Volume 16: December 1651

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Interregnum, 1651-2. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1877.

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'Volume 16: December 1651', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Interregnum, 1651-2, (London, 1877) pp. 42-89. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/interregnum/1651-2/pp42-89 [accessed 23 April 2024]

December 1651

Dec. 1. Council of State. Day's Proceedings. (fn. 1)
1. A President of Council to be chosen.
2. The President to continue a month.
3. Serjeant Bradshaw to be President.
3a. The Council to meet to-morrow.
4. The orders that have been made for regulating the proceedings of Council to be brought in to-morrow.
5. Copies of the instructions of Council, and of the oath of secresy, to be made for all the members, and delivered speedily.
6. All the members now present to be desired to attend to-morrow.
7. A list of the Council for this year to be brought in to-morrow.
8. The names of the several committees of Council, as they stood last year, to be brought in to-morrow.
9. The Lord General, Lord President, Sir Hen. Vane, Lord Chief Justice St. John, and Major Salwey to be a committee to examine Mr. Massonett, late secretary to Charles Stuart, and the letter from Dundee of the 3rd ult. referred to them.
10. Gualter Frost, jun., to be called in to take his oath as assistant secretary.
11. Mr. Scott to acquaint Col. Blake with the intelligence he has received concerning the sending of ammunition from Holland to the rebels in Ireland, so that he may appoint some ships to prevent it, if possible.
12. Such members as were of the last year's Council, and are of the Committee for Irish and Scotch affairs, to be continued a committee to that purpose until other orders, and to meet to-morrow.
13. Note that all the members present took the oath of secresy. [I. 66, pp. 1, 2.]
Dec. 2. Council of State. Day's Proceedings.
1. The letter of Col. Heane, of 24 Nov., referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee.
2. That of 22 Nov. referred to the Ordnance Committee.
3. Mr. Frost to satisfy [Rich.] Bradshaw's bill of exchange for 200l., for his quarter's allowance as Resident at Hamburg.
3a. The business of prisoners of war to be considered next Thursday.
5. Like letters with that to Mr. Powell at Bristol to be sent to Chester, York, Newcastle, and any other place where the Scotch prisoners are.
6. Note that Mr. Corbett, Sir Jas. Harrington, Mr. Wallop, and Lords Chief Justices Rolle and St. John took the oath of secresy.
7. Sir Arthur Hesilrigge, Sir Gilbert Pickering, Mr. Bond, Col. Purefoy, Col. Wauton, Sir Wm. Masham, Major Salwey, Lord General, Mr. Holland, Mr. Hay, Col. Blake, Sir Wm. Constable, Col. Downes, and Mr. Carew to be a committee for carrying on the affairs of the Ordnance, according to the former powers.
8. Sir Hen. Vane, Mr. Bond, Major Salwey, the Lord General, Lieut.-General Fleetwood, Sir Gilbert Pickering, Lord Commissioner Whitelock, Mr. Scott, Sir Jas. Harrington, Mr. Love, Col. Purefoy, Col. Morley, Col. Downes, Viscount Lisle, Mr. Hay, Mr. Holland, Mr. Burrell, Col. Martin, Mr. Wallop, Col. Popham, and the Earl of Pembroke to be a committee for carrying on the affairs of Ireland and Scotland.
9. The Lord President, Sir Wm. Masham, Lord Commissioner Lisle, Mr. Scott, Mr. Carew, Mr. Gurdon, Col. Purefoy, Lieut.-Gen. Fleetwood, Lord General, Lords Chief Justices Rolle and St. John, Mr. Love, Lord Commissioner Whitelock, Mr. Corbett, Mr. Nevill, Mr. Masham, Col. Dixwell, Hen. Herbert, and Mr. Martin to be a committee for taking Examinations and informations, and to consider such things concerning Law as shall be referred to them by Council.
10. Sir Jas. Harrington, Mr. Challoner, Sir Hen. Vane, Mr. Carew, Mr. Love, Mr. Scott, Col. Purefoy, Mr. Holland, Mr. Gurdon, Col. Stapley, Col. Dixwell, Mr. Nevill, and the Earl of Pembroke to be a committee to consider the obstructions of the Mint.
11. That any five or more of the Council be a committee to consider the business of Plantations, and meet in the Admiralty Chamber.
12. Mr. Love, Sir Wm. Masham, Mr. Carew, Mr. Holland, Colonel Morley, Mr. Dixwell, Mr. Burrell, Sir Wm. Constable, Col. Stapley, Mr. Herbert, Col. Downes, Sir Hen. Vane, Col. Wauton, Mr. Bond, Mr. Masham, Sir Jas. Harrington, Lords Commissioners Whitelock and Lisle, Mr. Scott, Mr. Salwey to be a committee to take care for preserving timber, in pursuance of the instructions from Parliament.
13. Lords Commissioners Whitelock and Lisle, Sir Hen. Vane, Mr. Challoner, Mr. Carew, the Earl of Pembroke, Viscount Lisle, Hen. Nevill, Sir Wm. Masham, Mr. Gurdon, Col. Martin, Major Salwey, Mr. Scott, and Col. Purefoy to be a committee to consider the manner of giving audience to public ministers of foreign Princes, and to offer to Council what they judge fit to be done; to meet to-morrow in the matted Guard chamber and confer with Sir Oliver Fleming or whom else they think fit. Col. Martin, and Mr. Nevill are to take care of this business.
14. Orders for regulating the Council.
1. When the House does not sit, Council shall sit every day except Lord's Day and Saturday, from 3 to 6 p.m. and not after, unless it be for business of importance, which cannot bear delay.
Nos. 2–13 are similar to Nos. 2–10, 12, 13, and 15 of the instructions given May 17, 1649 [see Calendar, p. 145.]
14. Every day on which Council is to sit, all the messengers not employed by the Secretary, either abroad or at home, shall give constant attendance in the room at the stairs' head without the lobby, commonly called the back stairs, from 3 p.m. until dismissed by the Secretary; and the eldest in course of admittance shall daily give account to the Secretary of such as absent themselves from service, and of any negligence or miscarriage, that others may be provided to serve in their places.
15. Any member of this Council may relate by word of mouth, without writing, to any other member who has taken the oath of secresy, any matter debated or resolved at Council, and wherein secresy has been enjoined, provided that they declare that the said debates or resolutions are under the oath of secresy. [I. 66, pp. 4–10.]
Dec. 2.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to Jas. Powell, Bristol. The mayor and aldermen report an infectious disease among the Scottish prisoners. Aldworth must remove them to places where there will be least danger of infection, and you must pay 4d. a day each for their subsistence to privates, and 5s. a week to officers. These prisoners were to have been carried to plantations, but are left behind; inquire what merchants have left them, that some course may be taken. You shall be repaid your expenses herein. [I. 97, p. 1.]
Dec. 2. 120. Petition of Shershaw Cary, merchant of Bristol, to the Navy Committee, for a hearing respecting the miscarriage of their order of 16 Oct. for discharge of the Charles of Bristol, whereby the said ship and her men were kept till 10 Nov. in King's Road. With reference thereon to the Navy Commissioners, to make out a bill to the petitioner and the rest of the owners of the Charles, for payment of the hire and freight due. [1 page.]
Dec. 3. Council of State. Day's Proceedings.
1. The House to be moved to consider the settling of the Admiralty, it being necessary for dispatch of urgent affairs.
2. The Committee for considering how Ambassadors should be received to meet, and report to Council to-morrow.
3. Lord Chief Justice St. John added to that Committee, and notice to be given him that it meets to-morrow in some of the chambers belonging to Council at Whitehall.
4. All the references made by the former Council to any of the committees of Council to stand in force to the several committees of this Council.
5. The Committee for Ambassadors to consider what has been done by Mr. Legg or Mr. Kinnersley in pursuance of orders, and report what should be allowed Kinnersley for his pains, and give orders to Legg for carrying on what remains to be done.
7. The letter and bill of particulars of Col. Heane from Jersey as to his wants referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee.
8. Liberty to be given to the wife of Lieut.-Gen. David Leslie, with two maid servants, to go in and out of the Tower.
9. Col. Morley added to the Committee for receiving Ambassadors.
10. The petition of Major Purling referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee.
12. To consider next Friday what shall be done with the militia throughout the several counties.
13. The Committee formerly appointed for examining the sending false and clipped money to Ireland to be revived, Mr. Scott to take care thereof, and the Earl of Pembroke added to the committee.
14. The petition of the Militia Commissioners for cos. Cambridge and Hunts referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee. [I. 66, pp. 11–13.]
Dec. 3.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to the Governor of Portsmouth. Finding it necessary for the more speedy reduction of Elizabeth Castle, Jersey, that a skilful engineer should be sent thither, and there being one at Portsmouth, send him to us to receive orders. [I. 97, p. 2.]
Dec. 4. Council of State. Day's Proceedings.
1. The desires of the High Court of Justice for money for pay of their officers referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee, who are to report out of what treasury the money may be had.
2. To report to the House that a report was made to them from the Council of State, in pursuance of their order, of a list of persons fit to be made examples of justice, but that no order has been given for proceeding against any of them; and as the keeping up of the High Court of Justice is a great charge, and they now only meet and adjourn, having none sent to them to proceed against, to remind the House, that they may give order both concerning the trial of the prisoners and continuance of the court.
3. The letter from Hugh Courtney of the 25th ult., with the papers, referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee, to consider how the money expended by him may be repaid.
4. The petition of Wm. Davenport referred to that committee to consider what is fit to be allowed him.
5. Col. Downes to report to the House that 8s. a day be allowed for pay to the Governor of Arundel Castle.
5a. Note that Lord Commissioner Whitelock took the oath of secresy.
7. Mr. Legg to have notice that no rooms are to be prepared at Greenwich for entertaining the Ambassadors of the United Provinces.
8. The members of Council appointed to meet the said Ambassadors to repose in some convenient room in the Tower, in expecta tion of their landing on Tower wharf, and Sir Oliver Fleming to send word to the Members of their coming, that they may come out of the Tower, meet them on their landing, and accompany them to Westminster.
9. The Committee appointed for Ambassadors to consider how the Members so appointed shall place themselves in the coach sent to fetch the Ambassadors.
10. The Earl of Pembroke, Viscount Lisle, and Sir Peter Wentworth to be the Members.
11. The petition of divers French merchants, with the papers annexed, referred to the Admiralty Committee, who are to confer with Capt. Lambert.
12. The latter part of the report from the Irish and Scotch Committee, as to making provision of victuals for the soldiers in Jersey, referred to them for reconsideration.
13. The petition of Wm. Dawby and Jno. Morris referred to the Committee for Prisoners.
14. Also the petition of Robert Montgomery.
16. The Lord General, Lieut.-Gen. Fleetwood, Lords Chief Justices Rolle and St. John, Sir Hen. Vane, Sir Gilbert Pickering, Col. Wauton, Sir Wm. Masham, Lord Commissioner Whitelock, Sir Peter Wentworth, Col. Morley, and Sir Jas. Harrington to be a committee to confer with four chosen by each party who appear before Council of the aldermen and Common Council of London, from them to understand the differences between them referred to Council, and with their consent, to endeavour a composure of them; otherwise to represent the state thereof to Council, that a report may be made to Parliament for their final determination.
17. Sir Hen. Vane, Mr. Challoner, Mr. Bond, Lords Commissioners Whitelock and Lisle, Col. Wauton, Col. Purefoy, Lord General, Col. Blake, Col. Martin, Mr. Nevill, Col. Morley, Mr. Masham, Mr. Burrell, and Col. Stapley to be a committee for carrying on the affairs of the Admiralty, according to the former powers.
18. The petition of John and Wm. Hamilton referred to the Committee for Prisoners.
19. Also the petition of Adam Cunningham, Alex. Caddell, and Alex. Hendrie.
20. The Lord President, Col. Purefoy, Sir Hen. Vane, Mr. Bond, Lord General, Lieut.-Gen. Fleetwood, Mr. Scott, Mr. Salwey, Mr. Carew, Mr. Love, Col. Wauton, Sir Gilbert Pickering, Mr. Gurdon, Col. Morley, Sir Wm. Constable, and Sir Peter Wentworth to have power to dispose to plantations all the prisoners under the degree of a field officer taken at Worcester, or in any other place since the invasion by the Scotch army, as well those in several garrisons as those brought to London, and to report how they dispose of them, and what should be done with the field officers that are prisoners.
22. The establishment for Scarborough and Arundel Castles, resolved upon at Council, to be reported to the House for their appro bation by Col. Downes, requesting them to order allowance of the same from 20 Oct. last, the officers having been mustered from that time, but not paid, because the establishment was not passed, viz.:—
Per Mensem.
Scarborough,— £ s. d.
One gunner, at 20s. a day 2 6 8
One mate, at 1s. 4d. a day 1 17 4
Two matrosses, each at 1s. a day 2 16 0
One storekeeper, 1s. a day 1 8 0
Fire and candles for the guard, at 1s. 4d. a day 1 17 4
£10 5 4
Arundel,— £ s. d.
The Governor, at 8s. a day 11 4 0
Lieutenant, at 3s. a day 4 4 0
Serjeant, at 1s. 8d. a day 2 6 8
Two corporals, each at 1s. 2d. a day 3 5 4
Fifty soldiers at 10d. each, 2l. 1s. 8d. a day 58 6 8
One gunner, at 1s. 8d. a day 2 6 8
Two matrosses, each at 1s. 2d. a day 2 16 0
Fire and candles for the guard, at 1s. a day 1 8 0
£85 17 4
23. Warrant to be issued to Mr. Frost to pay Mr. Riley 100l. out of the contingent money of Council, on account for the clerks to be employed about the Scotch Records in the Tower, and the charge of parchment, paper, &c. for the methodising and ordering the said records for public use; and when an account is brought in of that amount, a further sum to be ordered.
27. The Irish and Scotch Committee to consider the speedy furnishing of money for carrying on of intelligence and other exigent occasions of Council, and to report with all speed where money may be had therefor. [I. 66, pp. 14–21.]
