William and Mary: May 1694

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: William and Mary, 1694-5. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1906.

This premium content was digitised by double rekeying. All rights reserved.

'William and Mary: May 1694', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: William and Mary, 1694-5, (London, 1906) pp. 122-160. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/will-mary/1694-5/pp122-160 [accessed 28 March 2024]

Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image

May 1694

May 1.
Whitehall.
Licence for Sir William Pinsent, high sheriff of Wilts, to live out of that county during his term of office. [H.O. King's Letters 2, p. 56.]
May 1.
Whitehall.
Proceedings upon the petition of John Duval, esq., praying a writ of error in a judgment obtained against him by Edward Price, esq. Granted. [S.P. Dom. Petition Entry Book 2, p. 401.]
May 1.
Admiralty Office.
The Lords of the Admiralty to the Duke of Shrewsbury. The Dunkirk is at present cruizing in the Soundings. Orders have been sent to the captain and officers to return, to answer the charge of affronting a Danish man-of-war at Plymouth. [H.O. Admiralty 5, p. 402.]
May 1.
Whitehall.
Sir John Trenchard to the Lords of the Admiralty. The men-ofwar now in the river, bound for the fleet, are to convoy such victualling ships, &c., as are ready to go thither. [H.O. Admiralty Entry Book I. p. 112.]
May 1.
Whitehall.
Commissions for Angus Mackranall to be quarter-master in Colonel Samuel Venner's regiment of foot [H.O. Military Entry Book 3, p. 213]; for Farmer Edwards, gent., to be ensign to Colonel Henry Hawley's company in the regiment of foot commanded by BrigadierGeneral Erle; for Thomas Hesketh, esq., to be captain of the company of which Captain William Ayloff was captain in the regiment of foot commanded by Colonel James Stanley; for Mr. Helliday, ditto; for Mr. Robert Johnson to be captain-lieutenant in the same regiment; for Mr. Thomas Hooke to be ensign in captain Seymour's company in the same regiment [Ibid., p. 214]; for William Boyle, esq., to be cornet to Captain Francis Sully in the regiment of horse commanded by Meinhardt, Duke of Schomberg [Ibid., p. 215]; for John Parrott, gent., to be adjutant to Colonel Samuel Venner's regiment [Ibid., p. 221]; for Mr. Richard Hening to be captain-lieutenant in Brigadier Erle's regiment of foot; for Mr. William Wald to be ensign to Captain Floyer, in the same regiment; and for Mr. Ralph Ramsay to be ensign to Captain Poynz in Colonel Venner's regiment [Ibid., p. 225].
May 1.
Whitehall.
Commission for John Hepburne, esq., to be captain of the company of which Lieut.-Col. George Hamilton was late captain in BrigadierGeneral Sir David Collyear's regiment. [H.O. Military Entry Book 4, p. 87.]
May 1.
Whitehall.
Passes for Lieutenant Cordon and a servant to go to Holland; for Frederick Roskam and Passchier Riclemants, Dutch seamen, to go to Spain [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 558]; for the Betty ketch, Francis Purchase, commander, to take on board the said ketch such French prisoners as are in the gaols in England or Ireland, and from thence transport them to St. Malo in France, to be exchanged for our subjects prisoners there. [Ibid., p. 560].
May 2.
Dublin Castle.
Sir Cyril Wyche and Sir John Duncombe to Sir John Trenchard. The recruits lately added to each company in Colonel Michelburne's regiment have now returned here from Chester, according to his Majesty's command. As this regiment is ordered to stay in Ireland we wish to know whether sixty shall remain in each company, or whether it shall be reduced to fifty like the other regiments, and how his Majesty will have these recruits disposed of, clothed and paid, for there is no provision in the establishment for the payment of any of these additional men. [S.P. Ireland 356, No. 51 a.]
May 2.
Whitehall.
Sir John Trenchard to the Lords of the Admiralty. The victuallers and fireships now in the river are to sail with the first opportunity to Spithead, and to be convoyed to the main fleet by the men-of-war now joining. A sufficient number of clerks are to be sent down to dispatch with all possible expedition the payment of the seamen's wages. [H.O. Admiralty Entry Book 1, p. 113.]
May 2.
Whitehall.
The same to the Commissioners of the Treasury, directing immediate payment of the arrears of seamen's wages. [H.O. Admiralty Entry Book 1, p. 113.]
May 2.
Whitehall.
The same to the Victualling Commissioners. The victualling ships designed for the fleet are to be dispatched with all possible expedition, and some fitting person sent down the river to see this service done. [Ibid.]
