Letters and Papers relating to the Navy: April 1659

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

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'Letters and Papers relating to the Navy: April 1659', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Interregnum, 1658-9, (London, 1885) pp. 554-565. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/interregnum/1658-9/pp554-565 [accessed 24 March 2024]

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April 1659

Date. From To Subject. References.
1658–9. Vol. 211.
April 1 Wm. Blaydes, Hull Adm. Com. Requests that 149l, 3s. 1d., spent in cleaning and furnishing the Pearl and Roe ketch, may be paid to Ensign Rich. Elton. The Pearl has sailed with the Hamburg and East Country fleet, and will be supplied with a cable when she returns. With order 7 April that the Navy Commissioners examine the accounts, and pay what is due. 1, 2
" " Rear-Adm. Jno. Bourne, Richard, Downs. " Has prosecuted their commands touching the 3 Ostenders, the boy on board the Richard, and the Wakefield, which is ready to sail for Portsmouth; on her return, will send her to Dieppe to bring back Lord Lockhart, who will be ready to return for Dunkirk in 3 weeks. Capt. Haddock of the Dragon has arrived, with the victualler under his charge, and desires a month's provisions from Dover; will appoint him to take charge of the Bordeaux ships as far as Plymouth, and the Hawk to accompany the Lizard in attending the mackerel fishery. Particulars of ships. 3
" " Capt. Thos. Bowry, Roe ketch, Lynn Deeps. " On the 20th ult., put 38 pressed men on board Vice-Adm. Goodson, and the next day received order from Lord Montague in Sole Bay to return with a letter to him, carry the Naseby's long boat to Harwich, and then ply on his station; has since convoyed 2 vessels of Lynn and one of Boston into Yarmouth Roads. 4
" " Capt. Rich. Country, Sole Bay. " On the 27th ult. the General, with the rest of the fleet, being under sail, commanded him to remain there for a packet, which would be addressed to Sec. Thurloe, and on its receipt, to follow the fleet; having received one addressed to the Lord General, asks what to do. 5
" " Capt. Jno. Parker, Cheriton, Plymouth Sound. " Sailed on the 18th ult. out of Plymouth Sound with the Lichfield and 42 ships bound for Newfoundland, and left them 150 leagues to the westward of Scilly; in standing for the Channel again, his ship proved very leaky, and had 3 or 4 feet of water in the hold before they knew of it. Were forced to lay her by the lee, and sling the carpenter overboard to find the leak; he found 5 of the leaden scuppers defective, which he was forced to plug up, and she is now tight. Wanted scuppers before leaving Plymouth, but there were none in the stores. Since his return, has received order from Capt. Heaton to sail for Morlaix to fetch over the ships plying there, convoy them to their ports, and then return to the Downs. 6
" " Capt. Anth. Rively, Brier, Scarborough. " Is plying on his station, and convoying the light and laden fleets of colliers 7
" 2 Saml. Whittell, Secy. Account of prizes brought in and delivered to the Commissioners of Prizes between Jan. 8 and 22 Mar. 1658–9, with the ports where they now are, and particulars of their ladings. 8
" " Capt. Rich. Streate, Hart pink, Buoy of the Nore. Navy Comrs Having convoyed up a vessel from Dunkirk, has sent up his gunner, Robt. Shorten, and hopes they will consider his needy condition, and order payment of part of his wages, as he has been long at sea, behaved honestly, and his accounts are clear. 9
" " Capt. Chas. Thorowgood, State's Yard, Portsmouth. Adm. Com. Has received their letter to Capt. Tippetts and himself, and the 6 ships named having arrived, intends getting them on shore to refit. Rear-Adm. Bourne has also sent in Capt. Poyntz, of the Wakefield, to refit, and then return to the Downs. 10
April 2 Capt. Jno. Tippetts, Portsmouth. Adm. Com. To similar effect. Is earnestly requested by the workmen to desire their wages may be paid, being a whole year in arrear, whereby many are in great necessity, having taken up upon credit for a long time, and now they can hardly be trusted, although their creditors make their own terms, which are sometimes very unreasonable. 11
" " Thos. White, Dover Maj.-Gen. Kelsey. Intreats payment of his arrears due to 25 Dec. last, amounting to 764l. 6s. 10d. Is much troubled by the men for their wages, and forced to find money for them as soon as they have done their work; there is now so much money out upon his own account that it makes him heartless. 12
