Volume 203: May 1659, 16-31

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Interregnum, 1658-9. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1885.

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'Volume 203: May 1659, 16-31', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Interregnum, 1658-9, (London, 1885) pp. 347-363. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/interregnum/1658-9/pp347-363 [accessed 12 April 2024]

May 1659, 16–31

May 16. Order in Parliament that the members of the Committee of Safety who are members of Parliament consider the condition of the eldest son of the late Lord General Cromwell, learn his estate, his debts, and how they were contracted, how far he acquiesces in the present Government, and offer what on the whole they conceive expedient in his behalf. [I. 91, p. 4 (2).]
May 17/21.
Paris.		 [Earl of Inchiquin] to the Countess of Dysart. Our letters from England yesterday dash the hopes of the Cavaliers, seeing now so solid and happy a settlement, to their great astonishment.
Ambassador Lockhart and his lady are in Dunkirk, and show great kindness to your child; she is to be nursed for 340 livres a year; not dear, considering she has to be kept in clothes, [Extract, French correspondence.]
May 18. Orders in Parliament.
The Committee of Safety to continue till Monday, unless the Council of State sits in the meantime.
Sir Hy. Vane reports from the Committee of Safety that Lord Lockhart intends to defend Dunkirk for England to his uttermost, till further order, and to retain the officers and soldiers there, and the 3 English regiments now in the French service in due obedience, while he remains in command.
Also to deliver up the said place and forts, &c., to such persons as the supreme power shall appoint. He hopes the State will retain Dunkirk, wherein the honour of England is greatly concerned; he will himself be ever ready to repair to its defence, even as a private soldier. He desires that a sufficient supply of ammunition may be sent there for a year, and that some fundamental course may be taken for the subsistence of the soldiers, and some promise of payment of arrears. He will send in the accounts of the garrison, and the state of officers' arrears, with what he has advanced to soldiers for necessary work, and for furnishing coats, hay, and oats to the garrison.
He prays payment of his arrears of 5,000l. as Ambassador, as his debts on that account are very great, and his credit almost sunk. To secure Dunkirk from all attempts during the present instability of things, he has prevailed that the 3 regiments at Amiens may be placed in some French quarter near Dunkirk, and they were to march on 16/26 May.
He will observe till further order the truce of 2 months from May 1st, concluded between France and Spain, in which Dunkirk was included if England pleased.
Lastly, he prays discharge of the 2 bills of exchange he was forced to draw, to supply the necessities of the garrison.
The Council of State to act concerning the safety and supply of the garrison, and examine and report concerning the other business matters in this report.
The members of Parliament who are of the Council of State to consider and prepare and present an Act concerning settlement of lands in Ireland on adventurers and soldiers.
Also to consider the union of England and Scotland, on the grounds formerly declared by Parliament, and prepare and submit an Act.
Also to prepare a letter of good acceptance and thanks from this house to Gen. Monk and other Army officers in Scotland, to be signed by Mr. Speaker. [I. 91, pp. 4, 13, 14.]
[May 18.] 6. Declaration by Geo. Monk, and 25 other officers of the army in Scotland, to the Speaker in Parliament.
This day's experience proves to us that a nation may be born in a day. It is the most wonderful manifestation of God's arm ever seen or heard of, that a cause whose interest was laid low in the dust should be restored to life and lustre in one day, when its asserters had declined it by a defection of many years.
We have so long wanted your presence that, had you stayed but a little longer, it might have been enquired what England was, and what had become of the people that for many years filled the world with admiration and terror. The promises of God are sure and stable, and He comes at His own hour, though some of us, and even some of you, may have provoked him to depart from our Israel.
We beseech Him to heal our backslidings, and congratulate your happy restoration to the government which once made you the praise and wonder of the earth.
As his late Highness has shown such self-denial and love to the country as to prefer its interest to his own, we beg that he and his family, and her Highness Dowager, may have an honourable provision settled on them, and dignities suitable to the former great services of that family.
We also beg you to finish the work of reformation now so long on the wheel, by providing for Christian and civil rights, and attending to religion and liberty.
1. Countenance godliness and its professors, and encourage an able and laborious ministry; have no yoke imposed on the consciences of God's people not agreeable to the Word of God, and be a terror to all impious, profane, and licentious people.
2. Vindicate the rights of these nations by a free government, that none may be oppressed. To prevent ambition, be careful to entrust the armies and navies to godly and conscientious persons, and not to give them more authority than adequate to the nature of a Commonwealth.
While thus you act, we will defend you, and vindicate your authority against all opposition. [6 pages, printed, 24mo. Printed also in Parl, History, Vol. XXI., pp. 414–417.]
May 19. Act of Parliament for constituting a Council of State.
Be it enacted and ordained by the present Parliament that the following persons, viz.:—
Lieut.-Gen. Fleetwood. Sir Art. Hesilrigg.
Sir Hen. Vane. Lord Chief Justice St. John.
Lord Comr. Whitelock. Lieut.-Gen. Ludlow.
Algernon Sydney. Rich. Salway.
Herbert Morley. Thos. Scot.
Robt. Wallop. Sir Jas. Harrington.
Val. Wauton. Jno. Jones.
Wm. Sydenham. Hen. Nevill.
Thos. Challoner. John Downes.
Geo. Thompson. Jno. Dixwell.