Dec. 4.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to the Trustees for sale of the late King's goods. The Dutch Ambassadors to Parliament being expected, we have ordered Mr. Legg to see that certain rooms are furnished for them; deliver him such of the goods reserved for the use of the commonwealth as he conceives necessary. [I. 97, p. 3.]
Dec. 4.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to the Army Committee. For the better supply of the forces in Jersey, three months' pay, from expiration of the former three months, should be assigned to Col. Heane's regiment. Order it to be paid to Lieut.-Col. Joyce, and the like to Major Phil. Ebzery, for the six companies of Col. Clerke's regiment, and the like to Capt. West's and Capt. Margery's troops, from which the officers may provide clothes. [I. 97, p. 4.]
Dec. 4.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to Rich. Browne, Pembroke. The 31 recruits in the enclosed roll having been mustered on 15 Nov. last, when the six weeks' pay advanced by the Army Committee for the rest of Capt. Gale's troop was nearly expired, and that Committee not having ordered them any pay until 23 Nov., you are to pay them for nine days out of the 3,000l. ordered for the troops to be transported to Ireland, if they appear at the waterside. [I. 97, p. 5.]
Dec. 4.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to Alex. Wilson, collector. In considering your petition concerning the money in your hands, proceeds of the ordinance of Parliament for assessments for Ireland in 1645, we have confirmed our former resolutions; therefore pay in such money according to directions. [I. 97, p. 6.]
Dec. 5. Council of State. Day's Proceedings.
1. The order of Parliament of this day, concerning the treasuries, referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee, who are to report to Council, so that a report may be made to Parliament on Thursday next.
1a. Note that Alderman Pennington this day took the oath of secresy.
2. The letters from Major-Gens. Lambert and Deane referred (for so much of them as relates to the want of money for the army in Scotland) to the Irish and Scotch Committee.
3. That committee to consider what instructions not yet passed are necessary for the commissioners who are to go to Scotland, and report to Council, that a report may be made to Parliament next Tuesday; the committee to meet to-morrow, and Lord Commissioner Whitelock to be there.
4. A special summons to be given to Council to meet on Monday afternoon, about a business of importance.
5. The letter of Col. Duckenfield of the 29th ult., from the Isle of Man, referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee to consider whether anything further may be offered to the House which may tend to the settling of that island.
6. The letter of Col. Heane of the 25th ult. referred to the said committee; Capt. Norman to attend.
7. Warrant to be drawn for apprehending certain persons in and about town who hold correspondence with Charles Stuart, and were with him in the late invasion.
8. The Committee for Law to draw up a report to Council, and if they approve, to be offered to the House, concerning the printing of the ordinances and Acts of this Parliament, in such method as they judge to be most convenient.
9. The business of regulating printing referred to the Committee for Law and Examinations.
11. Sir Wm. Fleming, prisoner in the Tower, to be examined by that committee.
12. Robert Douglas, Mungo Law, and Jas. Hamilton, prisoners in the Tower, to have the liberty of the Tower, and their wives to be permitted to repair to them.
13. Col. Wauton to report to the House that, by their vote of 11 September last, Col. Edw. Massey was appointed to be tried at Westminster by a court-martial, but by reason of his wounds, he could not be brought to town until four days since. That the Act of 12 August last, so far as it concerns trial by a court-martial is expired, and therefore to move the House to declare their further pleasure therein, and to put them in mind of the report formerly made from Council, concerning the trial of prisoners.
14. Mr. Frost to speak to Dr. Walker to draw a letter for answer to the Duke of Tuscany, out of the narrative made by Dr. Walker to the Admiralty Committee, and by them reported to Council, and that a clause be added to intimate how willing the commonwealth is to maintain a good correspondence with him.
16. The petition of John Bellerby, of Lynn, co. Norfolk, referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee. [I. 66, pp. 22–27.]
Dec. 5.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to the collectors for prize goods. Cause the Peacock frigate to be appraised and delivered to the Navy Commissioners, to be fitted forth to sea as one of the winter guard. [I. 97, p. 6.]
Dec. 5.
London.		 Levant Company to Sir Thos. Bendish, Ambassador at Constantinople. We have only a short letter from you of 7 April last to answer, being all we have received since our last of 21 July. We wonder at the few advices we receive from you, and the Council of State resent your want of correspondence with them; upon consideration thereof, and advertisement of a design of the Hollanders to send thither an Ambassador with many ships and much cloth, to settle a trade there, and to supplant us, they have again lately expressed their inclination to send over another Ambassador of assured affection and resolution, to oppose this or any other attempt against our trade. We have endeavoured to vindicate you, by engaging for your performance of what may be requisite, and have again prevailed for your continance there during the time of your contract, when you must prepare for your return, the State seeming resolved, and we having promised to provide one to be sent from hence in the spring, to succeed you. In the interim we need not urge your utmost endeavour to promote the trade, and prevent any hazard thereto from the Hollanders, as we have promised in your behalf, and as we hope will be done with less difficulty, in regard of the fair composure you write there is of all things there, as well in reference to the Turks as to the factory at Smyrna, with whom we are glad you accord so well.
In ours of 6 Feb. last, we named a complaint from Jas. Man and others of our company, of injuries sustained by the Jews combining with their Jewish brokers for avoiding bargains made with our merchants, many of whom by such means have great sums remaining due to them, as Mr. Man, Thos. Pearle, and others; for recovery whereof, and preventing that abuse in future, we desired you to take some course, either by battulating such dishonest brokers, or such other means as you and that factory should agree upon; but not having as yet received any answer, we again commend it to you, that something may be done for regulating so extravagant and dangerous a custom. Assist Wm. Pearle, who has many great sums owing to him and to the late Thos. Piggot, for if any accident should happen in the interim, by his death or otherwise, those debts would be utterly lost. Although, in pursuance of our former orders, Mr. Pearle may be disenabled from sitting in courts, yet we hope he shall not want the protection and assistance of yourself and your dragomen and janizaries, whereby he may be able to give all his principals satisfaction.
Wm. Sheppard, an English limner, travelling in Italy to perfect his art, from thence went lately to Constantinople, upon the John Baptist, a Dutch ship, which being cast away near Samos, he, with two other Englishmen, were taken up by the Captain Bassa, and carried to Rhodes, where they are kept in restraint; his wife here having solicited us in his behalf, we desire you to use what means you have for procuring his release at his own charge, which will be a work of much charity.
We have lately appointed Richard Midelton consul at the Morea, and he intends to go hence with the ships; furnish him with the necessaries for his establishment at his own charge, to meet him at such place as he shall desire.
In our last we desired that certain moneys of Mr. Davies and others, which you had sequestered, might be restored to them, as not being their own, but their principals'; but Davies has informed his friends here that this has not yet been done, although we find the same charged to our debt, in your last account from Constantinople. [Levant Papers, Vol. IV. pp. 184–186.]
Dec 5.
London.		 Levant Company to Spencer Bretton. We send this by the William and Thomas. We are glad to hear of your quiet condition, and hopes of a sudden and clear dispatch of the debts there, and the satisfying of our bills of exchange, which we pray you to bring to a period, by a leviation at four dollars per cloth; for the better effecting thereof, we enclose a list of such bills as are payable there.
You request our allowance of a gratuity, and name the dragomen's reluctancy in admitting a diminution of their salary, which, if there be no remedy, we shall not press so as to deprive you of their service; yet use all possible frugality, as well in the matter of salary to our officers there, as in any other occasion of expense, wherein we hope some reformation at Constantinople, whereby you may be freed of that perpetual burden of bills charged upon you from thence; you shall not be further charged with bills from hence, but we shall take course that in future every place shall bear its own charge.
Mary Breages, wife of Mr. Breages, who lately died at Smyrna, solicited us to be a means for recovering his estate, she having administered, and deputed your servant, Wm. Baly, her assignee there; further him in her behalf, and see that nothing of what he left is embezzled, nor she defrauded of her due. Of the goods fairly entered here, you shall receive a list from our husband; and for other goods which have escaped his hands, we refer you to our former orders for causing them to satisfy our dues there, of which he will advertise you as soon as he has examined the Custom House books. At a court held this day, the company have thought fit, in regard of your pains in our affairs, and for your further encouragement, to order you a gratuity of 1,000 dollars at Michaelmas next. [Levant Papers, Vol. IV., pp. 186–187.]
Dec. 5.
London.		 Levant Company to Henry Riley [consul at Aleppo]. We send this by the Employment, as also a list of her lading here; for other goods upon her for which they have not paid our dues, you are to see our orders put in execution. We hear of great inconvenience there by some of the factors vying one with another in the buying of commodities, to the raising the prices, and increase of animosity among the factory. Try to prevent this, and use all means for preserving union, and avoiding heats and factions. We will communicate your letter to a general court, and in the meantime let Mr. Diggs and Mr. Vivyan, our late treasurers, know that we have received their letter, with the list of the consulage extraordinary upon the Flower de luce, of which ship the news you so much feared is too true. At a court holden this day, the company ordered you a gratuity of 1,000 dollars for your care, and to be paid you at Michaelmas next. [Levant Papers, Vol. IV., p. 188.]
Dec. 5.
London.		 Levant Company to Wm. Garway. By yours of 1st Sept. you remind us of a bond of 300l., which your father and yourself were engaged in for Consul Hyde's performance in the Morea, of which, being made good by Thos. Pearle in your behalf, you desire restitution, either by having credit for it in our books, or by our authority for possession of his lands in the Morea, until satisfied. We have consented that you have credit for the amount, not but that you, and all those engaged for him, were really liable to make good the penalties of the bonds, which would have been but a small recompense for the injuries he did, and the debt he owed us, even by his own acknowledgment and the balance of his own account. We had no reason to refer the matter to Sir Sac. Crow or any other, nor did we ever so, until Mr. Hyde's arrival in England, where he would not adventure upon the sentence of arbitrators; therefore the sole reason that induced us hereto is our regard to you, and our unwillingness that you should be alone obnoxious to this engagement, while the other sureties who are equally liable escape the same. [Levant Papers, Vol. IV., p. 189.]
Dec. 5.
Leopard, Leghorn Road.		 121. Capt. Hen. Appleton to the Navy Commissioners. We have had contrary winds with much foul weather, and are only waiting a fair wind.
Understanding that money runs very high at Smyrna, being at 6s. 8d. or 6s. 10d. per dollar, as also little hopes of being furnished at Naples, I have prevailed with Charles Longland, a merchant here, and Morgan Read, a counsellor of our nation, to furnish me with 3,000 dollars at 5s. 5d. a dollar, they having taken it up at interest to furnish me; as the merchants on the merchant ships bound for Smyrna and Scanderoon load great quantities of money, the exchange runs the higher. We will sail for Naples with the first fair wind, with the Mary, Richard and William, Levant Merchant, Mary Rose, Agreement, and Benjamin, merchant ships. [¾ page.]
Dec. 8. Council of State. Day's Proceedings.
1. Note that Col. Popham took the oath of secresy.
2. The Committee for Examinations to consider the letter from Ireland about false money, and order the bail of [Thos.] Hartop to bring him in, and deliver him up to Council. The committee to take further examinations, and prepare what is further to be done.
3. Mr. Carew, Col. Wauton, and Mr. Scott to be a committee to go forth and examine Mr. Bunce and the other prisoner now in custody.
4. The letter from the Commissioners in Ireland, with the paper dated from Dublin, and the letter relating to the taking of Clare Castle, to be reported to the House by Mr. Scott.
5. A special messenger to summon Thos. Hartop to appear before Council, according to the condition of his bond.
6. The Irish and Scotch Committee to consider what is fit to be done in receiving the corpse of the Lord Deputy of Ireland, which is to come to Bristol, and also for its interment.
8. Col. Wauton, Mr. Scott, Col. Purefoy, Sir Jas. Harrington, Mr. Herbert, Mr. Nevill, Col. Dixwell, Mr. Challoner, and Col. Morley to be a committee to consider the petition of the Governor of Sion College, as to removing the soldiers thence.
9. The Irish and Scotch Committee to confer with Thos. Newbury, as to his going over to Jersey to manage the mortar pieces there, and to hasten him thither with speed.
11. Note that Lord Commissioner Lisle took the oath of secresy.
12. The letter from the Commissioners for Shropshire referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee.
13. Also the petition of the Governor of Shrewsbury.
14. Also the letter of Luke Robinson, with the annexed warrant of Major Bourne.
15. The letter of Mr. Stone, returning the examinations of Fretson against Richardson, referred to the Committee for Examinations.
17. The petition of Rich. and Edw. Child referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee. [I. 66, pp. 37–40.]
Dec. 8.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to the Militia Commissioners [of Kent]. Parliament having in September last passed an Act for levying a month's pay for the army at the rate of 90,000l. per month, as you want money for pay of the officers of your county who were in service at the late invasion by Charles Stuart, cause the said month's pay to be levied in your county, and thereout pay such officers what you find due, and give us an account, and reserve the residue until further directions. [I. 97, p. 7; I. 66, p. 39.]
Dec. 8.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to Sir Wm. Strickland. We send you a paper about differences in Hull, occasioned by actings there to the disservice of the State. You are to hear the parties, examine witnesses, and send the examinations to us, with your opinion how the townsmen may be best settled in peace and fidelity. [I. 97, p. 8.]
Dec. 8.
Paragon, Downs.		 122. Capt. Rich. Badiley to the Navy Commissioners. We arrived here yesterday, with the Nightingale, where we found only five ships, bound with red herrings for the Straits; the other seven herringmen bound that way are not yet come down, neither are the three rich ships bound for Turkey got over the Flats. As the 10th is drawing near, say whether I shall proceed according to the strict letter of my instructions, and if the wind be fair, sail on that day with such ships as are bound southward, although I leave the Turkey ships behind, or whether I shall linger until they come down. [¾ page.]
Dec. 9. Council of State. Day's Proceedings.
