, commanding all his Catholic subjects that on pain
of death they buy not of his Protestant subjects either visibly or
invisibly, that is, real or personal estates, that the Protestants
on pain of death shall not sell their estates or remove themselves
or their children, assuring them at the same time great immunities
and favours if they will turn Catholics, which if they refuse to
do, he will cause them to be turned out of their houses and estates
with their wives, children and servants in their shirts only and
so leave them to shift as they can. |
|
The remarkable trial of George Busbie, a Jesuit, at the last
Derby assizes is in the press and will be published next week. |
|
Letters from Scotland of the 27th say that on that day was
passed the Act against field conventicles, though with much debate
and with this addition that the offender's fine shall be 100l. Scots
and that, where a heritable sheriff shall forfeit his place, the
Council shall chose in such shires sheriffs depute. The same
day a bill was brought in for securing the Protestant religion
from Popery and Fanaticism with a large oath as a test for all
persons and all employments from the highest to the lowest,
the King's brothers and sons only excepted. |
|
What Mr. College said at his death was taken in shorthand
and was to have been published to-day, but was stopped
in the press. The enclosed, I suppose, may be the substance
thereof. His head and quarters were decently interred last
night. |
|
The paper mentioned in my last printed for one Banks as
Mr. College's speech with his name thereto is by all believed
a forgery and, it's said, was printed by Nathaniel Thomson and
that Banks is his servant. |
|
Last Thursday the Lord Chamberlain's warrant for the removal
of Dr. Oates out of Whitehall was served by Sir Edward Carteret,
Black Rod, and immediately the Doctor removed all his things
out of his lodgings. |
|
It's discoursed here that the Parliament in Scotland will be
dissolved in a few days and it is rather, believed from another
report, viz., that Lord Hyde is gone post for Edinburgh to give
that Parliament his Majesty's thanks. [Nearly 3 pages.
Admiralty, Greenwich Hospital 1, No. 129.] |
Sept. 3. Whitehall. |
The King to the Lords of the Treasury of Scotland. Having
considered your letter of the 25th ult. to the Earl of Moray
concerning a signature presented to have been past in Exchequer
containing a resignation made by the Laird of Rossythe of his
estate in favour of his brother, notwithstanding our former letter
declaring that we would have our casualties applied for the
reparations of our palaces and houses in Scotland, yet on
the considerations mentioned in your letter and particularly the
losses and sufferings of the said laird's father, we are well satisfied
you have recommended the condition of that family to us, and
therefore authorize and require you to pass the said signature,
notwithstanding that the same may prevent the falling of the
casualty of marriage, which would belong to us by the death
of the said laird, and, if he should die before you receive this,
we declare that his brother shall have the ward of his own
marriage. [S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 6, p. 438.] |
Sept. 3. Whitehall. |
Warrant for a remission to James Carmichael, son to John
Carmichael, chamberlain to the Earl of Wigtoune, of all treasons
and crimes wherewith he may be charged for joining the rebels
in the western shires or for aiding or concealing anything relating
to that rebellion or for anything done or omitted by him before
23 June, 1679. [Docquet. Ibid. p. 440.] |
Sept. 3. Whitehall. |
Sir Leoline Jenkins to the Lord Lieutenant. (Calendared in
the Ormonde Papers, Vol. VI, p. 145.) [S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 341,
p. 92.] |
Sept. 4. Dover Castle. |
Col. John Strode to Sir Leoline Jenkins. Yesterday I enclosed
you a letter from Capt. Hall to me. To-day a messenger came
to inform me of the rudeness of the fanatical Mayor and that
gang. This Turney they have chosen is also their town clerk
and was a servant to the town clerk here, and it may be very
well said, like master, like man. I will leave the whole story for
you to be informed of by Capt. Hall, Mr. Crouch and the other
gentlemen that are gone to London. |
|
I question not you will do them all the kindness and justice
in your power, it being also for his Majesty's service. I will
inform you of one thing, which haply the gentlemen from Rye
know nothing of. Certainly it is in the King s power to turn out
Turney from being town clerk by a clause in their new charter.
I must also desire you to remember how ill they executed the
King and Council's order. I believe this to be the fittest time
to set that town right, which have been too much infected with
these turbulent Fanatics. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 416, No. 143.] |
Sept. 6. Brooke's Wharf. |
E. Syng to [Sir Leoline Jenkins]. Sending him a copy of his
letter of 17 July, 1678, to Secretary Coventry accusing Cleypole
(calendared in S.P. Dom., Car. II. 1678, p. 295).—Cleypole in
company with the Protestant Joiner told me himself I was the
man who accused him. Prefixed is a copy of the said letter.
[Ibid. No. 144.] |
Sept. 6. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to the High Sheriff of Yorkshire. I have
received your letter of the 2nd from Ripon with the enclosed
depositions. I shall take the first opportunity to lay them
before his Majesty and to receive his pleasure on them. [S.P.
Dom., Entry Book 62, p. 281.] |
|
Note of the same mutatis mutandis to Sir Jonathan Jennings.
[Ibid.] |
Sept. 6. London. |
Newsletter to John Squier, Newcastle on Tyne. Paris, 10 Sept.
Mr. Savile, Envoy Extraordinary, having complained to his
Most Christian Majesty of the affront made on his house by some
lackeys of the Duc d'Elbeuf, strict inquiry was immediately
ordered to be made after the offenders and public justice inflicted
on them with further satisfaction as Mr. Savile shall require. |
|
I am told that, some time after Dr. Oates was commanded
to leave Whitehall, his Majesty spoke to him to this effect;
Mr. Oates, I am assured that you have so far forgot your duty
to me as to be guilty since your pardon of several high crimes
and misdemeanours against me, I will not say of treason, though
I believe as much, and I have good reason for my belief, however
I forgive you again and leave you above board, but, if you are
any more faulty, I shall spare you no more than any of the rest
of my subjects, and so they parted. |
|
Last Sunday night there was a Council at Whitehall, where
a proclamation was agreed on to put the law in execution against
Dissenters, which is now in the press. |
|
Yesterday a ward moot was held in Leather-Sellers' Hall in
Bishopgate for the choice of an Alderman instead of Sir Joseph
Sheldon, deceased. The candidates were of Aldermen Sir Patience
Ward, present Lord Mayor, and Sir Robert Clayton and in
opposition Sir William Turner and Sir James Edwards. The
Lord Mayor and Sir Robert Clayton seemed on the view to have
the most voices, but on the poll the Lord Mayor and Sir William
Turner carried it by many hands. The Commoners were Sheriff
Bethell and Mr. Shute, their opposites Sir Jonathan Raymond
and Sir Richard How. The greatest number of hands seemed
to be for Bethell and Shute, but on the poll it appeared that
Raymond and Shute were duly elected. |
|
Edinburgh, 30 Aug. At 9 in the morning yesterday the
Parliament met and sat close till 6, during which time the test
was debated and many opposed it, but it was at last carried,
also the oath of supremacy and allegiance with a declaration
against the Covenant and all persons in public trust are obliged
to take it, the royal family only excepted. This being passed,
Lord Belhaven mentioned in the House that, the Act against
Papists and Dissenters being passed, one might pass against a
Popish successor, on which Duke Hamilton desired he might
explain himself, in doing which he [? inju]red himself the more
and Duke Hamilton, though he was his kinsman, first moved
that he might be secured and by vote of the House he was sent
prisoner to the Castle, for breaking the late Act. |
|
Cromwell Lockhart, son to the late Ambassador Lockhart,
while the Test was passing, came to the Macer and desired to
go out, which he refused, till prayers were over, on which he
struck him, for which blow he was obliged to give 1,000l. sterling
security to answer the offence of striking an officer in office, whilst
the Commissioner was in the chair. |
|
The conventicles have been disturbed by the Lieutenancy
at Canterbury and several will be indicted as Dissenters.
Mr. Harris presented an information at the Guildhall yesterday
against Stephens, the messenger of the press, for subornation.
The indictment is found and he has given ball to traverse it.
[3 pages. Admiralty, Greenwich Hospital 1, No. 130.] |
Sept. 6. Whitehall. |
The King to the Lord Lieutenant. Recommending Sir John
Topham for payment of his year's salary as one of the Commissioners of Inspection, which amongst other payments was
suspended for one year by the order in Council of 9 Nov. last,
out of the concordatums. [S.P. Dom., Signet Office, Vol. 11,
p. 14.] |
Sept. 7. |
William Helyar to John Brydall. I have met with a book
cut into two parts by the disturbance of the press, as it says,
entitled Marriage by the Moral Law vindicated against all ceremonial laws of Pope and Bishop, &c. Its scope is to prove a
lineal successor to the Crown, wherein he is very confident and
challenges all mankind to answer him. It came out very seasonably last Michaelmas term and is to be found in all the great
sectaries' libraries. The author, William Lawrence of Wraxall,
Dorset, was once a judge under Oliver in Scotland, and, having
proved, as he says, the Duke of Monmouth to be the next lawful
successor, he proceeds to show that to compass or imagine the death,
exile or disinheritance of the King's eldest son is high treason,
when born under this moral way of matrimony. Contactus, non
contractus, facit matrimonium, he says. Lord Shaftesbury has
one sent him too. When you go next to Whitehall please ask
Secretary Jenkins, if ever he heard of such a book, and, if not,
I will send it him. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 416, No. 145.] |
Sept. 7. Whitehall. |
Warrant to Edward Griffin, Treasurer of the Chamber, after
reciting that Thomas Atterbury, messenger, has been paid till
last Michaelmas, whereby he is paid on the cheque roll several
years before the rest of the messengers, so that he cannot be
paid on the cheque roll with the rest of the messengers till they
are all paid up to the time he is paid, for payment to him as
messenger of 49l. 17s. 6d. yearly by quarterly payments, the
first to commence from Michaelmas last, to continue till the
rest of the messengers are paid up to that time and for afterwards
putting him into the cheque roll and paying him in course with
the other messengers. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 50, p. 83.] |
Sept. 7. Whitehall. |
Warrant to the High Sheriff for Cambridgeshire for the reprieve
of John Woodruffe, now prisoner in Wisbech gaol, found guilty
at the last assizes for the Isle of Ely of stealing a mare, it being
represented that he bought the mare of a person then unknown
to him, who had indeed stolen the said mare and is since
apprehended for the same. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 54, p. 96.] |
Sept. 7. Whitehall. |
Reference to the Lords Commissioners for Ecclesiastical
Preferments of the petition of Mr. Nicholas for a presentation
to the rectory of West Worlington, void by simony. [S.P. Dom.,
Entry Book 55, p. 139.] |
Sept. 7. Whitehall. |
Warrant for a confirmation of the grant dated 23 Aug. last
by the Queen of the office of master, keeper and governor of the
hospital or free chapel of St. Katherine near the Tower, void
by the death of George Montague esq., to William, Viscount
Brouncker, with grant to him of the said office for his life,
dispensing to him to hold and enjoy the premises, though he be
not in Holy Orders, but with a proviso that divine worship, alms
and all works of piety and other duties of the said hospital be
duly performed. [2 pages. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 66, p. 1.] |
Sept. 7. |
Pass for Henry Shere to come from Tangier to England and
for any of the King's ships of war there to permit him with his
servants to embark and to touch in any port of Italy, if he thinks
it best for his Majesty's service to do so. [Ibid. p. 5.] |
Sept. 7. Westminster. |
Warrant to Ralph Montagu, Master of the Great Wardrobe,
for the delivery to Charles Villiers, Clerk to the Cheque to the
Yeomen of the Guard, or his deputy of liveries for the said Yeomen
in the same words in the warrant of 29 Oct., 1677, calendared in
S.P. Dom., 1676–77, p. 431. [S.P. Dom., Signet Office, Vol. 11, p. 13.] |
Sept. 8. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to the Mayor of Dover. I have received
yours of the 6th with that of Mr. Turner of Canterbury and an
affidavit of the keeper of the prison in Dover concerning Mr. Stock
and thank you for your diligence in advising me of what has passed.
I will, as soon as I can, communicate them all to the Privy Council
and give you notice of their sense on them. [S.P. Dom., Entry
Book 62, p. 282.] |
Sept. 8. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to Sir Thomas Hardres, serjeant-at-law,
Canterbury. I told you in my last that I waited an opportunity
of giving his Majesty in Council an account of your having dispersed
a conventicle in Canterbury. I did it on Wednesday and could
not do it sooner. He commanded me to assure you he approved
of what you had done and to give you an account, which I cannot
do this post, of what he himself directed as to the teachers and
frequenters of conventicles in Rye, he requiring the laws to be put
in execution with effect against those that were troublesome
to the government. [Ibid.] |
Sept. 8. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to the Lord High Chamberlain. It is with
great confusion that I come thus late to acknowledge your letter
of the 20th. I perfectly subscribe to your reasoning in it, the
force of it admits of no answer, but there are times quœ nec morbum
pati possunt nec remedia. However, his Majesty does his best
endeavours to apply proper remedies and his hand is healing.
Mr. Charles Bertie has been sent for by his Majesty and discoursed
with on the matter of your letter. I will hope his account will
be to your satisfaction. What his Majesty has said to Lord
Willoughby and Mr. Bertie he will make good and, when there
is anything in particular you would have represented to his
Majesty, it shall be done by me. [Ibid. p. 283.] |
Sept. 8. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to Mr. Bedford. Pray pay the bearer,
Mr. Graham, Principal of Clifford's Inn, 50l. and place it to my
account. [Ibid. p. 284.] |
Sept. 8. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to Mr. Graham. His Majesty having
commanded me to pay to Mr. Fitzgerald or his order 50l., part
of a greater sum laid out by him in his Majesty's service, I desire
you to receive the contents of the note enclosed and to pay the
money to Mr. Fitzgerald, it being a sum that his Majesty intends
the Lords of the Treasury shall reimburse me of. [Ibid.] |
Sept. 8. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to Mr. Bedford. I have sent to Mr. Graham
a bill on you for 50l. Pray make him or his orders good payment.
[Ibid.] |
Thursday, Sept. 8. London. |
Newsletter to Roger Garstell, Newcastle on Tyne. What may
be added concerning the persecution of the Protestants in France
is from Rochelle written by a Protestant there to another here,
who with some difficulty got thence, to this effect in English:—
Since your departure the people of Surgeres, 6 miles hence, have
been with much violence and cruelty dealt with, so not ten are
left, who have not changed their religion. Those who remain
firm are only such who are gone away and dispersed themselves
and such have had some of their moveables broke, the rest burnt.
Some they tied up by the hands and some by the feet, others
have been dragged to the church and there with pistol at throat
and sword at the reins forced to abjure. |
|
The women whose husbands are gone away they have used
worse, to make them confess where their husbands are. |
|
Yesterday these tormentors were at Muron, but found most
of the inhabitants fled. Those they found they forced to abjure.