May 2.
Whitehall.
The same to Viscount Sydney. Orders are to be given for hastening the bomb vessels and stores ordered for the fleet, and for the dispatch of the soldiers, who are to go on board, to Spithead. [Ibid., p. 114.]
May 2.
Whitehall.
Order to Rear-Admiral Nevill to have the men-of-war under his command (forming the Turkey convoy) in readiness to sail at six hours' notice. [Ibid.]
May 2. Note of orders issued by the King in certain admiralty matters, e.g., the payment of seamen, victualling of ships, &c. [H.O. Admiralty 7, No. 40.]
May 2.
Whitehall.
Pass for Mrs. Catherine Turvilie, Jane Tamson, Anna Gallifor, and Sarah Gallifor to go to Gravesend and Holland. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 37, p. 205.]
May 2.
Whitehall.
Passes and post warrant for Jane Romieu, a soldier's wife, to go to Holland [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 558]; and for George Collins, Ralph Young, George Fry, and John Symonds, with five able post horses, to go to Gravesend, Margate, Harwich, or any other port with a guide [Ibid., p. 559].
May 3.
Whitehall.
The Duke of Shrewsbury to Mr. Colt. I have your letter of the 30th past, but sometime before I received it his Majesty had signed a warrant for Viscount Dursley to be lord-lieutenant of the county of Gloucester and city of Bristol, so that it was too late to acquaint the King what was desired by your letter, and I hope those who would have been well pleased to have had the Earl of Macclesfield for their lord-lieutenant will have no reason to be dissatisfied with Lord Dursley. [H.O. Letter Book (Secretary's) 5, p. 11.]
May 3.
Whitehall.
Commission for — Edwards, surgeon, to be surgeon to Colonel John Coy's regiment of horse. [H.O. Military Entry Book 4, p. 37.]
May 3.
Whitehall.
Post warrant for Mr. William Watson, with five able post horses, etc., to go to Gravesend or any other place. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 37, p. 205.]
May 3.
Whitehall.
Passes and post warrant for Elisabett Beyerman, a Dutch woman, to go to Holland; for Mr. Benjamin Drake, and nine more of the King's servants with ten horses and a guide, to go to Gravesend, Dover, or any other port; and for Mr. Newdigate Wolseley to go to Holland. [S.P. Dom., Warrant Book 38, p. 560.]
May 4.
Whitehall.
Sir John Trenchard to the Lords of the Admiralty, directing enquiry to be made respecting the pressing of two Portuguese, viz., Emanuel Martin, by Mr. Andrews, lieutenant of the Duke, and Pasquall Pereira, by Mr. Manners, lieutenant of the Montague. [H.O. Admiralty 3, p. 94.]
May 4.
Whitehall.
The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Lord Keeper. The King commanded me to acquaint you that he had settled the precedency of the four dukes, whose patents are now passing in this order, viz., the Marquis of Carmarthen to be first, the Earl of Bedford next, the Earl of Devonshire third, and the Earl of Clare fourth, and his Majesty would have you accordingly take care that the ranks be preserved to them in passing their respective grants at the Great Seal. [H.O. Letter Book (Secretary's) 5, p. 13.]
May 4.
Whitehall.
Passes for Roger Abrahams and Peter Logger to go to Harwich and Holland [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 37, p. 205.]; for John Peshall to go to Gravesend and Holland [Ibid., p. 206]; and for Margarett Morckman and her daughters to go to Holland [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 560].
May 4.
Whitehall.
Warrant to Francis Clarke to go to Dover and search for and apprehend William Smitheat, Luke Smitheat, Edward Ruck, and Richard Priest, for treasonable practices. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 39, p. 30.]
May 5.
Newcastle-under-Lyme.
John Burgess, mayor of Newcastle-under-Lyme, to Sir John Trenchard. Several persons here refuse to take in payment their Majesties' tin halfpence and farthings, upon pretence they will shortly be suppressed, which occasions great distractions. I therefore humbly desire your honour's direction therein. [S.P. Dom., William and Mary 5, No. 77.]
May 5.
Whitehall.
Passes for Anthonio Dumond, Elizabeth Ermetter, Livino Yuan van Scouttep, and Gaspar Gens to go to Gravesend and Flanders [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 37, p. 205]; for Cornelius Isaacx, John Johnsen and William Hendricka to go to Harwich and Holland [Ibid., p. 206]; for Mr. Bany and Mr. Leyall, two Swedish gentlemen, to go to Holland; for Thomas Castle to go to Harwich and Hamburgh [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 560]; for Captain John La Grange, two servants and some hunting dogs, to go to Holland; and for Mr. Lewis Boucher, ditto [Ibid., p. 561].