1. The petition of Peter Vander Wyer and Hen. Vander Gyne, concerning the Peacock, late the Golden Eagle, with the letter of Council annexed, referred to the Admiralty Committee, to speak with the parties pretending an interest in the ship about employing her in the service, and report.
4. The petition of Jas. Winstanley and others referred to the said Committee, who are to advise with the Admiralty judges and Dr. Walker, and report.
5. The report made this day, as to paying the ships employed in the expedition to the Isle of Man, referred back to the Irish and Scotch Committee, who are to examine the whole business, in presence of Col. Thos. Birch, and report.
9. The 7l. 16s. 6d. laid out by Col. Berkstead's waggon-master, for gathering up and preserving arms, to be paid him, and the arms and ammunition taken to the Tower stores. [I. 66, pp. 42–45.]
Dec. 9.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to the Army Commissioners. Much free quarter has been taken by the soldiers in cos. York and Lincoln, to the discontent of the people, and disservice of the public. As just relief should be given to the sufferers, see that such charges are made good out of the pay of those who have taken free quarter. It will discourage such wrong when satisfaction must be given for what is unjustly taken. [I. 97, p. 9.]
Dec. 9.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to Col. Heane. We have considered the present state of affairs in Jersey, and ordered things necessary to be done. You will receive particulars from the Irish and Scotch Committee as to the mortar piece and ammunition. We have issued a warrant for 2,000l. to Capt. Hatsell, as a foundation for a constant stock of victuals, and 1,000l. to you or Lieut.-Col. Joyce, for the bill of exchange for 500l. and for defraying several debts and payments in reducing the island and the castles. Let the real and personal estates of all those in Elizabeth Castle, and all others in the island known to have been active enemies, be forthwith secured, in order to sequestration when Parliament declares their pleasure. Also enquire after the King's rents, how they were paid, and see that they are also secured. Certify us what those rents are, what lands belong to the Crown, and the names of fit persons there to whom the care of these things may be committed, when Parliament shall declare their pleasure therein.
As to what is desired for the transportation of wools to Jersey, for manufacture of stockings, and for leather for their use, we think they should have the same privileges as formerly. Ascertain how much will be necessary, and from what port they desire to transport it, that warrant may be given accordingly, and that the commonwealth be not prejudiced by fraudulent transportation. For the present, we have ordered a warrant for 200 todds of wool and 10 dickers of leather, and, upon receipt of your certificate, will give further orders. Security should be given, not only for the landing of the wool in Jersey, but that it be also manufactured there, lest more be desired than can be manufactured, and the rest be transported to other places.
That the public treasure may not be burdened unnecessarily, we desire you to retrench all expenses, but without prejudice to the safety of the island, and to the completing the reduction of the castle. That civil government may be exercised there with better justice, see that there be no election made of any jurat in place of any of those now in the castle, or that may be dead, until Parliament has taken order therein, so that such may be put into those places as will duly administer justice. [I. 97, pp. 10–12.]
Dec. 10. Council of State. Day's Proceedings.
2. The petition of Ralph Flower, merchant of London, referred to the Admiralty Committee.
3. Also the petition of the officers and seamen belonging to the navy at Chatham.
4. The petition of Sir Wm. Lewis and Mr. Copely referred to the Committee for Examinations.
5. The report brought in to Council from the Irish and Scotch Committee, concerning letters to be written to the commissioners of counties about raising the month's assessments, referred to Mr. Corbett, Mr. Burrell, Sir Wm. Masham, Col. Stapley, Mr. Carew, Mr. Nevill, Mr. Hay, Mr. Gurdon, Col. Dixwell, and Col. Purefoy, who are to peruse the Acts of Parliament thereon, consider what power is given to Council by Parliament, and report; Mr. Corbett to take care thereof.
6. Mr. Martin, Mr. Challoner, Mr. Nevill, Col. Blake, Alderman Pennington, Col. Purefoy, Mr. Carew, Mr. Bond, Sir Peter Wentworth, Col. Stapley, Earl of Pembroke, and Mr. Burrell, to consider the papers relating to the complaint made by the public minister of the Duke of Tuscany, and the narrative of the same by Dr. Walker, by appointment of the Admiralty Committee, and what answer is to be given to the Duke, and report; Mr. Challoner to take care of the business.
7. The paper containing the desires of the Revenue Committee about sitting in the Star Chamber referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee, who are to send for Mr. Hawkins about removing some papers belonging to Irish affairs, to make way for their sitting there.
10. Order to be given to the Commissioners of Customs to suffer 200 todds of wool to be exported to Jersey, to be knit into stockings, and 10 dickers of leather, as the Governor shall desire license, on security to double the value to be given in at the Custom house by the exporters. Certificate to be returned of the delivery of the same in Jersey. [I. 66, pp. 42–49.]
Dec. 10.
Whitehall		 Council of State to the Militia Commissioners, co. Notts. We received yours signifying that you had expended 120l. in paying the officers of a troop of horse and dragoons raised against the Scots, &c., and that you have demanded repayment from Capt. Edm. Richards, Receiver-General of the monthly assessments of that county, and also desiring a letter to the Army Committee for the allowance of that sum upon his account, as we intimated that what charge you should be at in that work, Parliament would take care should be reimbursed.
The monthly assessments, being for pay of the established forces, cannot be diverted to the pay of those who were raised extraordinarily; but Parliament passed an Act last September, enabling the raising of money in each county for the very purpose your letter expresses, a copy of which Act we enclose. If you desire authority for levying any part of the said month's pay, we will send it by another way; but we cannot direct the reimbursement of that sum out of the ordinary assessments. [I. 97, pp. 13, 14.]
Dec. 11. Council of State. Day's Proceedings.
2. Liberty to be given to Capt. Robert Massey to visit his brother, Col. Edw. Massey, close prisoner in the Tower, and notice hereof to be given to the Lieutenant.
3. The petition of Jno. Bennet and others referred to the Admiralty Committee, to consider the losses mentioned, and report what should be allowed to the parties concerned.
7. The petition of Mathew Franklin referred to the Admiralty Committee.
8. The petition of Nath. Andrewes and John Frederick, merchants of London, for letters of reprisal upon the French, referred to the said committee, who are to advise with the Admiralty judges as to granting them, with restriction to full satisfaction of their losses.
9. Mr. Sterry, Mr. Peters, and Mr. Caryl to be the three ministers to preach before Council in Whitehall Chapel, as they did last year, with the same allowance.
10. The Commissioners going to Scotland to give such allowance as they think fit to the ministers they take with them.
11. Mr. Scott to have the same power for managing intelligence for this year as formerly.
12. Also the same allowance as formerly to be paid by Mr. Frost out of the exigent money of Council.
13. The order of Parliament as to disposing of the corpse of the Lord Deputy General referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee, to set money apart for defraying the charge of the funeral, find some convenient place for disposing of the body when it shall arrive, and all other things relating to that business.
14. The said committee to consider where quarters are to be had for the Lord General's regiment of foot, which is ordered to the guard of Parliament, and to take care that the captain of the guard be spoken to, that full and sufficient guards may be placed in Whitehall, especially in the night, upon all the gates entering into the house, and upon most of the principal passages within the house.
16. The letter of Lieut.-Gen. Monk, with the particulars given in by the master farrier, referred to the Ordnance Committee, to order the speedy provision of things necessary and fitting, and also 4,000 pioneers' tools, which the Lieut.-General desired in his letter to Mr. Rowe.
17. The petition of the Master, Wardens, and liverymen of the companies of the city of London,—read this day in Parliament and referred to Council,—complaining of innovations made by the Common Council in the election of magistrates, referred to the committee appointed to consider the differences between the Lord Mayor and aldermen, and the Common Council, viz., the Lord General, Lieut.Gen. Fleetwood, Lords Chief Justices Rolle and St. John, Sir Hen. Vane, Sir Gilbert Pickering, Col. Wauton, Sir Wm. Masham, Lord Commissioner Whitelock, Sir Peter Wentworth, Col. Morley, and Sir Jas. Harrington, to which is now added Lord Commissioner Lisle; which committee is to meet on Saturday in the Guard Chamber, and petitioners and Common Council to appoint four or six on each part to attend; the committee to hear both parties, and offer their opinion thereupon to Council next Monday, in order to a report being made to Parliament next Tuesday, according to their order; notice hereof to be given to the petitioners and the Common Council.
18. The Irish and Scotch Committee to order Mr. Ryley to make particular search first of all, in his sorting of the Scotch records, for the bills and bonds for money, and to employ Andrew Ker, mentioned in Major-Gen. Lambert's letter, so far as they think fit.
23. To write the Army Committee to examine whether Lieut.Col. Finch has accounted for the pay of the company raised by Col. Mackworth, or why it was not paid; and in case they find any arrears due to the company, they are to certify the amount, and whether Finch has any money in hand to pay it, or whether it should be paid out of the 20,000l. charged by order of Parliament upon Goldsmiths' Hall, for pay of the 4,000 foot which Council should take into pay for three months, the remainder of which money is now, by a vote of the House of 26 Sept. last, appointed to be issued by warrant of Council only. [I. 66, pp. 51–57.]
Dec. 11.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to the Commissioners for the Assessments for Ireland in the three eastern divisions of co. Sussex. Upon a representation made of an arrear due by Sussex, upon an assessment on an ordinance of Parliament of 16 Feb. 1647–8, the Council of State in Feb. 1650–1 wrote the Assessment Commissioners for that county to quicken the bringing in of such moneys, and in some of the rapes, the arrears have been cleared, and the money paid in; but as there is 265l. 12s. 11d. still due from the Lewes rape, for want of a proper settlement of the assessment there, we desire you to meet, and take order that such money may be forthwith raised and paid in. [I. 97, p. 16.]
Dec. 11.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to Charles Walley. You have in store a quantity of cheese and biscuit intended for the forces in Scotland, and in danger of being spoiled. Ship them for the magazine at Dublin, and send us certificates of the Revenue Commissioners, or the Commissary of stores there, attested by the Governor, of the quantity delivered, and an account of the value and of the waste, that we may charge the same to the account of the army in Ireland, and take off the like sum from the army in Scotland. [I. 97, pp. 17, 18.]
Dec. 11.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to Col. Clerke. Having ordered 100l. to be paid you for the widow of Lieut. John Evans, slain in the reducing of Jersey, we desire you to pay her 40l. for her own use, and 30l. a piece to her two children; but in case the child wherewith she is now pregnant shall live, then the three children are to have 20l. each. [I. 97, p. 19.]
Dec. 11.
London.		 123. Commissioner Peter Pett to the Committee of Merchants for regulating the Navy. On your new modelling the navy according to the Act, among other men put in by you to places which became void by delinquency, was William Thomson as master caulker at Chatham, and Thos. Colpott as boatswain of the yard; and, because these men pretended to religion, you were willing to encourage them, not only by an increase of salary, in the model presented to the Navy Commissioners, but also by singling out those two from all the rest, whose salaries by your means were immediately settled. This very great favour I thought would have invited them to lay down all perquisites, and to diligent performance of their employment; but instead thereof, I have not found any men in the whole navy more negligent of their duty, and breaking rules as to perquisites, than they.
As generals signify nothing, I shall descend to particulars:—
1. Thomson has frequently repaired to London without the least leave, and when at home, has taken little care for the strict employment of his men or boys.
2. Out of contempt of the order of the Council of State, and though many times commanded by me, he neglected the caulking of the Sovereign for two years, out of a mere design of destroying her, which was directly opposite to the Council's order; and would not let a caulker stop a seam in two years, which is a precedent beyond parallel for the rottenest ship in the navy.
3. Ever since he came, he has burnt the State's provisions for his firing, which at no time was a caulker's perquisite; but for him to do it, having had his salary increased, and to employ 20 or 30 men and boys in the State's pay in breaking it up and carrying it in, is a breach of rule, and has proved excessively injurious by way of precedent to others, as now they all begin to take a liberty.
As for Thos. Colpott,—
1. I have found him very ignorant and wilful, and he neither knows nor will know his duty, by which means the State has suffered in the loss of boats, masts, timber, &c. to a considerable value.
2. He has so frequently gone to London without leave that the State has been much damaged by his neglect in employing the many labourers under his charge, and many times poor men have lain upon demurrage so long that they have been almost undone, and the clamours of the Hoy men have at times put me upon the extraordinary duty of searching the tap house in the yard and other places, to get his men together to do the work, he being in London.
3. He has also found most of his firing at the charge of the State, and employed labourers to bring it in, which is not a perquisite to the boatswain of the yard.
Although I have power to suspend them for such breaches of trust, I rather desire you would take such effectual and speedy care to suppress these growing evils, as shall make it needless for me to make an application higher. I should not have troubled you had friendly admonitions and reproofs served the turn. [3 pages.]
Dec. 12. Council of State. Day's Proceedings.
1. The reference made 28 Nov. to the Irish and Scotch Committee, concerning Leicester[shire] having sent out forces beyond their proportion, to be revived, and that committee desired to report to Council with speed.
2. The letter of Josias Drake from Hull, with the bill of particulars, referred to the Ordnance Committee.
4. The letter of Col. Duckenfield, with the papers of Isaac Berkenhead, and the two inventories, referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee.
5. The petition of Thomas Lloyd, Reynold Jenkins, Rich. Jones, and Morgan Jenkins, prisoners at Cardiff, referred to the Committee for Examinations.
7. The letter of Col. Bingham from Guernsey, with the papers enclosed, referred to the Admiralty Committee.
8. Mr. Frost to search amongst the papers of the Committee of both Kingdoms, and those which came in about the time of the siege against Hereford by the Scots, for papers relating to Sir Wm. Fleming, and his agency at that time with the Scotch army.
9. To write to — at Cardiff to discharge Sir Charles Kemis, if imprisoned only for what concerns the State, taking his bond in 2,000l., with two sureties in 1,000l. each, to appear before Council within 12 days after notice, and to be of good behaviour.
12. Capt. Hen. Hatsell to be indemnified for what he did in obedience to Council's orders, in impressing several ships, boats, and barges, with mariners and carpenters, for the service at Jersey. [I. 66, pp. 59–63.]