Thence they go to Mavie, thence to Marennes, thence into all
the burghs of Lonix (Aunis) to exercise the same cruelties, thence
for Rochelle and so from place to place. |
|
At Rochfort last Tuesday they doubled the guards and forbade
all of our religion to go out of the place or to sell their moveables
and also the Catholics to buy on pain of corporal punishment,
which has put a terrible fear into the hearts of them of the religion
there. |
|
Such as are gone will not return, abandoning their houses
and goods, which reduces them to terrible extremities of mind
and body. When they massacred them of our religion on
St. Bartholomew's day, there was an end to their sufferings,
but this way now used torments body and soul in birth, in life,
and at death. In the birth they force Popish midwives on us,
in life they deprive us of our offices, arts and trades and other
employs, at death there must be officers of justice to demand
of the dying man what religion he will die in. |
|
Yesterday was published College's trial and the remarkable
trial of Busbie, a Jesuit, convicted last Derby assizes as also
the late Act in Scotland for securing the Established Church
there. |
|
Our last letters from Scotland are of the 1st and say the Parliament sat the day before and that there were great debates betwixt
the nobility and gentry about taking away the summer session,
which at last came to a plurality of voices, the advocates pleading
for its continuance. The gentry and boroughs as one man stood
up and cried, No summer session, but the Act is not touched
as yet by the sceptre and, it's thought, will be delayed till his
Majesty's pleasure be known. The Provost and Council of
Edinburgh will petition his Highness and the Parliament against
it. If this Act be touched, the session will begin 16 Oct. and
end 16 March following. |
|
The Committee of Trade sat yesterday, but the proceedings
were kept very private. |
|
Yesterday a Council was held at Whitehall, his Majesty present,
when Mr. Bolron declared he could prove that the late College at his
death had denied several things he had confessed before, on which
he was ordered to print the same. Several petitions and other
private affairs were dispatched. There was a hearing betwixt
two parties of the corporation of Rye, who have chosen two mayors,
Mr. Tourney and Mr. Crouch. The former had 11 votes, the latter 9.
The nine averred the other election was void, both in regard
to the person chosen and because the electors were not qualified.
Mr. Jeaks, who has a congregation there, appeared and speaking
as to the matter and manner of their choice concluded that he
desired nothing but what the law permitted. His Majesty
interposed and answered he should have the law and added
that it was not in his nature to persecute as it might be termed.
When men make it their business to persecute the government,
he would take his recourse to the law for its defence and ordered
Mr. Jeaks to be prosecuted and his meeting suppressed and that
the difference should be determined by law and that in the
interim Mr. Crouch should be mayor. |
|
The proclamation, mentioned in my last as certainly reported
to be in the press and to come forth yesterday, is not yet come
forth nor is it credited nor was there any thing thereof in Council
yesterday. |
|
This morning his Majesty went for Newmarket. [3 pages.
Admiralty, Greenwich Hospital 1, No. 131.] |
Sept. 9. Durham. |
Dr. Denis Grenville to Sir Leoline Jenkins. I was interrupted
in the execution of my office in my own church by a very bold
and insolent Fanatic, who, though indicted at our last assizes
escaped punishment, as the enclosed paper will inform you,
to the great contempt, I fear, of God's house and service, I
am sure to the great trouble of the clergy, who fear it may go
very hard with them in the execution of their offices, when so
great a violence to the Archdeacon should go unpunished. |
|
Mr. Janeway has very falsely and maliciously represented
the transactions of the assizes, particularly my affair, in his
pretended impartial Mercury (No. 30). Mr. Thompson has
published my case and done it very truly as to the main, though
somewhat imperfectly as to some particulars. Since a Churchman
can expect no more favour from a lay judicatory, I am forced
to fly to the ecclesiastical courts, where this person stands presented
for disturbing the minister during Divine service, and I think
no ecclesiastical judge can be of the same mind with the jury,
that what was done between the Nicene Creed and the sermon
was not done in time of Divine service, on which point he was
found not guilty, to the admiration of those that understood
their rubric. I request you in my own behalf and that of the
clergy in my jurisdiction to peruse and consider the enclosed
paper and, if you judge that my honest zeal for the King and
the Church deserves it, that you would recommend my cause
to Sir Richard Lloyd, our Chancellor, to whom, though known
by face in the University, I am a perfect stranger, having never
seen him since he was Chancellor, having been absent in France,
or for many years before. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 416, No. 146.] |
Sept. 10. |
Commission to Zouch Tate to be captain of the company late
Capt. Mohun's in the regiment late Sir Palmes Fairborne's in
Tangier. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 29, p. 410.] |
Sept. 10. |
Commission to John Bruges to be capt.-lieutenant and to
—Bing to be ensign of the colonel's company in the same regiment
in Tangier. Minutes. [Ibid. pp. 410, 411.] |
Sept. 10. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to Sir Jonathan Jennings. I find by the
examining of Baines that Brownrigg has not been ingenuous
and sincere. However 'tis my opinion that he may be dismissed
from prison on giving good bail. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 62,
p. 285.] |
Sept. 10. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to Sir Thomas Hardres. I can do no more
at present but transmit you the orders of Council made last
Wednesday in reference to Rye. Pray communicate them to
Col. Rooke. [Ibid.] |
Sept. 10. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to Col. Strode, Governor of Dover Castle.
I have just time to enclose you two orders about Rye. Pray
consider them and you will find them of great use. [Ibid.] |
Sept. 10. Whitehall. |
Sir Leoline Jenkins to the Lord Lieutenant. (Calendared in
the Ormonde Papers, Vol. VI, p. 151.) [S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 341,
p. 93.] |
Sept. 10. Whitehall. |
Sir Leoline Jenkins to Sir John Davys. The Lord Lieutenant
not being at Dublin, I address the copy of the indictment straight
to yourself. The nolle prosequi being entered here on condition
to have the like proceedings on that side, the course you are now
going into is not only safe but necessary. I would further observe
that it is the law here that every special commission of Oyer and
Terminer executed in partibus is to be returned to the King's
Bench, Westminster. I ask whether any such thing be practicable
from that side to this. If so, it would add something to the
solemnity of your being cleared and justify the granting of the
nolle prosequi here, but in this Mr. Attorney and Mr. Solicitor
are best able to determine. [Ibid. p. 94.] |
[After Sept. 12.] |
Schedule of several deeds and writings concerning the title
of several messuages in the parish of St. Martin's Vintry, demised
by Richard Downes and others to William Cranmer by way of
mortgage. (The date of the last document is 12 Sept., 1681.)
With particulars of houses and ground to be let in the parish
of St. John's against Hicks' Hall. [On parchment. S.P. Dom.,
Case G, No. 10.] |
Sept. 13. Dover Castle. |
Col. John Strode to Sir Leoline Jenkins. I received both your
letters and the whole accounts of the complaints of Rye, which
has given a great deal of satisfaction to the gentlemen here, who
would, when his Majesty pleases, see his laws executed. I need
no more encouragement than his Majesty's commands, but all,
I fear, will not do so, but some will want spurs. We have had
no conventicles since here, and the old and the new Mayor (for
he is chosen by the Fanatics again) has refused to grant his
warrants according to the Act, pretending some frivolous thing.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 416, No. 147.] |
Sept. 13. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to Sir Robert Holmes, Governor of the Isle of
Wight. Enclosing a copy of an order in Council made on the application of the Master, Wardens and Assistants of the Trinity House
of Deptford Strand concerning duties to be collected for maintaining
a light-house lately erected on the Scilly Isles.—The order will
sufficiently inform you of his Majesty's pleasure and directions
and he expects your compliance therewith, especially since the
said Master &c. have assured him that by the experience of very
many masters of ships the said light-house is found to be of
extraordinary advantage to the security of navigation. I shall
be glad to receive something from you to satisfy his Majesty
that neither you nor I have been wanting in anything required
of us as to this matter. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 359, p. 82.] Enclosed, |
Order in Council on the petition of the Trinity House, which
set forth that they find some obstruction in the collection of
the duty for the maintenance of the said light-house and that
principally from the Governor of the Isle of Wight and his
deputies, which is the chiefest place to meet with strangers,
who, partaking of the benefit of this light, ought not to be excused
more than his Majesty's subjects, and prayed his Majesty
to continue his favour to their corporation; that his Majesty's
pleasure be signified to the Governor and other officers of the Isle
of Wight that they give no obstruction but all lawful assistance
to the officers appointed to collect the said duty of one halfpenny a ton inwards and outwards on all English ships
and double the same on strangers for maintaining the said
light according to the grant of 24 June, 1680, to the said
Trinity House. [Ibid. p. 83.] |
Sept. 13. London. |
Newsletter to Sir Francis Radcliffe, Dilston. Giving intelligence from Vienna and Strassburg, in the same words as that in
the London Gazette, No. 1650. [Admiralty, Greenwich Hospital 1,
No. 132.] |
Thursday, Sept. 13. London. |
Newsletter to Roger Garstell, Newcastle on Tyne. Letters from
Scotland advise that Lord Belhaven, who was committed to the
Castle, notwithstanding the many reports that the Advocate
would draw up a charge of high treason against him, is discharged,
being brought on the 6th into the Parliament house and ordered
to crave the Commissioner's pardon, which he did accordingly
on his knees. |
|
The same day an Act passed to continue on the King's successor
the Excise for 5 years and in the evening Lord Hyde arrived
there. The Commissioner, her Royal Highness and the Lady
Ann are in good health. An act against protections prohibits
the Council or any other judicatory to give any, but the King
may, a register being appointed for receipt of such as shall pass
the King's hand. |
|
Every post brings us fresh accounts of the prosecutions of
the Protestants in France, and every day sad evidences thereof.
Saturday, Sabbath day and yesterday came in small vessels
full of them. That on Sabbath day came from La Tremblade,
a small island betwixt Rochelle and Rochfort, and had on board
above a hundred, most seamen and their wives and children.
Others are come in with few men in them, they sending their
wives and children away first and most of these have run great
hazards at sea. Some trusting themselves in small fisher-boats
have met with stiff gales and many vessels, which those that are
come give account were put to sea, are not as yet heard of. |
|
The French King has committed many of the Jansenists to
prison for writing against the Jesuits and all the discourse of
that Court is the great things now expected from the army
marching into Italy, though his Holiness has created 16 cardinals
and all of the Spanish faction, which, it's thought, will irritate
France. |
|
(Account of the encounter between the Pearl and a French
man-of-war, as in the London Gazette, No. 1651.) |
|
The Polish Ambassador at Berlin has proposed a match betwixt
that King's son and one of the Elector's daughters as also a league
offensive and defensive. The Haarlem Courant says that an
English interloper from East India was come into Hamburg and
that the English Resident and Company there had seized her. |
|
(List of Acts passed in Scotland.) |
|
The Act for taking away the summer session is much regretted
by those of Edinburgh, who say it will be 10,000l. sterling annually,
for which they blame the Lord Provost for not acquainting the
Council of the city with what was doing, before it was too late. |
|
Their Majesties continue in good health in Newmarket, diverting
themselves. [3 pages. Admiralty, Greenwich Hospital 1, No. 133.] |
Sept. 13. London. |
Newsletter to John Squier, Newcastle on Tyne. Giving news
from Scotland as in the last newsletter.—On the 6th Lord Hyde
arrived there and kissed their Royal Highnesses' hands and the
same day Sir Joseph Williamson parted thence for this town. |
|
We are told from Newmarket that the Duchess of Portsmouth
was sick and let blood by his Majesty's order by Mr. Pierce,
his chirurgeon. On Sunday two physicians were sent for from
hence to Newmarket, Sir Charles Scarborough and Dr. Wetherly. |
|
(About the encounter between the Pearl and a Frenchman.)
People here, though it may be they were never at sea, speak
hardly of Capt. Williams and blame him that he, being a ship
of almost 40 guns, should suffer a little Frenchman of half the
force to resist him so long. |
|
Several of the Irish witnesses are gone for Ireland, having given
security for their appearance to give testimony against Sir John
Davys and other accused for the Irish plot. [Over 3 pages.
Damaged. Ibid. No. 134.] |
Sept. 14. Newmarket. |
Licence to Samuel Ball, M.A., Fellow of St. Peter's College
and rector of Elton, Huntingdonshire, who is advised to pass some
time in foreign parts for the recovery of his health, to pass beyond
the seas and remain there so long as shall be requisite for the
recovery of his health with dispensation in the meantime both
with his absence from the college and with his non-residence,
but the bishop is nevertheless to see that the said rectory is
provided with an able and orthodox curate. [S.P. Dom., Entry
Book 53, p. 64.] |
Sept. 14. Newmarket. |
Licence to Constant Jessop, M.A., rector of Brington,
Northamptonshire, to pass beyond seas and to remain in the Earl
of Sunderland's service during his stay there and to receive the
tithes and emoluments belonging to the said rectory during such
absence, as if he were actually resident, and dispensing with any
law &c. to the contrary. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 57, p. 46.] |
Sept. 14. |
Secretary Jenkins to the Archbishop of Canterbury. The
great age and ill health of the late Dean of Lincoln occasioned
last summer frequent reports of his being then dead, on which
his Majesty more than once declared that Dr. Brevint should
succeed him. This was done to the Earl of Bath, Mr. Bernard
Grenville and myself, and his Majesty laid his particular commands
on me to mind him of Dr. Brevint, whenever the thing should
fall. His Majesty being absent and the disposing of his Church
preferments being entrusted to you and other lords, I think it a
duty to him and justice to Dr. Brevint to lay this before you
and by your favour before the other lords. I will not say anything of his worth and services, those being submitted perfectly
to your judgment. One word I shall crave leave to say of his
modesty; it is that he never sought, as I am credibly informed,
for this or any other preferment. What he has was of the late
Lord of Durham's gift and he came to be designed for this deanery
by Sir George Carteret's choosing for him, for his Majesty on
his happy return, well remembering the Doctor and his services,
commanded Sir George to look out for some good thing for him
and Sir George (Dr. Honywood being even then an old man)
pitched on this deanery, which his Majesty then promised, when
it should become void. One word more I beg leave to add, which
is, I take him to be a person of that perfect resignation to the
judgment and will of his superiors that I make no doubt he would
part with his prebend or his living or both, if you should judge
it reasonable. [2 pages. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 62, p. 286.] |
Sept. 14. Kilkenny. |
The Lord Lieutenant to Sir Leoline Jenkins. I had yours
of the 3rd with three from his Majesty, two concerning
Mr. Fitzgerald and the other in favour of Lord Dunkellin, concerning benefices in his father's gift. Of the former I shall make
use, when it shall appear to me that none can be made of the
gentleman better than that of an example. Some servant or
agent of Lord Dunkellin's will take care of the last and solicit
the effect of it, who shall not want what belongs to me to do.
