William and Mary: December 1693 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: William and Mary, 1693. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1903.

'William and Mary: December 1693', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: William and Mary, 1693, (London, 1903) pp. 415-455. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/will-mary/1693/pp415-455 [accessed 11 April 2024]

December 1693



Dec. 1. Admiralty Office.	The Lords of the Admiralty to Sir John Trenchard, repeating request for the King's orders, as in a previous letter of the 23rd November. [H.O. Admiralty 6, No. 123.]
Dec. 1. Whitehall.	Sir John Trenchard to the Lords Justices, transmitting a petition, undescribed, and directing them either to act thereon in accordance with the Articles of Limerick, or to report their opinion on the case. [S.P. Ireland King's Letter Book 1, p. 375.]
Dec. 1. Whitehall.	Proceedings upon a petition of Francis Boynton, merchant. Shows that he has invented a new sort of engine for casting up great quantities of water in a short time, and, as it may be of great use for draining and overflowing of grounds, he prays letters patent for the same. Referred to the Attorney or Solicitor General. [S.P. Dom. Petition Entry Book 2, p. 354.]
Dec. 1. Whitehall.	Proceedings upon the petition of William Palmer, gent. Shows that he lent several sums of money to Mr. George Devenish, eldest son and heir of William Devenish, on bonds and judgments, and demanded a mortgage for his security of lands adjudged him by the Articles of Limerick; but Sylvester Devenish, his eighth son, took possession of the writings and of the lands and estate, though neither George nor Sylvester Devenish had any right to the estate, as it belonged to the King,; it is much neglected, and therefore of small value. Petitioner prays for a commission to enquire into the forfeiture of the lands and a grant from the Crown paying 10l. per annum more than is charged. Referred to the Lord Justices of Ireland. [Ibid., p. 355.]
Dec. 1. Whitehall.	Commissions for Robert Adams, gent., to be ensign to Lieut.-Col. Arthur Ormsby in Col. Frederick Hamilton's regiment of foot [H.O. Military Entry Book 3, p. 138]; for William West, gent., to be ensign to Sir Ralph Delavall's company in the first regiment of foot guards, commanded by Henry, Viscount Sydney [Ibid., p. 141]; for James Bringfeild, esq., to be exempt and eldest captain of the first troop of horse guards, whereof Richard, Earl of Scarbrough, is captain and Colonel; for John, Lord Berkeley, to be colonel of the second Marine regiment whereof Colonel Henry Killegrew was colonel, and likewise to be captain of a company in the same [Ibid.,p. 143]; for Francis Sidney Highems, esq., to be captain of the company whereof LieutenantColonel Thomas Eden was captain in the first regiment of foot guards, and to take the rank of lieutenant-colonel of foot [Ibid., p. 144]; for Richard Newstead, esq., to be captain of the company whereof Captain Davenport was captain in Colonel Zachariah Tiffin's regiment of foot; for Robert Johnson, gent., to be lieutenant to Captain Watson in the same regiment; for Christopher Davenport, gent., to be lieutenant to Major Smith's company in the same regiment; for Leonard Thickpenny, gentleman, to be ensign to Captain Newstead in the same regiment; for Charles Byles, gentleman, to be lieutenant to Captain Hobbs in Colonel Trelawny's regiment of foot [Ibid., p. 146]; for Henry Walker, gentleman, to be ensign to Major Carroll in the same regiment [Ibid., p. 147]; for John Smith, esq., to be lieutenant to Lieutenant-Colonel Gilbert Primrose's company in the first regiment of foot guards, and to rank as captain of foot [Ibid., p. 148]; for Cornelius Wood, esq., to be colonel of the regiment of horse lately commanded by Lord Berkeley, and likewise to be captain of a troop in the same regiment [Ibid., p. 152]; for Christopher Simpson to be captain of the company whereof Captain John Ruthven was captain in the royal regiment of fusiliers commanded by Colonel Edward FitzPatrick; for Ralph Turner, esq., to be captain-lieutenant of the colonel's company in the same regiment; and for Robert Campion to be lieutenant of Captain Richard Betsworth's company in the same regiment [Ibid., p. 156].
Dec. 1. Whitehall.	Passes for Philip Quackmack to go to Holland [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 417]; and for Pieter Petersen and Jan Melse, Dutch seamen, ditto [Ibid., p. 423].
Dec. 2. Whitehall.	Sir John Trenchard to the Lords of the Admiralty. The King directs that some men-of-war cruise in such stations as may be most proper for preventing the transportation of corn from Dantzic or other northern ports to the French dominions, particularly to Dunkirk. [H.O. Admiralty Entry Book 1, p. 93.]
Dec. 2. Dublin Castle.	The Lords Justices of Ireland to the Commissioners of the Treasury. We have received, and herewith enclose, a petition from the judges of the King's Bench, Common Pleas, and Exchequer, for an increase of their salaries. We should not, under this great want of money, hand their request into England and endeavour to promote it, did we not firmly believe that the good government of the kingdom in a great measure depended upon it, and did we not find that the judges would be well satisfied to stay for the receipt of what addition the King shall make them, till the Treasury be in a better condition. The present salaries are so small that they are not sufficient to answer their necessary expenses, and they can much less support the dignity of their station; and the consequence of this is that the judges are not esteemed either in their courts or elsewhere as they should be. By want they are exposed to temptations they would otherwise be above, and have not that dependence upon the Crown which they would have if their places were more valuable, nor is it likely there should be a supply of persons fit for the post as long as it remains a punishment rather than a preferment for any able lawyer to have a place on the bench. We therefore petition his Majesty to make an addition of two hundred pounds a year to each of the judges' salaries of those three Courts, to commence from next Christmas and to direct that their salaries should be paid quarterly and without poundage or other deductions, as is done in England. [S.P. Ireland 355, No. 122.]
Dec. 2. Dublin Castle.	The Lords Justices of Ireland to Sir J. Trenchard. By this post we have transmitted to the Lords of the Treasury a petition of the judges for an increase of their salaries; as we think it would advance the public service to make this increase we have recommended that the petition be laid before the King.
	By yours of the 10th November we understand that the outlawries against John Hussey, gentleman, are not to be reversed till he had released all his title to Lord Slane's estate, lately given to Lord Athlone, which we accordingly took care of, and Hussey has upon it released all his interest, and we have therefore given leave to proceed upon the reversal of the outlawries.
	It has been usual for the government to employ one of the under secretaries in the secretary's office to whom the affairs of Ireland are intrusted, as their agent to solicit the dispatch of all business relating to this kingdom, and 100l. a year has been paid out of the concordatum to the person so employed. By the last post we received a joint letter from Mr. Bridgeman and Mr. Vernon, in which they offer their services for this purpose. We esteem them both, and think the business will be in good hands if undertaken by either or both of them, and we wish to know which of them shall be intrusted with the office, and that you will give directions that the usual papers of intelligence and information be sent to each of us formally, as well as those dispatches which are sent to the government.
	By one of Lord Nottingham's last letters we were directed to give notice to the Solicitor General that his attendance in Parliament was expected and we did as we were required, but we desire that the King may be informed that the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Chief Justice and the Attorney General are all absent, and that if the Solicitor General should go into England too, the government would want that assistance in the business of daily occurrence which is necessary for their Majesties' service. If notwithstanding this his Majesty shall continue to think his attendance so necessary that he shall require us to dispense with his absence, we will (upon intimation) send the Solicitor over with the first opportunity.
	There are three gentlemen who were formerly privy councillors in this kingdom: Sir Robert Colvill, Sir Henry Ingoldsby and Sir Francis Feilding. These are all men of considerable experience in public affairs and true and hearty in their Majesties cause and it would conduce for the good of the service if they were restored to their former seats in the Council.
	On the 28th November we desired that the King might be informed of the present state of those ships which are appointed to attend on this coast, and what necessity there was of increasing the number of the cruisers and adding some for convoys, and what advantage there would be in some other alterations of that kind. We desire to add that France is not only in want of corn, but of several other provisions which are procurable here, and we fear that some of those ships which petition for passes from the government for several ports in countries in amity with us, and are laden with provisions other than corn, sail to France for their market; but without stopping the whole trade of the nation, which would be of dangerous consequence in the condition it is now, we cannot deny such passes upon good security; but though by taking due care this evil may be prevented, yet there is another way of supplying France with corn and other necessaries which, unless it be prevented by putting a considerable number of men-of-war on the coast, will do away with all our precautions. The way we foresee that they will be able to get such supplies as they require, is by their own privateers who hold correspondence with the Irish papists in the remote parts, especially in Kerry and thereabouts, where there are several good and safe harbours, and the number of the Irish to that of the protestants is a hundred to one (so we are informed by the Sheriff of Kerry) and that they will be furnished by them with whatever they want or desire. We will require all the King's ministers within land to hold a strict watch upon these proceedings; but at the same time think it necessary the King should be informed that the danger will not be thoroughly prevented without a due number of cruisers to visit those parts and encounter the enemies' ships in their passage. [S.P. Ireland 355, No. 123.]
Dec. 2. Dublin Castle.	The Lords Justices of Ireland to Sir John Trenchard. When we first entered upon this government we wrote to the Earl of Nottingham concerning the settling of some method about passing commissions to the officers of the army here, now that they are to be signed by the King himself. It was agreed that upon any vacancy the officers should be first recommended from hence and the commissions when signed, should be sent and entered with our secretary who received the fees and remitted the same into England, by which means the government here would have always a list of the officers, and know what new appointments were, from time to time, made and how to give order as the service required.
	In pursuance of this method there is now a vacancy in Colonel Michelbourne's regiment, upon the resignation of Lieutenant Francis Dorrington (who by the death of his father, an alderman of London, is heir to a large estate in England) and the Colonel has recommended Mr. John Osborne to us as qualified to serve their Majesties in that station. We therefore desire you will petition the King to give his commission accordingly to the said Mr. John Osborne to be lieutenant to the company of grenadiers commanded by Captain Josias Campbell, in Colonel Michelbourne's regiment. [Ibid., No. 124.]
Dec. 2. Whitehall.	Sir John Trenchard to the Lords Justices. I have received your letters of the 24th of Oct. to myself and of the 4th and 21st Nov. to the Earl of Nottingham, and have since received one of the 18th Nov., signed by Sir Cyril Wyche and Mr. Duncomb and one of the 21st signed by Lord Capell; but the King has not yet taken any resolutions, either in relation to the archbishopric of Dublin or to the other matters mentioned, by reason that the affairs in Parliament have taken up all our time. [S.P. Ireland King's Letter Book 1, p. 483.]
Dec. 2. London.	News letter addressed to the Earl of Derwentwater, at Newcastle upon Tyne. From Rome, 7 Nov., they write that the Imperial minister has lately demanded the assistance of the Pope to enable him to prosecute the war against the Turks, and was answered by Innocent that he had no money, and that King James, who lost his crown for the Roman faith, might with the greatest reason demand his assistance. The Ambassador answered that without his Holiness' assistance the Emperor must think of peace with the Porte. The Pope replied that he might do as he pleased.
	From Rome on Nov. 14th they write that on the Monday previous Cardinal Coloredo had an audience with the Pope, and acquainted him that he was engaged by a certain prince (whom he did not name) to entreat him to set a treaty of peace on foot for Italy; the Pope turned to one who had discoursed this point with him just before, and said: They that demand a peace do not desire it, and those that ask it not would willingly have it.
	The Duke of Savoy uses great zeal to re-establish his army and hopes to procure some fresh German regiments. He has signified to the governor of Milan that he had rather the King of Spain would supply him with money [than men]; for his troops are the last to enter in every campaign and the first to leave, and therefore break his measures. The Spaniards solicit the Cantons that are in alliance with Milan to grant them new levies, but the colonels have declared to the Marquis de Leganez that the same will not be granted unless a free commerce with Milan be first re-established. However the said Marquis has sent 18,000 "Phillips" with endeavours to make some recruits amongst them.
	From Vienna on Nov. 18th they write that the Imperial army in Hungary is thus distributed, viz.: the cavalry and six regiments of infantry are sent to Upper Hungary, the rest of the infantry are quartered in Slavonia and Lower Hungary. General Huesler solicits the post of commissary-general of war, in the same manner as the late General Caraffa enjoyed it.
	The French say they will post themselves at Oberwesel, and will afterwards attack Rhinefelden, but that place is so provided that but little danger is anticipated. A great conference has lately been held at Vienna by the ministers of the Allies, and the question was moved whether they ought to embrace that proposition of peace now offered them by France, or continue the war, and it was concluded that there was "less certainty in a peace quitting the Alliance than in continuing the war" (sic); therefore the latter course was resolved on. But the ministers of Brunswick and Hesse Cassel have had no instructions in the matter and took the propositions ad referendum.
	Letters from Cologne of Nov. 27th say that the Elector Palatine had refused winter quarters to the Brandenburg troops, under pretence that the King of England promised that his (the Elector's) country should be excused from winter quarters whilst he continued to employ his troops in the service of the Allies in Germany, and that the said Elector had adjusted his contributions with the French, by reason that the small number of troops which the Elector of Brandenburg offered him would not be able to have covered his country from the enemy. The Elector of Brandenburg, besides the troops he is raising, has now 21,545 men in the service of the allies.
	From Brussels on Nov. 29th they write that they have advice by passengers from Mons that the French at last are beginning to pay the troops. They have been a long time without money, which impoverished the officers to such a degree that many of them were obliged to sell their equipages for subsistence. They have received fresh orders to have their companies completed by the day fixed, under pain of being cashiered.