Dec. 12.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to the Militia Commissioners of Coventry. We enclose a petition, which has been presented on behalf of the bearer, Thos. Doughty. Examine the matter, and if you find it true, set him at liberty; but if otherwise, certify us thereon. [I. 97, p. 14.]
Dec. 12.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to Mr. Brandling, Ipswich. We enclose a copy of a petition presented to us [from John Gurdon, a Scot]. Upon the petitioner giving a bond in a convenient sum, with or without sureties, to go with his wife and children into Scotland, and to be of good behaviour, set him at liberty, and give him a pass. [I. 97, p. 15; I. 66, p. 39.]
Dec. 12.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to the Navy Committee. Having considered the enclosed account and certificate [from the Navy Commissioners], one for 656l. 10s. 7d. for provisions for the double shallops for Scotland, and the other for 1,876l. for victualling the men belonging to them, you are to issue your warrant to the treasurer and Commissioners of the Navy, to place to account the said sums as a naval charge, some of the said boats being already returned, and laid up in the stores. [I. 97, p. 18; I, 66, p.63.]
Dec. 12.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to Col. Duckenfield. We have received your letter and papers concerning the goods in the Isle of Man likely to be made prize, and your other letters since the taking of that place; it has been under consultation to settle an establishment, and prepare all things necessary for the place. We return you hearty thanks for your service in reducing that island, and will send you full directions as soon as we can. [I. 97, p. 20.]
Dec. 12.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to the Army Committee. There was a foot company commanded by Capt. Robson, lately shipped at Yarmouth for Dundee, and fitted with provisions; but after they had been at sea several days, and came within sight of their port, they were driven again to sea, and carried back towards Yarmouth, and in the storm suffered many misadventures, and particularly the loss of their rudder, by reason whereof they were unable to guide themselves; being six days in this extremity, they at last run ashore near Yarmouth. There was not a man lost, but none of their provisions were saved. The company are very unwilling to venture again, and rather desire to march to Scotland by land, but are disabled for want of money. Order them one month's pay advanced upon account, to enable them to march. [I. 97, pp. 21–22.]
Dec. 12.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to the Governor of the Isle of Man. You will see by the enclosed petition [of Richard and Edw. Child] what has been represented to us concerning the Betty frigate, now at your island; certify whether you have any such vessel or goods, and if so, send particulars of the goods, and carefully preserve them until further order. [I. 97, p. 23; I. 66, p. 64.]
Dec. 12. 124. Order of the Admiralty Committee, on petition of the officers and seamen belonging to the navy at Chatham, touching Wm. Adderley and his neglect of duty in preaching on board some of the State's ships at Chatham, referred to this committee by the Council of State, that a copy of the petition be sent to Adderley, and he be desired henceforward either to preach on board some one of the ships at Chatham that is the most central, or to appear before this committee next Wednesday week, to show cause. [Copy, ¾ page.] Annexing,
124. i. Petition of the officers and seamen belonging to the navy at Chatham to the Council of State, to order Wm. Adderley to preach on board some of the ships most centered to the rest, so that they may enjoy the means of salvation, or that another preacher may be assigned to them, upon similar terms as to pay and preaching. Their employment resting upon the good and safety of the navy, for their more faithful attendance and constant residence, a minister was allowed to preach on board at fit seasons, and Wm. Adderley was designed thereto, but has totally neglected that office, though receiving 100l. a year for the last two years out of the petitioners' pay, and has spent his time and pains amongst a people not properly appertaining to the petitioners, or to him. Thus petitioners are forced to pay wages to do another man's work, and perish in the interim, and are under two desperate hazards.
1. By remoteness from their employment in the time of hearing the Gospel preached, the charge they have may fall under danger of fire or storms, and their lives and for tunes, and the welfare and honour of the commonwealth are concerned in the hazard of their navy.
2. They must be deprived of the means of life and salvation in the ministry of the Gospel, and remain under the desperate notion of being heathens and infidels. [Copy, 2 pages, 42 signatures.]
124. ii. Wm. Adderley to the Admiralty Committee. There is a fallacy in the title of the petition; it is not from the most considerable part of the navy at Chatham; the masters of attendance, pursers, carpenters, and gunners have not signed it, and a like petition was rejected at the Navy Office, Tower Hill.
I have preached constantly on shore, where most of the navy and their families have attended, and this by order of the commissioner on the place, who posted up orders for the shipkeepers to attend, or be punished as malignants. The meeting place on shore is more convenient and central, and has pews for the several officers.
1. If there were enough boats to carry all the navy men on board that live on shore, there would not be room in any one ship to contain them, there being many hundred ordinary and extraordinary seamen.
2. If there were boats enough and convenient room, yet to row on the Lord's Day is judged unlawful by the Act of Parliament, and one half of the Lord's Day would be spent in rowing to and fro, unless order was given for all to have diet on board; otherwise the day would be turned into a fast.
3. If the Act be dispensed with as to this place, many would take the liberty to row up and down upon their own pleasure.
4. As to the supposed danger to the ships by fire and storms, they are in as much safety on the Lord's Day, when the mariners come on shore to hear, as they are on working days, when they come on shore daily about naval works. If they come on board any one ship to hear, all the rest of the ships are in the like danger as if they came on shore.
For further proof and clearing what has been alleged, the accompanying letter from above 50 officers and others of the navy at Chatham, before whom I have preached in the public meeting place, will bear testimony. [Copy, 2 pages.]
124. iii. Thomas Smith, Peter Pett, and 49 other officers named of Chatham to Wm. Adderley, minister, at Pinner, near Harrow Hill. Amidst those mercies which God has vouchsafed of late to this poor kingdom, in these sinful and distracted times, we desire with thankfulness to remember his unexpressible goodness in that freedom granted to godly ministers and people to preach and profess Christ without interruption; and although for years past we have lain under the judgment of having a minister in the navy, whose abilities and conversation were no way suitable to that great trust, of late, through the great prudence of Parliament,—who set forth an Act for ousting all that had any hand in the Kentish rising,—he was suspended by the Committee of Merchants for execution of that Act, and the place became void.
We belonging to the navy, being well satisfied of your abilities for such employment, make it our joint and earnest request that you will accept the place, wherein we shall expect only preaching, expounding of scripture, and catechising of youth from you; and hope that God, who has inclined our hearts to make these earnest addresses to you, will move you to acceptance, which will be a sweet and comfortable return of some of our prayers, and an exceeding great confirmation of our opinion that the Lord has some gracious work to do in these parts, in the conversion of souls, when to so many good people of late sent to reside here, he shall crown his blessing with sending faithful ministers.
We shall not need to say much touching your means, there being such great care taken by the Council of State and Navy Committee, who have already settled 100l. a year upon that employment. As we are confident you will endeavour the glory of God in the conversion of souls, and building us up in the kingdom of his dear Son, so we shall endeavour to further you in all things, in settling and maintaining your family in comfort. [Copy, 1 page. Noted as delivered by Commissioner Pett, and sealed with his coat of arms.]
124. iv. Warrant of the [Navy Commissioners] to Capt. Phineas Pett, Clerk of the Cheque at Chatham, to enter Wm. Adderley minister of the navy at Chatham, in the room of Thos. Graine, lately dismissed, with 100l. a year, and emoluments; what deficiencies may arise therein out of the mariners' groats shall be made good.—October 24, 1649. [Copy, ¾ page.]
Dec. 13.
The Paragon, Downs.		 125. Capt. Rich. Badiley to the Navy Committee, Whitehall. I received yours, giving me liberty to stay from two to six days, for several ships bound for the Straits which have not yet come; consequently I did not take the first northerly wind to set sail yesterday, with others bound to Barbadoes and several other parts, in hope that other ships at the river's mouth, bound for Italy and Turkey, would be here every tide.
The Thomas Bonadventure, Dart, Smyrna Factor, and Antelope, all laden with herrings and other goods, for several parts of Italy, sailed with the above wind, without taking notice that a convoy was provided for them, and not one of their commanders came on board to know whether I would take care for their convoy, or sail when they did. I do not desire to aggravate any man's failings, but if these or any of the others be lost to a foreign enemy, the nation will lose a part of its strength; you will consider of a way for its prevention in future.
The Employment is here with piece goods for Scanderoon, the Merchant's Delight for the coast of Barbary, and the Loyalty for Venice; their commanders are resolved to stay for me, and since there is no hope, so long as this wind lasts, that the other ships bound for the parts of Italy and Turkey can come down, I am resolved, with the Nightingale frigate, to set sail this night for Plymouth, and take the above three ships with me, and take those there to Falmouth, where I shall wait a while to know whether I shall stay there until the William and Thomas, with cloth for Smyrna, the Samaritan with goods for Naples, the Sun, Sarah, Parrogreene, and Mary, for Venice, and the Society and Lewis for Alicant and Genoa, shall arrive, or proceed with the three only, and such as I shall find in the West Country.
P.S.—The wind has now charged to. S.S.E., so that we are not likely to sail as yet. [1 page.]
Dec. 14.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to the Governor of Carlisle. Those provisions laid in as a store at Carlisle, and delivered into your charge, should be speedily disposed of, the occasion for them being, by the blessing of God, now over. Freight a vessel, and send the cheese and biscuit to Carrickfergus or Londonderry, for the forces in Ulster, as Col. Venables or the Commander-in-Chief shall direct. Send with them 700 of the pioneers' tools, and enjoin the master of the ship to bring back a certificate, attested by the Governor of the place where he delivers them; place the remaining 300 tools in the stores at Carlisle. Sell such of the cheese as is in most danger of perishing towards paying the freight of the other, and for so much of the charge as shall not be thus raised, take up [money] there, and draw a bill of exchange for payment, which shall be accepted. In regard of the decaying condition of the cheese, expedite its transportation. [I. 97, pp. 24–25.]
Dec. 15. Council of State. Day's Proceedings.
2. The Committee for Examinations and Law to send for the Admiralty Judges, and confer with them on the course to be taken for the trial of maritime offenders, now prisoners in several parts, and whether the obstruction lies that commissions have not been issued for that purpose, as formerly.
3. Sir Peter Wentworth to report to the House that, on their reference of Friday last, Council have put the difference between the citizens about the election of their magistrates into a way of examination, and will report next Thursday.
4. To write Lord Chief Justice Rolle that there are several indictments in co. Berks against Jas. Hinde, who stands committed to Newgate for treason, and to desire him to give order, before the next general assizes for that county, for removing him from Newgate to the gaol for co. Berks, in order to his trial for felony.
5. Order upon the report from the Admiralty Committee concerning the Peacock, that the Admiralty Judges adjudicate the cause with expedition, and signify to Council whether the ship be condemned or acquitted; if any considerable time may elapse before sentence, they are to signify the same to Council.
6. The petition of James Corbett referred to the Admiralty Committee.
7. Mr. Frost to deliver to Judge Advocate Margetts the paroles of Lieut.-Gen. Middleton, Vandrusk, and Lord Kenmore, delivered into Council by Sir Arth. Hesilrigge, to be made use of by the Council of War.
8. The petitions of Col. Sydenham, Governor of the Isle of Wight, and of Anth. Mildmay, referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee.
9. Wednesday next at 4 p.m. appointed for giving audience to the Lord Ambassador of Spain, of which the Master of the Ceremonies is to give notice.
10. Order to be given to the Serjeant-at-arms to open the room in the house of Lady Covett, wherein are goods belonging to Jno. Gibbons who was executed, and secure them elsewhere, and leave the room to the use of her Ladyship.
11. The Earl of Rothes to have the liberty of the Tower.
12. The Committee for Prisoners to give order that the parliamentary allowance for the Scottish prisoners be constantly made to officers and private men at Tynemouth, Newcastle, and Worcester.
13. John Smith, minister, prisoner in the Tower, to have the liberty of the Tower.
15. The Ordnance Committee to send for such brass ordnance as are anywhere abroad in the garrisons, to be employed for sea service, and to cause them to be brought to such ports as they think fit.
17. Order of the Council of State that, besides the eight ships already appointed for the Straits, the Mermaid be added to go with the Worcester, the number of men in the said nine ships being 1,390; that 26 other ships be prepared for convoys for the year ensuing, with 4,030 men, for 12 months, with power to abate, change, or increase the number of ships or men as required, so as such increase do not exceed the abatement within the 12 months; the substance of this order to be written to the Navy Committee and the Navy Commissioners. [I. 66, pp. 66–70.]
Dec. 15.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to John and Thos. Drake, Wm. Fry, &c. We have seen your letter to Lord Chief Justice Rolle concerning 16 maritime prisoners in Devon gaol [for piracy], whose continuance you conceive may bring about an infection among the rest of the prisoners. We will take care to put them in a way for trial; take their examinations and send them up to us, that a special and speedy order may be taken for proceeding against them, and you may be delivered from the danger anticipated. [I. 97, p. 22; I. 66, p. 66.]
Dec. 15.
Whitehall.		 126. Council of State to the Navy Commissioners. Our merchants suffer much by pirates in their trade from the coast of Lynn and Boston. Some nimble vessel should ply between Lynn and Fulness. Contract with James Clerk, of Boston, for hire of the Concord of Yarmouth, of 100 tons and 40 men, a very fit vessel, for six months. We have appointed Capt. Edw. Mould, a man well experienced on that coast, to command her. [1 page. Also, I. 97, p. 25.]
With note by Col. Wauton to [the Navy Commissioners]. 50 men are allowed to a vessel of that bulk, and Council only names 40, but you are to contract for 50.—Dec. 17. [⅓ page.]
Dec. 16. Council of State. Day's Proceedings.
1. Next Friday, 4 p.m., appointed for giving audience to the Lord Ambassador of Spain, the Master of the Ceremonies to give him notice.
2. Sir Oliver Fleming to repair to Gravesend to the Lords Ambassadors from Holland and the States General of the United Provinces, and bring them up to-morrow to Sir Abraham Williams' house, and give notice of their coming to the members of Council appointed to meet them.
