|
May 2. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
1. The letter from the commissary of the Queen of Sweden,
concerning five packs of goods taken coming from Venice in the
Golden Star, to be sent to the Collectors for Prize Goods, who are to
certify whether they have them in custody, and if they have, to
certify their state. |
2. The Admiralty Judges to certify the state of the case of the
three ships pretending to belong to Sweden, now depending in their
court. |
3. Judge Advocate Margetts and Lieut.-Col. Worsley to examine
the persons apprehended for counterfeiting a warrant for carrying
French wine into Ireland, and to report. [I. 69, p. 9.] |
May 2. |
Council of State to Commissary-General Whalley. On information that unruly people about Stoke, Wearham, Wretton, &c., co.
Norfolk, have riotously thrown down the dikes and fences belonging
to the Adventurers' lands, and disturb divers therein, you are to
order the commander of the troop of horse in the Isle of Ely and co.
Cambridge to repair to those parts, disperse all unlawful assemblies,
and assist the justices of the peace and other magistrates in bringing
the offenders to punishment, and to prevent the like in future. If
any wrong be done to the people, they shall be righted, if complaint
be made in a regular way. [I. 69, p. 10.] |
May 2. Leghorn. |
1. Charles Longland to the Admiralty and Navy Commissioners.
Capt. Badiley's bill for 12,000 dollars having miscarried, I have
drawn up an account of my disbursements for your ships and their
provisions, since Capt. Appleton came into this port, whereby it will
be seen that I am in disburse for more than that sum, and therefore
I desire you to order payment thereof, upon receipt of this, to John
Hallet, merchant, at 6s. 3d. per dollar, amounting to 3,150l. I have
paid the men of the Leopard for clothing, and fed 290 sound
and 90 wounded turned on shore here, and transported them to
Venice and Messina, and am also in disburse for imprest money
for the ships taken up for the service. When all the accounts are
perfected I will again draw upon you. The ships are departing
from Venice, and the Dutch men-of-war here are going towards the
Straits, but whether the Leopard will stay here I do not know.
[1½ pages. With copy of his letter of 28 April.] Enclosed, |
1. i. Bill of exchange by Longland for 3,150l., payable at sight to
John Hallet.—Leghorn, 2 May 1653. [Scrap.] |
May 2. The Resolution, near North Foreland. |
2. John Poortmans to Robt. Blackborne. The unexpected sailing
of the fleet of 80 sail to the Texel was occasioned by seeing a fleet
of 14 sail, which turned out to be Hamburghers, but they had seen
70 Dutch men-of-war, under Admiral Van Tromp, 12 leagues from
there on the 30th ult., and he expected 30 or 40 more from the Flie,
under De Witt. A council of war was thereupon held, and it was
resolved to fight them upon their own coast. All the captains were
willing to engage, not looking to their own strength, but to the
Lord's. [1 page.] |
May 2. |
Assignment from Richard Deacon, clothworker, to Wm. Ince,
salter, both citizens of London, of the remainder of a lease for 23
years from Michaelmas 1648, of a messuage in Clement's Inn Fields,
in the parish of St. Clement Danes, co. Middlesex, fronting westward, towards Clare Street, rent 30l. a year, for the sum of 60l.
[Parchment. Interregnum, Box 1, No. 12.] |
May 3. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
1. To write to the Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Chester
Castle, or the storekeeper, to certify how many barrels of gunpowder he has sent to Ireland on the Council's order of May 3, and
to state the condition of that castle, and the supply that will be
required, and the reasons for requiring it. |
2. Major-Gen. Harrison and Mr. Bennet to confer with the Commissioners for inspecting the Treasuries concerning the state thereof,
and deliver their report this afternoon. |
3. Order that,—whereas by order of Parliament of 26 November
1652, the assessment laid on Scotland 18 February 1652 was continued till 1 November, and then till 1 May—it be now continued
till 1 November next, with the same limitations and abatements as
before; and that this order be sent to Lieut.-Col. Liiburne, who is to
see it executed, and also the order for continuance of judicatories
in Scotland. |
4. Order that—whereas the late Parliament Commissioners for
Scotland nominated Commissioners and visitors of the Universities,
colleges, and places of learning, Commissioners for administration
of justice in causes civil and criminal, and sheriffs and commissaries
in several freedoms and limits—these respective Commissioners continue to act till 1 November next, and no longer, and that the Commissioners for judicature perform their several orders and instructions, and receive the fees, salaries, and allowances granted them
by Parliament. |
7. Cols. Richard Ingoldsby, Berkstead Lieutenant of the Tower,
Phillip Jones, Goffe, Smith, and Ralph Harrison, John Upton, and
Lieut.-Col. Salmon, to be a Committee for Scotch and Irish Affairs,
and to meet on Thursday morning in the Chair Chamber. |
8. The business depending before the former Committee referred
to the said Committee, who are to consider and report on all save
what concerns the island of Shetland, and the lands of Mr. Swynton,
the Earl of Clanrickard, Col. Bourke, and the Isle of Man, the papers
concerning which are to be returned to Council. |
9. The Navy Commissioners to order the press-masters and those
who have authority to impress men for the fleet, not to impress
men from the ketches, which at this season supply London with
mackerel, the Lord Mayor having recommended the matter to
Council, as that wherein the good of the city is much concerned.
[Also Vol. XXXVI., Nos. 3, 4. I. 69, pp. 42-46.] |
May 3. Minehead. |
5. Thos. Hewitt and Jno. Pene to the Navy Commissioners. We
asked for letters of credit, without which we could not press at Swansea, so we have returned to the press at Barnstaple, and thence to
Bridgwater, and on to London. We shall make diligent search after
those who have deserted after receiving impress and conduct money,
so that they may be proceeded against. Upwards of 330 have been
pressed by us since coming from London. We in the country are
much amazed at the dissolving of Parliament. The honest party
hope better times thereby, but the time-servers are startled, and the
malignants perplexed. [2/3 page.] |
May 3. Dover. |
6. Rowland Humphrey to Thos. Smith, Navy Commissioner. I
send a muster book of the Nonsuch ketch. I have been attending
the Generals till April 17, and then they sent me and Capt. Vessey
to cruise on the French coast. We only met two Burlington
colliers, laden for St. Valery's. On the 24th, we made for the Isle
of Wight, but were driven to the Downs. We met Vice-Admiral
Penn's fleet on the back of the Goodwin, and he sent us to the
Generals, who came out of Stoke's Bay on the 23rd. On the 29th,
both fleets met, with much joy and cheerfulness, and the Generals
ordered us to Dover to victual, and then to repair to them. They
passed Dover May 1. [¾ page.] |
May 4. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
1. To write to the deputies of Scotland that Council has under
consideration the continuing of the civil government and assessments, and in case they have anything to communicate thereupon,
some of the Council will meet such of their members as they like to
send, at 3 p.m. on Friday at Whitehall. |
2. Major-General Harrison and Mr. Carew to consider the state
of the excise, and confer with fit persons thereupon, and report what
should be done. [Also Vol. XXXVI., No. 7.] |
3. Major-General Desborow and Col. Bennet to draw up an
instrument for continuing the power, rules, and Commissioners in
the last Act of assessment for raising 12,000l. a month, leaving a
blank for the time, with power to send for and employ Capt. Deane
and other suitable persons. [I. 69, p. 18.] |
May 4. |
8. Petition of Edmund Felton to Lord General Cromwell, for leave
to ride in his regiment of Life Guards. Has spent much time and
money to do the State service by his inventions, but has not been
able to get a trial thereof, nor for the last 12 years obtain justice
against that great malignant, the late Sir Hen. Spiller, for great
oppressions and losses which were set out in books printed and
twice presented to each member of the Parliament, including his
Excellency. [¾ page.] |
May 4. |
9. Account by the Commissioners of Prize Goods of the malpractices of Otho George and others interested in the three silver
ships, Salvador, Samson, and George. That they made the purser
alter his book, taking out the names of all Hollanders and Zealanders, and inserting others. That they threw letters overboard tied
to an iron bar, on coming into the Downs. That they threatened
and attacked the surgeon and others who could bear evidence against
them. That they said at Calais they were for Amsterdam, but
hearing of the war breaking out, said they were for Ostend. That
they altered their bills of lading, and tried to hide the silver. That
they contradict themselves in swearing, pretend to be Hamburghers,
though only speaking low Dutch, &c. &c. [3 pages.] |
May 4. Bristol. |
10. Thos. Shewell to the Navy Commissioners. The seamen of
the Discovery came to me for an answer to their petition. I ordered
them to go on board and obey their commanders, but they all
refused to go to sea without money. I had a guard of soldiers
ready, told the captain to point the leading spirits, and three were
sent to the castle; they are all quiet, but will not serve under Capt.
Marryott; they complain of him and he of them. I have pressed
other men for the ship, and sent these to Portsmouth. As the three
committed are now very submissive, I beg you will order their discharge, unless you think it would be an ill precedent. [1 page.] |
May 4. |
11. Order in the Admiralty Committee that the Navy Commissioners consider a letter annexed, and give order therein. [1¾ pages.]
Enclosing, |
11. i. The Generals [at sea to the Admiralty Commissioners].
As to the mutinous carriage of the Discovery's men, we
think in the present state of affairs that, as they have been
long on shore, and have run into debt, they should have
two months' pay and be ordered to come aboard to us, to
prevent discontent.—1 May 1653 [⅓ page.] |
May 4. Deal |
12. John Carter to the Navy Commissioners. I have pressed 114
men in the places I was sent to, but those at Hastings have not
pressed a man, and I could only press 2 there; so you may judge of
their love to you. There are 33 vessels at Brighton and they have but
10 men in the service. I hope to man the Golden Cock when she is
afloat, and to press them before would be loss of money, as we should
get none of them. I have received 10 sick men from the fleet, and
orders from Major Bourne to provide for them. I want to know
what is to be allowed for them. There are five private men-of-war
here, three from Dover and two from Rye, who receive and hide the
seamen as long as there is any press in the town. When they are
out at sea, one of your frigates should take most of their men, for
they all have aboard men to whom I have given press and conductmoney. I want money, having paid 13l. and being at 4l. a week
charge. What shall I give soldiers and seamen discharged for sickness, but without certificates for relief? I put in prison at Hythe
two men whom I had pressed at Rye and sent to Chatham, but
I met them again going for Dover, and put them in prison there.
I wish you to ask the Mayor of Hythe how they came be set at
liberty. [1 page.] |
May 4. Tynemouth Castle. |
13. Capt. Jno. Topping to the Admiralty Commissioners. As
you approve the course taken with the mutinous seamen of Robt.
Cockerell, master of the Robert of Ipswich, I have ordered Capt.
Thos. Wilkes to secure them and send them to you. He sailed on
the 3rd, convoying 150 colliers. To-day 50 light-ships came in from
the south. The Council of State has ordered the staying of all
vessels here for a convoy, as seamen are always ready to sail again,
though it be into the enemy's mouth. Please to send a special order
for their stay. By order of the late Council of State, I took bond
of a Lynn merchant to appear before them for drinking the health
of Van Tromp and De Witt, and abusing the Custom House officers
at Newcastle, who reported him. [1 page.] Enclosing, |
13. i. Statement by Robert Cockerell, that his men being stopped
for want of wind, all threatened to desert unless paid 10s.
each more than the price agreed on, though he offered to
give them what other masters paid. They said they would
come on shore, induce others to do the same, come up to
London, and serve on the State's ships.—20 April 1653.
[1⅓ pages.] |
May 5. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
1. The Admiralty Commissioners to consider the usefulness of
Dover pier for public service, and how far the State is obliged to be
at the charge of repairing it, and to report. |
2. The searchers and other officers who have seized the 1,500l.
in gold at Dover, put aboard a ship to be transported, to effectually
prosecute the same at law, that it may be brought to a speedy
judgment. |
3. The persons appointed by Council to consider the manner of
taking the accounts of the commonwealth are to proceed with the
particulars clearly excepted from the Act of general pardon, and
Council will consider the other particulars now presented. |
4. The 50 Dutch prisoners sent to Marlborough to be removed to
Reading in Berks, owing to a great loss by fire which the town of
Marlborough has had. The Mayor to see that the prisoners are safely
conducted. |
5. To write to the Mayor of Reading of the coming of the said
prisoners, and that 6d. a day is allowed for their maintenance, to be
paid by the Commissioners for Dutch Prizes, and to desire him to
provide lodgings for them. |
6. Major-General Lambert and Mr. Strickland to go to Lord
Fairfax, with the complaints concerning the Isle of Man, and the
papers in Council concerning the matter to be given them. |
7. The bear baiting, bull baiting, and playing for prizes by fencers
hitherto practised in Southwark and other places, which have
caused great evils and abominations, to be suppressed from this
time. Cols. Cooper and Pride, Mr. Hyland, and Major Allen to
carry out this order. |
8. The petition of Dr. Gourdon's patients in Ely House to be sent
to the persons to whom it was referred, who are to examine the
condition of Ely House, and certify. |
9. Mr. Blackborne to speak with Robert Downe concerning some
captives at Sally in Barbary, and to make an agreement with him
concerning their redemption, and report. [Also Vol. XXXVI.,
No. 14.] |
10. The persons appointed to examine the state of the prison of
the Upper Bench to consider the petition of the prisoners for debt
at Ludgate, and to examine the state of that prison. |
11, 12, 13. William Rowe to be continued in the same employment
in the present Committee of Scotch and Irish Affairs as in the late
Committee for six months, from June 1st, and to be paid 300l. a
year out of the Council's exigency money; the six months up to
1 June, to be paid for at the former rate. |
14. Sir Oliver Fleming to inform the messenger that brought the
letter from the States General of the United Provinces that Council
intend sending an answer by a messenger of their own, and that his
stay here is no longer necessary. [I. 69, pp. 20-23.] |
May 5. The Resolution, 5 leagues from the Texel. |
15. John Poortmans to [Robt. Blackborne]. The fleet have taken
54 Dutch fisher boats since arriving off the coast, and sent their
men home by a council of war. The fishermen say that Van Tromp
has gone northward with a fleet of 80 men-of-war and 200 merchant
ships, and we are making all the sail we can after him, and hope to
overtake him at Shetland or thereabouts. I will send a list of the
English fleet by the next, as perfect as I can. We shall do little
abroad unless those that fear the Lord wrestle in prayer for us at
home. [1 page.] |
May 5. Portsmouth. |
16. John Holt to Rob. Blackborne. On reference from the Admiralty Committee to the Navy Commissioners, as to what rent
was to be paid to Mrs. Boate for her house at Portsmouth, they
certified 22l. 10s., she paying all taxes. I hope an order will be
obtained from the Admiralty Committee to that effect. [2/3 page.] |
May 5. Bristol. |
17. Capt. Thos. Marryott to Generals Deane and Blake. As our
men appear sorry for what they have done, and are willing to come
on board, and as the three in prison are also penitent, I desire their
offence may be passed over, and they will take this as a warning.
We are taking our guns and shot on board, and I hope to make up
my number of men this week. [2/3 page.] |
May 5. Bristol. |
18. Capt. Thos. Marryott to the Navy Commissioners. To the
same effect. Most of the men are willing to come on board, and the
rest have tickets for Portsmouth, and indeed I do not want them on
board. [2/3 page.] |
May 5. |
19. Hen. Roach and William Wood to the [Navy Commissioners].
We hope the ship bound for Scotland will be ready in five or six
days. Please send one of your own officers to procure an order
from the Lord General to Col. Fitch, or his deputy at Inverness, to
put into his hands 400l. or 500l. to pay for labour, land carriage,
and the masts, to be paid by our orders, 50l. or 60l. at a time, as the
men require it; also let there be a guard, if the country is not
quiet. [½ page.] |
May 5. |
Orders in the Admiralty Committee. |
20. That 180 soldiers, whom Col. Pride is desired to draw out of
his regiment, be sent down to the Hope, for manning of ships
named, and that the Navy Commissioners take care to provide
vessels to convey them thither. [¾ page.] |
21. That the annexed lists be referred to the Navy Commissioners, who are to make out a bill to Lieut.-Col. Worsley for
61l. 13s. 2d. spent for shirts for the soldiers sent to sea from the
Lord General's foot regiment, and to order the clerks of the check on
the ships where the soldiers serve to charge the sums upon them,
that they may be deducted at their payment. [1 page.] |
22. That such of the commanders and officers in a list given as are
in town attend at the Admiralty Chamber, Whitehall, at 3 p.m.
to-day. [¾ page.] Enclosing, |
22. i. List of 23 ships, with names of 19 captains and 12 lieutenants. [1 page.] |
May 5. London. |
23. Miles Woodshaw to Lord Conway. I waited by your order
on Col. Cromwell, who was with the Lord General yesterday, and
acquainted him with your business, but my lord desired to be excused
for four or five days, because of urgent business; so the colonel has
resolved not to give it to him until he is sure he has time to read it
and consider. I will not fail to get you a copy of the bond when it
is time, but there is no hope of it at present, as they are taken up
with other business. |
I am glad to hear Mr. Conway has made so good an end of his
business, and I hope he will soon return. Mr. Fremantle presents
his duty; he is not strong enough to ride so far, and his clothes
are not good enough to wait on you; but if you will order some for
him, he may be the better able to wait on you. |
Pray recommend my brother Wallace as a servant in a noble
family, for which he is very fit. I cannot command 5l. of all that is
owing me, nor sell to have advantage the things you left in my hand,
but I have taken some money on them, for present need. [1 page.] |
May 6. |
24. Petition of the Merchant Adventurers to the Council of State.
By two obsolete statutes of 27 and 33 Hen. VIII., no cloth above 4l.
in value was allowed to be exported unbarbed and unshorn, but the
increase in the price of wools, and the decrease in the standard of
money since then has been such that these statutes have been dispensed with, as injurious to the Customs, and also to the clothmakers
and merchants, and licenses were granted to the fellowship, or to noble
persons at Court till 6 Eliz., when the Queen granted the company a
license to export 30,000 cloths a year, 5,000 of any price, and
25,000 not to exceed 6l., unbarbed and unshorn. |
In 8 Eliz. Parliament ordered that for every 9 cloths exported
undressed, one should be taken dressed. By these statutes, the
London clothworkers prosecute one of our members, Thos. Stubbing,
in the Upper Bench, and will obtain a verdict against him by the
letter of the law, and so against the whole fellowship, for his case is
every man's case, and by revival of these laws, the trade in white
cloth, which employs thousands of poor, must stand still, for strangers
will not buy dressed white cloth. We beg a prohibition to the
Clothworkers' Company, and Nathan Neale, their informer, to prosecute the case further, till it has been fully heard before Council, or
we may be vexed every hour on obsolete penal laws. Signed Sam.