" " " " Navy Comrs Has sent his account up by his son, and intreats them to pass and assign it, and desire the Admiralty Commissioners to order payment of the arrears. 13
" " Wm. Wilson, keeper, Dorchester Gaol. " Has received from Capt. Lambert Cornelius Capt. Jno. Charles, late commander of the St. Peter of Ostend, and his company, being 24 persons, who were taken prisoners at sea by him; they very much complain of their small allowance, which, according to his Highness's institution for criminal offenders, is 1½d. a day; as it is reported that the allowance; for such persons in Plymouth and other gaols is 4d. a day, desires order. 14
" 4 Rear-Adm. Jno. Bourne, Richard, Downs. Adm. Com Sends an account of the movements of the Downs' squadron, with particulars of other ships. Desires order as to sending two 5th-rate frigates to ply off Ostend and Dunkirk, for annoying the enemies' men-of-war, who are often passing and repassing that way; as there are so many of them abroad, there is no safety in sending a single frigate as a convoy or upon a station. 15, 16
" " Capt. Robt. Duck, Hunter, Yarmouth Roads. " Has been plying in his station since the 1st ult., and doing such service as Vice-Adm. Goodson ordered. The fleet were in Hoseley Bay the 2nd inst. Met 6 sail of Scotchmen, whom he saw into the Yarmouth Roads, and is now going to the Thames' mouth with vessels laden with merchants' goods. Has 7 days' victuals left, and when it is expended, will return to Harwich. 17
" " Daniel Furzer, Lidney. Navy Comrs The work in Dean Forest is not progressing, for want of carriage for the timber; there has not been much soliciting of carriage, by reason of the taking off 1s. in the ton in carriage, which will be considerable in such a quantity of timber as is to come out of the Forest, and this, with other reasons, has obstructed the work. Asks what they expect in the transportation of timber this summer, and whether a freight of it will be useful at Bristol; not much can be expected out of the Forest until July, as the carriers will not have sown all their barley until the middle of May. 18
" " Jno. Greene, Deptford. Account of 3 of the State's ships in rigging wages, with the number of men borne on each 19
" " Wm. Smith, Woolwich Rope Yard. Account of hemp, cordage, yarn, tar, lines, &c., in the stores 20
April 5 Jno. Burton Adm. Com. Asks the purser's place in the Wolf, refused by Mr. Knowles. Hopes they will consider the long time he waited upon the Rosebush, as also his certificate of former service for 10 years, and 5 years before as a common seaman. Was at the taking of the Wolf, and fought for her, and had a letter of Capt. Hatsell about it. 21
" " Thos. Rea, St. Nicholas' island. " Sends an account of powder remaining in the stores in the Fort and Island of Plymouth. Will issue what they order to Capt. Hatsell for supply of the fleet; since 8 Feb. 1655–6, has delivered 438 barrels on his orders. Hopes they will be as sparing as they can in sending prisoners to Plymouth, as there are only the soldiers' quarters to keep them in. 22
" 6 Capt. Robt. Duck, Hunter, Yarmouth Roads. Navy Comrs Sends 2 muster books. The Vice-Admiral took as many of his men as he wanted, and Sir Richard Stayner had 4 more. 23
" " Capt. Jno. Vasey " Recommends Geo. Jaques for a gunner's place, he having so served on the Beaver under his command 24
" " Rear - Adm. John Bourne, Richard, Downs. Adm. Com. The Merlin has brought in the Nonsuch ketch, which Capt. Ford retook yesterday morning off Blackness, after 2 hours' dispute. She had in her 35 men but only 6 iron guns, for when she was taken by the enemy, and carried into Ostend, the King's officers there seized on the other 2 guns, being brass, for his service. Has sent the ketch into Dover, with order to Mr. White to cause her to be fitted; has also sent some wounded prisoners in her to be taken care of at Dover; has the remainder, 30 with the captain, on board this ship, and waits orders concerning them, the fitting the ketch, and a captain for her, Capt. Waltham not having yet come over, as also a boatswain, the former having been slain. Has ordered the Merlin to convoy the vessels bound for Seine Head, and to call at Dieppe in her return for Ralph Grey, and bring him over, with his lady, goods, and attendants. 25