	From the Hague on the 4th inst. (N.S.) they write that six of the Provinces have assured the Duke of Holstein Ploen that they will maintain him in the dignity conferred on him by the King of England. The 16th of this month is appointed to be a day of humiliation throughout those Provinces.
	From Paris on Dec. 1st they write that the great quantity of corn daily brought into the kingdom has obliged those who had laid up great granaries to put it off, and corn has already fallen three livres per chestier in divers provinces of that kingdom, and it is much cheaper in and about the city.
	From Weymouth on Nov. 29th they write: This morning an English privateer put into Portland Road, and the Captain reports that, near Cape La Hogue, he gave chase to a French ship and forced her ashore, after which he sent his boat and rifled her and set her on fire and returned with a very good booty.
	From Portsmouth on the 30th they write that yesterday the body of Engineer Phillips was brought on shore here and buried in "our church" with the usual ceremonies to men of his profession.
	From Deal on the 30th: Their Majesties' ship the New Weymouth has brought into the Downs a French vessel which she took on our own coast, laden with sugar from the West Indies, and she brings an account that the great church of St. Malo, with several fine houses, are destroyed by our bombs.
	The three French and one English regiment of foot, together about 3,500 men, that embarked some days ago, are thought to have arrived safely at Ostend, having had fair weather for their passage. Four more regiments have now their routes, with orders to march to their embarkation.
	Captain Poyntz has obtained a grant from their Majesties for an invention, consisting of divers instruments of wood, iron, steel, and other material "for raising water from still water and running streams to go of itself." Yesterday the Earl of Monmouth brought into the House of Peers a new bill for the triennial election of Parliament, which was read for a first time. Their lordships also heard what the judges had to say against the bill of exceptions, brought by the young Duke of Grafton against a verdict obtained against him by the Lord Chief Justice about the place of Master of the King's Bench Office, of which place the late Duke had a grant in reversion after the death of Sir Robert Henley; the House, in conclusion, ordered the judges to bring in the petition on Monday, the same to be argued on the Friday following by counsel at the bar.
	We hear that Mr. Ridgemaine who lately came from the court of the late King James at St. Germains by way of Flanders, in the last packet boat, is seized at Harwich and divers letters were found about him and in particular one to Lord A— of W—. On Thursday last Mr. Knowles, who assumes the title of Earl of Banbury, was arraigned at the King's Bench Bar upon an indictment of murder, but he insisted upon his peerage, and was admitted to bail to appear the 1st day of next term.
	The House went into a grand council and resolved nemine contradicente, that a supply be appointed his Majesty for the Land Service and ordered that a humble address be presented to him that he lay before the House a state of the war for the year 1694 with the estimate of the forces, the officers included. [Greenwich Hospital News Letters, Vol. 4, No. 25; and Entry Book 5, pp. 91 to 95.]
Dec. 2. Whitehall.	Passes for Frans de Fuyter, Barrell Hembros de Ories, Cornelis Pietersenbruyn and Frans Willemsen, Dutch seamen, to go to Holland [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 423]; for Catherine Pietersenbruyn and her child, ditto; and for Johanna Wilmer, Janniken Hauwers and Lysie Prys, ditto [Ibid., p. 424].
Dec. 3. Portsmouth.	Sir Francis Wheler to Sir John Trenchard. I am glad Mr. George Trenchard has been appointed my lieutenant; with your, and his father's, permission he shall not long want a ship after there is a vacancy. I have invited Mr. Solby to go with me; if he intends to make the sea his business, I shall now and then put him in mind to apply himself to the mechanical part of a seaman, for nobody can make a good officer without it. [H.O. Admiralty 6, No. 124.]
Dec. 3. Portsmouth.	The same to the same. I shall make what use we can of the letter sent you from Rochfort, though my orders do not lead us, nor any part of my convoy, to Lisbon.
	I humbly thank his Majesty for preferring Captains Cobham and Lee; they are both very worthy officers, and I was concerned that Captain Colt's spleen should lead him to injure so good a man as Captain Cobham.
	The S.W. wind that blows hard prevented us from stirring. [Ibid. No. 125.]
Dec. 4. Whitehall.	Proceedings upon the petition of Basil, Earl of Denbigh, who prays a grant of two fairs and a horse market for the town of Lutterworth, in the county of Leicester. Referred to the Attorney or Solicitor General. [S.P. Dom. Petition Entry Book 2, p. 353.]
Dec. 4. Whitehall.	Commission for Thomas Wolhouse, gentleman, to be ensign to Captain Mark Ashley's company in Col. Edward Lloyd's regiment. [H.O. Military Entry Book 3, p. 145.]
Dec. 4. Whitehall.	Allowance of the expenses of John Robinson, residing at the Court of Sweden, from May 12th to August 12th, 1693. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 424.]
Dec. 4. Whitehall.	Passes for Jacques Private, a soldier, to go to Flanders, and for Cornelis vander Starr to go to Holland. [Ibid.]
Dec. 5. Whitehall.	Brevet for Bartholomew Arabin to command as captain of horse. [H.O. Military Entry Book 3, p. 139.]
Dec. 5. Whitehall.	Passes for John Hedding to go to Holland [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 424]; for Hieronimus Gorts and Gerit, his son, ditto; for Adrian Reynte, a Dutch seaman, ditto; for Abraham Potel, ditto; for Anne Plantamour and John Ugasse, her son, ditto; for Jeanne Corne, ditto; and for Bodouin Rabout, Anne his wife, and Mary Ann, their daughter, ditto [Ibid., p. 425].
Dec. 6. Kensington.	Warrant to the Lords Justices of Ireland to buy the Dover frigate, a prize ship of 30 guns. [S.P. Dom. Signet Office Letter Book 13, p. 77.]
Dec. 6. Whitehall.	Commission to Col. Balthasar to be brigadier-general of horse. [H.O. Military Entry Book 3, p. 139.]
Dec. 6. Whitehall.	Passes for Claude de Cellier, a Dutch soldier, to go to Holland; for Jeanne Housdi and two children, ditto; for Francis Decker, ditto [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 425]; for Peter Cock, Claas Cornelissen, Willem Cleften, Haans Maprank, Giles Gorertsen, Pieter Hartman, Jurian Grim, Jan Claassen, Hans Pietersen, Jacob Pietersen, Swart Jonas Swes, Frans Jansen, Claas Jansen and for Joris Puypak, Dutch seamen, ditto [Ibid., p. 426].
Dec. 6. Whitehall.	Warrant to search for and seize arms and weapons of war, concealed in a certain house in Drury Lane. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 425.]
Dec. 6. Whitehall.	Warrant for postponement of any sentence that shall be passed upon Arthur Turner, esq., to be tried at the Old Bailey, for the manslaughter of Joseph Loftus. [Ibid., p. 427.]
Dec. 7. Dublin Castle.	The Lords Justices of Ireland to Sir John Trenchard. On the 2nd of September we sent our observations upon the commission of inspection into forfeitures, together with a letter upon that subject to the Lords of the Treasury, and by the same post we wrote to Lord Nottingham and sent him a copy of both. On the 4th of November we sent a draft of a new commission of inspection to the Lords (and of a letter impowering us to pass it) according to the Queen's permission, which their lordships had signified to us, and copies to Lord Nottingham. We do not know whether Lord Nottingham has delivered over those papers to you, and yet, as the business is still depending before the Lords of the Treasury, it may be of some use that you should be informed both of what we observed in the present commission and in what method we have endeavoured to put this business in the new. We have herewith sent you copies of all those papers by which you will see our reasons in drawing up this new commission. In most particulars we followed that form which Sir Richard Cox (one of the judges of the Common Pleas here) had by Lord Sydney's order laid before the Lords of the Treasury for a new commission—which was then designed and which was to that end sent us by their lordships. As we hear, there is some scruple made about a clause to empower the government to alter, add to, or change any of the commissioners, and to supply such defects as might hereafter appear by a new commission or instructions. We only desire to have it observed that this is no new addition of our own (though if it had been we could have given very good reasons for it) but it is a clause in that very draft which was sent us. Neither in this nor any other part of the whole matter, have we intended any favour or reflection, "or had any by-interest in our eyes," and therefore whether this be continued in the commission or not, or whether there be any other alterations, provided the duty be but faithfully performed it is the same to us. [S.P. Ireland 355, No. 125.]
Dec. 7. Whitehall.	Warrant to permit and suffer Captain Andrew Hamilton to raise, by beat of drum or otherwise, 100 men in Ireland for recruiting the royal regiment of foot commanded by Lord George Hamilton, for service in Flanders. [S.P. Ireland King's Letter Book 1, p. 376.]
Dec. 7. Whitehall.	License for Humphry Kinaston, esq., high sheriff of Gloucestershire, to live out of that county during his shrievalty. [H.O. King's Letter Book 2, p. 51.]
Dec. 7. Whitehall.	Passes for William Hunter to go to Holland; for Gyrtie van Wyringen, a soldier's wife, ditto; for Judith Barkley, ditto; and for William Fryer, ditto. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 427.]
Dec. 8. Treasury Chambers.	Henry Guy to Sir John Trenchard. Informing him that the King directs that passes which have usually been given to poor Dutch seamen and soldiers for Harwich, shall, in future, be given for Gravesend in order that the holders may go to Holland. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 5, No. 33.]
Dec. 8. Whitehall.	Passes for Treyntie Willemsen and her child to go to Holland; and for Gustave Adolphe Viereck, ditto. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 428.]
Dec. 9. Whitehall.	Proceedings upon the petition of John Griffith. Shows that he lost his right arm and was wounded in the back in his Majesty's service, and therefore prays an almsman's place in Winchester Cathedral. Granted. [S.P. Dom. Petition Entry Book 2, p. 356.]
Dec. 9. Whitehall.	Proceedings upon the petition of Sir John Eustace. Shows that the petitioner is patentee, for life, of the offices of clerk of the crown, and justice of the peace for the province of Leinster. Prays leave of absence to settle his affairs. Referred to the Attorney General of Ireland. [Ibid., p. 361.]
Dec. 9. Whitehall.	Passes for Hedding Jansen, a Dutch seaman, to go to Holland; for Charlotte Parveres, a French woman, ditto; for Michael Croysmans, ditto; for Daniel Burnand and thirty other men and women, "protestants Switzers," to go to Ireland, recommended by Lord Galway; and for John Fotheym to go to Holland. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 428.]
Dec. 9. Whitehall.	Sir John Trenchard to the Mayor of Warwick. I understand that Alexander Seton has been committed to prison for non-payment of a fine set upon him for refusing to take the oaths to the Queen, which fine he has since submitted to, and offers to pay; but a difficulty still remains for setting him at liberty, till it be known whether I have anything to charge him with. I therefore acquaint you that there will be no occasion to detain him on my account. [H.O. Letter Book (Secretary's) 3, p. 198.]
Dec. 10.	Memoranda on the sale and taxation of salt. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 5, No. 34.]
Dec. 10. Whitehall.	Commissions for William Parsons, esq., to be major of the regiment of foot commanded by Col. Edward Lloyd, and captain of a company in the same; for Capt. James Killegrew to be captain of Capt. Charles King's company in the first marine regiment of foot, commanded by Peregrine, Earl of Danby [H.O. Military Entry Book 3, p. 143]; for John Osborne to be lieutenant in the company of grenadiers, whereof Capt. Josias Campbell is captain in the regiment of foot commanded by Col. Michelborne [Ibid., p. 144]; for John de Millon, esq., to be captain-lieutenant of the company whereof Archibald, Earl of Argyll is captain and colonel in the regiment of foot commanded by him [Ibid., p. 148].
Dec. 11. Admiralty Office.	The Lords of the Admiralty to Sir John Trenchard. Admiral Russell has sent us the King's commands that only three out of the ten ships previously ordered (viz. the Russell, Defiance and Plymouth) shall proceed to Cadiz with Sir Francis Wheler's squadron, returning to England after a thirty days' stay in that port. Original and copy. [H.O. Admiralty 6, Nos. 126 and 126 i.)
Dec. 11. Whitehall.	Warrant addressed to Henry, Viscount Sydney to cause to be made to Thomas Philips, gentleman, engineer (son to Col. Thomas Philips) the allowance of 100l. for his encouragement in the art of studying engineering. [H.O. Military Entry Book 3, p. 140.]
Dec. 11. Whitehall.	Sir J. Trenchard to the Commissioners for the Exchange of Prisoners. Sixty-two French prisoners have been sent on shore from the Squadron lately under the command of Capt. Benbow. The King commands that you give the necessary directions that the said Frenchmen be taken care of till they can be sent back to France, which should be done at the first opportunity. There are some prisoners of war now there, amongst them Mr. Dorrington and Mons. Barthillier, whom the King thinks should be exchanged. You are to ascertain what prisoners are now detained in France with whom the said persons may properly be exchanged. [H.O. Letter Book (Secretary's) 3, p. 149.]
Dec. 11. Whitehall.	The King to Henry, Bishop of London. Taking notice of the hardships and distress of the poor of London, we command you, for their relief, that publication be made on Sunday next in all the parish churches in London, directing the churchwardens and overseers of the poor, during the week following, to collect the benevolence of charitable people at their dwellings, and that the ministers in each parish encite their parishioners to a charitable contribution. All money collected to be paid into the Chamber of London to be distributed as the Lord Mayor and you shall direct. That our own example be not wanting we direct you to apply to the Treasury for the sum we have directed to be paid for the same purpose, and to dispose of it as is aforesaid. [H.O. King's Letter Book 2, p. 52.]
