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| Dec. 3. |
1. Jas. Astyn to Williamson, at Edw. Norris' chamber, Lincoln's Inn.
Thanks for your letter by my tutor. I wonder not to hear of
Mr. Lowther. Dr. South of Christchurch has declaimed in the
schools, and abused Dr. Ellis, and put on a black cap to jeer him; told
him his jokes were as old as his clothes, and abused all the foundation, who intend to make his years as short as his declamation was
long. Our friends at Carfax and New College are well. [1 page.] |
| Dec. 4. |
2. Petition of Mary, wife of Thos. Fitzjames, gentleman, to the Protector. My husband was condemned at Exeter for being in company
with some persons taken in the late insurrection in the West, but on
petition of his mother Margaret, you reprieved him; he still remains
prisoner, and his estate, worth 10l. a year, settled on me as jointure,
is at your disposal, which will be my ruin, as it is all my maintenance. I beg to have the estate, or at least the pre-eminency to be
tenant thereof. With reference to Council, his Highness wishing the
petitioner to be in some measure considered. 2 Nov. 1655. [1 page.] |
| Dec. 4. |
Reference thereon by Council to the Treasury Commissioners.
[I. 76, p. 408.] |
| Dec. 4. |
Council. Day's Proceedings. |
|
1. The Army Committee to send into the several counties printed
copies of the Order and Declaration for an assessment of 60,000l.
a month, for six months from Dec. 25, to maintain the army, and
to direct them to fit persons for distribution. |
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3. The King of France to be allowed to levy 1,000 Scots for
his service in such parts of Scotland as his Highness shall appoint. |
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5. To advise renewal of the commission to the former Admiralty Commissioners for impressing seamen, to be directed to the
present Admiralty Commissioners. |
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8. The examination of Wm. Walton, of Oxhill, co. Warwick,
taken before Thos. Appletree, justice of the peace for co. Oxford,
concerning words spoken by Thos. Arnold, referred to the MajorGeneral of the county. |
|
10. 3. The Admiralty Commissioners to order Elizabeth, wife to
Rob. Jeffryes, trooper, and Rebecca, wife to Hugh Ditchfield, artillery
train carpenter, to be transported to their husbands in Jamaica. |
|
12. Confirmation of the order of 26 Nov. last to the Trustees for
Maintenance of Ministers, to pay Lewis Stukely, a preacher in
Exeter Cathedral, 100l. a year besides his former allowance, to
begin from Sept. 29 last. |
|
13. Order—on information from the mayor and burgesses of Lyme
Regis that a vessel arrived there from the United Provinces a month
since, and no one therein has been sick since—that the master of the
vessel have liberty to land the goods aboard her, and that the
Customs' Commissioners permit it accordingly. |
|
14. The Committee of Council appointed 10 May last, to regulate
the fourth of the pay of the officers and soldiers listed under Gen.
Venables, to order Mr. Bowes, Hodges, and Creed to state the
accounts of Capt. Cooper, who died in the service in Jamaica,
and see that the balance is paid to his widow from the first moneys
that come in. |
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15. John Blackwell and Rich. Deane, War Treasurers, to pay
Rich. Hutchinson, Navy Treasurer, 5,000l. as a loan for the navy's
use, to be repaid by warrant out of the Navy Treasury, as the
Admiralty Commissioners direct. |
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16. To advise a warrant to the Treasury Commissioners for payment
of the said 5,000l. to Blackwell and Deane. [I. 76, pp. 407–9.] |
Dec. 4.
Whitehall. |
4. Sec. Thurloe to Col. Clarke. I want a warrant to the captain
of the Indian to receive William St. John on board, and an order,
according to Lord St. John's letter and mine, to deliver him to
Goodson or Fortescue, and not permit him to return on shore.
Advise the bearer as to the best way of getting him on board.
[1 page.] |
Dec. 4.
Queen's College. |
5. J. L[amplugh] to Williamson. I delivered your book to
Mr. Provost, who has procured almost all the hands you desired,
but did not apply to Mr. B., because, though we are to pray for those
who discourteously use us, we are not to court them. I cannot
write to Dillington, being persuaded to preach a funeral sermon.
For the money, keep what you need for necessaries, and let me have
the rest. [1 page.] |
| Dec. 5. |
6. Petition of Robt. Fenwick, Esquire, to the Protector. By
Ordinance of Parliament of 29 Feb. 1647–8, the registrarship in the
Civil or Ecclesiastical Courts of York or Durham, when they should
be settled, was bestowed on him in part satisfaction of his faithful
services and great losses. Understanding that his Highness is about
to settle the probate of wills and testaments, begs consideration
of the premises. Noted that his Highness will be reminded thereof
when the said course is settled. [1 page.] Annexing, |
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6. i. Order in Parliament granting the said office, and also
1,000l. from concealed delinquents' estates to be discovered
by him. 3 Feb. 1647–8. [1 page.] |
|
6. ii, iii, iv. Like orders renewed 22 and 29 Feb. 1647–8.
[3 papers.] |
| Dec. 5. |
7. Petition of the merchants trading to Spain to the Protector.
Your late Declaration reviving the Act for Prizage of Wines will
ruin us unless suspended. We have so many wines unsold of last
year's vintage, which cost so much that, with customs, freights, &c.,
they cannot be sold below the present price without great loss. By
the embargo we lose our estates, and our ships return empty, and if
we are limited to price, our wines must remain on our hands. We
therefore beg suspension of the Declaration. 24 signatures.
[1 sheet.] |
| Dec. 5. |
Reference thereon in Council to the Commissioners for Trade, to
report. [I. 76, p. 411.] |
| Dec. 5. |
8. Petition of Wm. Rooke, merchant, prisoner in Lambeth House,
to the Protector. I was attached and committed 3 months since, to
the ruin of my foreign commerce, on suspicion of being privy to the
design of M. de Gard and Selton, since said to be Lord Wilmot
and Wagstaffe, whom I entertained one night at my house at
Margate; 10 weeks since I delivered a relation of the case to Sec.
Thurloe. The rest of my estate is employed in husbandry, and
harvest drawing near, my imprisonment will ruin my family. I
was never in arms against Parliament. I knew nothing before of
M. de Gard. I beg discharge on security, and remission of the 10s.
a day demanded by the Serjeant-at-arms, which I am unable to
pay. With reference, 18 Sept. 1655, to Council. [1 page.] |
| Dec. 5. |
Order thereon in Council, that the Serjeant-at-arms release him,
and that he forthwith enter into security to Maj. Gen. Kelsey,
according to the instructions. [I. 76, p. 412.] |
| Dec. 5. |
Council. Day's Proceedings. |
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1. The petition of Sir Thos. Viner, Sir John Poole, Cornelius
Holland, Phineas Andrewes, and other creditors of Sir Henry Vane,
deceased, referred to the Treasury Commissioners, to report. |
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2. Order on report from the Admiralty Commissioners, concerning
the Treveer and 11 other ships of Middleburg and Flushing,
seized in the port of London by Tim. Pye, on pretence of importing
prohibited goods, that the ships and their lading be discharged, and
restored to their respective masters. |
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3. Mulgrave, Wolsley, Strickland, and Jones to examine Tim.
Pye's proceedings in seizing the said ships, and to report. |
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4. The preparation of an answer to the Lord Ambassador
Extraordinary's letter of 17/27 October 1655 to his Highness not to be
referred to a Committee. |
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7. Mulgrave, Jones, and Strickland, to learn about the Dutch hoy
Patriarch Jacob taken by a State's vessel, and report. |
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10. A paper of Sir Geo. Sands referred to Maj. Gen. Kelsey, who,
if he find its contents true, is to discharge Sands from further
trouble. |
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11. The petition of Robert Lord Tracy referred to Desborow, Maj.
General of the 6 western counties, to give order thereon. |
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15. The Treasury Commissioners to give warrant for paying the
moneys due to sick and maimed soldiers out of the first moneys that
come in. |
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17. Wm. Lenthall, Master of the Rolls, to direct Mr. Ryley to search
among the Scotch records in the Tower for 4 Scotch bonds of 1,000l.
each, entered into by Sir Wm. Dick and his sons, to Sir Wm.
Balfour, dated at Edinburgh and London, July 24 and August 24,
1646; and to allow Balfour to hold them on security, to return
them at expiration of the time that shall be limited. |
|
18. On report from a Committee on the letter from Lord
Broghill of 4 Oct. last, order for the following letter. [I. 76,
pp. 409–412.] |
Dec. 5.
Whitehall. |
Pres. Lawrence to Lord Broghill, president of his Highness's
Council in Scotland. Your letter concerning indemnity for robberies
committed in the Highlands during the late war has been considered;
Council thinks a general indemnity prejudicial to many who, having
opposed the rebellion there, and suffered thefts and robberies, have
no way of satisfaction for their losses according to the engagements
made them, in case they should be deprived of their remedy at law
for recovery thereof. Council thinks it expedient to empower the
Council in Scotland to grant indemnity in particular cases, and asks
whether this measure will be sufficient to ward off the evil feared
of the persons running into rebellion. Meanwhile all your suspensions of prosecutions are to be continued. [I. 76, p. 412.] |
Dec. 5.
Whitehall. |
9. Sec. Thurloe to the Admiralty Commissioners. Having seen
your report to Council concerning some Zealand ships seized by Pye,
wherein you allege that I wrote the Customs' Commissioners on
behalf of Pye, who, as you say, has no constant place of abode, I
beg you will send that letter to Council, as I deny the truth of your
report; I wrote the Commissioners by express order of his Highness,
—on a complaint by Pye that some Dutch ships were in the river
with prohibited goods, which the Commissioners of Customs would
not seize,—that they were to examine the business, and give directions therein. I appeal to you whether this was writing on behalf of
Pye, whom I have never seen. [1 page.] Annexing, |
|
9. i. Sec. Jno. Thurloe to the Commissioners of Customs. Tim.
Pye having reported that he has seized several Dutch
ships with prohibited goods, and that notwithstanding the
goods are still unlading, and are entered in the Custom
House, and that, upon acquainting you therewith, you
alleged you had no power to do anything therein, I desire
you will examine the matter, give necessary directions,
and transmit an account to Council. 21 Nov. 1655.
[Copy, ½ page.] |
|
9. ii. Mark Hildesley and Jno. Upton, Customs' Commissioners,
to Sec. Thurloe. Tim. Pye informed us yesterday that a
week since he seized certain ships and their lading, lately
come from Holland, but did not give particulars, nor
register the same with the Registrar of Seizures, as by law
required and as advised by us, so that we could not take
cognizance thereof; nor may we refuse to accept of entries
of any goods or merchandize tendered to us according to
law, there being a penal statute prohibiting it. Neither
can our deputies, without sufficient cause, make stay of
any merchants' goods, or refuse to deliver them after they
have been entered and the duties satisfied, the law being
open for any merchant to take his remedy against them in
such cases. |
|
If Pye can prove that the goods are prohibited, which
is not evident to our officers, they not being able to make
any such proof, the law directs an information in the
Court of Exchequer, and the goods being registered with
the Registrar of Seizures, we should have granted sufferances for landing thereof into safe custody, that the
duties due to his Highness and the Commonwealth might
be secured. The Commissioners for Customs never judged
themselves required to make seizures, nor, upon the seizure
of goods by others, to interpose therein, further than to land
and secure them, and take care that, either upon composition or condemnation, the duties due were secured, and
no fraud practised. Custom House, 24 Nov. 1655. [Copy,
¾ page.] |
|
9. iii. Copies of the above correspondence in short hand. [¾ page.] |
Dec. 6.
London. |
10. Dick Pile to [Sec. Nicholas.] I am encouraged by Halsey,—he
who was arrested by Cromwell, and with whom you were in the last
dangerous voyage to England—to get commodities from France
quickly, as it would be advantageous if, after the concluding of
the peace, I first had them to dispose of, so I have got 1,500 foot
and 500 horse; but before I open shop you will be in Gloucestershire.
I hear that the King is getting the like commodities. I want to
know when he will come over, as I shall be 2 days before him. I
want 2 journeymen; I shall take Massey for one, and Wilmot for
the other. [1 page. The italics are in cypher decyphered.] |
Dec. 6.
Queen's College. |
11. John Beeby to Williamson. Send cordials to Carfax instead of
compliments, or Mr. Lamplough will get more by funeral sermons
this year than in 2 or 3 before. I am detained here on business, but
hope soon to wait on your friends. Whom do you intend by Notre
Dame d'Ardilliers ? [1 page.] |
Dec. 7.
Queen's College. |
12. Geo. Langbarne to Williamson. I look on you as going into
Egypt, where I shall follow you with my prayers. Follow God and
depend on him, and he will not forsake you. Be conscientious in
discharging the great trust you have undertaken of those young
gentlemen, especially Rich. Lowther, as I recommended you to his
parents. My service to Justice Lowther, and Sir Fras. Norris. I
wish you a prosperous journey. [1 page.] |
Dec. 7/17.