It is inconvenient to have letters pass by hands that the government can have no confidence in or command over, but, if it cannot
be remedied, it must be borne with and more caution used. |
|
There needs no testimony to satisfy me of your concern for
me. As to the ignorance I am in of what is designed concerning
this revenue, if the King's service receive no prejudice by it,
I am content to continue a stranger to it and, if a new establishment
shall accompany a new farm, it will free me from much importunity, if I have no part in it. [S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 342, No. 61.] |
Sept. 15. Newmarket. |
The Earl of Conway to Sir Leoline Jenkins. His Majesty
commands me to let you know he has received your letter of last
Tuesday and the petition of Jean de Monsegur, captain of the
St. Michel de Siboure (? Libourne), and the French ambassador's
memorial, on consideration of all which and the narratives from
Capt. Williams, commander of the Pearl, and others, he judges the
engagement between the said ships to be an unfortunate accident
by mistake and has commanded me to write to the Lords of the
Admiralty to restore the said ship &c. and permit her to proceed
in her voyage. |
|
The Oxford petition was presented to his Majesty by the Mayor
and Aldermen, who stayed here two or three days, on what
encouragement I know not, but I am sure they had very little
countenance and yesterday morning the King commanded me
to return them his answer, that he did not think Prince a man
fit for his approbation and would not approve of him, to which
they answered they were sorry and so went away. [S.P. Dom.,
Car. II. 416, No. 148.] |
Sept. 15. |
Affidavit by Capt. J. Tonge. My late brother, Dr. Ezerell
Tonge, being on his deathbed in Stephen College's house near
Bridewell Ditch, desired me, 18 Dec. last, being the day he died,
to take care of his papers and manuscripts, some of which were
in Kent and others at several places in London. What I found
at College's, I immediately put into a closet and sealed up the
door, where they continued some time. At last, believing they
might be of some moment, I took out letters of administration
and removed both books and manuscripts to Salisbury Street,
Strand, where they continued till the 13th instant. I, having been
abroad all this summer, had not conveniency to examine them
strictly till now, when I found a book in manuscript, as I conceive
fitted for the press, entitled, The examined copy of the Journal,
and other sheets stitched together, which I apprehend to be
the foul copy of the Journal, the fair one being all writ by Simson
Tonge, my brother's son, the close of which is finished in my
brother's own hand and averred by him to be writ by his son
out of the Doctor's own papers. Much of the other copy, I
believe, is writ in the Doctor's own hand, but not all. I likewise
found amongst those papers from College's several sheets stitched
together to a piece of parchment, entitled, Dr. Oates' original
information. Occasions calling me for Virginia and believing
these papers might be of service to his Majesty, I presented them,
this 15 Sept., to Sir Leoline Jenkins. To every page of all these
books or manuscripts I have subscribed my name and swear
that the three said books or manuscripts are the same that I
received amongst my brother's papers at College's and that
they have received no diminution or addition since my
brother's death but are in all things as he left them, save the
addition of my name at the foot of every page. To the best of
my knowledge the said papers have not been perused by any
person whatever since my brother's death. |
|
With note by Sir Leoline Jenkins that Capt. Tonge desires
that, if the Council shall think fit to have Dr. Tonge's Journal
printed, they would direct that Edward Erington, who rides
in his Majesty's Guards, may have the benefit of printing it
for the use of himself, being his brother's administrator. [2 pages.
S.P. Dom., Car. II. 416, No. 149.] |
[Sept. 15 ?] |
The information of Sir James Hayes taken before Sir Leoline
Jenkins. 15 Sept., 1681, Sir James meeting Samuel Wilson
first in the Tower and then at the Crown tavern, Tower Hill,
Wilson seemed angry at bringing anybody into his company
to hinder or overhear his discourses. Sir James told him that
person, Timothy Taylor, was a very honest, trusty fellow. After
they were together in the street, Sir James said, Why do we not
go on in our business, and why don't you tell me all things and
what is now resolved on? for Clark was telling me some lords'
names that should lose their heads, North, Arlington, Hyde,
Halifax, Feversham, Clarendon and Lauderdale. Aye, by God,
answered Wilson, those are the rogues. Then what Clark said
is true, replied Sir James. Yes, said Wilson, and the lords'
heads in the Tower too, which shall be done by surprise on them.
What, said Sir James, is there nothing else in action to get
my lord out of prison? Said Wilson, they think of a design
that my lord, meaning Lord Shaftesbury, shall enter on and that
perhaps may bring him out of prison. How ? said Sir James.
Wilson answered, my lord will pretend to confess there was some
design of taking the King and altering the Government and so
impeach several lords of his own faction that subscribed the petition
for the sitting of parliament and by impeaching those lords
who are privy to it, he will be set at liberty and so be able to
manage the design of taking the King and doing those other
great things for the good of the Protestant cause, for his name
will work extremely on the people, and then he will be able to
set the lords he occasioned to be imprisoned at liberty again.
Sir James asked who are they or what are their names, that
think of such a design ? You shall know that another time,
answered Wilson, I must now go to the Exchange, but will meet
you to-morrow and tell you more. [Ibid. No. 150.] |
Sept. 15. Whitehall. |
Certificate by Secretary Jenkins that Nicholaus Minwid,
Superattendens Transviliensis in the Great Dukedom of Lithuania,
is very particularly and earnestly recommended to his Majesty's
protection and bounty by letters recommendatory from the
Elector Palatine and the Elector of Brandenburg and that a
petition presented by him to his Majesty is by his special command
recommended to the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop
of London to consider means whereby those distressed Protestant
churches that he petitions for may have some suitable relief
and that therefore it is the secretary's opinion, if there be
any money or effects in the hands of the Elders of the Dutch
Church or of any other person formerly collected or given to the
Protestant churches of Lithuania, that it ought to be paid or
delivered to the said Superattendent for the use of the said churches,
provided that the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of
London be first acquainted therewith and their approbation
had. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 53, p. 63.] |
Sept. 15. Newmarket. |
The Earl of Conway to the Commissioners of the Admiralty.
His Majesty last night received a memorial from the French
Ambassador in behalf of the St. Michael, a French merchantman,
which was lately engaged with the Pearl, and likewise a petition
from Jean Monsegur, her captain, setting forth that, having been
at the whale fishing in Greenland ever since last April and being
laden with oil, he was homeward-bound for Havre de Grace,
that before his parting from Greenland some Dutch merchantmen
informed him that, since he began his voyage out of France,
England and Spain were in open war with France and Holland,
that on the 7th instant, o.s., at break of day, he perceived the
Pearl, as he afterwards knew, about 5 leagues from him, on which
he put up his own French colours and made towards her for
information of the distance he was from the land, that coming
near her he saw her put out the English colours, but continued
his course till, coming within cannon-shot, he was saluted from
her with a bullet, that, being prepossessed with the false opinion
that there was war between England and France, he, believing
the said frigate intended to make prize of him and having 14 guns,
put himself in the best posture of defence he could, which he should
never have done, had he known what was desired, but would have
immediately struck sail and lowered his flag, and that after
5 or 6 hours' resistance he surrendered at discretion and was
brought into Plymouth, where he now is, and he therefore begs
that his ship might be released, since he has received great damage
by the shot and loses every day during his stay considerable
quantities of his oil, his Majesty, considering the whole circumstances and that it was very improbable that the St. Michael,
a merchantman deeply laden and homeward-bound, could intend
any disrespect or making any resistance, had they not been
abused by the said false report in Greenland, commands me to
signify his pleasure that you give immediate orders for the
discharge of the said ship with all her goods, furniture and
apparel. [1½ page. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 56, p. 53.] |
Sept. 15. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to the Bishop of Bristol. His Majesty has
commanded me to acquaint you that it is very much his wish
and desire that you were at this time residing at Bristol, he being
informed that an ill-affected party there take advantage by your
absence and that some ill use is made of your name, as if you
wished not well to the election of Mr. Earle to be mayor for next
year. He is a person of whom his Majesty has had good experience
and he judges him to be very fit to serve in that station. It
will be grateful to his Majesty that you lay hold of this opportunity
and improve it by your presence and applications, as far as is
fit for you, to serve the King in putting in your helping hand
to the choosing of a worthy man and one that is rightly principled
into this place, wherein you will very much serve the Church of
England. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 62, p. 288.] |
Sept. 15. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to Mr. Wyndham. His Majesty has seen
a testimonial under your hand that Mr. Giles Ayres is a person
very loyal and well-affected to religion and government of the
Church as by law established &c. This occasioned him to
command me to write to you in private to know the grounds on
which you have thus certified, he being extremely sensible how
much it imports his service that none but rightly principled
men come into places of such trust as that of a Recorder. He
has not heard so well of Mr. Ayres, but he will lay great stress
on what you shall write, therefore pray write with freedom as
well as with due reflection to me. [Ibid. p. 289.] |
Sept. 15. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to the Earl of Derby. Signifying his
Majesty's pleasure to him as Lord Lieutenant of the county and
city of Chester that Capt. William Street, who commands a foot
company in the city and Alderman Manwaring, his lieutenant,
be both put out of commission and that he give John Sparke a
commission to be captain instead of Mr. Street and that John
Taylor, now ensign, be lieutenant instead of Alderman Manwaring.
[Ibid. p. 290.] |
Sept. 15. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to Col. Jeffreys. I should have answered
yours much sooner but that I had nothing certain to say, nor
have I yet. In pursuance of the King's pleasure and my promise
to you I acquainted the Lord Lieutenant with his Majesty's
intentions in your favour. He did not write me any answer,
but he wrote to Lord Arran, wishing him to communicate it
to me. The scope of it seemed to conclude that according to
the constitution of the place there were others more qualified
than you, yet Lord Arran and I were of opinion that you were
fully within the qualifications required. 1. You had a command
in that army. 2. You have none at present. 3. You are not
married. If I mistake not, the Duke would have the place
affected to those of that nation. However, Lord Arran undertook
to recharge and neither he nor I have since heard from his Grace
on that subject, but I would advise you to write to Lord Arran and
thank him for his patronage. When his Majesty comes home,
it will be seasonable to attempt something further, wherein
I shall most readily do my utmost. The pension of Lady Stephens
is not, as I hope, struck off. If the new farm goes on, there may
be some alterations in the way of paying them. [1½ page. Ibid.
p. 291.] |
Sept. 15. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to Dr. Brevint. I can promise you nothing
but my own diligence in the affair of Lincoln. I send you a
copy of my letter to my Lord of Canterbury, who says you will be
very much a loser, if you should entertain my proposition, which
I made to obviate the great objection, and part with your present
preferments. To-morrow the Lords meet about the affair; it
will be entire to the King to refuse their recommendations and
to execute his own first intentions in your favour. [S.P. Dom.,
Entry Book 62, p. 292.] |
Sept. 15. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to the Earl of Conway. The Spanish
Ambassador is very earnest with me to beseech his Majesty to
give me a commission to go to the Portugal Ambassador and
tell him from the King, that his Majesty does not revoke or
retract any overture he has formerly made to the Portugal
Ambassador of a league &c. but that he does not think it seasonable to make any further progress in that affair, being unwilling
to advance anything to his brother, the Prince Don Pedro,
which his affairs would not permit him (the Prince) to comply
and go through with. This is what the Spanish Ambassador
presses most earnestly. I have advised with Lord Halifax on
it and he sees no inconveniency, no more than I, that can come
to his Majesty by such a message sent in his own name to the
Portugal Ambassador. I beseech you to know his Majesty's
pleasure on this request and to let me know whether he would
have such a message delivered or not. [Ibid. p. 293.] |
Sept. 16. Newmarket. |
The Earl of Conway to Sir Leoline Jenkins. Lord Thomond
brought the enclosed letter to the King yesterday. When he
had read it, he commanded me to send it you and desires to know
how the man therein mentioned got a reprieve, and requires
you to signify his pleasure for the determination of it and that
the man be executed according to law. |
|
His Majesty wonders he has had no French news since he came
here, and asked me if I had received any French letters. I told
him I never received any, but I mention it, that you may know it
will be acceptable to him. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 416, No. 151.] |
Sept. 16. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to the Earl of Conway. I acknowledge
yours of yesterday with all humble thanks. Immediately on
receiving it I sent to the French Ambassador's Secretary, the
Ambassador being gone for Newmarket this morning, to
acquaint him with his Majesty's gracious and generous act and
to let him know he was to apply to the Admiralty Commissioners
to have the ship released. |
|
It will be a great satisfaction to Lord Norreys and to all the
honest men of Oxford that his Majesty has refused his approbation
to the new town clerk, who was always a great driver against
the King at elections and would have had a much greater sway
than ever, had his Majesty confirmed him. |
|
This afternoon Sir James Edwards came here on purpose to
advise and desire me to move his Majesty that he would afford
his presence at Whitehall on Michaelmas day. Sir James thinks
it necessary for the work of that day, which is the election of a
new Lord Mayor, assuring himself that his Majesty's presence
will be a great encouragement to and obligation on our friends
to attend that service, when they know themselves to be under
the eye as it were of our Master. Sir James proposes no more
but that his Majesty may be here just time enough that it may
be known and published before the election that he is at Whitehall. |
|
I could not but lay this before his Majesty, which I beseech
you to do. If I might add my own opinion, I perfectly concur
with Sir James, for what influence soever, little or great, his
Majesty's being at Whitehall may have on the election, it is
but too certain that, if he be away, our friends will be the less
solicitous to appear and will be sure, if we lose the day, to charge
it on his being so far off. |
|
Another and indeed the only thing Sir James thinks necessary
for us to meddle in is that all tradesmen that have any voices
be charged in his Majesty's name to be at the election and not
neglect it, as they have done at other times. |
|
I gave Sir James one of the warrants Mr. Chiffinch sent me
for the entertainment of the Aldermen and the other for the
Common Serjeant for the Commoners. |
|
Just as I am closing, Mr. Brisbane imparts to me an observation
he has made and it is a true one, on the petition of the French
captain brought up to Plymouth. 'Tis true there is in it an
acknowledgement of a mistake on a false information given by
the Dutch in Greenland, but the petition does not make this
an acknowledgement of the Commandant to his Majesty but
of the Commandant's lieutenant to one of our captains at sea.
I think this may be made full in requiring the Admiralty
Commissioners to demand such a confession from the French
captain to his Majesty as the lieutenant is said to make to our
commander. I cannot think this to be a punctilio worth
contending for, but Mr. Brisbane, having seen the very minute
of the petition, is, I conceive to be commended for being nice
in this point. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 62, p. 294.] |
Sept. 16. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to Mr. Bedford. Pray know of the writer
of the enclosed, whose name, if you ever told me it, I have
forgotten, whether the two misdemeanours of Rushton and Sir
Samuel Clarke could be proved by two witnesses, if necessary,
without bringing this writer to do it. Thank him most heartily,
in my name. The one and the other is indictable, but it must
be at Lent Northampton assizes, where the county would not
fail to do themselves right, especially if this derision was at the
last great Address. Pray send me back this letter and the
enclosed. When you have the names of the witnesses that
can prove this affront, I'll get some of the Justices to send for
them and examine them. [Ibid. p. 295.] |
Sept. 17. Newmarket. |
The Earl of Conway to Sir Leoline Jenkins. His Majesty
has considered your letter of the 15th, which I received last
night, and, as much as was proper, I insisted on what Lord
Halifax and you advised. But he will not consent to it in manner
and form as it is offered to him; that is, he will send no message
at all to the Portugal Ambassador on the subject desired by the
Spanish Ambassador, but whatever is fit for him to say or do
on that occasion, he will transact by his own minister in Portugal.