Dec. 11. Whitehall.	A similar letter to Sir William Ashurst, lord mayor of London. [Ibid.]
Dec. 11. Whitehall.	License for Francis Mundy, esq., high sheriff of Derbyshire, to live out of that county during his shrievalty. [Ibid., p. 53.]
Dec. 11. Whitehall.	Allowance of the expenses of Edmond Poley, esq., envoy to the court of Savoy from August 22nd, 1692, till September 20th, 1693. The items include 14l. 10s. given to English and Irish officers and soldiers who deserted out of the French troops. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 428.]
Dec. 12. Whitehall.	Sir John Trenchard to the Lords of the Admiralty. The King commands that, of the ten ships which were to go with Sir Francis Wheler to Cadiz in company with the other ships of the Straits squadron, only the Russell, Defiance and Plymouth do proceed to Cadiz and return to England after staying there 30 days; and that the other seven remain at Spithead. [H.O. Admiralty Entry Book 1, p. 93.]
Dec. 12. Whitehall.	The same to the Lords Justices. I have acquainted the King with your report upon the petition of Mr. John Walker, and he approves of it, and commands that you order a grant to pass to the said Mr. Walker and Mr. Robert Walker of the office of clerk of the markets and packer and gauger throughout Ireland. [S.P. Ireland King's Letter Book 1, p. 376.]
Dec. 12. London.	News letter, unaddressed. They write from the French camp near Salus on the 23rd that Mons. Catinat continued there encamped, but that the great rain had made much disease amongst his army, and rendered the roads almost impassable, which had retarded the detachments and great cannon which were designed for Cassel and Pignerol; however the French were not idle in the meantime but continued to destroy all the country about them. The Duke of Savoy with his army waited at Montcallier for the movements of Catinat.
	From Turin, Nov. 20th, letters bring news that the enemy carried part of the artillery to Pignerol, but owing to the bad roads and for want of horses, the rest remained in the camp. They plundered Salus, and burnt Revall, in which latter they committed an unparalleled violence upon a convent. It is believed their actions are the prelude of their sudden dislodgment.
	From Genoa, Nov. 21st, letters received say that the secretary of the Nuncio Cavalrino who resides at the court of France, has passed by that city for Rome with a project of peace, but the contents are unknown, and that that Republic has granted passage through their territories to 2,000 Neopolitans for Milan.
	From Vienna, Nov. 28th, they write that the Imperial Chamber has projected to increase the regiments now on foot with two companies each, which will amount to 10,000 men, and this is easier and less chargeable than raising new regiments. The Turks fortify all the places in Bosnia, and lay up great magazines.
	From Paris, the 3rd inst., they say that by next summer they hope to have a far greater fleet than the year past, about 40 of which are to be ships of war of from 80 to 112 pieces of cannon. From Brest they write that a new man of war, Foudroyant, of 110 pieces of cannon is launched there. Great preparations upon the Meuse confirm that some great design is in hand which will be put into execution as soon as Monsieur Váuban (?) goes down, who presses the preparations.
	From Metz they write that the Intendant there had taken a list of all the waggons which are to serve in the expedition which Count Tallard designs to make this winter, if the season permits of it, and in case the French troops act at the same time upon the Meuse and in Flanders; and is certain the King designs to make extraordinary efforts on all sides if he cannot procure a peace.
	From Brussels on the 9th inst., they write that they are using every precaution to frustrate the designs of the enemy upon Niewport; troops are drawing that way, and barracks are being built on the downs to quarter the army and cover the place from the enemy.
	From the Hague on the 12th inst., they write that a French spy is seized at Helvoetsluice, who intended going to England. The Duke of Holstein has demanded an augmentation of the troops of the States. By connivance we shall receive several thousand Swiss into our service. The States of Holland are at present considering raising of funds for the ensuing year.
	From Cowes on the 6th inst., the Malaga Factor, Commander William Newland, came into St. Helens for London laden with wine and fruit from Malaga in 27 days, also three English ships for London and one Dutch. The said master reports that they came out of Malaga and sailed in company, one of which was a ship of about 150 tons which foundered at sea, but all the men were saved, he further states that as they were coming out of the Straits, they saw a French privateer of 26 guns which had taken an English ship of about 100 tons, but they re-took her from him. He adds that they have had a very good year at Malaga for fruit, wine and corn.
	From Cowes on the 9th inst. Sir Francis Wheler with his squadron of men-of-war and the Straits fleet have gone to St. Helens and there wait for a fair wind for their voyage.
	From Harwich on the 9th inst., they write: On Thursday last the packet boat arrived here with two mails from Holland, and brings advice that the Diligence, packet boat, fell in with five French men-of-war, who took and carried her into Dunkirk as also two menof-war, viz: the Torrington, a hired ship, and the Milford, a fifth rate convoy to the Norway fleet. This account was also given by a Swedish vessel, in French colours, who met Captain Stephens. Yesterday the Charles galley arrived from Ostend, having on board several officers on the way to Scotland to raise recruits. She came from Yarmouth, where she lost her cables and anchors, and requiring provisions put in here.
	From Deal on the 10th inst. they say: This day three English and as many Dutch men-of-war sailed from the Downs, with 25 outward-bound merchant ships for the Canary Islands, Straits, Barbadoes, Virginia, etc.
	Last Sunday his Majesty, to show his resentment and dissatisfaction at the conduct of the three commanding admirals last summer, declared them discharged from all military and civil employment. Mr. Killegrew and Sir Ralph Delaval were Lords of the Admiralty, the first was also colonel of one of the marine regiments and governor of Langford [Landguard ?] fort, and the latter, colonel of a company in the first regiment of foot guards, and Sir Cloudesley Shovell was a commissioner of the Navy. It is said that his Majesty designed in a few days to institute a new commissioner of the Admiralty with some further removes at that Board. Yesterday a warrant passed the privy seal for paying a million of money out of the Exchequer for the use of the fleet.
	A commission is drawing to constitute a Committee of Trade, which is to be composed of merchants, who are to sit in the City and to transmit matters to the Lords of the Admiralty, and it is said that citizens will be added to the Lords of the Admiralty. Mr. Killigrew's marine regiment is given to Lord Berkeley, but Sir Ralph Delaval's company is not yet disposed of, nor is Sir Cloudesley Shovell's remove from the Navy Board, but it is believed he will be employed again at sea. The House of Lords have ordered the three admirals, also Admiral Rooke, to attend the House in order to examine the miscarriages at sea. This day the contest between the Earl of Bedford, on behalf of Mr. Fox, and Mr. Harcourt on the other side, about the appointment of Clerk of the Peace for Middlesex, was argued by Council at the bar of the Lords' House but the debate was adjourned till to-morrow. The House being in committee read over the alliance and fell into a debate whether the land forces should be augmented or not and carried the question in the negative. [Greenwich Hospital News Letter, Vol. 4, No. 26; and Entry Book 5, pp. 95 to 99.]
Dec. 12.	Warrant addressed to Henry, Viscount Sydney to cause twenty-six iron ordnance and all amunition and stores of war to be given into the charge of him who shall be appointed master gunner of the new packet boat to be built and employed for carrying the mails to and from Corunna. [H.O. Military Entry Book 3, p. 142.]
Dec. 12. Whitehall.	Pass for John Bernard Bunk to go to Holland. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 429.]
Dec. 13. Dublin Castle.	Warrant by the Lords Justices to Sir Richard Levinge, solicitorgeneral of Ireland, requiring him to draw a fiant, according to the tenor of the Queen's letters of Sept. 19, for granting to James Corry, esq., 2,000l. due to Sir Edward Scott upon lands in that letter mentioned and all the property conveyed to the said Sir Edward for the said 2,000l., reserving to the Crown the quit rents due for the same. Copies of the Queen's letter, of the Treasury warrant, of a letter from the Lords Justices to the Treasury, of a petition by the Earl of Tyrone concerning the property, and of the deposition of William Bucknor are appended. [S.P. Ireland 355, No. 126.]
Dec. 13. Kensington.	Warrant to [the Lords Justices of Ireland] to remit to Viscount Sydney the poundage chargeable upon his allowance on wool licences, &c., and the deduction for the hospital. [S.P. Dom. Signet Office Letter Book 13, p. 77.]
Dec. 13. Whitehall.	Proceedings upon the petition of Arnold and John Breames. Shows that there was an affray in the street in which Arnold was assaulted, and in endeavouring to extricate themselves, one Hutton, a victualler, was killed, for which the petitioners were tried and found guilty. They pray for pardon. Referred to Lord Chief Justice Treby. [S.P. Dom. Petition Entry Book 2, p. 356.]
Dec. 13. Whitehall.	Proceedings upon the petition of the late company of shipwrights of Rotherhithe, who pray that their charter may be renewed according to a paper of heads annexed. Referred to the Attorney General. [Ibid., p. 357.]
Dec. 13. Whitehall.	Passes for Mons. le Chevalier Mountague to go to Holland; for Cornelis Jansen, Regnier Diricksen, Arent Barentsen, Claas Geritsen, Abraham Gerbrands, Pieter Heynsen and Dirick Claassen, Dutch seamen, ditto; for Mrs. Elizabeth Nicholson and two servants, ditto; for Mr. Andreas vander Hagen, a Swede, ditto; and for John Henry Hoexter, ditto. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 429.]
Dec. 13. Whitehall.	Certificate to show that Viscount Galway, envoy extraordinary to the Duke of Savoy, kissed his Majesty's hand and left for his employment on Tuesday, Dec. 5th, 1693. [Ibid., p. 436.]
Dec. 13. Whitehall.	Licence for John Rogers, esq., high sheriff of Northumberland, to live out of that county during his shrievalty. [H.O. King's Letter Book 2, p. 51.]
Dec. 14. London.	News letter, unaddressed. From Falmouth on Dec. 9th they write that a violent storm has raged for two days, which drove two of our ships from their anchors, but they were saved with much difficulty. Yesterday a ketch of Topsham came into this port from Milford in company with 40 sail under two convoys, but off the Lands End they were separated and it is feared they are damaged. To-day a vessel from St. Ives arrived here, and gives account that two ships are cast away in the road and everyone drowned. Eight more are also in great danger.
	From Plymouth on Dec. 10th they write that the European of Boston, John Foy, commander, arrived there on the 8th, in eight weeks from Antigua, with sugar and tobacco, bound for London. Yesterday there was a terrific storm, but no ships in harbour were damaged, excepting the Joseph of London from Nevis, Captain Robert Gold, commander, which was driven from anchor, but suffered little damage. There are now in port their Majesties' ships the Greenwich, Mary, Adventure, and Hampshire, the latter is ready to sail to the East Indies.
	From Dartmouth on Dec. 10th they write: Yesterday the Germoon, spy boat, Captain Williams, commander, came into this port from cruising without any purchase, also the Hester of this port from Milford with coals, and the Diligence of Guernsey, Captain Harr, commander, with logwood and salt. Yesterday there passed by this place to the eastward upwards of twenty sail of coasters, and at night they anchored in Torbay, the weather being bad.
	From Weymouth on Dec. 11th they write: Yesterday their Majesties' ship the Jersey came into this port with a French prize, laden with salt, the Michael privateer. They say that a privateer of Guernsey has taken a French prize of 100 tons, laden with wine and brandy.
	From Yarmouth on Dec. 11th they write that yesterday the Garland frigate from Holland arrived there, having on board the Earl of Warwick and Lord Mountjoy and 150 soldiers; the same day a pink from Flanders, belonging to Whitby, was wrecked near that place and all the men drowned.
	From Cowes on Dec. 11th they write: Yesterday the Peter of London arrived here from Pharoh [Faroe ?]. The master says that on the 19th inst., at about 60 leagues from the South Cape, they met our Newfoundland fleet under convoy of the Return frigate. He told them that there were six French men-of-war in Lagos Bay, taking in fresh water and waiting (as he believed) for the above said fleet. . . . . . . (fn. 1) settle upon the son of Engineer Phillips 100l. per annum to educate him in the mathematical art, in consideration of his father's service. Yesterday a member of parliament made a motion in the House of Commons for a gentleman to have leave to come to the Bar where he will discover a way to raise 1,000,000l. without burdening the subject, and leave is given him to attend the House. His Majesty has declared that he will make a reform amongst the Commissioners of the Admiralty, and also those of the Navy Victualling Office, Docks, and Yards, etc., and that it shall be done soon. Today the Lords went through the self denial bill, the Commons went through the estimate of the war, and resolved to raise fifteen foot regiments, six horse and four dragoons, the officers to be the King's natural subjects. [Greenwich Hospital News Letters, Vol. 4, No. 27; and Entry Book 6, pp. 1–3.]
Dec. 14. Whitehall.	Commission for Henry Davies, esq., to be captain of the company whereof Sir Ralph Delaval, knight, was captain in the first regiment of foot guards commanded by Henry, Viscount Sydney; also to take the rank of lieutenant-colonel of foot. [H.O. Military Entry Book 3, p. 149.]
Dec. 14. Whitehall.	Passes for Michael Zeppell to go to Holland; for Godfrey Ungar to go to Denmark; for Hendrick Schrap, a Dutch seaman, to go to Holland; for Jan Dop, a Dutch trooper, ditto [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 429]; for Sarah Hill and Sibyl Needham, ditto; and for Daniel Arnaud, ditto [Ibid., p. 436].