Rob. Reynolds. Thomas Lord Fairfax.
Maj.-Gen. Jno. Lambert. Jno. Desborow.
Jas. Berry. Jno. Bradshaw, Serjt.-at-law.
Sir Ant. Ashley Cooper. Sir Horatio Townsend.
Sir Archibald Johnston. Sir Rob. Honeywood.
Josiah Barnes.
or any 9 of them, of whom 6 must be members of Parliament, shall be a Council of State from 17 May 1659 till 1 Dec. 1659, unless Parliament shall order otherwise, and that the members shall take the following oath;—I being nominated of the Council of State by this present Parliament, do promise, in the sight of God, that through His grace, I will endeavour to maintain this Commonwealth as it is declared by Parliament, without a single person, kingship, or house of Peers; and that I will be faithful in performance of the trust committed to me, and will pursue all instructions given, and not in any way reveal anything that shall be debated on or resolved in Council, and ordered to be kept secret.
Council is authorized to execute the following instructions:—
1. You are to oppose and suppress any that endeavour to maintain the pretended title of Charles Stuart, or of any of his relatives, or of any single person, to the Crown of England, Scotland, or Ireland, or to any territories thereunto belonging.
2. You are to give orders to all militia forces by land and by sea, in England, Scotland, or Ireland, for preserving the peace of the State, and suppressing all risings or tumults or foreign invasions; on emergency, you are to raise and arm additional forces if necessary, and give their officers commissions under the Seal of Council.
3. You are to see that all military and naval stores are duly furnished and issued out, and to see to the repair of ships and the building of new ones if wanted.
4. You are to try to advance trade in England, Scotland, and Ireland, and promote the good, of our foreign plantations and factories, and watch the State's interests in foreign parts.
5. You shall direct the renewing or settling of amity with foreign states and kingdoms, preserve our rights, compose differences, and send any agents or messengers you think necessary.
6. You are to consult on matters of public concernment, and report your opinion to Parliament.
7. You are to send for whomever you wish to bear witness or give advice.
8. You may send for any public written documents you wish to consult, on matters in agitation before you.
9. You may on emergency administer an oath for the discovery of the truth.
10. You may imprison, or secure by bond and sureties, any offenders against these or other instructions, and all who disobey your orders.
11. You may charge the public revenue, by warrant under the Seal of Council, with sums necessary to defray the charges of foreign negociations, &c., and for the salaries of your officers and attendants.
12. You are to execute all orders you receive from Parliament.
13. You may appoint Committees, or persons to take examinations, receive informations, or prepare business for your debates or resolutions.
14. You are to meet at Whitehall on 19 May 1659, and afterwards when and where you think fit.
15. You are to order the fall of timber at due seasons, for building and repair of ships, and to sell such timber as you think unfit, and with the money, buy what is more suitable.
16. You are to prevent meetings dangerous to the State.
17. You are to take care of the public library at St. James', and the statues and pictures there, and to dispose of such of them as you think fit, for the service of the State.
18. You are to give warrants for the issue of the residue of moneys arising on the sale of fee-farm rents, and report.
19. You are to prevent free quarter, or other abuses of the people by short marches of soldiers, and take effectual course therein.
20. You are to charge all warrants on the Treasury on the respective Treasurers, according to previous instructions, to enter them in a book, with an abstract of the disbursements made, and deliver it to Parliament, with an abstract of the heads of the disbursements. As for the managing of intelligence, you are to state it in the gross sum to be allowed by yourselves; all warrants to issue money or to imprison are to be signed by 5 or more of you.
21. You are to encourage fishing on the coasts of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and Newfoundland, and promote it by all means you think fit.
[I. 91, pp. 7–12.]
May 19. Orders in Parliament.
The Council of State to consider how far the Constitution is concerned in peace or war with foreign nations by the transactions which have happened since the interruption of this Parliament, on 20 April, 1653, and to take care that the Commonwealth, in carrying out instructions in reference to foreign States, does not become engaged in war without consent of Parliament.
That members of this House and of Council consider how to settle the administration of justice in Guernsey and Jersey, and report opinion. [I. 91, pp. 15, 28.]
May 19.
Portsmouth.		 7. Capt. Chas. Thorowgood to the Navy Commissioners. Having extraordinary business at London, to clear myself of 14,000l. charged on me by the Exchequer, I beg leave to come up next Monday, as all the ships are despatched except the Andrew and Welcome, whose masts will be set to-morrow. [2/3 page.]
[May 19.] Index notes of proceedings in the Council of State. [I. 85.]
The Council meets; the members are sworn in; president appointed, and clerk of the Council; the rest of the members sworn in; debate adjourned. [Cols. 1, 11.]
A Committee to confer with the Dutch Ambassador, and with the public minister of Denmark.
Letters from Lord Amb. Lockhart at Dunkirk referred. [Cols. 18, 42.]
The petition of the Ely House and Savoy hospitals referred. (4 entries.) [Col. 34.]
Also that of the Portugal merchants. [Col. 59.]
The petition of Capt. Nich. Foster read. [Col. 29.]
That of the prisoners at St. Sebastian's referred. [Col. 59.]
[Missing Order Book, pp. 1–3.]
[May 20.]