The reason of his caution, I perceive, is because he thinks he
has not been well dealt with in the very first steps of the
transaction, for the treaty between these two crowns being
proposed to his Majesty as the greatest secret in the world and,
as the Spanish Ambassador said, wanting nothing but his
countenance to effect it immediately, that part only which
concerned his Majesty became public discourse. [S.P. Dom.,
Car. II. 416, No. 152.] |
Sept. 17. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to Dr. Brevint. I am very well assured
you will not take it amiss, if I give you the news of your being
passed by yesterday, when a recommendation was to be made
to the deanery of Lincoln. My lords have chosen Dr. Gardiner,
a prebendary of that church. The exception, I am told, against
you was that you were so well provided already. 'Tis still in
his Majesty's power to dispose of that recommendation as he
pleases. I wish heartily it may be in your favour. [S.P. Dom.,
Entry Book 62, p. 298.] |
Sept. 17. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to the Earl of Conway. Woodroffe's reprieve
in the Isle of Ely was granted at the suit of Sir Richard Dereham,
the City Remembrancer. The petition was referred to the
Judge of the Court, Mr. Thursby, and the reprieve was till his
Majesty should be informed of the matter of fact suggested in
the petition. I shall send a warrant to-morrow for his Majesty's
signature to determine that reprieve. |
|
I sent his Majesty an extract from my French letters last
Sunday but I shall henceforward send you the originals, as I
now enclose what is since come. |
|
I enclose a letter received to-day from Chichester. I showed
it to the Lord Chancellor and Lord Halifax, who think it very
fit to be submitted to his Majesty's view and that his directions
be prayed on it. Lord Grey is not yet gone, as was given out,
to Sussex; the Duke of Monmouth will follow, when Lord Grey,
who intends to winter there, has been in the country some time. |
|
I spoke with Alderman Sir William Turner to-day. He is
not so sanguine as Sir James Edwards, for he believes the faction
will set up Sir John Shorter to be Lord Mayor and that they
will carry it against Sir John Moore. [Ibid. p. 299.] |
Sept. 17. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to Sir Richard Hart. I give you many
thanks for yours of the 15th by express and must congratulate
with you particularly for the success of that day in your elections
at Bristol. This is not the first time your endeavours have
contributed to render the loyalty of that city exemplary to the
nation and I hope other corporations will be ready to imitate
your good example. Immediately on the receipt of your letter
I dispatched an account of the good news to his Majesty at
Newmarket, who will, I doubt not, be very well pleased with it.
I cannot yet give you any further account of your desires touching the redemption of the captives of Bristol, but I shall be
ready, when occasion offers to give you all the assistance I can
in it. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 62, p. 300.] |
Sept. 18. Whitehall. |
Warrant to Thomas Atterbury, messenger, to search for John
Nelson, a Popish priest, against whom information has been
given that he has been lately seen in Duke Street near Lincoln's
Inn Fields and to take him into custody and bring him before
Secretary Jenkins, to answer to what shall be objected against
him. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 54, p. 97.] |
Sept. 19. Newmarket. |
The Earl of Conway to Sir Leoline Jenkins. I should not
have neglected to answer your letters of the 16th and 17th by
return of post, but his Majesty thought the matters in yours
of the 16th required some deliberation and ordered Lord Hyde
and Mr. Godolphin to attend him yesterday afternoon. On
consideration of the particulars his Majesty continues his first
intention of restoring the St. Michael and judges Monsegur's
petition to be a sufficient acknowledgement and desires you to
signify so much to the Lords of the Admiralty, that the man
may not be put to further vexation. |
|
The second part of your letter consists of two heads, his
Majesty's return to London on Michaelmas day and a message
in his name to be sent to the tradesmen to be present at the
election of the Lord Mayor &c. Though your last of the 17th,
which his Majesty read before he went to bed, and Sir William
Turner's discourse seem to take off much of the weight of those
proposals, I have no order but to tell you that his Majesty leaves
it to you to send to those tradesmen in his name, as you shall
judge fit, but, as to his coming to London on Michaelmas day
he will not declare any resolution, either for or against it. If
his being there would effect the business, he would certainly be
there, but, since it is very doubtful, and they would take an
advantage to value themselves on their strength and the weakness
of his interest, he thinks it best to seem to neglect it and to take
no resolution in that particular. |
|
In answer to yours of the 17th he approves of the proposed
search at Chichester and desires you to give order therein to
your correspondents, as Lord Hyde, who will be at London
to-morrow, will do to the officers of Customs in those parts. |
|
His Majesty is altogether of Mr. Savile's opinion concerning
our memorial and, if it were not too late, I believe, would stop
its delivery and endeavour to satisfy the Spanish Ambassador
of the unreasonableness of pressing groundless complaints. Lord
Hyde will discourse more with you on this subject. |
|
If Mr. Savile had no other business at Chambour (Chambord) but
the delivery of this memorial, his Majesty does not think it of importance for him to go there. [2 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II.
416, No. 153.] |
Sept. 19. Oxford. |
Serjeant Richard Holloway to Sir Leoline Jenkins. Recommending the bearer, Mr. Sayer, who is chosen town clerk of
Wallingford, for his Majesty's approbation. [S.P. Dom., Car. II.
416, No. 154.] |
Sept. 19. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to the Earl of Conway. In my last I
enclosed a letter of Mr. Savile's of the 20th. Herewith goes
another of the 23rd but not accompanied, as the former was
with a private letter to which Mr. Savile refers. Where it sticks,
I cannot tell. |
|
Lord Shaftesbury is very pleasant on our judges. He says
those now on the Bench are run off their legs; others that will
carry the prerogative higher must be had in their places. Sir
George Jeffreys, Sir Francis Withens and Sir William Scroggs,
junior, will carry on the work for a while, till a parliament comes.
Thus he drolls with his friends. |
|
The faction could not agree last night at their club whom
to set up for Lord Mayor. Sir Thomas Gold has not interest
enough, they say, to carry it against Sir John Moore and Sir John
Shorter, the other competitor, is thought fit to be suspected,
because the King owes him money. The club is adjourned
hereupon till Wednesday. |
|
Just now Mr. Dent brings me a hawker that cried now at
10 at night Lord Shaftesbury's speech that was burnt by the
hangman. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 62, p. 301.] |
Saturday, Sept. 19. London. |
Newsletter to Roger Garstell, Newcastle. (Account of Acts
passed in Scotland.) |
|
The Paris Gazette of the 13th (n.s.) says they have letters there
from Poitiers giving account of 3,682 persons that have abjured
the reformed religion in the towns and villages about St. Maixent,
and no wonder, since they are with such cruelties forced thereto. |
|
Yesterday two small vessels of about 60 tons apiece came up
to Tower Wharf, full of women, children and some few men
from France and more are landed this week in other places.
The persecutions of France grow daily worse and worse, since
the King has commanded the deputies from Poictou to depart
the Court and most of the havens are so shut up that it is difficult
for any to get away. |
|
The Swiss reformed cantons have appointed 18 Sept. for a
general fast in consideration of the persecutions in France. |
|
The march of the King's troops towards Italy alarms those
parts and also the states of Genoa and Geneva and the cantons
of Switzerland, who have forbid any further levies of their people
for the French service and it's thought they will recall such of
their subjects as are now in that service. |
|
Letters from Paris give account that a servant of Mr. Savile,
his Majesty's ambassador, and a servant of the Duc d'Elbeuf
drinking together quarrelled and from words fell to blows. The
Monsieur, having the worse, resented it as did also his master,
who with that servant and many others in a violent and
tumultuous manner came to the Ambassador's house and would
have forced entrance. His Excellency sent out one of his gentlemen to know the reason of that appearance, who was no sooner
with them but they knocked him down, on which the English
came all out and with sword and pistol soon cleared the place
of them, killing some and wounding others. His Excellency
complained to the King, who promised just satisfaction and in
the interim commanded the Duke to retire to his government
of Monteray till further order and appointed persons to examine
the whole action and to seize those concerned in this violation. |
|
By way of Holland we have letters from Algiers saying it's
certain that six ships of Tunis are out with the intention to cruise
in the narrow of the Straits with Algier colours. |
|
Letters from Genoa say that the Holland convoy had put in
there and set on shore for the use of that republic 3,000 granadoes
and 1,000 bombs, being very jealous of France, who has, it's
said, espoused the interest of Count Fisque, a Genoese, who has
published in Paris a manifesto, charging that republic with 200
years' arrears of 200,000 crowns per annum from the time the
Genoese threw off the French yoke and arrested all the estates
of his ancestors, Certain it is that the garrison of that important
place, Casale, the key of Italy, will be delivered up to France
and they wait for the French forces to receive it. |
|
Seth Sothell, one of the proprietors of Carolina, where he was
sailing in quality of Governor near three years since, was taken
and carried into Algier, where he remained above 2 years a slave
in chains, 5 months working as a day labourer to a mason,
occasioned by his quality being discovered by the Jews here
in combination with Cole and Willbourne there, so that 50,000
dollars was demanded for his ransom, with all which his Majesty
in Council was formerly acquainted and in tender compassion
gave to Mr. Sothell's friends here Hodgemarr and Buffelaball,
two Algier captains, his prisoners, for his ransom, who were
actually exchanged for him by contract, after which by the said
combinators Sothell was detained in Algier, till he was forced
to sign bills for a considerable sum, for which he was on his arrival
here arrested and imprisoned, all which was in Council last
Wednesday represented to his Majesty, who ordered the cause
to be removed into the King's Bench and that the AttorneyGeneral should defend in his Majesty's name against Mercer
and Pryaulx, the plaintiffs. [3 pages. Admiralty, Greenwich
Hospital 1, No. 135.] |
Sept. 20. |
[Dr. Butler] to Sir Leoline Jenkins. I have seriously considered
Sir J[ames Hayes] and W[ilson]. I told you three months had
passed and you had got nothing but against W[ilson] and I am of
opinion you will not get anything further. As to him there is
enough and I verily believe he will not die by keeping a secret to
save any. Therefore, since you can expect no further, I think, if
you now lay hold on him, 'twill be much for his Majesty's service,
in regard it will certainly strike such a damp on that party that they
will not venture to choose any but Sir John Moore for Lord Mayor,
especially if the King come to town on that. Thereby his coming
to town before the election will not be looked on as coming to
overawe the election, but as being concerned to discover the
plot. I believe, if you seize him and Clerke about the last of
this week, it will turn to great and good account. I have ordered
Mr. Herne to wait on you this morning, who is an honest man,
second cousin to Sir Nathaniel Herne. Pray communicate
this to the K[ing], but I think, if you slip this time, you may
not have the like opportunity. W[ilson] and Clerke are to be
seized at the same time, W[ilson's] father's house and W[ilson's]
chamber at S[haftesbury] house, of which you shall have notice.
The best place to seize W[ilson] is at S[haftesbury's] in the Tower
in a morning. Endorsed, Dr. Butler. [S.P. Dom., Car. II.
416, No. 155.] |
Sept. 20. Dover Castle. |
Col. John Strode to Sir Leoline Jenkins. I have not been
able yet to go my circuit through the ports and am not able to
give you the names of such as will supply the places of the officers
that are dead and removed, nobody being willing to put themselves to the trouble and charge, and I must do it by persuasion
when on the place and so, when his Royal Highness was Lord
Warden, I had blank commissions to fill up. I cannot tell what
you may think on it and therefore Mr. Norwood, my servant,
will wait on you with this and he has the vacancies for the
commissions, if you think it fitting. Otherwise the militia will
be imperfect. [Ibid. No. 156.] Enclosed, |
The said list of vacancies. [Ibid. No. 156 i.] |
Sept. 20. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to Lord Brouncker. I have now his Majesty's
pleasure from Lord Conway touching the freeing of the French
ship brought up to Plymouth, viz., his Majesty continues his
first resolution of restoring the French ship, the St. Michael,
and judges the petition of Monsegur (that's the captain) to be a
sufficient acknowledgement and desires you to signify so much
to the Admiralty Commissioners, that the man may be put to
no further vexation. I beseech you to communicate this to
the Board, if the Commissioners happen to be assembled; otherwise, that you would direct your order, as it was first made and
passed by the Admiralty Commissioners to be issued and have
its effect. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 62, p. 302.] |
Sept. 20. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to the Earl of Conway. As soon as I had
your letter of yesterday, I wrote to the Admiralty Commissioners
and they issued their order for releasing the French ship out of
hand. |
|
I now send you the French and Flanders letters. By the first
you will see that the joint memorial is delivered ere this. |
|
Though I have been twice at Lord Hyde's house since his
arrival, I have had the ill luck not to find him at home, so I cannot
by this post give you any account of your commands. [Ibid.
p. 303.] |
Sept. 20. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to Archdeacon Grenville. In answer to
your two queries I have this to offer. 1. That yourself being
the person, at least one of them, that bound over the Fanatic,
you seem to have chosen the remedies that the temporal laws
afford against his insolence and you will not be allowed, as I
conceive, to prosecute him in the ecclesiastical court, having
pushed the case against him to the utmost to a verdict, that
is a judgment, in the temporal court. 2. Prohibitions are granted
on suggestions less cogent than this of the equity of that maxim in
all laws, that none is to be punished twice for the same offence,
and it will be a hard matter to get a consultation in that case.
3. Though the recommending of good elections be a thing that
your duty to the Church and your loyalty to the King might
very reasonably and laudably invite you to at that time, yet it
is not of that order of things, as it may be pretended, that are
privileged by the rubrick, because 'tis nowhere commanded by
authority to be done at that precise time and in that place. The
jury did not do their duty, but you have done yours, both in
recommending the elections and prosecuting the disturber. [S.P.
Dom., Entry Book 62, p. 303.] |
Tuesday, Sept. 20. London. |
Newsletter to Roger Garstell, Newcastle. Our last letters
from Scotland are of the 13th, which left his Highness and the
whole Court in good health. The Duchess, Lady Anne and
the ladies of quality, when the weather is fair, divert themselves
on horseback some few miles of Edinburgh with hats and plumes
of feathers on them. |
|
Lord Hyde has been nobly treated and particularly on Sabbath
day, the 11th, by the Governor of Edinburgh Castle, where all
the great guns were discharged, and Tuesday morning following
he set forward for England. |
|
(Giving an account of various Acts passed there.) |
|
A petition was presented by the Court of Admiralty praying
that suspensions and advocations may be repassed by their own
judge only, and not by the Lords of the Session as formerly
and now, which was remitted to the Lords of the Articles. A
petition was presented by the Lords of Session praying that,
as the summer session was by a late Act wholly taken away,
three of the Lords of Justiciary be authorized by Act of Parliament
to sit in July annually to determine all emergencies and other
matters which may occur. |
|
The Haarlem Courant says they have advice from Smyrna by
way of Venice that by fire from heaven in the city of Babylon, now
by the Turks called Bagdad, 300 houses and a mosque were burnt. |
|
In Magdeburg the plague rages much, and the following
happened there, which may serve as a warning not to jest with
judgments. Two doctors, a barber and a notary being full of
drink queried amongst themselves who should die first and at
length resolved to answer it by throwing dice. The eldest doctor
threw 11, the other 9, the barber 8, the notary, being very unwilling,
after much persuasion threw 2. The other three drank him a
good voyage to heaven, but it fell out otherwise. The two doctors
died soon after, the barber next, who on his death-bed told the
story; the surviving notary is under great penitence for his
presumption. |
|
(Giving the price that drugs and coffee berries, cotton yarn,
Carmania wool, indigo and saltpetre fetched that morning at
the sale at the East India house.) |
|
His Majesty and the whole Court are in good health at Newmarket, whither Lord Hyde is already come from Scotland.