Dec. 15. Whitehall.	Passes for Antonio Christa Rosa to go to Holland; and for Thomas Chrishainse, ditto. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 436.]
Dec. 16.	Memoranda as to the procedure to be adopted in hearing the Earl of Bellomont's charge of high treason against Lord Justices Conningsby and Sir Charles Porter. [S.P. Ireland 355, No. 127.]
Dec. 16.	A list of ships "for the main fleet," for 1694. [S.P. Dom. King William's Chest 14, No. 84.]
Dec. 16. Whitehall.	Proceedings upon the petition of Walter Batson, Jeremiah Bedford and William Dando. Shows that they were employed in discovering clippers, and did seize, "inventory" and seal up some plate and money which they carried away. They were indicted for two riots and for the same were fined, Batson 40 marks, and Bedford and Dando 20 marks each, and for the other indictment Batson was fined 20 marks, and Bedford and Dando 10l. each, which sums they are quite unable to pay, and therefore pray that they may be inserted in the next general pardon. Referred to the Treasury. [S.P. Dom. Petition Entry Book 2, p. 357.]
Dec. 16. Whitehall.	Proceedings upon the petition of Arthur Turnor, esquire, of the Middle Temple, London. Shows that in correcting his servant, he accidentally hit him on the head too hard so that the blow caused his death, for which petitioner has been indicted, tried and convicted of manslaughter. He prays for pardon, with the restitution of the goods and chattels forfeited. Granted. [Ibid., p. 358.]
Dec. 16. Whitehall.	Commission for Ralph Argyle, esq., to be captain of Capt. John Orfeur's company in the regiment of foot, commanded by Col. Ferdinando Hastings, brigadier-general of foot. [H.O. Military Entry Book 3, p. 143.]
Dec. 16. Whitehall.	Passes for John Currey to go to Holland [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 436]; and for Mrs. Barbara Dunking, her child and maid servant, ditto [Ibid., p. 437].
Dec. 16. Whitehall.	Warrant for a grant to Henry Probert and Edward Howarth, esqs., and the heirs and assigns of Edward Howarth, the right to hold one market on every Saturday at the town of Painscastle in the county of Radnor, and three fairs there, the first to be held on 11th of Sept., the second on the 4th of Dec., and the third on the 1st of May. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 437.]
Dec. 17. Whitehall.	Sir John Trenchard to the Lords of the Admiralty, I enclose a petition from Viscount Sydney, upon which the King directs that you either restore to his lordship the ship therein mentioned with her tackle, &c., as when she was taken out of the custody of the officers of the Cinque Ports, or that you give him satisfaction for the same according to the true value thereof. [H.O. Admiralty Entry Book 1, p. 94.]
Dec. 17.	Naval agenda for the Committee of Council, as to what ships can be provided for a winter guard, who shall command at Spithead and who shall command the cruisers, the convoy of ships from Irish ports, &c. [H.O. Admiralty 6, No. 127.]
Dec. 18. Whitehall.	Warrant for the pardon of Arthur Turnor, esq., convicted of manslaughter. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 438.]
Dec. 18. Whitehall.	Passes for John Ericks, a Dutchman, to go to Holland; and for James Lammen, a Dutch seaman, ditto. [Ibid., p. 439.]
Dec. 18. Whitehall.	License for Thomas Cartwright, esq., high sheriff of Northamptonshire to live out of that county during his shrievalty. [H.O. King's Letter Book 3, p. 53.]
Dec. 19.	The Lords of the Admiralty to Sir John Trenchard. In regard that seven out of the ten ships appointed to accompany Sir Francis Wheler's squadron are stopped, what ships shall he employ on the convoy ordered to Barcelona, &c. ? [H.O. Admiralty 6, No. 128.]
Dec. 19. Kensington.	Warrant to [the Lords Justices of Ireland] to renew the licence granted by the late lord-lieutenant of Ireland to Edward Hoare of Kinsale, agent to the Victualling Commissioners in England, to cut pipe and hogshead staves in the King's woods in those parts. [S.P. Dom. Signet Office Letter Book 13, p. 78.]
Dec. 19.	Letters patent appointing the Bishops of Meath, Dromore, and Derry as commissioners for visiting the dioceses of Down and Connor. [S.P. Ireland, 355, No. 126a.]
Dec. 19. Whitehall.	Sir John Trenchard to the Lords Justices. On Sunday last I laid before the King some of those points you mentioned in your letter of the 4th November to the Earl of Nottingham, but have only received his Majesty's commands as to what relates to the convoys for the corn ships; I am to tell you that the men-of-war which cruise in the soundings have orders to call at Cork and Kinsale at the end of every cruise and to bring with them such ships laden with corn as are ready, and orders are also given to the Southampton, now at Hoylake, to bring the corn ships from Dublin and Waterford to Cork and Kinsale, and proceed with them to Plymouth. You are to give directions that one of the ships under your command now cruising northwards, shall join with the Southampton for that purpose, and if the Southampton be gone before this advice, then you are to order the said man-of-war under your command to convoy the corn ships to Cork and Kinsale. I have received yours of the 23rd November and the 2nd and 7th inst. [S.P. Ireland King's Letter Book 1, p. 483.]
Dec. 19. Whitehall.	Commissions for John Peters, gentleman, to be lieutenant to Capt. Richard Cope's company in Col. Gustavus Hamilton's regiment of foot. [H.O. Military Entry Book 3, p. 145.]
Dec. 19. Whitehall.	Reprieve for Richard Kensey, gentleman, condemned to death for causing the death of Henry Hutton. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 439.]
Dec. 19. Whitehall.	Pass for David la Rose, a Dutchman, to go to Holland. [Ibid.]
Dec. 20.	The Lords of the Admiralty to Sir John Trenchard. Shall the names of the three late admirals of the fleet be included in the commission of oyer and terminer now passing for the Admiralty ? [H.O. Admiralty 6, No. 129.]
Oct. 20. Whitehall.	Warrant to [the Lords Justices of Ireland] to pay to Sir John Lyndon and Sir Henry Echlin, knights, barons of the Exchequer, the salary specified as due to them in their respective petitions. [S.P. Dom. Signet Office Letter Book 13, p. 76.]
Dec. 20. Kensington.	Warrant to [the Lords Justices of Ireland] to pay to Sir Charles Porter and Sir Cyril Wyche, lords justices of Ireland, the amount due to them for their entertainment, as allowed on the establishment. [Ibid., p. 78.]
Dec. 20. Whitehall.	Proceedings upon the petition of Charles, Earl of Macclesfield. Shows that the petitioner, in 33 Charles II., brought an action upon the statute de scandalo magnato in the court of Exchequer Council Chamber against John Starkey, esq., and judgment was thereupon given against the petitioner, in which judgment and affirmation are manifest errors. Petitioner therefore prays for leave to bring and prosecute a writ of error, returnable before the Lords in Parliament. Granted. [S.P. Dom. Petition Entry Book 2, p. 359.]
Dec. 20. Whitehall.	Commission for Gamaliel Lloyd, gentleman, to be quarter-master of the second marine regiment of foot, commanded by John, Lord Berkeley, in the place of Thomas Balderston, gentleman. [H.O. Military Entry Book 3, p. 145.]
Dec. 20. Whitehall.	Passes for Sieur Estienne Pelligneus to go to Holland; for Lewis de Scheppen and Cornelis Claesen, ditto [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 439]; and for Cornelis Vandenberg, late servant to the Marquis de Monpovillan, ditto [Ibid., p. 440].
Dec. 20. Whitehall.	Allowance of the expenses of Charles, Lord Durseley, envoy extraordinary to the States General of the United Provinces and plenipotentiary at the Congress, from September 6th, 1693, to December 6th following. [Ibid., p. 442.]
Dec. 20. Whitehall.	Allowance of the expenses of John Robinson, resident at the court of Sweden, from August 12th to November 12th, 1693. [Ibid., p. 446.]
Dec. 21. London.	News letter addressed to the Earl of Derwentwater, at Newcastleupon-Tyne. Letters from Madrid of the 26th Nov. say that on the 15th two vessels from the new Spanish fleet arrived at Cadiz which got separated from the rest in a storm as they were making for that port. They give an account that three French men-of-war and six privateers were cruising about Cape St. Vincent to meet the said fleet; upon which Don Pedro Corbette, who arrived in the said port on the 12th, with the Spanish armado, sailed again on the 18th with seven men-of-war in quest of the French and was to be followed by five other men-of-war. The Spanish court is remitting money to the Duke of Savoy, and busy raising funds to prosecute the war.
	From Rome on the 28th Nov. they write that Cardinal Fourbin continues daily to press the Pope, as a common father, to endeavour to promote a general peace in Europe, but his holiness is cold about the matter, and says he does not find the Confederate princes disposed to the same, inasmuch as the proposals he has made have been without effect.
	From Venice on the 5th of December they write: we have an account that the Ottoman Port had lately demanded from the English consul 5l. per cent. upon all Italian ships, to be paid without delay, which was accordingly done without disputing the matter. The Algerians have taken two English vessels, one laden with oil, and the other with cloth; the latter was bound for Alexandria.
	From Turin on the 29th November they write that the troops of the Duke of Savoy are daily recruited, and that the allies have resolved to have a much stronger army in Italy than they had the last campaign. The Marquis de Salis, who commanded the regiment of Savoy in France, was according to his fealty returned from thence and his Royal Highness had given him a new commission to raise a regiment of Savoyards and has published a general pardon to his subjects that have deserted, provided they return in three months time, enlist in the said regiment and serve during the present war. Eight hundred Spaniards and as many Italians have arrived in the Duchy of Milan to recruit the troops of those two nations, and a "remiss" of 200,000 crowns from Spain.
	From Paris on the 15th December they write:—Our last letters from the army in Piedmont are of the 1st of Oct., which say that they were encamped at Savigliano and abounded in necessaries. About 6 or 7 battalions were cantoned in the neighbouring villages and some brigades of horse, but there was no talk about their going into winter quarters. It is said that Count D'Tisse has left the army and gone to Turin, and that an accident happened there, one of the powder and bomb magazines blew up, destroying a bastion and making a breach larger than 20 pieces of cannon could have done in eight days' time. On the 18th December they say that Cardinal D'Estre arrived here on the 12th and the next day went to court and was well received by the King. The Duchess of Chartres has a daughter. Marshal de Bouffleurs is to be married to the Duke of Grammont's daughter, with whom he is to have in portion four millions of livres. The King has conferred the honour of knight of the order of St. Louis upon Marshal de Lorge. Corn still remains very dear, and a great part of the kingdom is untilled. The treasurer extraordinary of war has given in an account by which he makes the King eight millions in debt for the supplies given out to the poor. By order of council, the beggars of this city are sent to the workhouses. Monsieur Catinat will quarter his army between Pignerol and Cassel.
	From the Hague on the 22nd they write that the East India Company are to pay to the States, for the prolongation of the charter for 40 years, three millions, which is to be employed towards carrying on the war. Someone has presented to the States a project for redressing the abuses in the public coin, which will be of great advantage to them, and yet no damage of particular persons. The States of Holland have not yet adjusted the funds for the ensuing campaign.
	Yesterday the Lords of the Admiralty received news of the loss of the St. Albans frigate (a fourth-rate) in the road of Kinsale. She was driven from her anchor in the great storm and struck against the rocks, but most of the men were saved, except Captain Julian, the commander, and some other officers, with about eight men who were coming from shore in the long-boat. Yesterday advice was given by an express from Portsmouth of the safe arrival in harbour of seven vessels from New England, laden with large masts and other naval stores under convoy of the Henry and the Samuel. Yesterday 10,000 stands of new arms were brought into the Tower.
	The Spanish Ambassador has taken a house in the Old Spring Garden, where the Duke of Norfolk lately lived, and has, in a manner, fitted up his chapel. Notice was sent to his Excellency that for some reasons a Romish chapel could not be permitted within the verge of the Court, so he is removing back to Weld House. We hear four foot regiments more are ordered to embark on Saturday next for Flanders. There are not yet any of the new commissions given out for the new levies designed, nor is it certain who will be the colonels. Mr. Butler, brother to the Duke of Ormonde, has been promised a regiment of horse and Lieut.-Col. Wood, of Colonel Wyndham's horse, is made colonel of the regiment lately commanded by Lord Berkeley.
	The envoys of Sweden and Denmark were yesterday at Kensington and signified to some of the principal ministers of state that the Kings, their masters, had undertaken the mediation of a general peace, believing the French King was really desirous of the same. This was done to sound the inclinations of the Court. We hear the dispute between the Duchess of Grafton and the Lord Chief Justice about the place of chief clerk of the King's Bench is compromised, his lordship allowing the Duchess 1,400l. per annum out of the profits of the said office.
	Yesterday five highwaymen and two brothers, by name Brehme, who were convicted at the last sessions for murder, were executed. The House went into a grand committee upon the recommittant yesterday, and agreed to allow the Duke of Savoy and the Elector of Hanover 14,7000l., and on this being reported, the House, agreed to the same. It also agreed to lay two shillings a bushel upon foreign salt, and one upon salt made at home. To-morrow it is to hear the witnesses upon the articles of high treason against Lord Coningsby and Sir Charles Porter. [Greenwich Hospital News Letter, Vol. 4, No. 28; and Entry Book 6, pp 3–9.]
