Charles II: November 1682

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles II, 1682. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1932.

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'Charles II: November 1682', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles II, 1682, (London, 1932) pp. 521-557. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/chas2/1682/pp521-557 [accessed 21 April 2024]

November 1682

Nov. 1. Richard Twyford to Capt. Crawley, next door to the Three Compasses over against Lobb's meeting-house in or near Swallow Street, Piccadilly. I never expected his Royal Highness' thanks for what I take to be mine and all loyal subjects' duty. I have to-day sent a particular account of the most significant words spoken by that beast of a man, with the times when spoken and persons present, to James Bringfield, whom I ordered to communicate them to you and also to acquaint you that the person is in expectation of being released every hour. If so, 'twill, I conceive, be hard finding of him, for his abode is remote and himself a discontented Churchman out of cure. I understand he has already sent his papers or some of them away. Their contents I am not able to say, further than that I have been informed by one he entrusted that there were horrible reflections and most scandalous characters given of the Judge, before whom he was lately tried, the Bishop of Norwich in particular and of the whole hierarchy, besides of many other noble personages and persons of honour. 'Tis possible the original under his own hand may yet be had by him, for I am told he has only sent the copy to some private press. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, No. 54.] Enclosed,
The scandalous speeches of Peter Bell against the Duke of York. 20 Oct., 1682. I honour him as a duke, but hate him as a Papist and traitor. 26 Oct. He (the Duke) is a Papist and the King and Parliament were fools, when they made the Act against Popish lords sitting in the House of Peers.—His hand was to Coleman's letters. 28 Oct. Bell, reflecting on the King, the Duke and the Government, was asked how he could do so, when we enjoyed our lives and fortunes by the King's protection. He replied, We trust him with our lives and fortunes, like fools as we are. He governs as well by a trust from us as by inheritance and, if you had ever read the Coronation oath, you would find it so. Subjoined to each charge is the name of Richard Twyford and other witnesses. [Ibid. No. 54 i.]
Nov. 1.
[Received.]		 Opinion of the Attorney-General that it will be for his Majesty's service that for purging the liveries in London the oaths of allegiance and supremacy be tendered to all the liverymen in all the companies that have a livery, and that a commission be directed to the Mayor and such of the honest aldermen as are Justices to tender the oaths and on refusal to proceed against the offenders, as the laws direct. A description of the persons to whom the oaths are to be tendered, without inserting the names of the liverymen in the commission, will be sufficient. [Ibid. No. 55.]
Nov. 1. Commissions to William Wheeler to be captain of Rowland Morgan's late company and to George Pilkington to be lieutenant to Capt. Charles Middleton, both in the Holland regiment. Minutes. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 69, p. 5.]
Nov. 1.
Whitehall.		 Commission to Henry Conway to be ensign to Capt. John Price's company in the first regiment of Foot Guards. Minute. [Ibid. p. 13.]
Nov. 1. Commission to Major Henry Slingsby to be lieut.-governor of the town and garrison of Portsmouth under Edward, Viscount Campden, the governor, in place of Major Oliver Nicholas. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 164, p. 83.]
Nov. 2.
[Received.]		 Eva Oudart, widow, to the King. Petition for relief, her husband, Nicholas, having died last December, leaving nothing to her and her three children but one poor house in Westminster, mortgaged for 300l., nor anything in view but 1,300l. due to him as Latin Secretary and 3,600l. disbursed in the service of his Royal Highness and 1,000l. due by bond from Alderman Edward Backwell and an assignment of 80l. p.a. out of the Excise and something due out of the Signet Office, all which, after all possible petitions to the Lords of the Treasury, &c., could never procure her even bread, the want whereof has driven her to betake herself and her children to the charity of her friends in Holland, where they are without any hope of a certain provision for the future or so much as the redemption of the said mortgage, so that the mortgagee will suddenly seize the house and consequently waste or embezzle the goods to the ruin of a woeful but loyal family. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, No. 56.]
[Nov. ?] Eva Oudart to the Lords of the Treasury. Petition to the same effect as the above and praying only the present supply of 400l. wherewith to discharge the debt on the house with the interest thereon and some other debts contracted during the sickness and for the funeral of her husband. [Ibid. No. 57.]
Similar petition to the same. [Ibid. No. 58.]
Nov. 2.
Whitehall.		 The Earl of Ancram to Col. Daniell, Mayor of Wigan. Enclosing his Majesty's letter and warrant about the town clerk, describing his Majesty's most gracious reception of the petition of his loyal town, hoping that Mr. Laurence Anderton will walk worthy of the King's favour to him, congratulating him on being chosen Mayor and doubting not but that loyal town, as it has always been, will ever continue in their constant duty to the Crown. [Holograph copy. Ibid. No. 59.]
Nov. 2.
Whitehall.		 Secretary Jenkins to Sir William Pritchard, Lord Mayor. His Majesty, being informed by the Council that a very great sum, part of the collections made throughout the kingdom for the redeeming of captives, yet remains undisposed of in the Chamber of London and that Sir Thomas Player, being summoned to attend the Committee for the redemption of captives the 27th ult., has not appeared, has commanded me to signify to you his pleasure that you attend his Majesty's Council at 4 to-morrow and that you give due notice to the said Sir T. Player to attend at the same time, that his Majesty may receive an account of how much money there is at present in cash for that charitable use and take his measures how to employ it in the best manner. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 68, p. 164.]
Nov. 2.
Whitehall.		 Warrant for a gift to Robert Douglas, merchant in Leith, for his life of the office of clerkship and keeping of the cocket seal in the town and port of Leith, vacant by the decease of James Park, the late clerk. [1½ pages. S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 7, p. 431.]
Nov. 3.
Chester Castle.		 Sir Geoffrey Shakerley to Secretary Jenkins. I have been much concerned at the disputes between Capt. Nott and my son concerning the command in Chester Castle and have advised with friends what might be most likely to reconcile all differences. Therefore, to bury all animosities, I desire you to acquaint his Majesty with my request that he will confer my command of the Castle on my son, to whom I will cheerfully resign it. Though there may be objections against him as to his years, yet I hope he has that inbred loyalty and zeal as will thoroughly make good that supposed defect. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, No. 60.]
Nov. 3.
Great Yarmouth.		 N. Symonds, bailiff, to Secretary Jenkins. Just now by the packet from the Hague arrived here Demetrius Seminitzki, Secretary of State and Counsellor to the Emperors of Russia and envoy from them to his Majesty, whom this corporation has received and shall endeavour to entertain as becomes one of his quality. I suppose he designs to stay here, till his Majesty's pleasure concerning his journey to London be known, wherefore he desires you to signify it by a line to me. [Ibid. No. 61.]
Nov. 3.
Whitehall.		 Reference to the Lords of the Treasury of the petition of Humphrey Taylor, merchant, praying his Majesty to discharge him of 1,292l. 16s. 1d., which the late Commissioners of Prizes ordered, and also to be satisfied the remaining part of his pretensions, being 1,539l. 9s. 8d. out of the establishment now settling for Ireland or some other way, as his Majesty shall think fit. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, p. 217.]
Nov. 3.
Council Chamber, Dublin.		 Reference by the Lord Deputy and Council to the Attorney and Solicitor-General or either of them of the petition of Lord Brittas to his Majesty [calendared ante, p. 443]. [S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 343, No. 69.]
Nov. 4.
Chester Castle.		 Peter Shakerley to Secretary Jenkins. By to-day's post I presume my father, to decide the matter between Capt. Nott and myself, requests you to move his Majesty that the commission lately granted him may be conferred on me. I am heartily sorry no other expedient can be found and conceive it will be more for his Majesty's service to continue my father in the command. His judgment in military affairs is better guided by experience, his courage is well known and his estate much better able than mine to undergo the defects of the allowance for the command. But if, notwithstanding, his Majesty confers it on me, I'll do the best and most faithful service I can. I entreat you to peruse my letter to Col. Werden, whom I have desired to communicate it to you. 'Tis concerning some lodgings Capt. Nott aims at and I conceive it very necessary that you should be acquainted how that matter stands, before you lay my father's request before his Majesty.
I presumed lately to write to you on behalf of Alderman Thomas Simson for a grant of the reversion of the place of the Clerk of the Penthouse here and hope you received it.
I have sometimes occasion to go into the country and in that case entreat I may have power to place the keys with the next officer commanding in chief. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, No. 62.]
Nov. 4.
Whitehall.		 Reference to the Commissioners of the Admiralty of the petition of John Crabb, commander of the guard boats at Portsmouth, praying that, being discharged from this place by the Commissioners of the Admiralty, for what reason he is ignorant, he may be restored or have the allowance of a superannuated officer. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, p. 217.]
Nov. 4. Secretary Jenkins to the Lord Great Chamberlain. Acknowledging with thanks his letter by Mr. Peregrine Bertie.—Though Sir Christopher Clapham was not on the roll brought in by the judges, yet he is now on that which is to be presented to the King. The other commands that I received from you by Mr. Peregrine and Mr. Charles Bertie I shall endeavour to give you an account of. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 68, p. 165.]
Nov. 4. Secretary Jenkins to the Marquess of Worcester. The Andover men in some sort surprised me and my office so much the more to my mortification as it was by altering a clause in their charter, making Weyhill fair amoveable from the place where it has always stood and to be kept anywhere, within their Hundred, where a quorum of them shall appoint. This proves to be to the prejudice of the University of Oxford 8 or 9 score pounds a year, but on the hearing yesterday at the Council both parties agreed to try the right, and the Andover men to go on the grant and the words in the old charter and not so much as to produce their new one.
Leave to stay a fortnight or three weeks longer in the country,— the precise day of pricking the sheriffs not fixed by his Majesty,— a list of those in Monmouthshire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire sent his lordship. [Ibid.]
Nov. 4.
Whitehall.		 Secretary Jenkins to Viscount Campden. The place of Custos Rotulorum being at the disposal of the Lord Chancellor, I thought it best not to trouble his Majesty about it but to address myself directly to the Lord Chancellor. I no sooner mentioned the vacancy but he declared his resolution to make an offer of the place, which had been your father's, to you. You are so sure of it that I need no more but to intimate this to Mr. Segar. [Ibid. p. 166.]
Nov. 5.
Wigan.		 Laurence Anderton to the Earl of Ancram. I thank you for yours received to-day. The Mayor showed me your letter with the King's commands enclosed, but, this being a Thanksgiving day, the further discourse of that business was deferred, till the solemnities of the day were performed, after which, the Mayor calling Mr. Bancks of Winstanley, Mr. Herle of our town, Keeling and such other of the factious gang, it was agreed the King had no power, but that it was absolutely vested in the burgesses. I acquainted the Mayor that I thought it no fit time to discourse this business, but would wait on him to-morrow, and so we parted, and so the question lies between Whig and Tory. I am informed the first, encouraged by the Mayor, send to-night to enquire the truth from London and, if money or interest will avoid my nomination, will do it, wherefore I most humbly beg your continued assistance. Sir Roger [Bradshaigh] was not present, but, before his departure to-day, commanded me to acquaint you he finds such a discontent in the Mayor about your surprising news to him to-day that it may possibly produce such effect as absolutely to surrender our charter, which all loyal hearts heartily wish. By the next you shall receive a full account. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, No. 63.]