His Majesty holds his resolution of being at London the 28th.
The 29th is our election of Lord Mayor, in which it's believed
the Hall will be much divided for and against Sir John Moore,
who is next in course. |
|
Yesterday Captains Veal and Trewick, who came up from
Cornwall with an address to his Majesty from many thousands
of the tinners, went down to Newmarket to present it. [3 pages.
Admiralty, Greenwich Hospital 1, No. 136.] |
Sept. 20. Whitehall. |
Sir Leoline Jenkins to the Lord Lieutenant. (Calendared
in the Ormonde Papers, Vol. VI., p. 159, where "Moyne" should
be "Moyre," and "Duffis" "Duffy.") [S.P. Ireland, Car. II.
341, p. 95.] |
Sept. 21. [Received.] |
John Bostock to the King and the Privy Council. Petition
for admission to an almsman's place in Rochester Cathedral,
lately vacant, he having obtained letters for one after the placing
of former grants, but the church demurring to put him into the
same on account of a late letter on behalf of the poor Tangier
soldiers. The petitioner lost his right leg on board the Kent in
1666 in the Dutch war. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 416, No. 157.] |
Sept. 22. |
The information of Francisco de Faria. Last November he
was sent for by Mr. Arnold, and at a cookshop at the Cock in
Essex Buildings Arnold offered, whereas in his information before
Sir Philip Matthewes he had mentioned Wyatt, who had tampered
with him about cudgelling a certain person, to show him the said
Wyatt, for he was one of the Marquess of Worcester's gentlemen,
saying that the informant should swear positively that he was the
person that had tampered with him in Gray's Inn Walks, for Mr.
Arnold said he would swear him to be the person that assassinated
him, as he (Arnold) did Giles, and that the informant would find all
the world would believe it, for this was the nick of time to bring
down the Marquess of Worcester, whose ancestors were all Papists,
saying further that, if the informant would swear the Marquess
of Worcester's gentleman to be the said Wyatt and that he saw
the Marquess at chapel and Mass at the Portugal Ambassador's
house, he would give him 50 guineas, adding that the informant,
being of the Ambassador's house, would be easily believed.
The informant asking in what terms he should swear, Arnold
replied, he must swear he saw the Marquess confess to a Popish
priest and saw the same priest at Mass and give the
Sacrament after the Romish way to the Marquess, whereon
he should be called to give the same in evidence at the bar
of the House of Commons, saying further that it was not the
Marquess alone, who was to be sworn to be a Papist but several
others, meaning the Earls of Clarendon and Halifax and that
French fop, meaning, as he explained, the Earl of Feversham.
You are the only man, said he, that must prove them Papists,
as others can prove that they have been often at the Portugal
Ambassador's. The informant replied, it was impossible for
him to prove all these lords to be Papists. Arnold replied, could
you but prove the King to be a Papist as well as you can make
it appear these lords are Papists, it would be the greatest thing
ever done, but all in good time. The informant answered, it
was impossible for any man to prove the King a Papist. Said
Mr. Arnold, he is a Papist; you shall see great alterations,
you shall see this kingdom brought into a republic, for we shall
bring the King's head to the block, as the fool, the ass, his father's
was, and then you shall see us play footballs with the bastards he
leaves. After this a certain ordinary person came in and
whispered to Arnold, who thereupon said, let us go and I'll show
you this Wyatt. The last words were spoken in the hearing
of the master of the Cock. They hastened thence towards the
Marquess of Worcester's house and, having placed themselves
over against the gate and seen the coach go in as also some of the
gentlemen meeting it in the court-yard, Arnold with the informant
approaching the gate pointed to one of the gentlemen saying,
there is Wyatt, that is he you must swear tampered with you
in Gray's Inn Walks. I'll swear him to be the person that
assassinated me. The informant replied, that is not the man
that met me in Gray's Inn and I cannot swear it, for, were he the
same person, I am sure I should know him. They went back
to the King's Head tavern, where Arnold endeavoured to persuade
the informant that it was Wyatt and promised to show him
Wyatt again the first opportunity and giving him two guineas
bade him meet him next day at the Court of Requests, saying
that, when the informant had sworn what was desired, he should
have not only the 50 guineas promised but 50 more. Next day
the informant asked Arnold, if he had had any further sight
of Wyatt. Arnold replied, No, for he is shy and keeps close,
but said, when he had taken him, by virtue of a warrant he said
he had, he would send for the informant and gave him another
guinea. [4 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 416, No. 158.] |
[Sept. 22 ?] |
Thomas Harwood, prisoner in the common side of Newgate,
to the Earl of Danby, Lord Latimer and Thomas Cheeke, Lieutenant of the Tower. Petition stating that the petitioner for
his constancy in the preservation of their lordships' honour
suffers very extraordinary cruelty, being ordered to lie on the
bare boards and to feed on bread and water so commanded by
the Duke of Buckingham and caused to be executed by Jenks,
his agent, so that he is very sick and in danger of death, Jenks
having laid 1,000l. judgment on him, all, because he denied and
denies to take a false oath of what Jenks forced him to invent
against their Honours, they still endeavouring to draw him to
the same by offers of liberty and reward, but he, being inclined
to discover the wicked designs of these conspirators, has already
sent his petition and papers to the King and Council, and praying
their help for his relief that he may not starve before he has
discovered the conspiracy and vindicated their Honours. The
petitioner was compelled to sign the said judgment or was
threatened ever to remain in a former prison; Jenks and one
Hall then declaring that it was taken only to keep the petitioner
in awe, that he should not speak or act any thing against the
Duke of Buckingham. At the foot, |
Sept. 22. |
Certificate by William Smith of the Middle Temple, William
Robinson of the College, M.D., and Maurice Cotter, cornet
in the late disbanded army, all prisoners in the common
side of Newgate, that the petitioner is in a very sick and
deplorable condition. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 416, No. 159.] |
Sept. 22. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to the Bishop of London. I beseech you
to let me mind you, on occasion of the prebend now vacant at
Westminster, of the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford's case. He was
last May represented to his Majesty as a person necessary to be
continued for this year in the office of Vice-Chancellor, but, the
narrowness of his condition being at the same time made known
to his Majesty, he said he would provide for him by giving him
some good prebend or dignity. Lord Conway and Mr. Seymour
were then present and bore witness very amply to the ViceChancellor's good conduct. This I thought it my duty to intimate
to you, leaving the care of this good man to your charity and
intercession with my lords. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 62, p. 305.] |
Sept. 22. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to Col. Strode. Mr. Cooke as well as myself
conclude that the King will sign no blanks, therefore I offer it
to you to prepare commissions de bene esse filled with such names
as you shall think fit and send them to me, giving in your letters
your knowledge or belief of the fitness of such persons for
such commissions. Then the character of the persons and the
commissions shall at the same time be laid before his Majesty.
If you like not this way, please send me your letters from the
ports as you go along, recommending such as you find fittest
to supply the vacancies. We will get the commissions writ here
and send them you, if his Majesty so please, signed and countersigned. [Ibid. p. 306.] |
Sept. 22. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to Sir Roger Norwich. I am confident
the faction deceive themselves in their computations, but they
will forgive themselves their own errors very easily as long as
they can impose on others, which I take to be the case at this
time. |
|
Though the Mayor was never restored by the Commissioners,
yet, I suppose, he has qualified himself since their commission
expired and the statute of the 13th of the King, I know, is so
expounded as that he was not disabled, on his removing, for
ever. I take the true meaning to be otherwise, for the law
enabling commissioners to put men out, if they saw cause, notwithstanding their complying with all the tests, never intended
that men once removed as dangerous to the government should
come in by a back door, whether the government would or no. |
|
What you write about the sheriffs I rejoice to have occasion
to lay before his Majesty, which I am sure will give him the
greater content in that it will be an eminent example to other
counties. This I cannot hope to do with that conveniency that
it requires, till he come back from Newmarket. [S.P. Dom., Entry
Book 62, p. 307.] |
[After 22 Sept.] |
Thomas Harwood to Sir Leoline Jenkins. Petition stating
that Mr. Jenks and Mrs. Price have been tampering with him
to sign papers of which he knew not the consequence, and to
induce him made him many great promises of preferment and other
kindness, but he refusing was cast into prison on an action of
2,000l. where for two months he endured great extremities and
was forced to beg relief at the door, and he, to procure his liberty,
was prevailed on to sign papers of dangerous consequence, as
he believes, which he understands are in the hands of a Mr. Hall,
and therefore praying an order to Mr. Hall to produce all the
said papers. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 416, No. 160.] |
Sept. 23. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to William Thursby, Chief Justice of the
Isle of Ely. Your letter to me concerning Woodroffe, a prisoner
in your Isle, was delivered to his Majesty by the Earl of Thomond
who, having read it, directed the enclosed revocation to be prepared
for his signature. Sir Richard Dereham, the late City Remembrancer, was the person who presented Woodroffe's petition and
rendered his case very pitiable. The petition was referred to
you. I signed the reference and Sir Richard Dereham charged
himself with conveying it to you, but I find it never came to you.
This, to be sure, comes by express. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 54,
p. 98.] Enclosed, |
Warrant to the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, revoking the
reprieve to John Woodroffe (calendared ante, p. 441), and
for executing the sentence of death passed upon him, the
King being since sufficiently certified of his former felonious
miscarriages and of his obstinate persisting therein. Sept. 21,
1681. Newmarket. [Ibid. p. 99.] |
Sept. 23. Newmarket. |
Warrant for an Act to be passed in the Exchequer in favour
of Anna, Duchess of Buccleuch and Monmouth, James, Duke
of Buccleuch and Monmouth, her spouse, and her heirs of tailzie,
mentioning that, whereas in the action of reduction raised at
the instance of the said Duchess and her curators ad istam litem
against the said Duke and the other defendants for reducing
the deeds therein libelled made by the said Duchess during her
minority to her hurt a decreet is pronounced reducing the said
deeds and the infeftments, charters, &c. following thereon so
far as she is or may be hurt or prejudiced thereby and reponing
her in integrum against the same, by which decreet the foresaid
infeftments &c. are only reduced as aforesaid, but may be also
understood to be reduced simpliciter and to fall in consequence
as to the whole tenor and contents thereof, and, seeing that it
neither was nor could be intended by the said action and decreet
to reduce the said charters and infeftments so far as the same
were granted to the benefit of the said Duchess but to restore
her to her own right so far as she was lesed by the said deeds
and infeftments in her minority to her hurt, therefore his Majesty
declares that the whole foresaid charters and infeftments, so far
as the same contain new gifts with changes of holdings,
jurisdictions, privileges and liberties in favour of the said Duchess
and generally in so far as the same may be beneficial to her and
are in no ways impugned by any of the reasons libelled in the
said reduction nor inconsistent with the grounds thereof and
the infeftments and other conveyances of the lands and estate
of Buccleuch, whereby the same are settled in her, shall stand
good, valid and effectual to her and her foresaids notwithstanding
the said decreet reductive, and his Majesty further, notwithstanding the said decreet, ratifies and confirms the said charters
and infeftments in so far as the same are beneficial to her and
her foresaids, ordaining the same with the new gifts, changes of
holdings, jurisdictions, privileges and liberties and other clauses
therein, so far as they tend to the benefit of her and her heirs of
tailzie to stand good to her and them as provided in the said
charters and infeftments, as if the said decreet reductive had
never been pronounced, provided nevertheless that the above
declaration and ratification shall no ways infringe or prejudge
the said decreet of reduction, as to the reducing of the said deeds
made by her in her minority with the said infeftments following
thereon, so far as the same were to her lesion and as to her
restitution in integrum against the same and the declarator in
the said decreet relating thereto. [Over 2 pages. S.P. Scotland,
Warrant Book 6, p. 440.] |
Sept. 23. Newmarket. |
The King to the Lords of the Treasury and the remanent
Lords and others of the Exchequer of Scotland. Whereas Lord
Melvill, sole commissioner for the estate and affairs of Anna,
Duchess of Buccleuch, has for some time resided in London,
having been detained there by the absence of the said Duchess
from this kingdom and the necessity of her business and we
are informed by him that she has lately obtained a decreet of
reduction, reducing certain deeds made by her in her minority to
her lesion, whereby the charters granted on those deeds might likewise be thought to be reduced to her great prejudice, we have
therefore granted a declaration and ratification for obviating
the said inconveniency and charged the said Lord Melvill with
the presenting thereof that it may be duly passed by you and
recorded in your books for her full security and therefore we
require you to exped our said ratification and declaration in the
best form and to cause extracts thereof as shall be demanded
to be given to the said lord in her behalf and to give him all
assistance in whatsoever other affairs he may have to do with
you relating to her estate, being fully satisfied he has not only
been very careful of all her concerns, especially at this time of
her absence, but that by reason thereof he has been kept abroad
very much to his own prejudice. [Ibid. p. 443.] |
Sept. 23. Newmarket. |
Warrant for a grant of a baronetcy of Scotland to Charles
Stewart, second son of the Earl of Moray, and the heirs male
of his body and commanding the Lyon King at Arms and his
brethren to grant him such a coat of arms or such an addition
to his former coat as shall be thought necessary. [S.P. Scotland,
Warrant Book 6, p. 444.] |
Sept. 24. Newmarket. |
The Earl of Conway to Sir Leoline Jenkins. My absence since
last Tuesday is the reason you had not a speedier answer to
yours of the 20th, which was brought me at Cambridge, and,
conceiving it required no great haste, I forbore sending it to his
Majesty. I communicated it to him yesterday. He very much
approved of Mr. Savile's method for the delivery of his memorial.
His Majesty could think of no commands for you at present.
He delivered me a letter to you from the Earl of Lindsey. I understand Sir Robert Carr endeavours to justify the persons therein
complained of, which I shall take no notice of. I have sent for
Mr. Robert Wildbore and will do him all the right I can. [S.P.