Dec. 21. Whitehall.	Allowance of the expenses of John Methuen, at Lisbon for the relief and sending home English seamen whose ships were taken and destroyed by the French, from June, 1692, till May, 1693. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 441.]
Dec. 21. Whitehall.	Warrant to search for and apprehend Edward Dean and Thomas Potter, accused of high treason. [Ibid., 449.]
Dec. 21. Whitehall.	Passes for Nicholas van Loon to go to Holland [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 439]; for Jacob Cornelissen and Isaac Marius, ditto; for William Dowling, ditto; for Capt. David Ganspact, ditto; and for Gaspar Sersin, Magdalene his wife, and a little child, ditto [Ibid., p. 440].
Dec. 22. Whitehall.	Passes for Isaac Willemsen to go to Holland; for Leenwe Marans, a Dutchman, ditto; and for Thomas Nicholson to go to Spain. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 440.]
Dec. 23. Admiralty Office.	Sir John Trenchard to the Lords of the Admiralty. You are to instruct Sir Francis Wheler to appoint two of the ships he is to take with him into the Mediterranean to convoy merchant ships to Malaga, Alicant, Barcelona, &c., and thence to England. The names of the late admirals of the fleet are to be left out of the commission of oyer and terminer that is now passing for the Admiralty. [H.O. Admiralty Entry Book 1, p. 94.]
Dec. 23. Whitehall.	The same to the same. Orders are to be sent to Sir Francis Wheler to take the merchant ships bound to Oporto under his convoy, if they be ready to sail with him; but he is not to wait for them. [Ibid.]
Dec. 23. Whitehall.	The same to the same. Ordering payment of what is due to Moses Jaquan, according to the request of his petition. [H.O. Admiralty 3, p. 82.]
Dec. 23. Whitehall.	List of ships fitting out for cruising and guarding the Channel. [Ibid. 5, p. 270.]
Dec. 23.	The Lords of the Admiralty to Sir John Trenchard, requiring directions as to the convoy of Portugal merchants by Sir Francis Wheler's squadron. [Ibid. 6, No. 130.]
Dec. 23.	Notes for the Committee of Council:—The colonels of the marine regiments to attend the King with the Admiralty at the committee; the Admiralty to order the Navy Board to give a list of what ships can be soonest refitted, and to hasten them from time to time. [H.O. Admiralty 6, No. 131.]
Dec. 23. Whitehall.	Warrant for granting to John Prowett letters patent for his invention of a new way of making "verdegreise," useful for dying hats and cloth. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 435.]
Dec. 23. Whitehall.	Warrant for a grant of pardon to Richard Kensey, gentleman, convicted at the Old Bailey of the murder of Henry Hutton. [Ibid., p. 441.]
Dec. 23. Whitehall.	Passes for Morse Desmont, a French protestant, to go to Ireland; for Henry Philip Kugelman, Sophia his wife, Melchior Funch, and Sophia Croyer to go to Hamburg [Ibid., p. 442]; for Andreas vander Hegh, a Dutch trooper, to go to Holland; and for Jurian Meester and Jan Jansen, Dutch seamen, ditto [Ibid., p. 443.]
Dec. 23. Whitehall.	Warrant addressed to James Kitson and Charles Maris to go in pursuit of and seize horses travelling towards the sea coast, in order to their being shipped for France. [Ibid.]
Dec. 23. Whitehall.	Appointment of Richard Bentley, clerk, master of arts, as keeper of the Royal libraries, on the surrender of the grant of that office to — Justell, gent., deceased, and James Thynne. [Ibid., p. 444.]
Dec. 23. Whitehall.	Allowance of the expenses of George Stepney, esq., agent at the Imperial Court from 14 June to 14 Dec., 1693. The items include 8l. given to several poor Irish, sent from the Upper Rhine, to help them forward to Hungary. [Ibid., p. 448.]
Dec. 23. Whitehall.	Warrant to the Governors of the hospital called Sutton's Hospital or the Charter House, recommending Henry Gibbs as a poor brother or pensioner on the next vacancy. [H.O. King's Letter Book 2, p. 53.]
Dec. 25. Whitehall.	Passes for Noah Regnant, Elizabeth his wife, Rose Bradley, his kinswoman and three children, to go to Holland. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 444.]
Dec. 26. London.	News letter, addressed to "Mr. Thomas Errington, at Dilston, to be left with the postmaster of Newcastle-upon-Tyne." Letters from Vienna of the 12th inst. say that they have advice from Transylvania that the Turks are making great preparations for an early campaign. They have disposed the troops after the French method upon the frontiers so that they can be early and speedily drawn together in the Spring without long marches from remote parts of the Empire as they formerly made. Count Tekeli (?) has been summoned to the Ottoman court to assist in a great council of war and sent on his baggage before him; the nimble Russians fell in with it, and routed the convoy, killed 80, took several prisoners and most of his baggage. Prince Louis of Baden, before he went to England, sent the Emperor a project for the next campaign both in Hungary and on the Rhine; in the latter place he proposes to act with a powerful army.
	Letters from Warsaw of the 6th inst. say that news from Moscovy states that the Czar is resolved to invade Tartary next Spring with an army of 100,000 regular troops; however it is thought the Confederates but little depend upon these assurances.
	Letters from Turin of the 4th inst. say that the great French army stayed in the neighbourhood of Savigliano, Fossano, and Racconigi. 100,000 peasants under the command of the Marquis de Parelle are posted about Brass, who daily skirmish and kill and take prisoners divers of the enemy and often steal their horses, which are in a mean condition, and their army is much wasted by sickness. Monsieur Catinat lies still, "like a cunning gamster," and gives his enemies leave to guess but not to penetrate his designs, and some think that he only waits a reinforcement and that he will then enter upon some action; but others think that as soon as he has got what contributions he can he will repass the mountains, which the poor "Savoyers" heartily wish he would do. On Tuesday before last they were turning over some bombs in a magazine and 300 barrels of powder took fire and blew up, but the damage is inconsiderable and will soon be repaired. The two Bavarian regiments that were ordered home from Piedmont are countermanded; one is to stay in the service of Spain and the other in that of the Duke of Savoy.
	Letters from Paris on the 18th say that Count Hesse arrived there from the army in Piedmont and was proceeding directly to court to give the King an account of the success of the new propositions for accommodation made to the Duke of Savoy. The clergy have granted his Majesty four millions upon the "corrects." In a few days the King designs to make a promotion of knights of the order of St. Louis and of marine officers. Letters from Paris of the 25th inst. say that as soon as Count Hesse had discoursed with the King he returned immediately to Piedmont, the court found it impossible to break the Confederates and make a separate peace, and therefore endeavoured by all methods to procure a general peace, and owing to the solicitation at Rome and the northern courts a courier is dispatched to the Abbot de Estree, ambassador in Portugal, to request the King to use his endeavours to effect a peace, and especially to induce his Majesty to incline to propositions. Great preparations are being made to have a powerful army in Flanders next campaign, but at the same time it is believed there will be no fleet in the Channel, as the revenue is falling short.
	Letters from Savilian of the 3rd inst. say that a detachment of cavalry and infantry that were at Fossano have rejoined the army; that the artillery was on its march to Pignerol; and that the army would follow and separate.
	Letters from Brussels of the 23rd inst. say that the Prince of Baden has arrived there, that nothing but poverty and famine reigned among the French in their conquests, and that the soldiers plundered the shambles at Combeg and the bakers at Mons for food. The French king solicits a general peace upon the basis of the treaty of Nimeguen.
	Letters from the Hague of the 28th inst. (N.S.) say that the neutral princes have proffered their mediation for a general peace, that the French king promises to restore all according to the treaty of Nimeguen, but the harmony between the King of England and his parliament gives us hope to reduce him to better terms.
	Letters from Plymouth of the 27th say that a person lately seized there is committed to Lauceston gaol upon suspicion of clipping and coining, and has since confessed that he followed the trade with a gang of others for seven or eight years, first in Gloucester, but upon danger of discovery there he came into those parts. Letters from Dover of the 24th inst. say that the transport Gatch arrived with 90 exchange-prisoners from Calais. The captain of the Diligence, packet boat, says that they have no notice at Dunkirk of taking any of our Norway fleet, but they have advice that 18 English and Dutch men-of-war are waiting for Dubart, whom they believe has, ere this, joined the homeward-bound fleet from Dantzic.
	The Lucar galley was wrecked upon the coast of Holland and most, or all, of her men were lost. On Saturday, twenty-three fine horses were seized at Deptford, which were entered to be shipped for Flanders and to pass under the convoy that is going thither with four regiments of foot, and to-day a messenger has been sent down to bring them to the King's stables in the Mews; they are now owned by Don Phillipo, the Spanish consul, who declares he bought them for Spanish officers in Flanders, but their extraordinary value strengthens the suspicion that they were meant for our enemies.
	Last week the Danish envoy presented a memorial to the King to complain about a newly printed book in which the author pretends to give an account of the Danish monarchy in which is contained high reflections upon the government and principal ministers of that court; he therefore prays that the same may be called in and burnt by the common hangman, and the author and printer, &c., if found, punished. The Earl of Warrington is dangerously ill with fever. Lord Irvine is chosen burgess for Scarborough. About 172,000l. has already been brought into the Exchequer of the 400,000l. upon the vote of the Commons. Yesterday the King and Queen were at the Chapel Royal; they heard the Bishop of Worcester preach and afterwards communicated. The King agreed to the report of the Grand Committee to lay a million upon land for the use of the army. [Greenwich Hospital News Letter, Vol. 4, No. 29; and Entry Book 6, pp. 9–15.]
Dec. 26. Whitehall.	Passes for Jan Keerelton, Pieter Simhan, Sabinus Tomassen, William de Haat and Gillis Nieubenhuyse, Dutchmen, to go to Holland; for Mrs. Elizabeth Bowtell and a maid servant, ditto [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 444]; for Mrs. Mary Daillon, a French protestant, ditto; and for Mr. Simon Mentiens, ditto [Ibid., p. 446].
Dec. 26. Whitehall.	Allowance of the expenses of Hugh Greg, resident at the court of Denmark from July 1st, to Oct. 1st, 1693. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 445.]
Dec. 26. Whitehall.	Warrant to apprehend Capt. Michael Brown, accused of high treason. [Ibid., p. 451.]
Dec. 27.	The line of battle of Sir Francis Wheler's squadron, which sailed from the Isle of Wight, 27 December, 1693–4 (sic), bound for the Straits. [H.O. Admiralty 4, p. 660.]
Dec. 27. Portsmouth.	B. Tymewell to Sir John Trenchard. The wind has been easterly for the last forty-eight hours; but Sir Francis Wheler sailed this morning about 10 from St. Helen's, the wind at E.N.E., fair weather. [H.O. Admiralty 6, No. 132.]
Dec. 27. Kensington.	Warrant to [the Lords Justices of Ireland] to admit and allow the 3,687l. 14s. 5d. expended in excess of the sum allowed on the establishment for payment of extraordinaries. [S.P. Dom. Signet Office Letter Book 13, p. 79.]
Dec. 27. Whitehall.	Sir J. Trenchard to the Lord Keeper. The King commands me to send you the enclosed petitions of Mr. Cotton and Mr. Hesketh, chaplains in their Majesties' service at sea. You are to consider these persons when any livings are to be disposed of. [H.O. Letter Book (Secretary's) 3, p. 149.]
Dec. 27. Whitehall.	The same to the Commissioners of the Treasury. The King is well satisfied with the service Mr. Robinson does for him in Sweden, and commands me to put you in mind of him, that he may be speedily paid his arrears. [Ibid.]
Dec. 27. Whitehall.	Passes for Mary Galet and a child to go to Holland [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 446]; and for Laurentz Lucassen, a Dutch seaman, ditto [Ibid., p. 448].
Dec. 28. Whitehall.	Warrant to the Keeper of Newgate to receive into custody Edward Dean, gentleman, and Thomas Potter, accused of high treason. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 449.]
Dec. 28. Whitehall.	Warrant to search for and apprehend — Lesly, accused of treasonable practices. [Ibid., p. 454.]
Dec. 28. Whitehall.	Passes for Anthony Bland, Mr. Boucher's servant, to go to Holland; for Anne Headly to go to Flanders; and for Andrew de la Valier to go to Holland. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 448.]
Dec. 29.	The commissioners for sick and wounded seamen to Sir John Trenchard, praying his Majesty's pleasure as to what answer shall be returned to the enclosure. [H.O. Admiralty 6, No. 133.] Enclosing:—
Dec. 29.	Extract of a letter from Mons. Delagny, intendant general of marines in France, dated 11 Dec., 1693. The grounds upon which I have been instructed to demand the giving up of the Irish prisoners are unquestionable, the Treaty of Limerick is decisive on this point; if you do not send them back we shall be forced to resort to reprisals. [Ibid. No. 133 i.]
Dec. 29.	Certificate by James, Duke of Ormonde that at the surrender of Waterford he presented his kinsman, "the Honorable James Power, esq.," second son to the late Earl of Tyrone, to the King, who then promised to pardon him. Since that the said James Power has become Earl of Tyrone by the death of his father and elder brother. "I have again recommended him to kiss his Majestie's hand," and the King has renewed his most gracious promise of granting his pardon for the greater security of the said Earl, though the said Earl was neither indicted nor outlawed. Signed. [S.P. Ireland 355, No. 128.]
