Volume 98: June 1655

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Interregnum, 1655. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1881.

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'Volume 98: June 1655', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Interregnum, 1655, (London, 1881) pp. 196-223. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/interregnum/1655/pp196-223 [accessed 23 April 2024]

June 1655

June 1. 1. Petition of Thos. Twisden, serjeant-at-law, to the Protector, for release, his health and liberty being the only subsistence of a wife and 11 children. Regrets that what he said in his client's cause should excite his Highness' displeasure. Never intended to provoke to sedition or discontent. Noted as returned by his Highness. [1 page.]
June 1. 2. Petition of Wadham Windham to the Protector. Has felt the heavy hand of his displeasure by a tedious imprisonment. Begs pardon for whatever was spoken by him in his client's cause that has given offence. Never meant to encourage sedition or disturb the Government. Begs release. Noted as returned by his Highness. [2/3 page.]
June 1. Council. Day's Proceedings.
3. The Customs' Commissioners to allow the goods, provisions, &c., of Lord Hen. Cromwell to be shipped by his agents on the Blessing or Primrose for Ireland, and to pass custom free.
4. The petition of Col. John Humphrey referred to Col. Clarke, Col. Goffe, and Lieut.-col. Kelsey, to learn from him if his occasions will stand with a present engagement in the Western expedition; and if they find he will be ready in time not to hinder the voyage, to treat with him about terms.
6. Order on report on the petitions of Col. Twistleton and W. Kiffin [see 31 May, supra] that Twistleton pay the 200l. therein named, in order that Kiffin may pay it in; that Twistleton be liable to the charge incurred for non-payment by quartering; but that when he has paid it in, the sums due to him shall be considered on application. Annexing,
3. i. Report alluded to, signed by Desborow and Jones. [1 page.]
7. The petition of Tobias Calley, mariner of Topsham, co. Devon, referred to the French Treaty Commissioners, that provision may be made for his release, or if not, a report made.
11. Approval by the Protector of 11 orders, from 25 to 31 May.
10, 12. Sydenham, Montague, Jones, and Mulgrave, to consider the report of the Lord Mayor of London and other treasurers of the collection to be made for the Savoy Protestants, and draw up instructions for its management, which shall be annexed to the Declaration for a public Fast, and sent to the several sheriffs; which were accordingly drawn up, approved, and sent to press. [I. 76, pp. 113–5.]
June 1. 4. Instructions by the Protector touching the said collection. The ministers and churchwardens are, on the next Lord's day after the reading of the Declaration, to go from house to house in the several towns and parishes, and receive what each housekeeper and others will freely give, setting down the names in a schedule to be subscribed by them. The moneys and the declaration, endorsed with the account of the sum and signed, to be given in four days to the mayor, chief officer, or a justice of peace, who is to send them to Chris. Pack, Lord Mayor, and Sir Thos. Vyner, alderman of London, Treasurers appointed to receive them, and the ministers to certify the sum collected within six days to Hen. Scobell, clerk of Parliament.
Sir Gilbert Gerard, Bart., Sir John Trevor, Edw. Cressett, Phil. Nye, Edm. Calamy, Jas. Carill, Wm. Kiffin, Wm. Jenkins, and Thos. Harrison, to be a Committee to see that the money is paid in to the Treasurers, and disposed to the best relief of the poor Protestants, and give an account to Council. [Printed 1 sheet. Also I. 76 A, p. 64; I. 76, pp. 100, 116.
June 1. 5. Bond of Jas. Robinson, merchant of York, and Sir Rich Grenville, of Fitzford, to Charles II. in 1,000l., for performance of the articles and conditions on which a privateer's commission has been granted to Robinson. [1½ pages.]
June 4. 6. Reference, signed by the Protector, to Council, of a desire (missing) of Commissary Gen. Whalley to have money for his donative in Scotland out of the Scotch fines, as others are to have, although he has omitted to put in his claim according to the time prefixed. [¼ page.]
June 5. 7. Petition of James, Lord Coupar, to the Protector. On my last addresses against the fine of 3,000l. imposed on me by the Act of Grace, so far disproportionable to my estate or deserving, you ordered those appointed for mitigation of fines to examine the case, and give you a true account, reserving the determination to yourself. This was done, and it showed how much I am prejudiced by the fine, my estate being only 334l. a year, and my assessments above 100l.
Besides, I ventured my life at Marston Moor and Philiphaugh, protested in Parliament against the engagement in 1648, refused service in 1651, and have lived peaceably since, though the Highlanders have taken up my estate, and banished me my house, because I would not join with them.
Whilst I was hoping a discharge, I am fined 750l., which is disproportionate to my estate and guilt, and to the method observed with others. I think your weighty affairs must have diverted your remembrance, or such a mistake would have been prevented. I beg discharge from fine, and means to subsist, so that I may serve you in future. [1 page, signed.]
June 5. Note of its reading in Council, being recommended from his Highness by the Lord President. [I. 76, p. 117.]
June 5. 8. Petition of John Page, mayor, and other magistrates, common council men, and merchants of Plymouth, owners and adventurers to Newfoundland, to the Protector, for a convoy for preservation of their trade, which is of great importance, and they hear that ships are preparing in France to surprise them. 14 signatures. [1 sheet.]
June 5. 9. Order thereon in Council that the Admiralty Commissioners provide two frigates to secure the English trade at Newfoundland, and send them away this month, if possible. [½ page; also I. 76, p. 118.]
June 5. Council of State. Day's Proceedings.
1. Order on the petition of Sir John Stawell, that the Committee to whom it was referred hasten their report.
2. The petition of John, son and heir of the late Sir Chris. Bellew, recommended by the Protector, and presented by the President, read.
4. Order on report on the petition of Auditor Darell, that 50l. be paid him out of Council's contingencies. Annexing,
10. i. Report [by the Commissioners for managing estates under Sequestration] to the Protector,—on a reference of 14 April 1654, of the petition of Auditor Darell for recompense for service of great advantage to the Commonwealth,—that on 9 Jan. 1650–1 the then Commissioners ordered him to deliver up the books in his hands relating to recusants, and he delivered willingly two books of convictions, three of seizures, one great book of compositions, and two rolls of Sir Geo. Wentworth's accounts, with their indexes, all of recusants in the 11 Northern counties, which have remained at Haberdashers' Hall, and been of daily use in showing the time of conviction, seizure, and composition, whereby many claims have been disallowed, the sequestration being before the pretended claims. They think 50l. would be a competent recompense for him. 9 May 1654. Endorsed with a reference, 24 May, from the Protector to Council, to find some way for payment. [1¼ page.]
9. The debate about the fleet under Gen. Blake to be resumed to-morrow morning. The Admiralty Commissioners to attend.
10. The Treasury Commissioners to learn the facts concerning Oatlands Park, contracted for by Nich. Shuttleworth, and to report.
11. The Treasury Commissioners to authorise fit persons to enquire concerning the selling of timber in any forests in England, and to return an account to the said Commissioners, who are to report to Council, and meanwhile to preserve all forest timber, and to ascertain all profits due in respect of forests. Annexing,
11. i. Report of the said Commissioners thereon. That the Act of Parliament allows the Trustees powers of sale, which it is impossible now to execute; it is difficult to dispose of the forests by lease or sale, and the profits are uncertain, by reason of the claims of interest to be satisfied. They think a trial should be made with the four forests. Also that his Highness' lawns and enclosures might be let, his rights in forests preserved, and wastes and spoils punished. That forest officers should be appointed, and also courts of attachment and swainmote. 30 Aug. 1655. [1⅓ pages.]
13. To request his Highness to send a fit person to Sweden, with a ratification of the Treaty between him and Sweden. Montague, Sydenham, Lisle, Lambert, Pickering, and Mulgrave to consider in what equipage he should go, and what sum should be allowed him. Approved.
14. The petition of Col. Rich. Norton referred to the Treasury Commissioners, to report.
15. Council to meet at 5 p.m. to consider the papers exhibited by the Spanish Ambassador, and Thurloe to have them ready.
16. Pickering and Sydenham to consider of fit persons to preach before his Highness and Council, on the day of fasting for the Protestants of Savoy.
17. The papers delivered by Pickering, being returns by the Commissioners appointed to examine complaints of tenants against Popish and malignant Landlords, to be considered on Thursday.
18. Order on petition of Maj. Dan. Redman,—showing that divers of his troops that came from Ireland are 36 in each troop above the number of the establishment in Ireland, viz., 80 in a troop, and this by special order of the Lord Deputy;— that the Army Committee order the War Treasurers to pay the supernumeraries their arrears, and continue their pay till further order.
19. Order that the troops of horse lately come from Ireland be paid from 22 January to 14 May last, as much as will equal their pay to that of the forces in England, as was formerly granted to the foot from Ireland, and the Army Committee are to issue warrants for their payment. Approved 5 June.