Dom., Car. II. 416, No. 161.] |
Sept. 24. |
Sir James Hayes to Sir Leoline Jenkins. To-day Mr. Wilson
in a great deal of company behaved very grave, but after dinner
the whore he had formerly dealt with raised his spirits, so that
we had a fresh touch of the song of irony. A little before we
parted, I had some private discourse with him and then he told
me I should go to Lord Clare next Monday or Tuesday as from
him and he would give me a pretence to introduce me into
familiarity with him, which as yet I know not. I should also be
correspondent with Capt. Aldridge, whose father was colonel
at Hull and was the occasion of keeping the late King out of
it. This captain, he tells me, has been twice before the Council
about the proving of the Black Box, and that he will still do it
and that he has been lately near Scotland to prove that the King
was lawfully married to the Duke of Monmouth's mother and he
will swear it. So I suppose he is one of the 20 Wilson said he
had ready to swear. When I have been with Lord Clare and
this captain and have anything of moment confirmed by either
of them, you shall know it. Have a care of many eyes over all
your important actions, for many are employed to that purpose.
[Ibid. No. 162.] |
Sept. 24. Whitehall. |
Warrant to Thomas Atterbury, messenger, after reciting that
Gravely, Claypoole, Wood and divers others unknown, maliciously
employ themselves in writing divers scandalous papers and
letters for their better spreading of false news and seditious
principles and that the said scandalous papers and letters are
sent by boys, women and other suspected persons to the chief
post house in Lombard Street at very late hours of the night
the better to obscure those their evil practices; to repair to the said
post house and there to attend the bringers of such scandalous
papers and letters and to seize them and also the authors thereof,
if he can discover them, and to bring them and their scandalous
papers and letters before Secretary Jenkins at his office, there
to be examined touching the premises and to answer the same
and such other misdeamours as shall be objected against them.
[S.P. Dom., Entry Book 54, p. 100.] |
Sept. 24. Whitehall. |
Warrant to Thomas Saywell, messenger, to search for, take
into custody and bring before Secretary Jenkins Robert Jessop,
one of the constables of Deptford, against whom information
has been given of certain misdemeanours committed on the
highway, to answer to what shall be objected against him. [Ibid.
p. 101.] |
Sept. 24. Whitehall. |
Warrant to Thomas Atterbury, messenger, to search for, take
into custody and bring before Secretary Jenkins, to answer
to what shall be objected against them, Henry Paris, Thomas
Collyns, Christopher Fleet and Henry Goodyeare, against
whom information has been given that they are persons employed
to write newsletters and that several scandalous reports and false
news and reflections on persons of quality have been inserted
therein. [Ibid. p. 103.] |
Sept. 24. Newmarket. |
The Earl of Conway to the Lord Chancellor. Signifying his
Majesty's pleasure that Robert Apprice be left out of the next
commission of the peace for Huntingdonshire and that Samuel
Pepys be put in his place.—The sessions begin within 10 days
and the new commission is now in hand; therefore it is recommended to you to give order in it, before the commission passes
the seal. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 56, p. 54.] |
Sept. 25. |
Edmond Warcupp to Sir Leoline Jenkins. Advising him as
to the procedure to be taken with regard to the four writers of
newsletters, who, he understands, are in custody. [S.P. Dom.,
Car. II. 416, No. 163.] |
Sept. [25 ?]. Chichester. |
— to Sir Leoline Jenkins. The general discourse here is
how innocently College died and that his blood would certainly
cry for vengeance against the rogues that took away his life, and
that he was as innocent of what was sworn against him as the
child unborn, but I cannot find but that he was guilty of other
concerns by their own confessions. |
|
I have made all imaginable inquiries and Mr. Carleton and
I have consulted together and I find they are as factious a sort
of people as any in England and, as far as I can find by their
disposition, are ready at an hour's warning to serve the Duke of
Monmouth and Lord Grey. We suspect there may be arms in
a certain house in this town, but it must be searched by officers
of the Customs for fear of suspicion. I have been twice in company
with the greatest of their gang and I must stay two or three days
longer than my time prefixed to learn what I can, for they are a
very shy people. |
|
The Bishop is as much scorned here, as if he was a public
disturber, that is a Tory, as they call them here who love the
King. (The right date is probably Sept. 15 or 16. See ante,
pp. 455, 456.) [Ibid. No. 164.] |
Sept. 25. Whitehall. |
Warrant to Thomas Atterbury, messenger, after reciting that
certain information is given that Claypoole and divers other persons
unknown maliciously employ themselves in composing and
writing divers scandalous papers and letters for the better spreading of false news and seditious principles; to search after the
said Claypoole and the other unknown persons and to take them
into custody and bring them before Secretary Jenkins to answer
to what shall be objected against them. [S.P. Dom., Entry
Book 54, p. 102.] |
Sept. 26. Newmarket. |
The Earl of Conway to Sir Leoline Jenkins. Yesterday I
communicated yours of the 23rd and 24th to the King with
all the enclosures, none being present but Lord Arlington. The
troublesome part of all is the Spanish Ambassador's memorial,
in which he acts like scholars, who by sophistry will draw a
conclusion not comprehended in the propositions. |
|
His Majesty does not think fit to return any answer, till he
sees what account is given by Mr. Savile of the memorial already
delivered by him and the Dutch ambassador at Paris. |
|
If the French continue to make new demands in Flanders,
they break their words and do very ill. Of this his Majesty
will speak with the French ambassador. But, if there be no
more truth in this than in the Spanish ambassador's intelligence
from Newmarket, his Majesty does not wonder he makes a like
use of both to torment himself and others to no purpose. 'Tis
true that Monsr. Barillon is at Newmarket and Don Pedro de
Ronquillo may be so too, if he thinks fit. But the King protests
that on no account in the world has he had three words of discourse
with him either private or public and I am a witness of this truth
that the French Ambassador has told me the King is so perpetually
at his sports and recreations abroad, that he can find no opportunity
for business. I give you a constant account of your letters,
but you little think how much pains I take, for it is either when
he goes to bed or just as he has done sleeping after dinner; there
is no other time for it. Now for Don Pedro to make a noise of
the French Ambassador's kind reception and his extraordinary
privacies with the King and to act this with passion and concern
like a Harlequin is in my opinion a most insufferable thing and
his Majesty ought to show his resentment of it to Don Pedro. |
|
His Majesty had great divertisements by Monsr. du Quesne's
hectoring the Grand Seignior and says he is the bravest Gascon
for that part in the world, but further he can do little. |
|
He is very glad you and Sir William Turner have so good hopes
of the City for the approaching election. I have had several
letters to the same purpose and Lord Arlington confirmed it
by some correspondencies of his. We shall be impatient for
your letters, when it is over. |
|
I read very carefully to his Majesty what you wrote about
Dr. Brevint and the reasons the lords for Ecclesiastical Affairs had
sent me, why they had chosen Dr. Gardner rather than Dr. Brevint.
He declared he would do nothing on either of them towards
the disposal of the deanery of Lincoln, till he came to London. |
|
I did not read the Merionethshire address to the King, for it
grew late, but I showed it to him and had his order to send it
back to you and desires you to let it be printed, if you thought
fit. |
|
I read the paper concerning the town clerk of Oxford. If he
be admitted to the execution of his office, without his Majesty's
approbation, he conceives it makes void their charter and desires
you to take care it be prosecuted, in case it should happen. |
|
His Majesty goes to-morrow with the Queen to Cambridge
and returns at night. 'Tis the Queen's importunity to see the
University that carries him there and they will be entertained
by the University very splendidly at St. John's. [3 pages. S.P.
Dom., Car. II. 416, No. 165.] |
Sept. 26. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to the Earl of Conway. I am forced to
trouble you to-night with a great packet. What swells it most
is a memorial I received this evening from the Spanish Ambassador
with certain letters he referred to in it. |
|
He told me indeed in giving it me that the war was now declared,
but there is nothing of that in the memorial or enclosed papers.
His meaning, as he explained it afterwards, was that the French
Procureur du Roy now at Courtray demands le vieux bourg de
Gand, le Pays d'Alost &c. or else an equivalent in Luxemburg
or on the frontiers of Navarre or else on the frontiers of Spain
and he has given the Spaniards six weeks to resolve what to do.
If then no equivalent be assigned, the French King will then
put himself into posession of the Pays d'Alost and those other
places he claims, but will not fortify them; nay, he will be
reimbursed of the damages he has sustained in being kept out
of possession all this while. |
|
These places the Prince of Parma will never give an equivalent
for, much less will he give them up without force and 'tis on this
account that Don Pedro looks on the war as already declared,
because it must be at the six weeks' end. He was in a great
passion most of the time I waited on him and made a grievous
complaint of the privacies that the French Ambassador is
admitted to at court, to the great slighting of his master's ministers,
and the close alliance now between his Majesty and him. |
|
To-morrow I am, he told me, to expect another memorial
with a deduction of the French pretensions to an equivalent.
The other thing that swells the packet is a relation from
Constantinople, Venice and Zante how the Sieur du Quesne
has destroyed 8 Tripolines in the Grand Seignior's port of Scio
and how he has huffed the Turks. His Majesty will judge it to
be an incident that may draw vast consequences on it. Sir J.
Finch's relation is full but things were then not exactly known,
therefore I join two other relations. |
|
Alderman Sir William Turner was with me on purpose this
evening (and he is no sanguine man) to tell me there were good
hopes that Sir John Moore would yet be Lord Mayor, which he
always thought me to despair of, but my own intelligencers
bring me word from several parts of the City that the heads
of the faction have already sent to Sir John under hand to let
him know they will give him no disturbance in the election. |
|
I am told that his Majesty is pleased to declare himself in
favour of Dr. Brevint to succeed in the deanery of Lincoln. If
an objection be thrown in his way that he has a living worth
300l. and a prebend worth 200l. a year, he assures me he does
not make 150l. a year out of both and, if he has this mark of
his Majesty's bounty, he does not intend to keep what he now
has at so great a distance. If you see any occasion for it, I beg
you to suggest these considerations, if you think they may be
of any weight with his Majesty. |
|
The Marquess of Worcester sends me the enclosed Address
from Monmouthshire (Merionethshire), which is the least county
in Wales. I beseech you to show it to his Majesty and to beg
his leave to have it printed. |
|
I enclose Sir R. Bulstrode's last letter, that you may see the
preparations of the Prince of Parma are for the winter divertisements rather than for a rupture with France. |
|
I trouble you likewise with the account of the would be town
clerk of Oxford. (This letter is plainly dated the 26th, but from
the last letter, which is an answer to it, it must be of the 23rd
or 24th.) [Over 3 pages. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 62, p. 309.] |
Sept. 26. Newmarket. |
The King to the Duke of Albany and York, High Commissioner
and High Admiral of Scotland. Whereas a petition is presented
to us by Robert Glanfield, master of the late ship called the George
and Thomas of London, setting forth that last November, being
homeward-bound from Norway, he was by stress of weather
greatly disabled, but, driving on the coast of Zetland, a boat
from the shore carried him and the survivors of the ship's company
to Grief's Kerry (Grif Skerry), an uninhabited rock, where they remained one night, and next morning found the ship harboured with
other boats at Hamney-vow (Hamnavoe) in Zetland, where he agreed
with the savers thereof and was put in possession of the ship and
loading, on which he went to refit her, but some days after
Laurence Steward, the deputy admiral of that place, dispossessed
him of his ship and goods and disposed thereof at very mean
rates for his own use, setting fines on such of the country people
as assisted the said master and threatened to set heavy fines
on any that should be helpful to him, we now let you know that
it is our express pleasure that this matter may be strictly and
impartially examined, as you shall judge most effectual and
suitable to justice, that, if it shall appear to be according to the
master's relation, you may order the most effectual course to be
taken for the speedy and full reimbursement of his losses and
damages. [S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 6, p. 446.] |
Sept. 26. Newmarket. |
The King to the Lords of the Treasury of Scotland. Warrant,
after reciting that James Burkin and Henry Waade of London,
merchants, the assigns of Philip and Theodore Johnson of Nantes,
had represented that the King's Advocate had appeared in the
Admiral's Court in Scotland against the petitioners in the process
depending at their instance against John Nevin, deceased,
conform to a decreet obtained by them in the said Court, whereby
he is decerned to pay them upwards of 15,000l. Scots, and that by
his letter to the Privy Council of 28 July, 1680, (calendared in
the last volume p. 577) it was declared that any favour extended
to the said Nevin, then a prisoner, should not free him or his
ship and goods from any debts due by him to the said Theodore
Johnson or others; authorizing and requiring them to discharge
the said Advocate from putting any stop or hindrance to the
procedure of the petitioners, till they be lawfully satisfied of
their just pretensions against the said Nevin, with a proviso
that, if the said Nevin has left more estate than will satisfy the
said debt, they take special care that such remainder be secured
to the King according to the law and custom of that kingdom.
[S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 6, p. 447.] |
Sept. 26. Newmarket. |
Warrant for a charter of new infeftment to Kenneth, Earl of
Seaforth, his heirs male and assigns whatsoever, of the lands and
barony of Strathwordale on the resignation of Lachlan McFingon
of Strathwordale and also of the advocation and patronage of
the kirk of Inverness on the resignation of George, Earl of
Panmure, with a new gift and an erection of the premises into
the barony of Strathwordale and with a change of the holding
from simple ward to taxt ward. [Docquet. Ibid. p. 448.] |
Sept. 26. Newmarket. |
Warrant for a charter to Robert, Viscount of Arbuthnet,
his heirs male and assigns, of the Shaddow half of the lands of
Arrot and Lichtounhill with the half of the milne and lands of
milnetoun of Arrot with the salmond fishing of the said lands
on the water of Southesk, together with other lands, with a new
gift and a ratification of the charters therein mentioned and with
a change of the holding from simple ward to taxt ward. [1½ page.
Docquet. Ibid. p. 450.] |
Sept. 26. Newmarket. |
Warrant for a ratification and confirmation to the Chirurgeons,
Chirurgeon-Apothecaries and Barbers, freemen of the incorporations of the Chirurgeons, Chirurgeon-Apothecaries and Barbers of
Edinburgh, of the acts, gifts, rights, privileges, immunities and
freedoms granted them by his Majesty's progenitors and others,
with a proviso that their said rights are not to be prejudiced
by any grants made or to be made to the Apothecaries or to any
Incorporation or College of Physicians. [Docquet. Ibid. p. 451.] |
Sept. 26. Newmarket. |
Warrant for a charter to John Govane of Cardrona, his heirs
and assigns, of the lands of Cardrona in the parochin of Kailyea
and shirefdome of Peebles, with a new gift and a change of the
holding from simple ward to taxt ward. [Docquet. Ibid. p. 452.] |
Sept. 26. Newmarket. |
Warrant for a charter of new infeftment to James Williamson
of Hutchingfield and Elizabeth Porteouse, his spouse, in conjunct
fee and life rent and to the heirs of their bodies with remainder
to the said Williamson, his heirs and assigns, of the lands of
Foullage and Melvingsland in the parochin and shirefdome
of Peebles on his own resignation, with a new gift and a change
of the holding from simple ward to taxt ward. [Docquet. S.P.