Cologne. |
[Sec. Nicholas] to Jos. Jane. You seem confident the English are
still at Jamaica. If so, the King of Spain should not suffer them
to settle there long. I hear Cromwell (after his old perfidious
manner) has let fall words as though he would restore Jamaica,
which he intends not, if he is sending more ships to the West
Indies; but such speeches, and some of Cromwell's false instruments
have given life to the Spaniard's hopes of an accommodation. The
villain Cromwell does it on purpose to gain time for preparations,
and to keep the Spaniard from espousing our master's cause. The
Levellers, who have agents in Flanders, persuade the ministers
there that they will kill Cromwell, and then Spain will have peace
with England. This is one great reason why the King of Spain
does not join our master's interests, for Don Alonso acknowledges
that the King's party in England is much stronger and more
numerous than all the other factions. |
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It would be well to have some brief observations made on Cromwell's declarations. I can have anything here translated into
French, but those on the reasons for his taxing anew all the
Cavaliers and compounders should be printed in English, and sent
into England. |
|
The Swede has besieged Torne, in Prussia, defeated 500 of the
Elector of Brandenburg's horse, and killed 200, so that a war in
Prussia is feared. The King of Sweden has sent for all the rest of
his cavalry, and those who hold crown fiefs there are to supply them
again, which shows that he intends to pursue his conquest in
Poland. |
|
It is marvelled that there are no commissions in Flanders against
the English ships, as Cromwell has granted 10 letters of marque
against Spain, and not (as you are informed) revoked any of
them. |
|
We hear of 3 more gentlemen imprisoned in England, on some
intelligence from the miscreant Manning. Cromwell finds opposition
in the counties in settling taxes for raising money to maintain forces,
for the peace of the country, as he pretends. Sir John Mounson, at
a late meeting in Lincoln thereon, told Whalley, major-general of
that shire, that he had compounded formerly at a dear rate, that
the Act of Oblivion freed him, and that having ever since his
commission submitted to the Government, he conceives it very
unjust to demand anything from him, and that he would pay no
more taxes. Thereupon he rose, and the rest of the gentlemen
followed, but a troop of horse was sent after Mounson, and he was
carried prisoner to his own house. |
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The deputies or majors in all counties proceed with rigour in
assessing all compounders, and others not actually in Cromwell's
service or favour. |
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If Mr. Stone were at the Hague, he would be put under
restraint for having broken from his guards, unless his peace be
made before he returns, which he is ready to do. [2¾ pages.
Holland correspondence.] |
Dec. 10.
Hamburg. |
13. Maj.-Gen. Edw. Massey to Sec. Nicholas. I have little worth
note to tell you. Yours gave me sorrow to think that such a villain
as that Manning should be near his Majesty, and joy that his
villany is found. I hope his associates at Court, if he had any, will
follow. I wrote to him freely, not suspecting him, and knowing the
regard in which he was held by the King and persons about him.
I am glad my letter did not come to his hand, though it could not
have done the King dis-service, as rather than do this, I would have
both my hands cut off, and would sacrifice my life in his service. I
have kept free from foreign engagements in order to serve the King,
and thank him for all his favours. I pray that God may at length
find out a way to make him a happy Prince over a happy people. |
|
I daily expect to be called somewhere to employ my time, and
make me useful to the King hereafter. I had hoped to serve in the
Elector of Brandenburg's army in Prussia, but fear the new intended
levies will come too late to maintain his station against the King of
Sweden; nor can the States assist him, so that he must yield to the
Swede's demands enclosed. The King of Sweden has taken Torne,
one of the strongest cities of Prussia, and garrisoned it with 3,000
men, and is marching to Dantzic, from which he demands their fort
royal,—the key of their city to sea-ward,—2 millions of money,
and clothing for his army; it is thought the Elector will agree, and
if he has his ports, Pillau and Memel free, he can lock up all
Poland from commerce, and so Dantzic must submit also, and then
Holland may whistle with their promised assistance to the Elector
next spring, and must pay the Swede 23 or 24 per cent, customs. |
|
I hear from a Cavalier lately come from the Swedish army that
Rolt, Cromwell's envoy, with the articles of their agreement, is
magnificently entertained by that King, having a coach and
6 horses to attend him, and goes the next coach to the King, and
has all imaginable honour, which sticks much in my stomach, and
draws me back from thoughts of serving him, if I can with good
conscience find a livelihood elsewhere. I fear the King of Spain and
Cromwell will not be in so good earnest as I wish, for if war were
really intended, the Council of Spain must know how advantageous
it would be to own the interest of our King. If I saw that, I could
hope to be useful in his service. [4½ pages.] Enclosing, |
|
13. i. Note endorsed [by Nicholas]. "Conditions demanded of
the Elector of Brandenburg by the King of Sweden."
[Scrap.] |
Dec. 10.
Portsmouth. |
14. Capt. Fras. Willoughby to Robt. Blackborne. I observe the
great business of the Jews is under consideration; I hope the Lord will
direct in a matter of such concernment. If the first question should
pass in the affirmative, whether a Jewish nation shall be admitted
to live in this Commonwealth, I hope the next will be whether a
nation shall be suffered by a law to live amongst us to blaspheme
Christ. |
|
I should be glad to come up on some business which will suffer by
my absence, but will rest quiet until our business here is more
out of hand. I send a note of victuals and turnery ware put on
board the Cardiff and Marston Moor for the fleet. Your postscript consists of projects which will take time to discover, and
money to experiment; when they have performed what they propounded, I will say they are brave fellows. Pray inform me if any
news comes from Jamaica or any Spanish port, with the readiness of
the ships at Chatham and the River, as also the establishment of our
Commanders, if agreed upon. Very bad weather has retarded the
works. [1 page.] |
| Dec. 11. |
15. Admiralty Commissioners to the Navy Commissioners. On
an order from the Protector and Council, you are to enquire whether
Thos. Fuller, ironmonger, at the Ox's Hoof, near Billingsgate,
Abraham Jagger, salter, Thames Street, and Isaac Lawrence, and
Nich. Wild, Turkey merchants, will be sufficient sureties in 4,000l.
for Mr. Richaut and Mr. Leat, to whom commissions of reprisal are
to be granted, and certify with speed. [1 page.] |
| Dec. 11. |
Council. Day's Proceedings. |
|
1. Hugh Peters, Peter Sterry, and — Bulkely, of Eton College,
added to the ministers appointed to attend the Committee of
Council about the proposals of Manasseh Ben Israel. |
|
3. Confirmation of an augmentation by the Trustees for Maintenance of Ministers of 30l. a year to the minister of Shorthampton,
co. Oxon. Approved 12 Dec. |
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7. Col. Sydenham reports from the Committee on the business of
Customs the following order, to be made by the Protector and
Council:—That whereas there are large accounts in the Excise
books of sums unpaid by merchants and others, the Commissioners
are vigorously to call them in, and to levy them according to the
Acts of Parliament. The Commissioners for Appeals are to make
such abatements as they think fit, and determine differences
between the Commissioners of Excise and the merchants. |
|
10. The election of the magistrates of Sandwich, Kent, having
been ordered on 28 Nov. to be postponed till 24 Dec., and the Corporation having, this notwithstanding, elected a mayor, order suspending
all further elections there, and the town clerk is to attend the Committee of Council to whom the petition of the jurates and common
council is referred, with the charter and records. |
|
19. Confirmation of the order of the Trustees for Maintenance of
Ministers granting an augmentation of 50l. for carrying on the
work in Stafford, the charge being very great. Approved 18 Dec. |
|
20, 21. Like confirmation of 50l. to the minister of Chads, in
Lichfield, formerly supplied by the Dean and chapter; and of 60l.
to that of Richmond. Approved 18 Dec. [I. 76, pp. 412–5.] |
| Dec. 12. |
16. Petition of several army officers, and other well affected
purchasers of most of the lands and revenue of the Duchy of
Lancaster, to the Protector. In times of danger, we hazarded life
and fortune in the service, and were induced to purchase the
revenues because we were to have the same remedy for gaining our
rights as the late King, Queen, or Prince had. The Duchy and County
Palatine were erected by Henry V., and adorned with many honours
and manors, and the Duchy Court has continued since for the ease
of the people, and was the only way of getting in and ordering that
revenue. Its laying aside has been very prejudicial, as at common
law, the lawyers quarrel with the conveyances, and purchasers
lose their rights. Beg its resettlement; 15 signatures. [1 sheet.]
Annexing, |
|
16. i. Request by Cornelius Vermuyden, and 3 others who
follow the said business, that Thos. Fell may be ordered to
sit and determine the county business next term, and
may have the seal. 5 Dec. 1655. [¾ page.] |
| Dec. 12. |
17. Report by Lambert, Wolsley, and Jones on the above and
2 other petitions [see 14 Nov. 1655] concerning the Duchy and
County Palatine of Lancaster, that they have heard the parties, and
consulted counsel, and find that the jurisdiction of the Duchy and
County Palatine Court ended 10 Oct. 1653, but was revived till 1 Jan.
1653–4, and Thos. Fell was appointed chancellor and seal keeper;
also that he and Serjeant Bradshaw were appointed commissioners for
reviving the Duchy jurisdiction, but have not sat, and requesting an
order that Fell may repair to London in Hillary term, and sit to
determine causes, and that the seal of the County Palatine may be
returned to him for dispatch of business, but brought back to
Council by 21 Jan., with Fell's answer to the matter required of
him, in case he do not come to sit in person. [2½ pages.] |
| Dec. 12. |
Order according to the tenor of the above report. [I. 76, p. 417.] |
| Dec. 12. |
Council. Day's Proceedings. |
|
1. The information given concerning discoveries made at
Allhallows referred to Jones, Wolsley, Lisle, and Montague, with
power to examine witnesses and report. |
|
2. On a letter from Capt. Pley, deputy vice-admiral of co. Devon,
on examination of Chas. Altrose, skipper of the Daniel of Flushing,
order for a letter to Maj.-Gen. Desborow. [See p. 55 infra.] |
|
4. The Committee on Customs and Excise to consider the
business of the goods seized at Dartmouth in the said ship, and the
papers from Dartmouth read to-day, and to report. |
|
5. The petition of Tim. Pye, referred by his Highness to Council,
referred to the Committee on the seizure of 12 Dutch ships, to
report. |
|
6. The petition and papers of Wm. Billers, clerk of deliveries in
the Ordnance Office in the Tower, referred to the Admiralty
Commissioners, to report. |
|
7. The petition of Richard Viscount Lumley, referred by his
Highness to Council, read. |
|
8. The petition and remonstrance of Sir Rob. Fenn, late clerk
controller to the late King's household, read. |
|
9. Order—on report from the Committee on the Earl of
Calendar's case [see 15 Nov. 1655]—that the confiscation of his
estate be discharged, all sequestration taken off, his deeds and
evidences, and as much of his personal estate as remains in specie
restored, and the steward required to pay him as much of his last
2 years' rents as has not been accounted for to the trustees for
settling the estates of excepted persons in Scotland. Annexing, |
|
18. i. Report alluded to, containing an abstract of the case.
Signed by Lambert and Wolsley. [1¾ pages.] |
|
18. ii. Earl of Calendar to Lord Lambert. My estate being
useless, my debts have grown to 10,500l. with two years'
interest, a great burden to 800l. a year. I beg my rents
for 1654, so far as not paid in, and those for 1655;
if these are seized (with what I had for relief of my
engagements for the Earl of Dumfermline's debts) my
condition will be no better than if still forfeited.
[1 page.] |
|
18. iii. Breviate of the Earl of Calendar's estate. Rents in full
900l., from which the few duties and monthly assessments
are to be deducted. |
|
Debts 10,500l. with 1,260l. for 2 years' interest. |
|
The coal mine worth 100l. a year drowned and
ruined. |
|
The personal estate is very weak, because he was plundered, but there are evidences and writings. |
|
For the lands of the Earl of Dumfermline which he
holds in trust for payment of debts, he has agreed with
the trustees for a yearly payment of 266l. 13s. 4d. |
|
He requests his last 2 years' rents, since his forfeiture.
[2/3 page.] |
|
10. To advise the Trustees for Maintenance of Ministers to settle
on Ralph Punn, incumbent of Cardington Vicarage, co. Bedford, an
augmentation of 60l. a year. Approved 12 Dec. |
|
12. Also to grant an augmentation of 60l. to John Wheelwright,
Minister of Alford, co. Lincoln, who has a great charge of children,
beside the 40l. already allowed. |
|
13, 14. Confirmation of augmentations granted by the Trustees
for the Maintenance of Ministers, of 80l. to the minister of Swansea,
and 50l. to that of Neath, co. Glamorgan. |
|
17. Sec. Thurloe, Wm. Wheeler, Edm. Waller, and Fras. Dincke
of Hull added to the Commissioners for Trade. Approved 12 Dec. |
|
18. The 400l. ordered 12 Oct. and 27 Nov. last to Elizabeth,
widow Maj.-Gen. Heane, to be paid forthwith. |
|
19. Approval by the Protector of 2 orders of 30 Nov. and
11 Dec. [I. 76, pp. 416–8.] |
Dec. 12.