3rd month. Reading.		 8. Thos. Curtis to Gerard Roberts, Fleur de Lis, Thomas the Apostle, London. According to your desire, I sent to Basingstoke a copy of your letter about friends that have estates in the county fit for the office [of justice of peace], but I only know Geo. Lamboll and And. Wright, and neither of them would take an oath. Some may be more moderate than some of the bad ones, but how bad they soon may be I cannot say.
List of 6 moderate men, 2 of whom, including Whichcott, governor of Windsor, are now in commission. Also of 6 "bitter justices so called." [2/3 page.]
[May 21.]
3rd month.		 9. Steven Crisp to [Roberts]. We have received thine about the 3 lists, and about the appearance of friends. We enclose a list of 8 persecuting men, 12 moderate men, and 6 friends fit for the office. We do not know all their first names. [1 page.]
May 21? 10. T. L[amplugh] to Williamson, fellow of Queen's College, Oxford. I am just going to Westminster, where are met an heterogeneous company, and the success dubious. Nothing is yet done, but Commonwealth men talk high and have a great party, both in the House and the City. I have small hopes of my own business. "Me occidisti, amici." I had been better without reference, for their declining is worse than disapproving. It would not have troubled me so much had I declined the preferment at first. Mr. Smith is not well pleased with our last election. Take care of my chamber and lodge there. P.S.—It is my turn to answer or oppose on Saturday. Do it for me or see it done. The strophy (?) between Lord Falkland and Sir Francis [Norris?] goes hard, and is to be determined to-day. I fear the issue. Th. Goodwin could not get thanks from the House, though 2 speeches were made by a Roundhead. A fast next Friday; 3 Presbyters for one Independent. [1 2/3 page.]
May 21.
Wadham College.		 11. Dr. John Wilkins to M. Rosine, his Highness's secretary, Whitehall. I want from our Chancellor a dispensation for all B.A.s who are only short of one term to take their M.A. degrees this next Act. It is a thing of course, but our proctors are concerned in it, and therefore I trouble you. In the same letter, interpose a dispensation for Hen. Brunsell, M.A. of 20 years' standing, for a licence to practice medicine. [1 page.]
May 23. Orders in Parliament.
The members of Parliament who are of the Committee of Safety to consider and present names of persons to be of the militia of London, Westminster, Southwark, and the Hamlets.
The members who are of the Council of State to consider the reception of an address of the Ambassador from the Netherlands, and how and by whom it shall be brought to the House.
The Council of State to take course for the discovery and apprehension of dangerous persons, and those who conceal them, and if necessary, to prepare and present an Act thereon. [I. 91, pp. 15, 16.]
May 23. 12. Order in the Council of State that Lieut.-Col. Thompson, Mr. Willoughby, and Major Bourne, Navy Commissioners, supply with victuals all ships necessary to be continued for guarding the Channel and the coasts. [½ page.]
[May 23.] Index notes of proceedings in the Council of State. [I. 85.]
The papers on foreign affairs to be considered. [Col. 29.]
Complaints against Capt. Claessen and Capt. Chris. Errington, and touching the ship Prince of Opmeer and the Rose of London taken. [Cols. 11, 26, 59, 63.]
Reference on the taking of the Jacob of Amsterdam. [Col. 38.]
The ship Grey Post Horse taken. [Col. 32.]
The taking of the Matthew of Graft referred. [Col. 48.]
Adam Browne, Mr. Kidwall, Col. Massey, Sir Hen. Moore, Jas. Sharpe, and Capt. Titus to be seized and examined. [Cols. 5, 41, 48, 67, 76.]
The Committee touching militia officers to expedite their report, and the report to be brought in. [Col. 48.]
Arms to be searched for.
Reference as to arms in Whitehall. [Col. 1.]
A declaration to be prepared. [Col. 18.]
May 23. Insurrections to be prevented. [Col. 36.]
The regiments to be called from Scotland. [Col. 67.]
Harman Barnes examined, and to be apprehended and committed. [Col. 5.]
Thos. Cox, Wm. Fasgrave, Chris. Fell, and Hen. King to be apprehended; Cox discharged. [Cols. 11, 29, 41.]
Letter to the commander-in-chief in Oxford. [Col. 57.]
Regiments to be drawn out to secure the Midland counties. [Col. 63]
The [petition of the] officers of Council referred. [Col. 57.]
Number of the messengers of Council. [Col. 48.]
Hen. Symball to be doorkeeper. [Col. 67.]
Edw. Dendy, serjeant-at-arms, to attend Council. [Col. 18.]
Matthew and Thos. Lea to be under-clerks. [Col. 42.]
The Navy Treasurer to prepare drafts of warrants. [Col. 54.]
The exchange of Capt. Mich. Carew (ordered?) [Col. 21.]
The foreign affairs' papers referred. [Col. 29.]
A guard of soldiers for Westminster. [Col. 32.]
An Act for settling lands in Ireland to be prepared. [Col. 38.]
A letter from Major Wade transmitted to a Committee of Parliament. [Col. 30.]
Arms about London and Westminster to be secured. [Col. 1.]
Capt. Cornelius' letter referred. [Col. 11.]
Sir Oliver Fleming to attend the Dutch Ambassador to Parliament. [Cols. 18, 28.]
Letter from the governor of Mawes Castle referred.
Capt. Mason's letter (referred). [Col. 48.]
Letter touching victualling the Convert referred. [Col. 11.]