May 6.
Whitehall.
Commission for Major John Folliot to be captain of that troop whereof Captain Robert Stevenson was late captain in the regiment of dragoons commanded by Colonel James Wynne. [H.O. Military Entry Book 4, p. 56.]
May 6.
The Royal Oak in Cadiz Bay.
Rear-Admiral John Nevill to Sir John Trenchard. By the enclosures to your letter of the 30th of March, I perceive you had not received mine of the 4th of March, wherein I informed you that at a council of war held on board the Royal Oak the 2nd of March, it was resolved we should sail for Cadiz with the first opportunity (Gibraltar being a place where we could not defend ourselves), leaving our lame ships, with the York, to follow us as soon as they were ready. Having had several reports of the Toulon fleet being out, with other circumstances, such as the King of Spain's letter, and a list of a strong squadron of ships coming from Brest, sent by the Dutch envoy at the court of Madrid to Vice-Admiral Callinburgh, by order of the States, made every man "of opinion of going to Cadiz" until further intelligence of the enemy's motion or strength, or fresh orders from England, were received.
I pressed to go with the whole squadron as high as Malta but was overruled; all the Dutch were for sending the detachment appointed for the Turkey convoy, and for the rest of the ships to go to Cadiz. Callenburgh's reason was that we had concerted with the Spaniards to join them at Cadiz.
I was against sending the detachment designed for the convoy, being but seven ships and two Dutch gun-ships; for if there were but eight ships of the Toulon squadron out and they should meet them they would not only destroy the merchantmen but the convoy; for, by all our advices, the least ships of the Toulon squadron are 60-gun ships.
The English were for securing the whole by going with the merchantmen and men-of-war for Cadiz, and there remaining as aforesaid, where we are now all in a condition of sailing. Several ships have been careened and remasted. On the 4th inst. the governor of this city sent off by Consul Westcomb to inform me that several fishing boats coming in from sea had that morning seen sixty-nine sail of ships steering their course for the Strait's mouth. I am mightily concerned for the merchantmen, and all my life time never had anything that troubled me so much as their not proceeding. The Spaniards are fitting with all expedition. [H.O. Admiralty 4, p. 742.] Enclosing:—
(1) Copy of a letter from Consul Nicholas Herne to Rear-Admiral Nerill, dated Alicante, 26 April, 1694. A small Genoese coming in sixteen days since from Toulon reported that the French design to meet you, having ready 300 sail. But the most I can learn is that they were not then quite ready, though they gave it out otherwise, and will let you alone if you will let them alone; so the Dutchman's report is all false. Our frigates left Barcelona about nine days since for Majorca. The French have published two edicts, one that no neutral shall be free that is not bought in the country, under whatever colours the ship sails; the other, that none of their passports shall be granted, but for one voyage [Ibid., p. 738]. (2) Consul Howell Gwyn to the same, dated Malaga, 8 May, 1694. Our Governor received advice last night from the General of the coast (who had another dispatched to him from Almania) that thirty-four men-of-war were seen E. of Cape De Gatt; these we take to be the Toulon squadron. We have heard from Alicante that the Dutch men-of-war are ready to depart with the merchant ships, but that Capt. Hughes and the other man-of-war had not arrived from Majorca. The express to our governor says that the five Spanish galleys who went hence with 2,200 soldiers put into Adria, a small port between Matrill and Almeria, so that we are not quite out of care but that they may be the French squadron; though we may likewise believe they are English and Dutch from Alicante; however, upon this advice, the four Spanish men-of-war are at a stand what to do till they hear further. Captain Myster and my Vice-Consul are endeavouring to save what they can upon the wreck. [Ibid., p. 740.]
May 7.
Dublin Castle.
The Lords Justices of Ireland to Sir John Trenchard. In answer to yours of the 24th April, we beg to put you in mind that we did not recommend Dr. Foley to the see of Cloyne, but to that of Downe and Connor, and we did it on motives of weight for the good of those dioceses, finding by the general character that is given of him that he is a man, not only of great learning and very good life, but of great prudence, and fit for the government and resettling of that distempered diocese which has suffered so much by the mismanagement of the late bishop, who is now deprived. We are afraid that this mistake might tend to the prejudice of that church, as well as of the doctor, and therefore desire that you will please to rectify it. As regards your directions for an enquiry into the case of Mr. Francis Leigh, of Rathbride, we have not, till now, heard of this Mr. Leigh, and there is no petition of his brought or sent referred that may bring it regularly before us. If, therefore, his agent, who solicits his business at Whitehall, be still there, it would do very well if he were directed to take care that one of them were forthwith done. [S.P. Ireland 356, No. 52.]