Dec. 29. Kensington.	Warrant to Viscount Sydney to prepare letters patent to pass under the great seal of Ireland appointing Thomas Pakenham, esq., second sergeant at law in Ireland. [S.P. Dom. Signet Office Letter Book 12, p. 559.]
Dec. 29. Kensington.	Warrant to the same to appoint Nehemiah Donelan, esq., "our prime sergeant at law in Ireland." [Ibid., p. 561.]
Dec. 29. Whitehall.	Sir J. Trenchard to the Lord Mayor. The King is informed that some soldiers, who were quartered within the liberties of the city, have been put out of their quarters, and he commands you to send him an account if this fact be true, and if so, in what place these soldiers were quartered, and upon what pretence they have been removed. [H.O. Letter Book (Secretary's) 3, p. 150.]
Dec. 29. Whitehall.	Commissions for John Tichborne, esq., to be captain of the company of grenadiers whereof Capt. Thomas Handyside was captain in Col. Edward Lloyd's regiment of foot; and for John Convers, gentleman, to be lieutenant to Major Francis Palmer in Mainhart, Duke of Schomberg's regiment of horse. [H.O. Military Entry Book 3, p. 145.]
Dec. 29. Whitehall.	Licence for John Wilkins, esq., high sheriff of Leicester, to live out of that county during his shrievalty. [H.O. King's Letter Book 3, p. 53.]
Dec. 29. Whitehall.	Pass for Samuel Bourdet, a French protestant, to go to New York. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 449.]
Dec. 30. Admiralty Office.	The Lords of the Admiralty to Sir John Trenchard. The Charles galley, ordered to proceed from Ostend to Scotland with land officers, has been forced in to Harwich; orders are required as to the disposal of the said officers. [H.O. Admiralty 6, No. 134.] Enclosing:—
	Copy of a letter from Captain Walters, commander of the Charles galley, at Harwich, 27 December, 1693. My letter of the 19th instant reported the state of the Charles, in order to perform the voyage to Scotland. I weighed from Harwich on the 20th, and sailed N. in stormy weather till on the 24th instant my main tack broke, by which means my main sail was blown all to pieces, and the ship suffered other such heavy damage that it is impossible I can proceed without repairs; besides which we have a violent contagious disease aboard, and have buried three since we came from Harwich. Between 60 and 70 men are now down, my lieutenant being dangerously ill. The officers and soldiers have buried an ensign and nine or ten of their men. I have returned to Harwich, and put all the sick men ashore. There is but eight days' provision at whole allowance on board. [Ibid., No. 134 i.]
Dec. 30. Whitehall.	Commissions for Charles Towneley, gentleman, to be lieutenant of Capt. Archibald Hamilton's company of grenadiers in Col. John Beaumont's regiment of foot; for James Adams, gentleman, to be ensign to Captain Ralph Congreve in the same regiment [H.O. Military Entry Book 3, p. 146]; and for Leonard Keeling, gentleman, to be ensign of the company whereof Captain Joseph Hussey is captain in the regiment of foot commanded by the Duke of Bolton [Ibid., p. 147].
Dec. 30. Whitehall.	Passes for Mrs. Anne Lewis to go to Flanders; and for Magdalena Hendricksen and Johanna Hendricksen, with seven children, to go to Holland. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p 450.]
Dec. 30. Whitehall.	Warrant addressed to Charles Maris to repair on board the ship Garland, and there to apprehend John Rigmaiden, accused of treasonable practices. [Ibid.]
Dec. 30. Whitehall.	Warrant for a grant to Craven Howard, John Harrington, Hugh Marchant, and Huntley Bigg, gentlemen, of the use of all such water as runs down the common sewers in London and Westminster, for the term of 99 years, at the reserved rent of five marks per annum, they intending to apply the said sewer water to drive overshot mills for grinding corn, and also for furnishing a supply of Thames water to parts adjacent to the river. [Ibid., 452.]
Dec. 31.	A paper issued by the Admiralty as to procuring men for the fleet, advising (1) a proclamation that all such seamen as shall have imprest money left at their houses, and shall absent themselves during the press, shall upon return to their habitations (though after the fleet is manned) be sent into the service, and further punished according to the nature of their faults; and to charge all civil officers to assist the press, as they will answer the contrary at their utmost perils; and further to notice the remissness of certain press-masters, who for negligence shall be dismissed their posts, and punished with the greatest severity. (2) The passing of an act of parliament making those who absent themselves after receiving imprest money punishable as deserters, and to empower the pressing not only of seamen and watermen (even upon the Thames) but likewise of surgeons, gunners, house-carpenters, coopers, hoymen or carmen, and also ships, hoys and other vessels; and exempting all volunteers, who serve — years, and also from all taxes and parish duties. [H.O. Admiralty 6, No. 135.]
Dec. 31. Whitehall.	Commissions for Mons. Duroure (?) to be captain of the company of which Capt. Brabazon was captain in Col. Frederick Hamilton's regiment of foot [H.O. Military Entry Book 3, p. 149]; and for Anthony Leach, esq., to be captain of the regiment whereof Captain Samuel Pache was captain in the regiment of foot commanded by Sir George St. George. [Ibid., p. 153.]
Dec. 31. Whitehall.	Letter to the governor of Sutton's Hospital or the Charterhouse recommending John Rowe for a child's place in the said hospital. [H.O. King's Letter Book 2, p. 54.]
Dec. Whitehall.	Memorandum that the Earl of Portland had a pass for a ship, commanded by Zacharias Teunnesse, to go from Nantes to Holland. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 451.]
	The King's answer to the address of the House of Commons. I am very sensible of your goodness towards me upon many occasions and of the zeal shown by you for the common interest. I shall make use of this opportunity to tell you that no prince ever had a higher esteem for the constitution of the English government then myself and that I shall ever have great regard to the advice of parliaments. Nothing can so much conduce to the happiness and welfare of this kingdom as an entire confidence between the King and people which I shall endeavour to preserve, and all who advise anything that lessens it, I shall look upon as my enemies. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 5, No. 35.]
	Reasons brought forward by the rope-makers of the city of London against the duty to be laid upon ropes. [Ibid., No. 36.]
	Notes from the report of Sir Robert Howard to the House of Commons upon the condition of the revenue. [Ibid., No. 37.]
	Proposals showing how a duty on sugars imported by an act expiring in June next may be continued and made "no burthen" to the plantations. Printed. [Ibid., No. 38.]
	Reasons against a bill to set aside amendments in a fine and recovery, with an answer to a paper called the Earl of Pembroke's case. Endorsed:—"The case of the Lord Jeffreys." Printed. [Ibid., No. 39.]
	An account of the acres and houses with the proportional tax, etc., of each county in England and Wales, humbly presented to the Lords and Commons, by John Houghton, F.R.S. Printed. [Ibid., No. 40.]
	Reply of the rector of Whitechapel to the petition of the hamlet of Wapping to be made into a distinct parish instead of forming part of the parish of St. Mary, Whitechapel. The rector opposes the petition. [Ibid., No. 41.]
	Thomas Saywell to Viscount Sydney. I have sent my wife with a petition of Lord Shrewsbury who committed me to the Gatehouse upon my return to his lordship a fortnight ago, after I escaped out of the Bastille in France, which I did in order to serve King William in whatever I shall be commanded, and my humble request is that you would be pleased to petition my lord in this. [Ibid., No. 42.]
	An inventory of the papers that were found on board the Judith and Ann, John Rutter, master, bound for London, being a vessel hired to transport French prisoners from England or Ireland to France. [Ibid., No. 43.]
	Warrant addressed to Henry, Earl of Suffolk, commissionarygeneral of musters, to allow and pass Francis Foulke, esq., captain in Brigadier Villier's regiment of horse, as captain of the said regiment from time to time in the respective musters, during his absence of six months, for arranging chancery suits and other pressing affairs, depending in Ireland, which require his personal attendance. [H.O. Military Entry Book 2, p. 388.]
	Commission for Henry Viscount Galway to be lieutenant-general over all the forces, as well horse as foot. "This commission was delivered out in blank and signed upon the 27th of November, 1693, but is to be dated as the King shall direct." [Ibid. 3, p. 139.]
	Warrant to the Commissioners of Prizes. Recites that Margaret Slew, widow of William Slew, late commander of the William and John, and the rest of the owners of that ship, have represented that the said ship, on her voyage from Jamaica, was taken by a French privateer; that the said William was then wounded and his son killed; and that the said William had since died from the illusage he received whilst prisoner in France. The ship was afterwards fitted out in France as a privateer and called the Queen Mary, and had lately been taken by an English manof-war, brought into Plymouth, and condemned as Prize. Directs that the said ship be restored to the petitioners. [H.O. Warrant Book 6, p. 593.]
	It is proposed that in consideration of the eminent services heretofore done to the Crown by Sir William Petty and the early appearance of his son Charles, lord baron of Shelburne, in his Majesty's service, who when but sixteen years of age came over with the Duke of Schomberg and was with him till the breaking up of the camp at Dundalk. That his Majesty would be pleased to create Elizabeth, now baroness dowager of Shelburne, viscountess of Shelburne during her life, and the said Charles, lord baron of Shelburne, Viscount Shelburne to him and the heirs male of his body, and in default to Henry Petty, his brother, and the heirs male of his body. [S.P. Ireland 355, No. 129.]
	Draft warrant for letters patent appointing Francis Robartes, Thomas Keightley, John Lowther, John Evelyn, Zacheus Sedgewick, Bartholomew Van Homrigh, Christopher Carlton, Francis Cuffe, and Edward Corker, esquires, commissioners of inquiry into forfeitures, etc., in Ireland. Recites the cause for issuing the commission. The said Francis Robartes, Thomas Keightley, John Lowther, John Evelyn, Zacheus Sedgewick, Bartholomew Van Homrigh, and Christopher Carleton have already salaries for managing the revenue in Ireland, and as we are sensible of the great care, trouble, and pains which the said Francis Cuffe and Edward Corker, who have no such salaries, must necessarily be at and that there will be need of a secretary or registrar, one or more counsellors-at-law, and other officers, we accordingly grant, order and appoint that each shall receive and be allowed out of the produce of the said forfeitures the sum of 400l. a year. James Bonnell is nominated secretary or registrar with salary of 300l. a year. The former commission to Sir Michael Mitchel, knight, Charles Dering, John Weaver, John Davies, John Nelines, esq., dated 7 June, 5 William and Mary [A.D. 1693] is revoked. The rents, and arrears of rent, of any forfeitures, and the several sums of money which shall come to us by the due execution of our said new commission, are to be made a fund for refitting and repairing the existing fortifications in Ireland and building new ones. [Ibid., No. 130.]
	Viscount Sydney to the [Earl of Nottingham]. I send you an estimate of the several branches of his Majesty's revenue for next year, by which you will see that it falls short of the expenses by above 100,000l., which makes it the more necessary to have a parliament, and "if they are so mad and foolish as not to consent to what is proposed for their own good" they cannot be pitied. [Ibid., No. 131.]
	A "short review" of the grievances and oppressions the Roman Catholics of Ireland lie under, contrary to the Articles of Limerick and Galway, and contrary to the general protection promised to some of them upon their submission to the present government in pursuance of the several declarations of the government represented to their Majesties.
	By the Articles of Limerick all persons entitled to any lands, tenements and hereditaments, by virtue of the laws and statutes in force in the reign of Charles II., and comprehended within the said articles, were to be put in possession of such lands as were in the King's hands or the hands of his tenants, by order of the government, without being put to any suit or trouble therein.
	Despite the provisions of the sixth article the Lords Justices would not give any order of possession to any of the persons comprehended within the said articles until each of them first entered into a recognizance of 1,000l. to their Majesties that they should fully and truly perform and observe the said articles; and though the said article was mutual and reciprocal and the persons comprehended therein barred as aforesaid from suing any who took any of their goods, or from suing for any arrears of rent that become due to them from the 16th of April, 1689, to the 2nd of November, 1691, yet all others are left at liberty to sue them, contrary to the said article, for any goods or chattels, sums of money or arrears of rent that became due during the said time, and several of them have been upon that account sued, imprisoned and compelled to pay several sums of money to their great impoverishment and ruin.
	Yet notwithstanding their obtaining this order, they were compelled to come to a second hearing before the said Lord Justices and Council in the year 1692, and after a long and chargeable attendance at Dublin, they were required, upon their said second hearing, to have the testimony of at least three credible witnesses viva voce, one of whom to be a protestant, for proof of each person's qualifications, though this was difficult for them to find; and after their second hearing under such difficulties, they could not obtain any order of adjudication or possession, nor have their outlawries reversed, as being comprehended within the said articles, until first they entered into another recognizance of 1,200l. in the year 1692 of the same nature as the former, with this addition (it being questioned by Mr. Osborne, their Majesties' prime sergeant in Ireland, that persons comprehended within the said articles were not thereby entitled to any leases for years, contrary to the opinion of all the King's council in England to whom the said matter was communicated for reference) viz., that every person adjudged by the said Lords Justices and council to be comprehended within the said articles whensoever, in pursuance of any orders or directions of their Majesties under their privy signet or sign manual, they should be thereunto required, should convey and assure to their Majesties all such chattels real in Ireland as, on the 3rd day of October, 1693, were either belonging to them or would have been belonging to them in case they had not been outlawed, and were not on the 3rd of October, 1691, in their hands or in the hands of any other in trust for them.