The Swedish minister's paper referred. [Col. 67.]
[Missing Order Book, pp. 4–12.]
May 23.
Whitehall.		 President Jas. Harrington to Capt. Crofts, of the Militia troop in co. Gloucester. Council is informed of a very dangerous design against the public peace, by adherents of Charles Stuart and other illaffected persons, and of meetings held and arms secretly sent down from London in trunks by carriers, to various parts of the kingdom. They therefore desire your utmost vigilance to prevent such meetings, and preserve the peace, and they empower you to search suspected houses for arms, &c., and seize any you may find, and also any suspected persons whom you find consulting about taking up arms or disturbing the peace.
You are also to speak with Mr. Overbury of Burton, concerning the trunk of arms sent to his house in the country, to take possession of it, learn who sent it, and all particulars, and convey it up to us in safety. [I. 98, p. 1.]
May 23.
Whitehall.		 President Harrington to Major Packer. To like effect as the former part of the above. [I. 98. p. 2.]
May 23.
Whitehall.		 President Harrington to Mr. Howe. Council desires to speak with you on important business, and requests you will attend with all speed. With note of like letter to Mr. Sharpe, the Scotch minister. [I. 98, p. 2.]
May 23.
Whitehall.		 President Harrington to Capt. Mason, at Carlisle. Your letter of 18 May, to the Committee of Safety, concerning the securing of John Kirkbank, has been read to Council, and they thank you for your care, desiring you to detain Kirkbank safely till further order, and to try to prevent any insurrections or meetings of suspected persons. The part of your letter concerning militia troops and the security of your garrison is under consideration. [I. 98, p. 3.]
[May 23.]
3rd month.		 13. Wm. Beaton to Gerard Roberts. In answer to a letter from thee and Thos. Moore, of the 17th, I have consulted with the friends and received the enclosed list. The friends advise thee to consult with John Pyne, M.P., who is of our county, and friendly towards us, and knows most, if not all the persons in the list. They also suggest whether there should not be one friend from each county to advise withal, for the more speedy carrying on of things of concern. [½ page.] Annexing,
13. I. II. List of 13 friends in Somersetshire [fit for the office of J.P.] of 22 judged moderate persons; of 18 now in office, most of whom have been cruel persecutors of friends, and of 11 now in commission who are friendly or moderate. [2 papers.]
May 23.
/June 2.		 Thos. Jackson alias Sir Jas. Hamilton to [Sec. Nicholas]. As we have new names for each other, I will write without ceremony. I hear from England that there is a new Council, chosen of 21 members of the House, and 10 that are not of it. Lambert, Bradshaw, and that rogue, my countryman, Sir. Arch. Johnstone, are of them. Of the old Council are 3 that had the chief hand in turning out the last Protector, — Fleetwood, Desborow, and Sydenham. Thurloe is out of favour on all sides. Fleetwood is to command the land forces in England and Scotland, but Ireland is left for consideration; Lambert is the likeliest man. Harrison and the 5th Monarchy men are at a stand. Whitehall, Somerset House, and Hampton Court, are voted to be sold, but St. James's House is in suspense. Rich. Cromwell has left the King's lodgings, and lies at the Cockpit. I am for England to-morrow, by the invitation of people that wish the King well. I have taken order with Mr. Booth to send me your letters, and will send to you the same way. [1 page, Flanders correspondence.]
May 24. Orders in Parliament.
The address of the deputies who, in 1652, consented to the union of Scotland and England, read and referred to the Council of State.
The Council of State to hear what the Netherlands Ambassador has to say, and present it to this House; and Sir Oliver Fleming, master of the ceremonies, to acquaint the ambassador with this order.
The letter from Henry Cromwell, dated Dublin, 18 May, 1659, reported by Sir Hen. Vane, read, and referred to the Council of State, to consider and report what should be done as to Ireland.
The House approves the Seal for Council presented by Col. Downes with this inscription—"The Seal of the Council of State," and wishes the Council to use it accordingly. [I. 91, pp. 16, 17, 21.]
May 24. 14. Order in the Council of State that Lieut.-Col. Thomson, Mr. Willoughby and Major Bourne, attend and inform what ships are preparing to go to sea, expedite their fitting out, and inform when they will be ready; what ships are in the Narrow Seas, and where they ply, and what other ships may soon be got ready.[2/3 page.]
[May 24.] Index entries of proceedings in the Council of State. [I. 85.]
An intelligence committee appointed for discovery of designs, warrants to be issued on presenting names by them, and rewards given. [Cols. 18, 38.]
Council to receive proposals from the Dutch Ambassador. [Col. 18.]
Vice-Admiral Lawson to attend Council. [Col. 42.]
A guard to conduct the Spanish prisoners. [Col. 67.]
[Missing Order Book, pp. 12–15.]
May 24.
Whitehall.		 President Harrington to Col. Nath. Whetham, governor of Portsmouth. In the present dangerous and unquiet state of affairs, both at home and abroad, the Committee of Safety saw fit to appoint you governor of the important garrison of Portsmouth, and Council, confiding in your vigilance and faithfulness, continues you in that command, and has sent you a commission to continue. They desire you also to take a strict account of all persons resorting to that garrison, and of all officers having or pretending to have employment there, and if you find any employed whom you decm unfit, to suspend them, or if necessary, secure them.