" 7 Thos. White, Dover " Sends an inventory of the furniture and effects on board the Nonsuch ketch, sent in by Rear-Adm. Bourne. She is much torn and shattered with shot, and will require her decks newly laid, a new mainmast, &c.; there are 6 shots in her hull. Desires they will bestow the command of her upon his son, who is an able seaman, has been boatswain and master's mate in the Straits, came home commander of one of the prizes taken there, and has been serving since as a master in the merchant service. 26, 27
" " Adm. Com. Navy Comrs Order to make out a bill to Jno. Fowler, Judge-Advocate of the Fleet, for his pay to the 1st instant at 8s. a day. 28
" 8 Jonas Shish, Deptford. " Account of deals and masts required for the stores, as also 50 loads of fir timber. Has given notice of the loss incurred for want of a supply, and particularly of masts; 2 being wanted for the Convertine and Hampshire, has been compelled to hew away the best of the outside of the tree, which is the strength of the mast, for want of smaller. 29
" 9 Adm. Com. " Order to make out a bill to Lord Sydenham for 100l., disbursed by him when Governor of Weymouth in 1646, for shallops employed there in the service of the King and Parliament, abating his imprests, as ordered by the Lord Protector and Council 18 Jan. 1658–9. 30
April 9 Capt. Chas. Thorowgood, Portsmouth. Adm. Com. Repair and tallowing of ships 31
" " Capt. John Woolters, Nonsuch, Portsmouth. Navy Comrs Having received order for docking the frigate, and not knowing how his men may be disposed of, states that while they were lying off the Western islands, they went on short allowance, so that there are 14 days' whole allowance due to each; hopes if they are discharged, care may be taken for their satisfaction. 32
" 11 Rear Adm. Jno. Bourne, Richard, Downs. Adm. Com. Will send up the prisoners he has on board by the Dogger, as no man-of-war of his squadron has lately arrived, except the Hawk ketch, which he sent to Dover to be cleaned and victualled, so as to accompany the Lizard in securing the mackerel fishery. The Richard has only 14 days' provisions left; Mr. White waits their commands concerning the Nonsuch ketch. 33
" " Capt. Lamb. Cornelius, Bramble, Capt. Thos. Lardge, Lark, Weymouth Road. " Have been cruising as far west as Dartmouth, and brought all vessels ready and bound for St. Malo to the Weymouth Roads, where there are several others bound thither; will convoy them over the first opportunity. 34
" " Jo. Jennings, Dockyard, Portsmouth. " Upon the coming home of Capt. Coppin and his squadron, Capt. Motham made a complaint that his boatswain had on 3 occasions sold his stores out of the gunroom, to the value of 40l., and that he had those on board who were instrumental in carrying them away. Since then, finds there are great differences between the captain and boatswain, each accusing the other of what, if proved, will be enough to acquit them of their employments. 35
" " Capt. Thos. Penrose, the Maidstone, Chatham. " Has come up to refit as ordered, and Commissioner Pett has promised a quick dispatch. Thanks for the leave of absence granted. 36
" " Capt. Jno. Taylor, Chatham. " Desires payment of his bill of 96l. for his salary, which has been before them so long and so often that he is ashamed to again press for it to buy victuals for his family. 37
" " Capt. Jno. Taylor, Phineas Pett, Robt. Cruse, Chatham. " Have made a survey of the defects of the Sovereign, and send particulars. The workmanship and materials required will amount to 1,300l. 38
" " Capt. Chas. Thorowgood, Portsmouth. " Cleaning and tallowing of ships. No order has yet come for victualling any of Capt. Coppin's squadron, and as the ships are ready, will send them to Spithead, unless otherwise ordered. There is a small vessel laden with merchants' goods bound for Holland, the master of which desires the Wakefield may convoy him to the Downs. 39
" " Thos. White, Dover " Has sent the 4 wounded seamen named to Ostend in the packet boat, on their parole, they having promised to procure the freedom of 4 of the like quality. If he had received an order to refit the ship, she might have been ready for service in as little time as she might be got to London, and with as little charge; if he might be permitted, with approbation of the Rear-Admiral, to put in a commander, could have her victualled, fitted, and manned in four days. 40
April 12 Jno. Browne, Harwich. Adm. Com. Sent their letter on board the Maidstone, which has since sailed out of the Rolling Grounds; returns her victualling order, she having gone for Chatham. The Hunter has come in, and her provisions are expected to-day. 41