4. The Admiralty Committee to consider of the names of commissioners for examining the matters in difference between Peter Pett, Navy Commissioner, and Mr. Adderley, minister to the navy, and report their names to Council.
5. 2,000 copies of the Declaration of Parliament, which is to be sent into Scotland by the Commissioners of Parliament now to go thither, to be printed; Mr. Frost to take care that it be done with all possible secresy.
6. Walter Rolt, of Clifton, co. Bedford, to have liberty to speak with the Earl of Cleveland, prisoner in the Tower, in presence of the lieutenant.
7. Hen. Rainsford to be committed close prisoner to the Gatehouse for high treason, for holding intelligence with the enemies.
8. Thomas Howard to be committed to the custody of the Serjeantat-arms.
9. The Irish and Scotch Committee to send away the English prisoners, now at St. James's and the Mews, to Ireland, and they to have the appointed allowance meantime.
10. Sir James Harrington, Mr. Nevill, Col. Popham, Col. Dixwell, and Sir Peter Wentworth added to the Committee for Prisoners, who are to sit constantly to dispatch the things formerly and henceforth referred to that committee. Sir Jas. Harrington and Mr. Corbett to take care of their despatch.
11. The Committee for Examinations to take security of Jno. Rainsford, either by his own bond or with sureties, on the usual conditions, and then discharge him.
12. The said committee to issue a warrant for apprehending Mr. Needham, lately come out of France, examine him, and report to Council.
13. Sir Hen. Vane to report to the House to-morrow the state of the treasuries brought into Council this day.
14. The order formerly made for the Committee of Examinations to consider what is fit to be done for Major Adams to be revived. With like order for Mr. Harvey.
15. The examinations of Sir Wm. Lewis and Commissary-Gen. Copley to be reported to the House by Mr. Scott, with the report formerly ordered concerning Sir John Clotworthy.
16. The petition of the owners of the Concord, with all the rest of the papers, to be sent to the Admiralty judges, who are to certify Council whether the case is fit and ready for letters of reprisal.
17. The paper containing the desires of Lieut.-Col. Joyce, for things to be sent to Jersey, referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee.
18. The petition of Col. Jas. Louthian to be sent to the Committee for Examinations, who are to speak with him concerning his residing in England, and to know whether he has taken the engagement.
19. A like letter to be sent to Col. Duckenfield, upon the petitions of Robert Philpot and Peter Scutt, as ordered on the case of Mr. Franklin of Swansea.
20. Alex. Dickson, late servant to Charles Stuart, now under restraint, on taking the engagement, and giving security in 500l. for his good behaviour, to be permitted to go into Scotland for three months, and then return to England.
21. The bills of particulars necessary for the waggons to go to Scotland in service of the commissioners referred to the Ordnance Committee, to report out of what money payment may be made for their repair.
23. John Allein to view and prepare some fit rooms in Somerset House, and order a chariot and six horses, with other requisites, to be sent to Bristol, to fetch up the corpse of the late Lord Deputy of Ireland, now arrived there; also to consider of all requisites, and estimate the charge; 200l. to be imprested to him on account, for defraying the charges of the said funeral.
24. The Fellowship, which is very defective for a man-of-war, to be made a careening hulk, according to the letter of the Navy Commissioners, and the Greyhound to be docked and fitted for sea. [I. 66, pp. 71–76.]
Dec. 16.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to [Col. Duckenfield,] Governor of the Isle of Man. The Swansea Merchant, a ship of Mathew Franklin, of Swansea, laden with deals and tar, was taken by the enemy, and carried to the Isle of Man, where she was captured upon the surrender of that place, and is now there. Franklin having cleared his property in the ship and goods in the Admiralty Court, deliver them to him forthwith, he having been a very deep sufferer thereby. [I. 97, p. 33; I. 66, p. 71.]
Dec. 17. Council of State. Day's Proceedings.
1. The evidences mentioned in the petition of Lady Cooke to be sent from the Committee of Examinations to the Committee of Haberdashers' Hall, to be there deposited, that she may use them to prove her title to the estate.
2. The Earl of Carnwarth to have the liberty of the Tower to walk for preservation of his health.
3. A month's further time given to Hen. Hotham to perfect his discovery.
4. The petition of John Ladd referred to the Committee of Examinations, who are to report with speed.
5. Lord Crawford Lindsey to have a servant to attend him in the Tower.
7. Lord Chief Justice St. John, Lords Commissioners Whitelock and Lisle, Sir Hen. Vane, Mr. Bond, Mr. Scott, Major Salwey, Lord General, Mr. Love, Col. Wauton, Col. Purefoy, Earl of Pembroke, Viscount Lisle, Lieut.-Gen. Fleetwood, Mr. Burrell, and Sir Arth. Hesilrigge to be a committee for trade and foreign affairs, and all things referred to the former committee which met in the Horse Chamber to be revived and referred to this committee, who are to meet there every Wednesday and Friday morning.
8. The report from the Council of Trade concerning the reformation of the inland trade referred to that committee.
9. The Committee for Prisoners to consider as to discharging the Scots prisoners taken at the battle of Worcester, now in Tothill Fields and about London, and what allowance of clothing and money would enable them to return to their own country, the amount to be paid by Mr. Frost out of the exigent money of Council; also what time should be given for their performing the journey.
10. The Irish and Scotch Committee to consider as to sending the English prisoners taken at the battle of Worcester, now at James's House and in the Mews, to Ireland, to be disposed of for the advantage of the commonwealth.
11. The Committee for Prisoners to consider as to disposing of Scotch prisoners at Newcastle or in any other place, and report.
13. All warrants for issuing money, which are grounded on orders of Council or reports made from committees of Council, to be signed at Council without reading them.
15. The mayor and sheriff of Worcester to have the liberty of the prison in which they now are.
16. The Committee for Examinations to examine them concerning what was done by them in assisting Charles Stuart or his party, upon his coming to Worcester, and report their answers.
17. Sir William Masham added to the Committee for Foreign Affairs.
18. The account of Geo. Fisher remitted to the committee at the Horse Chamber, and Mr. Fisher to make oath of the account in the Exchequer.
19. The report from the Admiralty Committee concerning 19 pieces of iron ordnance belonging to Edw. Chappell, now at Dennis Fort, referred back to them, to consider, upon conference with Col Bennet and Mr. Chappell, what can be done for the petitioner; Col Wauton to take care hereof. [I. 66, pp. 78–82.]
Dec. 17.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to the Navy Commissioners. Being informed by the Lord General that the Scotch ships George and Mary Anne have arrived in the river, laden with coals for the commonwealth, which by order of Parliament are free of customs, let the charge laid upon such coals for customs and excise be taken off; also let the guns which they have brought from Scotland be disposed of for the navy. [I. 97, p. 27.]
Dec. 17.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to Col. Fitch, Governor of Carlisle, and Thos. Lamplough, Wm. Briscoe, Miles Halton, Thos. Cholmeley, and — Carran [justices of peace for Cumberland]. Examine the matter contained in the enclosed information against Sir Wm. Musgrave and others, and send up the examinations; and if you find cause, commit them to safe custody until further orders. [I. 97, p. 28; I. 66, p. 60.]
Dec. 17.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to Spencer Breton, consul at Smyrna. Although it has pleased God, by so many evident passages of his Providence, to appear for the deliverance of the people of this nation from that tyranny by which their just liberties were oppressed, and for settling this commonwealth in good and peaceable condition, yet there are many people that will neither see His hand, nor be sensible of their own interest, frowardly repining against Providence, and manifesting their disaffection against this Government by malice against the wellaffected. Of this sort are some of this nation under the government of your consulate, who, although natives, and enjoying the benefit of the trade of this nation into those parts, not only do not acknowledge the government of this commonwealth, but put all manner of discouragement upon those who are well-affected to it. We take all those so suffering into our protection, and they will see they shall be in safety against such affronts. We therefore hereby recommend them especially to your care, and require you to protect them from whatever wrongs, injustices, or violence shall be attempted to be put upon them, by any degenerate disaffected English there, or by any others by their procurement.
And for the better distinguishing of those who are enemies to this Government, you are hereby required to call before you all the merchants and factors residing within your consulate, and tender them the engagement which you will find written upon the enclosed roll; read and subscribe the same yourself, and require every one of them to do the like in your presence, and signify the names of such as shall refuse, that resolution may be taken what further to do with them.
Some of the English residents there live in much licentiousness. We especially recommend that particular to your care, and such as you cannot reclaim, you are to send us their names and their mis carriages, that you may receive further directions concerning them. We forbear for the present sending you the particulars concerning the persons discouraging and discouraged, but commit it to your care, that there may be no more of it, we being resolved to take order that none shall suffer or be oppressed by any whomsoever (who are in our power to admonish and punish) for their good affection and manifestation of their duty. [I. 97, pp. 29–30.]
Dec. 17.
Whitehall.		 127. Council of State to the Navy Commissioners. There is great scarcity of tar in the city of London, and the quantity in the stores is but small. To avoid inconvenience by its dearness, you are to buy small cordage for the summer guard, that the tar in store may be reserved for necessaries which cannot otherwise be supplied. [2/3 page.]
Dec. 18. Council of State. Day's Proceedings.
1. To consider next Thursday what instructions to give to the Militia Commissioners of the counties, the Militia Act now ceasing.
2. Mr. Frost to accept the bills of exchange charged by Colonel Heane upon Council for 450l. to be paid to Jacob Arnol, for the wages of his company, and the loss of his ship in the Jersey expedition, out of the remains of that which was set apart for Jersey; and a warrant to be brought in from the Irish and Scotch Committee for its payment. If there be none of that money left, then the bill to be paid by Mr. Frost.
3. Mr. Frost to write Mr. Littleton at Paris, that his two letters are received.
4. The committee who prepared the instructions for the Commissioners to Scotland to consider if there be anything more necessary in their instructions, and if so, to prepare and bring the same to Council.
5. The letter of Col. Heane from Jersey referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee, who, if they find anything further to be done therein, are to give order.
6. To write the Navy Committee and Navy Commissioners to execute the resolution reported yesterday from the Admiralty Committee to Council, concerning the number of ships to be taken on for convoy.
7. The Committee for Foreign Affairs to consider the letter of Rich. Bradshaw, and also those to Mr. Scott from Hamburg and those parts, complaining of the evil expressions of some ministers there against this commonwealth, and report what should be done.
8. The Committee for receiving Ambassadors to send for Mr. Starkey, and bid him take care that a more full and ample entertainment be given, both in meal and wine, to the Ambassadors of Holland.
9. Hugh Windham and — Chace committed to the custody of the Serjeant-at-arms until to-morrow, when they are to be brought before the Committee of Examinations.
10. The letter from the Commissioners at Dublin concerning false coin referred to the said committee. [I. 66, pp. 84–86.]
Dec. 18.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to Sir Mich. Livesey, Augustine Skinner, Mich. Belke, [Col. Kendrick, Col. Goffe, John Parker, and Capt. Chas. Bowler]. We enclose copies of petitions from Peter Pett, Navy Commissioner, Mr. Adderley, minister of the navy at Chatham, and others, wherein appear dissatisfactions amongst them, and abuses in the management of the navy affairs there; examine the matters complained of, and take the examinations of witnesses, and return them to us by the end of January, that further order may be taken. [I. 97, p. 31; I. 66, p. 83.]
Dec. 19. Council of State. Day's Proceedings.
1. To write the trustees for the late King's goods to furnish a room in Whitehall for Sir Wm. Constable with nine pieces of Venus and Cupid tapestry, being part of the goods at Hampton Court, reserved for the use of the commonwealth.
3. The petition of Evan Vaughan referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee, who are to consult with Mr. Attorney and hear Vaughan.
4. The petition of Col. Ralph Ashton referred to the Committee for Examinations, who are to tell the creditor that he ought not to have laid his action upon the Colonel, he being imprisoned by virtue of Council's warrant, and that he is to withdraw it.
5. The said committee to send for a servant of Mr. Denham, and examine him concerning the cause of his being in town.
7. The particulars concerning Worcestershire referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee, to report what should be done therein; Mr. Scott to take care thereof.
9. The Committee of Council formerly appointed for the reception of Ambassadors to inform themselves in what quality the public minister from Sweden comes, before the sitting of Council next Monday, that a report may be then made to Council, and a report made to the House, in pursuance of their order.
10. The petition of the gunners of the Tower referred to the Ordnance Committee.
11. The petition of Capt. Philip Eyton on behalf of the Cheshire troop referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee, who are to order that the pay due to the troop, and reserved by order of Council, except that due to the captain, be paid, unless they can give any reason to the contrary.
12. The petition of John Hume referred to the Committee for Prisoners.
13. That of John Bunce to the Committee for Examinations, to further examine him and report.
15. That of Timothy Sherman referred to the said committee, who are to bail him if they see cause.
16. Next Wednesday appointed for considering the business propounded by the Ambassador of Spain.
17. Mr. Frost to look out by then all letters and papers concerning the death of Anthony Ascham, and all orders made by former Councils concerning the Santa Clara.
18. The letter of Col. Duckenfield from Rushin Castle, with the two inventories, to be reported to the House by Sir Wm. Constable, and they desired to declare their pleasure.
19. Order to be given to the Governor or officer-in-chief at Wallingford to deliver to Commissary John Phipps all the powder, match, bullet, &c. with certain exceptions, and bring away the said stores in a barge to the Tower, by which means the 300 barrels of powder for Ireland, and 100 granado shells for the mortar pieces at Jersey, may be forthwith had, while the ships are lading. [I. 66, pp. 87–91.]
Dec. 22. Council of State. Day's Proceedings.
3. The paper of informations given in by Edw. Harwood referred to the Committee for Examinations, who are to examine him further, and if they find he deserves it, to order Frost to pay him 5l. or 10l.
4. Mr. Nevill to report to the House that, on their order of Dec. 19, Council appointed a committee to inform themselves in what quality the public minister from the Queen of Sweden came; that they sent the Master of the Ceremonies to him to ask, and that he referred himself to his credential letters sent to Parliament.