Whitehall. |
Pres. Lawrence to Gen. Desborow, Maj.-General of the Western
counties. Council hearing that 270 soldiers were lately embarked
at Mardike in the Daniel of Flushing for Sebastian, for the King
of Spain's service, and that the Daniel was by leakage forced into
Tor Bay, and afterwards was seized for the State, and brought to
Dartmouth, thinks fit to detain the said men, and as they cannot
be so well secured at Dartmouth, you are to see them distributed
to the garrisons of the West, and to give order for their maintainance [I. 76, p. 416.] |
Dec. 12/22.
Cassel. |
19. Bill for a coach ordered for the King at Cassel by the
English resident at Frankfort, Sir. Wm. Curtius, 4/14 Dec. Receipted
at Frankfort 12/22 Dec. by Jacob Jungman. [German and English,
1½ pages, endorsed by Nicholas.] |
Dec. 12.
Navy Office. |
Navy Commissioners to the Admiralty Commissioners. Yesterday
John Bonithon came to the Treasurer's office, demanding money on a
counterfeit ticket. The law will do little in such cases, notwithstanding the State's great charge in prosecution. On Monday, the
notorious Timberley, though found guilty by the jury, was fined but
6l. 13s. 4d. for 2 tickets of above 14l. Unless some way is taken to
strike terror, they will swarm upon us. [¾ page.] |
| Dec. 12. |
21, 22. Deposition of Ben. Phinnies, clerk in the Navy Office.
While casting up tickets in the Navy Treasury Office, Jno. Bonithon
asked me to take in his ticket, but I refused, it being dinner time,
and bade him come in the afternoon. |
|
Deposition of Wm. Burroughs, Navy clerk, that while similarly
employed, he found a counterfeit ticket, in the name of Jno. Lock,
midshipman of the Bristol, whom Bonithon represented himself to
be, and asked for the money. |
|
Deposition of Thos. Child, of Deptford, that he was present
at the time, and witnessed the transaction. [2 Copies.] Annexing, |
|
22. i. The counterfeit ticket alluded to. [Scrap.] |
| Dec. 12. |
23. Draft notes, partly in shorthand, that Jno. Bonithon alleges
that he never took a counterfeit ticket either to the Navy or
Treasury Office; that he has been at sea 6 years, was formerly
lieutenant of a private man-of-war, under Capt. Williams; was
in the Elenor frigate, and lastly in the Taunton as a reformado,
for 14 months. The Navy Commissioners to send an account of
what provisions have been sent on board the Marston and 4 other
ships, and Mr. Noel to certify as to those in the Success and
Lion, &c. [¾ page.] |
| Dec. 13. |
24. Petition of the mayor, aldermen, headboroughs, &c., of
Harwich to the Protector. The Trustees for Maintenance of
Ministers and uniting parishes have, on reference of our former
petition [see 19 Feb. 1655], disunited our chapel from Dovercourt
church, and we have engaged to allow a competent maintenance to
Alex. Pringell, our elected minister, who is able and faithful, by a
rate of 2s. in the pound on the houses. We beg you to maintain
his election, and confirm the division, and grant that the future
elections may be in the hands of the inhabitants. With note of his
Highness's approval of what has been done, and reference of the
petition and papers annexed to Council, to accomplish so good a
work. 20 Nov. 1655. [1 sheet.] |
| Dec. 13. |
Reference thereon by Council to Montague, Sydenham, Jones,
Rous, and Skippon, to report. [I. 76, p. 420.] |
| Dec. 13. |
Council. Day's Proceedings. |
|
1, 2. Order on petition of Judith, wife of Col. Edm. Harvey, a
prisoner in the Tower, that the Committee on his business concerning the Customs hasten their charge against him. |
|
5. To advise his Highness to send an Agent to Portugal. |
|
6, 8. Col. Jones reports some examinations taken by the Committee on the proceedings at Allhallows, which were read, and the
Committee who brought them in ordered to consider the most commodious way to suppress the Monday meeting there, and to report.
The Lord Deputy of Ireland and Lord Lambert added to the Committee. |
|
9. The same Committee to consider what should be done to
prevent the inconvenience of like meetings in future, and to
report. |
|
10. To advise payment of 200l. from the Army Contingencies to
Major Rich. Creed, who, when the late Col. Saunders' regiment was
a year without colonel, was at charges in services at Gloucester and
North and South Wales, in reference to the late insurrection. |
|
11. The Army Committee to order the War Treasurers to pay
Wm. Walker 400l. for Army Contingencies. |
|
12. The Lord Deputy of Ireland, Lambert, Sydenham, Montague,
and Strickland, to speak with Lieut.-Gen. Ludlow on to-day's debate,
and report. |
|
13. The arms now at Raby Castle belonging to the State, as
well as those late of Sir Henry Vane, contracted for and bought
for the State's use, to be removed and given into the charge of the
governor of Tynemouth Castle; Col. Rob. Lilburne to take order
for their removal, and send in to Council the charge thereof, and a
list of the articles. [I. 76, pp. 419-20.] |
| Dec. 13. |
25. Admiralty Commissioners to the Navy Commissioners. On an
Order of Council, they are to enquire whether Hum. Beane, of
Martin's vintry, merchant, Thos. Gould and David Young, of
Magdalen's, Bermondsey, merchant and mariner, and Thos. Cowell,
of Tower Hill, merchant, are sufficient security in 4,000l. for Col.
Payne and Major Hawes, to whom a commission of reprisal is to be
granted. [¾ page.] |
| Dec. 13/23. |
26. Sir Rich. Page to Sec. Nicholas. I send you Mr. Bradshaw's
bond executed, with many thanks for your trouble. I wish all were
so open that men of integrity should not lie under misinterpretation;
but we must bear the world's censure till the Great Discoverer distinguish between the just and the faulty. I would gladly save you
if I could. [1 page. Endorsed R. 4 Jan. 1655-6.] |
| Dec. 13. |
27. Solomon Nash to his tutor Williamson, at Edw. Norris',
Lincoln's Inn. I thank you for your favour, and industry for my
spiritual and temporal welfare, and regret my ingratitude in not
better using my opportunities. I beg your prayers that God may
bless my endeavours to his glory, and the advancement of truth.
I pray that he may guide you by sea and land. [1½ pages.] |
Dec. 14.
Navy Office. |
28. Navy Commissioners to the Admiralty Commissioners. We
send you the result of our thoughts for the encouragement of
midshipmen, as through partiality and private interest, the true
interest of the State may be abused. |
|
We ordered a survey of the Wren Pink, and received a return
from the master shipwright that she is not worth repairing. As
several of the Flemish ships at Woolwich are in like condition,
we desire orders for their disposal, to save the excessive spoil of
ground tackle required for their security. We find you are changing
the boatswains and other officers of several ships, but hope you will
speedily put others in their room, so that the stores may be
secured and the works on the ships dispatched. [1½ pages.] Annexing, |
|
28. i. Note that the captains be instructed not to enter any but
able mariners, fit to navigate, or capable of discharging
the duties of gunner or boatswain, and not under 21
years of age; and that the chief commanders of the
squadrons inspect and approve of those for their own
squadrons. [½ page.] |
Dec. 14.
Ordnance Office. |
29. Ordnance officers to the Admiralty Commissioners. The
broken iron ordnance and shot amounts to 79 tons. The price of
broken iron ordnance last sold by the Commissioners of Survey was
3l. 11s. 0d. a ton, and 3l. 5s. 0d. a ton for broken shot; but we
cannot certify what more may be advanced upon sale by the candle.
[1 page.] |
Dec. 14.
Ordnance Office. |
30. Ordnance officers to the Admiralty Commissioners. The
powder now in the stores was all received from Gen. Blake and
Gen. Penn's fleet, except 300 barrels. None of the new powder
received from the makers has been found decayed. [¾ page.] |
Dec. 14.
Ordnance Office. |
31. Ordnance officers to the Admiralty Commissioners. We never
received any orders to take care that the powder makers should be
obliged to the State as to the duration of their powder, beyond that
they are to make it tower proof. We have not tried how long it
will retain its strength, not having had any great quantity beforehand, until within the last two years; but we conceive it will retain
its strength 20 years, if kept dry and the casks tight. [1 page.] |
Dec. 15.
Portsmouth. |
32. Capt. Fras. Willoughby to Robt. Blackborne. Thanks for
remembering Mr. Country; I have no relation to him beyond
pity. As to Robt. Neale, if I can be instrumental in presenting
persons anyways fit for service, and do good to such persons, I have
my end. I have your full relation of what passed last Wednesday
about the Jews. I know not but Mr. Peters came as near as some
others in his advice. It is a business of no small concern; they are
a people to whom many glorious promises are made, but they are
as full of blasphemy as any under the sun; a self seeking generation,
and those who are the greatest sticklers mind little but their own
accommodation; and whether they can prove themselves Jews is a
question to me. |
|
We are making all haste with the works, and hope to be ready
in a fit time. The Hampshire has come in, the Tiger is tallowed,
and 3 others sheathed, and three more will be ready next week.
[1 page.] |
Dec. 17.
Portsmouth. |
33. Capt. Fras. Willoughby to Robt. Blackborne. Thanks for
your large letter about the Jews, by which I perceive there are
workings of the heart to know God's mind in a business of such
consequence. I hope it is in truth, and that the Lord will appear
so as that their table may not prove our snare. I see cause to fall
in with Mr. Peters again, especially with the latter part of his
discourse, for there may be just grounds to question whether they
be Jews; and it may be observed that some of them have made but
little conscience of their own principles. What is to be done about
the men of the Hampshire, who have been landed in the town
suffering from the smallpox, brought on from want of clothes, of
which they are quite destitute ? I want copies of the Instructions
to Captains and Pursers for distribution. |
|
P.S.—How are our 40 ships provided with commanders ? [1 page.] |
Dec. 17.
Ordnance Office. |
34. Rules by the Ordnance officers to be observed by gunners of
the State's ships and frigates, for the better regulating of their
accounts. |
|
When their ship is appointed for sea, to give notice to the Ordnance
officers when it will be ready to take in their stores, so as to prevent
the demurrage of hoys, by its not being ready to receive them. |
|
To keep a clear and full monthly account of all great ordnance
fired by salute or otherwise during the voyage, mentioning the
nature and number of the ordnance, and the day they were fired. |
|
Also of all collars of bandoleers spent in exercising, keeping watch,
or otherwise. |
|
Also of the expenditure or loss of round shot of all natures, and
likewise every particular mentioned in their indenture. |
|
No powder or other stores to be delivered for ships but by order
under the captain's hand, and a receipt taken from the consignees,
that they may be charged therewith on passing their accounts. |
|
If any powder be wasted or damnified by wet, through leakage
or other casualty, the captain is to certify the loss on the gunner's
account, that it may be allowed. |
|
The captain is to certify what powder is spent in priming for the
whole voyage, and what he judges may be wasted in filling cartridges. |
|
An account is to be kept of all stores received at sea from any
ships, or in any other place, for additional supplies, to be certified
by the captain at the end of the gunners' accounts, so that they
may be charged therewith. On the return of any ships from sea,
the gunner is to give notice to the Ordnance officers at the Tower
for all that come to Chatham, Woolwich, and Deptford, or to the
storekeeper at Portsmouth for such as come in there, that their
remains may be taken before the men are paid off. [2½ pages.] |
| Dec. 17. |
35. Note that Capel said that after showing Cord the letter
of Attorney from Raymans, Cord was always pressing him to
prosecute the suit against Hill of Rochester, and offered to lend
him 5l. to do so, and when he told Cord he was fearful he should
run into danger thereby, Hill being employed in the service of the
State, he replied he did not care a straw for them. Tovey, the
Attorney, has had for the last 5 terms from 30s. to 2l. a term for
the suit, and Cord had 10s. of him. With shorthand note that
Cord is to be responsible for the damage touching Hill. [½ page.] |
| Dec. [17]. |
36. Statement of the Attorney in the case Raymans against Hill.
In Trinity Term 1654, the Plaintiff brought an action of Trover in
the office of Pleas of the Exchequer, for tobacco and other goods
wrongfully taken from him by the Defendant. In Michaelmas Term
1654, the Defendant pleaded not guilty, and on that issue, the cause
was brought down that term before Thorpe, a Baron of the
Exchequer, at Guildhall, London; when the Defendant informing
the Baron by petition that his witnesses were not ready, the cause,
by the request of the Baron and consent of the Plaintiff, was referred
to arbitration, but nothing was done, and so the business rested
until Michaclmas term 1655, when the record was brought down
again before Lord Chief Baron Steele at Guildhall. After evidence
had been fully heard on both sides, the Lord Chief Baron moved
that the matter in difference might be referred to the two foremen
of the jury on the cause, which was done by consent of both parties,
and the jury were to deliver their opinion thereon within a week; but
both parties not meeting before the said jurymen, nothing was done.