20. The Treasury Commissioners who are members of Council, and Lambert and Fiennes, to consider and prepare something to offer to Council, for better collecting excise and custom in Scotland.
21. Pickering, Mulgrave, Wolsley, Skippon, and Rous, to consider the settling of preachers at Whitehall.
22. The paper from Mr. Harrison, Brewster, Emirald, Charnock, Clarkeson, Benton, Folke, Leonard Hore, Isaac Chancy, Staughton, Lee, and Wells, sen. and jun., ministers going to Ireland, referred to Pickering and Sydenham, to look at their certificates, and that of Rob. Childe, and to report.
23. Order on Wolsley's announcement that Serjeant Glynn has prepared a conveyance for Lord Broghill, and has certified it under his hand, that the same be perfected, signed, and sealed. [I. 76, pp. 117–120.]
June 5.
Hull.		 12. Major Hugh Bethel, Rob. Ripley, mayor, Mat. Locke, Thos. Somerscales, and Jos. Drake, to Lord Lawrence, President, and the Council of State. On your order of 25 May last, we have viewed Major Rich. Elton's repairs in this garrison, and his bill and receipts, and find the work necessary and well done, and his accounts reasonable, and that the mayor has been a very good husband for the State. The bill is 87l. 18s. 11d. [¾ page.] Annexing,
12. i. Bill alluded to, for repairing the ropery, blockhouses, and breaches of the line; portage of ammunition; pressing of boats to send away despatches; searching vessels for arms and passengers; a new boat for the soldiers; and maintenance of prisoners committed by order of Council, and the Admiralty and Navy Commissioners. Total, 87l. 18s. 11d. [2/3 page.]
June 6. Council. Day's Proceedings.
1. The Great Seal Commissioners to attend his Highness at 6 p.m. with the seal.
2. To advise, on the report on Col. John Humphrey's petition, the payment to him of 250l., on account of arrears due by 2 debentures stated at Worcester House.
3. 12a. Order on the Admiralty Commissioners' report of the great care taken by Tho. Smith, Maj. Rob. Thomson Ed. Hopkins, Peter Pett, Maj. Neh. Bourne, and Fras. Willoughby, Navy Commissioners, in despatching several great fleets to sea since Jan. 1653–4, that they be allowed 150l. each. [I. 76, p. 121.]
June 7. Council. Day's Proceedings.
2. The question whether the report from the Committee on transporting butter and cheese beyond sea should be agreed with passed in the negative.
3. Order for licenses for export of butter and cheese from all parts of the nation, on payment of the customs in the book of rates.
5. Order,—on Montague's report from the Committee on the sum to be advanced for the man going to Sweden with the ratification of the treaty,—that 200l. be paid him from Council's contingencies.
7. Order on a letter from the Magistrates of Scarborough of 21 May—requesting payment of 7s. a week for the expenses of John Great, committed prisoner by them,—for a letter to Col. Lilburne [see next page], and for payment of disbursements by Mr. Jessop.
8. Order on a reference from his Highness of 2 May, that Capt. John Blackwell, jun., Capt. Rich. Deane, and Wm. Rowe call John Aylwin to account for money advanced to him to buy corn for the forces in Scotland, as they have lately received and stated the like accounts for Ireland, and report what balance is in his hands, that order may be taken for the payment, and he duly discharged.
9. Order on a like reference, that 20l. be paid by Frost to Jas. Chetwind, for transcribing accounts, contracts, &c., relating to Ireland and Scotland, according to a certificate annexed. Annexing,
13. i. Reference from the Protector, of 2 May 1655, on which the 2 preceding orders are grounded. [2/3 page.]
13. ii. Certificate by Blackwell, Deane, and Rowe, that they employed Chetwind 3 months on the said work without salary. 10 June 1654. [1 page.]
13. iii. Proposal for payment of Chetwind without expense, by calling to account John Aylwin, of Goring, Sussex, the only agent employed to buy provisions for Ireland or Scotland who has not accounted. He bought corn for Scotland in 1651, and has 60l. in hand. He should be sent for by a messenger, and called to account, and as this will bring in triple the sum, Chetwind should forthwith be paid 20l. from Councils' contingencies. Endorsed with a draft of the order of 2 May. [1½ sheet.]
10. Order that Jessop present to Council a particular of the sums lent to army officers out of Council's contingencies, on the breaking forth of the late insurrection.
11. Order for a letter to all officers of foot in cos. Worcester, Gloucester, and Hereford. [See below.] Annexing,
14. i. Draft of the above order corrected. [¾ page.]
15. 15. The petition of Jos. Cubitt of Dartmouth, concerning 40l. 15s. 7d., alleged to have been disbursed by him in the fleet's service during his mayoralty, according to Council of State order of May 22, 1652, referred to the Admiralty Commissioners, to order payment if proper, and report. Approved 20 June.
16. Wolsley and Sydenham added to the Committee on the petition of Nich. Green, Wm. Shute, and Thos. Coleman.
18. Order for licenses for export of corn, on payment of customs according to the book of rates. Approved 7 June. [I. 76, pp. 122– 125.]
June 7.
Whitehall.		 19. Pres. Lawrence to Col. Rob. Lilburne. Council learns from the mayor, &c., of Scarborough that John Great was taken up on suspicion, on his landing there during the late rebellion, and is since detained; you are to examine him, and give order for his release, bail, or otherwise, as you shall see cause. [I. 76, p. 125.]
[June 7.] 16. Reasons offered to the Commissioners appointed to execute the Act against the planting of tobacco, why no tobacco should be planted in England. It occasions the confluence of 1,000 dissolute persons, who only labour quarter of the year. It injures the soil for miles round. It has injured the trade of the city of Gloucester and other market towns. The use of it breeds disease, as it cannot in this climate be so cured as to be fit for use. It is therefore hoped that there will be no order for preservation of the tobacco now planted. [1 page.]
June 7.
Whitehall.		 President Lawrence to the officers of horse and foot in cos. Worcester, Gloucester, and Hereford. His Highness and Council passed an Ordinance, 11 April 1654, requiring Sir Wm. Roberts, John Stone, Gervase Bennett, Adam Baynes, and John Bocket to execute the Act of 1 April 1652, prohibiting the planting of tobacco in England; and hearing that unruly persons in your counties, and in co. Warwick and other parts, persisted in planting it, to the injury of navigation and the English plantations, they have renewed the orders against it. You are therefore to assist all persons authorized to destroy any such plantations in your county, and to suppress any tumults of people rising to oppose them. Your diligent care is of great concern.
With note of like letters to cos. Salop, Stafford, Oxford, Wilts, Somerset and Bristol, and to Sussex. [I. 76a, pp. 128–9. I. 76 pp. 123–4.]
June 7.
Chatham.		 17. Com. Peter Pett to Robt. Blackborne. I have taken the informations and examinations touching the embezzlement of the State's goods, and as some of the parties intend to fly to the Act of Oblivion, I hope it will not apply; if the business is followed up, much knavery will be discovered. Last week five fathoms of cable were stolen and found in a paper mill beyond the town. I have issued a warrant for apprehension of the offenders, and will commit them to prison, to be tried for their lives at the next sessions, it being direct felony, and necessary that an example should be made on such notorious and impudent offenders. I desire a summons for attendance of the persons accused before the Admiralty Commissioners, and will then bring up the evidence. Notes of ships. [1 page.]
June 8. Council. Day's Proceedings in his Highness's chamber.
2. Council to meet at ten next Monday, and consider the letters from France concerning the distressed Protestants in the Duke of Savoy's territories.
4. Council to meet to-morrow morning.
7. Order that,—as by Ordinance of 31 July last, all to whom lands in Scotland had been given, who shall, before 1 Sept. 1654, declare their willingness in lieu thereof to accept of money, to be paid in to Geo. Bilton, deputy-treasurer at Leith, as fines imposed by the Act of Grace for Scotland, at 10 years' purchase; and as CommissaryGen. Whalley has had lands value 500l. a year settled on him, and has not made the said declaration,—he have liberty to make it before 25 Feb. next. [I. 76, pp. 126–7.]
June 8. 18. The Admiralty Commissioners to provide 13 weeks' victuals for the 3,500 men who are to be continued with Gen. Blake. (fn. 1) [½ page.]
June 9. 19. Declaration to the Protector by four senior aldermen, six assistants, nine common council men, and numerous residents in Colchester. Divers free burgesses have lately been seduced by the crafty insinuations of disaffected men to displace good magistrates, and elect others, either disaffected or unfit for government, so as to cause the place to be suspected of disaffection, and to cause jealousy in the country round, lest it should be again endangered. We therefore protest against these irregular and tumultuous proceedings, and still acknowledge Art. Barnardiston as recorder, Hen. Barrington as senior alderman, and Abr. Barrington as assistant, the persons lately thrust in having no right to their places. [2 sheets, 6 or 7 columns of signatures.]