Nov. 5. Secretary Jenkins to Bailiff Symonds. I laid yours of the 3rd, received at 11 last night, before his Majesty in Council this evening. He approves of your civility and respect to the public minister of Russia that is come among you. He desires you would hire a convenient vessel there for his transport to London, we having no measure to go by for ordering his reception suitable to his quality for want of a copy of his credentials and other notices usual in such a case. Your necessary charges shall be repaid you. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 68, p. 167.]
Nov. 6.
Whitehall.		 Report by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Earls of Radnor and Halifax, Viscount Hyde and the Bishop of London, Commissioners of Ecclesiastical Affairs, on the petition of James Jefferies, B.D., for the vacant prebend of Canterbury, referring it to his Majesty to do therein as he shall think fit. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, No. 64; S.P. Dom., Entry Book 53, p. 82.]
Nov. 6. Summons by Henry Shelley, Justice for Sussex, to Ambrose Galloway the elder, of Lewes, Thomas Mosely of St. Thomas in the Cliff, Elizabeth, wife of Thomas Robinson, and Thomas Akehurst, both of the same parish, and Henry Agates of Cuckfield. Whereas John Eresby, clerk, and Samuel Astie, notary public, have taken their oaths before him that on Tuesday, 10 Oct. last, an unlawful conventicle was held in a house called Puddle Wharf in All Saints, Lewes, where the said Henry Agates preached or taught and the other persons summoned were present, giving them notice that he intends to hear the said cause at his house in Lewes next Friday, where they may show cause, if they can, why they should not be convicted of the said offences and why the fines for the same should not be levied on them. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, No. 65.]
Nov. 6.
Whitehall.		 Warrant for a grant to John Lake, D.D., to hold in commendam with the bishopric of Man and Sodor the rectory of Prestwich in Lancashire and the prebend of Fridaythorpe in York cathedral, which he now enjoys, for his life. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 53, p. 80.]
Nov. 6.
Whitehall.		 Reference to the Lord Lieutenant of the petition of Elizabeth Legg, relict of William Legg, late Groom of the Bedchamber, for a grant of the lease for 21 years of the duty arising by the French tonnage in Ireland at the yearly rent of 5l. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, p. 217.]
Nov. 6. Commission to Philip, Earl of Chesterfield, to be colonel of the Holland regiment of Foot Guards, lately commanded by John, Earl of Mulgrave, and captain of a company therein. With note, that this commission was new writ and signed and the word Guards left out. 8 Dec., 1683. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 69, p. 5.]
Nov. 6. Warrant for a patent constituting Edward, Viscount Campden, lieutenant for co. Rutland. Minute. [Ibid. p. 6.]
Nov. 7.
Wigan.		 Col. William Daniell, Mayor, to the Earl of Ancram. Receiving your letter of the 2nd the Sabbath following, being one of our great public solemnities, I had no sooner opportunity to give you answer of my communicating to our aldermen and burgesses both your letter and the enclosed warrant about our town clerk, there having been no change in this office for above these 20 years past. The restraint in our new charter being neither remembered or considered, that I know of, Mr. Laurence Anderton was chosen and sworn according to the ancient practice of this corporation for some hundreds of years and, to avoid offence, he was yesterday sworn over again according to his Majesty's warrant in the same manner that his father and other predecessors have been. Where an error or oversight is imputed, we hope the ancient customs of this loyal corporation and his Majesty's restraint by the said charter will not only make the excuse but be easily reconciled.
Because we are loth to trouble the Secretary of State, we beg you to acquaint him with this business, when convenient. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, No. 66.]
Nov. 7.
Whitehall.		 On the petition of Sir Maurice Eustace complaining of several undue practices of Michael Tempest, lawyer, who stole or inveigled away Maurice Eustace, a minor, from Manchester, where he was put to school by Lord Chancellor Eustace, in relation to Portlester and otherwise, pretending himself guardian to the said Eustace and praying a reference to such person in Ireland as his Majesty shall think fit, his Majesty, having an eye to his own right as well as an inclination to have right done to the petitioner, refers this petition to the Lord Deputy, who is to impart the same to the Lord Chancellor and the Barons of the Exchequer and then is to examine and report the whole matter with his opinion of what may be fit for his Majesty to do. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, p. 218.]
Nov. 7. Secretary Jenkins to the Earl of Winchilsea. Signifying his Majesty's pleasure that Sir Charles Littleton, Governor of the Fort of Sheerness, be added to the deputy lieutenants for Kent. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 68, p. 167.]
Nov. 7.
London.		 Newsletter [to John Squier]. It has been confidently reported that the Earl of Conway would lay down being Secretary of State. There is no truth in it, the whole being a most notorious lie. Last Sunday Lord Mulgrave received command from the King to quit the Court, all his places and offices being taken from him. That of Hull is said to be given to Lord Windsor and his regiment to the Earl of Chesterfield.
Yesterday at the King's Bench bar about 45 took the oaths of allegiance and subscribed the declaration. Among them were Sir Nicholas Butler, Sir John Wyburne and Charles Duncombe. At the same time attended Lord Grey with his bail, the Earl of Berkeley having brought a writ de homine replegiando against him, requiring his daughter to be restored. His lordship was not discharged, but committed to prison, till he had produced the lady, and was according committed to the King's Bench.
Last night were many bonfires in remembrance of the Gunpowder treason plot and about 10 some hundreds of the ordinary sort of people met in a riotous manner and marched through several streets, crying, A Monmouth, No York, but were suppressed by the Trained Bands and the heads of them committed to prison.
Yesterday Capt. Godolphin, Governor of Scilly, was killed in a duel by Col. Dungan in a yard in Drury Lane. I cannot learn who is high sheriff of Northumberland. [Admiralty, Greenwich Hospital, News-letters, Original, 2, No. 59.]
Nov. 7.
Whitehall.		 The Earl of Moray to the Marquess of Queensberry, Lord High Treasurer of Scotland. Signifying his Majesty's pleasure that Major White, on his entry into his charge of Lieut.-Governor of Edinburgh Castle and lieutenant of the company in garrison there, pay to the Treasurer Deput so much money as remains due to him by the said company, not exceeding the daily allowance appointed for their subsistence, which money his Majesty orders to be reimbursed to Major White out of the arrears of their pay. [S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 7, p. 432.]
[After Nov. 7.] — to [Secretary Jenkins]. The best account I can give you of our riots last Monday night [6 Nov.] must needs be disorderly. Between 8 and 9 a party came from Aldersgate Street into Newgate Street. Another about the same time coming in at Ludgate, they met at the upper end of Cheapside and so, crying, No York, no York, A Monmouth, a Monmouth, they marched up Cheapside, gathering as they went and knocking down or affronting all they met, who said not as they said. At Mr. Twine's (the Mitre, over against the Stocks Market) they stopped, there being a fire, and, immediately the mitre on his bush began to burn, Billing the Quaker cried out, The Mitre burns bravely. One of the Vintners' Company, being in the street, saw a man on the sign irons, who is suspected to have fired the mitre, it not being to be imagined that one of the boys' squibs could set a massy piece of wood on a flame, especially it having rained that day. There were a dozen or more young fellows in a room having a balustrade window to the street. Capt. Twine went up to tax them with it, they having denied his servants entrance, who came with water to quench it out of that window. They were much surprised at the charge, but denied it. One of them, named Langham, who, if I be not misinformed, spoke treasonable words not long ago and whose father lately spoke very scandalously of Sir John Moore, came downstairs some while before and asked Capt. Twine where he might black his hat, that being a trick they use to colour their faces with, and he, not suspecting anything sent him into the kitchen. Langham went out several times to the rabble and in the head of them would have broke into the house under pretence that his company was within, in which scuffle his hat and periwig were struck off. The riot here was so great that, a party of the guard coming, they set a hat on a stick and cried, Stand to it, fall on, fall on, but after some blows dispersed. Langham, when taken, refused to tell his name and was committed to the Compter, and, being exhorted to confess, said he had taken an oath and would not break it. A boy, staying behind Capt. Twine in the room, where Langham and his comrades were, heard one of them say, Stand to it, when one of them, spying him, kicked him out.
In Cornhill they broke Capt. Gregory's windows and in Gracechurch Street Mr. Starkey's, and Mr. Potts' man, standing at the door, heard them say, having knocked at the next door, No, this is the Tory rogue's house, and they asked him who he was for, which was the common question. He said, For the King. They asked him, Who besides, and, he replying nothing, they pressed on him to do him some mischief, but, he shutting the door, they battered the windows. Mr. Potts coming with a constable, they went forward, but Mr. Potts' other servant escaped not so well, for they knocked him down. At Mr. Chamberlaine's, the King's poulterer, they broke the windows and said, This is a Tory rogue, he serves the King and Duke, and on their leaving his house he seized one in the rear and carried him into his house with a constable, but he told him he had best let him go, for there were enough to rescue him, and immediately the rabble came back and fell a-battering his house, so on his wife's entreaty he let him go, but he is since seized by the Lord Mayor's warrant. Coming back in Cheapside they fell on the Cardinal's Head, the house of Mr. Winne, an ensign in the Green, and thence to Mr. Bookey's at the King's Head, which they were consulting to pull down, but, some of them going to the Duke's Head and battering it, the rabble went thither, but Mr. Owen, a constable, and Capt. Broomer with about 13 men routed them, securing several of them. Capt. Broomer, being in a coach with some relations, had been before assaulted on Snow Hill and afterwards, being forced to quit his coach, in Newgate Street. Several of those taken confess they supped at an alehouse in Butchers' Hall Lane nigh Newgate to the number of 30 or 40. They say the supper was appointed three weeks since. Mr. Potts heard the rabble cry, A Monmouth, a Monmouth, Stand to it, we'll make him king. Many other insolencies were committed and threatening words given out against the King's faithful subjects, and the night following Capt. Shrawly was knocked down and grievously beaten, so that he lies very sick and spits blood. [6 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, No. 67.]
Nov. 8.
Yarmouth.		 [N. Symonds, bailiff] to Secretary Jenkins. Yours of the 5th coming to me on the 6th about 8 p.m. and therein his Majesty's pleasure relating to the Russia minister, I immediately told him I had received commands to take care for his conveyance by sea to London in a vessel to be provided by me, on which he plainly declared he dared not venture by reason of his great sickness at sea, being well assured he should not survive the voyage, and therefore prayed that thoughts might be had of his travelling by land. I proposed to trouble you with a second letter in order to know his Majesty's further pleasure, but he alleged he had been here already four days and to stay or be detained longer would be to the dissatisfaction of his master and injurious to the affairs he came about. Through his great importunity and with the advice of several gentlemen of this corporation I ventured to send him this morning by coach towards London, his baggage and six of his servants by waggon and two on horseback according to his desire, all hired on purpose. I hope for the above reasons I shall not be accounted to have transgressed his Majesty's pleasure. As to his credentials he showed us only a writing in the nature of a passport, of which he was unwilling I should take a copy, and said he had no other writing except a letter to his Majesty. At his earnest request I procured a gentleman to accompany him to London, who will attend you as soon as he comes thither, and you will receive by my directions a letter from Norwich from our town clerk, signifying which way the coach and waggon travel, when they expect to be at London and where to be when there. The account of the charges mentioned by you I shall be better able to give, when the journey is ended. [Ibid. No. 68.]