Avery, governor. [1 sheet.] |
May 6. |
Order that Nathan Neale, mentioned in the petition, attend
Council on Monday at 10 a.m. |
Also that the statutes mentioned in the petition, and what is offered
against them, be referred to fit persons to be appointed to consider
this matter and the state of trade in the commonwealth, and upon
hearing both parties, they are to report. [I. 69, p. 24.] |
[May 6.] |
25. Petition of William Pennoyer and Rich. Hill, merchants of
London, to the Council of State, for a warrant to enable their two
vessels, with 12 and 16 men, laden with dried fish from Newfoundland, to pass to Spain and Italy. Have twice before taken up ships
for transporting the fish bought last May, but they were detained
and employed for the service. Run the risk of losing their goods
which are of a perishable nature. [1 page.] |
May 6. |
25. Reference thereon to the Admiralty Committee. [2/3 page
Also I. 69, p. 25.] |
May 6. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
1. Sir Gilbert Pickering to be President of the Council for the
next week. |
3. The members to consider fit persons to be Commissioners for
Trade, and to bring in names on Tuesday. |
5. The bail given by Capt. Saltonstall in the Admiralty Court in
reference to his trial to be discharged. The Admiralty Judges to be
informed thereof. |
6. To write to Resident Bradshaw to order him to renew his
demand to the Senate of Hamburg for the cloth ship taken in the
Elbe, and to insist upon an answer. A paper to be sent to the
Resident from Hamburg here to the same effect. |
7. The Admiralty Commissioners to appoint a fit convoy to bring
the ship Loyalty from Calais, and the petition from persons interested
in the ship to be sent them with this order. |
8. The letter written by several Englishmen now prisoners in the
Low Countries to be sent to the Generals of the fleet, who are to consider of fit exchanges for them, and give directions accordingly. |
9. Robert Manley, merchant of London, to prove in the Admiralty
Court the loss he pretends to have sustained by the Dutch, and
upon the certificate thereof by the Admiralty Judges, Council will
consider his petition. |
11. The business of Ireland to be resumed to-morrow. |
12. The charge given in by Cheeseman against Mr. Moyer and
others being but in general terms, nothing can be done until particulars are received. |
13. The petition of Joshua Joslyn, James Haviland, and Thos.
Merchant referred to Cornelius Holland and Cols. Goffe, Scroope,
and Bingham, who are to hear the parties concerned and report. |
14. The petition concerning the tobacco in Gloucestershire to be
debated on Monday, and the article concerning the business to be
brought in to Council then. |
17. Major-General Lambert and Mr. Strickland, to confer with
the Scotch deputies in the Horse chamber on the present settlement
of the civil government and assessment in Scotland. |
19. [John] Coffy and [Martin] Brice to give good bail to appear
on summons of Council. |
20, 21. Theodore Jennings to be committed to the Serjeant-atarms, for letting Francis Dowde, who was committed upon supposition of counterfeiting several warrants of Council, escape. Lieut.Col. Worsley and Thos. Margetts to examine him and other persons
concerning the business, and to report. |
22. Council being informed of obstructions in the receipt of excise,
some of the Commissioners of Excise are to attend at 8 a.m. tomorrow, bringing with them the grounds and reasons of the obstructions and the remedies they think fit to be applied. |
23. The same order to be sent to— |
The Commissioners of Customs. |
The Commissioners for sale of and composition for delinquents'
lands. |
The Commissioners for Dutch Prizes. |
The Collectors of Prizes. |
The Commissioners for sale of houses and parks. |
24, 25. [Rich.] Bradshaw's bill for 2,000l. for powder and masts
to be accepted and paid, and he to be informed of this, and that the
masts already bought will be fetched away; but he is to be desired to
buy no more under 20 palms high, and ordered to buy 2,000 barrels
of powder at the rate of * * * [I. 69, pp. 24-29.] |
May 7. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
1, 2. Toby Bonnel to carry the letter to the Low Countries, to
have the same instructions as he had before, and to be allowed 50l.
for his expenses. |
3. The papers sent from Scotland by Col. Lilburne referred to the
Committee for Scotch and Irish Affairs; to report. |
4. The petition of Seward Serkes and Ryend Serkes, with the
certificates of the Commissioners of Prize Goods, to be sent to the
Admiralty Judges, who are to proceed according to law. |
5. The Commissioners from Drury House to be heard on Monday. |
6. Sir Oliver Fleming and Mr. Thurloe to inform the commissary
of the Queen of Sweden residing here of the reasons why the State
was obliged to use the commodities of the ships from Sweden lately
arrived in the Downs, and that they will pay the full value. |
7. The Master of the Mint to attend Council at 4 p.m. |
9. The letter now read to the city of Emden to be sent by the
messenger who brought a letter from that city to Parliament. |
10. The two petitions of James Wainwright and Henry Ballow
referred to the Customs' Commissioners, who are to examine the
business, and if they think fit, to admit of a post entry. |
11. The report concerning the Mint and Mr. Blondeau to be brought
in on Wednesday. Sir James Harrington to send the papers concerning the business. |
16. Bail to be given by John Coffy and Martin Brice for six
months. |
17. The petition and remonstrance of the contracted farmers to be
considered when the bill concerning forests and chases is renewed. |
18. Mr. Thurloe to write to the Governor of Calais in behalf of
Humphrey Taylor, merchant of London, in the name of Council, and
a paper concerning the same to be sent to M. Bourdeaux. |
19. The carrying of inland letters, both private and public, to be
managed only by those authorised by the State. |
All [public] packets and letters, outward or inward, to be carried
free, whether they are extraordinary or ordinary. |
The inland Post Committee to consider what letters are to be considered public, and how the sending of private letters under public
packets may be prevented. |
The postmasters and others employed by Mr. Prideaux to be
continued in their employment, if they will accept thereof, and such
others as are placed in the several stages, to be approved by the
General or Council. |
The persons who are to manage the carriage of letters to be well
affected, and to be responsible for their speedy and safe conveyance. |
The Post Committee to fix the rates for private letters. |
One or more packet boats to be maintained to go between Milford
and Waterford, and between Chester and Dublin, that weekly intercourse may be continued between England and Ireland. |
Posts to be established between Dover and Portsmouth, Portsmouth and Salisbury, London and Yarmouth, and Lancaster and
Carlisle. |
The inland Post Committee to receive propositions for farming
the carrying of letters, and to consider if it be well to manage the
business by contract or on account, and to report what annual sum
shall be thought necessary for the management thereof by farming.
[Also Vol. XXXVI., No. 26a.] |
20. Sir James Hope added to the Commission of Justice for
Scotland. |
25. The Jesuits and seminary priests apprehended by a warrant
of the late Council of 13 April 1653, to be carried before the next
justices of peace, to be proceeded against according to law. [I. 69,
pp. 30-38.] |
May 7. The Resolution. |
27. Generals Rich. Deane and Geo. Monck to the Admiralty Committee. The contract for the Giles being nearly expired, and her
victuals expended, we have ordered her to London, and taken 20
barrels of powder out of her for the fleet, for which we promised
ready money at 4l. 12s. per barrel; we therefore desire your order
to the Treasurer for payment. [¾ page.] |
May 7. The Resolution, 50 leagues off Newcastle. |
28. Generals Deane and Monck to the Admiralty Committee. We
have sent in, by Capt. Toope of the Giles, two vessels with deals,
one of which is a Hollander, and the other pretends to belong to
Nieuport; but if she does not prove a prize, her deals may be bought;
also some Dutch prisoners belonging to a man-of-war for your
disposal. [2/3 page.] |
May 7. Deal. |
29. Capt. Robert Clarke to the Navy Commissioners. I have
come in by order of the Generals to Major Bourne, and will make all
despatch for Chatham. I parted from the fleet off the Texel on
Friday the 5th, the Holland fleet having sailed 16 hours before we
came in. Our fleet has gone northward after them. The report of
an engagement is false, but we took some 50 sea busses, and a small
man-of-war of six guns. [¾ page.] |
May 7. Deal. |
30. Major N. Bourne to the Navy Commissioners. I perceive
you have not received my account of the goods I purchased from
the Swedes; it cannot be prejudicial to the State, although I acted
on my own judgment. The Merlin has returned from Dunkirk with
a convoy of six or seven vessels, with tar, pitch, and hemp, and
left there seven or eight great ships from Sweden and Hamburg with
similar goods, intending to ship them over hither in small vessels,
which will make these stores cheaper daily. There are sick men
sent on shore, and now under the care of Mr. Carter, but no orders
for their supply. Pray say what allowance they should have. I
heard last night that our fleet was engaged with the Dutch off
Scheveling Bay, but can hear no further. [1 page.] |
May 7. |
31. Petition of Jonas Grosvenear, gentleman, and 28 other youths
of Wolverhampton, co. Stafford, to the "worthily renowned" Lord
Gen. Cromwell. On "the happy tidings of that most glorious and
never-to-be-forgotten achievement of dissolving the late Parliament," we did, on May 2 last, erect a May-pole, being an ancient
custom, for no purpose but to express our great joy for that most
noble performance of the army. But this action was distasted by
our ministers, two most rigid and malicious presbyters, whose
private consultation and purchase and storing of arms may be more
dangerous than our inoffensive solace. These men say that the
cause we allege for setting up the pole "was rather matter of
humiliation than congratulation," and have so highly incensed the
justices of peace of the county that we were summoned before
them. Nothing of misdemeanour was proved against us, and then
they urged us extremely to take an oath to answer certain questions.
We refused this, fearing a trap, and then they issued warrants to
apprehend us. |
We beg not to be ruined to satisfy their thirst of revenge, nor
exposed to the tyranny of those whom nothing will satisfy but a
power of regulating all men by the square of their own private
fancies. |
We will ever serve you with life and fortune, and pray for the
prosperity of your noble and worthy enterprises. [1 sheet.] |
May 8. London. |
32. Certificate by Capt. Rich. Badiley that the Peregrine, John
Wood commander, was hired for the service by Charles Longland,
while she lay in Leghorn Mould, last October, at 3l. 15s. a month.
That the captain had liberty to entertain 108 men, and whatever
were wanting of that number, an abatement of 45s. a head per
month was to be made. That the commander and her company
were very ready to follow the orders given them, and showed great
courage before the dispute. That on March 4 last, after her main
and mizen mast had been shot, and most of her men slain or
wounded, she surrendered to the enemy, when these who were
appointed for her relief did not prosecute what was expected of
them. [¾ page.] |
32. i. Depositions on interrogatories of John Butt, of Redrith Wall,
Surrey, carpenter of the Peregrine, on behalf of Saml.
Wilson and other owners. Was shipped for a voyage
from London for Venice, &c., and on entering Leghorn,
the ship was taken up to serve the State against the Dutch.
She was 300 tons burden, and carried 32 pieces of
ordnance. On March 4 last, she and five other ships,
being in Leghorn Road, were met with and set upon by
27 Dutch men-of-war, and a sharp and bloody fight
ensued for seven hours, in which Capt. Wood and his company behaved themselves very stoutly, and like Englishmen; but the captain and 20 of his men were killed,
many more wounded, and the ship was much torn and
battered. Her company defended her until she was
boarded, and ready to be overmastered by three Holland
men-of-war, and there not being men enough left to stand
by her guns, and no means of escaping, she being brought
to a wreck and not fit for service or resistance, she was
entered and taken by the Dutch. |
Before the fight she was worth, with her furniture,
4,500l. The fitting out and providing her with victuals,
furniture, &c. in the Straits for her voyage stood the
owners in much more than it would have cost in
England, more particularly the carpenters' work and
materials, the cost of which was double to what it would
have been in England. With similar depositions of
Isaac Jacquett, of Plymouth, late boatswain, and Gregory
Bernard, of Limehouse, late steward of the said ship.—
May 5, 1653. [Copies, 10 pages.] |
May 8. Deal. |
33. Major N. Bourne to the Navy Commissioners. The Reserve,
Capt. Clarke, has come in from the Texel, where he left our fleet
going on Friday at 4 p.m., nine leagues off the Texel, sailing
towards Shotland, hearing that the Dutch fleet of 80 sail were gone
there the day before. I want a ship to carry masts and yards, to go
to the Humber with the provision ships for the fleet; also orders
how to dispose of the Cock now in the Downs, which will be ready
in four or five days. [¾ page.] |
May 9. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
1. Gualter Frost to be assistant to Mr. Thurloe, secretary of
Council. |
2. On the address from the Governor of Upnor Castle about
repairing that part of the castle which was burnt, Mr. Pett, Major
Bourne, and Mr. Taylor are to view the castle, and state of what
service it would be to the navy, with the reasons of their opinions. |
3. Major Bourne to view Dover pier, and certify of what use it
would be in the public service, and how far the State is obliged
to be at the charge of repairing it. [Also Vol. XXXVI.,
Nos. 34, 35.] |
4. To write Major Bourne that there is a richly laden English
vessel at Calais, bound for London, and he is to appoint a convoy,
with respect to the orders given by the Generals. |
5. The Act whereby the Admiralty Commissioners and the Commissioners for Inspection sit to be brought in this afternoon. |
6. The Commissioners of Dutch Prizes to attend this afternoon,
to state why they do not deliver the gold according to the order
of the former Council. |
7. Major-General Harrison and Col. Bennet to confer with those
persons sent from Marlborough, concerning the nominating of a Committee to make a collection throughout the nation for those who
have suffered by the late fire, and to report the names to Council. |
8. A letter to be prepared to the Lord Mayor of London, and to the
mayors of boroughs and towns, and to the sheriffs, and justices of the
peace in the respective counties, to further this collection, leaving a
blank for the names of those to whom the money is to be paid.
[I. 69, pp. 39-41.] |
May 9. Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Commissioners for sale of Prize Goods.
An order was given to the Commissioners for Dutch Prizes,
on an order in the Admiralty Court, to restore the gold in the
Christina and North Copping, which was laid up in the Tower for
security; but this having been delayed, the Queen of Sweden's
commissary residing here has applied to Council for its confirmation.
There being no reason for its detention, you are to restore it according to former order. [I. 69, p. 41.] |
May 9. Whitehall. |
36. Admiralty Committee to the Generals at sea. Since your
sailing from the Downs, we have endeavoured to get the provisions you wrote for ready to follow the fleet, as will be
seen by the enclosed particular of such vessels as are to sail with
Capt. Strong on Thursday. We have obtained my Lord's warrant
for 140 barrels of powder from Hull, which Capt. Strong will take
in there, and call at Yarmouth for the powder that came from Scarborough, and for the 120 barrels that were to be supplied from Harwich and Yarmouth, which with the 200 sent by the Sapphire,
and 500 that Col. Lilburne is to furnish you in Scotland, will be a
competent proportion for the present occasion. |
We have written to Hull and Newcastle, and to the Commissioners
at Leith, for speedily impressing such men as can be raised in those
parts, and hope they will put them on board such of the ships as
touch at any of those places; Col. Lilburne has orders from the
General to have a regiment of land soldiers ready on the coast of
Scotland, for your further supply if need require, and the victuallers
have appointed Mr. Eldred at Leith to furnish you with water, for
the hastening of which we have entreated the Commissioners there
to contribute their utmost assistance, as also for employing
some ketches upon that coast for gaining intelligence from you, and
also of the enemies' motion. The 300 landmen put on board the
merchant ships in the Hope shall be sent on board the ships that
accompany Capt. Strong, and we believe that within a few days,
there may be at least 20 more ships ready to sail, in which respect,
as also of the probability of Capt. Badiley's arrival in the Channel
ere long, we should be glad instructions were sent for their disposal.
What further supplies shall be wanting for the fleet, in case you
apprehend your stay may be long in those parts, upon notice of the
particulars, we will endeavour to provide and despatch. [Copy,
1 page.] |
May 9. Yarmouth. |
37. Rob. Harmer and John Arnold, bailiffs of Great Yarmouth,
to the Admiralty Committee. We have heard but little of the
fleet. Capt. Wetwang, of the Sparrow, has taken two private
Dutch men-of-war, and sent one to Bridlington and the other to
Lynn. He spoke yesterday with the Sapphire, seven leagues off
the Spurn. She was hastening with 12 other ships after the fleet,
which has taken 40 or 50 Flemish pinks. Divers Dutchmen taken
at sea have been brought in here, and many more may come; what
is to be done with them? We find the English taken by the
Dutch are put into chains, kept close prisoners, and inhumanly used,
and they have now upwards of 70 Yarmouth men in prison at
Amsterdam, whose pitiful condition may be seen by a letter we send
you, and for whose deliverance we beg some means may be used.
[1 page. See pp. 287-8, supra.] |
May 9. Yarmouth. |
38. Wm. Burton to the Admiralty Commissioners. The vessel
that carried the packet has returned, and as she could not find
the fleet, gave it to Capt. Dornford, of the Portsmouth, who was
going after them with five frigates and two fire-ships. We heard
that Van Tromp sailed from Goree on Wednesday, and our fleet
were within eight hours' sail of them; also that he heard many
guns go on Friday, and believed the fleets were engaged. This
morning Capt. Wilkes has come in, and delivered me 72 barrels of
powder, and says the Tenth Whelp has a larger quantity on board,
but he could not overtake him. I told Capt. Wilkinson of the
Weymouth, who has gone to London with two vessels with guns, to
call at Harwich for 20 barrels more, and bring them to Yarmouth.
[1 page.] |
May 9. 8 p.m., Gravesend. |
39. Capt. William Wildey to the Admiralty Committee. I waited on
General Blake in the Hope, and am now attending his commands.
The ships that came last want men and victuals, as also gunners
and gunners' stores. The 300 soldiers of Col. Ingoldsby's regiment
have been put on board the victualling ships, by Commissioner Pett's
order. [2/3 page.] |
May 9. The Assurance. |
40. Capt. Phil. Holland to Lord General Cromwell, Whitehall.
We had an order on May 1 to go to the fleet on the coast of Holland,
but hearing on the 7th from Capt. Clarke, of the Reserve, whom we
met 12 leagues off the Maese, that it had gone for Shotland, we
made for Hull by a verbal order from the Generals, given us by him;
but the wind shifting, we were constrained to ply to Scarborough,
because the vessels along with us could not hold up. [¾ page.] |
May 9. Bristol. |
41. Capt. Thos. Marryott to the Navy Commissioners. Mr. Shewell
and I have pressed many men here, but hardly one in 10 appear.
Ships come in daily, but there is hardly a man to be got out of them;
they set them ashore five or six miles beyond Kingroad, where a
point of land prevents our seeing them, and come in with the master
and officers, a few boys, and perhaps some passengers; (Noted,
Make application to the mayor and justices). 80 ought to have been
got out of these ships, and there are not 10. If you meet a man
in the streets and give him money, he promises to come, but he
hides. We cannot carry them with us, and while we are pressing
one, another runs away. The Act is strict, but will be little minded
unless some are made examples. I think the goods of those that
hide should be stayed, as most of them have adventures on their
ships, and then they must appear, and wages are due to 100 of
them. |
Three ships came in last night, but we got only four men. The
officers father their chests or they are empty; the masters are in
fault; they might keep their boats on board, and not suffer the men
to go to shore. Mr. Shewell thinks there are 500 now in the city. |
We are taking our guns and ammunition, and shall be ready next
week. We have given tickets for Portsmouth to 20 or 25 of our men,
who were obstinate, and would not go on board without money,
thinking they might as well absent themselves there as here. They
had gone before we received your letter that they should have two
or three months' pay to redeem their clothes and reckonings with
their hosts, but it is very welcome news at their quarters, for the
women were bringing in their bills, and are glad to get some of their
money. The men that are in prison are sorry for what they have
done, and promise not to do the like. Pray release them, and take
them on again at Portsmouth. [2 pages.] |
May 9. Leghorn. |
42. Charles Longland to Col. Geo. Thompson. I wrote you 14
days since what information I had of this Prince's interests, in case
Holland should have declared for the King of Scots. His carriage
has been very suitable thereto, especially in thrusting out of port
the State's ships into the jaws of the enemy, of all passages of which
I gave the State a weekly account, and have been very chary not to
aggravate anything, whereby any breach might happen. |
I know the State will consider all things, and in their wisdom do
what is most convenient; meantime Capt. Badiley will give you a
fuller relation, but I will give you my opinion freely, as you allow it,
that the Duke, seeing our ships lying in this port and Longone
besieged by a potent enemy eight months, and without the least
show of succour from England, did what is usual in the world, join
himself with the strongest, and expel our ships from his port. I
know that the great occasion the State has in the Channel must and
ought to be first provided for, yet I am confident four sail sent hither
last December, with 500 supernumerary men, had rendered our
ships masters of these seas, which is the centre of trade, and the
public theatre looked upon by all the world; so that if you intend
to maintain trade, which is a great part of our nation's happiness,
it will be as necessary to keep a good fleet in the Straits as in the
Narrow Seas. If at this present the State send out but 20 sail,
with commanders that are fighting men, I am confident they may
destroy all the Dutch in these seas, and make themselves masters
thereof. |
Here are at present 14 Dutch men-of-war, amongst which is the
Leopard, which has not above 70 men on board, and the rest are
very slightly manned, they having lost many men in these two
fights. Nine of their ships are gone for the Levant, to meet the
Venice ships, who departed thence on the 2nd instant, intending for
Alicant, to join with what ships the State sends into those seas,
or in want thereof, to go directly home. |
The State ordered me to provide 4,000 barrels of powder, if to be
had at 4l. 10s. per barrel; it is now preparing, and if no ships are
sent out to take it in, I hope they will send order for its disposal;
if a larger quantity is required, I will go on providing of it. We
understand there are some overtures of a treaty between the two
commonwealths, which I hope will take effect. [2 pages.] |
May 10. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
1. Col. Bingham to attend Council at Whitehall at 3 p.m. |
2. The business concerning writs of error to be considered tomorrow. |
4. The Irish and Scotch Committee to consider and report what
should be done concerning the settlement of the Isle of Jersey, and
what relates to the examining of the account of Charles Maret,
receiver of the revenue there. |
5. Mr. Thurloe to confer with Mr Bence, Mr. Moyer, and Capt.
Ryder, concerning the returning of the 15,000l. now at Deal,
appointed for the redeeming of English captives, to some place in
Italy, where it is to be used for that purpose, and to report. |
6, 7. The petitions of Lewis Parent, and of the English merchants
trading in France, referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee, who
are to examine and report. Sir William Constable and Cols. Ingoldsby
and Rich added to that Committee. [I. 69, pp. 43, 44.] |
May 10. The Phœnix, Downs. |
43. Major N. Bourne to the Navy Commissioners. The Phœnix and
Constant Warwick have come in, with some other ships which may
prove prizes. They left Capt. Badiley with four ships and several
merchant ships. I have sent to the Admiralty Committee for orders,
so that they may not lose any time. If it blows southerly, I shall
encourage them to come to Lee Road. [2/3 page.] |
May 10. The Resolution, before Aberdeen. |
44. Generals Deane and Monck to the Admiralty Committee.
We are on the Scotch coast, looking after the Dutch fleet, but have
no fresh news. We will leave orders at Tantallon, Aberdeen, and
Dunottar Castle, for all ships coming that way to join us, and shall
take in water here. We desire you will not forget to send us a
provision of victuals, &c., otherwise we shall be forced to come in
within two months. The water ships can come with them.
[1 page.] |
May 10. The Resolution, Aberdeen. |
45. John Poortmans to Robert Blackborne. We have got so far
in pursuance of the last results of a council of war, and are taking
in water. We have no further intelligence of the Dutch fleet than
what was received from the fishermen taken on the coast of Holland.