" " " " Navy Comrs Desires the cables and cordage may be hastened down for supply of the stores. There are 3 or 4 cables and some other cordage with Widow Park of Ipswich, at 44s. a cwt. ready money; will contract for them if ordered. When the fleet was on the coast, the boats belonging to the Naseby, London, and Rainbow, were left with him; as they are of little use, asks what to do with them. The leak in the Concord increases daily. 42
" " Capt. Jonas Poole, Leopard, Elsinore Road. " Sends a list of men impressed for the Leopard, most of whom are shipped; also his bill of charges, which amounts to more than he expected, as many other ships were pressing at the same time; desires they will grant his wife an order for payment. 43
" 13 Jno. Morris, Gravesend. Adm. Com. Particulars of ships 44
" " Capt. Sam. Sharland, Fox, Lundy Island. " Put the Earl of Barrimore on shore at Youghall from Milford, and after touching at Kinsale, received letters from some merchants and masters at Cork and Youghall, to convoy some of their goods as far as Lundy; agreed to do this, first seeing those of Cork to Youghall, so that they might be all together. Putting from thence to sea, sprung his mainmast, and was forced into Kinsale to fish it, and to victual; then returned to Youghall, where he received a letter from Lady Broghill, with an order from the Lord Lieutenant for her transportation in any of the State's ships to Minehead; but as she could not be ready in 8 days, set sail with 12 vessels laden with corn for Bristol and Minehead, and having seen them as far as Lundy, hopes to get back ere Lady Broghill is ready. 45
" " Capt. Thos. Wright, Fame, Yarmouth Roads. " Received order from Wm. Burton to convoy vessels to Hull, and on his arrival there, was desired by the Governor to take charge of 12 vessels for Holland, 7 for London, and one for Dunkirk, and has now arrived with them in the Roads. Asks where to revictual. 46
" 14 Capt. Hen. Land, Burlington Bay. " Has been with Capt. Rowland Bevans of the Convert in the North Seas with the fishers, but meeting with a storm, had to make for Burlington Bay; his victuals, which should have lasted until the 27th instant, being 10 days' short, will have to go on half allowance; will sail for Leith to revictual and receive instructions. The fishers have only made half their voyage, and some of them went home 15 days since, without giving any notice. 47
" " Capt. Mich. Nutton, the Norwich, Hope. " Has arrived with a convoy of ships, by order of Gen. Monk, and being ill, has sent his son-in-law, who is master's mate, to know where he is to go to clean; the frigate has been off the ground 7½ months, and the victuals will be expended on Thursday. 48
April 14 Capt. Godfrey Reader late captain of the Eagle. Adm. Com. Petition for an order to the Victualling Commissioners to make him an allowance for the keep of 425 supernumeraries for one day, on board the Eagle, by an order of Gen. Montague, and Vice-Adm. Lawson; with order therefor from Capt. Roger Cuttance of the Naseby. 49, 50
" " Capt. J. Whitstone " Desires they will expedite the trial he so earnestly desires; might instance their engaged words, but rather depends upon justice for commiseration and consideration of his present condition. 51
" 15 Wm. Kiffin Lieut.Col. Thomson, Major Bourne. Begs favour for John Harvie, a God-fearing man, who endeavoured to honestly discharge his duties, and is now perfecting his accounts with them. Knows they will do things right to all men, without respect of persons, yet there may be reason to give more credit to one than another. As Harvie is poor, and hardly able to provide bread for his family, and had little advantage by his late service, if his wages should be detained, they must be supplied by the congregation whereof he is a member, for his present necessities. 52
" " Jno. Morris, Gravesend. Adm. Com. Sent their instructions for Capt. Higginson of the Selby to Lee Road, but he had sailed. Particulars of ships. 53
" " Rich. Vinson, Plymouth. " Capt. Hatsell is so straitened that he cannot find the money for maintenance of the prisoners at Plymouth beyond this week; 67l. more will be required to-morrow, and while Hatsell is away, the marshal will apply to him. Asks how he is to be supplied, or fears the marshal will be necessitated to set them free. If they would appoint a person fit to distinguish boys, old, maimed, and other infirm persons, from the rest, and give order that all such be turned out, and no more of the like hereafter received into the prison, the charge would be much less, and the enemy not so much served as they now are. 54