Nov. 8.
Yarmouth.		 N. Symonds, bailiff, to Secretary Jenkins. The public minister from Russia most earnestly importuning me to appoint him a gentleman of quality to accompany him in the coach, he admitting none of his servants to so great a degree of familiarity, as he says, I have prevailed with the bearer, Robert Doughty, to comply with his desires and to wait on you so soon as he comes to London. [Ibid. No. 69.]
Nov. 8.
Norwich.		 T. Godfrey, town clerk of Yarmouth, to Secretary Jenkins. The bailiff of Yarmouth ordered me to advertise you of the Russian envoy's journey to London. He is now at Norwich and goes by way of Hoddesdon, Waltham and Newington, where, as the master of the coach tells me, they will be on Monday at 1 p.m. precisely. [Ibid. No. 70.]
Nov. 8.
Whitehall.		 The King to Sir George Gordon of Haddo, Chancellor, Sir David Falconer of Newtoun, President, and the remanent Senators of the College of Justice. Requiring them to admit John Wauchop of Edmonstoun to be one of the ordinary lords thereof in the place of the now Earl of Lauderdale. [S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 7, p. 433.]
Nov. 8.
Whitehall.		 Warrant for payment to Sir James Fleeming, Lord Provost of Edinburgh, of 200l. sterling. [Ibid. p. 434.]
Nov. 8.
Whitehall.		 Warrant for payment to Sir William Paterson and Patrick Menzies, clerks of the Privy Council, of 100l. sterling, to be equally divided betwixt them. [Ibid.]
Nov. 8. James Vaughan, Warden of Galway, to Secretary Jenkins. Requesting him to mention to his Majesty his name and relation of brother to the late Sir John Vaughan, Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, in order to the next bishopric vacant here or in England. His name is in the Address to his Majesty by the Mayor and Corporation of Galway and the Duke of Ormonde will be able to give him a friendly character. Lord Berkeley 10 years ago, when Lord Lieutenant, recommended him for the bishopric of Killala and Achonry, whereof he is dean, but John Shadwell, Recorder of Galway, eclipsed his hopes by way of revenge on him for vindicating the credit of a counsellor at law before Lord Berkeley, whom Shadwell had wrongfully aspersed. He has been excluded from promotion, perhaps through the distance he lives from Dublin and perhaps through want of cringing and timely application to Lord Lieutenants, at which game some are forward and nimble. [1½ pages. S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 343, No. 70.]
[Before Nov. 9.] Francis Amonnet, of the Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber, to the King. Petition, stating that, the present conjuncture of Protestant affairs in France having obliged the petitioner to retire to England, he found means of withdrawing so considerable a part of his estate that, having been made a denizen, he has set up several manufactures, both as to the employment not only of many poor French Protestant families but also of several natural-born subjects, and praying, as he was forced by reason of his sudden departure from France to leave several goods, houses and lands undisposed of, he being now not only his Majesty's subject but also his sworn servant, a letter to the Minister at the Court of France not only to assist his agent for soliciting his affairs there but also to intercede in his Majesty's name with the Most Christian King or his ministers to grant the petitioner such a pass or letters dimissory as have been vouchsafed to others, that he may thereby have liberty to dispose of all his remaining estate. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, No. 71.]
Nov. 9. The Earl of Anglesey to the King. I hope your Majesty is not offended that I have not of late personally attended you, my only reason being that, when you commanded me to deliver the Privy Seal to Sir L. Jenkins, I had just cause to apprehend my appearing with it or since would not have been pleasing to you, though I am not conscious that by any act of mine in 23 years' faithful service I have given you any just cause of displeasure, but, now your command is observed and I am returned to retirement, I hope it will not be unpleasing that I address myself for that justice you have afforded to others and which your declared resolution to govern by law cannot but incline you to give me.
I have served you in divers offices of great trust, but, though in my own hearing you have required the Lords of the Treasury to adjust matters of account between yourself and me that I might with all just allowances have my full discharges and satisfaction of what is due, I am still a solicitor therefor without success and implore your positive and effectual orders therein. The reward of. and wages due for, my long, diligent and successful service is yet in your hands and more considerable for the support of my declining age than the rest of my estate, having disposed of the best part of my own in settlements on my many children. I hope you will give such orders that I may be paid what is due to me.
If I may receive your pleasure to attend you, I shall obey your commands. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, No. 72.]
Nov. 9. Thomas Norton to Col. Worden. A poor man that married a servant of mine has let his foolish tongue bring him into some inconveniences, though he utterly denies the words alleged against him, and his wife affirms that he was not amongst the rioters that appeared, when the Duke of Monmouth was here, and says his very accusers will acknowledge that he drank both the King's health and the Duke of York's also, but I fear at the same time he drank the Duke of Monmouth's health also, which, I hear, was the occasion of this trouble. He says he said nothing that could reflect on his Royal Highness, but I have heard and believe he was so much in drink that he does not well know what he said. I also believe that, if anything unbecoming was spoken, he is heartily sorry for it, and he has promised me that for the future he will use double diligence to advance his Royal Highness' interest and that he will demean himself like a loyal subject to the established government both of Church and State and that, if he does not perform what he has promised, he desires the law may be still open against him. Therefore, if his Royal Highness would either send to Sir L. Jenkins or command himself that any further proceedings may be stopped, I hope his honour may be more advanced by his reformation than by his ruin. [Ibid. No. 73.]
Nov. 9.
Whitehall.		 Warrant to the Earl of Arlington, Lord Chamberlain, for swearing James, Earl of Arran, one of the Gentlemen of the Bedchamber in Ordinary in the room of John, Earl of Mulgrave, to be admitted by the Earl of Bath, Groom of the Stole. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 66, p. 152.]
Nov. 9.
Whitehall.		 Warrant for a patent constituting Charles, Duke of Somerset, lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire, except the town and county of Kingston upon Hull, with a revocation of the letters patent making John, Earl of Mulgrave, lieutenant of the said East Riding and of the said town and county. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 69, p. 7.]
Nov. 9.
Whitehall.		 Commissions to Edward Rigby to be captain of the company, whereof Charles, Earl of Middleton, was captain, to Sir Thomas Ogle to be lieut.-colonel and captain of a company and to James Starling to be major and captain of a company, all in the Holland regiment commanded by Philip, Earl of Chesterfield. Minutes. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 164, pp. 83, 84.]
Nov. 9.
London.		 Newsletter to John Squier, Newcastle. In my last I told you that Lord Windsor was made Governor of Hull and that the Earl of Chesterfield had Lord Mulgrave's regiment. His place of Gentleman of the Bedchamber has since been given to the Earl of Feversham and the command of the East Riding to the Marquess of Halifax.
Yesterday Powell, a Muggletonian, formerly committed for blasphemy, for which he had lain 6 months in prison, gave sureties to appear the first day of next term and in the meantime to be of good behaviour.
Yesterday were sworn at the King's Bench bar three Grand Juries for Middlesex, one for the hundred of Ossulstone, of which Sir W. Smith was foreman, the second for the Hundred of Edmonton, Joshua Gillard foreman, and the third for the Hundred of Elthorne, Joseph Wingfield foreman. Mr. Justice Jones being sick, Mr. Justice Dolben gave them their charge, who was so well satisfied with their loyalty and ability that he told them that, had it not been accustomed to give a charge to grand juries, he need have given none to such gentlemen of worth and understanding as he observed to be returned. He then praised the constitution of the government, showing how careful it was of the lives of English subjects, none being taken away but by the oaths of a jury indifferently chosen out of the county, and then not to suffer, till both sides had been heard by another jury. Two things he recommended to their careful inquiry. One was to regulate the fees extorted by bailiffs and marshalls, men who are come to that pass now that many times a poor man was arrested for 5s. and his fees run up to 20s. in a short time. The other was to take care to prevent the spreading of written and printed libels, particularly those spread in coffee-houses, where people met and talked seditiously, so much that he was told there were discrimination tables, one of them called the treason table. He then recommended them to mind their oaths and concluded.
Last night Sir T. Player attended his Majesty in Council and acquainted him that he had paid in part of the money and that the rest should be paid in to-morrow.
To-day the business between Mr. Verdon and Mr. Topham was argued at the King's Bench bar, where the former was severely checked for altering something in the panel of Cambridge. The whole verdict was set aside and a rule of court made that, if Verdon could bring his action again, it should be tried at that bar.
I am told a warrant is signed making the Duke of Somerset Lord Lieutenant of the East Riding. Lord Grey, not having produced Lord Berkeley's daughter, is continued a prisoner. [3 pages. Admiralty, Greenwich Hospital, News-letters, Original, 2, No. 60.]
[After Nov. 9.] Abstract of the charter granted 1 July, 1678, erecting a corporation for relief of the widows and children of clergymen, with names of the present governors, all sons of clergymen, appeals for contributions, names of the court of assistants, 1681 and 1682, of more governors chosen 9 Nov., 1682, and of the present court of assistants, 1682 and 1683. [S.P. Dom., Car. II., Case G.]
[Nov. 10 ?] The Presentments of the Grand Jury of the Hundred of Ossulstone. The best way to secure the monarchy and preserve the King in safety and his government in peace is the due execution of the laws. It is the duty of all magistrates to take care that the laws be impartially executed. That all who associate with a greater number than the law allows in conventicles or clubs to do unlawful acts are riotous persons and ought to be proceeded against as such. All who do not frequent the Church are Recusants, it not being possible to know for what cause they refuse, and that all connivance in that case is a ready way to bring in Popery. All who go from county to county and associate in numbers to do unlawful acts are to be taken as vagrants and very dangerous persons. Publishers of libellous matters against the government or false news ought to be inquired after and punished. By 13 and 14 Car. II. all are to be disarmed, whom the Lord Lieutenant or Deputy Lieutenants shall judge dangerous to the peace, and they present that such, who in multitudes and in contempt of the government break the laws, are dangerous to the peace. In our opinion Popery and Fanaticism are equally dangerous to the government. The Papists ever since the Reformation have secretly plotted many designs against this kingdom, but have been always disappointed. The Fanatics made but one attempt, raised a rebellion, murdered the best of kings and many of the loyal nobility and gentry, took away their estates, laid aside the monarchy, destroyed the Church and for almost 20 years exercised arbitrary government against law. The best way in our opinion to prevent the extortion of bailiffs is that no bailiffs or their followers be permitted to keep taverns, alehouses or victualling houses. We have received a paper directed to the Lord Mayor and aldermen about the sheriffs. The prayer of it is a menace, viz., We make bold to tell your lordship and this court that all the fatal consequences, which shall happen by your not doing what justice this case requires, will be laid at your doors. We find some hundreds of hands set to this paper, all private persons. What such getting of hands and associating in such numbers to intermeddle with the affairs of another county may be interpreted we cannot tell or how this overt act of delivering the said menace may be understood, but we are of opinion that, if such practices cannot be controlled by law, the peace of this kingdom is in much danger. [See ante, p. 533, and post, p. 546.] [23 signatures. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, No. 74.]
Nov. 10.