June 9. 20. Petition of Thos. Wade, John Frisbie, Thos. Lawrence, and Rich. Green, senior aldermen of Colchester, to the Protector. We have long been magistrates, and done our duty in opposing profaneness and countenancing godliness, though so discouraged by froward men that we have often resolved to lay down our places, but were diverted, lest the honest party should suffer from our successors, since persons wholly unfit in point of ability, or religion, or sobriety, have been brought into the corporation. The present mayor is one of that party; the government is carried on contrary to the majority, and a commission has been taken out for a gaol delivery without knowledge of several of the aldermen, from which many of the county justices of peace are omitted, and some disaffected persons brought in. We beg provision for the future government of the town. [1 sheet.]
June 9. 21. Petition of Thos. Reynolds, mayor, John Shaw, recorder, and the aldermen, &c., of Colchester, to the Protector. We were long "tossed and tumbled in the sad calamities of a civil war," but after spending much blood and treasure, and many prayers, our public enemy is vanquished, and we have peace and plenty and freedom, so that none, except those who are wilfully blind, but must conclude of your government, that "This is the Lord's doing, and marvellous in our eyes." We note with sadness that you have been troubled by some few discontented persons about the government of our town. If the papers presented concern our late elections, we affirm that they were unanimous and free, and not from malignant design; therefore we cannot suppose, what is reported in alehouses, that you will turn out the present mayor, and alter the election of their officers by the town, to satisfy the wills of a few persons. We are ready to give a full account of our proceedings, and beg confirmation of our privileges and enjoyment of our rights. With reference to Council of this petition, and that of the inhabitants of Colchester, 3 April 1655. [1 sheet, with 13 sheets of signatures in 2, 3, or 4 columns.]
June ? 22. Papers relating to the said business, viz.:—
Articles presented by the ancient aldermen, common councilmen, and well affected inhabitants of Colchester, to the Committee on the above petitions, accusing the present mayor of favouring Malignants, disobeying his Highness's order not to turn out Art. Barnardiston, the recorder, permitting disorders, profaneness, and drunkenness, ruling in an arbitrary manner, neglecting public worship, &c. Also accusing Mr. Peek, the late mayor, to whom 60l. was paid by the governors of the Dutch congregation for their poor, of forcing them to take 40l. out of the 60l. in decayed cloth, out of his shop at his own rates. [3½ sheets.]
June ? 23. Reply of Thos. Reynolds, Thos. Peek, and others to the said articles. [6 sheets.]
June ? 24. Replication of the senior aldermen, &c., to this answer, accusing Barnardiston and Ald. Hen. Barrington of misconduct in their offices. [2 sheets.]
June ? 25. Reply of Hen. Barrington to these accusations. [2 sheets.]
June. 26. Rejoinder of Thos. Reynolds and others to this replication. [3 sheets.]
June 7. Order in Council that Jones, Wolsley, Montague, Pickering, and Mulgrave, consider the declaration of the senior aldermen, common Council, and other well affected inhabitants of Colchester, also the petition of the mayor, high steward, recorder, aldermen, free burgesses, and inhabitants of Colchester, examine witnesses about the difference set forth, and report. [I. 76, p. 129.]
June 9. Council. Day's Proceedings.
1, 2. Order—on the petition of Susanna, widow of Dr. John Bastwick, for herself, 2 sons, and 2 daughters,—to advise a pension of 20s. a week. Also that Sydenham, Jones, Montague, and Rous, consider a way for her relief over and above her pension. Approved 20 June.
4. Order—considering the necessities of Dorcas, widow of John Brayne, lecturer at the Soake, near Winchester, and her 8 children, —to advise a pension of 30l. a year from 25 March last. Approved 20 June.
5. Order—on consideration of the pains taken by Edm. King, late servant to Col. Mackworth, concerning public affairs transacted by the Colonel as member of Council—that Frost pay him 30l. out of Council's contingencies, and that his Highness be advised to recommend him to some office at the Custom House, or otherwise.
6. A paper from Commissary-General Reynolds, concerning seals for the Courts of Justice in Ireland, referred to Lambert and the rest of the Irish Committee.
8. Order that 2,000 Bibles, of a pattern shown, be bought and sent to the soldiers in the West Indies, and that the Treasury Commissioners consider how money for them may best be provided.
12. Thos. Venner, employed as a help to the cooper in the Tower of London, to be discharged, and the Lieutenant and other officers not to suffer him to enter the Tower.
13–15. Order—on Lambert's report of the names of some persons apprehended last night in and about London—that Lord Newport, Andrew Newport his brother, Jeffrey Palmer, Francis Lord Willoughby of Parham, and Henry Seymour be committed to the Tower. That Sir Frederick Cornwallis, Ed. Progers, Thos. Panton, and Maj.-Gen. Ayres be committed to the Serjeant-at-Arms, and that John Denham be confined to a place chosen by himself, not within 20 miles of London.
16. Approval by the Protector of 5 orders of 7 June. [I. 76, pp. 128–130.]
June 10.
The Marmaduke, Plymouth Sound.		 27. Major Robt. Sedgwick to the Navy Commissioners. I know you would like to hear of our being further west, but we lost 3 ships, which in returning to us, overshot Portland. We sailed from Portland on Saturday, have taken in a week's provisions, and expect our consorts, when we shall sail. We have some trouble with our soldiers and the commanders of the merchantmen, they are so strict and niggardly in their allowances. I cannot rationally content the men unless they have the same allowances as in the State's ships; they are much straightened for lodging, the ships being overloaded. [1 page.]
June 12. 28. Petition of Chris. Ennis to the Protector. A large sum is due to me for service, and as I am engaged to go as Lieut.-Colonel to Col. Humphreys in this present expedition, I beg the same favour as granted to some others, of an advance on account, that I may provide for my voyage, and for the wife and 5 children whom I leave behind. [½ page.]
June 12. Order thereon in Council that 100l. be paid him from Council's contingencies. [I. 76, p. 133.; I. 105. p. 161.]
June 12. Council. Day's Proceedings.
1. Order—on certificate from the County Committee of Dorset—to advise a pension of 20l. a year to Mary, widow of John Channing, slain in the service, on account of her poverty, to begin at Midsummer. Approved 20 June.
2. Order to advise a warrant for 12,951l. for 13 weeks' provisions for the 3,500 men of Gen. Blake's fleet.
3. The letters and papers of the Commissioners in co. Lancaster, to whom the business touching the tenants of Popish and delinquent landlords was committed, referred to Pickering, Wolsley, Jones, Strickland, Lambert, and Mulgrave, to consider and offer their opinion, and to wait on his Highness thereon.
4. A letter from the Mayor of Lincoln, concerning Col. Berry's claim to a seat in that church, read.
5. The petition of Hum. Jones, for his Highness, the State, and several who served in the wars against the late King, referred to the Solicitor-General.
6. A paper presented by Wolsley about marsh grounds, cos. Norfolk and Cambridge, decreed by a Commission of Sewers to the late King, referred to Wolsley, Jones, Pickering, and Sydenham, to call for and examine the persons, hear why his Highness' right in the lands should not be set out as ordered, and report. Annexing,
29. i. Request on behalf of Col. Rugeley that,—as the Commissioners of Sewers adjudged to the late King the said lands, recovered by him at a cost of 6,000l.,—in order that the monies adjudged to Rugeley, 13 Feb. 1653–4, may be the sooner paid out of the rents of the lands, the owners of the lands may be summoned to show cause why the lands should not be granted, and that a publication in the churches be deemed sufficient notice. [1 page.]
29. ii. Order by the appointed Commissioners, that they will hear the owners of the land in person, or by their agents, at the Council Chamber, Whitehall, 1 Aug. next. 3 July 1655. [Draft, 1 page.]
7. The petition of John Burniston, John Tuttell, and Thos. Bowles, received.
8. The papers returned from Exeter, on Council's letter, read.
9. A report from the Admiralty Commissioners, with an extract from Gen. Penn's letter of 17 March last, about the encouragement of seamen, referred to the Commissioners on the fourth part of the pay of those officers and soldiers, to consult with the Admiralty Commissioners, advise what is to be done, and report.
10. The petition of Chris. Riddell, alias Roshe, jeweller, read. [I. 76, pp. 131–2.]
June 13.
Cadiz.		 30. Information that Gen. Blake with his fleet arrived last Monday, whereupon the Governor sent him some refreshments, and represented that he might come in, although by the capitulations not more than 10 ships could do so at once; but he excused himself as going for Sally, to force them to make peace, and then the English will be owners of all the navigation. One of his frigates took a Hamburgher bound from Marseilles to Newhaven. [½ page.]
June 13. Council. Day's Proceedings.