Thereupon the defendant, at the last sitting of the Lord Chief Baron,
being on 1 Dec. last, brought down the cause by proviso to be tried,
but the Plaintiff having no notice, nor being ready to attend the
trial, the Lord Chief Baron referred it back to the two foremen,
before whom it yet remains. I was retained for the Plaintiff by
Mr. Cord, a solicitor, and Mr. Capel, who has a letter of attorney
from the Plaintiff, beyond seas, to prosecute on his behalf. [1½ pages.] |
Dec. 17.
London. |
Levant Company to Geo. Baker, treasurer, and the factory at
Aleppo. We approve your election of Baker as treasurer, and
request punctual collection of our dues, especially upon the Golden
Fleece, which has just sailed hence. Mr. Vincent will send a list
of the goods entered here, that if any have escaped payment, you
may collect the 2½ dollars per cloth, besides the consulage. We are
confident of your concurrence. I hope you will avoid divisions
among yourselves or with the Consul. Rob. Frampton comes as
your minister, and is to have 400 dollars a year, and his diet in the
Consul's house as usual. |
|
The Golden Fleece, having some goods for Leghorn, could not take
all the cloth; the Ann Bonadventure will take the rest to Leghorn,
and there deliver it to the Golden Fleece. [Levant Papers, Vol. 4,
p. 257.] |
Dec. 17.
London. |
Levant Company to Rich. Lawrence, Constantinople. We wonder
you insist on a call from the State for your return, since you were
never introduced into the employment you were designed for,
which was in our interest; only we shall not continue your allowance,
and we expressly order your return, unless your own business detains
you. [Levant Papers, Vol. 4, p. 258.] |
Dec. 18.
London. |
Levant Company to Hen. Riley, Consul at Aleppo. We recommend
Rob. Frampton, your minister, who is now setting sail to you. The
more we know him, the more we are satisfied of your contentment
under his ministry. He brings several books which we have provided on notice of your great want, and which are to remain for
succeeding ministers. [Levant Papers, Vol. 4, p. 256.] |
| Dec. 18. |
37. Petition of Ant. Fernandez Caravajal, merchant and free
denizen of this Commonwealth, to the Protector. I have most of
my estate in the Canary Islands, and to recover it, have hired the
Seafortune of Dover; I filled it with Hollanders, in confidence that
my factor there will procure lading, and prevent its being seized
or embargoed as belonging to English subjects; to save it, I have
ordered him to consign all the lading to merchants in Amsterdam,
though it is really mine, and is to come direct for London. I hope
you will approve my purpose, and order your men-of-war to assist
the ship, the rather as, since you made me a denizen, I have declined
obedience to the King of Spain, which the late Spanish Ambassador
noticed, and therefore, in case of seizure, I can expect no better
measure than an English subject. I beg an order that my ship may
come safe to this port without interruption. With reference to
Council 9 Nov. 55. [1 page.] |
| Dec. 18. |
Reference thereon by Council to Jones, Strickland, Lambert, and
Rous, to speak with the Admiralty Commissioners and report.
[I. 76, p. 421.] |
| Dec. 18. |
Note of a petition of Nich. Cockayne, to be heard upon the
difference between him, Mr. Duncombe, and Mr. Meade, concerning
the rectory of Great Brickhill. |
|
Also of a petition of John Duncombe that his title to the said
presentation may not be prejudiced. [I. 92, No. 515.] |
| Dec. 18. |
Order on report on the business of Mead and John Duncombe
[see 27 Nov. 1655], that Meade preach at Great Brickhill without
interruption, till the business is settled. Approved 19 Dec. [I. 76,
p. 422.] Annexing, |
|
38. Report alluded to, that Duncombe was in arms for the
late King, but not being sequestrated, was pardoned by
the Act of Oblivion; that he is an enemy to the honest
party, and will present any rather than Mead, who is
endeared to the people by his pains and piety, and they
petition for him, but Duncombe has obtained a verdict
against him. Also that Mead should preach till the case
is settled. Signed by Strickland and Jones. [1 page.] |
|
38. i. State of the case that Thos. Duncombe, as patron, granted
the next presentation to Nich. Cockayne, in reversion after
Fras. Charlett, who died April 1653. That Duncombe
dying, his son and heir John presented, though incapacitated by the grant to Cockayne, and his own delinquency.
That Cockayne not presenting within 6 months, the presentation devolved by lapse to the Great Seal, and in Jan.
1653–4 was given to Mead. He is sued by Cockayne,
and gets a new title from his Highness, but cannot get
an instrument of approbation, because of caveats entered
against the title. He requests settlement in the rectory,
as earnestly desired by the godly there, having spent 200l.
in suits, and preached 3 years already. [1 page.] |
|
38. ii. Grant by Thos. Duncombe of the first advowson of the
said rectory to John Duncombe, Wm. Gilpin, and Nich.
Cockayne. 29 April 1629. [Copy, Latin; ½ page.] |
| Dec. 18. |
39. Petition of Thos. Smithsby, John Blackwell, Nich. Bond,
John Smith, and John Embree, servants of the late King and Prince,
to the Protector, for a Privy Seal for payment of the debts due to
them, according to an Order of Council. To the same effect as that
of 28 April 1654. [½ page; also I. 92, No. 328.] |
| Dec. 18. |
Order thereon in Council that, for the present, the petition be laid
aside. [I. 76, p. 424.] |
| Dec. 18. |
40. Petition of Thos. White, Major of Major-General Fortescue's
Regiment, to the Protector. Has faithfully served since 1648. When
the army set forth for the West Indies, left Col. Goffes' regiment,
and went with it, where, in an encounter with two of the enemy, he
was dangerously wounded in Jamaica. By request of the council
of officers, had leave from General Venables to return home, where
he has been chiefly under the surgeon's hands. Is now reasonably
recovered, and intends for foreign service. Begs a small sum to set
him forth, on account of his pay due. [1 page.] |
| Dec. 18. |
Order thereon in Council, advising payment to him of 50l. from
the Army Contingencies. [I. 76, p. 424.] |
| Dec. 18. |
Council. Day's Proceedings. |
| Dec. 18. |
1. 41. Order on report from the Admiralty Commissioners on the
petition of Lady Mary Darcy (See 5 March 1655), that she have
one third the value of the 11 bars of silver, and that the rest
be paid into the Exchequer. Annexing, |
|
41. i. Report alluded to, that Ald Frederick, wanting a vessel for
Newfoundland, ordered the Anne to be bought, and gave
390l. for it, at Plymouth, some present at the sale bidding
very high for it, knowing, as he thinks, of the silver. After
repairs, the ship made but one voyage to Alicant and back
to London, and being leaky, was cast away in her next
voyage to Dartmouth, at Birling, Sussex, when 13 little
bars of silver were found, two of which were taken by
force by the country people, and the other 11 with difficulty
saved, and carried to a house at Lewes for security.
Ald. Frederick sending to Lewes for the silver, it was
refused, whereon he consulted with [Dan.] Budd, his
Highness's Proctor, who said that though the silver belonged
to the State, he could give him a warrant to receive it,
which he did, and the value, charges deducted, is 252l. 7s. 8d.
Budd thereon informed Col. Cork, and he the Protector.
The silver we conceive to belong to the State. 5 June 1655.
[1 page.] |
|
41. ii. Case of Ald. John Frederick. Account of the purchase
of the ship, formerly the Mary of St. Malo. Spent
194l. 19s. 4d. on her repairs, and she made but one
voyage. Has taken out warrants to recover the two bars
that were stolen. Mr. Porter, tenant of Birling manor
house, and deputy to the lord of the manor, refused to
secure the silver, therefore a horse and guide had to be
hired to take it to Lewes, and meanwhile much of the
ship's provisions that might otherwise have been saved
were lost, being left to the mercy of the country; yet
Porter, though refusing any help, claimed the best anchor
and cable. With other details given in the report.
[1 page.] |
|
41. iii. Draft of the above. [2 pages.] |
|
2. The petitions of the master, wardens, and commonalty of the
mystery of cordwinders of London; of the master, wardens, and
fellowship of the cordwinders of Bristol; and of the shoemakers in
the town and county of Leicester, referred to the Treasury Commissioners, to report. |
|
3. The Earl of Calendar standing bound to return to Scotland by
a certain day, and being unable to do it on account of his attendance
on Council for a business requiring further time, order that he have
liberty to return by this day 6 weeks, and that no advantage be
taken of his sureties meantime. |
|
8. The petition of Wm. Barker and Adam Walker, citizens of
London, and Wm. Portington, of London, concerning felons and
vagrants, and a report from the Mayor of London, Mr. Recorder,
and the presidents of the 4 hospitals, read. |
|
9. Order confirming that of 27 Nov. for release of the Marquis of
Argyle from prosecution by the Countess of Dirleton, she enjoined
to release her arrest, and the bailiffs of Westminster ordered to
deliver up the bail bonds given by him for his appearance.
Approved 19 Dec. |
|
11. Order on report of the Committee on the petition of the clerks
of the Signet and Privy Seal [see 19 Sept. 1655], that each of the
4 clerks of the said offices should have 150l. a year, and that the
fees in a list subjoined, varying from 2l. to 3s. 4d. on the sealing
of documents, should be permitted. Annexing, |
|
42. Report alluded to, signed by Mulgrave, Lisle, and Wolsley,
advising 100l. a year to each clerk, but to be increased, if
needful, so that with fees, each clerk should receive 200l. a
year. [1 page.] |
|
13. Order on report from the Committee on the Patriarch Jacob
of Amsterdam, seized by Capt. Saunders of the Tiger, between
Amsterdam, and Rouen, that the ship and appurtenances be
discharged, and the Admiralty judges give order to all concerned.
Approved 19 Dec. |
|
14. Thos. Ball, master of music, to have leave to teach music in
and about London and Westminster, and to reside there, the late
instructions notwithstanding. |
|
16. Order on petition of Sir Rich. Willis, prisoner at Lyme, that
he have leave to go beyond seas, on security not to return without
licence. |
|
17. Order—on petition of Col. Edm. Harvey, prisoner in the
Tower, that the Committee on his business examine him on the
matters before them touching customs to-morrow. The Lieutenant
of the Tower to send or bring him in safe custody; also to send
for a physician to certify his condition, as he is said to be sick. |
|
18. A paper entitled the Earl of Sussex's case read. |
|
19. The Committee of Council on the distressed Protestants of
Piedmont to communicate to the Committee for management of the
collection for them a letter to the Protector now read, of 27 Nov.,
from the syndic and council of Geneva, and to report. Montague,
Wolsley, and Lisle added to the Committee. |
|
20. To-morrow and in future Council to meet at 9 a. m. and rise
at 12. |
|
22. Approval by the Protector of 4 orders of 11 and 12 Dec.
[I. 76. p. 422–24.] |
Dec. 18.
Whitehall. |
Pres. Lawrence to Lord Broghill, President of Council in Scotland.
Wm. Pennoyer, merchant, has applied for relief touching the William
of London and her lading. Council refers the case to you and
your Council, to determine it according to justice, but recommending
convenient expedition. [I. 76. p. 421.] Annexing, |
|
43. Report on the case, that the vessel returning from the West
Indies with tobacco, elephants' teeth, &c., value 1,800l., and
arriving in the Clyde, near Dumbarton, the goods were
carried away by fraud into cellars at Glasgow, belonging
to Rob. Stuart and Colin Campbell. Proceedings were
taken in Scotland, but were interrupted by the wars. It
was then referred to the English judges, whose opinions
were divided [see 25 Sept., supra] and to several Parliaments which were dissolved, and it should be referred
to the Council in London. [1 page.]. |
| Dec. 19. |
44. Petition of Alexander, Earl of Kellie, to the Protector. I
have most willingly embraced your leave to go over sea, but I cannot
undertake the journey in the meanest capacity on what you allowed
me for it, as I must discharge myself here. There is still a large sum
due to me on my allowance. Pray give me such an addition to it as
will enable me to leave your dominions, and seek a fortune in some
place where Providence may make me live like a gentleman. [1 page.] |
| Dec. 19. |
45. Petition of [John] Viscount Grandison to the Protector. I have
received your act of grace for my deliverance from long imprisonment, and for 50l. for my transportation; but that sum will hardly
set me free from this place [Isle of Wight], therefore I beg an
augmentation. [1 page.] |
| Dec. 19. |
Order on the above 2 petitions to request his Highness to grant
to each petitioner 50l. beside the 50l. ordered them 30 Aug. 1655.
[I. 76. p. 424.] |
Dec. 19.