Whitehall.		 Warrant for a grant to James Jeffreys, B.D., of the prebend of Canterbury, void by the death of Dr. Herault. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 53, p. 81.]
Nov. 10.
Whitehall.		 Warrant to Sir Robert Carr, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, after reciting the grant dated 2 June, 1674, to the Duke of Ormonde and the Earls of Ossory and Arran successively of the offices of steward of the Honour of Tutbury and lieutenant of Needwood Forest, &c. [the warrant for which grant is calendared in S.P. Dom., 1673–75, p. 37] and that the said Earl of Ossory is dead, for a grant of all the said offices to James, now Earl of Ossory, for his life in reversion after the said Duke of Ormonde and Earl of Arran, in trust nevertheless for Edward Vernon and his assigns. [2 pages. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 66, p. 154.]
Nov. 10.
Whitehall.		 Warrant for letters patent revoking the letters patent constituting the Earl of Mulgrave governor and captain of Kingston upon Hull and constituting Thomas, Lord Windsor, governor and captain of the said town and captain of 20 soldiers there, whereof 10 are to be gunners, with an allowance of 10s. per diem and the fee of 8d. per diem for each of the said soldiers. [2 pages. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 69, p. 8.]
Nov. 10.
Whitehall.		 Warrant for constituting Lord Windsor lieutenant, in the room of the Earl of Mulgrave, of the town and county of Kingston upon Hull, with a revocation of the letters patent constituting the said Earl lieutenant thereof. [Ibid. p. 10.]
Nov. 10.
Whitehall.		 Warrant for a grant to Francis Godolphin of the office of commander and governor of the islands of Scilly alias Sullye alias Sorlings. [Ibid. p. 11.]
Nov. 10.
Whitehall.		 Commission to Francis Godolphin to be captain of the Foot company in the islands of Scilly, whereof William Godolphin was late captain. Minute. [Ibid. p. 12.]
[Nov. ?] James Clarke and William Robinson to the King. Petition for a grant to them and the survivor of them of the office of warehousekeeper in the several ports of Ireland. On the back,
Nov. 10.
Whitehall.		 Reference thereof to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. His report, that his Majesty, if so pleased, may erect the said office and confer the same on the petitioners, whom he knows to be persons of loyalty, integrity and diligence. 2 Dec. Further reference of the above petition and report to the Lords of the Treasury. 4 Dec. Whitehall. [2 pages. S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 343, No. 71.]
Nov. 11. The deposition of Joshua Bowes of the parish of St. Andrew's, Holborn. Elkanah Settle gave him the enclosed libel, the title of which is Mac's Triumph, in imitation of the King of Poland's last will and testament, beginning, "My game is won, then, Patrick, tell me why," and ending, "Then let my praise be tuned to Roger's fiddle." He was desired by Settle not to give it to any but such as he knew to be Whigs. The deponent then mentioned the Earls of Essex, Anglesey, Macclesfield and Stamford, Lords Grey, Herbert and Gerard and some others, which Settle liked very well and conditioned with the deponent for half the profit.
Settle to the deponent's knowledge composed the enclosed libel, for he showed to the deponent piecemeal, now about 6 lines and afterwards 8 or 10 more, and in the deponent's presence corrected several words in the old copy and in his sight put commas to the enclosed and said that, if that took, he would make others.
Settle told the deponent he was the author of The Character of a Popish Successor and of Absalom Senior and Mr. Williams, the late Speaker, for about half-a-dozen lines mentioned in his favour in the last sent him 5 guineas.
Settle also showed him two copies of verses, which he designs the deponent shall present to the Earls of Anglesey and Macclesfield on the terms before-mentioned, commending them for being turned out of Court.
Settle likewise showed him two letters signed by Sir Thomas Player, as he told him, one directed to Sir Henry Thompson at York, commonly called Judgment Sir Harry, and the other to Sir John Hewly, to desire them to encourage Settle, who designed to carry down one Coish and others to act some plays or drolls in York. To make them more willing Sir Thomas told them how eminently serviceable Settle had been to the public (as he termed it) and the deponent believes that his service consisted of writing the said two books.
The deponent asked Settle who Mac was. Settle answered the Duke of York and that by Carnegie was meant a Countess, who formerly had clapped the said Duke.
Nothing is mentioned here but what Morgan Barber, Settle's landlord, can justify if he pleases, for he was privy to all that is here writ, both as to the libel, the books and the two letters. Barber, the deponent believes, can tell more than he can, but, Settle being his lodger, he believes he will not easily be induced to do him any diskindness, because Settle owes him money. [2 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, No. 75.] Annexed,
Apparently the original of the said libel, noted by Bowes as the libel delivered him by Settle, and a copy in Bowes' hand addressed to Lord Gerard of Brandon. [3 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, Nos. 75 i, 75 ii.]
Nov. 11. Secretary Jenkins to the Attorney-General. The author of these two prints is Stringer, that belongs to the Earl of Shaftesbury, and I enclose the affidavit that makes this out. His Majesty has commanded me to send all to you that you may consider of a course to be taken with Stringer. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 68, p. 168.]
Nov. 11.
Whitehall.		 Commission to Peter Shakerley to be governor of Chester Castle in the room of Sir Geoffry Shakerley, his father. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 69, p. 11.]
Nov. 11.
Whitehall.		 The King to the Marquess of Queensberry, Treasurer Principal. Whereas the now Earl of Lauderdale, whilst he was Treasurer Deput, there being then no Treasurer Principal, represented our interest at the annual meeting of the Society of Fishing, it is our pleasure that you act for our interest in all the meetings of that Society and, we being informed that now, after near 13 years' experience of keeping up that Society, no profit has redounded to the undertakers, but rather a considerable loss of the stock advanced by them, and that one of the main considerations that induced us to join was that of the Society's endeavouring to attain the right art of curing herrings, which we understand they have attained to that degree that, when their herrings have been sent to other nations, they have been esteemed as good (if not better) as any cured abroad, so, this right art of curing herrings in Scotland being secured for the future that the reputation thereof be not lost but preserved, we have resolved to withdraw the 2,500l. sterling, which we put into the stock of the said company, or such part thereof as yet remains, which by a clause in the contract of Society we judge we may do and which accordingly we authorize and require you to do. [S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 7, p. 435.]
Nov. 11.
Whitehall.		 The same to the same. Warrant, after reciting the last letter, authorizing and requiring him to dissolve the said Society of Fishing as soon as he conveniently can. [Ibid. p. 436.]
Nov. 11.
Whitehall.		 Protection in the new form to John Wallace of Aslos for one year. [Ibid. p. 437.]
Nov. 13. — King [?] to Secretary Jenkins. Mr. Cutts and Mr. Forbes were at the Duke of Monmouth's this morning. A book was presented to the Duke by Smith, a bookseller, called The Second Part of the Growth of Popery from 1672, how carried on and by whom. He leaves seals or tickets with the Duke to give to others that he may know who they are that come for the books. I shall have a book to-day, which I shall send you. I have given Smith a catalogue of the persons that frequent the Duke and where they live, that he may the easier find them. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, No. 76.]
Nov. 13. The information of Samuel Oates. About Michaelmas on the first [day] of the Lord Mayor's election, being with several of the Fanatics, Mr. Paskel, who had been one of the captains of our forces in Flanders, in discourse about the election talked highly against Sir William Pritchard, bringing a precedent about the people in Neweng Burg [Neuchâtel] that, when their prince had any way infringed on their liberties or imposed anything on them, they presently stood to their arms and caused submission in their prince.
A Mr. Loder, who goes by the name of the Protestant swordcutler, in Fleet Street, said a Mr. Thornton, a Yorkshire gentleman, lodged in his house, who was a very honest Whig, who had formerly entertained the Duke of York in his journey to Scotland, but said he would cut the Duke's throat, before he would do it again. Mr. Loder said he made hundreds of swords to send into the country to the honest Whigs. Asked why he hilted so many long rapier blades, he answered they were swords to be used on pursuit and that that sword was for Mr. West, a good honest Whig.
I have heard it discoursed amongst the Fanatics that the Protestant gunsmiths, as they call them, at this time are making short blunderbusses carrying about 15 or 18 shot, but I do not yet understand to what use they are intended, but discern that the Dissenters furnish themselves with them plentifully.
About a fortnight since Hannah Thonleson [Thompson ?], a Quaker, in my hearing read a sheet of treasonable verses, much abusing the Government, which, I believe, she has still.
About three weeks since Robert Nicholson, a Fifth Monarchy man, said that, if Pritchard was Mayor, he could willingly burn him and all his upholders. [1½ pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, No. 77.]
Nov. 13.
Paved Alley in St. James' Market.		 James Harris to Secretary Jenkins. My last gave you an account of what was intended on the 5th by Rous, Spurrway, Capt. Alexander, Parrott and others. The day, being Sunday, prevented the hellish stratagem, yet on the Monday their imps discovered their indignations, &c. and time may produce an opportunity to make the above parties give account where they were the said Monday night. I hope his Majesty has perused the breviat of my information and depositions with the last account sent you and, if Mr. Seymour or any other, by the instigation of Sir Thomas Putt or any other, has endeavoured to dissuade his Majesty from giving credit to my depositions, I desire to understand what is informed against me, whereby I may answer it, for I dread not Sir Thomas or any other on any account of perjury, felony or treason, no further than some misprision thereof, till I discovered a more certain confirmation here in London in reference to Raddon and Parsons, and then I gave you my discoveries to be communicated to his Majesty, from whom I beg pardon for misprision only, with liberty of answering in print anything objected against me by Sir Thomas or any other, whereby the world shall find he has acted illegally, passionately and partially against me mainly for telling him that I admired not his transactions against me, since he was so audaciously passionate and partial for the Exclusion Bill. I shall not now hint his intimacy with his crony Mr. Arnold of Monmouthshire nor how he defeated an honest loyalist twice in the election for Honiton, but must say, From such hollow-hearted loyalists good Lord deliver us.
I enclose one of my wife's letters and one from my mother, which gives assurance that my aunt is dead and that therefore I must repair to Monmouthshire with all convenient haste, wherefore I beg you to let me understand whether, what and by whom any informations are given against me, whereby I may vindicate myself, and, notwithstanding the death of my father and aunt requires me elsewhere, yet I deem it my duty to devote the utmost service I can to his Majesty and the Protestant religion. I am ready to depose that Holloway, or such like name, who was concerned with Blood in stealing the Crown and taking the Duke of Ormonde out of his coach, spoke these words or to the like effect on the 2nd or 3rd instant: We cannot fall on on the 5th according to our covenant, because it happens on the Sabbath day, but we stedfastly resolve to secure as many as we can of the Court party on the 17th (being Bess' day) and we will deal with them and Ormonde as we formerly intended against him, for Love's Coats are ready for us.
Subjoined is an information by Harris against Holloway in the same words as in the latter part of the letter. [2½ pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, No. 78.]
Nov. 13. Copy of a relation of Mr. Heather or Hater concerning his father and others, given to John Holme and Thomas Freeman. Heather, the father, came to his son one Sunday morning and took him to Lord Shaftesbury's and presented him to my lord, who asked him of what trade he was and whether he had been a soldier and told him he should have preferment under his father, and, before he went away, a lord and several substantial citizens and College, who was afterwards executed, came to my lord.