1. The letter from his Highness to Gen. Blake read, and agreed to be sent.
2. The petition of the fellows of Jesus College, Oxon, referred to Rous, Lisle, Jones, Mulgrave, Pickering, and Strickland, to report.
3. Order on report from the Committee on Gen. Penn's letter, concerning the encouragement of officers and seamen in that expedition, that they shall have the same encouragement, as to their share in prizes to be taken in those seas, as granted to officers and seamen in the war with Holland.
4. Also that a fitting provision shall be made, according to quality, for such as shall be maimed, and the relations of the slain.
5. The Admiralty Commissioners are to send these resolutions to Gen. Penn, that he may tell the seamen and officers.
6. The report from the Irish Committee agreed with, and the same Committee to prepare instructions and letters accordingly.
7. The petition of John Clench, for himself and other inhabitants of Stowbury, co. Dorset, referred to Sydenham and Jones, to report.
9. The Army Committee to issue warrants to the Treasurers-atwar, to pay, for the army and its contingencies, the 17,000l. ordered to be paid them on 22 May 1655.
11. In the order of June 5, concerning the troops of horse lately come out of Ireland, these words to be inserted: "together with such supernumeraries' horse as came over with the troops, not exceeding 36."
12. To advise that Justice Cooke be a justice of the Court of Upper Bench in Ireland, Justice Lowther Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, and Justice Donnilan a justice of Common Pleas. Approved 13 June.
13. Miles Corbett to be Chief Baron of the Exchequer Court in Ireland. Approved 13 June.
14. To advise that Edw. Carey be a Baron of Exchequer in Ireland. Approved 13 June.
15. The 2 Lord Chief Justices and the Chief Baron to manage the business of the Chancery Court in Ireland. Approved 13 June.
18, 19. The Army Committee to issue warrants for 40,000l., to be put on a ship chosen by the Admiralty Commissioners, and sent to Dublin for pay of the forces in Ireland, and the Treasury Commissioners to speak with the Army Committee thereon.
21. Thos. Keeling and Jas. Grace approved as servants to go to the Spa with Wm. Stafford. [I. 76, pp. 134–5.]
June 15. 31. Petition of Fras. Carter, of Kidderminster, co. Worcester, to the Protector, for recompense, as being the chief instrument in the discovery of plotters against his Highness and the public peace, by apprehending Thos. Thompson, who discovered them, being at Wm. Webster's, at Amsterdam, when they were named, and Webster offered 30,000l. to carry on the plot. The matter has been examined before the bailiffs of Kidderminster and justices of peace of Worcester, and Thompson examined before Council. Was at great charges in the discovery.
The persons accused are,—
Sir Rowland Berkley.
Sir John Packington.
Sir John Lowther.
Lord Newport.
Sir Hen. Littleton.
Sir Wm. Robinson.
Wm. Fowler, of the Grange.
Mr. Soley.
" Follett.
" Beach.
" Tyrer.
Thos. Metcalfe.
Mr. Allowayes, minister.
Wm. Webster, merchant of Amsterdam.
Endorsed with receipt of 20l. for the service from Sec. Thurloe. [1½ pages.]
June 15. Council. Day's Proceedings, in his Highness's Chamber.
1, 2. Approval of Nath. Fiennes, member of Council, and John Lisle, as Commissioners of the Great Seal, to be used by either of them. By his Highness' command they were called in, and his Highness declared their nomination, and delivered the Great Seal over to them. Mr. Scobell read the oath, which they both took. [I. 76, p. 136.]
June 18. 32. Thos. Lamplugh to Jos. Williamson. Let me know whether you will have a public Act at Oxford, and whether the scenes will be as well performed as formerly. If so, I will come and bring a lady or two, for whom you must bespeak handsome chambers in a private house near Queen's for a week or two. Direct to me at the Harrow or the 3 Pigeons, Gray's Inn Lane. [1 page.]
June 18.
Niton.		 33. John Langhorne to Williamson. I have written to your scholar, and shall send him a horse. Before he leaves you, I will give you some satisfaction, though far below the pains you have taken. [1 page.]
June 18. 34. George Williamson to his brother Joseph. I have paid Peter 2l., and send you 20s. Thos. Tolson and your other friends here remember you. My mother is ill and will hardly get through; she wants to see you before she dies. Send me, if possible, a signet with our arms on it. [1 page.]
June 19. 35. Petition of John Fisher, Yeoman Warder of the Tower, to the Protector, for reimbursement. In June 1651, Col. Dan. Bolton was committed to the Tower, and Col. West, the Lieutenant, put him in my custody. I found him diet and necessaries till his discharge; but he was quite unable to pay me anything. I applied to the late Council of State, and was referred to the Committee for Prisoners; but the dissolution of the Council of State prevented my satisfaction. With reference thereon to Council, 31 March 1654. [1 page.] Annexing,
35. i. Bill of disbursements in 1651, for keeping Col. Dan. Bolton 31 weeks 23l. 5s. 0d., and Col. Dan. Sowton 7 weeks 5l. 5s. 0d., total 28l. 10s. 0d. 20 Nov. 1652. [1 page.]
35. ii. Order of the Council of State, referring a former petition to the Lieutenant of the Tower; endorsed with a note of Rich. Norton, that he knew Bolton to be very poor, and much in Fisher's debt. 30 Nov. 1653. [½ page.]
June 19.
Whitehall.		 36. Reference thereon by Council to Col. Berkstead, Lieutenant of the Tower, to examine, and report. [⅓ page. Also I. 76, p. 138.]
[June 19.] 37. Petition of Katherine, widow of Lieut. Hugh Miller, to the Protector. My busband and son Edward, retiring after long service to Woodhouselee, co. Somerset, were besieged by Sir Fras. Dodington, who took the place, and wounded and at length hanged them. The Committee for the West gave me a pension of 20l a year from Sir Francis' estate from Goldsmiths' Hall, which was paid till March 1653; but now they say there is a restraint, and they must have a new warrant. I beg one accordingly. With reference 5 May 1655 to Council, to order the continuance of the pension with arrears, on consideration of her extremity. [1 sheet.] Annexing,
37. i. Certificate by Rich. Sherwin that the last payment thereon from Goldsmiths' Hall was for the quarter ended 24 June 1654. [¼ page.]
June 19. Order thereon in Council for payment with arrears. [I. 76, p. 141.]
June 19. Council. Day's Proceedings.
1. Order on report from the Committee on the petition of the City of London touching coals for the poor—that the City has long provided 4,000 tons, to be sold at easy rates to the poor of London and Southwark; that they had a license from King James to bring them in free of custom, and the late Parliament exempted them from the impost of 1s. in the pound; this was acted upon in 1653 and preceding years; but last year the farmers paid their rent in full, without this defalcation, so that the City, though they provided the coals, had not that benefit; but it being only 200l. a year, it would not be well to discontinue it, and discourage so good a work—to advise a warrant to the Treasury Commissioners, to order the farmers to allow the import custom free of the said 4,000 tons, and to defalk the 200l. a year for the present and past year from their rent. Approved 20 June. Annexing,
38. i. Report on which the said order is founded. [1½ pages.]
38. ii. Order of the Revenue Committee for import of the said coals, custom free. 21 April 1648. [Copy, 1 page.]
38. iii. Orders for allowance of the 200l. 1649–1653. [1 page.]
38. iv. Certificate by Thos. Fauconberg of the payment, by the farmers of the composition of coals in Newcastle port, of 1838l. 12s. 6d. rent for a year, without defalcation. 25 Dec. 1654. [⅓ page.]
38. v. Certificate by Wm. Wall, 15 years employed in providing the coal for London, that last year, 1654, it was provided as usual. [¼ page.]
2. The Army Committee to issue warrants for payment of what is due for paying off eight of the 10 companies of 960 soldiers, besides officers, raised by Sir John Copleston, high sheriff of co. Devon, at the breaking out of the late insurrection, as two only of the companies are to be continued. Approved 29 June.
3. Order on report from the Committee for Petitions, on the petition of Col. Geo. Gill, praying payment of his disbursements and arrears out of 2,000l. said to be owing to the State by Lord Savile, that the same Committee (with those of the Treasury Commissioners who are members of Council) enquire whether the 2,000l. is owing, as part of Lord Savile's fine, and whether the petitioner's addresses are properly a discovery, and report.
5. To advise that—as the 550l. ordered 15 Aug. 1654 to Capt. Peter Backhouse for service, from fines imposed by the Act of Grace for Scotland, comes after other charges thereon, and payment will be dilatory—the money be paid from the Treasury, and that notice be given before payment to the Treasurer in Scotland. Approved 26 June.
7. A printed paper concerning an office for common farthings, kept at the house of Richard Abbot, in Threadneedle Street, referred to the Lord Mayor of London, as the issuing of them is without authority.