Whitehall. |
Patent by the Protector for Wm. Cutler and George Blake,
gentlemen of London, to be surveyors of the subordinate officers of
the customs and excise in England, Wales, and Berwick on Tweed, to
discover all frauds, defects, and neglects of them, or of merchants, exporters or importers, traders, or dealers in customable goods, and give
an account to the Protector, Council, or the Committee for regulating
excise and customs; to seize all goods delivered contrary to the
laws and ordinances for customs and excise, and to execute any
further directions. [I. 76A, p. 190; I. 76, p. 425.] |
| [Dec. 19.] |
46. Peter Cole to the Council at Whitehall. I send a certificate
how long my vessel, the Fraternity ketch, was in the State's service
before she could be allowed to go for New England, and since her
departure, she has been a month at Cowes, to my great loss. I beg
an order for damages, having several times waited an answer. 8 Nov.
1655. With certificate by John Gardner, master, and 3 passengers,
that the vessel, bound for Boston, lay in the Downs from 26 Sept. to
3 Oct. before the State's letters came aboard, at a charge of 50s. a
day.—Downs, 8 Oct. 1655. |
| Dec. 19. |
47–49. Order thereon for the payment of the 50s. a day
demurrage whilst the vessel was waiting to receive Mr. Gookin, who
was bound to New England on the Commonwealth service.
[3 copies; also I. 76, p. 426.] |
| [Dec. 19.] |
50. List of "friends" [Quakers] in co. Northampton fit to rule
for God, with particulars of their characters and estates, viz., Thomas
Allen, of Dingley, John Makernes of Thingdon, Wm. Souill of Hardingstone. |
|
Names of those who do not persecute, but are loving to
"friends"—Adam Baines of Holmby, Thos. Bletsoe of Addington,
Fras. Cook of Kingsthorp, Mr. Knightly, member in the last Parliament, Wm. Raynsborrow of Higham Park, whose brother was
murdered, Hen. Benson, sheriff of the county, and Thos. Nottingham. |
|
Also list of those now in commission who have all along given the
power unto the Beast, and have fought with the Lamb, and to
this day think they do God service in imprisoning His servants,
&c.,— |
|
Wm. Butler of Oundle, John Broune of Kettering, John Farmer
of Daventry, Geo. Benson of Tossiter, Jno. Mansill of Thorpe, and his
son, Fras. Harvey of Weston, Wm. Ward of Houghton, Jno. Norton of
Cotterstock, John Thornton, and Robert Guy, clerk of the peace;
with instances of their persecutions of Quakers. [1 sheet. Endorsed
with 19 signatures.] |
| Dec. 19. |
Order in Council that Pickering signify to Butler, Major-General
[for cos. Northampton, Bedford, Rutland, and Hunts] his Highness's
pleasure for release of some imprisoned Quakers, according to a letter
this day read. [I. 76, p. 426.] |
| Dec. 19. |
Council. Day's Proceedings. |
|
5. Order,—on report from the Admiralty Commissioners offering
that 1,200 land soldiers may be distributed among the ships preparing
for the State's service,—that 2,000 be so distributed, and be ready to
go on board in such proportions as the said Commissioners shall
direct. Lord Lambert and the Lord Deputy of Ireland to consider
how this may best be done. |
|
6. A report from the Admiralty Commissioners concerning the
sale of several small brass guns mentioned in an annexed list, being
certified as unserviceable, read. |
|
51. Order on report from the Admiralty Commissioners,—showing
the want of faithful ministers to serve in the fleet, and the inconsiderableness of the maintenance formerly given to navy ministers,
arising only by a defalcation of 4d. a month from each seaman's wages, amounting now to not much above 40l. a-year on an
average of the ships,—that an allowance not exceeding 100l. a year
each be given to such of 20 ministers proposed as the Commissioners
for approbation of ministers certify as fit. |
|
8. To advise payment to Fras. Hodges, treasurer of the assignations
for officers and soldiers in America of 2,000l., to be paid to their
wives and assignees, by orders of Hodges, Bowes, and Creed. |
|
12. Pickering to signify to Maj.-Gen. Butler his Highness's
pleasure for release of some Quakers imprisoned, according to the
substance of a letter read to-day. |
|
13. The Treasury Commissioners and Lord Lambert to compute
the customs and excise for a parcel of lead which the French ambassador wishes to export free for his master's service. |
|
16. The Savoy business to be considered to-morrow. |
|
17. Order on report on the petition of the Mayor, &c., of Harwich
[See 13 Dec. 1655] confirming the judgment of the Trustees for
Maintenance of Ministers thereon, of 8 Nov. 1655. Annexing, |
|
52. Report alluded to, signed by Montague and Jones. [1 page.] |
|
52. i. Order by the Trustees for Maintenance of Ministers alluded
to,—considering that Dovercourt is more than 1¾ miles from
Harwich, and the ways very dirty in winter, and that
Dovercourt vicarage is of 25l. a year value; also on
hearing the petition of the mayor, &c., of Harwich, and of
Thos. Tookey, minister of Dovercourt, and considering
that the Harwich people undertake to provide for their
minister without charge to the public,—that they be
distinct parishes, but that the minister of Harwich be
presented by the patron of Dovercourt. 6 signatures.
8 Nov. 1655. [Copy, 1½ sheets.] |
|
18. Approval by the Protector of 4 orders of 18 Dec. [I. 76,
pp. 424–7.] |
Dec. 19.
Whitehall. |
The Protector to the Admiralty Commissioners. According to an
order in Council of 8 Nov. last, you are to assign trees in Somersham
Park, reserved for the State, to the value of 300l., for the building
of Clare Hall, Cambridge University, and deliver them to the
nominees of the master and wardens. [I. 112, p. 260.] |
Dec. 19.
Navy Office. |
53. Navy Commissioners to the Admiralty Commssioners. We
have made the best enquiry we could to learn the sufficiency of
Thos. Fuller and Abr. Jagger as securities for 4000l.; also of Isaac
Lawrence and Nich. Wild, and of Hum. Beane, Thos. Gould, David
Young, and Thomas Cowell, for the like sum; but as men's judgments are so various therein, we cannot give any opinion, but leave
the further consideration thereof to you. [2/3 page.] |
| Dec. 20. |
54. Petition of Joan, Countess of Kildare, to his Highness's Council.
Thanks for relief given in the greatest straits to her and 6 small
children. Has a warrant to Ald. Walley, of Chester, for 30l., which
she cannot obtain, because he has given up his accounts and quitted
his employment. Begs an order for payment by Capt. Whitworth
or some other employed in Walley's place, and a pass for transporting
herself and family to Ireland, whence she hopes not again to trouble
them. [1 page.] |
Dec. 20.
Whitehall. |
Warrant thereon by Council for payment of the 30l., besides
the 120l. already ordered her from Council's contingencies, to defray
the transport of the countess and her children to Ireland. [I. 105,
p. 184; I. 76, p. 382.] |
| Dec. 20. |
Council. Day's Proceedings. |
|
3. Council to meet this afternoon, and a summons to be sent
them in that behalf. |
|
4. Order—on report from the Committee on the French ambassador's desire to export some lead custom free, that the customs and
excise on 8,000 cwt. of lead, if exported by natives, is 533l. 6s. 8d.,
and if by strangers, 933l. 6s. 8d.—that the ambassador have leave
to export it duty free. |
|
5. A warrant of May 30, 1655, to Frost, for payment of 150l. out
of the Council's contingencies to Geo. Vaux, as housekeeper and
cleaner of passages in Whitehall for a year, to be signed. |
|
6. 54a. The Army Committee empowered to issue warrants to the
War Treasurers to issue 30,000l. for the forces in Ireland, and send it
in wagons to Chester, and the Admiralty Commissioners to appoint
a ship to transport it at once. |
|
7. The Irish Committee to learn the state of the arrears due to the
Irish forces, and to give advice about a future supply. |
|
10. The petition of Col. Harvey to be read on Tuesday. |
|
11. On report from the Committee for Scotland, order that Simons,
the engraver, engrave a great seal, a privy seal, and a quarter seal
for Scotland. |
|
12. Confirmation of augmentation by the Trustees for Maintenance of Ministers of 50l. a-year to the minister of Gravesend.
[I. 76, pp. 427–9.] |
Dec. 20.
Whitehall. |
Pres. Lawrence to Maj-Gen. Berry. A warrant has been brought
in to Council, signed by Griffith Jones, Griffith Williams, and
Edm. Glynn, 3 Justices of the Peace for co. Carnarvon, grounded on
his Highness's proclamation for executing the laws against Jesuits
and for conviction of Popish recusants, on which warrant several
honest people have been troubled, as it summons all who have not
received the Sacrament for a year, and are over 21 years of age, [or
are suspected to be popishly affected], to appear before the Justices
of the Peace on Dec. 4 at the Shire Hall, Carnarvon, whereby the
proclamation is perverted. Council therefore refers the matter to
you, to prevent further trouble to conscientious people, and to
receive their complaints. [I. 76, p. 428.] |
Dec. 20.
Whitehall. |
Pres. Lawrence to the President and Council of Scotland. A
Great Seal is ordered for Scotland, but Council wants to know to
what uses it is to be applied, that they may prepare instructions
accordingly, and an account must be returned of every occasion on
which it is used, that care may be taken for consistency between
such things as pass the Great Seal of England and Scotland. [I. 76,
p. 429.] |
| Dec. 21. |
55. Petition of Rich. Chambers, merchant, late alderman and
sheriff of London, to the Protector. In 1628 and 1629 I had
7,060l. unjustly taken from me, for maintaining the rights of
Parliament, and I suffered 6 years' imprisonment, for which in 1642
they voted me 13,680l. out of the 165,000l. received from the old
farmers of customs for their delinquency. I was then chosen alderman, and in 1644 sheriff, which I wished to decline, but Parliament pressed me to hold the place, to the expense of 4,000l. My
payment being put off, through urgent occasions for money, in 1648
I was made surveyor and check in the Custom House,—an office then
worth 600l. a year,—which I held 8 months, and was then put out,
on a general remove of the officers. |
|
The late King owed me and my wife 5,000l. on privy seal, and
1,250l. for linen cloth, which was to be paid by 100 marks a year
from Sir Thos. Dawes' office of the customs of tobacco. I am aged
and wearied out by 14 years' fruitless attendance, during which I
have served in person, and lent 580l. 18s. 6d. on public faith, and
I have to mortgage my estate to support my wife and 9 children. I
beg to serve as a commissioner of customs, a place I once held for 2
years. Noted as delivered to the Protector 19 Dec. 1655.
[1 page.] |
| Dec. 21. |
56. Petition of Rich. Chambers to Council, to assist his Highness
in relieving his present condition. [¾ page.] |
| Dec. 21. |
57. Reference thereon to the Commissioners to whom the
business of customs is referred, to report. Mr. Strickland to take
care thereof. [¾ page. Also I. 76, p. 430.] |
| Dec. 21. |
58. Proposal addressed by Chambers to the said Commissioners:— |
|
1. To consider my long sufferings, and find a way for my relief. |
|
2. To report your opinions to Council. |
|
3. To help me to some part of the sum voted me by Parliament. |
|
4. To accept me as a commissioner for customs at the Port of
London. [2/3 page.] |
| Dec. 21. |
59. Petition of the Earl-Marshal of Scotland to the Protector.
You allowed me liberty for a month to recover my health, but the
time is almost expired, and my sickness, through the rigour of the
weather, is still dangerous. I beg release on bail, or extension of
my liberty, that my distemper may be cured by the better season of
the year. [2/3 page.] |
| Dec. 21. |
Order thereon in Council for the extension of his liberty another
month on the former terms. [I. 76, p. 430.] |
| Dec. 21. |
Council. Day's Proceedings. |
|
3. The Swedish papers to be considered next Tuesday. |
|
4. The petition of Sir Wm. Harvey, not to be concluded under
delinquency till further examination of his case, referred to Major
Haynes, and the Commissioners appointed to execute instructions for
securing peace in co. Suffolk, to examine and report. |
|
5. The Irish Committee to consider what was debated to-day
concerning prisoners, and to report. |
|
6. To advise a warrant for 200l. to Col. Cooper, for his journey to
Ireland on the State's service. Approved in person. |
|
7. The Lord-Deputy of Ireland to give commissions and instructions to Col. Cooper. |
|
8. The Committee of Council for examining passages at Allhallows
to meet this afternoon. The Lord-Deputy of Ireland, Pickering,
Fiennes, and Strickland, added thereto. |
|
11. Ed. Cooke, of Field Place, Rich. Knowles, of Waterfeild, Geo.
Edmunds, Thos. Ballard, Geo. Taylor, and the Mayor of Arundel,
added to the Commissioners for Assessments in Sussex. [I. 76,
pp. 430-1.] |
Dec. 24.
London. |
Levant Company to Sir Thos. Bendish. Thanks for your care in
the late Tunis business. We depend on your future watchfulness
in preserving the privileges of the nation, and our estates from
question on this account. |
|
We have ordered Mr. Lawrence's return, as he cannot contribute
to our affairs by his stay. His scruple of expecting a call from the
State is needless and irrational. [Levant papers, Vol. 4, p. 258.] |
Dec. 24./Jan.3.