Capt. Wilkinson's narrative was to his knowledge all false, because the captain heard Lord Shaftesbury speak the same words, which Heather, the son, did.
There would be 50 men to wait on Lord Shaftesbury to Oxford, two of whom were to be Capt. Wilkinson and College, and Heather, the father, would have had his son likewise to attend my lord to Oxford and further told him that my lord said he would find him with horse and arms and that he replied his son was able to furnish himself with them.
The father's narrative concerning a plot against Lord Shaftesbury's life was altogether fictitious and contrived by him and Lord Shaftesbury.
The speech called The Noble Peer's Speech was read in a manuscript in young Heather's kitchen and old Heather told his son he would carry it to Lord Shaftesbury to see if there was anything in it he did not like and my lord ordered the printing of it. Old Heather brought one printed to his son, which was the same as the manuscript, and told him that, as soon as the Parliament sat, he should have a great place and said to his son and daughter-in-law, Take no care, for in a little time he would be as great as ever and would help them to money enough.
In young Heather's hearing Lord Shaftesbury bade the father to give him a book of martial discipline, which would teach him in a little time to discipline soldiers.
Young Heather knows something concerning the cutting of the Duke of York's picture, some hints of which he gave to Dr. Woodrooffe in Throgmorton Street the very same day the order came out for allowing 500l. to the discoverer.
Heather's son says that this relation is nothing to what he can justify, provided he may have a pardon for his father. He would and had a mind to discover these things long before this, especially when Lord Shaftesbury was cleared by the Ignoramus jury, but his wife persuaded him not to do it, because she was afraid he would be knocked on the head, he living amongst neighbours disaffected to the Government and being so much taken notice of that he was forced to remove from St. Bartholomew Lane to Cheapside, where he now keeps shop. [1¾ pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, No. 79.]
Nov. 13.
Whitehall.		 Reference to the Lord Chancellor of the petition of Walter Overbury for a commission of review in a cause between him and the relict of his brother, Nicholas Overbury, about his will. With note that it was renewed in the same terms to the Lord Keeper, 4 Jan., 1683. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, p. 218.]
Nov. 13.
Whitehall.		 Secretary Jenkins to the Earl of Craven. I am commanded by his Majesty to send you the enclosed Order of Council and to signify that he desires to have it dispersed in the borough of Southwark that it may have there as well as in London and Middlesex the good effects intended by his Majesty, who doubts not you will take care to communicate it timely to the Justices and others in authority in that borough. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 68, p. 168.]
Nov. 13.
Whitehall.		 Secretary Jenkins to Lord Alington. Similar order for dispersing the above Order in Council in the Precincts of the Tower. [Ibid. p. 169.]
Nov. 14. Lord Delamer to [Secretary Jenkins]. With God's goodness and no little difficulty I am come to this town and pursuant to my letters to you of the 6th and 18th of last month I must entreat you to solicit his Majesty that Sir Robert Leicester of Tabley particularly and whoever else have made any complaint of me to his Majesty may be summoned to make good their complaints before him in Council, that so they or I may have public punishment and shame, where it shall prove due.
My complaint against Sir Robert is that, pretending your authority, he about 20 Sept. examined divers persons concerning things done at my house and particularly compelled one who, when I am in the country, has a constant salary from me, on oath to declare what was done in my family 14 Sept., the party examined having then a particular charge at my house.
This examination was at a market town and at a public house that the country might be sure to take notice of it, a thing so strange and unusual, except on complaint made or that the party concerned be suspected to be a felon or a traitor, that I must fly to his Majesty's justice to have this trial publicly at Council. [2 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, No. 80.]
Nov. 14.
Whitehall.		 Reference to the Lords of the Treasury of the report, with the annexed petition, of the Lord Lieutenant, dated 11 Nov., on the reference to him of the petition of the Earl of St. Albans [calendared ante, p. 497], as follows:—I find the matters alleged in the said petition to be true and conceive that the new Farmers of the Revenue of Ireland can have no pretence of right to the quitrents therein mentioned, they being granted to the petitioner by letters patent of 30 March, 1666 (enrolled on the rolls of that kingdom), 10 years before the commencement of their farm, and therefore conceive it reasonable that the petitioner should enjoy the benefit of his said grant and not be interrupted by colour of any process in his Majesty's name by the said Farmers and that his Majesty will give orders to the Court of Exchequer there for allowing the said grant to the petitioner and that no process issue for levying the rents thereby granted but at the suit of the petitioner himself or such as shall claim for him. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, p. 219.]
Nov. 14.
London.		 The Duke of York to the Prince of Orange. "On Sunday I had yours of the 17th [n.s.] with the surprising news of the Elector of Brandenburg having sent some of his troops to seize Groot Ziel, by which one sees that people seldom want a pretext to colour what that [sic] have a mind to do. Sure the Emperor will not approve of it, whatsoever other people may, and, if he keeps it, he will be but an ill neighbour to you. As to what passes here to the public affairs you will have an account from M. van Beuning and of what has been done upon a memorial given in by Don P. Ronquillo, so that I need not repeat it to you. As for other things all continues to go well here. Winter begins very soon this year and it freezes very hard and it is like to continue, which is but ill weather for us hunters. . . ." [1¾ pages. Holograph. S.P. Dom., King William's Chest 3, No. 71.]
Nov. 14.
Whitehall.		 Warrant for a gift to the Earl of Dalhousie, during pleasure, of the shirefship of the shirefdome of Edinburgh Principal or Midlothian with all the privileges, &c. as the same were possessed by Charles, now Earl of Lauderdale, or any of his predecessors, shireffs thereof. [2½ pages. S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 7, p. 438.]
Nov. 14.
Whitehall.		 Warrant for a charter to Alexander Heigin, his heirs and assigns, of the lands of Craigforth in the barony of Elphingston by annexation and shirefdome of Stirling and of the five merkland called Balfoures Bawhaple and other lands in the stewardry of Monteith and shirefdome of Perth, with a new gift and a dissolution of the said lands of Craigforth from the barony of Elphingston and a union thereof and of the other premises in a whole and free barony, to be called the barony of Craigforth, with an erection of the town of —, belonging to the said Heigin, into a free burgh of barony and with a change of the holding of such of the said lands as formerly held ward and of such as held feu cum maritagio into a taxt ward holding. [1½ pages. Docquet. S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 7, p. 440.]
Nov. 15.
Lisburn.		 Sir George Rawdon to the Earl of Conway. I had this letter from Michael Harrison yesterday, for the cold weather hindered our meeting. He farmed the leet silver long since to Adam Leithes and, now I cannot attend the assizes or sessions and none of your tenants is very fit for Grand Jurymen to appear for our concerns in this barony, John Tottnall and Mr. Mildmay and Edward Higgison thought part of the leet silver would be better employed to bear the charge of Higgison's and others' attendance at those courts than in Leithes' purse and I concurred with them. So Adam threatens to sue Mr. Harrison for performance of his lease of the leet silver, which is determinable on your signification of your pleasure and disapproving it. I suppose Mr. Harrison will send you the agreement and desire your voiding of it, as I think very necessary. You should also give your commission to a fitter person to keep your courts, lest you forfeit that privilege, as I have often minded you to do, and now I desire Mr. Farewell or any other that may come out of England may be put into that employ as soon as it conveniently may be done. I have advised Mr. Harrison to quit, which he is willing to do, if you direct, but pretends he knows not if his surrender would be ill taken by you. As to the leet silver in quarrel my opinion is that it is no perquisite due to the Seneschal, but wholly to you according to the covenants of the tenants' leases, and that, though the Seneschal be the properest to receive it, he ought to account for it to the lord of the manor. It amounts to 30l. yearly, if every man pay according to covenant, and may well be esteemed above 20l. besides abatements to the poorer under-tenants.
I hear most of the Commissioners of the Revenue are landed at Dublin, but not the Earl of Longford yet, so I suppose Lord Granard stays there for his landing. If I have any concerns with the Commissioners, I think to write to Mr. Kingdon thereon, supposing him to be your friend. [2 pages. Conway Papers. S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 343, No. 72.] Enclosed,
Michael Harrison to [Sir George Rawdon]. I intended to have waited on you this morning, but am so indisposed that I dare not venture abroad. I have therefore sent my son to discourse with you about the letter I received from Mr. Leathes and I desire to know whether my grant from the Earl of Conway for the profits of the seneschalships of the manors of Killulta[gh] and Derryvolgie (of which the leet silver is a branch) be not of more validity than the verbal orders of Mr. Mildmay and Mr. Tottnall, for as yet none other are produced, nor am I willing to relinquish my interest without his lordship's order countermanding his former.
You have read the agreement I made with Mr. Leathes 20 years ago and the clause in the postscript, which still goes along with Lord Conway's order to me. If anything can be alleged against Mr. Leathes' management from my lord, then my agreement with him is void, for I am mighty unwilling there should be any misunderstanding between Lord Conway and his tenants. 14 Nov. Marlea. [Conway Papers. S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 343, No. 72 i.]
Nov. 15.
Whitehall.		 Commission to Capt. Henry Cornwall to be captain of a troop in the Earl of Oxford's regiment. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 164. p. 84.]
Nov. 16.
Drury Lane.		 The Earl of Anglesey to Secretary Jenkins. Hoping his Majesty has ere this given him a gracious answer and desiring to know when he may wait on him. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, No. 81.]
Nov. 16.
Dover.		 Nicholas Cullen, Mayor, and William Stokes to Secretary Jenkins. According to your advice we have endeavoured to reconcile all the differences and animosities that have lately unhappily arisen amongst us and are resolved to use our utmost endeavours that all feuds amongst us may wholly be laid aside and we will do what lies in us to restore peace to this corporation, which we hope will be a means that his Majesty may give order for stopping the quo warranto ordered against it, and consequently we shall save the great charges it will cost to defend. As you told us, when we were with you, you would afford us your assistance, so we beg you will be instrumental to his Majesty that the quo warranto may be stopped. [Ibid. No. 82.]
Nov. 16.
Wells.		 John Packer to Secretary Jenkins. Having by his Majesty's command prosecuted the corporation of Wells to revoke their charter and served the writ, I think myself bound to advertise you of the stubborn and irregular proceedings of the Mayor in direct opposition to the King's interest and the desires and endeavours of all the honest men of that body, whom I find very willing to hear what I had to signify to them from his Majesty and, on his gracious promise, to make a submissive resignation of their charter, and to that end the major part have more than once desired the Mayor to convene them, which he has twice appointed and both times deceived them, and he has now given a positive denial without any reasons and taken care, as he says, for an appearance at London by virtue of a previous order (which is rather an association to oppose the King) to maintain the suit by sale of their corporation lands, which order was obtruded on the weak brothers by the subtle and canting insinuations of Mr. Coward, the Recorder, and the rest of the factious party in the absence of many of the loyal and understanding men, who had no notice of their meeting nor can have a sight of the order since, the town clerk's book of entries being taken away by the Mayor with the keys of the Council house. Next post I will give you a fuller account.
I shall continue here till Monday sennight, if you have any commands for me. I hope you will take some course concerning Snow and Kiftell, against whom I informed you in London. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, No. 83.]