[½ page.] |
May 10. Harwich. |
46. Capt. Robt. Wilkinson to the Admiralty Committee. I have
arrived safe with my convoys. Since I left Yarmouth Roads, I
spoke with some vessels at sea, who told me of six Holland ships of
war off Orfordness; one of them offered me battle, thinking to surprise some of my convoys, but after receiving six shots he, like a
valiant Hollander, ran away. Now that our fleets are to the northward,
there are several private men-of-war from Flushing upon the coast,
and as they may do much harm, a man-of-war ought to be sent to
look after them. I am forced here by winds, but hope soon to sail
for London. [2/3 page, with shorthand notes of a reply.] |
May 10. |
47. Order in the Admiralty Committee, on the propositions
agreed upon between them and the Generals, that the officers of land
soldiers (i.e., a serjeant and two corporals for each 60 men) who have
been employed since 6 February shall receive pay as at land, according to the establishment before the last augmentation, viz., 1s. 6d.
a day for a serjeant and 12d. for a corporal. The Navy Commissioners to make allowance accordingly, in pursuance of an order of
Council. [¾ page.] |
May 11. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
2. The letter now read to the Generals of the fleet approved, and
to be signed, and sent. |
3. The trustees of Drury House to attend Council at 3 p.m. |
4. Mr. Thurloe to prepare a letter to be signed by the Lord General,
to be sent to the Lord Commissioners of the Great Seal, to represent
the inconvenience of granting writs of error frequently, and to request them to forbear granting any more, according to a late Act
of Parliament. |
5. Col. Pride and Lieut.-Col. Worsely to confer with the Admiralty
Commissioners this afternoon. |
7. Col. Goffe, Col. Kelsey, — Haynes, Capt. Blackwell, Capt.
Deane, Mr. Hutchinson, and Mr. Jackson, to consider how the Treasuries
of the commonwealth may be best managed, and to report with all
convenient speed. |
8, 9. Approval of Major-Gen. Lambert's conduct in apprehending
some persons who had appointed the fighting of a duel, and MajorGen. Desborow and Col. Bennet to examine the business of the
challenge made and accepted, and report. |
10. The Commissioners for sale of Prize Goods to send to Council
every Monday an account of what money they have each week
received and disbursed, and what ready money remains in their
hands. |
11. Viscount Lisle to be heard in Council at 5 p.m. to-morrow. |
12. Major-Generals Lambert and Harrison, Mr. Strickland, and
Col. Bennet to consider the paper read this day from the Commissioners for sale of Prize Goods on the proceedings in the Admiralty
Court, with the papers from the Inspection Commissioners relating
to matters of that nature, to confer with the Admiralty Judges, the
Prize Goods' Commissioners, and other persons, and upon consideration of the whole matter, to report what should be done for redressing
the grievances therein complained of. |
13. The letter from Capt. Badiley in the Downs to be considered
in the afternoon. |
14. Mr. Trapham to be joined to the physician, surgeon, and
apothecary of Ely House, in making choice of soldiers who are to be
sent from thence to the Bath, for the recovery of their limbs and
perfecting their cures. |
15. Col. Pride, Col. Grosvenor, and Lieut-Col. White to take
account of the present state of the Savoy, and to report. |
16. Mr. Thurloe to consider whether Giles Calvert, — Ibotson,
— Hill, or — Brewster is most fitted to be printer to Council. |
17. Two of the Commissioners for removing obstructions, two of
the Commissioners of Haberdashers' Hall, and two of the trustees
of Drury House to attend on Friday at 9 a.m. |
18. The Marshal-General to inquire what Dutch prisoners are
now in the commonwealth, and to send in a list of them, expressing
their qualities. |
19. To write the Generals that Council is arranging an equal
exchange of prisoners, and that any they take should be kept till
they can be exchanged for others of an equal quality. |
20. The petition of Stephen Cacket, Richard Spake, and Johan
Morris referred to the Navy Commissioners, who are to report to
Council if they apprehend anything extraordinary should be done. |
21. To inform the Dutch Prize Commissioners that Capt. Badiley,
now in the Downs, has a quantity of lime aboard the ships which
he took as prizes, and they are to inquire about it, and see that it
is disposed of to the best advantage. |
22. The Admiralty Commissioners to send in a list of the State
and other ships set forth or to be set forth this summer, expressing where they now are. |
23. Lord Hopton to be a Commissioner for administration of
justice in Scotland, and a commission to be prepared for him in the
same form as those which were given by the Commissioners of
Parliament in Scotland, mutatis mutandis. |
24. The persons appointed to consider the inland post to consider
the foreign post, and how it may best be managed, and to report
the whole business, with any obstructions they may find, by claims
or otherwise. [Also Vol. XXXVI., No. 47a.] |
26. A contract made by the Ordnance Committee with Henry
Machen, to make 6 cwt. of saltpetre weekly in cos. Monmouth, Glamorgan, Radnor, and Brecon, during the time mentioned in the Act,
to be delivered to the Ordnance Office in the Tower at 4l. per cwt.,
to begin after August 10, and the money to be paid by the
treasurer of the navy a month after delivery—approved, and a commission and letters of privilege and assistance to be granted him. |
29. Commission appointing Hen. Machen, on the Act of
February 9, 1653, for making saltpetre, chief workman and
officer for cos. Monmouth, Glamorgan, Radnor, and Brecon, and
empowering him to take up workmen, who are to be paid for their
labours. |
30. Declaration freeing all his workmen and servants from all
impress, bearing of arms, or other service, and freeing him from all
rates, tolls, and taxes. [I. 69, pp. 46-54.] |
May 11. |
Council of State to all justices of peace, mayors, sheriffs, &c. in
the four said counties. We recommend Hen. Machen especially to
your assistance, to give him all encouragement in his work. And
as disaffected persons, who care more for a small inconvenience than
for a service necessary for the safety of the State, may obstruct
him, refuse him carriages, or not allow their grounds to be digged,
whereby he would be prevented furnishing the proportions contracted for, you are to give him your best assistance, he paying for
carriages and all materials the rates appointed by the Act. The
mine of saltpetre is to be preserved, and all who destroy or waste
it to be proceeded against. Return us the names of all who do not
conform hereto. [I. 69, pp. 54-56.] |
May 11. Plymouth. |
48. Capt. Hen. Hatsell to the Admiralty Committee. In answer
to yours, asking whether I cannot convey the pressed men to Portsmouth without the Briar and Warwick, I will give you an account of
affairs here. Mr. Mill, the press-master, pressed 100 men at Tregoney,
Cornwall, ordered them to Fowey, and wrote for the Lily to take
them in; this was 25 April, but the Lily was here, with 60 men
beside her crew, so I told Mill to send the men here; but only 30
came, the rest refusing to serve, saying Parliament was dissolved,
and they were not obliged to serve. I therefore told him, as no
shipping was here, to impress all he could, and bid them be ready to
be shipped when any frigate came. He therefore pressed 200 more
about Falmouth and the Mount, and sent warrants for appearance
of those formerly impressed, for the Lily to carry to Portsmouth,
and the Briar and Warwick to take the others to Falmouth. You
now ask us to convey them some other way, so I propose to send
the Lily for them, and put them on board the Success privateer,
bound for Portsmouth, and have agreed with the captain for their
diet. Then the Lily could fetch those from Falmouth. If you give
them conduct money from Cornwall, it will be a great expense, and
not half of them would appear. [2 pages.] |
May 11. Harwich. |
49. James Sacke to the Navy Commissioners. Being ordered by
the Council of State to impress all able seamen in Harwich and
Essex, and send them to Chatham and Deptford, with a list of
them, and also to send an exact list of all mariners belonging to the
jurisdiction of this corporation, with promise of payment of expenses,
I pressed 25 men in Harwich, and gave them conduct money and
tickets, and orders to go to Deptford, and I send a list of the seamen
in this town. Let the money disbursed, and what encouragement
you may please to bestow for the officers' trouble therein, be paid
to the bearer Daniel Smith, the town clerk. [1 page.] |
May 11. |
50. Order in the Admiralty Committee, on the petition of John
Leare for payment of rent for the Hill House, Chatham, employed
for the navy, and certified by the Navy Commissioners as worth 20l.,
a year, that this rent be paid from 25 Dec. last, and arrears according to the former allowances granted him. [1 page.] |
May 12. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
1. The order made by the Committee for Plundered Ministers
dated October 15th last, authorising Col. Thomas Pride, John
Thorne, George Horne, Thos. Edgley, and others, to provide for
the service of the church of Bartholomew the Less, London, to be
continued for three months. |
2. The examinations made by Major-General Desborow and Col.
Bennet, concerning the miscarriage of Lord Falkland and Mr. Hele,
in Hyde Park, together with their persons, to be sent to Mr. Scobell,
Squibb, and Birket, justices of the peace, who are to proceed therein
according to law. |
3. Some members of the Grand Committee of the Adventurers for
Ireland to attend Council to-morrow at 9 a.m. |
4. Col. Clark and Mr. Scobell to compare the powers of the former
Acts for disposing forfeited lands in Ireland with those of the Act
now under consideration, and to make an extract of them, and also of
particular clauses in them referred to in this Act, that they may be
inserted if necessary; Mr. Scobell to attend Council at 3 p.m. |
5. The master and wardens of the Clothworkers and Nathan
Neale to appear to-morrow at 3 p.m. |
6. To write the Sheriff of Chester that William Frodsham,
prisoner there, condemned to die on the 16th, is reprieved for
three months, that Council may receive satisfaction in the business
for which he stands condemned. |
7. The letter from the city of Bremen to be translated into
English, and brought again into Council. |
8. To desire the Mayor of Dover, Lieut.-Col. Kelsey, Thos. White,
and Capt. Thos. Wilson to sell the Dutch ship and goods brought
in by the Advantage frigate to the best advantage. [I. 69, pp, 6062.] |
May 12. Bridlington Bay. |
51. Wm. Swyer, Jno. Geffery, and Geo. Crapnell, to the Council
of State. We will go to Col. Overton at Hull, according to your
order, and what provisions and ammunition he shall put into us, we
will carry to the fleet. We have one galliot hoy and two hoys
under our charge, laden with provisions and ammunition for the
fleet, which we will do our best to protect. [2/3 page.] |
May 12. Bridlington Bay. |
52. John Geffery, Wm. Swyer, and Geo. Crapnell to Col.
Overton, Governor of Hull. According to your order, and that of
the Council of State, we will make what speed we can to Hull, with
the ships under our charge laden with provisions and ammunition
for the fleet. [½ page.] |
May 12. Whitehall. |
53. General Robert Blake to Capt. Grumwell. The Admiralty
and Navy Committee having ordered Capt. Marryott, of the Discovery
at Bristol, to repair to London, you are to take charge of the Discovery, and with such seamen as you can procure, to set sail with
her for Portsmouth, where you shall receive further orders. Endorsed
with notes that on Tuesday the Dutch fleet came to the coast of
Zealand, and that had 2,000 men landed, they would have run away.
That the Hollanders have 120 sail, and keep our men, 70 in number,
in chains. [¾ page.] |
May 12. The Falcon, Leith Road. |
54. Capt. Barth. Yate to the Admiralty Committee. According
to your orders for impressing mariners, I pressed several men on
the Scotch coast and got them on board, but finding all except 10
were fresh-water fishers, I discharged them. Upon our ship's
appearance in the Frith, all the seamen ran away. I conferred with
the Commissioners at Leith, who have advised me to go to Tynemouth Bar, and when the seamen return they will secure them, and
I can return for them, getting what I can there meantime. My
ship is very unserviceable in case of an engagement, having but 22
small guns. I want an order to the Commissioners for Prize Goods
at Newcastle to furnish me with guns and carriages, and to the
victualler at Hull to supply me with provisions. [¾ page.] |
May 12. Midnight, Leith. |
55. Edward Syler and Rich. Saltonstall, Commissioners in Scotland, to the Admiralty Committee. The business of impressing
mariners has been wholly obstructed by the arrival of Captains
Yates and Weires in the Road, which has so frightened the men
that it is impossible to procure any; but they will doubtless reappear
when these are gone to Newcastle to revictual. We will do our
best to secure them by a stratagem all at once, and send them to
the fleet, unless we have other orders. |
We have just received letters from the Generals to his Excellency,
by which we hear that on Tuesday our fleet was at Aberdeen, where
they sent in 40 busses and fishermen, which the Prize Commissioners
are taking care to secure. |
We will assist Mr. Eldred in procuring casks and water for the
fleet. We have furnished Capt. Yates with biscuit and butter as he
was in want. May we supply other ships in like case and be reimbursed? Col. Lilburne will do all he can to promote the service;
he desires us to fit out the Falcon, with promise of reimbursement by you. [2 pages.] |
May 12. Deal. |
56. Capt. Rich. Badiley to the Admiralty Committee. Being
called on shore to confer with Major Bourne and Capt. Limbery, I
saw yours of yesterday, by which I find not only your remembrance
of my services, but your commands about the ships of my squadron.
I will endeavour to execute your orders, but I fear the carrying on
of on service, as there is a wretched distemper of mutiny among
my mariners, to go in until they are paid off, or are sent for to the
fleet near Lee Road to be called to account for their disobedience; it
has made my trouble inexpressible, and tended much to the nation's
loss. [¾ page.] |
May 12. Custom House, Newcastle. |
57. Geo. Dawson to the Admiralty Committee. I despatched
the enclosures for the Generals to Col. Lilburne in Scotland, hearing
the fleet was to the northward of this haven. The Sapphire has
called here for pilots, but we had few fitting men left in the town.
I will give notice to all ships calling that the Generals' packets
are gone to Leith, that they may call for them. |
The Mayor and I help Mr. Taylor as much as we can, but it is sad
to think how unwilling we find the mariners; they hide themselves,
and can only be taken in bed; 30 or 40 were got at midnight, but they
ran away when they had taken impress money, so we are obliged
to send them to Tynemouth Castle, to be put on board the first ship,
and some were so refractory that the Mayor sent them to prison.
If we had a warrant, we could impress 100 or 200 keelmen who
would serve as well as London watermen, but it must be by a
special order, as it may injure the coal trade. The laden coal fleet
left on Monday. |
There are 100 sail here ready to go, some for Ipswich, and 40 for
London, but they will probably put in to Harwich for fear of a
press. Capt. Hen. Toope of the Giles, who came in with letters for
Lord Gen. Cromwell, will convoy them. |
Mr. Taylor, the press-master, wants money, but the business shall
not shirk for that. I will disburse it till further order, though the
orders on our customs here are more than the receipts. |
P.S.—The ships that called yesterday have pressed so many men
from the coal fleet that not half of them can sail with Capt. Toope.
The other ships will go without convoy when they can get men. Two
able pilots, Jas. Denton and Hen. Bird, got out of the way after
taking press money. They should be punished when they appear,
as their refractoriness makes others do the like. [3 pages.] |
May 12. |
58. Miles Woodshaw to Lord Conway. I have been with Col.
Cromwell, but he cannot yet find the General at leisure, but will
attend him as you commanded. I send Mr. Baldwin's discharge for
20s. left out of the last account. Had I not thought myself settled for
life, I had not left myself so bare of money, nor need have brought
myself into the charge and trouble I am now in. The sum I
borrowed on the things is 30l., and the sooner some part is paid, the
less charge it will be to you. I assure you I never did anything
since I have been your servant that troubles me more than this, and
had not great necessity drove me to it, it had not been done. I have
sent the book to Ragley. I have the key of the garden to Northumberland House, and the other key is delivered. [¾ page.] |
May 13. |
59. Petition of the Essex and Kentish ketchmen who follow the
mackerel season, to the Council of State, for an order to the Navy
Commissioners not to press them or their men during the
fishing season. There was an order given to protect all mackerel
fishers, and victuallers to the city, but no care has been taken about
it, so that they cannot follow their employment, and the city wants
relief. Are willing to go with two men in seven less than formerly.
[1 page.] |
May 13. Whitehall. |
60. Reference thereon to the Navy Commissioners, who are to
give special order to the press-masters and others not to molest the
men in that fishery, which is so great an advantage to all in these
parts. [1 page. Also I. 69, p. 66.] |
May 13. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
1. Mr. Thurloe to prepare a letter to the Portuguese Ambassador
that Council has received his letter, and will be ready, on his
addressing himself to them, to give a just and reasonable answer
to his desires. |
2. To inform the deputies of Scotland that Council will receive
what they have to offer on Monday. |
3. The bill of exchange for 1,000l., drawn upon Council by the
Resident at Hamburg, to be accepted and paid, according to the days
of sight. [Also Vol. XXXVI., No. 61.] |
4. To inform [Hen.] Crisp, merchant of London, that the Resident
at Hamburg, having to draw bills of exchange for considerable
amounts, which must be drawn on some London merchant and not
on Council, it has been ordered that they be drawn upon him, and
he is to accept them, and Council will provide money for settling
them, according to the days of sight for which they are drawn. |
5. Mr. Coytmor to bring in the Mayor of Dover's account of
money disbursed by him for relief of sick and wounded seamen and
prisoners now at Dover. |
6. The petition of Joshua Carteret, gentleman of Jersey, referred
to the Irish and Scotch Committee. |
7. Petitions which are to be presented to be delivered to Mr.
Thurloe, to present to Council. |
8. To acquaint the Resident of Hamburg with what Council has
ordered concerning the drawing of the bills of exchange, and to
desire him to observe the same, and to proceed in making the provisions formerly ordered. |
9. Capt. Badiley to bring his squadron into the Swinn or the Nore,
whichever he shall think fit. |
10. To acknowledge the letter of Capt. Dornford, commander of
the Portsmouth frigate at Scarborough, to the Lord General, and to
inform him that he and the ships with him are to obey the
directions of the Generals of the fleet. |
12. On a petition by the Merchant Adventurers,—complaining that
they are sued by Nathan Neill [or Neale] on behalf of the Clothworkers'
Company, on two statutes forbidding the export of white cloth
unwrought; that they are ready for trial, and like to be overthrown
by the letter of the law, to the great detriment of trade, especially
the manufacture of woollen cloth—it was ordered after consultation
and by mutual agreement, that the parties proceed to trial, but if the
Merchant Adventurers are overthrown, the clothworkers forbear for a
year to execute judgment against them, without leave of Council; and
forbear likewise after a year, if by that time that trade is brought to a
settlement; and that the company be not further molested upon any
of those statutes. All persons concerned to take notice. [I. 69, pp.
64-68.] |
May 13. The Paragon, Downs. |
62. Capt. Rich. Badiley to the Admiralty Committee. I have
conferred with the subordinate commanders as to the necessity of
our present going forth to lie in the Narrow, and laboured to compose that disorder and boisterous spirit among the mariners in the
frigates, and been from ship to ship to impress upon them the great
damage the State has suffered, or is likely to suffer, by their disobedience, and what guilt they will bring on their body and soul by
casting themselves upon a trial for life, according to the 11th
article of war; and after much insinuating language, I could only
prevail with them to take six weeks' victuals, and go out with us,
provided I went with this ship, and the rest related to us, but I
cannot at all prevail with those on board the Phœnix and Constant
Warwick to go forth again upon any service, before they have been
in and are paid off, although I laboured to answer all their objections. The company of the former frigate have more reason than
the other, being manned with men that belonged to several ships who
went to regain her, with no more clothes than backs, and in that
condition, they say, they have continued to this day, and the ship is
foul; the sooner she is called in to be fitted the better. Since their
exploit, they are very turbulent and disorderly. |
The main objection of those of the Constant Warwick is that she
is leaky, and that the pump is never out of their hands at sea
(whether they have the art to make her so I cannot say), and having
been out 25 months, they want everything. This morning, ordering
the foretopsail to be loosed, and otherwise fitting her to go out, the
mutinous spirit broke out again; nothing now but "Home, home," and
no reason will be heard among them, and to such a height have they
got, that a whole cluster of them have been heard to say this night
that if I went out with this ship, they would run down to the hold,
and suffer the enemy to batter her to pieces; so you see it is well
this ship is in England with such a crew. I shall wait for your orders
as to coming up the river, since there is no trusting this ship abroad
as she is. |
May 13. |
While I considered what was best to be done for the advantage of
the State in the Mediterranean in the distracted condition it was
left in, I supposed that the best way was to send back two of our
frigates when cleansed, to amuse the Dutch, so that hardly any of
their ships could be spared to return home to join with their body
here, but must spread to convoy their merchantmen to and again; and
that if you were able to spare ten ships out of your great body preparing to go forth, and put 50 soldiers into each of the merchantmen
I brought home with me, those 15 sail would be sufficient to regain
our loss in those parts; whereas if the frigates did not go back, it is
likely they would be able to spare half their ships to come this way,
or at least be in such a body as will require 25 rather than 15 sail.