5. The Committee for Examinations to consider the book entitled The Lamb, &c., and report to Council what should be done thereupon.
7. The letter of Rich. Browne from Pembroke referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee.
8. The petition of the officers of arms referred to the said committee, who are to confer with the commissioners appointed by Parliament concerning Heralds, and report.
10. The letter from Col. Heane, desiring a packet boat, referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee.
11. The Committee for Examinations to dispose of Mr. Penruddock, prisoner in the Tower, as to his enlargement, as they see cause.
12. Also to take security of Thomas Anthony, prisoner in the Gatehouse, and set him at liberty, taking his own bond if he cannot get security.
13. The letter from Knotsford referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee, who are to speak with the Lord General, and report.
14. The petition of Sir Allan Boteler and Anne Paulet referred to the Admiralty judges, who are to examine and certify whether the case be ready for letters of reprisal.
15. The petition of Marie, relict of Rich. Downes, recommended to the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal.
16. That of Hen. Shuter referred to the Attorney-General and the counsel at law, who are to report by Jan. 12.
17. That of William Hubie referred to the Committee for Examinations, who are to report what should be done in reward of his services.
18. Mr. Legg to be brought up in safe custody at his own charge, to be examined by the Committee for Examinations, who are to report on his case.
19. The petition of William Sloughter referred to that committee.
20. The said committee to consider the petition of Susanna Bowen, and according to her services, order Frost to pay her a sum not exceeding 10l.
22. The letter of Wm. Brock from Barnstaple referred to the Admiralty Committee.
23. The Committee for Examinations to send for Hen. Woodfall, and examine him concerning his miscarriage at Sir Abraham Williams' house, commit him if they see cause, and prosecute his bail.
24. The said committee to send for Edw. Aldham, further examine him, and bail him on the usual conditions, if they shall see cause.
25. The said committee to take bail of John Morris, a Scotchman, now prisoner with the Serjeant-at-arms.
26. The petition of Edw. Gunnell, master of the Dolphin, referred to the Admiralty Committee, who are to report thereon with all speed.
27. That of Christian Paul Santen referred to the said committee.
28. That of Nicholas Meredith, Jno. Bull, and Wm. Taylour, of Presteign, co. Radnor, referred to the Committee for Examinations, who are to bail the parties if they see cause, or give directions therefor, if they are not imprisoned about town.
29. Lewis Powell admitted a waterman to the State, and to have a badge and coat made for him, and be paid as the rest.
30, 31. The petitions of Hugh Craford and David Ross referred to the Committee for Prisoners.
32. The bills of the charge of keeping the garden in Whitehall referred to Col. Purefoy and Sir James Harrington, and if they approve and sign them, Mr. Frost is to pay the amount.
33. The Committee for Examinations to take bail of Col. Daniel Balten and Wm. Powell, either in their own bonds or with sureties. [I. 66, pp. 94–100.]
Instructions for Capt. Hen. Hatsell:—
Dec. 22.
Whitehall.		 Whereas 2,000l. is paid to you on account, for victuals to be bought and issued by you for the forces in Jersey, and the said provisions are being shipped for Jersey, you are to repair thither, and take care of the unlading and disposing thereof into convenient stores, and issue and sell them to the said forces for ready money, out of the three months' pay which the State has advanced them beforehand, at such rates as you think reasonable with respect to all charges upon the provisions; and out of the money you receive, you are to renew the stores with a fresh supply of provisions, and sell them in like manner.
In case by the taking of the enemies' garrison of Elizabeth Castle, or otherwise, the soldiery should have no need to buy what remains on your hands, you are to sell it to the inhabitants there, or otherwise dispose of, to the best benefit of the State, such kinds and quantities thereof as you can spare, above what may be necessary for a standing magazine of victuals for such garrisons as may be placed there. You are to pay to your under officers, assistants, and labourers fitting recompense, and give an account of the remainder to Council.
Col. Jas. Heane, commander-in-chief, is hereby desired to afford you the assistance of soldiers for guards of the stores, or to help to unlade provisions, if occasion require, and it be not prejudicial to military service. You are likewise to assist him in disposing such stores, either ammunition, artillery, or provisions of any kind, as shall be upon the place before your coming thither, and to follow further instructions from Council therein. [I. 66, p. 101.]
36. Additional instruction for Capt. Hen. Hatsell:—
Upon your coming to Jersey, as time will admit, you with Col. Heane are to inquire into the nature and value of the revenue of the late King, or other public revenue in that island, and likewise of the value of the estates of such as have been in hostility against Parliament, or are otherwise sequestrable, and give intelligence thereof. [I. 66, p. 102.]
Dec. 22.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to Col. Danvers. We have received your letter and papers concerning Sir Wm. Pershall; examine that business further, and if you find any ground for further proceedings, send it. [I. 97, p. 33.]
Dec. 22.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to the Ordnance officers. Order was given you to prepare and furnish mortar pieces for very important service [in Jersey], and all expedition was necessary; but finding they are not yet ready, and the commonwealth being at great charge to maintain forces, which might be spared if the place were reduced where they were to be employed, we again require that all possible diligence be used, and as many hands set on work about them as the nature of the work will bear. [I. 97, p. 38; I. 66, p. 94.]
Dec. 23. Council of State. Day's Proceedings.
2. The petition of James Bancks referred to the Committee for Examinations.
3. Also the petition of Aquila Wikes, keeper of the Gatehouse, who is to produce to the said committee a list of his prisoners, with the causes of their commitment, and the time they stood committed to him, and his desires as to his satisfaction, which the committee is to consider and report upon.
6. The petition of John Stone, minister, desiring some sword blades and halbert heads, now in his hands, which were left him by his deceased father, referred to the Ordnance Committee.
7. The petition and papers of Samuel Gelty, minister of the Key parish, Ipswich, referred to the Committee for Examinations, who are to bail or discharge him, or report.
9. The petition of Anthony Webster; ironmonger of London, referred to the Admiralty Committee.
11. That of Geo. Heyward referred to the said committee, to report what should be done for his relief.
12. Liberty to be given to Dorothy Cowley, widow, and Richard, Mary, and Elizabeth May, to examine Anth. Jackson, close prisoner in the Tower, upon a conveyance wherein they are concerned, and in which Jackson was a trustee, in presence of the Lieutenant of the Tower.
13. The petition of Henry Barret referred to the Committee for Prisoners, who are to send for him, take his bond, and dismiss him if they see cause.
14. Also the petition of Capt. Wm. Johnston.
17. The Committee to whom the difference between the Duke of Tuscany and Capt. Hall was referred to prepare an answer to the paper of the Duke's agent, and a letter to the Duke himself, both of which they are to report to Council.
18. The letter of Alex. Bence, from Alicant, referred to the Admiralty Committee.
19. The petition of Rich. Sherburne referred to the Committee for Examinations, who are to discharge him if they see cause.
23. To write the Army Committee, in pursuance of an order of Parliament of 7 Oct. last, to appoint a month's pay to each of the five companies that are to go to Ireland under Lieut.-Col. Finch, from the date of their musters. [I. 66, pp. 103–107.]
Dec. 23.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to the Governor of the Isle of Man. Like letters with that of 16 Dec. for Mat. Franklin, on behalf of Robt. Philpott, for the Providence, laden with beer, malt, &c., for Peter Scutt, and for Mr. Child, for the Betty frigate. [I. 97, p. 33.]
Dec. 23.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to the Army Committee. Major Geo. Skutt was for some time appointed governor of the Garrison of Poole, and has not yet received the pay formerly allowed to governors of that place; order that he may receive it. [I. 97, p. 34.]
Dec. 23.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to the Governor of Portsmouth, or Commanderin-Chief there. We gave order for fitting and furnishing from hence some mortar pieces for reducing Elizabeth Castle at Jersey; but finding they cannot be ready so soon as required, deliver to Mr. Newbury the mortar piece now at Portsmouth, with shells and other necessaries, that it may be forthwith sent away in a ship now at Portsmouth, bound to Jersey. [I. 97, p. 35.]
Dec. 23.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to Col. Sanders, Governor of Exeter Castle. You are to send up in safe custody, and at his own charge, Mr. Legg, prisoner with you, that he may be examined and proceeded against. With note of the like to Major-Gen. Desborow. [I. 97, p. 36.]
Dec. 23.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to the Governor of Hull. Capt. Cotterell, prisoner at Hull, can inform touching divers things of concern to the State, whereof the bearer, John Christian, has given us notice, and we have sent him to assist and direct in the examination; send for and ask Cotterell such questions as Christian gives you ground for, and take such further information as Cotterell of his own accord shall give, touching business and proceedings in the Isle of Man and elsewhere against Parliament, and send the informations and examinations to us, that we may give further directions. [I. 97, p. 37.]
Dec. 23.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to Col. Duckenfield. The bearer, John Christian, being a native of the Isle of Man, and having informed us of divers things of concern to the State, we desire you to receive his informations, and use them as you see cause. [I. 97, p. 38.]
Dec. 23.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to the Commissioners of Parliament in Scotland. A petition was presented to us by William Pennoyer, merchant of London, stating that he had been wronged by the Scottish nation to the value of 3,000l., by the loss of his ship and goods, which went to Scotland on her return from the Caribee Islands, and that he had applied to the courts of justice, and to the Parliament of Scotland for justice, but without effect,—although it was acknowledged that what he asked was just,—by reason of the powerful support given to the wrong-doers by some of the great ones there. The matter was referred to the Admiralty judges, and they being of opinion that it was a case fit for letters of reprisal, a warrant was issued; but before it could take effect, the differences with Scotland grew higher, and the squadrons of the commonwealth lying upon the coast of Scotland, wholly took off their little trade in any vessels of their own, and so the letters of reprisal became useless.
Thereupon Council gave him letters to the Lord General, to give him satisfaction out of the estates of those who had done him wrong, but this was not then practicable.
Upon his further petition, we recommend his case to you, and in sending copies of all the proceedings, desire you to give him satisfaction out of the estates of offenders, the war between the two nations having hindered his deriving benefit from his letters of reprisal. [I. 97, pp. 40–41.]
[Dec. 23.] 128. Petition of Richard Harris, bargeman, to the Council of State, for delivery of his barge and tackle, the only means of subsistence of himself and his wife and children. Has long been employed by the State in carrying timber from the western parts to the yards at Deptford and Woolwich, and always delivered the same correctly. Upon the last occasion he was absent from his barge, having much business to attend to in London, and his men, availing themselves of his absence, took some plank and cordage out of the yard at Woolwich, and fled, but the barge was stayed at Deptford. [2/3 page.] Also,
Thos. Scott to the Navy Commissioners. Being solicited by the petitioner, my neighbour in co. Bucks, I present the above. If you are satisfied in the matter of fact, and of his innocence, I hope you will think the hindrance he has received by the stoppage of his barge a sufficient punishment for his absence from it, and his ignorance of the bargemen; by restoring the barge, he will be preserved from becoming a charge upon the parish. [¼ page.]
Dec. 24. Council of State. Day's Proceedings.
1. Sir David Leslie to have the liberty of the Tower.
2. Mr. Hepborne, son of Sir Adam Hepborne, to be bailed, on Sir Adam's bond in 2,000l. and two sureties in 1,000l. each, on the usual conditions.
3. Lieut.-Gen. Fleetwood, Col. Blake, Mr. Scott, Mr. Herbert, Sir Wm. Masham, and Mr. Nevill to be a committee to dispose of the Scotch prisoners in the Tower to other places of restraint, where those of most consideration, and best able to act anything prejudicial, may be separated one from another, and yet all may have the liberty of their respective prisons.
4. The business of the Spanish Ambassador to be considered tomorrow.
5. Mr. Fotheringel, prisoner in the Tower, being in the same condition with Mr. Hepborne, to be bailed on the same terms.
6. Order on the petition of Sir Wm. Godolphin, on behalf of his son, Fras. Godolphin, and the certificate of his infirmity and danger, without liberty to take better air, and use means for his health, that he have liberty on bail for 3 months, his father and one other to become bound in 2,000l. each, that he shall appear before Council at the end of the 3 months, or at any time before, within 14 days after summons, to answer for the matter for which he is imprisoned; and meantime to be of good behaviour.
7. The petition of Wm. Spencer referred to the Committee for Examinations to take care that Mr. Penruddock pay his prison debts before discharge.
8. Notice to be given to the Lieutenant of the Tower to take care that all those Scotch persons of quality who have had the liberty of the Tower have keepers appointed, to take especial care that they do not escape.
9. Friday afternoon appointed for settling the deputies to the Serjeant-at-arms.
10. The petition of Widow Sheapheard recommended to the Committee for Maimed Soldiers; Lieut.-Gen. Fleetwood to take care hereof.
11. The paper concerning Jersey referred to the Committee for Law and Examinations.
12, 18, 20. The liberty of the Tower granted to Alexander Earl of Kellie, John Lord Bargany [Abergavenny], and Lord Ogleby.
13. Viscount Lisle added to the Committee for Prisoners, and they desired to take care of the Scottish prisoners at the Mews.
14. The petition of Martin Hardnett of London referred to the Admiralty Committee, who are to speak with the party, and report.
15, 17. The petitions of Archibald Sedsrif and of Thos. Windham referred to the Committee for Examinations.
16. The petitions of Wm. Craford, master of the Goodwill of Ipswich, referred to the Admiralty Committee, to speak with the party, and report.
19. The petition of John Chase, apothecary, referred to the Committee for Examinations, who are to bail or discharge the prisoners.
21. Alderman Pennington to report to the House that Thos. Cook, committed prisoner to the Tower last March, and all his estate sequestered, has had his subsistence there from Lady Hartop and Mrs. Stoke, his sisters, and from the credit of his keeper; and to request that, as his sisters cannot bear that charge, nor discharge his debt to his keeper, he may have allowance out of his estate for his past charges and future subsistence.