Council has ordered the removal of the Spanish prisoners to Chelsea College, and Lieut-Gen. Fleetwood is to remove them with a troop of horse. The money for the charges of the journey is to be borrowed of the Prize Goods' Commissioners at Portsmouth, who shall be repaid on your giving notice; you are to see to the providing of the troop, and to report to Council any matters worthy of note. [I. 98, p. 5.]
May 24. 15. Abstracts of informations laid before the Committee for preservation of the Forests, by Moore Fauntleroy of Headley, co. Hants, gentleman. Edw. Heighes and his agents made spoil of the wood and timber in Aliceholt to the value of 1,500l., in the time of Mr. Territt, the former lieutenant, which was proved in the Exchequer before 1643. Since Col. Norton became lieutenant in 1655, Heighes and Smith, and their agents, have cut down and sold 160 trees, value 300l., and converted the proceeds to their own use and that of Col. Norton, and they or their agents have since last March cut down 10 trees more.
Heighes, Smith, Rich. Knight, and others have cut or barked round at the root 100 trees now or lately standing in the Forest within the last year. Since the interruption of Parliament, Smith, Knight, Jno. Buckell, and Jas. Vicory, with 25 others, assembled mutinously with guns, staves, &c., and threatened the death of any that came to resist the spoil of the wood and timber of the Forest; Smith pretended what they did was by order of the Committee of Safety, so called, under colour of which order, Smith and his accomplices have cut and destroyed wood and timber in Aliceholt Forest, since the last interruption of Parliament, to the value of 400l., and 200l. worth lately remained in their custody.
Jno. Adams keeps by force the possession of Linchbura Lodge, in Woolmer Forest, making great waste of the deer, and has cut down 40 trees that grew near the lodge and Oak Hills, which were a great shelter to the same. He has been summoned 3 or 4 times to deliver up possession to Sir Hen. Mildmay, who was appointed lieutenant by order of Parliament, but refuses, and says he is advised by his friends, Justice Coale and Mr. Hooke, to keep it, notwithstanding Sir Hen. Mildmay's authority.
Moore Fauntleroy, authorized by Sir Hen. Mildmay to survey what spoils had been made, and to preserve and secure the timber and deer, could not do so by reason of the opposition of the before mentioned riotous persons.
For prevention of like abuses in future, it is desired that Smith, King, Buckell, Vicory, and Jno. Adams, with the other principal actors in this riot, may be brought up by a deputy serjeant-at-arms, to show cause why they detain possession, and by what authority they make those great wastes of the wood and timber of the Commonwealth. With names of the different witnesses to prove the above. [1 ⅓ pages.]
May 25. 16. Reply of Rich. Cromwell, on an order of Parliament prefixed of 16 May, referring it to such M.P.'s as are members of the Committee of Safety, to consider his condition and debts, and how far he acquiesces in the present Government.
I have caused a true state of my debts to be prepared, showing when and how they were contracted.
My past carriage shows that I acquiesce in God's will, and value the peace of the Commonwealth much above my own concerns, having learned to submit to God's hand, and not be unquiet under it. I could not, on account of my late engagements, be active in making a change, but I freely acquiesce in it, and as I expect protection from the present Government, so shall I demean myself peaceably under it, and so influence all in whom I have any interest. [12/3 pages, I. 91, pp. 4–5, printed in Parl. History, Vol. XXI, pp. 419, 420; also in Commons' Journals, Vol. VII., pp. 655, 684.]
May 25. Order in Parliament thereon, that they put in oblivion all the past in reference to Rich. Cromwell, and undertake his debts, not exceeding the sum contained in the schedule this day presented to Parliament. They think fit that he should retire from Whitehall, and dispose of himself as his private occasions require, demeaning himself peaceably under the protection of Parliament. Also that 2,000l. be advanced him for his removal, and that the Council of State see it paid. [1 page. Printed in Commons' Journals, Vol. VII., p. 665.]
May 25. 17. Order in the Council of State that the Navy Commissioners set out to sea the James and 5 other ships, and take care that they be forthwith victualled and manned. [½ page.]
[May 25] Index entries of proceedings in the Council of State. [I. 85.]
Council to give audience to the Dutch Ambassador. [Col. 18.]
The petition of Sir Thos. Armstrong and John Weston referred (and reported). [Col. 1.]
Allowances to Horatio Boniface and Victorio Papachine. [Cols. 5, 59.]
References to Cols. Clerk, Kelsey, and Salmon to be dispatched by any two of them. [Col. 11.]
A report how revenue is to be issued. [Col. 63.]
A Committee [appointed] for Dunkirk. [Col. 18.]
Report for Vice-Adm. Lawson to command in chief ships in the Narrow Seas. [Col. 42.]
The necessity of moneys to be reported. [Col. 48.]
Report about Harman Barnes. [Col. 5.]
The Ordnance officers to take account of arms, and to dispose of those belonging to Barnes. [Col. 57.]
Mr. Scobell and Jessop to deliver the papers in their custody. [Col. 67.]
[Missing Order Book, pp. 16–20.]
May 25.
/June 5.