But these wretched people on board the Elizabeth, who have
not done any considerable service all the voyage, and who after she
had been tallowed at Lisbon (?), all things got ready, and the captain
had his warrant to proceed back, grew to such a height of mutiny
that no encouraging language, with a proffer of six months' pay, nor
laying before them the advantage likely to come to the nation
thereby, nor the danger of refusal according to the tenor of the
11th article of war, would work upon them; so that I was forced to
give over the design, otherwise there had been no need to have
changed any other but this ship, which could not have stayed longer
abroad without being completely spoiled with the worm if nothing
else. Although she will cost a great deal of money, as nearly all
her timbers are cut to pieces with the shot, and not a mast in her
but is shot through, yet as she is in the Channel, and in the midst of
summer, I have been fitting, and always telling my officers and others
that, until another dispute be over with the Dutch, we shall be kept
abroad, so that one way or the other we may vindicate ourselves
after so great a loss, and consequently be looked upon with cheerfulness when we come to the pay table. But I see when the evil spirit
is entered in, no reason will rule this people, and if I had not left
Leghorn Road as I did, they would have caused others to rally into
a distemper, and so have given away this ship. |
I have given orders to the commanders of the Lewis, Mary, Thomas
Bonadventure, and Cock, to go out together to-morrow, and act as
you have directed, and Capt. Chapman is to command in chief. I
have sent for six weeks' more victuals for the Elizabeth, and will see
what I can do once more in keeping her abroad, until she grows foul;
if I can prevail, she will make the fifth ship, which will better
the condition of that squardron for the service. I again make bold
to remind you that 150 soldiers would well man the three merchant
ships, and could they be embarked at Dover, where they stop, it
would much advance the service, for if they meet with any of the
enemy that are considerable for them to deal with, their want of men
will spoil all. |
Two ships have passed from the Canaries, and one from New
England. The former saw 100 sail in the Channel, two carrying
Holland colours, one of which chased them. |
P.S.—I have at last prevailed with the company of the Elizabeth
to go out with Capt. Chapman, on promise to procure leave that they
may come in when their six weeks' victuals are out. [3 pages.] |
May 14. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
1. The Committee who received the papers concerning the
adjudging and disposing of prize goods to deliver them to the
Posts' Committee, and confer with that Committee, and to give
them such information as they may have received. |
5. Col. Goffe, Col. Kelsey, Major Haynes, Capt. Blackwell, Capt.
Deane, Mr. Hutchinson, and Mr. Jackson to consider how the
treasuries may be best managed, and to give in their opinion in
writing. All officers and persons concerned therein are to assist
them in any way they may require. |
6. The Admiralty Commissioners to attend this afternoon on the
business of disposing of the fleet to service. |
7. The 251l. 16s. 10d. ordered by the late Council to be paid to
the Marshal-General out of their contingencies to be paid by the
Commissioners for sale of Prize Goods. |
8. To write to the Hamburg agent as was written to the
Swedish agent, concerning the necessity of taking the pipestaves
from some Hamburg ships, for the public service. |
9. The business of the arrest of Sir Thomas Walsingham, and
the petition of the serjeant who arrested him, referred to the Committee to whom the business of prisoners was referred, who are to
report thereon, taking notice that the yeoman mentioned therein
is already discharged by Council. The said yeoman to be discharged. |
10. Commissary-General Whalley, the Lieutenant of the Tower,
Quartermaster-General Grosvenor, Major Bourne, and Major Packer
to be a Committee to consider the condition of the prisoners of war
in this nation, and how the Dutch prisoners may be exchanged for
such English as have been taken by the Dutch, and to report their
condition and what they judge fit to be done with them. |
11. Commissioners appointed by Council to meet the Portuguese
Ambassador on Tuesday at 4 p.m. according to his desire, and to
receive what he has to offer; Sir Oliver Fleming to give him notice
and to conduct him thither. |
12. The paper given in by the Portuguese Ambassador, being a
particular of some necessary goods shipped aboard a Hamburg
vessel for the use of that King, to be sent to the Navy Commissioners, who are to consider whether any of the goods therein
mentioned are necessarily to be made stay of for the service of the
fleet, and to report. With the paper herein alluded to, claiming the
restoration of the goods, viz. 1,629 pipes and 6,000 pipes staves, taken
in the Downs by Admiral Deane. [Also Vol. XXXVI., Nos. 63-66.] |
13. The business of the fleet to be re-considered on Monday.
[I. 69, pp. 70-73.] |
May 14. Whitehall. |
Council of State to captains of ships of war and press-masters.
As it is needful for supply of the Scilly garrisons with provisions
that the vessels employed therefor should not be molested in their
passage to and fro, you are to forbear impressing any persons
certified by the Governor of Scilly to be on that employment.
[I. 69, p. 75.] |
May 14. Whitehall. |
Council of State to the commander of the Warwick. There is a
sum of money now at Weymouth to be transported to Jersey and
Guernsey, for pay of the garrisons. You are to set sail for Weymouth, receive the money from Major Harding, and convoy it to
those places. You are then to return to the Narrow, to assist the
Briar frigate, which is appointed to ply up and down in that
passage. [I. 69, p. 70.] |
May 14. The Lamb, St. Thomas' Street, Bristol. |
67. Capt. Thos. Hewitt and John Pene to the Navy Commissioners. We have been into the western parts and back, but
missed your letter. We have met many obstructions at Barnstaple
and Bideford, the merchants having procured an order from the
Council of State not to impress any belonging to ships bound for
Newfoundland, which carried away 300 men. Other vessels in the
bar claimed the same privilege, and were countenanced by the
authorities, though they had received orders for impressing. They
give fair words but no deeds. The power by which we act is
questioned, and whether there be any such power at present, and
the seamen arm themselves with clubs and staves, and say if we
take them, it is at our peril, so that we are in great danger. |
There have been 10 in this city carried away to sea after being
impressed. Some make a trade of getting press money, absenting
themselves, and going from town to town; and when we complain,
the magistrates bid us bring the men before them, and then do
nothing to them, which much encourages them. Our time and
money will be ill spent unless such insufferable contempt is
punished. |
The order of the Council of State to the Mayor and justices is not
prosecuted, and the Act of Parliament not executed, for they say it is
too strict to be observed, most of them being interested in shipping. |
We have ordered all the mayors and justices concerned to search
for absentees and deserters, commit them to prison, and make weekly
returns to the Navy Office, London. We have pressed 330; I think
as many more might be had, but you should rather trust sword
men, as governors of cities and counties, than mayors. We are
coming to London unless we have further orders. |
P.S.—We think the sword men could procure in 30 days 400 men
in Bristol Bay, 50 in Minehead, Watchet, and Porlock, and 20 in
Bridgwater. [2½ pages.] |
May 14. Bristol. |
68. Capt. Thos. Marryott to the Navy Commissioners. I have
given my men three months' pay, except some that have not yet
got their clothes on board; I think they will all come on board,
except the 25 that went for Portsmouth. Yesterday the three were
discharged from prison and I have paid them, but imprisonment will
do runaways more good than six months' pay. I want an order to fit
up another surgeon's chest, all the things in ours being very bad,
and an allowance for the surgeon. Capt. Hewitt and Mr. Pene are
here, but the men think no more of the Act against absenting or
hiding than if there were none, and will not unless some be made
exemplary. Am I to give 12d. press money to men taken out of
ships? I wish Mr. Turner would send me some copies of the articles
of war. [1 page.] |
May 14. Newcastle. |
69. Geo. Dawson to the Admiralty Committee. I suggested the
impressing 100 or 200 keelmen for want of mariners, but we find
they have nothing but what they have on their backs, and no means
of procuring clothes, and such nasty creatures on board would do
more harm than good. Capt. Toope of the Giles has sailed as convoy to 60 laden colliers, and there are 60 more waiting for men,
&c.; The fleet was off Aberdeen on Tuesday. I want an order to
supply victuals to some galliot hoys, carrying water for the fleet.
[1 page.] |
May 14. |
70. Earl of Worcester to Gen. Cromwell. The obstacle which
hindered many of your laudable intentions for the common welfare
being now, by God's goodness and your unparalleled endeavours
removed, I doubt not of redress, and really to receive what the late
Council of State put me in hopes of. "No subject in England has
been so hardly dealt with, but having recourse to the fountain head
of mercy and nobleness, whose chrystaline waters may now run
without interruption, my heart is elevated with hopes." [1 page.] |
May 16. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
1. Mr. Robinson to attend Council to-morrow at 9 a.m. and satisfy
them in a business which he has propounded to some of the members,
concerning the raising of the revenue. |
2. The papers relating to the gold and silver mines in Ireland to
be looked out and brought into Council, with the petition of Miles
Fleetwood, James Whitelock and others, concerning the same business. |
3. Major Wiggan, Cornet Day, and Mr. Wollaston Master Gunner
to come to Council. |
4. Major-General Harrison to acquaint Sir John Wollaston that
there being occasion to take account of the marks and weight of the
silver brought into the Tower from the Samson, Salvador, and
George, persons of understanding and credit should be employed
therein, and to desire him to assist by his advice, and by overseeing
the doing thereof. |
5. 100 Dutch prisoners, private men, with an officer of the quality
of captain, to be released and allowed to pass over to the Netherlands, the captain engaging that a like number of Englishmen,
prisoners of the Dutch, be released and permitted to return; or else
himself and the 100 men to return, and a letter to be written to
—to release a captain and so many men. |
7. The petition of Edward Bernard, merchant of London, laid
aside. |
8. The petition of John Martin and Matthew Hemins referred to
the Navy Commissioners, who are to certify the matter concerning
the ship Recovery mentioned therein. |
9. Order on petition of John Williams, porter of the Mint in
Wales, concerning abuses by certain persons there, that Dr. Gurdon
report such examinations as he has taken concerning the business. |
10. An allowance of 3l. a week to be paid to the Earl of Worcester,
for his maintenance during his imprisonment. |
11. To write to the Commissioners in Ireland in behalf of John
Carlton and Edward Barnard, and desire them to do justice to the
petitioners. |
12. The late Council's letter to the Ordnance officers, concerning
Thos. Barlow, purser of the Convert frigate, to be signed by the
now President. |
13. The papers mentioned in the petition of Peter Biglestone,
merchant, to be looked out and brought in to Council. |
14. To inform the Commissioners for Prize Goods that Council has
received a letter from the town of Bremen, stating that Jodocus
Lammars, citizen of that town, some months ago freighted a ship at
Nantes (belonging to Eppius Gerbrandus, a Hamburg master) with
four tons of Nantes wine and 12 quartols of brandy wine, to be
delivered at Hamburg and forwarded to Bremen; and that this ship
has been taken by our men-of-war, and now lies under embargo.
The Commissioners are to inquire if the above statements are true,
and to report. |
15. To inform Walter Kerbie of Lynne that Council have heard
that he has thrown down part of the bank of the river, much to the
prejudice of the town, and to order him to build up the bank, and
cleanse the river, which he has interrupted, with speed. |
16. The petition of John Hudson, minister, Robert Lewington,
John Axon, Rebecca Woodward, and Margaret Thompson, referred
to the Navy Commissioners, to consider what may be done for their
relief according to their deserts, provided they do not exceed the
limitations given in cases of that nature. |
17. To write the Army Committee that the pay for the 500 men
added to the Lord General's foot regiment is this day expired, and
that they are to continue the regiment to the number of 1,200 for 14
days longer, and to issue a warrant for paying that number, 40 men
thereof being allowed to two companies of Col. Barkstead in the
Tower. [I. 69, pp. 77-82.] |
May 16. Leghorn. |
71. Charles Longland to the Admiralty Committee. I have
passed a bill upon your treasurer for 3,150l. in lieu of a bill given
to Capt. Badiley, on February 28, which appears to have miscarried, and Capt. Badiley being in such haste to depart, he had not
time to give a second bill for it; but to show I am a creditor for a
much larger sum, I sent you an account of all disbursements since
the State's ships came to this port, the balance whereof, being
4,772l. 13s. 3d. with what I paid for clothing the Leopard's men,
and since for the relief of naked and wounded, I drew on the
treasurer for 12,000 dollars more, at 6s. 3d., amounting to 3,150l., of
which pray order acceptance and payment. |
The ships from Venice are gone out, and Capt. Poole and Mr.
Cartwright, who went thither on that service, have returned hither,
so that I shall suddenly adjust the accounts relating to all the ships
taken up for the service, and draw the remainder upon your treasurer. |
I had some hopes to have saved at least some part of the Bonadventure's guns, to which purpose I caused some divers to be sent from
Genoa, who set to work about it, but the Dutch sent a bark with 50
musketeers and beat them away, although within half cannon shot
of the castle; and upon my complaining to the governors, they said
the Great Duke would be no arbitrator to whom the guns belong, so
you may see the partiality in this place, and what command our
enemies have over it. About 14 or 16 Dutch men-of-war and
merchantmen will leave here in three days, and amongst them the
Leopard, who I hope will come short of their expectations. I was with
the chief commander, and proffered him security for 5,000 dollars to
let our captive captains come on shore, and render themselves in
Holland, or where else he should appoint, but he would not grant it.
With copy of the letter of May 2. [2 pages.] |
May 17. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
4. Dr. Goddard, Major Packer, and Mr. Evans added to the
Hospitals' Committee. |
5. The petition of 220 sick and maimed soldiers to go to the Bath
referred to that Committee, who are to send for both the Doctors
Gurdons who have certified concerning the men, and upon consideration, to report how many of them are fit to be sent to the
Bath. |
6.Major-General Harrison to ask Mr. Blackborne the names of the
late Committee for Excise, consult him about other fit persons for
that Committee, and bring a list into Council. |
7. The Hospitals' Committee to consider the abuses of the Ely
House and Savoy Hospitals, and to report to Council, with the
remedies thereunto, and how the hospitals may be regulated for the
future, and how they may be brought into one, and to confer with
suitable persons thereupon and report. |
8. Major-General Lambert, Col. Jones, Col. Bennet, Mr. Scobell,
and Mr. Thurloe, to be a Committee to consider the draft of the Act
for disposing lands in Ireland, and to put the matter therein contained into instructions framed for the best advantage of the service.
They are to confer with such persons as they think fit, and to send
for all necessary papers, and to bring the draft of the instructions to
Council. |
9. The petition of Mrs. Roe referred to the Hospitals' Committee. |
10. That of Samuel Hawkes, late master of the Exchange, referred
to the Navy Commissioners, to give him the allowance usual in such
cases, and to consider what more may be done for him. |
11. Declaration that in allotting lands in Ireland as payment to
soldiers, those first disbanded shall receive first their portion. The
Committee appointed to frame the instructions are to take notice of
this. |
12. Mr. Strickland, Sir Gilbert Pickering, Col. Jones, Major-Gens.
Desborow and Harrison, and Col. Stapley, to be a Committee to
treat with the Portuguese Ambassador. |
14. Lieut.-Col. Worsley and Major Packer added to the Posts'
Committee. |
15. The petition of Mr. Rand, apothecary to Ely House, referred
to the Hospitals' Committee, who are to consider from what treasury
the moneys due to him are to be paid, to inquire from the
treasurers of the place out of what treasury the apothecary is usually
paid, and into the present state of that treasury, and report. |
16, 17. The petitions of John de Lossa Banona, merchant of Spain,
and of John Mexia de Herara, referred to the Admiralty Judges, to
examine and report. |
18. To return answer to Sir William Killigrew's petition, that the
consideration thereof is most proper for the supreme power, when it
shall be settled. |
19. Order on the petition of Robert Llewellin and other merchants
of London, that the Commissioners who meet with Monsieur de
Bourdeaux, represent to him at their next meeting the condition of
petitioners, and be instant that justice may be done in their concernments in France. |
21. The petition of William Thompson, agent for the city of
Edinburgh, referred to Col. George Fenwick, Governor of Edinburgh
and Leith, who is to hear what he has to propound concerning those
places, and report. |
22. Order on the petition of the Merchant Adventurers, touching
their cloth ship lately taken in the river of Elbe, that a letter be
written to [Rich.] Bradshaw, Resident at Hamburg, to press the
Senate there for restitution of the ship and goods. |
23. Order on the petition of Richard Ford, Nathaniel Manton,
and other merchants of London trading in lead, that Mr. Thurloe
confer with them, receive more particular information, and thereupon the petition be referred to the Customs' Commissioners, who
shall certify the business to Council. |
24. Order on the petition of the wives and widows of the late
King's servants, that Mr. Holland be conferred with concerning that
part which relates to the Revenue Committee, and some of the
trustees concerning that which relates to the late King's goods. |
24a. Order on the petition of Joshua Fugil, merchant, that Capt.
Bishop deliver him the papers and writings in his custody which
relate to his estate. |
25. The petition of Col. Hugh Reily referred to the Irish and
Scotch Committee, who are to send for those therein mentioned
who are in London, examine them, and report. |
26. The petition of James Duffe, mariner, recommended to the
officers of the chest at Chatham. |
27. That of Rachel, widow of Walter Hoxon, captain of the
Anthony Bonaventure, referred to the Navy Commissioners, to
examine her condition, and report what should be done for her
relief. |
28. Mr. Frost to write to Capt. Groome at Stafford that Council
is informed that by its dismantling, much prejudice is done to the
town and its inhabitants, and to desire him to forbear for the
present, and to send an account of the true state of that business.
[I. 69, pp. 84-92.] |
May 17. Leith. |
72. Edward Syler and Rich. Saltonstall to the Admiralty Committee. We heard nothing of the fleet, except that they were on
their course for Shotland, but to-day a private man-of-war of Col.
Atkins has brought in three prizes, which he took on the 14th, one
having a packet of letters from the States of Holland to Van Tromp,
but which were thrown overboard before capture. We send the
only letter found on board, as also the examination of the master.
[1 page.] |
May 17. London. |
Levant Company to Hen. Riley, Consul at Aleppo. We perceive,
by your letters and remonstrance to Constantinople, what trouble
and hazard you have undergone by the combination and designs
of that Bassa, the Cadi, and Emir, reviving the old pretence of
3 per cent. on money, and imposing so many unjust and tyrannous
exactions upon you; also your several ways for exposing their
exorbitant decrees, by protestation and battulation of Jews from
employment, and by your application to the Ambassador for relief
from the Porte. |
We are sorry the means used availed so little, the rather because we
know not how to assist you, or counsel how to apply a remedy,
which must be left to your own prudence and care, to take what
opportunity offers for your security, and for reparation of so high
and insolent attempts, which having deterred our factors from supplying the office of treasurer at that place, we are content that
you have accepted that employment; if you cannot prevail with
any fit person amongst them to undertake it, we desire you will
continue in it until further order. |
Touching the injury received in those encounters by Mr. Buckworth and Mr. Godfrey, on occasion of some silk found in bags of
wool, for which they paid nearly 3,500 dollars apiece, we are sorry
for it, but cannot assent to have Mr. Godfrey or Mr. Buckworth's
proportion put as an avania to our account, for which we see not the
least reason, besides the consequence of such a precedent, which
might animate the Turks to multiply such oppressions upon us.
For redress we shall remind the State to use all possible means when
a new Ambassador goes for Constantinople, which might have been
ere this, but for those great interruptions wherewith our trade is
burdened by the Hollanders, not only within the Straits, but here at
home, and the great change of affairs here, by means whereof we are
rendered so unable to raise money for defraying our great charge and
payment of our debts, that we are forced to suspend sending an
Ambassador until our trade is restored. |
As we have reduced the entertainment given to the Ambassador
at Constantinople, or else must send over some agent at a lower
rate, and have obliged the consul at Smyrna to be content with
2,000 dollars a year, we desire you not to expect more during these
times than your ordinary salary, nor put more to account for
gratuity without express order, except the two gratuities we allowed
you for your two first years' service; also otherwise to use all possible
frugality in our affairs. [Levant Papers, Vol. IV., pp. 213-214.] |
May 18. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
1. The petition of William Gardiner, gunmaker, referred to the
Ordnance Committee, to do as is usual in case they find the stores
require a present supply. |
2. The petition of William Savel, in behalf of Thomas Catro,
prisoner in the Upper Bench, referred to the Indemnity Committee,
to examine whether he has not been satisfied for what he has
disbursed for the fortifications and repairs of Tilbury Fort, and
whether money has not been paid to Col. Temple, governor there,
or any other persons for this debt, and to report to Council, that
the petitioner may be satisfied for what he has expended, and
that money may not be twice paid for the same thing. |
4. The petition of John Hind and John Wich referred to the
Excise Commissioners, who are to state the matter of fact and
certify. |
5. Order on the petition of Capt. Grethead and others, that Col.
Downes send in to Council all papers relating to the business. |
6. Order that the petition of Henriques George Mendes, laying
claim to certain bags of Spanish wool in custody of the Prize
Goods' Commissioners, be sent to the said Commissioners, who
are to consider and report why the goods have been detained. |
7. The petition of Margaret Douglas, widow, referred to the
Irish and Scotch Committee. |
8. That of Peter Biglestone, merchant, and the annexed papers,
referred to the said Committee, who are to examine him if
they think fit, and report. |
9. Mr. Thurloe to receive all petitions brought in to Council, and
to note upon them the day on which they are received; any two
members who are first met in Council to be a Committee to read
them, and consider what answer shall be given, and to report. |
10. Col. George Thomson to be dismissed from being a Commissioner of Customs and of the army and navy, and to be required to
forbear from acting therein. |
11. Francis Allein to be removed from being one of the Inspection Committee, and to forbear intermeddling in the business of the
Treasury. |
12. The Committee on the Upper Bench prison to examine the
abuses of the Fleet Prison. |
13. Denis Bond to be removed from the Committee of Inspection. |
14, 15, 16. Cols. Nathaniel Rich, Philip Jones, and Bennett to
be on the Committee of Inspection. |
17. Mr. Garland, Serjeant Dendy, and Mr. Emerie to be a Committee to take care of Whitehall, and to act according to instructions
from Council. |
18. The Prize Goods' Commissioners to give an account of such
ships in their custody as pretend to belong to the Queen or people
of Sweden. |
20. The petition of Alexander Aspinal, with the report from the
late Irish and Scotch Committee, referred to the present Committee,
to report. |
21. The petitions of Thomas Lambe, Nathaniel Manton, Thos.
Ford, and Richard Ford, merchants of London, referred to the Navy
Commissioners, who are to certify the state of the contracts therein
mentioned. [Also Vol. XXXIV., No. 73.] |
22. Major-General Lambert to acquaint Lord Fairfax that Council
—being informed of the conference lately had with his Lordship concerning the Isle of Man,—agrees that, upon his giving in the names of
those to whom he intends to commit the civil and military power,
and their approbation of the same, all forces now there shall be withdrawn, and the island, with the several places of strength therein,
delivered up to his Lordship. |
23. The petition of Hugh Welburne and others, and of John
Pierson and others, all masters of ships of Hull or Yarmouth,
referred to the Admiralty Commissioners. |
24. The brief now read for the town of Marlborough, co. Wilts, to
be approved, printed, and published. |
25. The business of Portugal to be considered on Friday morning
next, and then the French business. |
29. Order, that whereas Major Rich. Salwey has bought of the
trustees for deans and chapters' lands Crowle Manor, co. Worcester,
and paid in the first half; and whereas 312l. 15s. is due to him for
service for Parliament in 1643, the said trustees accept of his debenture in part of the second moiety, as if the same had been doubled,
according to the tenor of the Act. [I. 69, pp. 94-99, 105.] |
May 18. Whitehall. |
Declaration in council of petition of the Mayor and inhabitants
of Marlborough, and several justices of peace of co. Wilts. On
Thursday 28 April, (the Lord, whose ways are past finding out, so
disposing) a fearful fire broke out at the lower end of the town, and
in three or four hours destroyed most of it, burning 224 houses, one
church, and the market place, value with the wares and goods at
least 70,000l., so that few of the inhabitants have anything left.