8. Order, on report from the Treasury Commissioners upon the petition of the inferior officers of the High Court of Justice, [see 28 March, supra]—for allowances and disbursements for 8½ weeks, from 22 June to 20 Aug. 1654,—that a warrant be issued for payment of the following salaries:—
£ s. d.
Sword bearer and serjeants-at-arms, 4l. a week each 68 0 0
First clerk 3l. 10s. " 29 0 0
Second clerk and solicitor 2l. 10s. " 42 10 0
Clerk to the Commissioner of the Court 2l. " 17 0 0
11 guards, door-keeper, and crier, 1l. " 110 10 0
4 ushers and 4 messengers 13s. 4d. " 49 6 8
Gavill on his petition 4 0 0
Also bills amounting to 17 13 0
Total 337 19 8
Annexing,
39. i. Report of the Treasury Commissioners alluded to, 15 May 1655. [2/3 page.]
39. ii. Note of the whole charge of the court, on which the said report was founded. [1 page.]
£ s. d.
39. iii. Bill of Hen. Middleton, serjeant-at-arms, for a trumpeter, drummer, and eight troopers. [Scrap.] 1 17 0
39. iv. Bill of Fras. Tyton, stationer, noting several articles, including a Bible in Turkey leather, which are to be returned. [1¼ pages] 4 9 0
39. v. Bill of John Embree, surveyor, for putting up hangings, matting the seats, &c., in the painted chamber, and altering the Court of Chancery for the High Court of Justice 10 3 0
39. vi. Bill of Clement Kinnersley, wardrobe keeper, for putting up hangings, placing chairs and stools, and making a great footstool. [Scrap] 1 4 0
17 13 0
9. 40. Order on report from the Army Committee on the petition of Thos. Parry, [see 23 May 1655] that Wollaston and the late Treasurers-at-war pay to John Blackwell and Rich. Deane, the present Treasurers, 438l. 13s. 4d., and that Parry be discharged from further prosecution therefor. Annexing,
40. i. Report on which the above order is founded, 4 June 1655. [1 page.]
11. The Committee on the petition of the officers attending the Commissioners of Articles, concerning their salaries, to hasten the report thereon. [I. 76, pp. 137–141].
June 19.
Whitehall.		 Pres. Lawrence to Geo. Bilton, Deputy-Treasurer at Leith. It was directed, by an order of Aug. 15, 1654, that the Treasurer of fines imposed by the late Ordinance of Pardon on the Scotch should pay Capt. Peter Backhouse 550l. You are now directed not to do so, as it is to be paid out of his Highness' Exchequer; and that there may be certainty that you have not paid, nor will pay the same, send in your account at once. [I. 76, p. 141.]
June 19.
Whitehall.		 Pres. Lawrence to the Lord Mayor of London. His Highness and Council send you a printed paper importing that certain persons have issued farthings which are countenanced by public authority, though they have received no such stamp, but rather the contrary; as these proceedings prejudice the State, you are to examine the matter, and proceed against offenders according to law. [I. 76, p. 141.]
June 20. 41. Petition of John Clench, for the inhabitants of Stowbury, co. Dorset, to the Protector. In 1643 we willingly permitted our town of 100 families to be burned, to preserve the Parliament garrison at Wareham, even when the late King's forces were most prevalent in the county, and thus we lost 3,000l. and are ruined. We were unwilling to trouble the State till their troubles were over; but we then addressed you, and were referred to the late Parliament, whose multiplied business would not admit private debates, so we return to you. Little can be expected by brief, since the malevolent in all counties will say this ought to be paid on the public account, unless the brief were largely extended, as it was to Marlborough.
The truth of our petition is known to Col. Sydenham, Sir A.A. Cooper, John Trenchard, Cols. Bingham and Fitzjames, and Denis Bond. We refer to your wisdom for the way of our relief. With reference to Council, 9 June 1655. [1 page.]
June 20. Order thereon in Council that 500l. be allowed them from any discoveries of concealed estates to be made by them. [I. 76, p. 142.]
June 20. Council. Day's Proceedings.
2. Form of a license for transporting corn, there being an overplus above consumption, on payment of 4d. per quarter to the Customs' Commissioners, which sum will be allowed on their accounts, and they discharged from further proportion. Approved 20 June.
4. Approval by the Protector of eight orders. 7–20 June. [I. 76, p. 142.]
June 20.
London.		 42. Commissioner Peter Pett to [Robt. Blackborne]. I send the examinations of persons charged with embezzlement. John Alderson formerly informed against Paxford, the gunner, but failed to prove the charge; Mr. Hill says that, if he is indemnified, he will discover much knavery, and that Chris. Hill, of Greenwich, who is accused of buying powder of Rich. Leake, gunner of the Pelican, has got an estate worth 5,000l. by purchasing embezzled goods, and offered money to Hill, the searcher, not to be discovered.
The examinations of Taylor of Maidstone, and Read of New Hythe, as to selling and buying 2 cwt. of cable, do not agree, as one affirms that it was sold at 7s. per cwt., and the other that it was given in exchange for 3 cwt. of brown paper; but I believe Taylor is right. As to the examination of Pett of Hoo, I think that I, or the other Commissioners, fined him for the same offence long since. There are several other poor knaves accused, and I have ordered them to be secured and sent up.
I acquainted Col. Clarke with another embezzlement of a cable, but as the delinquents were poor, I have bound them over to the sessions, where they may get burnt in the hand, that being the highest punishment accorded there; but if the Commissioners would rather try them at Whitehall, I will send them up. [1 page.] Enclosing,
42. i.–iii. Depositions of Rich. Paxford, gunner of the Rochester, denying that he embezzled powder, or indented with the ordnance officers for any for 15 years past. Also deposition of John Alderson and others, to prove that And. Jackson, gunner of the James, then living at Chatham, embezzled powder and shot, which was taken to London and disposed of; also that Rich. Leake, gunner of the Pelican, sent up 19 barrels of powder and 500 of shot in Hen. Dunning's Hoy to Chris. Hill, a waterman of Greenwich. With Jackson's denial of the charge. [3 papers.]
June 21./July 1.
Cologne.		 43. [Mr. Manning to Thurloe.] Wilmot says, to confirm Sir R. Willis's being one of the Council at London, that when you made him prisoner at the time of Gerard's death, being [aware?] of Bellasis' intimacy with Lambert, he thought he had betrayed him, and sent him a challenge.
Armorer met Lovel in London. None that were engaged have escaped but those I told you of, and Thomson, now at Antwerp. You take the right course, and have struck a panic into them all. If you could stop their correspondence, you would hinder their cabals in Holland. Their only hope is that, having made peace with France, you will break with Spain. Remember Cols. Fras. Lovelace and Edw. Villars, and Mr. John Denham.
I hope you will reward me; having seen the wickedness of those here, I resign myself wholly to you. The Princess Royal, Prince Rupert, and Lord Craven, are expected next week; the Protector's being crowned is believed. Pray remember about the Duke of Gloucester; I am confident you have hindered the Protector's murder by your diligence. [Decypher, 2¾ pages.]
June 22. Council. Day's Proceedings.
1. Council to debate next Tuesday the business touching godly ministers being ejected or interrupted in possession of their livings, by proceedings at common law, though put in by order of Parliament, on the sequestration of the former incumbent.
2. Order—on a paper signed Francis Hodges, to the Committee who are to give orders concerning the pay of officers and soldiers under Gen. Venables to their wives and assignees,—to advise payment to Hodges, the Treasurer, of 3,000l. on account, which he and Mr. Bowes are to issue out to wives and assignees showing just claims, and if they find any claims doubtful, to refer them to the Committee named on May 10, 1655, and act on their report. [I. 76, p. 143.]
June 22./July 2.
Cologne.		 44. [Mr. Manning to Thurloe.] Major Rob. Walters, or his brother John, know most of the Northern design, and are now in London; Col. Fras. Croft and Capt. Craven were also engaged. [Rich.] Rose, Lord Wilmot's servant, who has a wart on the left eyelid, is just now sent to England, with letters or a message to put on the murdering of the Protector, and to return with an account how things stand. He may be met at Lady Wilmot's. [Decypher 1 page.]
June 23./July 3.
Cologne.		 45. [Mr. Manning to Thurloe.] Your diligence in seizing your enemies gives great alarm here. Had you done it sooner, the escape of many might have been prevented. Dr. Earle's wife, and Mr. Elliott's, who may be known by her red eyes, are to bring over important letters. They dare not send men, the ports being so narrowly looked to. Malivery tells me that Sir John Malory was engaged, but being sick, could not be at the rendezvous. His cousin John Malory, with his men, was there. Col. Hen. Cheater was also engaged, but not there; Col. Owen is yet in London.