London.		 [M. de Vaux] to the Marquis du Chastel, Paris. The news here is that the Protector is defunct, that he is no longer such. Nothing is said to the Earl of Arundel, and he remains in the country, and is the Virgin Mary's soldier. I am well, and have many good friends in this present Government, and do not meddle with politics. It goes ill with Morland and his wife. Pickering, the Comptroller, Jones, and Lisle are out of place; Fiennes and Whitelock to be discharged at pleasure. Thurloe has discovered the pot of roses, and saved himself, but he is nothing in this Government. [1 page, French, copy. French correspondence. Italic cyphers, partially decyphered.]
Orders in Parliament.
May 26. That the Council of State take care that a further addition of ships be fitted out to sea.
That Capt. John Lawson be commander-in-chief as Vice-admiral of the ships in the Narrow Seas for the summer expedition.
The names of suitable ships and captains for this service to be reported to this House for their approval.
The Council of State to have power to charge any public revenue with such moneys as they think necessary for State affairs, by land and sea, for one month.
Also with 3,000l. for present relief of sick and wounded soldiers, and widows and orphans belonging to Ely House and Savoy Hospital, to be paid to the Navy Treasurer for the persons entrusted with payment of such pensions.
The petition of the merchants trading to the dominions of the King of Spain referred to the Council of State. [I. 91, pp. 19, 20.]
[May 26.] Index entries of proceedings in the Council of State. [I. 85.]
Order to Cornet Egerton. [Col. 26.]
Three [members to be a] committee for the Lubec public minister. [Col. 42.]
[May 26.] Mr. Scutt to deliver the utensils, &c. [of Council] to Mr. Symball. [Col. 67.]
Report on ammunition for Dunkirk; 3,000l. to be sent there, and 400l. weekly for 4 weeks. [Col. 18.]
[Missing Order Book, pp. 21–23.]
May 26.
Whitehall.		 President Harrington to Gen. Geo. Monk, commander-in-chief of the forces in Scotland.
Council having heard of various designs by the members of Charles Stuart's party to raise new war against the State, and that arms are distributed in various parts of the kingdom to that end, desire to put the State's forces in a fit posture for defence, and have appointed Lord Fleetwood to order a regiment of foot to march into the north of England at once. They therefore inform you hereof, and desire you to watch the malignants in Scotland, concluding that there is a correspondence with those in England.
They hear from Lord Fleetwood of the good posture of the forces in Scotland, and their satisfaction concerning Parliament's return to the discharge of their trust, and they will do their best for supply of your necessities. [I. 98, page 3.]
[May] 26.
3 month. Sutton.		 18. Report by Hen. Foster of Sutton and 3 other Quakers, of justices in the Isle of Ely. There are 8 justices' names given in the island, but they are too few. There should be one about Littleport and one at Chatteris. Some of these have been persecutors.
Notes relative to 5 who are considered moderate; instances of persecution, by Tristram Dinant, of friends, one of whom, Hen. Clifton, died of ill usage in Wisbeach gaol. Also by Hen. Farow of Wisbeach, and Rich. Staynes of Ely.
There are few friends who have any visible estate, but Hen. Foster of Sutton is fit for a justice. Names of 4 other moderate men. [2 2/3 pages.]
May 27. 19. Order in the Council of State, that the Navy Commissioners order a 5th rate frigate to be ready at Harwich, to go with expresses from Council to Gen. Montague in the Sound. [½ page.]
20. Like order to the Navy Commissioners, to deliver to the Ordnance officers, out of the Navy yards, 2,000 planks for platforms, and 100 oaken joyce, 15 feet long, to be sent with the other materials to Dunkirk and Mardike. [2/3 page.]
[May 27.] Index entries of proceedings in the Council of State. [I. 85.]
Reference on uproars at Brentford. [Col. 5.]
Mr. Dugard's petition read. [Col. 18.]
Reference on the exchange of Mr. Kidwall. [Col. 41.]
Warrant for 20,000l. to the Navy Treasurer. [Col. 54.]
Mr. Sherwin to send a weekly account of the receipts in the Exchequer. [Col. 67.]
The Dutch Ambassador's papers touching ships taken by Cor. Petersen Swart.
Report of the Dunkirk Committee of provisions for biscuit and cheese. [Col. 18.]
[May 27.] The Navy Treasurer to pay for provisions for Dunkirk. [Col. 51.]
Warrant to transport biscuit and cheese there, custom free. [Col. 18.]
The oath of the Clerks of the Council looked out. [Col. 54.]
A committee to confer with the public minister of Sweden and the French Ambassador. [Col. 67.]
Report for prohibiting horse-races. [Col. 34.]
Letter to the mayor of Portsmouth; bills drawn by him to be paid. [Col. 59.]
Also 20 bills drawn by Col. Whetham. [Col. 80.]
The Admiralty Commissioners to propound names for captains of ships for the summer expedition. [Col. 1.]
Petition of prisoners for exchange referred. [Col. 59.]
Guernsey and Jersey business reported, and relief for them referred. [4 entries.] [Cols. 32, 38]
The condition of Nevis referred. [Col. 48.]
Matters touching the English plantations referred, and a letter to be prepared, to be sent to them. [Col. 59.]
Resolutions about the Sound. [Col. 67.]
Petition touching Quakers at Brentford, and order. [Col. 3.]
[Missing Order Book, pp. 24–31.]
May 27.
Whitehall.		 Pres. Harrington to the Hon. Col. Wm. Lockhart, commander-in-chief of English forces in Flanders, and governor of Dunkirk.