Council "with tenderest bowels commiserating their condition,"
recommend them to the charity of well disposed persons, and order
a collection to be made for their relief, and for re-edifying the town;
not doubting that "all those who have anything of bowels and compassion in them" will give a cheerful and liberal contribution, and
recommending the same to the Lord Mayor, &c. of London, the
sheriffs and justices of peace of each county of England and Wales,
the mayor, bailiffs, and chief officers of boroughs and towns, to
take care for the dispersal of these presents, and to promote the
work. |
For its better management, Council has appointed Ald. Andrewes
and numerous others to be a Committee in London to carry it on,
and the persons who take care of it in their several jurisdictions
are to correspond with this Committee, and manage the business by
their advice. [I. 69, pp. 100-103.] |
May 18. Whitehall. |
74. Council of State to Aldermen Andrewes, Tichborne, Ireton,
and 27 others. Council on the petition of the town of Marlborough,
and certificates of several justices of peace near, setting forth their
loss by a great fire, has appointed a collection to be made for rebuilding the town, in all towns and cities of England and Wales.
As such collections are often coldly carried on unless effectually promoted, we authorise you to take charge of its making, disposing,
and distributing, believing you willing to do so Christian a work;
seven of you to be a quorum; and you are to appoint a treasurer,
and agents for collecting benevolence, and distribute it in due proportions for relief of the inhabitants, and rebuilding the town. With
note that on 24 August, the quorum was made five. [2¾ pages.
Also I. 69, pp. 103-105.] |
May 18. Bristol. |
75. Capt. Thos. Marryott to the Navy Commissioners. We are
taking in the guns and shot. Upwards of 600 men have come in
here the last three weeks, and although many of them have received
press and conduct money, they do not appear, and the constables and
other officers give them notices when we search for them. I want an
order for 50 more men and for provisions for them, our lading being
so considerable. I hope to sail for Portsmouth this week. [¾ page.] |
May 18. |
76. Order by the Commissioners for inspecting treasuries that the
treasurers for moneys from the sale of Crown lands exempted from
the former Act pay 5,000l. to Rich. Hutchinson for the navy. With
his receipt 26 May. [1½ pages.] |
May 19. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
1. Order on the petition of Robert Murden, gunsmith, that Commissary-General Reynolds be spoken with concerning his desire. |
2. The Committee appointed for the consideration of prisoners of
war to hasten their report. |
3. Mr. Smith, Navy Commissioner, to attend Council to-morrow. |
4. Mr. Carew to confer with fit persons concerning the finding of
persons to be added to the Navy Commissioners, and to report. |
5. Order on the petition of Richard Frowell and Joan his wife, that
Capt. Bishop state why the papers in his hands, belonging to them,
should not be delivered up to them. |
6. To write the Army Committee that the preachers of the several
regiments which attended the army in Scotland are to be paid at
the rate of 8s. a day, and that the same be allowed them in what
they have already received, and in what is still in arrear, without
the deduction of 1s. 4d. a day, and to desire the Committee to
issue their warrants for payment accordingly. |
8. The petition of John Webb, Mayor of Reading, referred to the
Admiralty Commissioners, who are to, see that the moneys disbursed
by the Mayor, by direction of Council, for maintenance of the Dutch
prisoners sent to that place, are paid according to the allowance
made for that purpose. [Also Vol. XXXVI., No. 77.] |
9. The petition of the sick and maimed soldiers who are to go to
the Bath referred to the Hospitals' Committee, who are to hasten
their report on this and the former petition referred to them. |
10. Commissary-General Whalley, the Lieutenant of the Tower,
Quartermaster-General Grosvenor, Major Bourne, and Major Packer,
to be a Committee to consider the condition of the several prisoners of
war, as to their quality, estate, and health, and to send in a list of
them, with the time and causes of their committal. Also to consider
of their future disposal, and of the exchanging of Dutch prisoners of
war for English. [I. 69, pp. 106-109.] |
May 19. |
78. Order in the Admiralty Committee that the Navy Commissioners examine into the neglect complained of by Capt. Strong, and
send word to their instruments at Hull, that the necessaries for sick
and wounded allowed the ships with him be got ready against he
comes thither. [½ page.] Annexing, |
78. i. Capt. Peter Strong to the Admiralty Committee. There is
not in the fleet any who have provisions for sick and
wounded, but I know not where the fault lies.—Off Harwich, 17 May 1653. [¼ page.] |
May 19. Fowey, Cornwall. |
79. Rich. Mill to Rob. Blackborne. Thanks for your remembering my services to the Admiralty Committee. I had a meeting
here, but two parishes did not appear, and fearing the others would
follow their example, I hired a shallop, manned her with musketeers,
and sent her towards the west, and I with Capts. Tyncombe and
Bloyfield went by land, and took a quantity, though we had to fetch
them out of the cliffs and rocks, and Capt. Bloyfield will deliver
up 100 able men. When they are shipped, I shall go into Devon,
though the justices will not come near me. The gentry of Cornwall, are angry with me because I do not attend to their letters till
after the business of the meetings is over; 20 letters were sent me
to Fowey. [1 page.] |
May 19. |
80. John Thurloe to Robert Blackborne. Your report concerning
the release of the captives is too uncertain for Council. Make
any agreement with Mr. Downes. The allowances to be made for
every officer, man, and boy, and the charges of port, diet, &c., were
the things most in question, on which Council wants a precedent,
and thought you were acquainted with it. Add what was formerly
allowed as a postscript to your paper, and send it back to me
presently, for I should like to despatch it to-night, being so pressed
by the importunity of the poor people. [1 page.] Annexing, |
80. i. Robert Downe, merchant, to the Council of State. Being
bound with the Mary for Sally in Barbary, where there
are 32 English men and boys in misery and bondage, I
will undertake to clear them, if allowed all expenses and
1,000l. in advance, you limiting what is to be paid
for ransom, and I will give an account of all disbursements on my return. If I am taken either outward or
homeward bound, I desire 12 months' time for repayment
of what shall be granted for this object. Others employed
in this service have been allowed 4s. 6d. and 4s. 8d. per
piece of eight, but I will be content with 4s. 4d. for what I
disburse in so charitable an employment.—May 9, London.
[2/3 page.] |
80. ii. Report by Rob. Blackborne to Council, recapitulating this
offer and draft. [1 page.] |
80. iii. Draft of part of the above. [¼ page.] |
80. iv. Postscript to the report, stating that the usual ransom for
captains was 42l. 3s. 9d. apiece, for ordinary mariners
and boys 29l. 10s. 7d., and for an officer under the degree
of a lieutenant 60l. For customs of each captive 1l. 8s. 6d.
For two pair of shoes, two shirts, and one suit to each,
2l. 10s. 0d., and for diet after the rate of 20s. a man per
month. [¼ page.] |
May 19. London. |
81. Theodorus to Lord Conway. As to our future government,
that we may not imitate the Jewish Sanhedrim of 70, or the
Roman Decemvirs, or rather both, which was the model first
proposed, there are added to our new Council Sam. Moyer,
Chairman of the Committee at Haberdashers' Hall, or of the seven
grand sequestrators of England. Col. Tomlinson who was entrusted
with the late King, from his imprisonment at Carisbrooke to
Windsor, St. James, and from thence to the scaffold whereon he
suffered, waiting upon him there till the (yet unknown) headsman
had struck that never to be forgotton fatal blow, whom some have
formerly (but falsely as it seems) named the converted soldier; and
the last is Col. Jones, a South Wales man, and these three are now
entrusted in equal power with the other 10 formerly established. |
Touching the Jews' Sanhedrim of 70 persons (or rather our new
representation), I hear they will choose double that number, who
are to be styled by the name of a Parliament, and that all the
Lords who are now residing within the commonwealth are to be
summoned to give their personal attendance on all emergent
occasions; but I believe all these things will be exemplified from
our new State, in a remonstrance now going to press, if not already
out. |
However at present they are about to continue the tax for the
army's maintenance, which is to commence next Midsummer, where
the late dissolved Parliament left it. But others more probably say
that to ingratiate themselves with the people, they will make the
first three months 90,000l. and the last three months but 60,000l.
per month, and at the expiration of that time, haply this tax will
be taken off. |
I do not know where the Dutch fleet now is, but I understand
there has not been any engagement between them and us. The
Scotch King has not yet removed from Paris, but it is said he has
made Henry Lord Percy Lord Chamberlain, and Prince Maurice
Master of his Horse. The four deputies from Bordeaux, who are
here to solicit aid against their lawful sovereign, have had an audience of our present States Regnant, but there's no assistance afforded
them from hence that I can observe, unless they will absolutely
deliver up that town to us, and reduce it wholly under our
obedience; which done, 40 ships and men-of-war are to be granted
to them for unblocking them by sea, and 5,000 horse, foot, and
dragoons to raise the siege by land. They have represented this
by express to the town, and if condescended to, we shall go forward
with the work, and that suddenly, but not otherwise. I think
this opportunity so fairly offered may prove a fair inlet for fulfilling Evans's prophecy, who says the General shall conquer
France and destroy the Pope. [1 page.] |
May 20. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
2. The petition of William North, of Marten, in Holderness, East
riding of co. York, recommended by letter to the Commissioners
at York, to do according to justice. |
3. The petition of Robert Gale, and James Buttle and others
referred to the Prize Goods' Commissioners, who are to consider the
allegations thereof, and certify. |
4. The letter of Col. Fitch to the Lord General, dated this day,
referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee. |
5. The petition of John Godden, gunner, referred to the Commissioners at Trinity House, to examine and certify. |
6. The petition of Hans Groote, master of the St. George of Hamburg, with the papers, referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee,
to confer with such merchants trading to Spain as they think fit,
and report. |
7. Major-General Desborow, Mr. Strickland, Col. Tomlinson,
Col. Stapley, and Sir Gilbert Pickering to be a Committee to meet
the Ambassador Extraordinary from the King of Portugal, and
carry on and finish the treaty begun with him, and to report the
business to Council from time to time. |
8. The same Commissioners to consider the state of the treaty
with Bordeaux, proceed therein, and report. |
9. 1,000l. to be borrowed out of the Custom House money
appointed for the redemption of several English made captive in
the Straits, used for sending of sick and maimed soldiers to Bath,
and repaid when there shall be opportunity to use it for the
purpose for which it was first designed. |
10. 400l. of this 1,000l. to be paid to Mr. Malbone and Capt.
Lieut. Henry Crisp, one of the officers of Col. Pride's regiment, to
be issued by them towards defraying the carriage of the 220 sick
and wounded soldiers ordered to Bath, and for keeping them there;
400l. more to be paid them in a bill of exchange, which they are to
draw when they need a further supply. |
11. 600l. more of the 1,000l. to be paid to Mr. Rand, apothecary
of Ely House, on account of his arrears for service there, and to
enable him to carry on the duty of his place. [Also Vol. XXXVI.,
No. 82.] |
12. Col. Pride to choose two officers of his regiment to be joined
with Mr. Malbone in taking care of the soldiers to go to Bath, and
to see that nothing prejudicial is done by them whilst abroad. One
of the officers is to be joined with Mr. Malbone in taking care of all
moneys disbursed for the service, and to give account thereof to
Council. |
13. The Hospitals' Committee to know from Mr. Jackson what
money he has in his hands for the sick and wounded soldiers, and if
he has any such money, the second 400l. ordered for the use of the
sick soldiers to be sent to Bath is to be paid by him. |
14. Mrs. Jane Roe, widow of Col. Francis Roe (deceased in the
service of Ireland), to have 20l. out of the exigent moneys of Council,
to enable her to go to Bath for recovery of her health. |
15. Thomas Smith, one of the Navy Commissioners, to be dismissed from his employment, and discharged from further acting in
that trust. |
17. The four Dutch prisoners now brought in to be committed to
the custody of the Marshal-General of the army, |
18. Commissary-General Reynolds and Col. Clarke to attend
Major-General Lambert and the other members of the Committee
for settling the business for Ireland, as they shall receive directions
from them. |
19. The Committee of Adventurers for Ireland to appoint some of
their number to attend a Committee of Council on Monday at 3 p.m.
in the Inner Horse chamber, Whitehall, to confer with them concerning the business. |
20. Order on the report of the Admiralty Judges in the cases of
John Mexia de Herara, and John de Lossa Barona, merchants of Spain,
that they be left to take their course in the Admiralty Court for
proving their title to the goods which they claim. |
21. The petition of Michael Lemprière referred to the Irish and
Scotch Committee, who are to consider thereof when they consider
the other papers relating to Guernsey. |
22. The petition of the well affected of the parish of Graveley,
co. Herts, referred to Cols. Washington, Cox, and Marsh, to examine and certify, and they are to see that the peace of the county
be not disturbed upon occasion of the difference in the said
town. |
23. The petition of George Cooke, minister of Knightsbridge,
referred to Mr. Scobell and Mr. Squibb, to do him justice, and see
that peace be preserved in that place. |
24. Mr. Strickland to speak with some Dutch merchants, concerning the procuring of exchange for the English now prisoners in
Holland, and to report. |
25. Major-Generals Lambert and Desborow, Cols. Stapley,
Jones, and Tomlinson to be a Committee to confer with the Committees and Commissioners out of which some of their own number
and some employed by them have been discharged by this day's
order in Council, concerning the management of the charges with
which those persons now dismissed were intrusted, and to take care
that they be so supplied in future that the service may be advanced,
Major-General Desborow to take care of the business. |
26. Order on a representation brought into Council by the Lord
General, from several aldermen, aldermen's deputies, common councilmen, and other citizens of London, that all persons who have
signed the said representation, who hold office with salary under the
commonwealth, be dismissed from their respective employments. |
27. Mr. Carew, Mr. Strickland, Mr. Langley, to be a Committee to
treat with the master of the vessel going to Sally in Barbary, concerning the redemption of English captives there. [Also Vol.
XXXVI., No. 83.] |
28. Sir Oliver Fleming to inform M. Bonnel that some Commissioners of Council are to meet him on Monday at 10 a.m., to confer
with him concerning some packs of goods to which he lays claim.
[I. 69, pp. 110-118.] |
May 20. |
Council of State to the commander of the Cock frigate. You were
ordered to stand out towards Dieppe, but Council finding that there
are some provision ships in the Downs to sail to Portsmouth, thinks
that you can convoy them without prejudice to the service. You
are therefore to take them into your charge. [I. 69, p. 119.] |
May 21. |
84. Petition of divers poor women whose husbands and children
are slaves in Tripoli, &c. to Lord General Cromwell and the Council
of State, to take some course with their agent at Leghorn, for release
of the captives in Tripoli. Have been supplicants to Parliament
for two years, for the release of their husbands and children out
of Turkish thraldom, in which time a duty of one per cent. was
ordered to be raised out of the Custom House in London for their
redemption; and although sufficient money has long since been
gathered, it has not been employed for that use. In 1651 it was
ordered that the Worcester should go upon that design, and carry
the money, which was accordingly put on board, and she rode with
it in the Downs for five months; but differences having arisen with
the Hollanders, the ship was stayed, and the money taken out again,
and put into Deal Castle, and the ship employed in the service
against the enemy, so that petitioners have now no other hope of
freeing their husbands and children but by recourse to them.
[¾ page.] |
May 21. |
85. Reference thereon to Messrs. Strickland, Carew, and Langley,
who are appointed a Committee to get captives from that and
other places redeemed, and to report what should be done. [¾ page.
Also I. 69, p. 131.] |
May 21. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
1. Order on a paper from M. de Bordeaux, concerning the transport of the 30 horses allowed him by Parliament, that he acquaint
Council with what number of horses he has already transported, and
the port whence he desires to export the remaining ones, that a
warrant may be granted to the officers for their export Customs'
free. |
2. Mr. Thurloe to confer with Mr. Carew on the papers relating
to the making of pitch and tar in Scotland, and the furnishing
from thence of masts and deal boards, and to consider how the
ship now bound thither for that service may have convoy, and to
report. |
3. Sir Oliver Fleming to inform the agent of the Grand Duke of
Tuscany that Council has appointed Commissioners to meet him on
Thursday at 4 p.m. at Whitehall. |
4, 5. Theodore Jennings, one of the messengers of the late Council,
to be dismissed from his office, but released from the custody of the
Serjeant-at-arms, and his bail discharged from restraint. [Also
Vol. XXXVI., No. 86.] |
7. Mr. Strickland and Cols. Jones and Tomlinson added to the
Excise Committee. |
8. Order, on complaint of Monsieur d'Espane of disturbance in
preaching in the chapel at Somerset House, granted to him and his
congregation by order of the late Parliament, that the use of the
chapel be continued to his congregation for the time of the grant,
and that no person disturb the exercise of worship there. MajorGen. Lambert to see that a fitting guard attend there to-morrow to
prevent disorders. |
12. William Field, Hum. Holding, John Bradley, Nicholas Hill,
Henry Byard, Edward Tyton, and Thomas Baker to be continued
in their employment as deputies to the Serjeant-at-arms. |
13. Joseph Butler, Henry Symball, John Priestly, Thomas Pidcock,
and Richard Freeman to be continued messengers to Council. |
14. Order on the paper of James Pinkney, that he is to discover the
prize goods of value, taken out of several vessels therein mentioned,
which he knows to be lying concealed. The Irish and Scotch Committee to consider his paper, to receive information from him in the
business, and to report. Also that he is to have for his pains onefifth of the goods so discovered. |
15, 16, 21, 51, 54, 55, 58. The petitions of Lord Baltimore; of
Theop. Byat; of the Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery; of John
Nicholls, Phil. Messervy and others; of Arnold Wincle; of Hen.