Wilmot told me that Lord Byron said to him that he was very much pleased his county had so much confidence in his little carcase as to choose him for their leader. I take God to witness, I deal truly with you in what I write. Col. Borthwick, a Scot, is come, and Balcarras is daily looked for. The murdering of the Protector is still endeavoured. All agree that nothing can be done without that. Remember Lovel, the Duke of Gloucester's tutor, now in London. [Decypher, 2⅓ pages.]
June 26. 46. Petition of the parishioners of Manenden, Essex, to the Protector. Sam. Sowthen, removed from our vicarage for drunkenness and other foul scandals, has, without appearance of reformation, intruded into the church and vicarage, on pretence that Parliament orders are of no force now, and put out the minister provided by the well-affected and Godly, who cannot contend with him because of the smallness of the living. Sowthen threatens to sue the inhabitants for all the tithes which, since his outing, they have disbursed to godly ministers, therefore we shall suffer greatly unless he is speedily removed. We beg help, lest the Malignants and irreligious triumph, and the Godly be saddened. 31 signatures. [Copy, 1 page.]
June 26. Note of the reading of the petition in Council, but no order. [I. 76, p. 143.]
June ? 47. Petition of Sam. Vassall to the Protector. I have been unable, by all the means I could procure, to see you for a year, but you have heard my case and read my papers, and promised to move your Council in it. I daily expect to be cast into prison; if I am undone by the hand wherein was all my hope, it will aggravate my misery, and it would be a dishonour to this Commonwealth, of which I have so often been a public minister. I beg to bring in French wines custom free, in payment of my debt, &c. [1 page.]
June 26. 48. Petition of Sam. Vassall to the Protector. To the same effect as that of 6 April 1654. I beg speedy help, or I and my 6 children must utterly perish. Let me have my money, which is already placed on the Excise, or else what is due for the service of my ships, and the rest out of discoveries to be made by myself or friends. With notes of Parliament orders, 28 Jan. and 6 May 1647, for payment of debts to him, total, 20,386l. 19s. 8d. [1 sheet.]
June 26. 49. Petition of Sam. Vassall to Council. The Protector having referred my petition to you, I beg speedy relief. I have laid myself out for the good of the State; I relieved Lord Inchiquin's garrison when they were ready to perish, and unfurnished my ships for them; but though my debt was placed on the Excise, I have only received 1 year's interest. If I could have the residue of the money not ordered from the Excise from discoveries of concealed estates, I could not only be paid, but bring in large sums to the Exchequer. [1 page.]
June 26. Reference thereon by Council to the Treasury Commissioners, to report. [I. 76, p. 145.]
June 26. Note of a petition, referred to the Committee for Petitions, of Thos. Smith and other owners of the Anne Percy, for payment of 307l. 4s. 3d. out of the thirds of prizes. The first Prize Goods' Commissioners owe nothing to the State, but the present Commissioners are now to deliver up their accounts. Order in Council for payment from the Treasury, and for hastening the report of the Admiralty Commissioners thereon. [I. 92, No. 269; I. 76, pp. 146–7.]
June 26. Council. Day's Proceedings.
2. To advise a proclamation, acccording to this day's debate, concerning Godly ministers interrupted at law by persons formerly sequestered. Montague, Sydenham, and Wolsley to prepare a draft quickly.
3. Mr. Lockyer to be paid, as preacher at Whitehall, 200l. a year, from Dec. 25 1653, and his arrears to be paid from Council's contingencies. Approved 26 June.
4. The petition of Marmaduke Gresham and John Holmeden, referred by his Highness to Council, referred to Wolsley, Jones, and Montague.
5. The petition of William, Lord Chandos, referred in like manner, referred to Pickering, Strickland, Montague, to report.
7. John Price, appointed 5 March 1654–5 a Commissioner of appeals in Excise, in place of Hen. Elsing, deceased, to have the usual allowance. Approved 26 June.
8. Wolsley, Sydenham, and Strickland to read the returns made on Council's reference, concerning the carriage of the mayor and others of Southampton, and to report.
9. Order on report on M. Blondeau's petition, to advise payment of 100l. towards his expenses in preparing engines for the Mint in Ireland. Annexing,
50. i. Report alluded to by Pickering and Jones. [½ page.]
11. Order on report from the Committee on a former report on a petition of the alum and copperas makers—that whereas it is complained that the excise, being heretofore payable by the first buyer, was remitted in case of export, yet now that it is paid by the maker, the Excise Commissioners refuse to return it—that if it be exported within 6 months of payment of excise, the excise shall be repaid. Approved 29 June. Annexing,
51. i. Draft of the said order corrected. [2 pages.]
14. Approval by the Protector of 3 orders, 19–26 June. [I. 76, pp. 144–7.]
June 26./July 6.
Cologne.		 52. [Mr. Manning to Thurloe.] Your severe proceedings seem terrible to your enemies here. Let me know your prisoners, and I will serve you about those you would have enquired after. On these great alarms a Council was called, and an account taken of every man's intelligence concerning your proceedings, and of those lords which you have lately taken. Some write that the Protector intends to be speedily crowned; others that he will issue a declaration establishing the legislative power in himself; this will be more pleasing to the sword-men, and will abolish Parliaments, which cannot be chosen without faction, the malcontents being easily to be worked upon by Charles Stuart and his party; this last is most feared. They know not here what resolutions to take, except to murder the Protector, which will soonest cause commotion. Rich. Rose has gone to England with additional encouragements to Stephens and others speedily to effect it.
Many from hence land in Essex, where Wilmot shipped himself. We hear that you intend to send many lords and men of quality to the Indies. Tell me the truth of this, and the list of your prisoners; it need not be written in cypher.
You may find Col. Wm. Owen at Wm. Morgan's chamber in Gray's Inn; both were in the late design. The death of Lord Herbert of Cherbury is much lamented. As to the Northern engagement, Major Rob. Walters, who was here incog. before the King's last removal, his brother John, and Capt. Wm. Barck are said to be in London; they, with Mr. Samuel and Chas. Davison, were much engaged in the late design. Sir Phil. Musgrave and his son Christopher, Sir Phil. Mountain, Sir Chris. Appleyard, Sir Wm. Blackeston, and Sir John Crosland had horses ready for the first day appointed for the rising, and were going to beat up troops, when Malivery sent an order-to stay, which he had from Davison and the rest of the cabal, Col. John Tempest, Holby, Major Adam Bland, and Col. Ralph Millet. Walter Strickland [noted in the margin, a mistake in the cypher] was the first man that disanimated the soldiers at the rendezvous, and persuaded them to disperse; and on his flight, met Col. Darcy with 60 horse, whose men, for the most part, followed Strickland's example, but Darcy went on; these were engaged, and Col. Branlin, who, I now hear, is a prisoner; this I hear from Malivery. The misfortune is imputed to Langdale's absence; he was promised, but not intended, he being not of Hyde's cabal, which made many fail to come to the rendezvous. I hear by Wilmot that Lord Allington, Sir Wm. Compton's son-in-law, was engaged, and in their cups, that he and most of the lords furnished large sums.
Since I made the proposals to you about the Duke of Gloucester, I fear you are angry, as you give them no answer. I take God to witness, I do it only the better to ingratiate myself in order to serve you. I know this to be the easiest way, growing services being valued here, whereas 60 times the sum at one clap would be soon forgotten. Pray answer this and my other letters. If you have not my intelligence so well digested as you wish, excuse me for I cannot copy it, but am forced to write immediately out of the cypher; but truths you have. Worden, we hear, has got to London. [Decypher, 7½ pages.]
June 26./July 6.
Cologne.		 53. [Mr. Manning to Thurloe.] Since I wrote to Mr. Browne, I hear from Fairfax that a messenger has come from England, a tall man in grey, I know not his name. If I could write to the Governor of Dover or Harwich, none could escape you. Lovel is in London; Holsey returns for England in 10 days. [Decypher, ¾ page.]
June 27. 54. "An appeal for God and the Kingdom," viz., petition of John Jones, gent., prisoner in the Fleet, to Council. I was most falsely traduced into the Court of Chancery by Thos. Edwards, a privileged person there, denied justice, and condemmed by the Commissioners for the Great Seal, against law and justice, to the damage of 1,000l., against which I appeal to you as Christian councillors, and demand justice, and that the Commissioners may answer as delinquents for rebellion and treason against God, the law, and the State, and that speedy justice may be done me, and I may be brought in person before you to defend my cause, and be restored to liberty, after 8 months' tyrannical imprisonment, having transgressed no law, nor wronged any by a pennyworth. [1 page.]
Substance of the offences charged in this appeal as rebellion, treason, corruption of the regal oath, robbery, murder, by imprisonment, and conspiracy against government.
List of 17 questions to be asked of the officers of the Court of Chancery.
Notes of covenants between King and people from the time of Henry III., and of judgments against covenant-breakers; with examples from sacred and secular history.