	And whereas Colonel John Browne, by sinister and indirect means, obtained a proviso in the said Articles of Limerick, that the said Lords Justices and Baron de Ginckle, their lieut.-general of the army, should intercede with your Majesty and Parliament to have the estates secured to Roman Catholics by articles and capitulation in the said kingdom, charged with and equally liable to the payment of so much of the said debts, as Lord Lucan, upon stating accounts with the said John Browne should certify that the effects taken from the said John Browne amounted unto, yet as a greater hardship upon the claimants upon their hearing before the said Lords Justices and Council they would give none of the said claimants an order of adjudication or of reversal of their outlawries until every claimant should first enter into a bond with a warrant of attorney upon the said bond for the payment of a year's quit rent of each claimant's estate to be paid in two year's time to the said John Browne's protestant creditors, or else give a bond to satisfy such proportion of the said debts as should be charged by Act of Parliament upon each claimant's estate, though by the Articles of Limerick they were not required thereunto.
	And whereas by the 7th article it is agreed that every nobleman and gentleman comprised in the second and third article shall have liberty to ride with a sword and case of pistols and to keep a gun for the defence of their houses or for fowling; and whereas several of the said nobility and gentry took out licences from Lieut.-General Ginckle, now Earl of Athlone, the Lords Justices, and his Excellency the Lord Lieutenant to their great costs and charges. Yet contrary to the said Articles and contrary to the several licences obtained as aforesaid, the said nobility and gentry were disarmed, and also contrary to law many of their riding horses and even their plough horses were seized upon and taken from them without any allowance for the same.
	Whereas by the 5th article all persons comprehended within the said articles were to have their outlawries reversed gratis "all but writing clerks' fees," yet there are such excessive fees demanded from each person comprehended within the said articles, viz.: 30l. or thereabouts for the reversal of each outlawry, and most of them are three times outlawed, and some four times, so that the claimants are so reduced that they are not able to reverse their outlawries, and yet are prosecuted by process out of the King's Bench in Ireland for not reversing their said outlawries and many of them have been thereupon imprisoned.
	On the 24th of Dec. last the persons comprehended within the said articles and the protected persons were, "over all Ireland," seized upon and imprisoned in the several shires, towns and garrisons of the said kingdom and confined there, some for three weeks, and most of them for a month, without any cause given for their committal, contrary to the free liberty of the subject to the great prejudice of their industry, husbandry and improvements, and to the ruin of their families by the excessive expenses they were put to during that time and by the exorbitant fees required of them by the several sheriffs in the counties where they were committed before being discharged.
	Several persons who submitted to the present government in pursuance of several declarations from the said government were, after their submissions in manner aforesaid, outlawed. Some of them that never had any military employment during the late wars were likewise outlawed and made application to her Majesty and Council in the King's absence, and obtained her letter for the reversal of the said outlawries, yet could not obtain the benefit thereof, there being a stop put thereto in Ireland, to the utter ruin of them and their families, they having spent much time and money in England to obtain the said letters.
	That the said Roman Catholics have been forced to maintain the army upon free quarters for the winter season in 1691 and the following spring, and in several parts of Ireland the inhabitants were not able to give the officers and soldiers such good quarters as they required so that they quartered themselves in the towns and extorted from the Roman Catholic inhabitants in the country several considerable sums of money to clear their quarters, and upon their departure from the same quarters they compelled the several inhabitants on whom they were so quartered to give them acknowledgments under their hands that they had honestly discharged their quarters, so really they made no matter of satisfaction.
	That to accomplish the utter ruin and destruction of the Roman Catholics of the kingdom of Ireland, under the notion of raising the militia of that kingdom in an extraordinary manner, the said Roman Catholics are so heavily charged that they must sink under the burden if not relieved, particularly in Galway, where Colonel John Eyres, governor of the said county, is now raising, at the sole expenses of the Roman Catholics of the said county (for the protestant being either commissioners of array or officers in the said regiment are freed of the charges of levying or subsisting thereof) five troops of dragoons, each consisting of forty-six private men, three corporals, two sergeants, and a drummer, to provide for each of them a horse fourteen hands high, and a red coat and cloak with other accountrements, amounting in all for each man to 5l. 12s. in money, besides for each horse 6l. 8s., amounting in all for the five troops to the sum of 3,120l., besides the subsistence of 1s. 6d. per diem, which he [Col. Eyres] requires for each man whilst he is upon duty.
	These grievances which the Roman Catholic subjects in Ireland lie under are so heavy that they must inevitably sink under the burden thereof unless relieved by your Majesty; they have since their submission to the government demeaned themselves as becomes loyal and dutiful subjects, and they pray that directions may be sent to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland to free them from the said grievances and oppressions. [S.P. Ireland 355, No. 132.]
	View of the revenue of Ireland. [Ibid., No. 133.]
	Estimate for a month's subsistence of the army in Ireland. [Ibid., No. 134.]
	Draft warrant requiring the attendance in England of Sir Charles Porter, lord chancellor of Ireland. [Ibid., No. 135.]
	Proclamation by the Lord Lieutenant protesting against certain proceedings in the Irish House of Commons in relation to money bills, contrary to the rights of the crown of England. [Ibid., No. 136.]
	Memorandum of matters upon which the Lord Lieutenant desires to receive the King's particular and express commands. [S.P. Ireland 355, No. 137.]
	Memorandum as to money expended on fortifications at Kinsale, Cork and Ross Castle. [Ibid., No. 138.]
	Draft clause to be inserted in the warrant, directing Sir Charles Porter's attendance in England, saving to him the office of Lord Chancellor of Ireland despite his absence. [Ibid., No. 139.]
	An abstract of the petition and case of Henry, Viscount Dillon, with report thereon by the Solicitor General of Ireland and the Lords Justices. [Ibid., No. 140.]
	Petition of James Corry, reciting the grant to him of a debt of 2,000l., due from the Earl of Tyrone to Sir Edward Scott, "a forfeiting person," and praying that should the said Earl be pardoned the debt in question may be secured to the petitioner. [Ibid. No. 141.]
	Statement of the case of Richard Martin, who is seized of an estate in county Galway, which he desires to turn into a manor and to keep a market and fairs therein. [Ibid., No. 142.]
	Portion of speech made by the Lord-Lieutenant at the prorogation of Parliament. [Ibid., No. 143.]
	Memorandum of Irish Acts to be prepared. [Ibid., No. 144.]
	Memorandum as to money bills in Ireland. [Ibid., No. 145.]
	Narration of things as they now are in the Island of Jersey, by their Majesties very faithful subjects: Captain Harrys, the present lieut.-governor, is almost always in bed, and therefore incapable of serving King and state; he maintains a public commerce with France by vessels which always arrive and depart at night. His great poverty creates uneasiness lest he should be corrupted by the French King, who, it is well known, would give everything to get possession of the island. He has said publicly that, if the French were to attack us, he would abandon us and retire into the castle. The licences which ought to have been distributed without favour, he has given only among his partisans. The castle of Mont Orgueil has been demolished; the experienced officers who commanded the militia have been displaced to make room for raw youths, because they (sic) derive much money from the commissions.
	When King William came to England, one Macarthy, who was for King James, came from England to Jersey, and there made a party, who promised to deliver the castles to him, if he brought a commission from King James, which he went to Paris to get, and returned, but failed in his enterprize because the train band of the island had made themselves masters of the castles; those who treated with him are still alive.
	One Hely, now in Guernsey, is probably one of the greatest traitors in the kingdom; he has sent lead to France during the war. The French prisoners walk about freely in Jersey, whilst ours in St. Malo are kept close in prison.
	One Thomas Guillaume, now in London, one of their Majesties' most faithful servants, was pilot last year on board Admiral Russell's ship, and would be an excellent agent if appointed for the exchange of Channel Island prisoners. The captain of the Elizabella yacht last year took brandy and white wine in two ships from Guernsey to Portsmouth, without paying duty, by connivance of the said Mr. Hely, who is collector of customs in that island. [S.P.Channel Islands. Bundle 19.]
	Sir John Trenchard to the Lords Justices. This will be delivered to you by three Dutchmen, Arnout Naelde, Jacob Pieterse, and Peter Engelbreckt, who have their Majesties' leave to go to Ireland in order to find out a settlement for themselves, and some more of their friends. They will acquaint you what they are capable of, and in which manner they may be best employed with some use to the public. [S.P. Ireland, King's Letter Book 1, p. 161.]
	A view of his Majesty's ordinary expenses for a year in time of peace—1,200,000l. The items include 2,000l. for "healing medals." [S.P. Dom. King William's Chest 14, No.85.]
	Particulars of the estates of the late Marquis of Powis, Sir Roger Strickland, and Sir Edward Herbert, in Oundle, Hendon, Oatlands, Wales, Yorkshire, &c. "As to the manor of Hendon in Middlesex, and part of the estate in Wales, Lord Montgomery sets up a pretended settlement on himself after his father's death, but supposed to be fraudulent and no better than that set up to avoid his Majesty's recovery of Hendon and Pipwell Abbey which we proved fraudulent." [Ibid., No. 86.]
	Memorandum on the mismanagement of accounts.—If all the mismanagement, for five years past, in the public receipts and payments were thoroughly searched into, there might probably be found miscarriages to a greater value than a year's Land Tax; and as much more has been paid in excessive rates for stores, provisions, and clothing, etc., because all men who deal with the government consider that they must pay largely for getting their money out of the Treasury, and if they do not charge 20 or 30 per cent. on their commodities, in consideration of it, they will be losers. This management has a double mischief attending it: it contracts a greater charge on the nation than is needful, and, which may be of worse consequence, begets an opinion through the kingdom that excessive taxes are designed to impoverish and humble the nation. Suggestions for obviating the abuse follow. [Ibid., No.87.]
	Memorandum on the Customs.—There seems greater reason at this time for the management of the Customs and Import Duties by Commissioners appointed by Parliament, than there is for naming Commissioners for a Land Tax or a Poll Bill, for these reasons:
	First, the Customs are but temporary and consequently not of such consideration to the Crown to have managed to the most advantage.
	It is not for the interest of the King to have the Customs and Import Duties managed to the most advantage while he has no assurance of having them granted as they were to his predecessors, and perchance that consideration may not be the least cause of the loose management of the Customs, that so the true value of them may not be understood, which, if it were, would probably occasion new measures both in the trade and revenue of the nation. Whatever the Customs falls short of the charge of the nation, the Parliament must supply by some tax; and therefore it is reasonable, since the nation is at the loss, they should have the naming of men who might be answerable for the true management of it, nor is it any more an abridgment of the King's prerogative than naming commissioners for a Land Tax. Were the Customs given to the King for life it would alter the right of naming commissioners; but now there is no pretence for it.
	Sinking the revenue is not all the damage which attends the faulty management of the Customs; but there is a greater mischief which threatens the nation, and that is the loss of their trade, manufactories and navigation, which are so entirely governed by the conduct of the Customs that it is astonishing to see a matter of that importance so little considered.
	There is not room here to expatiate on this head, and it is to be wished there may not be occasion to show that, without a standing army or other arbitrary government, the Customs of England and Ireland might be so managed as to enslave the nation without noise, and of this, demonstration may be given, even at this instant. [S.P. Dom. King William's Chest 14, No. 88.]
	The number of freeholders in England—conformists, non-conformists and Papists.
		Conformists.	Non-Conformists.	Papists.
	Province of Canterbury	2,123,362	93,151	11,878
	" of York	353,892	15,525	1,978
		2,477,254	108,676	13,856
	According to which account the proportion of Conformists to non-conformists is 22⁴/5			to one
	" to papists 178 10/13
	Conformists and non-conformists together to papists is 186²/3
	Papists in the several provinces above the age of 16.
	Canterbury			142
	London			2,069
	Winchester			968
	Rochester			64
	Norwich			671
	Lincoln			1,244
	Ely			14
	Chichester			385
	Salisbury			548
	Exeter			298
	Bath and Wells			176
	Worcester			719
	Coventry and Litchfield			1,949
	Hereford			714
	Gloucester			124
	Bristol			199
	Peterborough			163
	Oxford			358
	St. Davids			217
	Llandaff			551
	Bangor			19
	St. Asaph			275
	Total			11,867
		Conformists.	Non-Conformists.	Papists.
	Canterbury	59,596	6,287	143
	London	263,385	20,893	2,069
	Winchester	150,937	7,904	968
	Rochester	27,886	1,752	64
	Norwich	168,760	7,934	671
	Lincoln	215,077	10,001	1,244
	Ely	30,917	1,416	14
	Chichester	49,164	2,452	385
	Salisbury	103,671	4,075	548
	Exeter	207,570	5,406	298
	Bath and Wells	145,464	5,856	176
	Worcester	37,489	1,325	719
	Coventry and Litchfield	155,720	5,042	1,949
	Hereford	65,942	1,076	714
	Gloucester	64,734	2,363	128 sic
	Bristol	66,200	2,200	199
	Peterborough	91,444	2,031	167 sic
	Oxford	38,812	1,122	358
	St. David's	68,242	2,368	217
	Llandaff	39,248	719	551
	Bangor	28,016	247	19
	St. Asaph	45,088	635	275
		2,123,362	93,104	11,876
	There are in the province of Canterbury 23,740 papists; half of these are under the age of 16 years, viz. 11,870. A seventh part of these are of age and above. Taking out of the said number of papists the two last sums—which make in all 15,261, there remain then 8,479, of which one-half are women. There remain therefore in the province of Canterbury fit to bear arms 4,239 papists.