Tavenor; and of Jos. Bryar of Weymouth, referred to the Irish and
Scotch Committee. |
17. The petition of Liveing Sorrey, mariner, referred to Dr. Goddard
and Mr. Trapham, to consider and certify. |
18. That of John Arnold, mariner, referred to the Navy Commissioners, to grant what is usual if satisfied of its truth. |
19. That of Ellen Smart, widow, referred to the Trinity House
Commissioners, who are to certify what has usually been done. |
22. Mr. Millard to remain in the vicarage of Henbury, co.
Gloucester, until a Committee be appointed by Council to consider
the business. |
23. Order, on complaint of the public minister of the Queen of
Sweden, that the Admiralty Judges have given in no account in
the business of the ships claimed by certain Swedish subjects, that
they proceed against the said ships according to right and justice,
and report speedily to Council of the whole case. |
24. The establishing of a Committee for Trade and the setting of
the poor to work to be considered on Wednesday. |
25. Thurloe to prepare a warrant authorising the import of goods
relating to shipping in any bottom, the late Act for encouraging
English shipping notwithstanding. |
26. The petition of Robert Hammon, merchant of London, referred
to the Irish and Scotch Committee, who are to confer with him
thereupon, and to send to the Customs' Commissioners for an account
of the matter, and thereupon to report. |
27. The quarrel between Mr. Cockayne and Mr. Mordaunt referred
to Mr. Strickland, Col. Tomlinson, and Col. Bennett, who are to
examine the parties and the witnesses on both sides, and report. |
28. The petition of Anne Swaine referred to the Governor of Shrewsbury, who is to examine what is due, to inquire the condition of
her husband, and to certify how the petitioners may be satisfied for
the law. |
30. To answer to the petition of Stephen Cacket and Richard
Spake, mariners, that nothing further can be done, they having had
relief in the Savoy. |
31. The petition of Sir John Borlase referred to the Committee for
settling the sale of forfeited lands in Ireland, to examine whether the
payment of petitioner's arrears comes within the time allowed by the
Act, and to report. |
32. The petition of Hester wife of John Tullie, late master of the
Employment of London, referred to the Committee for Prisoners,
to consider of a means whereby exchange may be made for the
prisoners therein mentioned, and to report. |
36. The petition and paper of John Estays, alias de Sera, to be sent
to the Commissioners for Prize Goods, to examine and certify. |
37. Col. Harrison's attendance in the Irish and Scotch Committee dispensed with, at the earnest request of Major-General
Harrison. |
38. The Commissioners appointed to treat with the Ambassador
of Portugal, when they next meet him to present to him the petition
of John Estays, alias de Sera, with the annexed list of goods, and
to inquire if he has any knowledge of the business. |
40. Filmot to be discharged from restraint for injury and abuse to
Sir Thos. Walsingham, at Sir Thomas's request. |
41. The petition of Peter de Beauvoir, bailiff of Guernsey, referred
to the Irish and Scotch Committee, who are to confer with Col.
Bingham, and consider it when the whole business of Guernsey is
considered. |
42. A list of the several Committees appointed by Council to be
brought in on Monday. |
43. Mr. Scutt to bring in the leather chairs on Monday. |
44. The petition of divers well affected merchants of Jersey
referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee. |
45. Mr. Squibb to attend Council on Monday. |
46. Order on petition of William Keble, that Dr. Walker certify
whether the petitioner may not proceed in the Admiralty Court
without an order originally from Council. |
47. Order on the petition of Hendrick Jansen de Monock, that if
he provide an exchange of equal value with himself, he will be set
at liberty. |
49. The petition of Sir Edmond Plowden referred to the Committee
for examining the abuses of the fleet. |
52. The petition of Ant. Burt, mariner of Dunkirk, referred to the
Commissioners for the sale of Dutch Prizes, to examine and certify. |
53. Order on petition of justices of peace and other gentlemen of
co. Chester, that the former orders and resolutions by the Committee
of Parliament for indemnifying gentlemen who had taken up moneys
in those parts on an exigency for public service, be continued in full
force till further orders. [Also Vol. XXXVI., No. 87.] Annexing, |
87. i. Order in Parliament that 4,092l., for which divers gentlemen of co. Chester stand charged for payment of the
soldiers in Chester garrison, be allowed as the State's debt,
and be charged on the moiety of the grand excise, and the
interest paid from the fines and compositions of delinquents' estates to be discovered by the said gentlemen.—
August 21, 1648. [1 page.] |
87. ii. Order in Parliament referring the petition of the justices of
peace and juries empannelled at the Chester great sessions,
27 Oct. 1651, for themselves and the inhabitants, to a
Committee consisting of Maj.-Gen. Harrison, Sir Wm.
Brereton, and 19 others.—11 Dec. 1651. [1 page.] |
87. iii. Order by the said Committee that all suits at law brought
against the petitioners for public debts incurred for Parliament be stayed, especially one brought by Eliz. Fowler
against Col. Thos. Croxton and Wm. Edwards for 40l.
due to her husband, which is part of the 4,090l. debt
approved by the House to the Cheshire gentlemen.—22 Dec:
1651. [½ page.] Also
|
— to a justice of peace of co. Chester. When Col.
Brooks came to Cheshire to see his wife and friends, he
promoted the county petitioners and farming the excise,
but left me neither directions nor money to carry them on;
thinking the business important, I have taken out six
orders for indemnity, and will proceed at Haberdashers'
Hall on two of them, and with the Commissioners of
Excise for their certificate. You and the rest of the gentlemen must send a certificate of every particular to me or
any other you choose to employ, but I would serve you
faithfully.
|
For the excise of ale, beer, and of all except salt, 900l. is
offered. We wish approbation of the Lord President. Sir
Wm. Brereton and Resident Bradshaw have offered 800l.,
but I will act as you and the other justices direct. Would
it not be better for the ale and beer-houses to be rated by
yourselves than by a mercenary agent, such as the Commissioners here have farmed it to, unless intercepted by
the Committee of Parliament for the regulation of excise?
Brereton is stopping the business till your pleasure is
known.—30 Dec. 1651. [1 page.] |
87. iv. Order at the Committee on the Cheshire justices staying a
suit for 200l. taken up for the service, prosecuted by Marg.
Dutton and Wm. Jones against Jas. Garthyde and 10
others till March 25, when the prosecutors are to attend
and show cause.—23 Jan. 1652. [173 pages.] |
87. v. Like order for stay of suit by Rob. Venables against Thos.
Stanley and four others for 100l. taken up for the service.
—23 Jan. 1652. [Copy, 2/3 page.] |
87. vi. Order in the said Committee on a report of July 1652,—
that Parliament ordered 751l. 1s. 1d. and 2,145l. 18s. 4d.
to be paid to the Cheshire gentleman as a debt, and this
Committee to consider how it may be paid,—that Sir
James Harrington report to Parliament this Committee's
opinion that 1,500l. should be charged on the trustees for
sale of delinquents' estates, and the residue, 1,396l. 19s. 4d.,
on such lands in Ireland as the petitioners shall propose,
as amply as allowed to any adventurers in 1642.-1 Sept.
1652. [¾ page. In the same hand as the anonymous letter
of 30 Dec., No. 87 III. suprà.] |
56. The petition of Maurice Gardner referred to the Irish and
Scotch Committee, who are to confer with him and know what
discoveries he can make, and to tell him that Council will pay
the debt which he states is due to him out of the money he shall
discover, in case he makes it to the proportion propounded by him
in his petition. |
57. The petition of Robert Davies, powder maker, referred to the
Ordnance Committee, who are to confer with the Prize Goods'
Commissioners and the petitioner, and to order such a quantity of
brimstone to be sent him as will enable him to fulfil his contract
made to the Committee. [I. 69, pp. 120-133.] |
May 21. Hull. |
88. Col. Rob. Overton to Robert Blackborne. I will deliver
your letter to Capt. Strong when he arrives. Capt. Scropnell with
two other men-of-war has sailed with the powder and 130 seamen
and watermen, with some volunteers. I hope to make them up to
200 by the time Capt. Strong arrives. The victualling ships will
be ready in a few days. It would much encourage the poor pressed
men, having neither clothes nor money, if they could be allowed
shirts, stockings, shoes, and canvas breeches, and some of their
pay for their wives at home. [1 page.] |
May 21. Leith. |
89. Edward Syler and Rich. Saltonstall to the Admiralty Committee. Being wishful to supply you with intelligence, we send
you the journal of the captain of the Adventure, who brought in
a Dutch prize taken near Norway last night. The master reports
that Van Tromp was off Shotland on the 12th, waiting for the ships
from the East Indies and those from France eastward bound, but
that he saw none of our fleet. |
P.S.—We despatch a packet just received from the fleet to his
Excellency, dated the 17th instant, before Shotland. [1 page.] |
May 21. Bristol. |
90. Capt Thos. Marryott to the Navy Commissioners. I have
got out to the King's Road, but I had not 10 of my men on board,
and was obliged to take men out of other ships; 80 of my men
stood on shore and looked on, having combined that they would
not come on board. They came to Mr. Shewell for money, but he
had provided some 20 or 30 soldiers who carried some of them
to prison. At first they said they would all go, and the rest went
a good way with them, but turned back. I believe they will soon
wish they had not been so refractory, but I am afraid to have
them aboard the ship. If Capt. Grumwell, whose time is expired,
is not to be employed again, I could have some of his men. They
have been out 12 or 14 months, and are mad for money. I expect
to have the guns and shot on board this week, and shall then
only want men. Mr. Shewell has promised me some of those he
has pressed for Portsmouth. [1 page.] |
May 23. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
1. Mr. Strickland, Col. Jones, Major-General Desborow, and
Col. Tomlinson (who had a meeting with the Swedish Commissary),
to consider the returns made by the Prize Goods' Commissioners
concerning the packs of goods in their custody claimed by the Commissary, to confer with the Commissioners, and to report what
should be done. |
2. Col. Stapley, Mr. Strickland, Sir Gilbert Pickering, and Col.
Bennett to be a Committee to examine the business of carrying on
the subscription of the petition from some of the city, and to send
for such of the subscribers as they think fit, examine them concerning the gaining subscriptions thereunto, take their information in
writing, and report. |
3, 4. The paper concerning the Prize Office business referred to
the Commissioners of Inspection, to consider what should be done,
and report; noting that Council has thought fit to continue the house
in Bishopsgate St. for the Prize goods' business, until the Commissioners have finished their report. |
4. The Prize Goods' Commissioners to sit in that house. |
5. To answer to M. de Bourdeaux's paper that Council has appointed
a Committee to inquire into the state of the treaty with him,
how far it was carried by the last Council, and how it stood at their
dissolution, that further proceedings may be had thereon. |
6. The petition of the saltpetre makers referred to the Ordnance
Committee, to examine the contracts made with them, hear the
reasons for their desire, and report. |
7. The Earl of Clanrickard to have one month more time
allowed him to stay in England, on the same ground as his time
has formerly been prolonged. |
8. To write Mr. Berners to attend in the service at Haberdashers' Hall, which has need of him. |
9. The papers of the Earl of Clanrickard concerning his agreement with Commissary-General Reynolds, whereby he laid down
arms in Ireland, referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee, to
consider thereof, and whether any money is due to the Earl, and
report. |
10. The petition of Thos. Norris referred to the same Committee,
to report. [I. 69, pp. 137, 138.] |
May 23. Victualling Office. |
91. Jno. Limbery to the Council of State. I being in the Downs
with Major Bourne, several Hamburg ships, having hemp and other
materials fit for the service, came into the river. They have applied
to me for their despatch, but there being no Commissioner here today to give them satisfaction, they are at a great loss where to
deliver it. I therefore desire you will order Capt. Wildey to
receive the goods, give receipts, and pay the respective shipmasters.
[¾ page.] |
May 23. Custom House, Newcastle. |
92. Geo. Dawson to the Admiralty Committee. Upwards of 100
keel men have been impressed and sent on board the Falcon, commanded by Capt. Yates, but it falls heavy upon married men having
families, and who are very poor. The younger sort were nimble
and got away, and will not come near the town till they have an
engagement from the coal owners who employ them that they shall
not be pressed, so the coal trade will be at a stand. I shipped
1,000l. for the Generals at sea from Tynemouth by Capt. Dan.
Morgan, who goes with three other ships to the fleet, but they wait
for the fire-ships, water hoys, and a hoy with shot. [1 page.] |
May 23. Bristol. |
93. Capt. Thos. Hewitt and John Pene to the Navy Commissioners.
We have your orders to stay longer in Bristol, but no answer to our
request that you would join the governors of garrisons and sheriffs
with us, or grant them power to raise forces to bring in the seamen
that are fled into adjacent parts, and get out of our way; though we
keep watch 10 miles' compass, yet few are brought in. We meet
many oppositions and grievous abuses, and have had violent hands
laid on us, and received blows, and that by citizens of note, and can
get no redress here. Some course should be taken to make them a
public example, or you cannot expect us to procure men; but powers
from you are slighted and despised. |
We have got 30 men in Bristol, and hope this week to get 30 or
40 more, but we would gladly be called home. [1 page.] |
May 24. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
1. Mr. Berners to attend Council at 9 a.m. to-morrow. |
2. Mr. Strickland and Col. Jones to be a Committee to examine
Capt. Wall, brought by Alderman Bence to Council to give information for the public service. |
4. The paper brought in, making an appointment for meeting in
Moorfields on Thursday, referred to Commissary Whalley and the
rest of the officers for regulating the army, who are to consider
the best way for preventing the meeting, and how it may be done
in a silent manner, so that the least notice may be taken thereof. |
5. To answer the petition of the inhabitants of Westminster that
it is not for Council to appoint where the supreme power which is
to meet shall sit, but for themselves to decide when they shall be
convened, but that Council knows nothing contrary to their sitting
in the Parliament House at Westminster. |
6. Mr. John Bourchier to come and speak with Mr. Thurloe on
business of importance. |
7. The Admiralty Commissioners to order the Elizabeth and
Constant Warwick to be brought to Chatham for necessary repairs.
[Also Vol. XXXVI., No. 94.] |
8. Col. Jones and Col. Bennet to be a Committee to go to the Tower,
and with assistance of the Lieutenant, to take account of the whole
business of the Mint and the several officers there employed, their
salaries, and the nature of their employment, and how the Mint
should be worked, and by what persons, and to report speedily the
whole state of the business. |
10. To inform Capt. Badiley that the fleet lately under his
command is now ordered in, and to desire him to repair to them,
that he may report the state of all that was lately under his
command. |
11. The propositions of M. Blondeau referred to the Mint Committee, and Major-General Lambert added to it, on this business. |
12. To write to the treasurers at Ely House to give a letter of
credit to Mr. Malbone for taking up 300l. in the country for the
soldiers sent to Bath, and for charging a bill of exchange on them
for the payment thereof, which is to be allowed on account for their
daily maintenance whilst they are in the house. |
13. The Hospitals' Committee to report the account received from
Mr. Jackson, of the money in his hands payable to the treasurers at
Ely House for the soldiers at Bath, that Council may provide 400l.
more for their maintenance. |
15. Commissary-General Whalley, Col. Twisleton, and Col. Clerke
to be a Committee to examine the challenge which passed between
Lord Mohun, Mr. Bynion, Mr. Trevilian, Mr. Muschamp, Mr. Porter,
and Edmund Temple; they are authorised to send for Capt.
Spilman, or others, who can give information therein, examine them
concerning the challenge, and report. |
16. The petition of Rachel Bisson referred to the Irish and Scotch
Committee, to report. |
17. To answer to Mrs. Gernon's petition, that provision will be
made for the relief of herself and others in her condition, when the
Bill for disposing lands in Ireland shall be considered, which will be
in a short time. |
18. To answer to the petition of Elizabeth Parnell, widow, that
Council cannot do anything themselves for her present relief, but as
to what is due on her husband's arrears for service in Ireland, care
will be taken for putting it into a way of being satisfied. |
19. Liveing Sorrey added to the list of soldiers to go to Bath, and
to be provided for as the others are; Mr. Malbone to have care of him. |
21. The petition of Major William Harding referred to the Irish
and Scotch Committee, who are to examine the annexed account
and report. [I. 69, pp. 140-145.] |
May 24. Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Barons of Exchequer, auditors of imprest,
&c. Council having on the 20th instant ordered the Customs'
Commissioners to lend 1,000l. out of the moneys for redemption of
captives, towards the sending of sick soldiers to the Bath, the said
sum, and any other moneys issued by them on Council warrants, are
to be passed in their account, and they are to have a discharge.
[I. 69, p. 146.] |
May 25. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
1. The petition of Thos. Chilston, fishmonger, referred to the
Admiralty Judges, who are to state the facts speedily, and forbear
further proceedings in the case for 14 days. |
2. Order on the petition of John Freeman and Josias Dewie,
powder makers, that Major-General Harrison and Mr. Strickland
confer with Mr. Carew concerning the speedy providing of money
for satisfying them and the other powder makers for what is due
upon their contracts, they being in want of money, and the public
service in danger to suffer thereby. |
3. Major-General Desborow to inquire what moneys have been
paid to the deputies from Scotland on their coming to England upon
account, and what remains of allowance for their charges now due
to them, and to report. |
4. The petition of William Thomson, on behalf of the city of
Edinburgh, referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee, who are to
receive what he has to propound, confer with Col. Fenwick, and
report. |
5. Sir John Stowell, prisoner in the Tower, to be set at liberty, on
good security to the Lieutenant that he will not leave the city, and
will give himself up prisoner again on summons. |
6. Justice Atkins to attend Council to-morrow, to acquaint them
with the trial of William Blake at the last Exeter assizes, at which
he was condemned to die, Council having received a petition from
him, urging considerations why mercy should be extended him. |
7. Capt. Young to be captain of the Eagle, and the Generals of
the fleet to commissionate him. |
8. To write the Mayor of Hull that Council being informed that
they are about to bring in Mr. Stone as minister to that place, they
are not to bring in him, or any other minister, until Council have
notice and give orders thereupon. |
9. So much of Lieut.-Col. Salmon's letter as relates to the discharge of some Dutch prisoners sent to Hull referred to the Committee for prisoners, to report. |
10. Order on the late order dismissing Alderman Herring and
Mr. Waring from their employment at Goldsmiths' Hall, that the
Commissioners at Haberdashers' Hall take an account of the state
of the treasury lately under their charge, consider what should be
done for the future, and what persons should have charge thereof,
and report the names of the persons they think fit to be employed. |
11. The petition of Elizabeth Browne referred to the Irish and
Scotch Committee, who are to examine whether nothing has been
paid her, and to report what should be allowed to her. |
12. To write to Capt. Strong enclosing a copy of Toby Bonnel's
intelligence from Holland, in order that he may use the more caution
in pursuing his orders from the Generals of the fleet. |
13. The petition of Nathaniel Stirrop, cashier general for bishops,
deans, and chapter and glebe lands, and of William Benson, one of
the register accomptants for the sale of the said lands, referred to
the Committee for supply of places. |
14. The petition of Mary Rockley referred to the Irish and Scotch
Committee to examine whether they have not already considered it,
and to certify what should be done. [I. 69, pp. 148-152.] |
[May 25.] |
95. Petition of Thos. Biggs, surgeon, to the Admiralty Committee.
Was surgeon in the dockyard at Deptford and Woolwich from Jan.
1642 till 1649, when, being ill, he requested the place for his son
Henry, who held it till he died. Begs now to be restored himself,
having been assistant to his son while he lived, and performed many
great and dangerous cures upon sundry men in the State's service.
[1 page.] Enclosing, |
95. i. Navy Commissioners to the Admiralty Committee, recommending Hen. Biggs to succeed his father.—1 March 1649.
[1 page.] |
95. ii. Order by the Navy Commissioners to the clerk of the
check at Deptford to admit the said Hen. Biggs.—22 May
1649. [2/3 page.] |
May 25. Near the Exchange. |
96. Rear-Admiral Rich. Badiley to Robt. Blackborne. I desire that
the papers I left with Mr. Creed relating to Thos. Biggs, surgeon, my
brother-in-law, may be laid before the Admiralty Committee, that
the ancient man may make no more journeys about this business.
[½ page.] |
May 25. The Drake, Dover. |
97. Capt. Robert Clarke to the Admiralty Commissioners.
Coming this morning from Dunkirk with a convoy, I chased the
Ryall of Calais, a French man-of-war, but she was rescued by the
guns of Calais Castle. I anchored in Dover Road, and two hours
after, the Holland fleet of 114 sail coming into the Downs, I was
forced to cut my cable and run on shore. I received many broadsides, and had I not cut, three or four great ships would have
boarded me, being within half a cable's length; but being helped
by boats from the shore, I got afloat again, and came in to repair.