Scotland, Warrant Book 6, p. 453.] |
Sept. 26. Newmarket. |
Memorials of protections in the ordinary form to James Dunlap
of that ilk, Arthur Udney, brother to the Laird of Udney, and
James Cleghorn, burgess of Edinburgh, for two years respectively.
[Ibid. pp. 453, 454.] |
Sept. 27. London. |
— to [Sir Leoline Jenkins]. I find by some of the people
I have associated myself with that the fanatic party are in
a very great readiness for a rebellion, though they speak it
supposingly, yet they seem to question the fidelity of the West
Country men as fearing they should not be true to their friends
and it was supposed they need not fear what might happen, to
which they pray others may not give occasion, yet I am confident it is their daily devotion in their hearts. |
|
It is supposed there must be store of arms in a great house
of Mr. Faringdon in South Street, which was formerly their meeting
place. It has stood empty for some years, and he says he intends
to pull it down, yet he put a maid out of the country into it,
and few or none of his other servants come into it. She has been
seen to open the doors very early in the morning and sometimes
late at night, but one cannot see them open in the day time.
One of their own party said, if it were full of good arms, it would
hold a great many. Two more houses are suspected, a meetinghouse they used formerly, and one now used, which they call
Stockbridge, where I went last Sunday with three or four of
their own party. They have lately a man at the gate to look
after all that come for fear of strangers. Though I had so many
of their own party with me, he would not let me pass, nor those
that were with me. He asked Dr. Smith and Mr. Johnston,
if they knew me. They answering not, he told me he had orders
not to let any stranger in. He told one of those with me, he
should go in, if he pleased, for he remembered he used to come
to the hearing, but he would not, because I was not admitted,
so we returned another way, for this meeting-house stands half
a mile out of the town in the meadows. |
|
Dr. Day in a place called the Manhood had a servant maid.
She and her mother were both Presbyterians and going one
Sunday to meeting the parson, who was to preach, would have
imposed an oath on the whole congregation, but this old woman
desired leave to consider, because it was a thing, which in her
conscience she could not do, but he would not allow any time, but
immediately caused her and her daughter to be turned out of
the congregation and never suffered either to come near them
any more. Mr. Carleton will go this week to Mr. Day to inform
himself further and to try to find out as much as he can as well
in that as other things. |
|
It is very credible that the Presbyterians at Lewes against
College's execution kept a very strict fast and it is supposed
they of Chichester did the like, but of that we want confirmation. |
|
Monday sennight all the loyal gentlemen met at Petworth
to consider how to oppose the Presbyterians, who are making
all the interest they can against the next parliament. It is
much feared by the loyal party in Chichester that the D[uke
of] M[onmouth] coming into the country next February is only to
see what strength they have and to know their force. |
|
The names of the persons the Dissenting party are resolved
to choose for Sussex for the next parliament:—Sir John Fagg,
Mr. Buttler, knights of the shire; Major Braman, Richard
Farington, Chichester; Mr. Cooke, Mr. Peachie, Arundel; Sir John
Fagg's two sons for Steyning; Sir John Fagg's son-in-law and
Capt. Sheale, Shoreham; Major Bridger, Mr. Pelham, Lewes.
[2½ pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 416, No. 166.] |
Sept. 27. Oxford. |
Serjeant Richard Holloway to Sir Leoline Jenkins. Since
I troubled you about Mr. Sayer, the town clerk elect of Wallingford,
I have perused their charter and find they have power on any
just cause to remove their town clerk or any other of their
burgesses or assistants, which they might do, without any such
provision in their charter, for a non-user or a misuser is a forfeiture
of an office. In 1676 an order was made pursuant to the charter
and notice given to remove Mr. Loader, if he did not attend the
execution of his place, and for this cause they have now actually
removed him. By reason of this great neglect there has been
a great failure of justice both in criminal and civil causes, the
charter not admitting of a deputy. I am sorry Mr. Loader's
circumstances are such as to put the corporation on this way
of proceeding, but I do not see how they can avoid it and I fear
Mr. Loader's troubles are so great, for which he is now in custody,
that he is never able to extricate himself from them. The Mayor
runs such hazard for want of an able responsible town clerk
to reside there, that they can no longer keep up the government
of the place without such an officer. [Ibid. No. 167.] |
Sept. 27. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to the Earl of Conway. Yours of yesterday
brought me the King's pleasure on many particulars. I enclose
the Spanish Ambassador's additional memorial, which he has
corrected in the places that exceptions were taken to. |
|
All the news to-day out of the City is that a strong opposition
is intended against Sir John Moore. Those that have conjured
up this spirit are said to be the Duke of Monmouth, the Earl
of Essex and Lord Russell, who were lately among the faction
in the City to excite the present heat. |
|
The pretended motive for this sudden change would be thought
ridiculous, but that it is too sad and undutiful to be laughed
at. It is that if the King die (which God forbid) this year, they
have need of an honest man, since he will have a main share as
Lord Mayor of London in the trust of proclaiming a successor.
[S.P. Dom., Entry Book 62, p. 313.] |
Sept. 27. |
Secretary Jenkins to Viscount Hyde. I shall not trouble
you with what I write to Lord Conway about Sir John Moore's
election, the news out of the City having gone all this day against
him. |
|
Don Pedro Ronquillo set out about 10 for Newmarket. I
have given Lord Conway his memorial, which is now corrected.
We have had no committee to-day or yesterday nor any material
examinations. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 62, p. 313.] |
Sept. 27. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to Mr. Ellesdon. It is not out of neglect
but constraint that your letter of the 3rd is no sooner answered.
I am to acquaint you that his Majesty and as many of the Council
as have seen your letter approve very much of your care. What
the lords, to whom his Majesty referred this affair, direct is that
you as a Justice take the informations that Thomas Baynard
can give on oath and transmit copies of them to me to be communicated to his Majesty in Council. If the words prove to be
downright treason, my lords will on the evidence direct one
thing, if but traitorous and seditious, another. The information
ought to be clear and circumstantiated with time, place and
persons present, as near as the deponent can remember. You
are further desired to take depositions of any other that can say
any thing on the same subject and transmit them to me. [Ibid.
p. 319.] |
Sept. 27. Kilkenny. |
The Lord Lieutenant to Sir Leoline Jenkins. The persons
recommended for protection have not been with me for it. When
they come, they shall have it to the extent his Majesty commands,
but I doubt some of them will have little advantage by any
protection that shall go no further. My son Arran will show
you something concerning Morley, which I have not time to
repeat. I intend to be at Dublin about the time his Majesty returns to Whitehall, that I may be nearer his commands and
perform my duties, when other councillors and officers shall be
returned from their country habitations. [S.P. Ireland, Car. II.
342, No. 62.] |
Sept. 28. |
Justices Warcupp and Parry to Sir Leoline Jenkins. We
have taken the informations on oath of Henry Goodyeare, Henry
Paris, Theophilus Collyns and Christopher Fleete, which we
deliver to Mr. Atterbury, and also their recognizances to give
evidence according to their informations, when required. [S.P.
Dom., Car. II. 416, No. 168.] |
Sept. 28. Newmarket. |
The Earl of Conway to the Earl of Peterborough. Signifying
his Majesty's pleasure that he grant a commission to William
Washbourne of Pitcheley to be one of the deputy lieutenants
of Northamptonshire. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 56, p. 55.] |
Sept. 28. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to the Earl of Conway. All our attention
here is on the work of to-morrow in choosing the Lord Mayor.
Jeakell and others of his size are as busy as possible, but I cannot
find that Sir Robert Clayton or Sir Thomas Player appear in
their persons; indeed Sir Robert is not in town. |
|
The Council committed Wetheridge, an oilman of Holborn,
to Newgate to-day for saying that the Parliament at Oxford were
fools in not seizing the King, that, had they wanted help, he
would have been one to bring the King to London and the Parliament should have sat at Guildhall. This was thought to be
treason. |
|
They talk again of petitioning and that Lords Salisbury,
Bedford and Essex are sent for to come to town. [S.P. Dom.,
Entry Book 62, p. 314.] |
Sept. 29. Newmarket. |
The Earl of Conway to Sir Leoline Jenkins. I read yours of
the 27th to his Majesty, as he was going to bed. Lord Hyde
had one from you the day before importing the same matters
about the City, which he had not acquainted the King with,
so we communicated them both together. His Majesty will
not confirm the new Lord Mayor, who is to be chosen to-day,
if the election be irregular and contrary to the customs of the
City. |
|
I delivered your Chichester letter to Lord Hyde yesterday
by your order, as he told me. I also delivered him in his Majesty's
presence the Spanish additional memorial, because he brought
down the copy of the first and so we shall compare them together.
He disowns all reflections on the King's ministers or having any
intention of persuading him to break his measures, all which
his first memorial did fully import. Don Pedro is now come
hither and will see that the French Ambassador has not more
countenance than himself. He had a long discourse yesterday
with his Majesty and afterwards told me he was in horrid pain
all the while, and that these last three days he had voided above
80z. of gravel. |
|
Monsr. Barillon is very pert and glories much in his Master's
hectoring the Emperor, the Pope and the Great Turk all at once.
I told him it was a pity the Grand Seignior and his Master were
not nearer neighbours, that the world might see which of them
was most concerned to maintain their glory. |
|
Our company here begins to increase exceedingly. Lord Hyde
talked of going away to-morrow, but I think I have persuaded
him to stay till Saturday. [1½ page. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 416,
No. 169.] |
Michaelmas Day, Sept. 29. 11 o'clock. |
Secretary Jenkins to the Lord Chancellor. There is something
in a letter I have just received from Lord Hyde, who is now at
Newmarket, relating to the Lord Mayor, who is now a choosing,
which I think it my duty to communicate to you, in regard you
will be applied to for the approbation of the Lord Mayor Elect. |
|
He writes, his Majesty bids me send you word that, if any but
Sir J. Moore be chosen, he will refuse him positively, if by law he
can do it and you may contradict that report given out that he
will not refuse any that is chosen, for he commands me to send
you word to the contrary. This being the King's present resolution
and desires, I submit it to you how far the law allows it to be
complied with in the part that lies in your hands to perform. |
|
I enclose a piece of curiosity that the last post brought me from
Paris. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 62, p. 315.] |
Sept. 29. |
Secretary Jenkins to the Earl of Bellomont. That I might
answer your letter of the 12th the more pertinently, I have taken
some pains to find out and inspect the grant of a baronetcy of
England to Sir Cornelis Martin Tromp and in the first place
I desire you to believe I shall always take it for a favour to be
employed in anything that may gratify you, especially wherein
his Majesty's service is also concerned, as I think it is in the honour
you propose to be done to the Heer van Newland &c., which I
shall lay before his Majesty at his return from Newmarket and
doubt not but your recommendation will easily prevail with
him to effect it. In the meantime I must entreat you to send
me Heer van Newland's Christian name with such additional
titles of office, employment or dignity belonging to him as may
be fit to be inserted in such a patent, for so I find it done in
Sir Cornelis' grant. I shall also take care that a clause for bearing
the coat of arms be inserted in as full and ample terms as the
same was granted to the said Sir Cornelis. [Ibid.] |
Sept. 29. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to the Bishop of Exeter. Sir John Moore,
a person acceptable to the King, is to-day chosen Lord Mayor.
The Dissenters, though they had made us believe in a manner
that they would sit still, gave him a stiff opposition. On the
poll Sir John Moore had 1,800 and odd hands, the two competitors
Sir J. Shorter and Sir T. Gould each 1,500 and odd. This, I
thought, would be the more welcome to you, for that that great
magistrate, when rightly disposed, is a good gage of the peace
of the public. That letter of Lewis was a very dangerous one.
I am lying out for the writer. [Ibid. p. 316.] |
Sept. 29. Whitehall. |
Secretary Jenkins to the Marquess of Worcester. I should
have much sooner acknowledged yours of the 14th, but that I
did not receive till to-day the Merionethshire address back from
Newmarket, presented as it has been to his Majesty, and his
command to have it printed. |
|
I moved the Lord Chancellor according to your postscript
to have some alterations in the commissions of the peace, such
as you desired in South Wales, but, as he, assisted by the Earls
of Halifax and Conway, Lord Hyde and Mr. Seymour, upon
the general review made before the last summer circuit of all
the English commissions resolved that he would not meddle
with nor so much as hear the lists for the Welsh counties read
over, because you were not then present, so he thought it not
fit now, when I moved him, to alter anything in the South Wales
commission, till you came up. |
|
I was desired by Mr. Middleton, Sir Thomas' younger brother,
to lay before you his desires, and not only his but as he assures
me his brothers', Sir John Salisbury and Mr. Wynne of Melays,
to have some gentlemen put out of the commission in Denbighshire. His desires are best seen in a letter he wrote me, which
I enclose. I could not forbear to tell him how hard it would
be to remove one of the King's Counsel, as Sir John Trevor is,
out of commission and so likewise for Mr. Dolben and Mr. Lloyd,
being but newly, it seems, put in, it would look like a kind of
unbecoming levity to put them out again, unless there were
some notorious cause to do it. Mr. Middleton conceives these
two last are put in without your knowledge, therefore he desires
to have them out. For the two gentlemen he desires to be put
in, I suppose the Lord Chancellor will have no difficulty, if you
desire it. Mr. Middleton desires likewise to be one of your deputy
lieutenants for that county, all which I submit to you. |
|
Postscript.—Mr. Middleton on second thoughts does not desire
Sir J. Trevor but only Mr. Brereton to be put out. [1½ page.