" 16 Adm. Com. Navy Comrs Order for the speedy refitting of the Maidstone at Chatham 55
" " Andrew Dennis, purser, Briar, Yarmouth Roads. " Having but 17 days' provisions left, desires order where to recruit 56
" " " " Adm. Com. To the same effect 57
" " Capt. Chas. Thorowgood, Portsmouth. " Received and delivered their warrant for victualling, and the orders for the prisoners. The master of the Langport is at London, and the lieutenant intends going up on Monday. Docking and cleaning of ships. 58
" " Thos. White, Dover " Has delivered up the Nonsuch ketch with the furniture and stores to the boatswain, and wrote Rear-Adm. Bourne to send men to carry her up to Deptford; the Hawk ketch is refitted and tallowed. Hearing that Capt. Waltham was very ill at Ostend, and not likely to live, wrote as he did; if he is restored, hopes he will again enjoy his ketch, but if not, then again intreats their favor. Having 764l. 6s. 10d. due on one account, and 800l. 12s. on another, hopes they will order him money; is so much straitened, having to pay the poor men their wages, that he is forced to take up money of the shopkeepers to carry on the work. 59
April 18 Capt. Thos. Bowry, Roe ketch, Lynn Deeps. Adm. Com. The ketch is foul, and the victuals expended within 13 days', but intends sailing with some vessels of Lynn who desire convoy to the Yarmouth Roads. 60
" " Jno. Barnard, purser of the Langport. " Petition for an order to be allowed, on the passing of his accounts in the Victualling Office, for provisions supplied to 3 Hollanders by order of Capt. Coppin, Commander-in-Chief, Mr. Lewis of that office having stated they would not be allowed for there. With certificate of Capt. Jno. Coppin that there were no provisions supplied to those ships who were taken as advisers until what they had were expended. 61
" " Rear Adm. Jno. Bourne, Richard, Downs. " On the arrival of the Wakefield, will prosecute their commands concerning the prisoners on board. The Drake and Nightingale have come in from their station for water; their arrival was very opportune, as that night a messenger came from his Highness and Council, bound to the Hague, with whom he sent the Nightingale, and the next day another messenger bound for Dieppe, for whom he appointed the Drake, there being no other men-of-war of the Downs squadron. The Merlin and Lily have returned, the former with one of the enemy's sloops, which she had taken but she had nothing in her, only 2 small guns; has ordered them to the Merlin. On request of her captain, will put some men on board the prize, and detain her in the Downs, where she may do some service, unless ordered to the contrary, the Ostenders who were on board having all escaped to shore on the coast of France. Having received a complaint from Rye and Hastings of the want of a convoy, sent the Merlin to ply with the fishery thereabouts, until the arrival of the Lizard, which came in yesterday, and has since sailed to her station; sent the Hawk ketch to sail with Capt. Ducy, and on their arrival, the Merlin is to return to the Downs, with 50 sail of fishermen, from Brighthelmstone, bound to the North Foreland, and also with some vessels from Rye to the Downs; hopes to furnish the rest of the fishermen at Brighthelmstone, and 20 sail more from adjacent places, with another convoy. Has sent the Selby to secure some vessels bound for Dunkirk, as also to transport a surgeon going there with some medicines for Lord Lockhart. The Lily has just gone with a convoy for Dieppe. 62
" 18 Capt. Chas. Thorowgood, Portsmouth. Adm. Com. Repairs of ships 63
" " Thos. White, Dover " Has delivered the Nonsuch ketch to the boatswain, and she being supplied with men by the Rear-Admiral, has set sail. The Lizard and Hawk ketch are in the Road, and bound to Rye to convoy the fishermen; the Lily is bound over with some gentlemen for Dieppe. 64
" " Ordnance officers " In common with Commrs. Willoughby and Pett, recommend Edw. Homewood for the lieutenant's place in the Langport. 65
" " " " " There is a quantity of round shot offered for sale by Abr. Freeston of London, at 10l. per ton, and as it is very useful, recommend it as a good pennyworth. 66
" 19 Adm. Com. Navy Comrs Order to make out a bill of imprest to Capt. Edw. Allen, cashier to the Victualling Office, for 3,000l. a week for 4 weeks, from 18 Feb. to 18 Mar. 1658–9, on the new declaration. 67