They fired several broadsides into Dover town, and have taken two
merchant ships richly laden, which were lying at anchor. They are
still at anchor in Dover Road. [2/3 page.] |
Orders in the Admiralty Committee. |
May 26. |
98. On information from the Navy Commissioners that several
of their instruments are unfit for their trust because of their disorderly lives, that they discharge them, and present others duly
qualified in their room. [¾ page.] |
99. That the Navy Commissioners make out bills of imprest
for paying the Lewis and Mary that came from the Straits part of
their wages, having respect to the continuance of the men in the
service. [¾ page.] |
May 26. |
100. Proposals by Thos. Marsh and others to the Council of
State. It having been judged fit by Act of Parliament to have a
store of saltpetre, and there being few places or ports that trade for
it, the urgency for it has revived the custom of digging for it, though
formerly laid down as a grievance. They offer, from a desire of improving their knowledge to benefit the commonwealth, and from the
encouragement held out in the Act, to make a trial at their own
costs of generating and producing great quantities of saltpetre by an
artificial accellerating its growth in the earth, provided they may
enjoy the sole right of making it for 14 years, as by a former Act is
provided for the encouragement of such as introduce any new manufacture. They will thereupon supply the State with saltpetre
sufficient for the service at very reasonable rates, not exceeding 70l.
per ton. [1 page.] |
May 26. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
1. Order on petition of Richard Gardner, a soldier who was maimed
in the service, to go to Bath, that Mr. Malbone add his name to the
list of those to go to Bath, and provide for him as for others under
his charge. [I. 69, p. 153.] |
May 26. Whitehall. |
101. Council of State to the Mayor of Rye. We hear from the
Mayor of Dover that yesterday at noon, 60 Dutch men-of-war came
into Dover Road, and awhile after 60 more, which we judge to be
Tromp's fleet, with an addition of new strength since he came from
the North. We suppose our fleet is not far behind. Meantime we
wish to send out two or three nimble vessels to warn all English
ships at sea to come into the next port for security, and to observe
and give intelligence of the motion of the enemy, in case they go
westward. Let no ships leave your harbour whilst things are in
this posture, and send this intelligence all along the sea coast westward, that the shipping may not be surprised. Charge your bills
therefor on the Navy Commissioners. With note that 3l. was disbursed upon this order. [1 page.] |
May 26. Newcastle. |
102. Capt. Barth. Yate to Robt. Blackborne. I pressed 50 keelmen,
but was forced to discharge them on account of the mighty clamour of
their wives. I have 90 pressed men on board, and expect to get 40
or 50 more. I have received orders from Col. Lilburne to go back
to Leith, but I have written him that I am ordered otherwise, and
that if I go thither, I must discharge the men, and abandon the coal
fleet now ready to sail, unless I go in company with them, and spare
them men to carry their ships along the coast, when they are over
the bar. [1 page.] |
May 26. Newcastle. |
103. Major Jeremiah Tolhurst to Major Rich. Salwey. I was
away in Scotland when yours arrived, but Geo. Dawson has got the
few men this place affords. I have directed the justices of peace to
order the constables to search for all the seamen who come into any
of the towns, and to bring them in safe custody to Newcastle, but
many of the young men who are most fit for the service run into the
country. Mr. Taylor desires that the Mayor or Geo. Dawson may
audit his accounts for pressing men, having shipped several men on
board the ships here, and on some gone to sea. Our fleet is reported
to be off the Danger [Dogger?] Bank and between that and the
Holland coast; some able pilots have gone from hence to the Navy,
and some have absented themselves. [1 page.] |
May 26. Portsmouth frigate, Aberdeen. |
104. Capt. Robert Dornford to Lord General Cromwell. Since
my last to you from Caithness, giving you an account of taking a
prize near Shotland, sending her to Newcastle, and hastening to the
fleet, which I hoped to find near Shotland, I met Capt. Beck, who
came in with two prizes from the fleet, and brought orders from the
Generals for the water ships and their convoy, which were then at
Orkney taking in water, to sail to Hull, and for me to go there to
tallow. I send you a packet of letters received from Capt. Beck,
from the Generals at Shotland, and five packets received for the
Generals, which I could not deliver, not going to the fleet.
[2/3 page.] |
May 26. The Resolution, off the Texel. |
105. John Poortmans to [Robt. Blackborne]. We are plying
between the Flie and Texel, to hinder the conjunction of Admiral
Van Tromp with such men-of-war as are at either place, as also with
20 Danish ships in the Sound, who only wait an opportunity to join
the Dutch, but intelligence is so lame that we know not which way
to turn; when man's wisdom fails, the Lord is the only wise
counsellor, and never forsakes those that trust him. I send you the
list [of the fleet], though not so complete as I could wish. [1 page.] |
May 26. Yarmouth. |
106. Bailiffs of Yarmouth to the Navy Commissioners. We have
your orders of the 17th to press seamen, but so many men come on
shore from the State's ships here to get men that the seamen keep
out of the way, and our labour in getting pilots for those ships is
very great. When they have sailed we will do our best, but shall
not get many; so many have been already impressed that there are
not sufficient to man the ships and vessels here, and people are consequently compelled to lay up their ships for lack of men. [2/3 page.] |
May 27. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
1. Major-General Desborow appointed President of Council for
14 days. |
2. To write to the owners who have sent forth Capt. Diamond as
a private man-of-war, to restore three small vessels taken by him in
Swansea Road. |
3. The intelligence now received from Dover to be sent to the
Generals of the fleet. |
4. The former order of Council dismissing Thomas Smith from the
office of Navy Commissioner to be taken off, and he to act as
formerly. |
5. The treaty with Portugal to be considered to-morrow. |
6. Major Bourne to drop as far down the river as he safely can,
with such ships as are ready, that he may be ready for service as
opportunity offers. |
7. Mr. Strickland and Col. Bennett to be a Committee to examine
Mr. Brown, of Ireland, apprehended by warrant of Council, and if
they see cause, to give order for his further security, the searching
his rooms for papers, and the apprehending of persons who, upon his
examination or on information from Ireland, are found dangerous. |
8. The Committee for inspecting the treasuries to consider how
the receipts of Customs and Excise may be made one, and managed
by the same hands, for the lessening of public charges, and to report. |
9. To write the Army Committee that Council have continued the
Lord General's regiment as it is 14 days longer, and they are to
give payment accordingly. |
11. Jeffrey Brown, prisoner in the Gatehouse, to be sent into
Ireland in custody, under charge of a party of horse to the sea, and
then by a man-of-war to Dublin; Mr. Rowe to acquaint Council
at what part a ship may soonest be had for his transportation. |
12. John Roch, taken prisoner with Mr. Brown, and in custody
of the Serjeant-at-arms, to be discharged. |
13. James Russell, late one of the Committee for compounding,
discharged from that trust, and to meddle no more therein. |
14. Sir James Lockhart, prisoner in the Tower, to be discharged,
and to repair within 6 weeks to the Commander-in-Chief in Scotland,
and enter into a bond with good securities in 1,000l., to act nothing
to the prejudice of the commonwealth. |
15. Order on report from Mr. Moyer concerning the settling of the
receipt at Goldsmiths' Hall, that auditor Sherwin be appointed to
receive the moneys paid to that treasury till further order, and Mr.
Leech to subscribe every receipt, before discharge be given. |
16. To write the Army Committee to pay out of the money
brought to them for the service of Ireland, to Commissary Wm.
Dobbins, 163l. 14s. 11d., for the charge of vessels hired to carry
3,047 quarters 4 bushels, of wheat from Portsmouth to Ireland, as
appears in his account given in to the Irish and Scotch Committee. |
17. To write to the Lord General to order Mr. Hayne, the
engineer, to repair to Inverness, to take care of laying the foundations of the works and buildings to be raised there, if his Lordship
thinks he may be spared here. |
18. Col. Fitch to state in writing on what account the 30,000l.
desired by him, and for which he says Col. Lilburne has written, is
claimed, that order may be given therein. |
19. To write to the Army Committee to advance three months'
pay to Mr. Hayne, the engineer to be employed at Inverness, to be
paid him here or in Scotland, as he shall signify. |
22. Order for a warrant to the Excise Commissioners to order their
treasurer, out of monies due from the excise to the Ely House treasurers, to pay 400l. towards the expense of 220 sick and maimed
soldiers sent to the Bath, according to a bill drawn on him by Rich.
Malbone, who takes care of the said soldiers. |
23. Order on a report from the Irish and Scotch Committee of the
24th inst., and a former report of April 5th, concerning Ensign
Alexander Aspinall's disbursements, services, and losses in maintaining the Island of Barsey, county Carnarvon—that a letter be written
to Col. John Carter, Quartermaster General Hugh Courtney, and the
officer in chief of Sir Wm. Constable's regiment, now commanding at
Conway Castle, to cause as much of the provisions at the castle disposable by the State to be sold as may raise 50l., to pay the same
to Aspinall, or else to cause an appraisement of the provisions to be
made by indifferent persons, and the same to be delivered to him to
sell for satisfaction of his disbursements; and to certify what provisions then remain. [I. 69, pp. 155-161.] |
May 27. Whitehall. |
107. Warrant from the Council of State to all sheriffs, bailiffs, and
other civil officers, that as in times of action at sea the service requires
the frequent sending to places where there are no post stages settled,
they are to supply Hen. Symball, messenger of Council, with able
horses for the service of the State, with power to impress them.
And in case of the absence or delay of any of the said officers,
Symball is authorised to take up horses, paying the usual rates.
Also to take up boats to convey letters to the ships at war. [1 page.] |
May 27. |
108. Deposition of Wm. Baker that, while his servant was ploughing at Soham, co. Cambridge, some of the townsmen took six of the
horses, and impounded them, whereupon he was forced to get some
soldiers to fetch them out, and was much hindered. The townsmen also said that the Adventurers had nothing to do with the
ground, and that it was not adjudged to them, and thereupon cut
a dike between his and Lord Chief Justice St. John's ground, so
as to make a way to carry the horses out of the ground. [¾ page.] |
May 27. |
109. Order in the Admiralty Committee that the Navy Commissioners charge the victuallers to send a hoy filled with water
for the ships now in the river, to prevent the men's running on
shore for water. Also to quicken the victuallers in sending the
colliers laden with provisions for the fleet, and despatch the water
ships. [¾ page.] |
May 27. 10 a.m., Dover Castle. |
110. Thomas Wilson to Lieut.-Col. Kelsey at Mr. Blackborne's.
The Dutch fleet, ships of from 26 to 50 guns, weighed out of Calais
Road this morning, and are now behind the Goodwin, turning
north. Our fleet is not yet in sight. The master gunner here,
Mr. Reader, wants a supply of gunners and matrosses for the castle
and two forts, as there are not sufficient to load and fire the guns.
We did damage to the enemy, but we ought to have been able to fire
three shots for one. We also want ammunition, and money for
reparation of the platforms. I will send daily while the Dutch are
upon the coast. The Council would do well to check the postmasters along the road, as they are 18 or 20 hours bringing a
packet, be the business never so important. [1 page.] |
May 27. Ipswich. |
111. John Scott to the Admiralty Committee. On your orders
I came to Harwich with all privacy, and applied to Capt. Wright for
some soldiers to impress men, but in all the night got but one, and
four the next day. I came here next day with two officers and some
soldiers, and the bailiffs appointed constables to go with us, but in
two nights and a day, they got not one man, and we only found
four. They pretended all were gone to Newcastle or London, but
there were some who ran away on hearing of a press. I shall return
to Harwich with those I have, allowing them 7d. or 8d. a day till
I hear of a vessel to take them. A press is needed on ship board as
well as on shore. [1 page, with shorthand notes of reply.] |
May 27. Hull. |
112. Col. Robt. Overton to the Admiralty Committee. I received
your account of the honourable retreat of the Dutch navy into their
harbours, and will tell it to any ships that come to this port.
I wish Capt. Strong was come. The victualling ships are ready
to sail, and 200 pressed men obtained, but not without much
difficulty, clamour, and opposition of the country people and constables. Some I have in hold, and threaten to send them to sea,
and I hold the Mayor of Grimsby in terrorem with the same. The
captains who went home last set on shore 20 of the men that we
had procured, some able to be masters or pilots. I sent a list of
them to the Generals, and told them their quality, lest it might be
said they were turned off for insufficiency. [1 page.] |
May 27. The Hamburg Merchant, Aberdeen. |
113. Capt. Wm. Pestell to the Admiralty Committee. Being
sent to Orkney for water for the fleet, I received a packet and sent
it for the Generals by the Portsmouth, but she being ordered back
by Capt. Beck of the Four Sisters, and the fleet being gone from
the coast, I returned it you by way of Aberdeen, with the Generals'
packet to my Lord General. I will keep the other until I know
where they are. I have a ketch and a galliot hoy belonging to the
Generals' squadron, well suited for carrying letters. I am going to
Hull, and will then ply about Burlington Bay. [1 page.] |
May 27. The Resolution, off the Texel. |
114. Generals Rich. Deane and Geo. Monck to Capts. Peter
Strong and Wm. Pestell. You are forthwith to set sail, and to
convoy the ships in the Humber to the fleet off Yarmouth. If the
wind continues northerly, we will wait for you 48 hours. If not,
go into the roads, and wait for further orders. Endeavour to avoid
Admiral Van Tromp with his fleet, which is now abroad. [Copy,
1 page.] |
May 27. The Resolution, off the Texel. |
115. John Poortmans to Robt. Blackborne. It has been resolved
that the whole fleet shall sail for the English coast, anchor off Yarmouth Sand, and remain there 48 hours for the ships coming to them,
and orders are sent to the ships in Hull, Yarmouth, and the Thames,
to repair to us. Van Tromp is at Goree with 120 men-of-war, and
more are to join him, which cannot be avoided if we stay on this
coast. [¾ page.] |
May 27. The Resolutio N.W. of the Texel. |
116. Thos. Pointer to the Navy Commissioners. I could not
before send you an account of the fleet's motions; it is in very
good condition, the men in good health, and there are 614 mariners
on board the Resolution, but only a few able seamen. It is intended
to engage with the enemy, which is desired by all. I will send the
muster books when completed. They have been delayed through
the absence of Mr. Blundel, clerk of the check of the Resolution. I
am acting as his deputy. [1 page.] |
May 27. The Texel. |
117. Thos. Orton, clerk of the check, to the Navy Commissioners.
I send two muster books. We are safe from Shotland, and on the
Holland coast, took some of the Dutch fishermen. We heard their
fleet was gone northward, but could not find it, and we see no menof-war here, but there is a speech of a fleet to come out, which we
are now waiting for. We want the usual allowance for our sick
men. [2/3 page.] |
May 28. The Resolution. |
118. Generals Deane and Monck to the Admiralty Committee,
We want a bill made out for payment to Capt. Wm. Haddock of
the Hannibal, for a quantity of shot, powder, and match on board
his ship, the State being now obliged to supply gunners' stores.
[¾ page.] |
May 28. 4 a.m., The Unicorn, Yarmouth. |
119. Capt. Peter Strong to the Council of State. I will use my best
abilities to accomplish your desire, but I am detained from sailing for
the Humber by contrary winds. I am informed by all the pilots that
my ship cannot go in there without great danger of losing her; if we
go further north, we shall have to ride in the open sea, without
shelter or succour against any opposer. We should have to stand off
almost as far as the coast of Holland, and when we are gone, our fleet
might come southward, and we being only eight ships of war with
victuallers, may be over-mastered if met by the Dutch fleet, and
the loss of the victuallers would be very prejudicial. We therefore
think it better to stay at Yarmouth until it is known where our fleet
is, or till the Dutch move westward. I have not a nimble vessel to
send out to gain intelligence, but will send you all I can get. [1 page.] |
May 28. Hull. |
120. Col. Rt. Overton to the Admiralty Committee. According
to your orders, I will direct the ports northward to set out nimble
vessels to gain or give intelligence. I will forward yours to the
Generals by a nimble ketch I am preparing. Capt. Strong has not
yet arrived, but all things are ready for him. I doubt not but the
Dutch have arrived in Dover Road in order to their own destruction and dissipation. [½ page.] |
May 28. Hull. |
121. Col. Rt. Overton to the Admiralty Committee. On receipt of
yours I sent your intimations to Bridlington, Scarborough, and
Whitby, and hired a nimble frigate of 14 guns, manned with 60 seamen and soldiers, for gaining and giving intelligence to or of the
fleet, and telling them of the station of the Dutch in Dover Road. I
have not heard of Capt. Strong. [2/3 page.] |
May 28. Dover. |
122. Thos. Green to the Admiralty Committee. I have been so
busy in preserving our ships here that I asked the deputy-governor
to write you news. 50 sail of the Dutch fleet, with English colours.
at their bowsprit, arrived off Southsand Head last Wednesday at 10
a.m., and fired several broadsides on the Drake and three other vessels, but did not then reduce them, and came to anchor in the roads.
An hour after, another fleet of 60 great ships, three Admirals, arrived
and fired on the town, but did little harm. They kept close to shore,
to prevent the Drake coming in. I signalled to her to run aground
rather than be taken, which she did, and then I sent eight boats to
take her off, which they did, and she is now nearly repaired. They
took the other three vessels. We sent an express to Portsmouth to
take care of the ships there, not knowing which way the Dutch
fleet would go. The rendezvous was between Calais and Dover, but
they have gone northward. I wish our nine men-of-war in Yarmouth knew of their motions. [2¼ pages.] |
May 28. Dover. |
123. Thos. Green to the Navy Commissioners. To the same
effect as the preceding. I have provided masts for the Wildman.
The Golden Cock has gone for Portsmouth with a convoy. I want
orders to purchase some anchors and cables of the East India Company at Sandwich. [22/3 pages.] |
May 28. Newcastle. |
124. Hen. Dawson, Mayor, to the Admiralty Committee. I despatched your packet for the Generals to Shields by our water bailiff,
who gave it to Capts. Dan. Morgan and Wetwang. If Morgan
could not get out and take it, he would send it by one of the ketches.
They heard that our fleet was on the Dogger Bank on May 24, off the
Flie. The narrative you sent gave the commanders great satisfaction.
Capt. Dan. Morgan, who has the money, has been detained by
contrary winds. 100 colliers are ready to sail, but want men; they
are under convoy of Captains Wyard, Yates, and Sheres. |
P.S.—I have received and sent off the expresses to the Generals,
but I hope our fleet is near or with the Dutch ere this. [1⅓ pages.] |
May 28. Weymouth. |
125. John Arthur to the Admiralty Committee. I have sent a
frigate to Guernsey and Jersey with the Council's packets, and sent
out scouts. If you will appoint me vice-admiral of this county, I will
obey all your commands, but such a mixture of orders to me and the
Mayor breeds distraction. If the Dutch had a mind to land in
Portland, there are only 10 persons in Portland, in Sandsfoot Castle
3 old men, and in this place 12 is our strength. [1 page.] |
May 28. Lyme. |
126. Anth. Ellesdon to the Admiralty Committee. On your
orders I have pressed the Good Intent of Lyme to ply between the
Land's End and the Isle of Wight, to gain intelligence of the enemy
and when he discovers them, to repair to the next port, and send you
a post. I have promised him freight and damages. [2/3 page.] |
May 28. Yarmouth. |
127. Wm. Burton to the Admiralty Committee. On your orders
to the bailiffs and me, we hired and despatched a nimble ketch to
discover the English fleet, and will send you any news that comes.
[¾ page.] |
May 29. Yarmouth. |
128. Bailiffs of Yarmouth and Wm. Burton to the Admiralty
Committee. We send several packets of letters brought in at 11 a.m.
from the Generals of the fleet. It is not 5 leagues east of this place,
sailing southward, and Capt. Strong, with the remainder of the
fleet in the Roads, is ordered to join it. [2/3 page.] |
May 29. The Resolution, off Yarmouth. |
129. John Poortmans to Robt. Blackborne. We are waiting to
convoy such ships as shall come from the river and Hull. Being a
great stranger to any transactions with you, I should like to know
something of the issue of our late change [in the Government]. I
dare not but conclude it will be for the better. [¾ page.] |
May 29. The Hamburg Merchant, Dundee. |
130. Capt. Wm. Pestell to the Admiralty Committee. I told
you in mine of the 27th from Aberdeen, that I waited there for
12 busses which the Generals ordered me to convoy to Scarborough,
but they got so high in the harbour that they could not get off till
spring tide, five days hence, so I came hither, where I will stay till
they follow, and then we will sail to Burlington Bay and the
Humber. The Falmouth was going northward to look for the fleet,
but as I could not direct her, she has joined me. I give you a list
of eight ships with me. [1 page.] |
May 29. The Drake, 10 p.m., Dover. |
131. Capt. Robt. Clarke to the Admiralty Committee. I hope
to be at sea again by next Tuesday. I directed the Horseydown
to ply to the northward as far as North Sands Head, between England and Flanders and on the French coast, to discover the motions
of the Dutch fleet, and return on Monday. I hear that three of
their ships are riding in Calais Road, but the rest were not discovered. [½ page.] |
May 30. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
1. The petition of Samuel Atkins referred to the Admiralty Commissioners, to report. |
2. The petition of Mary Jones, widow, referred to the Navy Commissioners, who are to inquire into the fact, and if they find it as
alleged, to give her the usual allowance. |
5. Wm. Brent to be sent over into Ireland together with Jeoffry
Browne. |
6. The report on the appointing of a Committee to take the
accounts of the nation approved as to the matter therein offered
and contained in several heads, and Mr. Thurloe to put the same
into the method of Instructions, and offer it to Council. |
7. The report made by Col. Jones from the Committee to take
account of the present state of the Mint remitted to them, to reconsider and advise with such persons as they think fit concerning the
way of setting the Mint speedily to work, and they are to appoint
the carrying of it on by persons fit to be trusted, and in such
manner as is most for the service of the commonwealth. |
8. Order granting the petition of David Barret, Richard Lay, and
others, on behalf of a congregated church in Wells, Somersetshire,
to have the Chapter House allowed them to meet in for the exercise
of religion, unless good cause be shown to the contrary by the
magistrate of Wells within 14 days of seeing this order. [I. 69,
pp. 163-165.] |
May 30. Falcon flyboat, Shields. |
132. Capt. Barth. Yates to the Admiralty Committee. I have 100
very proper seamen more than my company on board, which I pressed
out of the coal fleet and other ships in harbour, and intended to
bring them and the coal fleet to Lee Road, but order has arrived
that no ships are to go out; and as I have somewhat disabled the
coal fleet by taking the men, the Mayor of Newcastle thinks it will
not be prudent for them to sail without a convoy. I want orders
for myself, and Capts. Wyard and Wetwang, who have come in,
whether to stay for the fleet, or come out the first opportunity.