Statement of the principles of Christian government.
Grounds on which to oppose tyrannical decrees in Chancery.
Full account of the proceedings in the case of Thos. Edwards against John Jones, in reference to a loan by Jones to Edwards of 300l. in 1638, and reflections thereon. [All in a book of 30 pages, small folio.]
June 27. 55. Petition of Susan Falkener, widow of a godly minister, to the Protector, for a license to export 500 barrels of butter and 20 tons of cheese, being in straits, and having the care of some of her late husband's children. [1 page.]
June 27. Order in Council for a pension to her of 2s. a week for 2 years. Approved 29 June. [I. 76, pp. 150, 154.]
June 27. 56. Petition of John Clench for the inhabitants of Stowbury, near Wareham, co. Dorset, to the Protector and Council. Being a fellow sufferer in their calamity, at their request and at my own expense, I endeavoured their relief, and five quarters since, I applied to his Highness, who referred me to Parliament, they back to his Highness, and he to Council. I have since attended daily, and now find that the request cannot be granted by brief, as that would be dishonourable, nor from the public, as that would be a precedent. I acknowledge the equity of the result, but beg compensation for my losses and sufferings during my waiting, and an order for the poor inhabitants to receive satisfaction for their losses out of their own discoveries, at reasonable charges. [1 page.] Annexing,
56. i. Clench's bill of expenses in prosecuting the business of Stowbury, in travelling, solicitors' fees, &c., 54l. 8s. 0d., which he believes to be 20l. below the account, beside the loss of his trade as grazier. [1 page.]
June 27. Order in Council thereon that 40l. be allowed him out of the proceeds of the shallop taken by a vessel at Poole, and given by an order of this day to her setters forth. [I. 76, p. 151.]
[June 27.] 57. Petition of Thos. Gallilee, merchant of London, to the Protector. To call the Venetian agent before Council, and enjoin him to send a copy of this petition to the supreme power there, and have an answer why they refuse to pay their debts. My only son Thomas spent most of his estate in buying and fitting out a ship of 300 tons and 24 guns, and lost his ship, hired by the States of Venice, in a fight with 27 Turkish vessels, of which Sir Thos. Bendish gave an account to the Turkey Company [See, 4 June 1653]. Yet the barbarous Turks rescued him from the sea for his matchless valour, and he has been ever since a slave to the Great Turk, without hope of redemption. The States of Venice confess by their agent a debt of 12,000 ducats to me; and though there is 1,600l. and 1,500l. more due, I only drew ½ the 12,000 ducats on the English Consul [John Hobson], and yet they refuse payment of my bill of exchange. [1 page.] Annexing,
57. i. Bill of exchange alluded to, 20 Oct. 1654, with protest against payment. Venice, 29 Jan. 1654. Latin and Italian, partly printed. [1 page.]
57. ii. Translation of the above. [1½ pages.]
June 27. Order in Council,—on Lord Lambert's presenting a letter to the Venetian agent in Gallilee's behalf—that a letter to that purport be prepared and presented to Council. [I. 76, p. 151.]
June 27. Council. Day's Proceedings.
4. The petition of Tobias Sollicoffers, for Joachim Laurence and David Sollicoffers, merchants and subjects of the Protestant cantons of Switzerland, and John Scrottering, senator of Hamburg,—with a certificate from the Commissioners for Prize Goods, and report of the Admiralty Commissioners, referred to Council by his Highness;—referred to Montague, Sydenham, and Pickering, to report.
5. Montague and Lambert added to the Committee on Capt. John Blackwell's petition.
6. The petition of Thos. Parry, Receiver-General of the monthly assessments, co. Cardigan, for allowance for his services, referred to the Army Committee, to allow him what is fit. Approved 29 June.
7. A report from the Committee for Petitions, on the petition of divers reduced officers who served the Commonwealth in the late war, and whose accounts have been stated by authority of Parliament, read.
8. Sydenham and Montague added to the Committee for Plantations, to whom it is referred to consider what was to day communicated, concerning the Jonathan's unlading at a foreign port when coming from the East Indies, and to send for Maurice Thompson and other owners and freighters of the ship, and report.
11. Order, on report on the petition of Nich. Green, &c., [see 22 May 1655]—that Trotman be enjoined to observe the order of the Committee for ejecting scandalous Ministers in co. Wilts, by yielding up the living before 20 July, and not interrupting Pichard therein; the justices of peace are, on application, to give their assistance. Approved 29 June. Annexing,
58. i. Report alluded to, signed by Jones. [1 page.]
58. ii. Note of a portion of the report. [½ page.]
12. The report on the petition of Henry Lord Herbert, and Wm. Minhere, for satisfaction for fee-farm rents worth 90l. 4s. 10d. a year, purchased of Minhere as issuing out of lands settled by Act of Parliament on Herbert, referred to trial in the Court of Common Pleas.
13. 59. Order on Sydenham's report—that the rent of Mrs. Rebekah Giares' house at Weymouth, hitherto used for the State's magazine, was paid till Dec. 20 1653, and that 1¼ years rent is due, viz., 12l. 10s. 0d.;—that the Admiralty Commissioners order payment thereof. Approved 29 June.
18. Sir John Thoroughgood appointed to receive the 337l. 19s. 8d. ordered on June 19 to be paid to the officers of the late High Court of Justice, and his name to be inserted in the order accordingly. [I. 76, pp. 147–151.]
June 27. 60. Request by the Trustees for Sale of Forest Lands, that the moneys due to workmen for fitting their offices, and other provisions, may be paid to Geo. Hooper, their messenger, to be by him distributed to the creditors. [2/3 page.] Annexing,
60. i. Note by the Trustees of the sums due to the respective workmen for work at Worcester House, total 280. 1s. 3½d. [1 column.]
June 27.
Gray's Inn.		 61. Thos. Lamplugh to Jos. Williamson. You answered my questions at the same time that I asked them, which makes me a Pythagoræan, to believe the same soul can inform 2 bodies. I guess the being of your Act (like the principia of metaphysics), is very disputable; but Act or no, I hope to find you and your name on the Buttery books. I shall contract your name into a shorter syncope than ever grammar taught, and enjoin you a fast for a week or two. Mr. Richard has gone north, having his cousin Geo. Lamplugh's company to York. The ladies waver about coming [to Oxford]. [1 page.]
June 27.
The Marmaduke.		 62. Major Robt. Sedgwick to the Navy Commissioners. I have sent up the best account I can of the extraordinary stores sent from Deptford, but will get a further account, as also of the awnings sent from Woolwich. I am under sail, but have had to put on shore, 5 or 6 men suffering from smallpox; the rest are in good health. I am sorry I could not take a solemn leave of you. I beg your prayers, that we may be sent out with a blessing, and be a blessing where we go. Our work is great; we need much prayer. [1 page.]
June 28.
The Marmaduke.		 63. Major Robt. Sedgwick to the Navy Commissioners, I send an account of all the watermen aboard the squadron bound westward; but as some will have to be turned on shore as unfit, you may judge we shall be at a loss for want of men. I hope we shall recruit some here. I intended to send a full account of the extra stores received from Deptford, but finding them imperfect, will send it by the next post. I am now only waiting for a wind, our condition being good, and the soldiers contented, save a few who are willing to countermarch. We have lost a few, and 4 or 5 have been put on shore sick.
We have had a difference with our surgeons, who say they have nothing to do with the soldiers, and have no allowance for them. We apprehend that the merchant ships are bound to give the soldiers the same allowance of victuals as they have in the State's ships, but we know not the contract; the soldiers began to be discontented at being shortened, but I think the commanders will comply, though unwillingly. [1 page.]
June 28. Council. Day's Proceedings.
1. The Commander and other prisoners, taken in a shallop employed as a pirate for infesting the coast and trade of this nation, by Major George Scutt and others at Poole, to be carried to the county gaol at Salisbury; Scutt to see that they are sent, and the keeper to receive them into safe custody. [I. 76, p. 152.]
June 28./July 8.
Cologne.		 64. [Mr. Manning] to Jer. Joselin, [Sec. Thurloe.] Letters are come from the King of Sweden, Marquis of Brandenburg, and Gen. Wrangel to Charles Stuart. None but he knows the contents. These are his friends.
Also letters from Prince Rupert advise that Bardi, the Duke of Modena's agent, was come to him, and had removed all doubts, so now in honour he must go that journey. He offers Lord Gerard to be his lieut.-general, and Craven to be general, and Massey lieut.-general of his ordnance. This is very private here. Charles Stuart hopes much to have foreign forces from the King of Sweden.
Major Jas. Holsey came with Wilmot and Arnet, one of Ascham's murderers, and they have gone for England. I wish I had a cypher with the Governor of Dover for these things. The murdering the Protector is still endeavoured, for all your severe proceedings, and the actors have large sums in hand to manage it.