1659 Vol. 211.
April 19 Adm. Com. Navy Comrs Order to make out a bill to Fras. Hacker, for the use of Capt. Hen. Hatsell, for 411l. 18s. 7d. disbursed by him for maintenance of prisoners of war at Plymouth. 68
" " " " and Treasurer. Order for payment of the wages due to the officers and company of the Bristol at Woolwich 69
" " Rear Adm. Jno. Bourne, Richard, Downs. Fras. Sutterly, boatswain of the Nonsuch. Warrant to carry her up to Deptford, and then wait on the Admiralty Commissioners for further orders. 70
" 20 " " Adm. Com. The Selby having returned from Dunkirk, has sent her to convoy several vessels richly laden and bound westward, as far as Plymouth. Yesterday the Swallow came over with a messenger from his Highness's resident at the Hague, and the Wakefield with the prisoners from Portsmouth; has ordered the Swallow to carry them up into the river, and sent Capt. Poyntz with several vessels to Dieppe, where he is to wait 2 or 3 days for Lord Lockhart from Paris, and transport him to Dunkirk. There is only the Richard now in the Downs, and as her victuals have not yet arrived, has sent to Dover for a week's supply. 71
" " Adm. Com. Navy Comrs Order to make out a bill to Jno. Powell, Admiralty messenger, for 53l. 16s. 4d., and to Thos. Davies, Admiralty messenger, for 5l. 5s. 9d., disbursed by them in service of the Navy. 72
" " Wm. Burton, junr., Yarmouth. Adm. Com. Capt. Duck of the Hunter being ill on board in the Yarmouth Roads, desires that his gunner, Ant. Snowden, of good repute and an able seaman, may have the command until he recovers. As there are several vessels there laden with wine, fish, &c., bound for Colchester and France, suggests that order be given to Snowden to convoy the vessels bound for France to the Downs, and in his way, to see the vessel bound for Colchester to her port, and then return to the Roads. There is a great fleet of Hull, Newcastle, and Yarmouth men, bound for the Maas and Flushing, who have waited for a convoy since the Fame went northward; as the Mary prize is appointed to her station, they desire she may be hastened down. 73
" 21 Wm. Badiley, Woolwich. Navy Comrs Formerly requested leave to order a swivel to be made for the ships to ride by, which was granted; finding after a year's experience that it preserves the cables from beating against the ground, clears the hawsers, keeps the ships from being girt in their cables, and is very good for ships bound up or down, desires their warrant to have another made. Also that they will consider of the piece of ground promised for spreading and repairing sails. 74
" " Jonas Shish, Deptford. " Will finish the works on the Grantham this week, and desires directions as to her sheathing and launching, as also for docking the Hampshire, as the gates being opened, and a great deal of work to be done to her, there will be more than a 3rd penny saved in the workmanship. 75
April 21 Adm. Com. Navy Comrs Order to make out a bill to Capt. Hen. Hatsell for 202l. 10s. for pay of himself and clerk for ¾ of a year, 4 July 1658 to 4 April 1659, as agent for Naval Affairs at Plymouth. 76
" " " " Like order for 30l. for Rich. Vinson, employed by Hatsell for ¾ of a year, while acting as storekeeper at Plymouth, and assisting in the issuing provisions to such ships as came in to be refitted and victualled. 77
" " " " Order to make out a bill to Rear-Admiral Jno. Bourne for his pay for the time he served on board the Swiftsure, at 30s. a day. 78
" " " " Order for the speedy cleaning and refitting of the Swallow in the river 79
" 22 Rear Adm. Jno. Bourne, Richard, Downs. Adm. Com. Arrival and departure of ships. Has appointed Capt. Bowry of the Drake at Dover to transport the body of Lord Percy, lately deceased in France, with some other gentlemen belonging to the Earl of Northumberland, according to an order from his Highness, inclosed in a letter from Lord Broghill, and that done, to return to Dover to clean and revictual. 80
" " Andrew Dennis, Briar, Yarmouth Roads. " Has just arrived with 5 ships from Hull, 2 being bound for Holland, and the other 3 for London, and there is also a fleet of ships bound for Holland which he is ordered to convoy over, and then to return to the Roads. Asks where to revictual. 81
" " Capt. Anth. Rively, Briar, Yarmouth. " Has come in with a fleet of Hull men bound for London with lead, and having but a few days' provisions left, desires order where to revictual. 82
" " Capt. N. Heaton, Plymouth. " Has received their letter with the examination concerning Capt. Foot, and will attend to the business as soon as he comes in, which may be in 20 days, but the Mermaid has 26 days' provisions, and is plying in the Channel. Thanks for past and present favours; his relations bless them for the mercy by which they have been kept from being widowed and fatherless. 83
" " Capt. Thos. Morris, Plymouth. " Chased a man-of-war of 12 guns to the westward of Scilly the whole of the day, but lost her at night; the next day, chased another of 18 or 20 guns, and lost her also at night; had his frigate been clean, might have taken either of them. Being also leaky and out of provisions, has come in by order of Capt. Heaton to repair, clean, and victual. 84