22. Mr. Gurdon to request the House that, as the time of the continuance of the High Court of Justice is nearly expired, and there are several prisoners who will be fit to be tried by that court, they will continue it sometime longer, and also consider the reports made from Council of the names of persons fit to be made examples of justice.
24. Major Andrew Carr and Jas. Keith, prisoners in Chelsea College, to be permitted to go to Scotland for four or five months on their parole, on behalf of the rest of the prisoners in the college, to fetch them relief from their friends, for their better accommodation and subsistence during their imprisonment.
25. The seven inferior servants of the Scotch King, now prisoners in the Fleet, to be discharged, on taking the engagement, and giving their own bonds not to act anything prejudicial.
26. Note that a warrant from the Committee for Examinations, to search for some persons who escaped from Worcester, was signed and sealed. [I. 66, pp. 110–115.]
Dec. 25. Council of State. Day's Proceedings.
1. The account of Col. Thomas Birch of moneys disbursed in the service referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee, to examine and report where the money may be repaid him.
3. The petition of Thomas Sampson, servant to Fras. Godolphin, referred to the Committee for Examinations, who are to bail or discharge him.
4. The petition of Edw. Fleetwood referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee, to report what should be done for him.
6. The papers concerning the Ambassadors of Spain to be considered to-morrow afternoon, and no business to intervene.
9. The petition of Thomas Ridghill referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee.
11, 13. Lord Sinclair and Sir Jas. Foulis to have the liberty of the Tower.
12. Order on the petition of Thos. Davies, that he attend Lord Chief Justice Rolle.
15. 12d. a day to be allowed to the soldiers of the two regiments appointed for the guards of the Parliament and city, out of the Lord General's contingencies.
16. To recommend especially to the Committee of Parliament for disposal of the houses of the commonwealth, to repair James's for quartering the soldiers of both regiments of the said guard, that the three companies at Sion College may be also brought there, and Sion College quitted.
17. 50l. to be paid out of the Lord General's contingencies to Majors Wiggan and Allen, for fire and candle for the guards kept by the two regiments about Whitehall, James's, and the city. [I. 66, pp. 117–120.]
Dec. 25.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to Mr. Barrow and Mr. Pelling, searchers at Gravesend. We have received yours and the printed copies of the books upon the Meditation of the late King, and approving your care therein, desire you to stay the ship in which they were, until we are satisfied by whom they were put on board, that further proceedings may be had against them. [I. 97, p. 42.]
Dec. 25.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to the Navy Commissioners. There being occasion for a ship to carry provisions from the Thames to Jersey upon important service, you are to contract for a strong vessel of 180 tons, to go to Tower wharf, and receive such lading as Commissary Dobbins shall put on board. [I. 97, p. 42.]
Dec. 25.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to the Army Committee. By the account from Milford Haven, concerning the horse appointed to be transported thence for Ireland, we doubt that, through the not timely answering and having in readiness the money there which was proportioned for that work, some of the troops may be left behind, and so bring on a great increase in the charge. You will see by the enclosed letters where the fault is laid. To prevent the like loss of opportunity, take order that the treasurers may have warrants and assignments in readiness, that may bring in ready money for 700l., the remainder of the 6,000l. set apart for pay of the forces to be transported for Ireland; to be sent down by the next post to Rich. Browne of Pembroke, towards pay of the said troops, in case they should not be already shipped.
As in case they are not gone, such 700l. will be insufficient to answer the growing charge, add to the said 6,000l. 1,000l. more, in pursuance of the order of Parliament of 7 Oct. last, and order the Treasurers-at-war to pay the same to Mr. Browne, for pay of such troops, according to our instructions to him. In case notice shall come meantime that such troops have sailed, we will advertise you or the treasurers, that those orders may be stayed, or some other course settled. [I. 97, p. 43.]
Dec. 25.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to Charles Walley. There are 5 companies appointed for completing Sir Hardress Waller's regiment in Ireland, which are to be shipped from Chester under Lieut. Col. Finch; that they may not be chargeable to the country while there, we desire you, out of the remainder of the 500l. sent for the pay of Capt. Kenion and Major Sadler's company, or other money appointed for this purpose, to pay their quarters for the time they lay upon the country, before they were mustered full companies. We enclose two warrants for arms for 300, and if the 300 cannot be procured, you are to buy the remainder, and deliver them on board, upon the shipping of the men. [I. 97, p. 44.]
Dec. 25.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to the Army Committee. Examine whether there are arrears due to the foot company raised last August by the Governor of Shrewsbury, for the defence of that garrison, according to an order of Council, who were disbanded 20 Oct. following, and whether Lieut.-Col. Finch has accounted for the pay of that company If you find any arrears due, certify whether he has any money in hand, and if not, whether those arrears are payable out of the 20,000l. charged upon the receipts of Goldsmiths' Hall for pay of the 4,000 foot, and since ordered to be issued by our warrant only. [I. 97, p. 45.]
Dec. 25.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to the Army Committee. As there are five companies to be raised and transported to Ireland under Lieut.-Col. Finch, to recruit Sir Hardress Waller's regiment, we desire you, in pursuance of the order of Parliament of 7 Oct. last, to appoint a month's pay for each company from the date of their musters, attested by the Deputy-Commissary of Musters, or by Charles Walley of Chester. [I. 97, p. 46.]
Dec. 25.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to the Army Committee. The troop of horse under Col. Duckenfield being employed in service, for guarding prisoners from Chester to London, by order of the Lord General, and in order to the design at the Isle of Man, for three weeks beyond the time they were ordered to be disbanded, we desire you to order three weeks' pay to Col. Duckenfield, for pay of the troop, from the degree of cornet. [I. 97, p. 47.]
Dec. 25.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to the Army Committee. The matter in the enclosed paper [given in by Capt. Collins] being cognizable before you rather than us, we desire you to give such order therein as you think fit. [I. 97, p. 48; I. 66, p. 120.]
Dec. 26. Council of State. Day's Proceedings.
2. The business of the Lord Ambassador of Spain to be considered next Monday, and a special summons given to the members in town to be present.
3. Capt. Ladd to be discharged from restraint, and all the money or goods taken from him restored.
4. The bill of charges brought in by Philip Starkey, for entertaining the Ambassadors from the United Provinces, referred to the Committee for Ambassadors.
5. Humphrey Holding continued as deputy to the Serjeant-atarms, and the suspension laid upon him taken off.
6. William Ledsom to be discharged from attendance as one of the deputies to the Serjeant-at-arms, and to be paid his allowance to this day.
7. Simmons, the printer, to attend Frost to give in bond, according to his bargain with Mr. Ledsom, not to sell or part with any of the reams or sheets of paper now in his hands, of the History of Independency.
8. Col. Martin to renew the report to the House from Council, on behalf of the Serjeant-at-arms.
9. The account of the serjeant's disbursements for keeping prisoners to be perused by Mr. Frost, and the amount due to be paid.
10. The petition of the inhabitants of Dartmouth referred to Lieut.Gen. Fleetwood, Lord Commissioner Whitelock, Col. Purefoy, and Mr. Herbert, who are appointed a committee to consider and report; all papers in custody of Mr. Frost, concerning that business, to be sent to that committee.
11. The petition of Geo. Browne referred to the Committee for Examinations.
12. Edw. Dendy appointed Serjeant-at-arms to the Council for this year.
13. 14 men to be allowed to attend Council as deputies to the Serjeant-at-arms for this year; Anthony Compton, Edw. Titon, Thos. Wetton, Alex. Turner, Thos. Baker, Joshua Leadbeater, Thos. Wright, Hugh Middleton, Cornet Bradley, Cornet Field, Hen. Byard, Cornet Hill, Humphrey Holden, and Rich. Alley, to be the persons.
14. The Committee for Examinations to consider to what prison prisoners apprehended by warrant of Council should be disposed of, and what fees should be taken of any delinquent prisoners by their keepers.
15. Mr. Challoner and Mr. Hay added to the Committee for Prisoners. [I. 66, pp. 124–126.]
Dec. 26.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to the Duke of Richmond. Having occasion to speak with you concerning some matters of public concernment, we desire you will attend us at Whitehall on Tuesday next at 3 p.m., without fail. [I. 97, p. 49.]
Dec. 27. 129. Robert Coytmor to the Navy Commissioners. The Admiralty Committee last night sent you two lists, one of the ships for next summer's guard, and the other of those employed in the Straits and the West Indies; let them be severally cast up, whereby it may appear what charge the State is at present at, and will be when the summer fleet is set forth.
P.S.—News having arrived of the surrender of Elizabeth Castle, Jersey, and Cornet Castle, Guernsey, forbear contracting with any ship for carrying provisions thither, until further order from the Irish Committee. [1 page.]
Dec. 29. Council of State. Day's Proceedings.
1. Lord Commissioner Whitelock to be President of the Council until this day month.
2. Sir Peter Wentworth to report to the House that a letter was brought to the Lord Mayor from the States General of the United Provinces, which he suddenly opened, and perceiving the contents, sent it sealed up to Alderman Pennington, to present it to Council; and they, upon reading it, thought it fit to be reported to the House.
4. The letters and papers from Jersey and Guernsey referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee, to consider how money may be had to satisfy the engagements of Cols. Bingham and Heane, upon the rendition of Elizabeth and Cornet Castle.
5. The business of the Lord Ambassador of Spain to be considered to-morrow.
6. Mr. Scobell to send to Council a copy of the letter from Parliament to the King of Spain, on the death of Anthony Ascham, and Parliament's answer to the Spanish Ambassador, when he had audience.
7. The Committee for Examinations to order the silks seized coming from foreign parts, belonging to the Countess of Devonshire, to be delivered to her, she paying the duties.
8. The bill brought in and read at Council, about removing obstructions in the sale of fee-farm rents, referred to Lords Commissioners Whitelock and Lisle, Lord Bradshaw, Col. Purefoy, Mr. Corbett, Sir Wm. Masham, Mr. Challoner, Mr. Love, Mr. Herbert, Mr. Scott, and Mr. Carew, to make such amendments as they think fit.
9. The said Committee to consider what should be done for encouragement of Payne Fisher, and report.
10. Mr. Milton continued Secretary for Foreign Languages to Council for the year to come. [I. 66, pp. 128–130.]
Dec. 29.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to the Collectors for Prize Goods. The late Lord Deputy of Ireland having desired some rice to be sent thither for the soldiers, and they having found much benefit to their health therefrom, as you have a great quantity in your possession, we desire you to cause 60 tons to be appraised by indifferent persons, and send to Commissary Wm. Dobbins, viz., 15 tons for Waterford, and the other 45 tons for Limerick; upon his certificate of receipt, order shall be taken for paying you. [I. 97, p. 50.]
Dec. 29.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to the Mayor and Aldermen of Oxford. We enclose you a petition [of the inhabitants of Oxford] presented to us, respecting very foul riots and malicious actions in Oxford, against persons of peaceable and sober deportment and of godly conversation, for no other cause than for their private meetings for the worship of God; from which malignant persons they have suffered more than they ever did under the tyranny of the bishops, of the profaneness in the late King's court and garrison.
The thing being notorious, we conceive it must needs have come to your knowledge, and you have inquired into it, and after the authors, but as it is most injurious to men of peaceable life, attempting upon them in that which all good men most value,—viz., their liberty to worship God according to their conscience, as directed by the word of God,—so it has also a dangerous tendency against the peace. We more especially recommend it to your care, as we have done also to —— to inquire after all the contrivers, actors, and abettors of this riot under your jurisdiction, and take examinations of such as can testify against them, and send them to us, that course may be taken for punishment of the offenders. Meantime, take care to prevent violences against the petitioners, and let them know that due punishment shall be inflicted upon those who have injured them, and that they shall be protected against the violences of their enemies. Proceed in this affair with effect and expedition. With note of a like letter to the Vice-Chancellor and heads of the University. [I. 97, pp. 51, 52; I. 66, p. 118.]
Dec. 30. Council of State. Day's Proceedings.
1. Audience to be given to the Lords Ambassadors from the States General next Thursday, Sir Oliver Fleming to give them notice.
2. Lieut.-Gen. Fleetwood, Mr. Scott, and Mr. Nevill to be a committee to speak with the Duke of Richmond (in regard of whose want of health his present attendance upon Council this afternoon was omitted) to know if he owns the articles propounded to Lieut.Gen. Monk by Sir Chas. Erskine, Governor of Dumbarton Castle; if he does, to return his answer to Council; but if he does not, he is to write the governor, peremptorily requiring him to deliver up the said castle, and all in it, to the use of the commonwealth.
3. Mr. Herbert to make to the House the report which was given to Col. Wauton, concerning the bringing of some delinquents to trial.
4. Sir Jas. Lockhurst to have the liberty of the Tower.
5. Grissell, wife of Lieut.-Gen. Middleton, prisoner in the Tower, to have liberty to repair to her husband, and depart after she has visited him.
6. The petitions of the merchants referred to Council by order of Parliament referred to the Committee for Foreign Affairs, who are to examine them concerning their allegations, in order to their being sworn before Council.
7. Lord Bradshaw, Alderman Pennington, and Mr. Challoner added to the Committee for Foreign Affairs; Bradshaw to take care of this business.
8. The petition of Timothy Cruso, merchant, referred to the Admiralty Committee, to report what should be done for him.
10. The petitions delivered this day to Council by the Lieutenant of the Tower, from several Scotchmen there, referred to the Committee for Prisoners, to report what should be done with them, and give dispatch.
11. The petition and papers of the Lieutenant of the Tower, containing an account of his disbursements for maintenance of prisoners, by order of Council, referred to the Committee for Prisoners, who are to examine the account, and if they find it according to the usual allowance for prisoners, to direct Frost to pay the money.
12. The petition of John Bennet, master of the John, with others concerned in the ships lost upon the taking of Jersey, referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee.
13. Order on the petition of Solomon Norris, merchant of London, that he be left to his course at law in the Admiralty Court, for recovery of the ships he alleges he has lost, by reason of a commission of Sir Jno. Grenville.