Capt. Phil. Curtis is come from England. Let Lambert take care of himself, for it is whispered that he often goes to Wimbledon slenderly guarded.
I do not hear that you have questioned or imprisoned Lords Hertford, Seymour, Mohun, Maynard, Peterborough (?), Carbury, or Strafford, Col. John Russell, and many others I have named, who were deeply engaged: Musgrave was at first one of the Council in London; neither Col. John Covet, Sam. Sandys, Sherrington Talbot, Lord Coventry, his sons, and his brother William Coventry, and Lord Shrewsbury.
Middleton is designed to be sent to Sweden. Worden, Stephens, Dr. Lloyd, one of Charles Stuart's chaplains, and Lovel, the Duke of Gloucester's tutor, now in England, are all employed hence; I sent you word this week where Wilmot's lady resides. The messenger may be found. [2½ pages. Cypher, decyphered; printed in Thurloe, Vol. iii. p. 591.]
[I hear from Antwerp that I have no letter this week, which makes me fear mine miscarry; if so, let me have other addresses, or my writing will be vain.] (fn. 2)
June 29./July 9.
Cologne.		 65. [Mr. Manning.] To Mr. Miller. [Sec. Thurloe.] Since mine of the 8th, we hear that Lord Ossory, who we feared was in prison, is at liberty. Lord Balcarras, and many Presbyterians are looked for here to-morrow. Wilmot says certainly that in the late design, Col. Booth of Cheshire was to have commanded there, and in Lancashire and North Wales, and Sir Wm. Compton in the Midland counties.
The Princess Royal will be here next week. I wait your commands, and I rejoice to hear that you take the right course and proceed so soundly. If any letters in the packets are found subscribed Gilbert Thomas, they are from Lord Cleveland hither. Ossory knows Stephens and his design. I told Gerard I could not imagine why Devonshire was imprisoned, unless for lending Charles Stuart money. He and Denham do not know what sum was lent. [1 page. Cypher, decyphered.]
June 29./9 July. 66. Decypher of the preceding. [2⅓ pages.]
June 29./July 9.
Cologne.		 [Sec. Nicolas] to Jos. Jane. I am surprised that mine of 19/29 June and of 22 June/2 July came by the same post, I enclose a letter for 613 (fn. 3); pray expound it to him, and tell him such particulars in mine to you as you think fit. I marvel that strangers think much of our nation submitting to one another. It seems to me much more strange and infamous that foreign Princes and States should so basely crouch and creep to such an upstart fellow and rebel as Cromwell, who keeps all in them awe, and makes them, at a distance, and even in their own kingdoms, to tremble for fear of his power and displeasure. Why should any marvel that a people should be quiet, when he has so great an army to command them ?
Scott, of Rouen, has a letter from Spain of 25 May, which reports that St. Domingo and Hispaniola had news of the English fleet being in those parts; they were at first much astonished, but are prepared for defence, so it seems Penn and Venables will have to fight for it. Most here think it would be best for the King that the English should prevail against the Spaniard in the West Indies, for that if they should be beaten thence, the Spaniard would not take any notice of the attempt, but continue his friendship with Cromwell.
I am persuaded Cromwell will take no other title till invested in the legislative power, which he will get settled on him by the army, city, sheriffs, &c., and then declare himself by what title he pleases. A little army of Presbyterians is coming here; Lords Balcarras and Colepepper on business of trust from the Queen. I know no Presbyterians who have suffered more for loyalty, yet some think they are the only propugnators of kingly government. I cannot tell why Jennett is discontented, he is no competent judge whose interest is greatest in England. Sir Marm. Langdale had 500 guilders from the King to fit himself for England the last rising, but some men are not to be satisfied. I marvel to hear the Earls of Northumberland, Leicester, and Devon are imprisoned, but I think they are only ordered to keep to their houses, as the Earl of Lindsey was. I wish my wife were out of England; she must be affrighted to hear of daily imprisonments. [2½ pages. Holland correspondence.]
June 29. 67. Petition of Armiger Warner to Council, for indemnity against a bond of 800l. entered into with John Jeffryes, merchant of London, to transport 100 Irish to Virginia, which he was unable to perform because his ship was seized for the service [see 26 June 1654], and now Jeffryes has arrested him, and will have execution on Tuesday. The Barons of Exchequer have only power to relieve those who acted for the benefit of Parliament, and this was done since the dissolving of the first Parliament. [¾ page.]
June 29. 68. Order thereon that Council think Jeffryes should forbear proceedings, but wishing to avoid extraordinary ways for petitioner's relief, request Scobell and Jessop, Clerks of Council, to call both parties before them, and accommodate the difference, or report through whose default they cannot do it. [2/3 page; also I. 76, p. 153.]
June 29. Council. Day's Proceedings.
3. The petition of Katherine Stone, widow, and Henry Stone, her son, concerning their claim on the Manor of Skillingthorpe, co. Lincoln, referred to the Lord Chief Justices of the Upper Bench, and of Common Pleas, to report.
4. Order,—on report of the Committee on the examinations returned from Southampton against Wm. Higgins mayor, [Wm.] Stanley, alderman, and Ed. Downer, late High Sheriff of the corporation,—that they be brought in custody to Council, to answer the charges against them. Approved 29 June.
5. The articles against Higgins and several of the corporation of Southampton, exhibited by Nath. Robinson and Rob. Thorner for the well affected of the town, referred to Lord Rich. Cromwell, Rich. Major, Rich. Norton, John Dunch, John Hildesley, John Pitman, and Ed. Hayes, to examine the parties and witnesses, learn the truth of the articles, and report with the most speedy opportunity.
6. Sydenham's report of the draft of a declaration for relief of godly ministers, interrupted at law by persons formerly sequestered, read, amended, blanks filled in, and approved.
8. Benj. Master to have leave to print a Latin narrative, entitled Sabaudîensis in reformatam religionem persecutionis brevis narratio, &c., if he shall see cause.
10. Approval by the Protector of 11 orders. 19–29 June. [I. 76, pp. 152–4.]
June 29.
Custom House.		 69. Customs' Commissioners to John Thurloe, Secretary of State. Having received from his Highness and Council an order licensing the free export of all sorts of grain on payment of 4d. per quarter, and that the Commissioners of Customs shall be charged no more on their account, we send a representation, which we should not have presumed to tender but for the reasons therein expressed. [2/3 page.] Enclosing,
69. i. Representation by the Customs' Commissioners to the Protector and Council.
1. That by 3 Charles, cap. 4, and the book of rates, it is ordered that 2s. a quarter be paid on the export of wheat, and 1s. 4d. on other grain.
2. That the Customs' Commissioners, by the Ordinance for their continuance, are enjoined to collect the same.
3. That they are obliged to pay the same into the Exchequer, and to charge themselves with it on oath in their accounts.
4. That if they only bring in 4d. on the quarter, the Barons of Exchequer will be obliged to issue process against them for the remainder, from which they have no legal discharge. [1 page.]
June ? 70. Petition of Thos. Flood and Wm. Robinson, bakers, to the Admiralty Commissioners, for speedy payment according to contract. Owing to the sudden rise and scarcity of provisions, we lost 2,000l. by our contract with the Navy Victuallers for biscuit and peas. In November last, we contracted with them for this year's provisions, at 1,218l. 15s. 0d. a month, but have received nothing since January, and there is now 6,000l. due. Our provisions and servants' wages call for a weekly supply, and our estates and credits are deeply engaged, for we accepted a low rate for ready money. [½ page.]
June ? 71. Petition of John Walker, and 3 other brewers, to the Admiralty Commissioners, for payment of arrears. In Sept. last, we contracted with the Navy Victuallers to supply the fleet with beer this year, on monthly payments; but most of us have received no money, and some are behind of last year's contract, so that 8,000l. is due to us. [¾ page.]
June ? 72. Petition of sundry brewers and bakers furnishing the Navy to the Committee for Navy and Customs. We should by contract have received 7,815l. 13s. 4d. 31 March last, and on promise of punctual payment, we engaged our credit to deliver the provisions, but we have received no money, though on 18 April you assigned us the sum out of the first moneys from the sale of prize goods. Yet we note to our "exceeding grief and distraction," that there are other assignments, thereon, far exceeding the value of the goods. We beg not only payment of this sum, but an assignment for our second payment, which will shortly be due. [1 page.]
June.
London.		 73. Collection of Acts of Parliament and Ordinances and Orders of the Protector and Council, relating to the Excise and New Impost, calendared under their respective dates. [Printed book of 159 pages, with table of matters.]

Footnotes

  • 1. This Order, being secret, is not entered in the Council Book.—Ed.
  • 2. This paragraph is not in cypher, and is omitted from the printed letter in Thurloe.—Ed.
  • 3. Name in cypher, key not known.—Ed.
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