" 23 Hen. Battson Major Neh. Bourne. Thanks for his care of him ever since he wrought for the State; asks what to do with his bills, which are signed by the proper officer, and amount to 60l., as being in debt, he does not know how long he may be out of prison. To do work for the State, was forced to sell a house which brought him in 5l. a year, and has not only run through that, but is 40l. in debt, so that his condition is very sad. There is now a house to be built in the State's Yard, but he is not able to go forward with the work unless supplied, as he has neither stock nor credit. 85
" " Thos. White, Dover Navy Comrs Received an order for delivery of the Nonsuch ketch with her furniture to the boatswain in charge, that she might be brought up the river, as also to take his receipt and send it, that he might be charged therewith, sends it accordingly. 86
" 24 Capt. Rich. Cowes, Paradox, Kinsale. Adm. Com. While on the Irish coast, took a galliot of 2 guns and 35 men, and not having a wind to sail for Dublin, came into Kinsale, and has delivered the prisoners to the Governor, to be sent to Cork prison; is now bound for Dublin. 87
April 25 Capt. Rowl. Bevans, Convert, North Seas. Adm. Com. Has been plying in the North Seas with the Weymouth pink, but a fortnight since, was separated through a great storm; supposes the pink went into Leith to revictual. The fleet of fishers lies scattered, it being their custom when they do not hear of any of the enemies' men-of-war, and none have been heard of except 2 of the Swedes, who have taken some Holland fishers. Some of the fishers, having made their voyage, are going home, and the fishery will not continue above 3 weeks, when he will return to Yarmouth for orders as to victualling, &c. 88
" " Capt. Thos. Bowry, Roe ketch, Lynn Deeps. " Again reminds them that the ketch is very foul and the victuals expended to 6 days, and desires orders. 89
" " Thos. White, Dover " The Merlin is tallowed and refitted, and when victualled, will be ready to sail. There are 50 mackerel boats in the harbour, ready to go out with her the first tide. There is also the Cheriton to be refitted, and the Lily has come in, who is going with a convoy for Dunkirk, but the wind is contrary. Intreats they will order payment of the arrears due to him last Christmas, amounting to 764l. 6s. 10d., as there is 800l, 12s. 6d. also due to him on the account assigned by the Commissioners 25 March last, besides what has been expended since. Is much straitened for money, and forced to provide the wages for the poor workmen, or no work would be done. 90
" 26 Adm. Com. Captain Woolters of the Nonsuch. Warrant to turn over all the mariners belonging to the Nonsuch into the Langport and Portland, and to discharge all the inferior officers, giving them all tickets for the time they have been entered on board. 91
" " " Navy Comrs Order to make out a bill to Rich. Browne of Pembroke for moneys disbursed in supplying necessaries for the Paradox, according to accounts sent. 92
" " " " Whereas Josiah Child of Portsmouth last November delivered to Capt. Newbery of the Portland 3,000 Portugal crowns by their order, being part of a greater quantity left in his hands by Capt. Eustace Smith, which 3,000 crowns were paid to Capt. Coppin for providing beverage for the squadron under his command, and Capt. Coppin having produced a receipt for 878 crowns which he paid to Jno. Bernard, his purser, to buy provisions, leaving 2,122 crowns remaining on board the Langport, —order for directions to the Treasurer to receive the 2,122 crowns from Capt. Coppin, and to charge himself therewith, and take care that Capts. Newbery and Coppin are discharged of the 3,000 and 878 crowns so disbursed, and they placed to the account of the purser, and notice thereof given to the Victualling Commissioners. 93
" " Capt. Jno. King, John ketch, the Swinn. Adm. Comrs Is daily ranging on his station, and chased two of the enemies' men-of-war that had taken 4 small vessels, 3 of which were of great concernment; rescued them, and a fresh gale springing up, was forced to cut away his boat, shift for himself, and keep to windward, to give intelligence to any vessels that came down the Swinn; sent those rescued for Harwich. Being alone, could do no more. 94
" " " Navy Comrs To the same effect 95
April 26 Edw. Peade, Perient Trott. Adm. Com. Ask convoy for the Summer Island Merchant, which has put into Kinsale from Bermuda by contrary winds, as the interest and subsistence of the inhabitants of that place is concerned in this hazard. 96
" " Wm. Wilson, Dorchester Gaol. " The last usual time for the assizes being neglected, the prison has been and is yet very full, so that sickness much increases, and it is to be feared that mortality will follow. Seeing rooms are so much wanted, is constrained to confine all the 20 Ostenders committed by Capt. Lambert Cornelius into one small room, whereby sickness increases so fast that 7 of them have been taken ill in 4 days; therefore desires a speedy order either for their removal to some other prison, or their sending away for exchanges. 97
" 27 Major N. Bourne, Jonas Shish, and 11 others. Recommend Wm. Heane of Stepney, co. Middlesex, shipwright, for the place of master carpenter in any of the State's ships. 98