[Nov. ?] Information of John Packer junior. Kiftell, a dangerous and disaffected man, by virtue of some pretended authority from the Lord Great Chamberlain keeps a coffee-house in the Court of Wards during the terms, where great numbers of persons of the same principles resort to consult. Whether it be fit he be removed or not I leave to better judgment.
William Snow one of the doorkeepers of the House of Lords, frequents seditious clubs, promotes the interests of seditious men, intermeddles with elections and other public business in the City, endeavours to seduce people from voting for loyal men, adheres to the Duke of Monmouth, the Earl of Shaftesbury and that party and declares against his Royal Highness. His place is at the disposal of the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod and his lodgings in the Court of Requests at that of the Lord Great Chamberlain. I desire that my name be not made use of in this matter. [Ibid. No. 84.]
Nov. 16.
Whitehall.		 Warrant for a grant of the office of Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to Sir Thomas Chicheley during pleasure. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 66, p. 153.]
Thursday, Nov. 16.
London.		 Newsletter to Roger Garstell, Newcastle. The two long trials at bar on Monday and Tuesday having diverted the mandamus and the further motion and answer to Sir Robert Atkyns about Bristol, the mandamus was again moved by Mr. Williams yesterday that a mandamus might be granted, as at first he moved, viz., directed to the Lord Mayor and aldermen to swear Mr. Papillon, &c., that they had well considered of it and would take the mandamus at their own perils. My lord answered it was well, if they were right in praying it in that form, that they should have it and at their own perils, if in the wrong, which being then granted, a second motion was made on behalf of Mr. Dubois and granted.
Counsel for Mr. Tourney, the late chosen Mayor of Rye, moved to be heard as to that election, but Sir George Jeffreys replied his Majesty and Council had already heard and determined it against him for Mr. Radford. My lord said he would nevertheless hear it, but not till it came judiciably by way of trial before him.
Thomas Hudson of Henvill [Henfield], Sussex, deceased, having been disobliged by his relations, left his estate to Mr. Henry Blakeston, to whose father he was much obliged in the late wars. His relations set up another will, on which was a trial at bar, in which, very ill practices appearing to have been used to defeat Blakeston and that two of his witnesses to the will had been corrupted, they were secured, till the jury brought in their verdict, which was for Blakeston, and then committed. The Lord Chief Justice caused an abstract of the proceedings to be recorded and a copy to be given Mr. Blakeston for an end to future controversy.
Warrants being out against Benskin, Croome and Thompson's wife, the latter for publishing an Intelligence, when her husband was in gaol, they have all three laid down printing news pamphlets from this day.
Every day almost brings complaints of the roads being pestered with robbers and some in great companies.
At 8 this morning began the trial of Richard Farrington of Chichester, accused as an accessory to the murder of [Richard] Habin, an informer. The jury were of Sussex. Mr. Farrington challenged 27 or 28, 20 peremptorily and the rest, showing cause. At length a jury was sworn, John Peckham foreman. Mr. Farrington prayed the witnesses might be examined apart and was allowed. Then Thomas Barnes, a boy, was sworn and said that between 2 and 3 Habin was coming peaceably out of the South Gate and [John] Davies fell on him with a stick and Mr. Farrington, looking out of the window, cried, Beat him soundly. My lord asked if Davies did strike after Mr. Farrington said so, to which he answered, No. William Crossingham said the same, only that Mr. Farrington said, Beat him stoutly, and, being asked whether Davies struck him after those words, said he did. Then one Amesey, or such a like name, said that a week after the murder the boy told him the same as he had given in evidence.
Mr. Farrington brought up above 50 witnesses, of whom only 5 were examined, three gentlemen, that were in the room with him, and two women. The former contradicted positively Mr. Farrington's so much as opening the window or speaking and the women said they heard Habin say Farrington's windows should pay for all and that Crossingham told one of them he did not see Mr. Farrington nor hear him at the window and would not swear it for a world. My lord said enough were examined and told the jury that the evidence was first a boy and then another as slight, who had contradicted one another, and the third a hearsay, that they would not find it guilty, &c. The jury without stirring from the place acquitted him. The Lord Chief Justice told Mr. Farrington that the cause was not brought on by his Majesty's command nor at his charge.
The burning of the Pope, &c. to-morrow being frustrated by Order of Council and by a second from the Lord Mayor, it's given out that they will hang or drown him.
There is a report that Mr. Everard last night pretended to his Majesty the discovery of a new plot of the Dissenters to rise to-morrow, &c. Being ordered to withdraw, he did it so effectually as not to be seen again. The Middlesex Grand Jury have many things before them, indictments, presentments, &c. [3 pages. Originally addressed to Capt. Thomas Fissenden, Lewes, Sussex. Admiralty, Greenwich Hospital, News-letters, Original, 2, No. 61.]
[Nov. 17.]
[Read.]		 Frances Wright to the King. Petition, stating a gift by the King to Capt. Wright, the petitioner's husband, of 20 slaves remaining on board the Date Tree, of which he was commander, as likewise to Captains Booth and Shovell, both of whom have received theirs, and the refusal of the Lords of the Admiralty to allow those given to the petitioner without a special order and therefore praying an order for her to receive the value of the said slaves out of the first parcel of prohibited goods forfeited at the Custom house. [See Privy Council Register [P.C. 2], Vol. 69, p. 589.] [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, No. 85.]
[Nov. ?] Frances Wright to Secretary Jenkins. You tell me I must not trouble the King. I only ask what his sacred word has made my due. My lord of London would not have interested himself in my behalf, had he not known the justice of my cause. If his Majesty will but give me 200l. for the five and the command of a frigate for my husband, I will never trouble him more. He was ordered the Dartmouth frigate last spring, but Lord Rochester put a friend of his into it. These slaves are where they were, when his Majesty gave them him, and, since he so freely gave him the whole, he will not certainly refuse this little part. My husband has been a lieutenant these 14 years and has 500l. due for arrears, which he never asked for, hoping to be considered some other way. His father and two of his uncles were commanders and were killed in the King's service. Pray speak one word to his Majesty. The money these slaves were sold for is paid to the King and he gave them to my husband, since he received the money for them. [Ibid. No. 86.]
[Nov. ?] Robert Brady, M.D., Professor of Physics in the University of Cambridge, to the King. Petition, after reciting a grant in 1672 of the office of one of the physicians in ordinary to his person to Dr. Hugh Chamberlain, during pleasure, in reversion after Sir John Hinton, who is since dead, and that the petitioner is informed that his Majesty has resolved not to admit the said Dr. Chamberlain to a place so near his person, for a grant of the said place to himself, during pleasure, with a clause of revocation of the said grant. [Ibid. No. 87.]
Another petition almost verbatim the same as the above. [Ibid. No. 88.]
Nov. 17.
Whitehall.		 Approval of the report of the Lords of the Treasury, dated 30 Oct., on the reference to them of the petition of William, Earl of Inchiquin, as follows:—that the sum of 1,766l. 16s. 4d. was advanced, as alleged in the petition, and that the petitioner gave a bond into the Exchequer for repaying the same by four equal quarterly payments in 1681, but, his Majesty having signified his pleasure for the determination of his salary 9 Nov., 1680, 658l. 16s. 4d. of the money so advanced is still due to his Majesty; however, if in consideration of the services of the petitioner's family and his own his Majesty shall remit the same, they submit it to his Majesty's bounty:—and direction that the Lords of the Treasury give order for the petitioner's discharge and that the abovementioned bond be cancelled and delivered up to him. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, p. 220.]
Nov. 17.
Whitehall.		 Warrant for a grant to Robert Brady to be one of the King's physicians in ordinary in the place of Dr. Hugh Chamberlain, whom the King has thought fit to discharge, with the yearly fee of 100l., to be paid quarterly, during pleasure, the first payment to begin at Christmas next, and with a revocation of the grant to Dr. Chamberlain. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 66, p. 156.]
Nov. 17.
Whitehall.		 Secretary Jenkins to Lord Alington. There being a whisper that a Pope is to start out this evening from somewhere in Wapping and to be carried in procession and solemnly drowned near the Tower, his Majesty has commanded me to communicate it to you and to desire you to use all possible precautions that way. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 68, p. 169.]
Nov. 17.
Whitehall.		 Secretary Jenkins to Lord Delamer. I have laid before his Majesty your letter to me of the 14th instant. He said he did not find in it any charge of that nature against Sir Robert Leicester that he deserved to be summoned to appear before his Majesty in Council. If you have any matter of just complaint against him as having exceeded the bounds of his office of Justice, his Majesty conceives that your proper remedy will be at law. [Ibid. p. 170.]
Nov. 17. Lord Delamer to Secretary Jenkins. I have yours of to-day and, since I find I am become so despicable and unfortunate that my loyalty, credit and what else can be dear to me is of so very little account with his Majesty, you shall have no more trouble for this affair from me. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, No. 89.]
[1682 ?]
[Nov. 18.]		 Memorandum that William Lewis and John Zeale desire an effectual pardon [see Lewis' letters of 18 and 25 Oct. and de Faria and Mowbray's information of 17 Oct., calendared ante, pp. 479, 482, 499, and Warcup's letter of 5 Dec.] and that Mr. Cellier is indicted for high treason and they have given evidence to the Grand Jury this day, 18 Nov., for endeavouring to introduce a foreign nation and firing the fleet. If he has not his liberty, he cannot produce several witnesses. [Ibid. No. 90.]
Nov. 18.
Whitehall.		 Reference to the Lord Lieutenant of the petition of Sir Maurice Eustace, praying his Majesty to grant him reprizals for Portlester to the value of that granted away from him. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, p. 221.]
Nov. 18.
Whitehall.		 Reference to the Lords of the Treasury of the petition of George Beardsell, John Williams and Samuel Kendrick for the reimbursement of their expense in taking Captain—, commissioned by George Carew to oppress the Dutch on pretence of letters of marque recalled by his Majesty, with an encouragement for their pains in taking others commissioned by him. [Ibid.]
Nov. 18.
Whitehall.		 Secretary Jenkins to the Lord Mayor. His Majesty has had under consideration the opinion you delivered me yesterday, that it would be most convenient to set up Sheriff Daniel and Sir William Russell for the two commoners for Sir G. Waterman's ward. He approves very well of your reason to reserve Sheriff North for another opportunity. He leaves it wholly to you to give notice to our friends in that ward who the men are that you think fit to recommend. Capt. Le Neve was with me this morning to tell me it is high time it should be published in the ward who the commoners are that are to be set up against Shute and Papillon. I sent him to you to receive his directions from you. I doubt not you will send for Sheriff Daniel, Mr. Short, Mr. Mingay, Capt. Baker and other friends with all convenient speed. His Majesty leaves the time of the wardmote to you wholly. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 68, p. 170.]
Nov. 18. Secretary Jenkins to the Lord Chancellor. Signifying his Majesty's pleasure that Sir Robert Clayton and Arthur Onslow be put out of the commission of the peace for Surrey and that Charles Perrott, LL.D., and John Smith of Oare be put into the commission of the peace for Berkshire. [Ibid. p. 171.]
Nov. 18.
Whitehall.		 Commissions to William Paske to be lieutenant and to Thomas Child to be ensign to Capt. Francis Godolphin's company of foot in the isles of Scilly. Minutes. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 69, p. 12.]