Brussels. |
60. Sir Hen. Langdale to Sec. Nicholas, Cologne. The design I
mentioned to you was that of the Levellers. I fear there are curious
eyes over me here, because it is observed that I receive weekly
letters from you; I have been asked captious questions, which
makes me more cautious in writing, and I have little worth
troubling you about. |
|
The Spaniard continues on his slow pace towards our King. It
is thought Cromwell will patch up a trade-peace. Marquis Barrière
is ordered to continue in London. It is said the Swiss will soon
rise, and the French Hugenots with them. I wish all this fair show
may not end in a war with Holland, because Cromwell is preparing
flat-bottomed boats, and small frigates, which cannot be for the Indies,
and the French will not let him take any places in this country. I
hear of no vessels taken on either side. If you have no better hopes
from hence than I send you, it is high time to look somewhere else,
both for the King and the Levellers. If there could be any means
to unite that party to his Majesty, it would be a better foundation
than any I hear of, and to begin only with the King's party will but
make a second part of an ill tragedy; but the Levellers here are
kept secret, and not to be spoken with. [2 pages.] |
| Dec. 24. |
60a. T. Ross to [Sec. Nicholas]. In the enclosed letter, Dick
the surgeon has sent all he has to say about Halsey, who is the
person he names as my companion in a dangerous sea voyage. I
hope you now have the character (cypher) from Mr. Lane to understand the rest, but you will not find in it the word Glasier, which
I think is put for Massey. Dick waits your answer in London. I
am sorry you have no more satisfaction from my thumb friend; he
wishes me to forbear writing till I hear from him. His friends will
be brought to no reason till they see which way Spain inclines, and
our master is disposed. The panic fear which now involves the
whole nation has entered the most generous breasts. If my friend
make not good what he promised, I hope it will not be imputed to
me, who will never waive hazard to testify my integrity. If you
send an agent to England, let him visit my friend by that token of
taking him by the thumb, that you may learn what can be done, for
persons are not so much feared as letters. |
|
I find from England that the oath that is to be imposed is
extremely feared, and it is thought will destroy our friends like a
massacre. The lieutenants are very severe in exacting the tenths,
and every gentleman must give in the number of his servants, and
security for their deportment, so that all show of liberty is lost; I
pray that the sense and memory of it be not lost too, if they be long
used to the burden. Endorsed by Nicholas. Received 9 Jan. 1655/6,
sends me a letter he had from Mr. Lipe. [1 page.] |
| Dec. 25. |
Note of a petition of the inhabitants of Bromyard market town
co. Hereford, for an addition of 3 fair days, the toll to be yearly
distributed to the poor of the parish. Referred by Council to the
Attorney and Solicitor-General. [I. 92, p. 284.] |
| Dec. 25. |
60b. Order in Council that the petitioners be at liberty to sue
out a writ of ad quod damnum, that on its return the fairs may
be granted. [Also, I. 76, p. 432.] |
| Dec. 25. |
61. Petition of the sons and executors of Sir Peter Richaut to
the Admiralty Commissioners, for dispatch of their letters of reprisal
granted by his Highness and Council, and only wanting the security
to be taken. [½ page.] |
| Dec. 25. |
Order in Council that Mulgrave, Wolsley, Jones, Sydenham, and
Fiennes, consider this petition about a stop of passing their securities in the Admiralty Court on their letters of reprisal, advise the
Admiralty Commissioners how the business may be accommodated,
and report. [I. 76. p. 432.] |
| Dec. 25. |
62. Petition of Thos. Lamb, merchant, to the Protector. Capt.
Clarke lately dead left 2 young orphan sons, to whom I with
others am executor, but the estate is clogged with a bargain for 150l.
a year of Lord Craven's estate, of which ½ is paid and the other
½ we know not how to pay, and therefore dare not prove the will.
As the father was faithful and favoured by you, I beg an order
that the estate may not be sequestered for payment of the other
half, but the money received as we can raise it yearly out of the
profits of the estate. [2/3 page.] |
Dec. 25.
Whitehall. |
63. Reference thereon in Council to Jones, Strickland, Mulgrave,
Pickering, and Wolsley, to report. [1 page. Also I. 76, p. 435.] |
| Dec. 25. |
Additional instructions to the Major-Generals and Commissioners
of the respective counties and cities, appointed to execute the orders
for securing the peace of the Commonwealth:— |
|
You are to find out what moneys collected for the public service
on any Act or Ordinance remain undisposed of, and require that
the persons holding them pay them in to your nominee, whose
receipt shall be suficient discharge therefor. Read and passed
in Council. [I. 76. p. 438.] |
| [Dec. 25.] |
64. Petition of James, Earl of Northampton, to the Protector.
Upon my release from my late confinement in London, I entered
into a bond for compliance with the present Government, and for
my appearance from time to time, which your Highness ordered to
be taken for one year only. Yet Major Butler has summoned me
to enter into new bonds, with sureties, without any limitation of
time, which will tend to my ruin, I being much indebted, my
estate charged with mortgages and annuities, and my brothers'
and sisters' portions yet unpaid. By the late Act for regulating the
Chancery, no relief is to be had against forfeited bonds and mortgages after such a time. Having this recognizance as a perpetual
incumbrance on my estate, I cannot raise moneys by sale of lands.
I therefore beg you to order Major Butler to accept a bond from
me to continue in force for one year, and that the old bond may
be cancelled. [1 page.] |
Dec. 25.
Whitehall. |
65. Council to Major-Gen. Wm. Butler. Some matters being
represented as from you about the Earl of Northampton, you are
to proceed in his case in accordance to the instructions formerly
given you. [Copy, 2/3 page. Also I. 76, p. 439.] |
| Dec. 25. |
Council. Day's Proceedings. |
|
1. Confirmation of an augmentation by the Trustees for Maintenance of Ministers of 50l. a year to Winchcombe Vicarage, co.
Gloucester, from Leamington Rectory. Approved 27 Dec. |
|
2. The petition of Richard, Earl of Cork referred to the Treasury
Commissioners, to report. |
|
3. Gen. Monk's letter of Dec. 4, asking for 500 barrels of musket
shot, 300 spades, 100 pickaxes, and 400 shovels, to be speedily sent
him in Scotland, referred to the Admiralty Commissioners, to give
order, if they judge fit. |
|
5. The petition and papers of Rich. Master, of Langdon, co.
Kent, referred to Maj.-Gen. Kelsey and the Commissioners to execute
instructions for securing peace in Kent, to relieve him if his petition
be found true, and to report. |
|
6. The reference ordered last Friday on Sir Wm. Harvey's case to
the Maj.-General and Commissioners of co. Suffolk is to be to them or
either of them, and the order lately passed to be amended accordingly. |
|
10. The Committee for adding fresh names to the Commissioners
for ejecting Scandalous Ministers, to report next Thursday. |
|
11. Order on petition of Col. Edm. Harvey, prisoner in the
Tower, that the Committee on his business speedily speak with
his Highness' counsel learned, and report. |
|
12. Order agreeing to the following report on the petition of the
Lord-Deputy of Ireland. [See 4 Sept. 1655.] |
|
13. That Armingland and Heydon manors, Norfolk, and Wyssett
le Rose, Suffolk, were settled on Chas. Fleetwood, now Lord-Deputy,
and Frances his wife, by Act of 16 July 1651, after the death of
Sir Ralph Hopton without issue male. That a few months after
Fleetwood's purchase of Sir Ralph's interest therein, from the Drury
House Trustees, Sir Ralph died, and they reverted to Fleetwood,
so that he had to pay 7 years' purchase for but 7 months' enjoyment. That they were much overvalued in the survey, so that the
one moiety is almost their real value. That Fleetwood is therefore
fully discharged from payment of the second moiety, and his recognizances for payment thereof are to be delivered up to him.
Approved 29 Dec. |
|
66. Report alluded to, signed by Sydenham, Wolsley, and
Pickering. [1 page.] |
|
14. Cornet John Baines to pay to the sole administrator of the
late Col. Thos. Horton the 1,405l. ordered him by the Ordinance of
31 July 1654, which was to be paid to Thos. Horton, the son, or the
administrators, in discharge of all arrears. |
|
15. Order on report from the Committee on Clem. Kinnersley's
proposals,—that on account of his charges in his office here at
Hampton Court, he should have 600l. a year, of which 100l. to be
instead of the diet he proposed, to begin from Feb. 21, 1653–4 when
he was appointed, and he to perform the services mentioned in the
annexed papers—that his Highness be desired to pass a patent under
the Great Seal for the said salary. |
|
18. The letters from Major Haynes and other Commissioners for
Essex, of 14 and 21 Dec., from the Commissioners in co. Dorset of
20 Dec, and from those at Coventry of 21 Dec., referred to the
Committee on the letters from Majors-General, who are to meet this
afternoon and report. |
|
21. The following augmentations to ministers, presented by the
Trustees for Maintenance of Ministers, approved:— |
|
|
£ |
s. |
d. |
|
Devon |
Thorverton |
20 |
0 |
0 |
|
Tamerton Folcatt |
23 |
6 |
8 |
|
Bucklington |
26 |
19 |
7 |
|
Gloucester |
Twining |
34 |
0 |
0 |
|
Tewksbury |
25 |
1 |
8 |
|
Somerset Weston |
Zoiland |
40 |
0 |
0 |
|
Middlesoy |
20 |
0 |
0 |
|
Chewstoke |
33 |
6 |
8 |
|
Keynsham |
30 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wilts |
Britford |
30 |
0 |
0 |
|
Martin's in Sarum |
100 |
0 |
0 |
|
Collingborn Kingston |
30 |
0 |
0 |
|
Laverstoke |
60 |
0 |
0 |
|
Bishops Laveinton |
20 |
0 |
0 |
|
Alderbury |
60 |
0 |
0 |
|
Downton |
30 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cornwall |
Foy |
50 |
0 |
0 |
|
Myler |
50 |
0 |
0 |
|
Truro, beside the 25l. a year
settled on him |
15 |
0 |
0 |
|
Devon |
Broad Henbury |
30 |
0 |
0 |
|
Broadminch |
30 |
0 |
0 |
|
Buckares |
16 |
0 |
0 |
|
Buckstone |
10 |
0 |
0 |
|
Plymton Maurice |
30 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wembury |
20 |
0 |
0 |
|
Totnes |
30 |
0 |
0 |
|
Ipplepen |
46 |
16 |
2 |
|
Dorset |
Netherbury |
40 |
0 |
0 |
|
Burstock |
15 |
0 |
0 |
|
Poole |
40 |
0 |
0 |
|
Gloucester |
Norlach |
11 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cirencester |
30 |
0 |
0 |
|
Somerset |
Martooke |
60 |
0 |
0 |
|
Longlode Chappel |
20 |
0 |
0 |
|
Chard |
30 |
0 |
0 |
|
Bath (assistant for) |
50 |
0 |
0 |
|
James in Taunton |
50 |
0 |
0 |
|
Magdalen Peters, Taunton |
50 |
0 |
0 |
|
Ubley |
35 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wedmore |
30 |
0 |
0 |
|
Glastonbury |
40 |
0 |
0 |
|
Ilminster |
23 |
17 |
4 |
|
Nicholas, Bristol |
20 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wilts |
Calne |
20 |
0 |
0 |
|
Warminster |
20 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cornwall |
Gerrance |
10 |
0 |
0 |
|
Launceston |
50 |
0 |
0 |
|
Peran (assistant) |
30 |
0 |
0 |
|
St. Ives (schoolmaster) |
30 |
0 |
0 |
|
Bodmin |
30 |
0 |
0 |
|
Padstow |
30 |
0 |
0 |
|
Devon |
Collampton |
30 |
0 |
0 |
|
Comb Rawleigh |
10 |
0 |
0 |
|
Hewish |
15 |
0 |
0 |
|
Ugborow |
15 |
0 |
0 |
|
Hennock |
20 |
0 |
0 |
|
Luppit |
30 |
0 |
0 |
|
Beare and Seaton |
28 |
0 |
0 |
|
Bampton |
20 |
0 |
0 |
|
Dorset |
Cerne Abbas |
38 |
0 |
0 |
|
Long Burton |
10 |
0 |
0 |
|
Whit Church |
20 |
0 |
0 |
|
Somerset |
Shepton Mallett |
20 |
0 |
0 |
|
Shapwick |
20 |
0 |
0 |
|
Aiscott |
20 |
0 |
0 |
|
South Petherton |
13 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wookey |
12 |
0 |
0 |
|
Child Compton |
30 |
0 |
0 |
|
Pill |
10 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wilts |
Pitton and Farleigh |
10 |
0 |
0 |
|
Chippenham and Tetherton
Lucas |
20 |
0 |
0 |
|
Peters in Marlborough |
30 |
0 |
0 |
|
Bishops Trow |
10 |
0 |
0 |
|
22. Confirmation of augmentations by the Trustees for Maintenance of Ministers, of 50l. to the minister of Meres Ashby, and
10l. to that of Earl's Barton, both co. Northampton. |
|
27. Order on petition of Diana, relict of Capt. Martin Husbands
—mentioning her husband's services, for which she has a debenture
of 442l. 10s. 0d. given by the Committee for co. Cambridge, viz.,
from Feb. 3, 1643–4 to April 30, 1647, being for so much respited on
the public faith as half of 885l., for his pay as captain of a foot
company in the Isle of Ely, for which she prays a debenture from
Worcester House, to be charged on the army securities,—that in
satisfaction of all her demands, she be allowed an annuity of 40l.
a year. |
|
28. Scoutmaster-General Geo. Downing added to the Trade Committee. Approved 27 Dec. [I. 76, pp. 432–9.] |
Dec. 25./Jan. 4.