S.P. Dom., Entry Book 62, p. 320.] |
Sept. 29. London. |
Newsletter to John Squier, Newcastle. Yesterday the Privy
Council met at Whitehall, before whom were examined several
persons, amongst them Cotten's four writers and Claypoole,
who since my last was taken. The writers averring that what
they wrote they had from time to time from Claypoole, their own
recognizances were taken to appear before the Council when called
for and Claypoole for writing factious and seditious news was
bound in recognizance of 1,000l. to appear next term to answer to
an indictment to be then brought against him. Mr. Woolridge
(Wetheridge), an oilman, was yesterday heard before the Council
and committed to the Gatehouse for speaking treasonable words
and several others were examined, but it was only private business. |
|
Yesterday Mr. Pilkington and Mr. Shute were sworn sheriffs
at the Guildhall and afterwards treated by the late Sheriffs,
Bethell and Cornish. |
|
On the arrival of the news that Strassburg was invested by
the French troops all the public ministers that reside here parted
from hence. With some impatience is expected the issue of their
journey, especially since the last French post, that arrived here
late on Tuesday night, brings us advice that the inhabitants
had received the French troops without striking one blow for it,
and, though the King himself ride at 90 miles a day, yet he could
not reach it before it was surrendered to M. de Monclare, who
commanded his forces in Alsace, and he was met within two miles
of the city by M. de Louvois, his secretary of state for war, who
presented him with the keys of the city, in which is the finest
arsenal in the world and there are 80 brass pieces of cannon
on it. |
|
Scotch letters say that her Royal Highness continues indisposed
with her late fall and that the 22nd the Privy Council met and
received the test according to a late Act. Lord Argyle, who is
President of the Session, and the Register came not, which
makes people conjecture that they are [? not] willing to receive
the test. In the afternoon his Royal Highness with several
of the nobility went down to Leith, where two cannon and a
mortar piece were carried from the Castle and fired several times
at a mark by his Royal Highness and the rest of the nobility,
but none came so near it as the Duke. |
|
To-day the election for the mayoralty began after a sermon
heard by the Lord Mayor at St. Laurence, where Dr. Burnett
preached. There was a great appearance of the livery men,
it may be as ever was, and, after the Recorder made his speech,
they proceeded to the election. One thing he told them, that
his Majesty had graciously assured them that they should have
a free choice according to their charter, but told them also that
the words of the charter were that they should choose and (? one)
that was grateful to the King and fit for the government of the
City. After all the Aldermen below the chair were put up, the
choice fell on Sir John Moore, Sir John Shorter and Sir Thomas
Gold, for whom a poll was demanded, and they are now polling
for the three, but 'tis judged Moore will be returned. |
|
Postscript.—Sir John Moore about 8 was declared Lord Mayor,
having about 200 voices more than Shorter and Gold. [Over
3 pages. Admiralty, Greenwich Hospital 1, No. 137.] |
Sept. 30. Newmarket. |
The Earl of Conway to Sir Leoline Jenkins. I communicated
yours of the 28th. to his Majesty, as he was going to bed Yours
of the 29th came this morning, after he was gone a hawking,
but the messenger would not stay till he had overtaken the King
and at his return I received mine, but I guessed right at the
business and by the discourse I formerly had with his Majesty
and his resolution to refuse any but Sir John Moore, know he
will be very well pleased with it, and I offered last night in his bed
chamber to lay any wager Sir John Moore would carry it. |
|
The story of Wetheridge sticks in the King's stomach and
confirms other intelligence brought him. |
|
Lord Hyde goes this afternoon and will be in London to-morrow
morning. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 416, No. 170.] |
Sept. 30. |
Benjamin Herne to Sir Leoline Jenkins. Sending him the
enclosed. [Ibid. No. 171]. Enclosed, |
Timothy Taylor to Benjamin Herne. Last night Sir James
[Hayes] missed Capt. Aldridge. He heard he was gone into
the City. This morning Sir James went to the Tower to
Wilson, who told him he was all day at Guildhall in his
gown to poll against Sir John Moore, but he lost his labour.
Then he showed Sir James a letter from Sir Philip Mathewes to
attend the Council to-day and would have Sir James go with him
into the City to meet some friends and then to Whitehall,
which Sir James did not think convenient. Sir James
asked him, what they did in their affair. He told him they
would try a project this term and, if that would not do, they
would take new measures and that he should know more
of it suddenly. They appointed to meet at 4 this afternoon
with Capt. Aldridge. Friday, 11 a.m. Sept. 30, 1681.
[Ibid. No. 171 i.] |
Sept. 30. |
The deposition of Benjamin Wyche of St. Andrew's, Holborn,
apothecary. Being in Richard's coffee-house near Temple Bar
soon after the dissolution of the last parliament at Westminster
the deponent heard College say, Well, I see what it will come to;
we must e'en draw our swords and fight it over again. [S.P.
Dom., Car. II. 416, No. 172.] |
Sept. 30. Dover Castle. |
Col. John Strode to Sir Leoline Jenkins. Apologizing for his
delay in answering his last letter, having been extremely ill of
the stone.—I like your proposal very well and, when I go my
circuit, I will send you the names of those I can persuade to
accept vacant commissions, only they cannot be sworn till another
visitation and I hope to be in a condition to go next week. A
little before I fell ill, I wrote to the Attorney-General sending
him the state of Dover, with the proceedings of the gentlemen
that intended well to the King's service with a few queries.
Having a paper of the state of Dover for you, I thought not to
trouble you with it, till I heard from Mr. Attorney, but having no
answer I send it now, especially seeing an alteration, for instead of a
great number of the malt-house meeters continuing to come to
church, as they did last Sunday sennight, they now laugh at those
that would put the laws in execution and say plainly they have
the better on it and the proclamation to that purpose was
suppressed after it was in the press. I know not of any such
proclamation, but certainly they have taken great encouragement
from the report. [Nearly 2 pages. Ibid. No. 173.] Enclosed, |
The case of Dover in preventing and suppressing seditious
conventicles. Describing attempts in July, August, and
September to suppress conventicles and the failure of the
Mayor, Nicholas Cullen, to take proceedings against them
and those that attended them. [1½ page. Ibid. No. 173 i.] |
Sept. 30. St. Lawrence, near Canterbury. |
Lieut.-col. W. Rooke to Sir Leoline Jenkins. Understanding
from Sir Thomas Hardres that he has sent up an information
against Edward Hirst, the Protestant attorney of Canterbury,
the principal header of the Fanatics in these parts, a bold busy
fellow against the present government and active in all elections
to promote those of his own seditious opinion, I hope, if his
crime may receive a legal punishment, he will have no more
favour than he deserves, for, as the loyal party will be much
satisfied, so will the Dissenters receive great discouragement.
[Ibid. No. 174.] |
Sept. 30. |
Secretary Jenkins to the Earl of Conway. I did not stop
last night's express for want of some informations touching the
Lord Mayor's election, yet his Majesty and you might reasonably
expect an account. I have several reports since of the poll,
but I leave out friends and stick to the rascal Janeway's print.
He will say the most he can against us. His computation runs
thus, Moore, 1,851, Shorter, 1,560, Gould, 1,523. |
|
I told you last night that the sheriffs played us foul play.
The view of hands was visible for Sir J. Moore, yet Pilkington
would have declared for Shorter as having indisputably more
hands and put Sir J. Moore and Shorter to dispute it at the poll.
Though Moore in this case had carried it against Gould, yet the
Court of Aldermen must have declared for Shorter as having
incontestably the major part against the two that disputed it
amongst themselves. This was unfair, as the issue showed,
for Shorter was not to be declared, as having gained the point,
since Moore had more voices than he. But Capt. le Neve and
other friends of ours sticked hard and would not be refused for
a poll for all three. |
|
There was something yet more unfair; when the poll was
reported as to the numbers to the Court of Aldermen, the question
of course was, who should be declared to be duly chosen Lord
Mayor. Sheriff Pilkington was against the declaring of Moore.
This was never heard of, that the Alderman next the chair, having a
majority of voices, had a vote since the being of this great body
given against him as Sir J. Moore now had, though there was but
one Alderman more, it seems, of Mr. Pilkington's mind. This is
done by Mr. Pilkington, which his Majesty will make some
reflection on, after very great professions on his part and very
decent applications made more than one way on ours, but what
can be hoped of a man, that's fanatic in his principles, popular
in his design, and weak in his judgments ? |
|
Mr. Montagu and Sir Thomas Armstrong were the only men
of quality I can yet hear of, that were in the Hall and threw up
their caps and offered wagers at the election. Wilson, Lord
Shaftesbury's secretary, was there in a livery-man's gown to
vote for Shorter. |
|
I thank you for your letter of yesterday. I enclose what I
received this afternoon from Mr. Savile by Sir William Temple's
son. Please, when you have showed it to his Majesty, send it
me back with his pleasure, if anything be to be ordered on it.
I hope his Majesty intends to be here by the time the sessions
begin in London. That time is not yet fixed that I can learn.
[2 pages. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 62, p. 317.] |
Sept. 30. Newmarket. |
The King to the Mayor and Corporation of Wallingford.
Signifying his approbation of their election of Peter Sayer to
be their town clerk in the room of William Loader. [S.P. Dom.,
Entry Book 66, p. 6.] |
Sept. 30. Elizabeth Castle, Jersey. |
Sir John Lanier to Secretary Jenkins. I had writ to you
sooner, had I not been kept long on my passage by contrary
winds, though we have little or no news at present, all being very
quiet on our neighbouring coasts. In Normandy they are very
busy preparing materials and workmen to build a considerable
pier at Harfleur, where they intend to lay great ships. Their
engineers have found it a fit place and pretend to end it in two
years. At St. Malo 8 ships are now on the stocks, the least of
30 guns, besides 60 sail belonging to the town all carrying above 20.
Last week came into Cherbourg Road the Postillion, a French
man-of-war of 36 guns, westward bound. |
|
I have several times to no purpose acquainted the Ordnance
Commissioners with the condition of this garrison, which is
now so bad that I must beg you to desire his Majesty to give
order that some care may be taken to repair this place, for, though
this has been always a very healthy castle, yet now for want
of lodgings our men fall daily sick, which makes them incapable
of their duty, and, except some speedy supply be sent us, it will
be almost impossible to keep the forts and castles as they should
be. [1½ page. S.P. Channel Islands 1, No. 104.] |
[Sept. ?] |
Benjamin Harris to the King. Petition for the remission of
his fine of 500l. and for his liberty. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 416,
No. 175.] Annexed, |
Sept. |
Declaration by Harris that he is heartily sorry for publishing
any books against the government in Church or State as now
by law established or that offended his Majesty or any of
his subjects and that he will not offend for the future, and
that, if given his liberty, he will give an account whence he
received the first copy of that book, for which he is now suffering,
and that he never was the author of anything he ever
published. [Ibid. No. 175 i.] |
Sept. |
Offer by Clifton Leeke, uncle and executor of Sir Francis Leeke,
late Governor of Gravesend and Tilbury, if his Majesty will
order payment of the salary due to the said Sir Francis, as
such governor, to pay all debts due to the said garrison
from the said Sir Francis, which amount to a greater sum than
what is due on the said salary. [Ibid. No. 176.] |
Sept. |
Secretary Jenkins to Lord Norreys. I am extremely ashamed
to have detained this bearer thus long and, unless he make my
excuse in giving you an account of the embarras I was in all
yesterday, I am sure so few lines of an apology will not make
out my title to a pardon from you. |
|
Though I communicated your letter to Lords Halifax and Hyde,
I have nothing I can rely on by way of advice how to proceed
in the affair of the town clerk. They are of opinion I should
suspend all judgment and advice till Mr. Attorney and Mr. Solicitor
come to town, which will be some time this week, and take their
advice which way it may be proper for his Majesty to move
and which would be the most ready and unquestionable legal
way for him to proceed in order to vindicate his right, that the
reservation made to him in the charter and other charters all
over England be not eluded by the artifice now put in practice
in Oxford. |
|
About 8 days ago I acquainted his Majesty with what I
heard of the proceedings in Oxford on his refusal of Prince, and
he commanded me to watch the steps that should be made
in that affair, that he might right himself, as far as the law should
enable him to do it. I must therefore beg you to transmit
to me what notices you shall judge to be for the King's service
in that case, that, when his Majesty comes to town, which we
hope will be the end of next week, they may be laid before him
and his learned counsel advised with. |
|
I thank you for your list of the deputy lieutenants and militia
officers. I shall lay them before his Majesty and move him for
the persons you recommended, as soon as he returns. [Nearly
2 pages. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 62, p. 308.] |
[Sept. ?] |
Observations about Justice Wolstenholme delivered to Secretary Jenkins. Mr. Wolstenholme having delivered to Secretary
Jenkins the 5 informations of Anne Fitzharris, Edmond Everard,
two of Laurence Mowbray, and one of Robert Bolron, 'tis
conceived, since he has not delivered the originals to his Honour
nor to the last sessions, he ought to have them, and consequently
offends in detaining them. |
|
The copies cannot be proved, should Mrs. Fitzharris or Everard
go from them or add to them. Mrs. Fitzharris' information
shows by the dialect it was composed by some Scotchman,
supposed to be Mr. Murray. If the original were had, it may be
in his handwriting and, if so, may be evidence against him for
subornation and scandalizing the King's ministers. The original
of Everard's would prove his handwriting in other necessary
matters. Mr. Wolstenholme ought to give a relation, how he
came to be engaged in this business, who set him on work, whose
name was used to engage him in it, whether Mr. Ayloffe went
not to his house in the country to bring him to town for it, and
who were present when the informations were sworn and where,
and where the originals are. The jurats of these informations
are 1, 15, 25 Aug. 1681. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 416, No. 176.] |
[Sept. ?] |
Proposals to Secretary Jenkins. That you would write to
Justice Wolstenholme according to the paper delivered to you
and require his categorical answer, for he is punishable, if he
refuse to deliver the originals of the informations. That you
will send for Mr. Netterville, who is charged in the papers relating
to Claypoole about dispersing false news, with giving all intelligence
about the Court and the Privy Council, and he ought to declare
who are his intelligencers. The sessions at Hicks' Hall begin
6 Oct. and will be adjourned to Thursday, the 13th, or Friday,
the 14th. The Clerk of the Peace for Middlesex has issued a
precept to the Sheriffs of Middlesex to impanel a grand jury to
attend at the Old Bailey. |
|
Elephant Smith, an Anabaptist preacher, was very busy at
the last election of Lord Mayor against Sir John Moore. He
stands accused before you for printing the Raree Show ballad
and may be sent for to give security to answer therein the first
day of next term at the King's Bench bar and ought to give
500l. security. Query whether William Lewis ought not to
depose the particulars in his informations and enter into recognizance to give evidence accordingly, if required. [Ibid. No. 177.] |
[Sept. ?] |
Query whether orders be sent to examine disaffected persons
in Southwark, who have lately bought horses and arms: whether
Netterville has been examined about giving intelligence to Cotton
and Claypoole, dispersers of newsletters, and from whom he has the
transactions at Court and Council, which he communicates to them,
and about his transactions with Mrs. Fitzharris, where she is and
who supports her: whether Sir William Waller has been questioned
in relation to the informations of John Macnamara and others
against him; he is particularly charged by Mrs. Peacocke with
drawing up Mrs. Fitzharris' information in the nature of a charge
against the King, which should have been presented to the House of
Commons at Oxford, on the day of the dissolution: whether the
Lord Mayor should not give up the information of Mrs. Fitzharris
and others against the King's witnesses and in relation to matters
of state, Mr. Saunders' opinion being that he is punishable if he
refuses: whether Justice Wolstenholme has returned Mrs. Fitzharris'
original informations, which will convict her of perjury, for she
therein swears what she swore before the grand jury against Lord
Howard to be false; he must have given copies of them to the
writer of No Protestant Plot, which is founded on them, and must
therefore know who the writer is. Proposal that Dr. Oates
be discredited by an accusation for blasphemy or some other
crime, as he is a witness against any person whom the Dissenters
design for ruin. (This and the two preceding papers are in Justice
Warcupp's handwriting.) [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 416, No. 179.] |
[Sept. ?] |
Memorandum. To write to Mr. Wolstenholme to appear before
the Council on Wednesday.—To summon Ayloffe, Norton, Harrington and Murray to appear there likewise for endeavouring to
suborn Bolron, Mowbray and others. Mr. Everard to be brought
before the Council the same day. A warrant is out against him.
(See ante, p. 432.) [Ibid. No. 180.] |