The three packets have gone to the fleet, and there are two fire-ships
and two hoys with water to follow. [1 page.] |
May 30. Custom House, Newcastle. |
133. Geo. Dawson to the Admiralty Committee. I have dispatched
all your letters to the Generals at sea, and the victuallers have sailed
with provisions and water for the fleet, but Capts. Wyard and Yates,
who were to convoy the 100 colliers, are stayed by an order of the
Council of State forbidding vessels to leave this harbour. The two
fire-ships know not whether to adventure, not knowing where our
fleet is; we hope they know the Dutch have gone southward. The
Unity has brought in a few Hull ships. [12/3 pages.] |
May 30. Hull. |
134. Col. Rt. Overton to the Admiralty Committee. I hear from
the frigate I sent forth of the fleet's coming to Yarmouth Roads, and
the Generals have sent in a ketch with an order to Captain Strong
or W. Pestell who have not yet come up, so I have sent it back
with the best information I could get. I hope all your return
letters will reach. The ketch was only allowed 48 hours to return
to the fleet, or if he cannot keep that time, to Yarmouth Roads.
I have sent to Tynemouth bar for all ships to return there. The
Generals have sent a challenge to Van Tromp to come to sea, and
give them an opportunity for an encounter, but as there are 300
Dutch merchantmen bound for the Eastland lying on the back of
Yarmouth Sands, I fear Tromp's design is rather to draw off our
fleet to make them way, than any present action. [1 page.] |
May 30. Hull. |
135. Rich. Freeman to the Admiralty Committee. A ketch has
come in from the Generals, with orders to Capt. Strong to take
all the victualling and other ships to Yarmouth Roads, and orders
have been given along the coast between this and Newcastle and
Aberdeen for all others to repair there. I have loaded 450 tons of
provisions, and 200 tons of water, and only stay for Capt. Strong.
[1 page.] |
May 30. The Unicorn, Yarmouth Roads. |
136. Capt. Peter Strong to the Admiralty Committee. The
Generals having arrived at the back of the Yarmouth Sands on the
29th inst. with the fleet, I sent them notice of Tromp being in the
Downs, and that on the 28th he weighed with some 80 sail for the
coast of Holland, where I believe he now is. I am weighing anchor
to join the fleet. [½ page.] |
May 30. Post house, Bristol. |
137. Capt. Thos. Hewitt and Jno. Perre to the Navy Commissioners.
You write that great complaints have been made from here against
us, especially by the Navy Victuallers' agents, for pressing their men
and disabling them from sailing to Portsmouth, but we have only
pressed 6 men out of the ship, and then because they were not
ready to sail. We will avoid the like disservice in future; we
promised to refurnish them when ready. If they produced a protection, we should have submitted. |
The State is grossly abused by people here getting protections
to transport the State's provisions to Ireland, when they are only
merchants' goods. When we return to London, we hope to answer all
complaints against us. There are 4 or 5 in prison for deserting after
being pressed, and some for beating the press officer. We have
impressed 95 since our last. We are journeying to London by Portsmouth, to compare our impress book with that of the clerk of the
check, and see what absentees there are, that men may be appointed
to find them out. [1 page.] |
May 30. Leghorn. |
138. Charles Longland to the Council of State. Two Dutch
men-of-war and seven merchantmen left Leghorn on the 19th for
Amsterdam, and on the 23rd, 18 more men-of-war followed them,
amongst which were the Leopard and Spahi. The chief commander has sent order to the eight men-of-war that went for
Messina to follow them to the Straits' mouth, where, by their own
report, they intend to lie and wait for the Venice ships; but we are
credibly informed that all these ships are called home for Holland,
and intend to call upon the coast of Spain for all the merchant
ships there, which together will make 50 sail. Whether they will
go about Scotland, or go to Brest in France, to join with the fleet
there, and so through the Channel together, I know not. But you
may know better where to look for them, and it is probable they
will bend a good strength of ships of war that way, being 30 menof-war and as many merchantmen. They are very weakly manned,
having lost 400 men in the two fights, besides what are maimed,
and their courage is likewise suitable thereto, for the chief commander of all these ships in the Straits told Capt. Appleton when
he put him ashore (for our captive commanders are enlarged here),
that he doubted it would be his turn to be taken before he got
home, and therefore desired a recommendation, that his usage in
such case might be no worse than he had shown to Appleton. |
On the 22nd inst., Capts. Appleton, Seaman, and Marsh were put
on shore, upon my security and that of two other English merchants
in a bond of 12,000 pieces of eight, to present the said captains
in two months' time prisoners in Holland, for which place they
intend to depart in four days. |
I have only heard of the Venice ships that they were met in that
gulf, and had been at Ragusa. We will give them advice of what
passes, that they may avoid meeting with so great a fleet of Dutch.
I have not received any letters or orders how these ships should
proceed, so can do no further therein. As soon as the Dutch are
gone out of the Straits homewards, I will send home the powder
and saltpetre. [2 pages.] |
May 30. Leghorn. |
139. Charles Longland to the Admiralty and Navy Committee.
You will see by the enclosed accounts and receipts how the monies
I have drawn upon the navy treasurer have been disposed of to
the merchant ships which I have taken up and fitted for service,
for advance or imprest money, and what I expended on others.
The Dutch fleet of 20 men-of-war and seven merchant ships, with
the Leopard, are gone to the west, and we believe for Holland,
although they give it out they will lie at the Straits' mouth to
meet our Venice ships, of which the last news we had was that they
were at the mouth of the Gulf of Venice. A chief reason why we
believe that all these Dutch are called home is because they have sent
to call away another squadron of eight ships from Messina, to come
likewise to the rest at the Straits' mouth, which will be the whole
they have in these seas. If I can be advised for certainty that they
are gone home, I think it will be best for the Venice ships to keep
here, as they would do the enemy much spoil, for these seas are
very full of their merchantmen; but I suppose you have ordered
long before this what the Venice ships shall do. [With copies of
his letter of 11th May. 3 pages.] |
May 31. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
1. Col. Tomlinson added to the Committee of Council for managing of the — |
2. The Committee for taking account of miscarriages in the
Upper Bench and other prisons to commit to the custody of
the Serjeant-at-arms attending Council all persons offering them
any affront during their sittings as a Committee, to remain in
custody till further order; also to return to Council the names of
such as are committed, and the cause. |
3. The challenge between Mr. Perrott and Mr. Throckmorton
referred to the Committee formerly appointed for similar business,
to examine them and any others concerned in the challenge, and
report. |
4. Cornelius Arian de Croaks, lately committed to the Fleet, to
be removed to the Gatehouse. |
5. Mr. Thurloe to prepare an instrument for prolonging the time
of the sitting and acting of the Committee for Obstructions. |
6. To order the Committee for Obstructions to represent to
Council in writing what obstructs their despatching the matters
heretofore cognisable before them, and what may be done to remedy
the same. |
7, 8. 20l. from contingent moneys to be paid to Mrs. Swaine, for a
small piece of her husband's ground, and Mr. Harrison to ask the
Deputy-Governor of Shrewsbury whether the said land, now used
for fortifying Shrewsbury Castle, can conveniently be spared and
restored to its owner. [Also Vol. XXXVI., No. 140.] |
9. To write the Commissioners appointed to hear the differences
between the drainers of the Fens and the people of the country,
that on an insurrection lately made by the fen people, and an
attempt on the property of the adventurers there, Council ordered
a troop of horse to go thither to appease the tumult, not holding it
fit that the people should right themselves in that way. Also that
Council, having since received a petition from some who complain of
grievances, and that they cannot be heard therein, sends it to them,
that the complainers may be heard, and justice done them. |
10. Order for a warrant to Ald. Herring and Mr. Waring to pay
to Auditor Sherwin all moneys in their hands received for compositions and sequestrations. |
11. Order for a warrant to the Haberdashers' Hall Committee
to order Auditor Sherwin to pay to the Treasurers-at-war the
remainder of the 100,000l. ordered out of that treasury for the army. |
12. Capt. Blackwell and Mr. Desborow to come to Council tomorrow. |
14. The petition and paper of Daniel Norman and others of Jersey
referred to the Irish and Scotch Committee, to hear the petitioners
in reference to that island if they have not been already heard, or
have anything new to propound, and if anything of moment be
offered by them, which might be added to the report already made
by that Committee, they are to add it, and present it to Council. |
15. The petition of Thos. Skelton referred to the Irish and Scotch
Committee, to hear him on the business, and report. |
16. Cols. Pride and Grosvenor, Lieut.-Cols. White, Zanchy, and
Fenton; Major Packer, Mr. Bolton, Methuselah Turner, and Henry
Brandriff, to be a Committee to consider the state of Savoy
Hospital and Ely House, both in reference to the persons employed
therein and their allowances, the number and qualities of the sick
and maimed men, and pensioners maintained from thence, and the
allowance made for relief of those sent there for cure. Upon full
information on these and other particulars, they are to proceed to a
thorough regulation of the said houses, and so to bestow their
management that the treasure allowed them may not be wasted;
and that only such men may be admitted as are proved to be deserving of relief; they are to send for such persons or papers as shall
give them any insight into the business, and examine them on any
matters concerning the hospitals. The Committee to continue for
three months. [I. 69, pp. 168-172.] |
May 31. Ipswich. |
141. Capt. Robt. Wilkinson to the Admiralty Committee. I
have impressed 40 men in all. Mr. Gale, commander of the
victualling ship at Harwich, has pressed 100 and has but 24, for he
lets them run away. When I came to press, he sent his pinnace to
press, which made the men run away, and hindered me of 20. I
met some of his men drinking here; the victuals lie by the ship's
side, and nobody to take them in. The master's mate advised the
men to deny press money, but I impressed him. I want a warrant
to take some on board who have received the press money and will
not serve. I have got much ill will here by pressing. I am about
to return to the Lee Road by order of Major Bourne. [1 page.] |
May 31. Harwich. |
142. John Scott to the Admiralty Committee. Since my last, I
have pressed 27 men, and delivered them to Capt. Wilkinson of the
Weymouth pink, who having pressed all he could out of the colliers,
is gone to Ipswich to press there. I now despair of getting any
more here, and will go to Yarmouth, where I will get what I can,
and expect further orders. [¾ page.] |
May 31. The Resolution, off Dunnidge [Dunwich]. |
143. Generals Rich. Deane and Geo. Monk to the Admiralty
Committee. Yesterday whilst we were at anchor off Yarmouth, the
Unicorn, Portland, six merchant men-of-war, and nine or ten victualling ships came to us, and the whole fleet is between Dunnidge and
Aldborow, and will ply as high as the Longsand Head, to expect the
ships in the river and Lee Road. Admiral Van Tromp with his
fleet was seen last night off Longsand Head, and we will try to find
him out. We wonder some wood and candles or money for them
have not been sent, as also hammocks, of which there is great want.
Give us any intelligence you have. We trust the Lord will give us
wisdom to manage our great trust. |
P.S.—We have sent the two Swedish and two Danish ships to
the Thames, under convoy of the Merchant Adventure. [1 page.] |
May 31. The Resolution. |
144. Gens. Deane and Monk to the Admiralty Committee. We
send a certificate of powder, shot, and match bought of Capt. Hen.
Collins, of the Malaga Merchant, and desire order to the Navy
Commissioners to give a bill for payment for them. [2/3 page.] |
May 31. |
145. Order in the Admiralty Committee that the Navy Commissioners execute with all possible speed the request of the
Generals for sending down clothes, at reasonable rates, for the
seamen of the Resolution, who are in great want thereof. [¾ page.] |
May 31. [Hamburg.] |
146. Rich. Bradshaw to [Robt. Blackmore]. I was glad to hear
by the merchants that all was well, and that Council sat close
to settle the government, in which great work God direct them.
Mr. Crisp desires you to excuse him to Council, and wishes me to
forbear charging my bills of exchange upon him for the State, until
I have his allowance for it, so that if I had bought up the whole
parcel of powder, I should have been at a stand for money to pay
for it; but I suppose your next will give order, so that I may charge
my bills for the needful upon him or some other merchant of known
credit. |
Since the last post I have bought 100 more casks of powder, and
have a promise of 200 or 300 more, and go on providing the masts,
having met with some of 23 to 25 palms. |
I have, upon my own engagement, taken up 1,000l. more, and
charged my bills directly upon Council, payable at 20 days' sight to
Hen. Crisp, and I hope you will move that they may be accepted
and paid, to avoid the trouble of the merchants attending Committees,
which they will be loath to do where there is no profit. The Russ,
Dane, and Portuguese bought up all the powder in town, while your
order lingered, so that what I get for the future must be from other parts.
There are some powder mills near the city, which will undertake to
deliver small parcels weekly, but not under 33 rix dollars per cwt.
If you want it, and order me to buy it at price current, I will do it,
but then a merchant must be assigned on whom to charge my bills,
and whose consent I must have. |
There will be no depending on the ships here for sending of
the masts home, but some long Dutch ones must be sent with the
convoy, of 90 to 100 feet in the hold. I presume you have prize
ships fit for that service. |
Ships grow very scarce here, being generally taken up for the
Dutch, and though I might meet with some, yet the rates would be
high, so I think it best for the State to send ships with the convoy
and give private notice thereof. Mr. Wainwright says the 497l. 8s. 6d.
was not paid, but only promised by Council, and as he wants an
order for it on the Prize Office, pray procure it, as also for the last
200l. for this quarter's allowance. |
By letters from Emden we understand our fleet of 100 sail passed
along the Dutch coast on the 25th, in search of Tromp, who was
lately gone to vapour upon our coast; I hope that ours got between
him and home, and that we shall shortly hear of considerable
action. |
The King of Denmark, being put to his shifts for money, either to
maintain the war with the Dutch against England, or, if you make a
peace with them, to pay for the detained ships and other old sores,
has lighted on a handsome project for raising 1,600,000 rix dollars
or 350,000l. sterling, to be brought in by his subjects or strangers, as
this book sets forth, which is briefly thus: He has put in security in
eight divisions of his countries, to pay five per cent. interest for
200,000 rix dollars, to be raised by 2,000 persons in every division, at 100 dollars a man, and the King to pay the five per cent.
by his sureties to the survivors of those 2,000, even to the last man,
and so to be quit of principal and interest, when all the 2,000 are
dead. 'Tis thought he will raise the money, or much of it, speedily;
the hopes of surviving to carry away the interest amongst a few will
draw men on to lend such small sums, and the project hurts none.
The undertakers for the interest in each division are secured by the
King and Council. |
I hope in a post or two to have an answer from Sweden and
Denmark touching the business you wrote about. |
I send you a letter for the titular Lord Wentworth. |
P.S.—The city of Lubec lately granted leave for the English
merchants to pass their goods, as tar, hemp, &c., through their city
from several parts of the Baltic Sea, for which I gave them thanks;
but since the peevish burgesses have petitioned against it, it has been
recalled, so that the merchants of this company, having much goods
there, are troubled, not knowing how to get them thence; and the
city drive at it to have the English to buy all such commodities of
them, which will make them much dearer. I know not why they
should not suffer necessaries for the navy to pass their city, being in
amity, and I shall try for it. [2 pages.] |
[May.] |
147. Offers of the well-affected postmasters to the Posts' Committee.
The order of the Council of State in the case of the inland Post
Office being that it be improved to the greatest advantage, either
by farm or account, they conceive the advantage consists not so much
in the advance of money, as the service and safety of the State, and
beg to offer:— |
1. That persons of known integrity may be employed in all parts,
and a sufficient salary allowed, as becomes a trust of that great
concernment. |
2. That a fit person be appointed for the control thereof, according
to orders from the State, by means whereof the postmasters may be
enabled to carry on the service with ease to the people and advantage
to the public, respect being had to the satisfaction of the new undertakers, if the State thinks fit. |
3. As righteousness exalteth a nation, it is hoped that after the
expense of so much blood and treasure, the very things adjudged and
condemned in others (viz., monopolies) will not now be practised, but
that, next to the public safety, you will be tender of the people's just
liberty; for both by the laws of God and man, it is lawful for every
man to employ himself in a lawful calling, especially in that to
which he has been bred, and it is also lawful for divers men to
employ themselves in one calling, otherwise there must be as many
callings as men. |
4. For avoiding of many inconveniences that will follow in the
farming of it, viz.: The persons depositing or obliging themselves for
so much money a year, will not lay out themselves and their estates
without expectation of profit, which must arise either out of the
people's letters or postmasters' labour, besides the hazard to the
commonwealth; for notwithstanding the faithfulness of the postmasters, yet if they will not do their work at their rates (which may
prove an oppression too heavy, like that in Egypt), others shall.
[1 page.] |
[May.] |
148. Reasons why Mrs. Witherings should share in the profits of
the foreign post:— |
1. That the large portion that she brought to her husband helped
to purchase the same. |
2. The personal estate, whereof by law she ought to have the
third, is swallowed up by his office, in securing and improving it,
and by the debts contracted thereby. |
3. Her husband by will left the profits of this office to their
young son, who died soon after his father, which, if the latter
could have foreseen, he would not have passed over his wife and
daughter, and given all away to a nephew. |
4. The contest between her and his nephew, being by the advice
of Lord Bradshaw put to arbitration, the third of the profits was
awarded to her and her daughter, so long as her nephew should
enjoy the office, her right preceding his in conscience, if not in law
also. |
5. She has not 100l. a year left for her maintenance, whereas 105l.
a year of her land was sold for procuring this office. |
6. She hopes her casting herself upon the piety and equity of the
Council of State and this Committee, as it does not lessen her right,
will not prejudice her in obtaining it. [1 page.] |
May. |
149. Report of the Committee for management of the posts. In
pursuance of the order and reference of the Council of State of
the 11th inst., we conferred with Sir David Watkins as to his
claim to the foreign Post Office, and find it to be derived from
several changes and alienations, by virtue of a patent from the late
King, which granted the office of Postmaster of England and for
foreign parts for life to Wm. Frisell and Thos. Witherings, in
reversion after Mathew De Quester, but it is submitted whether
his pretension is not extinguished, because— |
1. By the patent, Frisell and Witherings were diligently to
attend that service, both before and after the death of Witherings,
but Frisell, the survivor, has not attended the service, and the
power of making assignees and deputies extended only to that part
of the execution which in more places than one could not be
performed by himself. |
2. The patent being only for this office as a place of trust, and
a salary being settled upon the patentee for due performance, it is
submitted whether it does not die with the master. |
3. The resolve of the late Parliament that the office of Postmaster,
both inland and foreign, is in the sole power and disposal of the
Parliament, supersedes the pretensions of Sir David Watkins. |
We have also conferred with Mr. Robinson respecting his claim
to the said office from Lord Stanhope, who had a patent from
Queen Elizabeth, renewed by King James, but it is submitted
whether it is of any force, because— |
1. The Post Office, being a place of trust, the right of the patentee
from King James died with himself, but more especially in this
place than in the former, for that the successor of King James, viz.,
Charles I., was so far from confirming this patent, that he superseded it, first, by granting another to De Quester, and afterwards
to Frisell and Witherings, and by persuading or compelling the
surrender thereof, the legality of which we do not determine, but
de facto Lord Stanhope being divested, the claim of all pretenders
from him wholly ceased. |
2. Being an office of trust, whether it is assignable without permission of the trustee. |
3. The resolves of the late Parliament determine this as well as
the former, and indeed all other claims, and to this is added that if
Mr. Robinson has any right remaining, yet to the end this office may
be improved for the benefit of the commonwealth, he is willing to
cease further pretences. |
Unless either of these claims be yet thought worthy of acceptance,
we think the best way of managing the foreign Post Office is— |
1. By a conjunction of it with the inland post. |
2. Being so joined together, that they be committed to some
person or persons to manage, on the terms proposed with reference
to the inland post. |
That the rates for which letters are to be carried be as follows,
viz., for a single letter to Ireland, 6d.; Scotland, 4d.; to all parts
above 100 miles from London, 3d.; within 100 miles of London, 2d.,
and so proportionably. A single letter is one written in one sheet
of paper sealed; a double letter is one sheet of paper which covers
another sheet sealed up; a treble letter proportionably. |
2. That the places in Ireland for the delivery of the letters that
come by way of Milford be Waterford, of those from Chester, Dublin;
and the place in Scotland for all letters out of England, Leith or
Edinburgh. |
3. The public letters are to be those directed to or from the Lord
General, Council of State, Commissioners of the Admiralty, Generals
of the fleet, and generals and officers of the army, and the Commanders-in-Chief in Ireland and Scotland; also those to or from any
Committee intrusted with the management of public affairs wherein
their private interest is not concerned. The Commissioners of
Excise and Customs, having their poundage for management of those
affairs respectively, ought not to have their postage free. The Commissioners for the Monthly Assessments, for Inspection, and the Irish
and Scotch Committee, not being in that capacity, should have theirs
free, provided that the letters or packets not known by their seal
have an endorsement, "For the service of the commonwealth," and
be signed by the secretary or clerk. |
4. The rental to be paid by the undertakers of the foreign and
inland posts not to be less than 6,300l., and a reasonable time to be
allowed for competition, by persons qualified. |
5. The time for which this trust shall continue, not to exceed two
years, nor be less than one. [Draft. 4 pages.] |