Cologne. |
Sec. Nicholas to Jos. Jane, an English gentleman, Youffrou
Street, Hague. Ask Lieut Watts to send me a copy of the bill
of exchange that he has for me, for I neither know the sum, nor to
whom it is to be paid, and it imports me much. Lord Culpeper
says there is a strange course taken at the Hague against Mr.
Binion; his trunk and goods are arrested for a debt of 200l. to an
Englishman in London, and he had been arrested had he been found.
The debt is assigned over by his creditor to a Dutch merchant. If
such a course were taken with all the King's party in France and
Holland, it would be a great advantage to the Rebels, and an insupportable misery to us all who are in debt. Let me know the
truth, for all that good lord's intelligence is not canonical. |
|
Dr. Fraiser, who is to wait on the Princess Royal into France,
says she goes from the Hague on the 14th or 15th. I hope she will
not stay long, or will not keep the doctor there long, as there is no
physician here who understands anything, in case the King or the
Duke of Gloucester should fall sick in the spring. |
|
The King of Spain still hopes peace with Cromwell, and Barrière
is stayed in England by the Prince of Condé for that purpose.
Some say an envoy has arrived in the west of England from the
King of Spain. When that King resolves to prosecute the war
with Cromwell roundly, he must take our master by the hand; but
only absolute necessity will make him do it. |
|
I wonder whom Beverward means by the great spy not yet
discovered among us. The Queen of England, when she leaves
Paris, as by the articles with Cromwell she must do, goes to a
house 2 leagues from Paris belonging to the French King, called
Madrid. |
|
I much mislike the Princess Royal's going for France, and the
worse for the Princess Dowager's advising it. |
|
Capt. John Griffith, and little Mr. Griffith, who served the Duke
of Gloucester, are both forbidden the Court, on evidence that they
were very intimate with Manning, though there is no evidence that
they were privy to his intelligence; but they were observed to be
very private with him on post days. |
|
We think the King of Spain and the Elector are agreed by this
time. I am sorry for the hard measure used towards Mr. Stone,
who, on the Queen [of Bohemia's] word, came to the Hague to end
his difference with Capt. La Mer, wherein her Majesty suffers much;
but Stone should have avoided coming under the power that now
abuses him. I doubt all English will resent this, with much prejudice to the good Queen, who was wont to be more gracious to the
nation. |
|
P.S.—My wife wishes you a happy new year, and that we may
all meet in England before the next. Tell me how Mr. Somerdyke
takes my writing to him. [3 pages. Holland correspondence.] |
| Dec. 26. |
67. Petition of Edw. Darcy to the Protector. Never bore arms
for the late King, nor was sequestered for delinquency, only in 1644,
on misinformation that he was absent from his house, the Commissioners of Surrey seized his rents; but, it appearing a mistake,
took off the seizure. Has conformed to all Acts and Ordinances,
and yet, on the late instructions for taxing the estates of all delinquents, has been summoned as a delinquent, and taxed at one tenth
by Maj.-Gen. Kelsey and the Surrey Commissioners, who say that,
as he is assessed, only his Highness and Council can relieve him.
Begs the taking off the tax, and examination of his case. With
reference to Council 25 Dec. 1655. [1 page.] |
| Dec. 26. |
Reference thereon by Council to the Major-General and Commissioners of Surrey, to proceed according to their instructions.
[I. 76, p. 439.] |
| Dec. 26. |
Instructions to Thos. Dunn appointed by his Highness to be
registrar in the City of London:— |
|
You are to attend 4 hours daily, from 9 to 11 a.m., and 2 to 4
p.m., except the Lord's day and fast days. |
|
You are to provide books, and enter alphabetically the lists of
names and addresses returned to you by the Majors-General. |
|
When any persons appear in pursuance of the instructions given
to the Majors-General, you are to enter them in a separate book,
with the date of appearance, the place whence they came, and
where they intend to lodge in or about London, and also enter any
removal in London; and if any return to the country, signify it
to the Major-General of the county, with the place of their
former abode, how long they have been in London, and to what
place removed. |
|
In case persons give names and addresses which you do not find
in the lists given you by the Majors-General, you are to send
the names and addresses to the Secretary of State. |
|
You are to enter in a separate book all certificates of foreigners
and others who come from beyond seas, which shall be sent
you by persons appointed by the Majors-General, and when
they appear before you, compare their names and relations with
the certificates, and enter whence they came, where they lodge,
and, if foreigners, their correspondents, and whither they
remove. |
|
When any inhabitant of London or Westminster appears whose
name is in the Major-General's list, you shall enter his abode
and whither he is to remove, and send it to the Major-General
by the next post. |
|
On any robbery, murder, or notorious breach of peace, the actors
whereof are concealed, you shall on request signify the same to
the Major-General of the county, for discovery and apprehension
of the offenders. [I. 76a, pp. 181–2.] |
|
Read in Council, blanks filled in, amended, agreed, and to be
presented to the Protector. Approved by him 29 Dec. [I. 76,
pp. 440, 445.] |
| Dec. 26. |
68. Petition of Hugh Roberts, vicar of Wandsworth, Surrey, to
the Protector. Having been sequestered and ejected, I am included in your late declaration; but I was appointed to a less
living, and declared not only innocent but deserving, and only sequestered to satisfy 2 or 3 of my parishioners. I beg you to accept my
acknowledgement and declaration of obedience. With certificate by
G. Cock in his favour. [1 page.] Annexing, |
|
68. i. Certificate by the inhabitants of Wandsworth, where he has
been minister 12 years, that he has never preached against
Government, but published all Ordinances, observed all
days of humiliation and thanksgiving, and promoted all
collections, and that his life was exemplary. Also that
the county Committee for Plundered Ministers only
sequestered him because 3 or 4 refractory fellows were
against him, and that they approved him for another
place. 11 Signatures. [1 sheet.] |
| Dec. 26. |
Order thereon in Council that he be not molested on the late
Proclamation without furthur warning from Council. Approved
29 Dec. [I. 76, pp. 440, 445.] |
| Dec. 26. |
69. Petition of Edward Wolley, D.D., of Hammersmith, to the
Protector, to be allowed to continue his painful employment of
instructing youth in Latin, Greek, and French, and in other commendable exercises. Withdrew at the time of the late troubles, and
continued abroad for 7 years, and has demeaned himself quietly
since. Causes the Holy Scriptures to be read, and religious duties to
be daily used, and frequents public worship with the scholars on the
Lord's Day. They have always spoken with honour and reverence
of his Highness. [1 page.] Annexing, |
|
69. i. Certificate in his favour, commending his excellent faculty
in the education of youth, by Thos. Coxe, D.D., John
Hering, minister of Bride's, Fleet Street, and 3 others.
[1 page.] |
|
69. ii. Certificate by Sir John Barkstead, Lieut. of the Tower and
Major-General of Middlesex, that Wolley is bound to the
Protector in 100l. according to the late instructions.
29 Nov. 1655. Signed and sealed. [½ page printed form,
filled in.] |
| Dec. 26. |
Order thereon in Council that he be not molested on the late
Proclamation and instructions to the Majors-General, until he shall
have warning from Council, and that his petition and certificate be
transmitted to the Major-General of Middlesex, with orders not to
proceed further against him. Approved 29 Dec. [I.76, pp. 440, 445.] |
| Dec. 26. |
Council. Day's Proceedings. |
|
2. The petition of Anne Maxwell referred to Montague, Sydenham, Lambert, and Jones, to report. |
|
3. Col. Harvey to have liberty to be at his house at Fulham and
not elsewhere for 1 month, on security to the Lieutenant of the
Tower to give himself up at the end of that time. |
|
4. The petition of Francis Smith, praying repayment of sums spent
in the wars, when the Commonwealth was in its greatest straits,
and the report of the Excise Commissioners on his former petition
referred to the Treasury Commissioners, to learn all that is owing
to him, and to pay him out of half such moneys as shall come in on
discoveries made by him, which they are to certify, that warrants
may be issued accordingly. Approved 29 Dec. |
|
6. The salary of 300l. a year to Thos. Dunn, for his service as
registrar, to be paid out of the tenths arising on delinquents' estates,
from the time he was appointed. Approved 29 Dec. |
|
7. The petition of James de Sene, master, and the owners of the
Bonaventure, of Dieppe, referred to the Admiralty Commissioners,
to report. |
|
8. The 3 letters from the Council in Scotland of Oct. 11 and 23
and Nov. 27, referred to the Scotch Committee to report. |
|
9. The order of Nov. 8 for 300l. of timber to be assigned out of
Somersham Park for building Clare Hall, Cambridge, to be directed
to the Admiralty Commissioners. |
|
12. Order on report on the petition of Anne Henshaw [See
25 Aug. 1654], that 8,000l., the residue of the debt due to her, be paid
by two thirds of discoveries to be made by her or others in her behalf,
of concealed moneys, lands, or goods not pardoned by the Act of
Oblivion, and the Treasury Commissioners are to prosecute and bring
in the said monies. [Also I. 92, No. 244.] Annexing, |
|
70. Report upon which the said order is founded. [2 pp.] |
|
13. Mr. Jessop to speak with Dr. Walker, concerning John
Mathewes' petition, and receive his opinion what may lawfully
be done in the case. |
|
14. The report of the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen in the
case of the silk stocking knitters to be considered to-morrow. |
|
15. Order on report on Col. Dawkins' case [See 25 May 1655]
that his troop have 56l., being 2s. a day each for the 7 days that
they served in the time of the late rebellion, from 17 to 26 March
last, and that it be paid out of Council's Contingencies. Approved
5 Jan. [I. 76, pp. 439–442.] Annexing, |
|
71. Report alluded, signed by Whalley and Worsley. 5 Oct. 1655.
[½ page.] |
| Dec. 27. |
72. Petition of the inventors and promoters of frame-work
knitting and making of silk stockings, to the Protector. We were
the first inventors of this art, which is an English invention, and
no part of the world has it besides. It has been much coveted by
strangers, to be carried into foreign parts, which we, with much
trouble and expense, have hitherto hindered. But now, by the
insinuations of foreigners with some ill disposed persons of our
trade, it is in danger of being carried away, which would expose
hundreds of families to beggary. We beg you to consider our
printed representation annexed, and to incorporate us under a Great
Seal Charter, with such privileges as you think meet, agreeably to
the laws touching corporations. [1 page.] Annexing, |
|
72. i. Report of the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen of
London on a former petition, that the trade was not a
corporation in 5 Eliz., and so not within the statute then
made against exercising manual labour without 7 years'
apprenticeship; that therefore a rule to this effect should be
passed, as also other rules for exercising the manufacture,
and punishing of offenders. Also that some course should
be taken through England, Scotland, and Ireland, that the
art, frames, and instruments, be not carried abroad.
23 Oct. 1655. Endorsed with a note of reference, 17 July
1656, to the Attorney General, to consider whether the
particulars desired are not repugnant to the laws.
[1¼ pages.] |
| Dec. 27. |
73. Reference thereon in Council to the Trade Committee, to report
their opinion, with fit rules for management of the business, in case
they see fit to advise the granting of the petition. [Copy, ¾ page;
also I. 76, p. 442.] |
| Dec. 27. |
Council. Day's Proceedings. |
|
1. The Lieutenant of the Tower to take 20,000l. bail of Col.
E. Harvey, with security, according to the former order. |
|
2. The Maj.-General and Commissioners of co. Surrey to forbear
to levy money on Ed. Darcy's estate till his case be examined. |
|
4. Council to meet at 4 p.m. |
|
5. Lord [Henry] Pawlet's business, named by his Highness to
Council, referred to Strickland and Jones, with other petitions of
like nature. |
|
6. The case of John Ashburnham referred to the Majors-General
of the counties where his estate lies, and Thurloe is to send them
the information against him. |
|
8. Order on petition of Wm. Diston, of Chipping Norton, co.
Oxon,—considering his sufferings and losses for the State, he having
been several times taken prisoner, and forced to pay large sums for
his redemption, besides frequent plunderings, and that he pledged
himself for 600l. to redeem Hen. Cornish, his uncle, carried prisoner
to Oxford, for which debt he has since paid interest, which reduces
him and his family to great want;—to advise that as Jasper Clutterbuck, alderman of Gloucester, has been ordered to pay 250l., part of
the money raised there for the State on the Scotch invasion,
the Treasury Commissioners pay Diston 250l. for his present relief.