We have received your letters of 20th and 24th May, and are sensible of the wants of your garrison, and your charge for their supply. We have ordered some proportion of all the things wanted to be sent you at once, as you will see by the enclosed order, and shall send further help in a few days. We allow your desire to return to inform us of affairs, but you must speed back immediately. We desire information concerning the 3 English regiments being recalled to Calais. Leave your garrison in the best security you can. [I. 98, p. 4]
[May] 27.
3 month. Chester.		 21. A. Hutchins to his friends. I have sent, as you requested, 3 lists of justices—1st, five who have such estates that they are fit for the employment, and are gifted in it; 2nd, seven moderate men, free from a persecuting spirit, but not in commission; 3rd, four in commission who have not persecuting spirits. "Six who are as cursed persecutors as are in the nation, and are in commission. I know worse there cannot be." 4th, four who are in commission, and have persecuted friends, but not so bad as the former, and in Chester city, not one, but all are of "Cain's bloody brood.' [½ page.]
[May] 27.
3 month. Worcester		 22. E. B. to Gerard Roberts, Fleur de Lis, Thomas Apostle's, London. The friends have met about returning lists of justices who were friends and moderate men. List of 7 friends; also of 9 moderate men, and 10 persecutors, now in commission.
Priest Barret struck John Ames of Bengworth; Priest Beeston of Breedon struck Thos. Goodaire in Worcester. Hen. Bromley, now in commission, is judged as fit to be continued as any man in the county. [2 ½ pages.]
[May] 28
3rd month. Kendal.		 23. Geo. Taylor to Gerard Roberts. The friends of Cumberland and Westmoreland and north of Lancashire desire me, in answer to yours, to return you the following names—
In Westmoreland, 6 suitable to be in commission, 2 of whom, Gervase Benson and Ant. Pearson, were put out for conscience' sake; 4 moderate men now in commission, including Geo. Archer, mayor of Kendal; 4 persecutors now in commission.
Lancashire North—4 moderate men, 3 persecutors.
Cumberland—5 friends, 6 moderate men, 8 persecutors. [1 sheet.]
[May 28.] 24. Lists by Geo. Korcerum (?), Thos. Richardson, and Thos. Highfield, of 9 justices for Nottinghamshire and 7 for Nottingham, including Wm. Fillingham, mayor, amongst whom 2 of the former and 4 of the latter are judged faithful and fit to stand.
Of the former 7, and of the latter 3 are persecutors and unfaithful. With list of 7 fresh names in the county and 3 in the town, judged moderate and fit to be appointed. [1 page.]
[May 28.] 25. List of 5 justices in Lancashire who have been persecutors of the truth; of 5 moderate men, and of 3 friends in Derby, co. Lancaster. [1 page.]
[May 28.] 26. List of 9 moderate men in Derbyshire, fit to be justices; and of 5 justices who are persecutors; John Lingard, a friend, is fit for the place. [1 page.]
[May 28.] 27. List of 6 moderate men in Hampshire, not in commission, and of 8 who are in commission and are persecutors. There are no friends of ability in the county. [2/3 page.]
[May 28.] 28. List of 4 friends fit for the office in Radnorshire, of 7 moderate men, 2 of whom are already in commission, and of 5 in commission who are actors against friends. [1 page.]
May 28.
Whitehall.		 President Harrington to Maj. Ludlow, captain of the militia troop in co. Wilts; Capts. Crofts and Wade, captains in co. Gloucester; Capt. Jno. Gorges, in co. Somerset; Capt. Peter Ceeley, or to the chief officer of the militia troop in co. Cornwall; Maj. Waring, captain in co. Salop.
Having heard of the enemy's preparations to disturb the public peace, and principally in the Western counties, we desire you to continue your troops some time longer, and for supply, to charge 200l. on account on Blackwell and Deane, War Treasurers, at 10 days' sight, and to send up a muster roll of your troops, attested by the commission officers, as to their numbers of men and horses, and time of continuance, and you are to watch the enemy's movements most carefully. [I. 98, p. 7.]
May 30. Order in Parliament that Council take care of the preservation of deer belonging to the State. [I. 91, p. 19.]
May 30.
Whitehall.		 Pres. Harrington to the Chief Ranger or other officer of Hampton Court parks. Parliament having referred it to Council to see to the preservation of deer belonging to the State, and they hearing that several deer have since May 7 been killed and removed, and the meadows and grass for their winter provision much despoiled, order you to send up an account how many deer have been killed or sent away, and by whose warrant. You are to do your utmost strictly to preserve the deer, and allow no warrants to kill or deliver save from Parliament or Council, and to look well after the grass and meadow lands, that there may be winter provision for them within the grounds under your custody. With notes of like letters to the Chief Ranger of Whichwood Forest; the Chief Ranger of Corberry Park, 30 May; to Col. Rich. Norton, chief officer of Holt and Woolmer Forest, 6 June; to the Steward and Chief Ranger of New Forest, with a clause for the preservation of wood, underwood, and timber; and to Col. Thos. Waite, of Saulcey Forest, co. Northampton, 10 June; and to the Warden of the East part of Rockingham, and Keeper of Benefitt, London, 17 June, 1659.
May 30.