Nov. 18. Report by Sir William Domville, Attorney-General, to [the Lord Deputy and Council] on the annexed reference to him of Lord Brittas' petition [calendared ante, p. 524] that he conceives that the petitioner, being a peer, cannot by law be tried but by his peers, in which case his Majesty always appoints a Lord High Steward for that purpose and gives full directions for proceedings therein, and that he therefore offers to their consideration that his Majesty may be moved to signify his pleasure touching the petitioner's trial or that his Majesty, if he thinks fit, would grant the petitioner his pardon and special directions that the Attorney-General enter a nolle prosequi on the indictment and the petitioner and his bail be discharged. [S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 343, No. 73.]
Nov. 20.
Whitehall.		 Commission to Heneage Finch to be captain of the company whereof Capt. With was captain in the regiment of Guards called the Coldstreamers. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 164, p. 84.]
Nov. 21. Richard Twyford to Capt. Crawley. Our worthy doctor will be carried before the King and Council to-morrow and he is provided with petitions to his Majesty and his Royal Highness, begging their pardon and suggesting that what he said against them was spoken rashly and in drink without malice or any traitorous design, which is as false as anything can be, for he was sober when he spoke what was sworn against him and he is generally as inveterate against his Royal Highness and the Government, though he cunningly does not name his Majesty, sober as drunk. He is so far from being sorry that I am told that no longer since than Sunday night he began a health to his Majesty and confusion to his successor. I wish he were gone hence, for he is the common plague to most of the prison, who wish well to his Majesty and the Royal family, and, had he an opportunity, he would not scruple to do them any mischief. I wish I were to be at the Board, when he is examined.
Since our examinations Shaftesbury's steward does not come to him, but, I believe, feeds him with money, for he spends higher and is fuller of money than before.
If you have an opportunity you may acquaint his Royal Highness of his design of petitioning him. His petition is contriving by counsel, but he is not deserving of pardon. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, No. 91.]
[1682.]
[Nov. 21 ?]		 Peter Bell, clerk, prisoner in Wood Street Compter, to the King. Petition for pardon for some opprobrious words against his Majesty and his Royal Highness, having been in a great passion improved by excess of brandy, so that he does not remember nor did he then know what he said or did, and praying his discharge from imprison ment, having a father near 80 years of age and a young wife now lying in of her second child. [Ibid. No. 92.]
[Nov. 21 ?] Peter Bell to the Duke of York. Similar petition to the last. [Ibid. No. 93.]
Nov. 21.
Whitehall.		 Reference to the Lords of the Treasury of the petition of Thomas Aslaby for a grant of the office of scarcher in the port of Hull, if it be found to be forfeited by not being executed by Thomas Nesbitt or his son, to whom it is granted, but by a deputy contrary to law. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, p. 222.]
Nov. 22.
Whitehall.		 Presentation of Edward Pretty to the rectory of Cornearth [Cornard ?] Parva, Suffolk, void and in the King's gift for simony. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 57, p. 57.]
Nov. 22.
Whitehall.		 Secretary Jenkins to Sir John Berry. I am very glad of your prosperous voyage and safe arrival at the Downs. I read your letter to his Majesty, who gives you leave to come to London, when you shall think fit. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 63, p. 54.]
Nov. 22.
Whitehall.		 Commission to Charles Hutchinson to be captain of the Duke of York's independent foot company in the garrison of Portsmouth whereof Oliver Nicholas, lieut.-governor of the said garrison, was late captain. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 69, p. 13.]
Nov. 23.
Whitehall.		 Secretary Jenkins to Lord Finch. Signifying to him and through him to the Board his Majesty's pleasure that the Happy Return have orders to sail into the Longreach to take in her guns, provisions and stores and then to sail into the Hope to await further orders and also that the Board issue the necessary orders for furnishing her with four months' provisions. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 63, p. 55.]
Nov. 23.
Whitehall.		 Warrant for a grant of the title of Earl of Abingdon to James, Lord Norreys, and the heirs male of his body. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 66, p. 157.]
Nov. 23. Commission to Theobald Burke to be ensign to Capt. Mohun in Tangier in the regiment whereof Sir Palmes Fairborne was late colonel. Minute. (fn. 1) [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 29, p. 411.]
Nov. 23.
Whitehall.		 Secretary Jenkins to the Lord Mayor. Some of the Lords of the Council, having been told that our friends in Bridge Ward have not yet received sufficient notice that Sir William Russell is the person intended to be set up in conjunction with Peter Daniel for the supplying of that vacancy, have desired me to give you a hint of this that, if you find cause to make that resolution, which I take to be your Lordship's, more public, you may do it with the soonest and let our friends know at the same time that Sheriff North is reserved for another opportunity. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 68, p. 172.]
Nov. 23.
Whitehall.		 Secretary Jenkins to the Bishop of Bath and Wells. I have two of your letters before me. One concerns Mr. Levintz, for whom I have a particular esteem. How far I shall be at liberty from the general rule I have set myself of endeavouring to prevent the coming of royal letters to the university I cannot yet tell, but all the good impressions I am able to make in his favour shall be sure to be so employed with his Majesty and the Commissioners for ecclesiastical promotions. The other, concerning the charter of Wells, afflicts me in regard your province there become uneasy to you, but I hope a short time will give you ease. If my diligence here can contribute anything to it, it will be a great comfort to me. [Ibid.]
Nov. 23.
Whitehall.		 The King to the Marquess of Queensberry, Treasurer Principal, and John Drummond of Lundin, Treasurer Deput. Warrant, after reciting the letter of 11 Nov. [calendared ante, p. 537], for the Treasurer Deput to concur with the Treasurer Principal in all matters relative to the King's interest in the Society of Fishing and in his absence to dispose of the King's votes at the meetings thereof. [S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 7, p. 442.]
Nov. 23.
Whitehall.		 Warrant, after reciting that for divers years few good books have been correctly printed in Scotland, which has chiefly proceeded from the opposition and discouragement to printing by the King's printers in ordinary, as if they enjoyed the sole privilege of printing there, and that the heirs of Andrew Anderson, deceased, sometime the King's printer, are not in a condition to print all the books necessary for that kingdom, for a gift to David Lindsey, his heirs, substitutes and partners of liberty to print and publish all kinds of books (except proclamations, Acts of Parliament, Convention and Council and others of the like nature) for 40 years, provided that the said books contain nothing prejudicial to his Majesty's established religion, government, authority or honour and that they be licensed by the persons appointed by the Privy Council, with power to the said Lindsey and his foresaids to set up printing houses in any part of the kingdom they please, and that notwithstanding any former gift to the said Andrew Anderson to be the King's printer in ordinary or any acts of the Privy Council to the contrary. [3 pages. Ibid. p. 443.]
Nov. 24. Information of Eccleston. Mr. Morton, master of the college at Newington Grove, has not broke up, but has two houses, one bigger than the other. In the biggest are those of longest standing or most learning, the other is for the younger and later coming. He has at least 60 boarders, for, when Mr. Button, who kept the same school at Islington, died a year or two ago, most of his scholars went to Mr. Morton, so, his house being too small, he made use of a greater and, when he reads lectures or on great debates, they all appear in the great house. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, No. 94.]
Nov. 24. Warrant for a grant of the title of Viscount Townshend of Raynham, Norfolk, to Horatio, Lord Townshend of Lynn Regis, and the heirs male of his body. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 66, p. 159.]
Nov. 25. William More of Chalgrove to the King. Petition for an almsman's place in Ewelme Hospital, his old age and infirmities preventing him from working as formerly. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, No. 95.] Annexed,
Certificate by the rector and several inhabitants of Chalgrove and Berrick in the petitioner's favour. [Ibid. No. 95 i.]
Nov. 25. Deposition of Thomas Mole, rector of Stratton, Gloucestershire. One evening about last February at the Half Moon, Cirencester, hearing the voice of Miles Sandys, I went in, where we fell upon the right of succession and he was fierce against the Duke of York and said that, if he was a Papist, it was lawful to take up arms against him. I replied, Dare you say so ? and he answered, I dare, according to the statute in primo Elizabethœ; on which I called for the reckoning and said I scorned to keep such rebellious company. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, No. 96.]
Nov. 25.
Whitehall.		 Warrant for a grant of the title of Earl of Rochester to Laurence, Viscount Hyde of Kenilworth, and the heirs male of his body. [1½ pages. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 66, p. 160.]
Nov. 25.
Whitehall.		 Warrant for a privy seal for payment of such sums as the Committee for the redemption of captives shall direct to be paid for the redemption of captives, to be paid without fee out of the money paid into the Exchequer for that use by Sir Thomas Player by order of the Privy Council. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 50, p. 94.]
Nov. 25.
Whitehall.		 Commission to Adam Urquhart of Meldrum to be captain of the troop of horse formerly commanded by James, Earl of Airlie. [S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 7, p. 446.]
Nov. 25.
Whitehall.		 Warrant to the Marquess of Queensberry, Treasurer Principal, John Drummond of Lundin, Treasurer Deput, and the remanent Lords and others of the Exchequer of Scotland. Warrant for exposing to sale the estates forfeited for rebellion of 20 persons therein named and out of the proceeds thereof to pay to James, Earl of Airlie, 1,000l. sterling with the interest thereon after Whitsunday next or else to put him in possession of 200l. sterling yearly out of the most effectual land rents of the estates of the said persons. [1½ pages. Ibid. p. 447.]
Nov. 25.
Whitehall.		 The King to the Earl of Airlie. Informing him of his having given a commission to his nephew, the laird of Meldrum, to be captain of his troop, he looking on the fatigue of that service as being too troublesome and dangerous for him, and reserving him for employments more proportional to his quality and merits and also informing him of the contents of the last letter. [Ibid. p. 448.]
Nov. 25.
Whitehall.		 Warrant for a charter to George, Earl of Linlithgow, and the heirs male of his body with remainders over of the lands of Waterstoun in the parochin of Eglismachen and shirefdome of Linlithgow with the right of patronage of the kirk of Eglismachen, with all his Majesty's right and interest therein, proceeding as to the said lands on the resignation of the said Earl for new infeftment, with a dissolution of the said patronage from the Crown and an annexation thereof to the said lands of Waterstoun. [1½ pages. Docquet. Ibid. p. 449.]
Nov. [26].
Whitehall.		 Order in Council, after reciting a report from the Committee for Tangier (Council Chamber, 25 Nov.) that they had approved of a letter of the Admiralty Commissioners of the 23rd instant intended to be sent to Admiral Herbert [calendared post, p. 554] and are of opinion that it should be sent with all convenient speed to Col. Kirke, Governor of Tangier, to be delivered to the said Admiral, but with an instruction to the colonel that, if the marine treaty made at Whitehall 16 June, 1682, with the ambassador of the Emperor of Morocco be ratified by the said Emperor and at the same time the land treaty made likewise at Whitehall 23 March last is ratified, the said letter be not delivered to the said Admiral, but detained in Col. Kirke's hands till further order, and, in case the said marine and land treaties be not ratified within 6 weeks of the coming of the said letter to Col. Kirke's hands, then he is to deliver or send it forthwith (or a duplicate thereof) to Admiral Herbert that he may do his duty in pursuance of the orders therein:—approving of the above report and ordering that Secretary Jenkins forthwith signify his Majesty's pleasure to Col. Kirke according to the said report. [1½ pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 359, p. 105.]