Approved 27 Dec. |
|
10. The petition of the inhabitants of Plympton St. Mary, co.
Devon, referred to Sydenham, Strickland, Mulgrave, Jones, and
Wolsley, to report. |
|
13. Council to meet to-morrow, at 8 a.m. |
|
14. Approval by the Protector of 3 orders of 27 Dec. [I. 76,
pp. 442–4.] |
Dec. 27.
Whitehall. |
74. President Lawrence to Butler, Major-General of cos. Hunts,
&c. His Highness and Council finding that the Earl of Devonshire's estate lies in several counties, and under the charge of
several Majors-General, and that it will be troublesome to appear
and give bond before each, have ordered him to appear and give
bonds in Middlesex for all. You are therefore to prepare, perfect,
and send in to Council, a particular of his estates in the counties
under your charge. |
|
With note of like letters to the Majors-General of cos. Bucks,
Suffolk, Stafford, Lancaster, York, Notts, and Derby. [2/3 page;
also I. 76, pp. 443–4.] |
| Dec. 28. |
Council. Day's Proceedings. |
|
2. Order on Pickering's report from the Committee on the petition
of Mary, relict and executrix of Sir Geo. Shirley, late Chief Justice
of Ireland, that since the petitioner is very aged, blind, and
necessitous, the Treasury Commissioners pay her a pension of 1l. a
week. Approved 28 Dec. |
|
3. The Irish Committee to consider any proposals that shall be
made in reference to the transportation of Irish to foreign parts, and
to report. |
|
4. To add these words to an order of Dec. 20, concerning 30,000l.
for Ireland, vizt., "and to send the same in wagons to Chester,
thence to be transported in some ship appointed by the Admiralty
Commissioners. The Commissioners to appoint a ship accordingly.
[I. 76, pp. 444–5.] |
| Dec. 29. |
Approval by the Protector of 7 orders of 25 and 26 Dec. [I. 76,
p. 445.] |
| Dec. 29. |
75. [Admiralty Commissioners] to the Committee for Approbation of public Preachers. You will perceive, by the enclosed orders
of his Highness and Council, our endeavours to provide a competent
number of men qualified to hold forth the light of the Gospel in
the fleets now preparing for sea, and what encouragement is offered
to those whose hearts are willing to attend that service. Knowing
your readiness to promote the work, we beg you to improve your
instructions in provoking to the undertaking such as may answer
the end propounded, to examine those presented, and to approve
only such as are well grounded in learning and godliness, and
fitted to improve all opportunities of saving souls; that neither the
glorious truths of the Gospel may be brought into contempt by
the ignorance, vanity, or erroneous teaching of some who would
crowd into such employments, nor the poor seamen kept in darkness
by the high flown language of others. [Draft corrected, ¾ page.]
Annexing, |
|
75. i. Proposed form of certificate that, according to an order
of his Highness and Council of 19 Dec., they have examined A. B., and find him well qualified to hold forth
the light of the Gospel in any ship, and deserving encouragement therein. [Draft, ⅓ page.] |
Dec. 29./Jan. 8.
Paris. |
76. T. Ross to [Sec. Nicholas]. I find you have received the
character (cypher), but am sorry that the person [Halsey] which
Albert and I engaged should be so wanting to his work. Every
week I have begged my wife to find him out, but he is not in
London. I hope now you will be better served, for I have found
a young gentleman called in your character, Mr. Farley (Ant. Hungerford). His father is the great heir to his name, this estate
1,000l. a year. He goes to-morrow for England, and engages to settle
you a correspondent there, who can tell you some of the Arcana of the
rebels. He is his father's darling, and hopes to get a considerable
sum for you. I hope our friends in England, being now under the
lash, are so sensible of the smart that they will do their duty. I
find, by the enclosed from my thumb friend and other letters, that
they would gladly be doing something speedily. The writer tells
you he is going to the gentleman whom he intends an express to
you, and I hope he will not refuse the journey. |
|
Dick Pile is impatient of your letter and commands, and if he
hears not speedily, he will quit England, but I shall urge him to
stay till you can send. I beg your help about a pass. I asked
Mr. Booth, of Calais, to get Lord Jermyn to procure half a dozen
passes to lie ready at Calais for expresses, and among them one
for me, in case of my return; but Booth, instead of writing to lord
Jermyn, got a single pass for me, for which he asks 20 livres,
which I cannot pay, as it is all I can do to pay for my letters, and
I often spare it out of my belly. Also I am 30l. out of purse by
my journey to Cologne, for those who promised to pay me were
prisoners before my return, and now I hope to get off my bail for
40l. that I may be free to serve you. My surgeon keeps me in his
hands because I cannot pay for my cure. Pray help me to place
Mr. Booth's account to the King. If I had money I would not desire
assistance. |
|
I have been 7 months hoping a way of subsistence by the tuition
of the Earl of Roscommon, but they cannot find money to send him
here, so I am destitute of all support. |
|
I send you the instructions to Cromwell's Commissioners, though
you may have had them already. |
|
P.S.—You ask who are Cromwell's chief councillors. When I
was in England, St. John and Thurloe, who had been St. John's
clerk, with Lawrence, President of the Council, and Nath. Fiennes,
brought in by Lawrence, were of his cabinet; and sometimes one
of the Pierrepoints—a Parliamentary man with crooked shoulders—
is admitted when advice is wanting. I am glad Manning has
received his reward. I hope all of his stamp will have the like.
[3¼ pages; endorsed by Nicholas as received 6/16 Jan. 1655–6.]
Enclosing, |
|
76. i. Thos. Watson to [Thos. Ross]. I was glad of yours, and
will visit Robin to-morrow, persuade him to the journey,
and assist him in it. The Cavalier clergy are made
incapable of acting, and not even allowed to keep school,
so that it will go hard with them. The lawyers are dealt
with in the same kind, for they are not allowed chamber
practice, and were all brought to new composition, and
forced to give security for themselves and servants. No
one is allowed to wear a sword, "so that we are now the
most excellent slaves in the world." Dec. 10. [1 page.] |
| Dec. 31. |
76a. Petition of the Company of Vintners of London to the
Council. By his Highness's late proclamation for the prizing of
wines, the prices resolved on are such as they cannot afford. Vast
quantities of wine are now on their hands, bought long before the
proclamation. Beg relief; 6 signatures. [½ page.] Annexing, |
|
76. i. Particulars of their case, their present large stock, having
the vintage of 1654 on hand, the dearness of the new rates,
the unfairness of their extending to wine already in
stock, the practice of former times in the rating of wines,
and the utter ruin that threatens them if these prices are
carried out. [2⅓ pages.] |
| Dec. 31. |
Notes of petitions, all in I. 92, referred to the Committee
for Petitions, on which no orders in Council were given, viz.:— |
|
Sir John Villiers, Viscount Purbeck, for the lodgings over the gate
belonging to his office as keeper of Somerset House, but borrowed
of him by the Lord-Deputy of Ireland. "The office ceasing, no
allowance fit." [No. 285.] |
|
John Turner, for recompense for 4 months' attendance on and
stationery for the Committee of the late Parliament on Ordinances
touching ministers. "To be offered to Council, and Mr. Scobell to
give his opinion." [No. 296.] |
|
Wm. Booker, Marshall of his Highness's regiment, for allowance
of 15l. 1s. 4d. expended about Hudson, a blind minister, late his
prisoner. "Fit to be allowed, if upon examination the matter be
true." [No. 299.] |
|
Jeffry Browne, for release; was committed to the Gatehouse,
May 1653, by the Council of State, but the Court of Articles
adjudged him within Galloway articles, and recommend his liberty
to his Highness. Col. Herbert to certify what should be done with
him. [No. 306.] |
|
Capt. John Fauteart, of Guernsey, for appeal from a judgment in
Guernsey. "Report returned, offered, and recommitted." [No. 310.] |
|
Jas. Browne, an old servant of the late King, for relief; attended
at Holmby, and has 52l. due for the service; the rest are paid but
he not, through want of Mr. Cresset's certificate. "Cresset to certify;
order drawn." [No. 316.] |
|
Elijah Palmer, that the Army Committee may have power to
bring in the assessments for Ireland, and pay him 991l. 8s. 4d.
balance of 1,408l. 15s. 4d. charged by Parliament thereon, out of
what he shall discover, and 509l. 5s. 6d., his charges in bringing in
those arrears; his former warrants are with the Treasurers-at-War.
"Referred to Army Committee, and order drawn." [No. 319.] |
|
Anne, widow of Col. Thos. Blundel, slain at Belvoir castle, under
Ferdinando, Lord Fairfax, that 639l. 2s. 0d., certified by Lord
Fairfax as due to him, may be admitted on the security of the
army. "It cannot be done; speak with the Lord Lambert as to
what is fit to be done in it." [No. 321.] |
|
Clothiers of the new drapery in Essex and Suffolk, for deliverance from vexatious suits about alnage; the case has been considered
in Parliament, and a report ready, but it extends only to the old
drapery. "Referred to the Treasury Commissioners." [No. 327.] |
|
Matthias and Thos. Lea, for larger allowance; have been diligent
clerks under Council many years, but not got enough to defray their
charges. "Council desires to do Mat. Lea good." [No. 337.] |
|
Quartermaster Isaac Antrobus, for an order to the Sequestration
Commissioners to pay him 100l. ordered him out of the Earl of
Holland's estate, he taking the Earl prisoner. "Not looked after."
[No. 342.] |
|
Edm. Whicker, surgeon, of Chichester, for payment of 40l. allowed
him by the Commissioners for sick seamen, on his reasonable bill of
50l. 13s. 0d. for medicaments for Dutch prisoners. "Referred to the
Admiralty Commissioners, and order drawn." [No. 346.] |
|
Joachim Beene, Hamburgher, master and owner of ⅓ of the 3
Kings, for compassion. His ship was seized on her way from
Hamburg to Spain; his ⅓ is worth 450l., and his part of the goods
400l., and he has attended 18 months at 200l. charge, and is undone.
[No. 349.] |
Dec. 31./Jan. 10.
Dieppe. |
77. Jacob Gwyn to Williamson. I am much astonished that
you have not received your things. I delivered them to the carrier
the day you left, and agreed with him for 6 livres a cwt. I will do
what I can therein. [French, scrap.] |
| Dec. 31. |
77a. Hum. Robinson to [Williamson]. I received 3 packets from
Rye, Dieppe, and Rouen, and delivered the letters; we are glad of
your safe arrival. If Mr. Thordick cannot furnish the Bible, I will
try to get you one; our friends at Queen's are well. The Jews, we
hear, will be admitted by way of connivency, though the generality
oppose. [Scrap.] |
Dec. 31.
Portsmouth. |
78. Capt. Fras. Willoughby to the Admiralty Commissioners.
I send, as ordered, an account of timber in Ampthill, Weckering, and
Brockborow Parks, which is mostly felled, and worth a considerable
sum. I suppose the trustees at Worcester House acted according to
certificate from their surveyors, but how far these did their duty I
know not; I was informed that the river was navigable to St. Neot's,
and that the timber could be conveniently carried thither, and from
thence by water; that from St. Neot's to Bedford was 8 miles, and
from Bedford to Ampthill 5 miles; but I know not whether it was
Parliament's intention that the miles should be measured, for miles
in some counties are far longer than in others; I think it a long 12,
but it cannot be 16 miles, unless they add the badness of the way
to lengthen them. If it is judged that the timber belongs to the
Navy, it will be best to sell the remainder, and make those accountable who sold what they had no right to. |
|
Particulars of ships. Officers wanted, and recommended. I send
the examinations of the boatswain and carpenter of the Taunton,
respecting some expressions used by their captain. The Portsmouth
has arrived with 15 or 16 small vessels from St. Malo, and reports
that numerous Ostenders are skulking about the rocks there, so that
our great ships dare not venture there, and that this much prejudices
the trade of those parts. [1¾ pages.] |
| Dec.? |
79. Report of [the Admiralty Commissioners]—on reference of
Council of 2 Dec. of Rob. Pickering's request for repayment of money
laid out for relief of English at St. Malo, taken by the enemy, and
touching the furnishing the Navy with sailcloth—that they know
of no allowance made at Morlaix for relief of English prisoners
passing home, as is alleged, but the charge ought to be borne by the
masters who employed seamen thus taken. [⅓ page, unfinished.] |
| [Dec.] |
80–169. Receipts for moneys paid by Sec. Thurloe or by his
order for public intelligence, from 10 March to 28 Dec. 1655.
[96 papers.] |
| Dec. |
170–182. Weekly summaries of the accounts in the Exchequer,
Sept.—Dec. 1655, giving the heads of receipts and payments, and
the balances in hand. [13 papers, 1 page each.] |
| Dec.? |
183. Conditions of a bond, that the persons bound who are
menial servants to — shall behave peaceably towards the
Protector and Commonwealth while they continue in the said
service, and shall appear on notice given before Col. Thos. Kelsey,
Major-General of cos. Kent and Surrey, when required. [Printed
form. Scrap.] |