Lidney.		 29. Daniel Furzer to the Navy Commissioners. Since my last, I have been using my utmost diligence in carrying on the business, but by reason of the variableness in the workmen and carriers, and their not standing to their work, it has been much hindered. The surveyors who should have cut the plank have left the service these 3 weeks, and if no persuasion will induce them, I can go no further, not having any power to compel them. I have complained to Major Wade, who will do what he can, but his hands and heart are full enough, with the continual and frequent riots and insolencies of an unruly generation of men, some of whom have, openly and in my hearing, vented forth unsufferable and disdainful language, and in action have not spared the Nursery of the Forest, the Lea baly, but broken down the gates and turned in their cattle. It is hoped that some redress will be had, and no doubt but you will be instrumental therein, as knowing of what great concern the preservation of timber will be.
Details of the frigate building. If you think fit to send down a carver, he should be dispatched; the carver that cut the work for the Grantham and Forester proffered to do it complete for 45l.; also consider how the masts shall be provided for her, and where. [1 page.]
May 31. Order in Parliament that the Council of State prepare and bring in to the House to-morrow commissions for constituting Chas. Fleetwood Lieut.-General and Commander-in-chief of the land forces in England and Scotland; also 6 other commissions for John Lambert, Sir Ar. Heselrigge, Jno. Desborow, Jas. Bury, Sir Hen. Vane, and Edm. Ludlow, with blanks for the time of continuance. [I. 91, p. 20.]
May 31. Order in the Council of State that the Treasurers-at-war issue the 10,000l. ordered them by the Committee of Safety 18 May, for payment of warrants charged on them before 7 May by John Clerke, Jervas Bennett, John Hildesley, Rich. Long, Edw. Horseman, and Jas. Phillips, for pay of the forces and garrisons in England and Wales, there not being money to satisfy them from half the excise appointed for the Army. [I. 107, p. 4.]
[May 31.] Index entries of proceedings in the Council of State. [I. 85.]
Committee to confer with the Dutch ambassador and the Swedish minister, touching ships taken, and to send for Dr. Walker. [Col. 18.]
The Admiralty Commissioners to give order for frigates to lie before Ostend and Nieuport. [Col. 1.]
A committee to speak with the extraordinary envoy from Poland. [Col. 59.]
Petition of the military company, and order. [Col. 48.]
Paper touching ammunition for Southwold and Dunwich referred. [Col. 67.]
Report for the affairs of Ireland to be carried on by Commissioners; the Commissioners named.
The Treasurers-at-war to issue moneys as formerly for Ireland. [Col. 38.]
Rules for Council's proceedings. [Col. 63.]
Papers about Scotland referred. [Col. 67.]
[Edw.] Backwell to send 3,000l. to Dunkirk in foreign specie. [Col. 5.]
Mr. Cook, secretary to the Governor of Dunkirk, to attend the committee. [Col. 11.]
Commissions for Lieut.-Col. Fleetwood and for the Commissioners [plenipotentiary for the Sound?] referred. [Col. 11.]
Instructions for the said commissions to be prepared. [Col. 67.]
Capt. Crofts' letter referred, and a letter to him ordered. [Col. 11.]
A fowling piece to Maj.-Gen. Lambert, and a case of pistols and pistol lock to Col. Sidney, out of Harman Barnes' arms. [Cols. 42, 67.]
Letter about a riot in Enfield Chase, and order thereupon. [Col. 26.]
[Missing Order Book, pp. 31–37.]
May 31.
Whitehall.		 Pres. Harrington to Capt. Crofts, of the militia troop in co. Gloucester. Your letter of 28th inst. was read to-day in Council, and they return you thanks for your services, and desire your continued vigilance over suspected persons and meetings, and if you think fit, you are to join another justice of the peace with you in taking up and certifying the examinations.
You are to take examinations on the particulars you name about Capt. Walter Jones, and any other such dangerous meetings, designs, or discourses, and to apprehend Jones, and send him up to Council. [I. 98, p. 7.]
May 31.
Whitehall.		 Pres. Harrington to Gen. Geo. Monk, Commander-in-chief of the forces in Scotland. Parliament has referred it to Council to settle the administration of justice, Act of Union, and other Scotch affairs, which they have to-day debated, in order to a report to Parliament and a speedy settlement. They have also considered your letter to Mr. Scott, M.P., and empower you to seize any adherents of Charles Stuart's party endeavouring to disturb the peace, and secure them till the pleasure of Parliament and Council be known. [I. 98, p. 8.]
May 31.
Whitehall.		 Pres. Harrington to the high sheriff and justices of peace of co. Northumberland. Council hears from Sir Chas. Howard that, taking advantage of the unsettled state of Government, 100 ill affected persons, on May 2 or 3, met on his lands in Riddesdale Manor, Ellesdon parish, possession whereof he had obtained after various trials at law; that they expelled his tenants, and retain forcible possession, threatening to kill all who oppose them. You are to examine the matter, and proceed according to law, and if resistance is offered, to use the law's remedy. If you fail to quell the disturbance thus, further means shall be provided for you. [I. 98, p. 8.]
May? 30. Petition of Thos. Blagdon to the Council of State, for the messenger's place, vacant by death of John Hunter. Was several years messenger of the Admiralty Commissioners, and of the late Council of State; has been diligent, and is poor, with many children. [¾ page.] Annexing,
30. I. Certificate by W. Jessop in his favour, he having acted as Hunter's deputy. 23 May 1659. [1 page.]
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