Nov. [27 ?] John and George Hilton and John Collingwood to the King. Petition, stating that the said George Hilton as plaintiff on his Majesty's behalf against Alderman Sir Robert Clayton had a trial at the Guildhall on Thursday afternoon, the 23rd Nov. instant, before Lord Chief Justice North, that all the counsel he could have was only Sir William Scroggs, though divers other eminent counsel were present, yet could not get into the court by reason of the rude multitude, and that notwithstanding the clearness of the plaintiff's case and his sufficient witnesses to prove the same, yet the court was so much incensed against the plaintiff and his evidence that it would not suffer half his evidence to be sworn, but suffered the jury to pass their verdict for the defendant, so that, unless a rehearing be granted and the petitioners assisted by his Majesty with counsel assigned, they shall not only be at damages of great charges but also contemned and abused by the rabble rout to the hazard of their lives with a perpetual infamous reproach of common informers, and that a motion for a rehearing (first paying costs) was made, but refused by Lord Chief Justice North, and praying his Majesty to order therein as in his wisdom shall be thought fit. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, No. 97.]
Nov. 27.
Whitehall.		 Warrant for a grant of the title of Earl of Gainsborough to Edward, Viscount Campden, whom the King has made lieutenant of two counties, viz., Southampton and Rutland, and governor of Portsmouth, and the heirs male of his body.
With memorandum that this warrant was altered by adding:— and in default of such issue to Baptist Noel, brother to the said Viscount Campden, and the heirs male of his body and in default of such issue to John Noel, youngest brother of the said Lord Campden, and the heirs male of his body. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 66, p. 162.]
Nov. 27.
Derby House.		 The Commissioners of the Admiralty to Admiral Herbert. In obedience to the Order in Council of yesterday we require you with all the ships and forces under your command to make war on, take and destroy all vessels belonging to Sallee or to any other ports or places of the territories of the Emperor of Fez, Sus and Morocco notwithstanding our orders of 16 May last to forbear all hostilities against them. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 359, p. 105.]
Nov. 27.
Whitehall.		 The King to the Lord Lieutenant and the Lord Deputy. Warrant, after reciting the creation by letters patent of 9 June, 1665, of the office of Accountant General of the Customs, Excise or New Impost of Ireland and a grant thereof to Robert Wood, LL.D., and James Bonnell and the survivor of them, during good behaviour, with the yearly fee of 200l. sterling, and that they are willing to surrender the said letters patent and all their interest therein that a new office may be erected, as hereinafter mentioned, for (such surrender being first made by them) causing letters patent to be passed for creating an office of Comptroller General and Accountant General of all the revenues of Ireland and for a grant of the same office to the said Wood and Bonnell and to the survivor of them, during pleasure, with a yearly salary to them of 200l. sterling and with a like yearly sum of 200l. sterling for the charge of their clerks, to commence from Christmas next and to be paid quarterly. [2 pages. S.P. Dom., Signet Office 1, Vol. 11, p. 129.]
Nov. 28.
Rotterdam.		 R[obert] F[erguson] to his wife at Mr. Brindley's in Fenchurch Street. (Printed in Ferguson, Ferguson the Plotter, p. 93.) [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, No. 98.]
Nov. 28. Warrant for a grant of the title of Earl of Holderness to Conyers, Lord Darcy and Meinill, and the heirs male of his body. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 66, p. 163.]
Nov. 28.
Whitehall.		 Warrant for a grant to Sir Thomas Thynne, Bart., of the dignity of a baron of England by the name of Baron Thynne of Warminster, Wiltshire, and of the dignity of a Viscount of England by the name of Viscount Weymouth and to the heirs male of his body, and in default of such issue to James Thynne, brother of the said Sir Thomas, and the heirs male of his body, and in default of such issue to Henry Frederick Thynne, youngest brother of the said Sir Thomas, and the heirs male of his body. [1¼ pages. Ibid. p. 171.]
Nov. 28.
London.		 The Duke of York to the Prince of Orange. (Printed in Dalrymple, Memoirs of Great Britain and Ireland, Vol. II, Appendix, part i, p. 52.) [1½ pages. Holograph. S.P. Dom., King William's Chest 3, No. 72.]
[Nov. ?] Mary Gilbert to the King. Petition for a reprieve with benefit of transportation, she having been convicted at the last Old Bailey sessions for two small felonies and sentenced to death, having five small children and no money or friends to assist her.
1682. On the back,
Nov. 29.
Whitehall.		 Reference thereof to Sir George Treby, Recorder of London, and his report that the petitioner was last October condemned for stealing a silver tankard, value, 7l., and other goods, value 30s., but was reprieved on the testimony of midwives and others that she was quick with child, but is still liable to execution, and that he conceives that, if his Majesty extends his mercy towards her and orders her for transportation, it will be abundance of mercy towards her. 22 Dec. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, No. 99.]
[Nov. ?] Martha Craddock to Secretary Jenkins. Petition for his mediation on behalf of Mary Gilbert that she may be reprieved, till she be delivered, the petitioner having been forewoman of a jury of midwives, who all except one were satisfied she was with child. Attested by the petitioner and four other women. [Ibid. No. 100.]
Nov. 29.
Whitehall.		 Warrant for a grant of the dignity of a baron of England by the title of Baron of Wymondley, Hertfordshire, to William, Lord Alington, Baron of Killard in Ireland, and the heirs male of his body. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 66, p. 164.]
Nov. 29.
Council Chamber, Dublin.		 The Lord Deputy and Council to Secretary Jenkins. Enclosing the report of the Attorney-General on the petition of Lord Brittas [calendared ante, p. 548] and desiring him to transmit it to his Majesty. [S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 343, No. 74.]
Nov. 29. Dispensation to John Briscoe, high sheriff of Northamptonshire, to be out of his county. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 66, p. 166.]
[Before Nov. 30.] List of the Royal Society and the Council thereof, eleven of the latter being continued for the ensuing year, 1683, and ten Fellows to be chosen into the Council on 30 Nov., 1682. [Printed. S.P. Dom., Car. II., Case G.]
Nov. 30.
Whitehall.		 Warrant for a grant, during pleasure, to Henry, Earl of Arundel, son and heir apparent of the Duke of Norfolk, of the offices of Constable of Windsor Castle and Keeper of the parks, forests and warrens there and also of the office of lieutenant of the said castle and forest, reserving the disposing of the office of Keeper of the Little Park adjoining the said castle and the appointing the Under-Housekeeper of the said castle, which is now executed by Theodore Randu, and the disposal of the stables built by the King near Eton and lately used by Prince Rupert. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 66, p. 168.]
Nov. 30. Warrant for constituting Henry, Earl of Arundel, Lord Lieutenant of Surrey. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 66, p. 169; S.P. Dom., Entry Book 69, pp. 19, 20.]
Nov. 30.
Whitehall.		 Warrant for a grant, during pleasure, to Henry, Earl of Arundel, of the office of governor and captain of Windsor Castle, fee 10s. per diem. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 66, p. 170.]
Nov. 30.
Whitehall.		 Commission to Henry, Earl of Arundel, to be captain of the foot company in Windsor Castle whereof the late Prince Rupert was captain. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 69, p. 19.]
Nov. 30.
London.		 Newsletter to John Squier, Newcastle. Last Friday Prince Rupert was at a play, sickened on Saturday and died yesterday morning between 5 and 6. His title and offices will be disposed of, I am told, as follows:—Lord Burlington will be made Duke of Cumberland, the Duke of Grafton Vice-Admiral of England, the Earl of Arundel, the Duke of Norfolk's son, who is a Protestant, Constable of Windsor Castle, the Marquess of Halifax will have his garter. He appointed the Earl of Craven executor of his will.
Tuesday, being the last day of term, the presentments of the Grand Juries for the Hundreds of Middlesex were delivered into court, amongst which was one against the petition to the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen by some people in Middlesex for swearing Papillon and Dubois sheriffs, as factious and seditious. They have found 26 bills against so many persons, who subscribed it.
Sir Charles Holt, on complaint of some of the collectors of the hearth money, appeared before the Lords of the Treasury, where he cleared himself with a great deal of honour and satisfaction to their lordships.
Prince Rupert by his will has given Mistress Margaret Huese [Hughes] and to his natural daughter, Ruperta, all his jewels and his house at Windsor. The money due to him on account of his pension he has ordered to be distributed amongst his servants. On Sunday the Court go into mourning for him. His Majesty will be three weeks in purple and plain linen and three weeks in black cloth.
The heads of the other presentments of the Grand Jury at Westminster are that the best ways to secure the monarchy are to put the laws in execution, that all persons associating together in clubs, conventicles or cabals in greater numbers than the law allows are rioters and ought to be proceeded against as such, that all persons refusing to come to church are Recusants and that all persons that go from county to county and associate in numbers to do unlawful acts are to be taken as vagrants and persons dangerous to the government. They further present that by the 13th and 14th of this King all persons are to be disarmed, whom the Lord Lieutenant or deputy lieutenants shall judge dangerous to the peace of the kingdom, and that Popery and Fanaticism are equally dangerous to the peace of the kingdom. The Dissenters living in this city are generally cited into Doctors' Commons and will be excommunicated, if they go not to church. [3 pages. Admiralty. Greenwich Hospital. News-letters, Original, 2, No. 62.]
Nov. 30.
Whitehall.		 Warrant for a patent creating Sir George of Haddo, Lord High Chancellor of Scotland, Earl of Aberdeen, Viscount of Frumertin [Formartine] and Lord Haddo, Methlick, Tarves and Kellie, with remainder to the heirs male of his body, reciting at great length the services to the late King and sufferings of his father, whom a rebellious crew forfeited and deprived of both life and estate, he having been barbarously and cruelly murdered on a scaffold, so as he may be justly said to have died a martyr for the Crown. [5 pages. S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 7, p. 451.]
[Nov. ?] Capt. Edward Le Neve to the Lords of the Treasury. Petition for a grant of a jerker's place, likely to become vacant by the removal of Mr. Humerston [Humberstone] to a patent place, his petition for the reversion of a king's waiter's or surveyor's place in the port of London having been refused, because reversions were not to be granted. [See Calendar of Treasury Books, 1681–1685, p. 667.] [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 421, No. 101.]
[Nov. ?] Directions for choosing aldermen (for the Lord Mayor). To desire Dr. Bell and the rest of the clergy in Fleet Street ward to oblige their parishioners to be at their ward moot for an election of an alderman about Tuesday sennight. This to be done by the Bishop of London to the ministers.
That the King would send to the Lord Mayor to require every alderman by their beadles strictly to command every alehousekeeper and coffeeman to be at the ward moot on St. Thomas' Day, there to vote for such men as are right to the King and government, as they shall expect licences for the year ensuing.
If the poll be demanded, that the names be taken in writing at each end of every alderman's table. [Ibid. No. 102.]
[Nov. ?] Dispensation to John Pigott, high sheriff of Somerset, to be out of his county. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 66, p. 166.]

Footnotes

  • 1. Already calendared under 23 Nov., 1681 (S.P. Dom., 1680–81, p. 582). The MS. gives the year as 1681/2.
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