14. The petition of the owners of the Margaret of Northam referred to the Admiralty Committee.
15. That of Jno. Coursey, planter, to the Committee for Prisoners.
16. Col. Thomas Blague to have the liberty of the Tower.
17. The letter from Exeter, with three sheets of paper, containing the examinations of 16 maritime prisoners in the county gaol, referred to the Admiralty Judges, to consider how to have them tried, that a gaol delivery may be made of them.
18. The petition and two papers of Vincent de la Barre, merchant, referred to the Admiralty Judges, to report whether that case be yet ready for letters of reprisal.
19. Also the petition and paper annexed of Erasmus Purling, to certify in like manner.
20. The bill of exchange of Alderman John Preston for 750l. referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee, to report where payment may be made.
21. Also the bills of exchange of Col. Venables and others from Belfast, for 624l. 12s.
22. The petition of Peter Vander Wyer referred to the Admiralty Committee.
23, 24. Those of John Jeames and Thomas Howard to the Committee for Examinations, who are to bail or discharge them.
25. The petition of Sir Joseph Douglas referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee, who are to confer with the Lord General concerning his desire.
27. The petition of Sarah Bunce referred to the Committee for Examinations, who are to further examine Jas. Bunce, her son, and report.
28. To write Mr. Garland to deliver to William Legg a copy of a list of goods reserved for the commonwealth, and the places where they are, that Legg may know where to repair for them.
29. The Surveyor of Works to make strong the doors of the passage leading to the Upper Wardrobe, and give direction for making two larger presses there, for laying the rich stuff in, and also to do any other thing necessary for the more convenient and safe keeping of wardrobe stuff. [I. 66, pp. 133–138.]
Dec. 30. 130. Order by the High Court of Justice that Sir Jno. Thorowgood, Jno. Harrison, Mr. Hurst, Col. Ralph Harrison, Mr. Manley, Alderman Eastwick,. Mr. Shute, Sir Wm. Rowe, Col. Taylor, and Col. Rowe,—formerly appointed a committee to attend the Council of State for money to defray the salaries of the officers, and for other expenses of the Court,—do again attend Council, and earnestly desire them to give some speedy order for money to discharge the arrears due to the said officers, from their last payment to the determination of the said court, amounting to 2,272l. 15s.; to take with them a copy of the order of Parliament of 1 April 1650, by which the Council is authorised to order payment of the charges of this court, and to entreat the Attorney-General to contribute his best assistance in accompanying them to Council, that by obtaining monies for speedy satisfaction, the good service of some, and the extreme necessities of others of the said officers, who have little other subsistence, may be rewarded, and they supplied with what is due to them; Mr. Weston and Mr. Warcup added to this committee. [1 page.] Annexing,
130. i. Order in Parliament for the charges of the High Court of Justice, &c.— 1 April 1650. Calendared under that date. [¼ page.]
130. ii. Account by Chr. Barnard, clerk to the court, of the arrears of wages due to the officers and others named. Total 2,272l. 15s.—30 Dec. 1651. [2¾ pages.]
Dec. 30.
Leopard, Naples Road.		 131. Capt. Hen. Appleton to the Navy Commissioners. Having notice of some small French merchant ships that were expected from the Levant for Leghorn, I ordered the Constant Warwick to ply out to sea, when she discovered a French sattee, which she chased and took, laden with Provence wine, linen, &c., which I intend to sell here. Morgan Read, counsellor for our nation, much dislikes the taking of the vessel so near the port of the Grand Duke, and used all possible means for her re-delivery, and wrote me that I had much affronted the Grand Duke's port; but I could not perceive, by the well affected merchants of our nation, that the Grand Duke was so much displeased as the Popish affected counsellor.
We left Leghorn the 9th inst., but were forced by stormy weather into Porto Longone, where we remained four days, and arrived at Naples on the 21st, with all our fleet. Our provisions being spent, we have been compelled to provide more here for our three ships, so as to carry us to Turkey, and the Vice King has forced me to pay the customs, having no more favour than merchant ships. We shall be ready to depart for Messina in three days. [1 page.]
Dec. 30. 132. Estimate by Rich. Hutchinson, treasurer to the Navy Commissioners, of monies required to be provided forthwith, viz.:—
£
Mariners' wages in the river and at Portsmouth 27,700
Contracts for building 10 new frigates 13,000
Fitting out of ships expected to be sent home from the General 16,800
Ships ordered for Portsmouth 5,800
Imprests to merchants and others 30,000
Bills long since assigned, which must be paid to regain lost credit, and get further supplies 100,000
[2 pages.] £193,000
Dec. 31. Council of State. Day's Proceedings.
1. The paper, &c. of desires of supplies for carrying on the war in Ireland, signed by Sir Hardress Waller, referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee, to report what was done by them on a former paper to that purpose, sent over from the late Lord Deputy.
2. The letter of the Commissioners in Ireland, concerning 2,200l. charged by them upon the Treasurers-at-War for the use of the Ulster forces, referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee, who are to report where the said money may be paid.
3. The petition of Mark Bayley, mariner of Hastings, referred to the Admiralty Committee.
4. The report and papers from the Admiralty Committee, as to providing guns for the new frigates, referred to the Ordnance Committee.
6. The business of the ship Concord to be considered next Friday.
7. The Earl of Pembroke, Lord Bradshaw, Mr. Nevill, Mr. Love, Mr. Bond, Mr. Challoner, Mr. Martin, Sir Peter Wentworth, Sir Jas. Harrington, Col. Purefoy, Col. Blake, and Mr. Scott to be a committee to give audience to the public ministers sent from the Duke of Tuscany and the Count of Oldenburgh, and to sit in the matted guard chamber next Friday.
11. The former warrants to the Treasurers-at-war to pay Col. Beale, &c. 2,686l. 9s. 6d., and Capt. Alderne 266l. 17s. 3d. to be cancelled, and new warrants issued, charging the sums upon the 200,000l. charged by ordinance of Parliament on the sale or doublings of the fee-farm rents.
12. Thomas Freeman, domestic of the late King's son, to be discharged, on taking the engagement, and giving security in 500l never to act anything prejudicial to the commonwealth.
13. The Lord General to give order to Col. Clarke to prepare his regiment to be transported to Ireland from Minehead, or such other port as he shall desire, and to signify the port and the time when they will be ready, that shipping may be prepared.
14. Lieut.-Gen. Fleetwood to order the Marshal General to take security of such of the English prisoners taken at the battle of Worcester, and now at James's House and the Mews, as can find friends that will engage with them, and to take parole of the rest under their hands, expressing their names and places where each lived, to bind them to render themselves on 25 April next to the governor at Chester, or to Charles Walley, the State's agent there, to go over to Ireland to serve the commonwealth, embarking in a vessel provided by the said governor or agent, and then to set them at liberty, and cause some of his men to see them a day's march out of the city, that they may not beg or lurk here, to do further mischief. [I. 66, pp. 141–144.]
Dec. 31.
Whitehall.		 Council of State to Major-General Lambert. Having seen a letter to the Lord General from Lieut.-Gen. Monk, with articles enclosed, propounded by Sir Charles Erskine, for rendition of Dumbarton Castle, we caused the Duke of Richmond to come to town, and communicated them to him, and he thereupon wrote a letter to Sir Charles, of which we enclose a copy, and desire you to make such improvement therein as you see cause. [I. 97, p. 53.]
Dec. 31.
Paragon, Falmouth.		 133. Capt. Rich. Badiley to the Navy Commissioners. I wrote the Navy Committee on the 29th that, if the Elizabeth did not arrive within 10 days, I should sail without her, and not having received any order to the contrary, I am now setting sail, with six merchant ships under my convoy, viz., the Merchants' Delight, Employment, and Loyal, with piece goods for Italy and Turkey, and the Harry Bonadventure, Recovery, and Faithful, with fish for Spain and Italy. Capt. Reeves' victuals were not all on board until Thursday last, and he only came from the Isle of Wight yesterday. I wonder he was not sooner dispatched, since we have lain here 13 days at above 100l. a day charge; the patience of the masters of the merchant ships was almost exhausted, and myself not a little troubled to lose a fair wind, by which we might ere now have been on the coast of Spain. [1 page.]
[Dec.] 134. Petition of Wm. Cullen, Mayor, and nine jurats of the town and port of Dover to the Council of State. Gratefully acknowledge their former favour in reporting the condition of the harbour to Parliament, whereby 1,000l. was ordered for its repair, but that is now expended, and they are in daily apprehension of the imminent danger the harbour is and will be in, of being altogether ruined, if yearly supply is not made for its defence. As the postmaster's place for foreign letters at Dover is now void by death of Mr. Withering, and the profits thereof, if only of such as should be exported or imported through the port of Dover, would be a great help towards the maintenance of the harbour, and thereby ease the State of much charge, and would only draw forth that derived to a particular interest into a public channel, they beg settlement of the same for maintenance of the harbour. [1 page, 10 orig. signatures.]
[Dec.] 135. Petition of the same to Parliament to the same effect. [1 page.]
[Dec.] 136. Petition of the Mayor and jurats of Dover to Parliament, for a present supply for the works, required on account of the damages of the sea in November and December, by which divers houses were undermined and carried to sea, and the whole harbour endangered and for a continued maintenance in future. [1 page, 10 signatures.]
Dec 137. Representation by Thos. Kelsey, Lieutenant of Dover Castle, and Wm. Cullen, Mayor of Dover, two of the assistants of the harbour, to the Council of State, of the present state of the harbour. King James, considering the necessity and charges of the said harbour, in the fourth year of his reign, incorporated the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, the Lieutenant of Dover Castle, and the Mayor of Dover for the time being, and eight other persons of quality, as conservators of the said harbour.
We have, with the surveyors of the harbour, in November last, and again this month, taken a survey of its condition, and of the great breaches made by the sea on the north side, whereby 10 dwelling houses of the harbour's rents have been carried to sea, and the very walls of the harbour undermined, notwithstanding the groin and gratings there made last summer, which cost 700l., and yet are not half filled with stones, but which secured that part of the harbour. For this winter's defence, a grating of timber of 80 rods long should be forthwith made, from the small groin eastward, which is already begun, and will take up nearly all the harbour's stores of timber, and cost nearly all the money in hand. Next spring and summer new heads and groins must be made in the bay, which are estimated at 3,500l., whereof the revenues of the harbour, being little above 200l. a year, will add but a small supply. The heads, groins, and sluices in and about the harbour must also be repaired with timber and iron work, being much wasted and decayed, and some other works made thereabouts. Without a sufficient yearly revenue, the harbour cannot be maintained, new breaches daily happening.
For these reasons, the imminent danger of the harbour, and the consequences thereof in the loss of the only commodious harbour in the southern parts, and ruin of many hundred families, and apprehension of those who are already driven from their habitations, and others that must suddenly be made their fellow sufferers, we beseech you to obtain from Parliament a competent supply of money for carrying on the said works, and continued maintenance for the harbour. [1 sheet.]
Dec. ? 138. Narrative of seven reports made by the Council for Trade to the Council of State, and of seven made to Parliament, between 9 Oct. 1650 and 20 Nov. 1651; also of their opinions on six subjects now ready to be reported; also of eight other businesses wherein great progress has been made, though further progress in most has been for some months suspended, and the many suitors quieted, in expectation of the resolutions of Parliament to the general report of the Council about manufactures, dated 22 Sept. 1651. [22/3 pages.]
Dec. 139. Reasons for reforming the inland trade under certain supervision:—
1. It has been represented that the trade and manufactures of the nation will be lost, and the people more reduced to want, if men are permitted to make bad and unmerchantable wares, as they will be able to sell them cheaper and quicker than those who make good, and so the honest will be deprived of their livelihood, and others be tempted to deceit. The generality of English exports are bad, and this being discovered by other nations, causes them to get into disrequte, and thus not to sell.
2. The complaints of the meaner of sort of people cannot be eased without reforming inland trade. Two-thirds of the nation depend upon manufactures of one kind or another, and the complaints of the people are grounded upon the deadness of trade and want of employment caused by such malpractices.
In one port of Spain alone, within these few years, we used to vent 12,000 pieces of says, serges, and such like woollen stuff, but now scarcely 2,000; and so in other parts, the Dutch having taken up a truer way of making them. We also formerly sent a great store of darnix, draft work, and other like work, but on account of its badness and falseness, it has become totally disused. The same may be said of our cloth and several other commodities; through the want of care and inspection, they come into disrepute, and to abatement in value, and at length are refused to be bought at all, as men of other countries make them better, and are more honest, so whole trades and multitudes of persons depending thereon become ruined, and our stock more and more lessened.
It is impossible to regulate a foreign trade, or to exact the performance of articles agreed upon with other nations, for the encouragement of our commerce, without such reformation, as they cannot be obliged to traffic with our people if we will cozen them; nor can we expect a currency of price in other countries for our manufactures, if they be not of any certain goodness. [2 pages.]
1651. 140. Certificate by John Intwood, John Wale, and John Webb, surveyors for Surrey, that they estimate the damage done to Sir Gregory Norton, tenant of Oatland Park, by felling of trees there for the navy, hewing them, making saw pits, routing the ground with carting, and breaking pales, at 10l. [Copy, ¾ page.]
141. Petition of Thos. Lewis, purser of the Bonadventure, to the Admiralty Commissioners, against Thos. Dodington and Jas. Denham, victuallers, who in Nov. 1649, when he was gone for Portugal, obtained from his agent a full receipt for 6 months' victuals for 180 men, although they had only supplied a part thereof,—the remainder being taken from some ships returned from sea; they promised to make good the provisions, or satisfy petitioner at his return from sea, but they now refuse, and have hindered his passing his accounts these 6 months. [1 page.]
1651 ? 142. Account of brass ordnance which came from Scotland, distinguishing the serviceable and unserviceable, with their sizes and weight; also note that Humph. Woodall, one of the labourers belonging to the Ordnance Office, is dead, and that an able man is wanting to supply his place. [1¼ pages.]

Footnotes

  • 1. This is the first meeting of the third Council of State.—Ed.
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