" " Capt. Sam. Sharland, Fox, Milford. Adm. Com. Has been plying on his station, and convoyed 12 vessels with corn from Youghall as far as Lundy; brought over Lady Broghill with her children and goods to Minehead, and then came to Milford, where Sir Hugh Owen sent their order to convoy 8 sail to Torbay. While at sea, sprung his mainmast, but it is now fished, and likely to hold; desires a survey may be made of it at Plymouth. Wants a new set of colours, having supplied Capt. Cowes with one. 99
" 28 Adm. Com. Navy Comrs They are to bring the Yarmouth and Providence out of the dock, and carry in the Bristol that she may be repaired. 100
" " " " Order for the repair of the Nonsuch ketch lately retaken from the enemy in the Thames 101
" " " " Order for a bill for 300l. to Rob. Turpin, for sick and wounded seamen 102
" " Rear Adm. Jno. Bourne, Richard, Downs. Adm. Com. Will get a 5th and two 6th-rate frigates ready to attend directions as soon as any come into the Downs, but there is no hope of any so long as the easterly winds continue. The Cherington is at Dover, ready to transport Lord Bruce from Dieppe, and the Merlin is fitting out there, to convoy the fishery off the North Foreland, being nearly 80 sail, who much importune for a convoy. 103
" " Jno. Browne, Harwich. " The Maria has come in very leaky, by coming aground on a sand near Yarmouth Roads; as it is blowing hard, cannot as yet get out her guus, but will haul her on shore and repair her defects. 104
" " Capt. Edm. Curle, Maria, Harwich. " Plying northward with some North Sea vessels going out, a man, mistaking his lead and over-heaving, drove him on the sand, where he lay until low water, when he got off; being leaky, has come in to search and stop the leak, and will then proceed to the Humber. 105
" " Wm. Hayward Navy Comrs Asks a bill of imprest for 500l. towards payment of timber bought of Mr. Lodington, Squire Maxsey, and others. 106
" " Rich. Lucy Major Bourne. Recommends Wm. Clements, who has served in the State's ships for some years, and behaved faithfully and valiantly, for the accomplishment of his reasonable demands. 107
April 28 Capt. Chas. Thorow-good, Portsmouth. Adm. Com. The Portland is hauled off the ground, and may go to Spithead on Monday, and the Andrew is docked and the gates shut; it is a pity the dock had not been 50 feet longer and 4 feet broader, as then it would have received any ordinary 2nd rate and 3rd rate, or two 3rd rate frigates, but now has not breadth for such ships as the Dunbar and London. Particulars of other ships. Has conferred with Capt. Tippetts concerning the charge against the officers of the Nonsuch, and asks what the boatswain and carpenter are charged with, and the persons that witnessed the same, as they will justify themselves if no witnesses appear. 108
" " Capt. Jno. Tippetts, Portsmouth. Rob. Blackborne. Is refitting the Bradford, as the captain states she has been cleaned and tallowed, and if she had been victualled, she might have stayed out 2 or 3 months longer. Particulars of ships. Sent an account of his wants, but nothing has been supplied except what he has passed his word or paid ready money for. 109
" 29 Capt. Mic. Nutton, Greenwich. Navy Comrs Has received an order for his appearance at the Navy Office about his late servant, Robt. Mawgredge, but has not been out of doors for a fortnight through sickness, and is still under the doctor's hands; will attend them as soon as he can. 110
" 30 Barth. Clarke Col. Clerke and the Adm. Com. Desires they will take notice of his long stay and attendance about the charge against the commander of the Foresight, which cannot be done without expense; and that they will let him be heard, or leave their positive answer to the contrary. 111
" " Thos. White, Dover Major-Gen. Kelsey. Thanks for all favors; acknowledges that by Kelsey's mediation he has been enabled to manage the business of refitting the navy at Dover, where it is, done cheaper and speedier than at any other port, but is now in great want of money. Has spent and engaged himself as far as he can possibly go, and men come to him with tears in their eyes for what is due to them. Sheds tears himself in secret, when he considers how he has expended his own estate and engaged himself for the public service, and therefore begs an order for some money. 112
April. Jno. Croscombe, Portsmouth. " Has been master of the Portland under Capt. Rich. Newbery and was formerly master of the George under Gen, Blake; asks to be master in the Langport, or lieutenant or master in any other ship. 113
" Capt. Hen. Hatsell Navy Comrs Towards the present account of 5,594l. 5s., charged 2,843l. 8s. in 2 bills of exchange on the Treasurer last December, so that there is 2,750l. 17s. due, for which he has charged a bill this day, and desires it may have dispatch. 114
" Robt. Blake Adm. Com. Petition to be purser of the Paul, on which he has been clerk of the check and steward since 14 June 1653; also served in other ships in the Dutch War. With certificate by Thos. Wilson, 8 April 1659, that he has passed his accounts from June 1655 to July 1658. 115, 116