	The province of York has only a sixth part of the people as that of Canterbury has, viz. 3,956, whereof half are under the age of 16, viz. 1,978, and a seventh part above 60, viz. 563, and of the aforesaid sixth part one-half are women.
	The total therefore of papists in the province of York, fit to bear arms, is 701; joining which to the total of the papists in the province of Canterbury fit to bear arms makes the total of the papists throughout all England fit to bear arms to be 4,940.
	There being everywhere as many under the age of 16, as above it, the total of the papists in the whole province is 23,740.
	An account of the province of Canterbury. In taking these accounts we find these things observable:—
	1. That many left the church upon the late indulgence, who before did frequent it.
	2. Sending for the present enquiries has caused many to frequent the church.
	3. That they are Walloons chiefly that make up the number of dissenters in Canterbury, Sandwich, and Dover.
	4. That the presbyterians are divided, some of them come sometimes to church, therefore such are not wholly dissenters, upon the third enquiry.
	5. A considerable part of dissenters are not of any sect whatsoever.
	6. Of those that come to church very many do not receive the Sacrament.
	7. At Ashford and at other places, we find a new sort of heretics after the name of Muggleton, a London tailor, in number 30.
	8. The rest of the dissenters are presbyterians, anabaptists, independents, and quakers, about equal numbers, only two or three called self-willers professedly. The heads and preachers of the several factions are such as had a great share in the late rebellion. —Partly given by Dalrymple. [S.P. Dom. King William's Chest 14, No. 89.]
	Memorial concerning the revenue of Scotland.[Ibid., No.90.]
	Memorial as to the revenue of the castles in Scotland:—
	The castle of Edinburgh has a revenue paid in grain which is received by the governor, yearly about 400l.
	The castle of Stirling has a revenue paid yearly and received by the governor (the Earl of Mar), about 150l.
	The castle of Dumbarton has a yearly revenue of about 300l. paid to the Duke of Lennox.
	The Bass has a rent of "solangeese" which is received yearly by the governor, 80l.
	The Earl of Mar has the lordships of Stirling "intack" which is either expired or near expiring, and yearly worth 330l. [Ibid., No.91.]
	Memorandum of business to be done at the next session of parliament [in Scotland].
	1.That church affairs be reconsidered and an act made to help the act for bringing in the episcopal clergy.
	2. That an act be made restoring to the King the power of calling and dissolving assemblies.
	3. That an act be made giving the King six months' cess, yearly for three years.
	4. That the half of the Militia may, by a new act, be made effectual in the terms of the old; and that for the doing thereof the King may discharge the other half of the Militia and call out the "heritors."
	5. That there be an act made giving the King 2,000 men yearly, for recruiting the Scotch regiments abroad.
	6. That there be an additional excise upon malt of one mark on the toll for three years.
	7. That an act be made helping the act for choosing committees of parliament and that the King's officers of state may have vote therein as in former parliaments.
	8. That an act be made helping the act, taking away patronages "as much as can be got done."
	9. That an act be made that ward holdings be only changed to feu, and that it be considered what the King should have in composition for the change, and what yearly "feu duty."
	10. That for encouraging the parliament to go frankly on in making the above acts, the King should pass an act discharging recognitions.
	11. That an act be made that all papists and others that refuse to take the oath of allegiance and assurance be obliged to pay a double cess.
	12. That the case of trade be further considered, and particularly what is to be done for the security of merchant-ships from privateers, and to hear what is proposed for the good of the nation.
	13. That it be considered if it be not fit that the King and Queen make their revocation in this session of parliament, as former Kings have done, by which they may call in question any illegal act done by their predecessors in prejudice of the crown.
	14. That it be considered what is fit to be done "to stop the clamour of the kingdom against the session, and parsons in other judicatores, about which it was difficult to stop addresses in the last session of parliament."
	Copy. Endorsed by the King: "Schots Parliament." [S.P. Dom. King William's Chest 14, No. 92.]
	List of fees and pensions paid out of the revenue of Scotland. Total 20,107l. 3s. 1d. [Ibid., No. 93.]
	List of French ships, with the number of guns on each, endorsed "Liste des vaisseaux Francois pour l'armée, 1693." [Ibid., No. 94.]
	Memorandum as to the Bay of Toulon, its situation and fortifications. It is entered at the south east by the Isle of Hieres, surrounded on all parts by very high land. Near the town and moat stands an ancient castle with a platform of about 24 guns on each side, and about 12 more guns in the round tower. There is also an old fort near the entrance to the Bay of Toulon. The town is situated upon a slight level, at the foot of a mountain—entered by a narrow space of about 36-ft. and at night closed within a boom. Four batteries containing 10 guns are at the entrance—and a few more small fortifications. [Ibid., No. 95.]
	Memorandum as to the access and condition of the Bay of Toulon, and the situation of the town itself, the shipping, and fortifications. The enemy's fleet may be destroyed in the following manner—viz., by joining the squadron designed for the West Indies to that ordered to the Straits. The first to go to the Azores and there to wait for the latter to follow. Should bad weather separate them, they must stop at the most convenient place in Minorca. When they arrive on the coast of Provence, they should go direct into the Bay of Toulon. When the fleet is anchored within the Cape, the Admiral may come to an anchor. There are also many other methods of surprising the enemy. The merchant ships bound for the West Indies are out of danger at the Azores and may pursue their voyage with only two men-of-war. The provisions for this project may conveniently be supplied by victualling ships to attend the last squadron that passes from Plymouth. [Ibid., No. 96.]
	Suggestions for preventing the French fleet being provisioned from Bordeaux and Rochefort; and the squadron at Brest from forming a junction with the squadrons of Rochefort and Toulon. [Ibid., No. 97.]
	The Duke of Savoy to the King.—Looks upon his Majesty's "project" [its nature not stated], of which he has been informed by the Count de la Tour, as "une production du grand genie." [S.P. Dom. King William's Chest 14, No. 98.]
	Maximilian Emmanuel, Elector of Bavaria to the King. Position of Marshal Bouffleurs. State of the siege of Charleroi. [Ibid., No. 99.]
	Memorial to the King urging him to keep in mind the warning, given to the Duke of Schomberg, about the enemy's design on the castle of Hohentwiel two miles from Schaffhausen, near Lake Constance, an important position commanding all communication with Switzerland. [Ibid., No. 101.]
	An estimate of the charges of 74,562 men for the land forces for 1693, besides commissioned and non-commissioned officers and men.
	Following the estimate are "Reasons for a descent into France":
	(1) It is better to make that than suffer a descent from thence here. He that makes his enemy's country the seat of war has "two streakes for his fate," but if the French descend here, one blow may undo us.
	(2) This is the best, if not the only way to reduce the French king. To oppose him in Flanders will only amount to a defensive war, which is "vieing purses "with the French king, who can hold out longer than we. To attack his ports is difficult and hazardous in the opinion of the sea commanders, and to land elsewhere to burn the country and ruin a few innocent persons is no noble undertaking.
	By a descent of a royal army you may come to a fair battle. 18,000 or 20,000 English horse and 30,000 or 50,000 foot may force the French King to a fair battle, and that, being as many as can come to fight, there is good ground to hope for success both on the goodness of the cause (which is to deliver ourselves and the rest of Europe from slavery) and from the English courage which was ever reckoned superior to the French when they could come to a fair battle.
	If you have success therein you may in nine months put an end to this war and make the French king restore the States of France, and to his neighbours, what he has stolen from them, and force him to burn all his ships, and oblige him nevermore to build any above a fourth rate to convoy his merchant ships from pirates.
	We find by experience the French decline fighting when they can, though they are superior in number; the reason is because the French king thinks it hazardous to fight you, therefore it is the English interest if possible to push it to a battle with him.
	(3) Not to make a descent, but to continue the war in the way proposed, is to continue a charge upon England beyond what it can bear, in which war the Allies cannot hold out, and consequently the length of the war must drive all into the French interest.
	If an English army be landed in France, they must not spend their time to take towns, but march through the country till they do force a fight, wherein, if they have success, the French king must subscribe to any terms.
	Suppose the worst, that the French by their number destroy us, yet we shall be in a better condition than now we are.
	It is reported that the Duke of Luxemburg, upon the action of Steinkirk, sent word to the French King that the English might be killed, but not beaten; so that, if they sell their lives dear, though they lose them, this will ruin all the flower of the French army, and make "Monsieur" willing to stay at home when he has lost his best troops and regiments.
	If we have success, and the war be thereby ended, we may afford to give, by way of pension, half-pay to all the officers and soldiers that do survive during their lives without further service and the same to the widows of them that are killed, which, if the Commons will come up to promise, would bring in good freeholders' sons both horse and foot, without levy money, and furnish your army with a better sort of common soldier than those who are now generally listed. [S.P. Dom. King William's Chest 14, No. 102.]
	Plans for the defence of the Low Countries. [Ibid., No. 103.]
	Memorandum as to the defences of Breda. [Ibid., No. 104.]
	Memorandum, in the handwriting of Count de Solms, as to the disposition of troops should the enemy approach Brussels. [Ibid., No. 105.]
	List of foot and cavalry. [Ibid., No. 106.]
	Memorandum concerning works not put in order at Nimeguen, on account of insufficiency of funds, and suggestions for the further fortification of the same fort. [Ibid., No. 107.]
	Letter, partly in cipher, as to regiments for Namur. [Ibid., No. 108.]
	List of troops who may effectually serve on the Rhine. [Ibid., No. 109.]
	Memorandum as to the number of battalions in the allied forces. [Ibid., No. 110.]
	Memorandum as to union of the allied troops. [Ibid., No. 111.]
	Memorandum headed "plan pour entre en France."—The Swiss are good soldiers, and a number of French refugees only require the occasion to make them so. The army should number 2,000 or 3,000 men. It should be divided; one portion to march by Geneva, and the other by way of the Rhone or Risson. There are four ways of entering Dauphiny. Remarks on the probable attitude of the protestants. [Ibid., No. 112.]
	List of the French troops in Menin, Ypres, Lille, Tournay, Douay, and Lignes, with remarks on their condition. [Ibid., No. 113.]
	List of troops, in the handwriting of Count de Solms: Spanish cavalry and dragoons, Dutch cavalry and dragoons, Bavarian cavalry, Hanoverian cavalry and the dragoons of Bradenburg. [Ibid., No. 114.]
	Memorandum as to the killed and wounded in some action, and of the number of prisoners taken. [S.P. Dom. King William's Chest 14, No. 115.]
	List of colours lost and taken in the last battle. [Ibid., No. 116.]
	Scheme of an establithment for 17,895 men (including officers) for England. [Ibid., No. 117.]
	A list of their Majesties' forces now in Flanders, and of those ordered thither; as also an account of their subsistence and halfpay. [Ibid., No. 118.]
	List of troops. [Ibid., No. 119.]
	Rules, in the handwriting of the King, made for distributing orders in the army. [Ibid., No. 120.]
	The difference between the list of the land forces for 1693 and that delivered in the last Session for 1692; it is estimated that the number of men for 1693 will be 4,566 more. [Ibid., No. 121.]
	A list of the land forces necessary to be maintained in England, Scotland, and beyond seas for 1693. [Ibid., No. 122.]
	A similar list. [Ibid., No. 123.]
	Sir Charles Hedges' report upon the case of the ship King Solomon, which, pretending to be bound from Amsterdam to Oporto, was taken by an English privateer and brought into Dover. The suspicions against the ship arise from there being a quantity of masts, cables and anchors on board, thought to have been shipped by stealth. [H.O. Admiralty 3, p. 74.]
	Draft of King William's answer to the memorials of Count Oxenstiern, dated 14 and 21 May, 1693, relative to the observance of the treaty of commerce between England and Sweden, 1661, the damage to Danish and Swedish trade at the hands of English privateers, &c.; and the practice of the English admiralty court. [H.O. Admiralty 6, No. 136.] Enclosing:—
	(1) Memorial of Count Oxenstiern to William III, with regard to the observance of the Anglo-Swedish commercial treaty of 1661, the treatment of Swedish ships, and the general practice of the English Admiralty court. [Ibid., No. 136 i.]
	(2) Memorial of Count Oxenstiern, demanding satisfaction on behalf of Swedish and Danish subjects, for damage done to their commerce by English subjects, by seisure and detention of their ships, &c. [Ibid., No. 136 ii.]
	Examination of Simon Guillow, master of a small vessel sailing from Morlaix to Brest. On 14th August, old style, he came from Brest. Mons. Chateaurenaud with one three-decker, nine two-deckers, and four fireships, was in the road on the 13th Aug. bound to sea, and by a hard gale was that day forced from his anchors and went into Brest. He spoke with a ship that came from Brest on the 29th August, who said Chateaurenaud was still in Brest waiting for a wind to sail; and that 22 days past there went to sea two small vessels to look for Mons. Nesmond with orders (according to report) to join Chateaurenaud off Cape Finisterre. Nesmond has but seven men-of-war with him. Three days since, he says, four or five vessels sailed for Torbay, to see if our fleet were there. [S.P. Dom. King William's Chest 14, No. 137.]
	Account of the apportionment of the funds for the war in the year 1693. Incomplete. [Ibid., No. 138.]
	The account of victualling the line of battle for 1693. [Ibid., No. 139.]
	A return of the English line of battle, 1693. [Ibid., No. 140.]
	A return of the French fleet, 1693. [Ibid., No. 141.]