May 7.
London.
William Ashurst, Lord Mayor, to [Sir John Trenchard ?]. I have had an account brought me that the Duke of Berwick and thirteen other persons of quality are lately come to England, that the Duke was gone to Portsmouth and would shortly be in town, lodging somewhere about Soho Square. Sir Philip Lambert is one that accompanies him, and I am told his lodgings are in the Cockpit. I perceive their endeavour is to make some disturbance about the taxes, if they can, near Midsummer, which agrees pretty well with the confused information I had from the poor fellow in Newgate. I wish Mr. Aaron Smith would visit that man, and had more time to follow the hints he has given. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 5, No. 78.]
May 7.
Royal Oak in Cadiz Bay.
Rear-Admiral John Nevill to Sir John Trenchard. It is said here that Papacheen commands the Spanish squadron. Callinberg and myself were to have waited on him yesterday, but he was not aboard. I fear they want men. [H.O. Admiralty 4, p. 746.] Enclosing:— (Copies) (1) John Frost, late commander of the Aleppo Factor, to Rearadmiral Nevell, dated Gibraltar 4–14th May, 1694. About five this evening there passed by this place to the Eastward 52 or 54 sail, which appeared to be French, though they carried only white vanes; we could not discern any three-deckers. [Ibid., p. 754.] (2) Humphrey Walcott, an Englishman at Gibraltar, to his friend at Cadiz, dated as the last. On the ships being sighted off Gibraltar the Governor at once dispatched a boat to advise thereof at Malaga, and Mr. Haynes sent the relikewise; still the Alicante ships run very great hazard. [Ibid.]
May 7.
Whitehall.
Passes for Magdalen Hayn and Mary Meridith to go to Holland; for Elisabeth Valekenaer and Elisabeth Reinders, two soldiers' wives, with two children, ditto [S.P. Dom., Warrant Book 38, p. 561]; for Susanna Bruy, a French Protestant, to go to Harwich and Holland; and for Mr. James Lespiault, Mr. Bernard Poey and Mrs. Anne Brun to go to Gravesend and Holland [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 37, p. 206].
May 7.
Whitehall.
Commissions for Mr. William Conway to be cornet to Colonel Richard Cunningham in his own troop; and for Mr. Peter Telfer to be surgeon in the same regiment. [H.O. Military Entry Book 3, p. 229.]
May 8.
Whitehall.
The Duke of Shrewsbury to Sir John Duddlestone. I have received two letters lately from one who subscribes himself John Paine, who pretends to have invented a very useful engine for annoying an enemy, and refers himself to the account you can give of his abilities, and finding him very pressing for an answer, I am obliged to give you this trouble, to desire you that, according to the opinion you have of his skill, you would advise him to make his application to the Master of the Ordnance, who is the proper judge of usefulness of engines of war, and I will give my assistance to recommend anything that is for the public benefit. [H.O. Letter Book (Secretary's) 5, p. 13.]
May 8.
The Nore.
Capt. Robinson, commander of their Majesties' ship Garland, to the Lords of the Admiralty. I sailed with the ships from the Swale on Sunday morning last, and am now awaiting an opportunity of wind here. [H.O. Admiralty 4, p. 750.]
May 8.
Whitehall.
Commission for James Dingley, clerk, to be chaplain to BrigadierGeneral William Stuart's regiment of foot. [H.O. Military Entry Book 3, p. 219.]
May 8.
Whitehall.
Warrant to Viscount Sydney directing that out of the stores remaining in the office of the Ordnance the following arms are to be issued:—22 short carbines, strapped; 22 short pistols, 22 bayonets, 22 cartouch boxes, 22 horsemen's tents, 100 carbine flints, 200 pistol flints, to be delivered to Francis Robinson, esq., provost marshal, for arming twenty-two men, ordered to be raised for the service in Flanders. [H.O. Military Entry Book 4, p. 42.]
May 8.
Whitehall.
Warrant to the same reciting that out of the stores remaining in the office of the ordnance, 47 pouches, 47 bayonets, and 13 bell tents are to be issued for the use of the regiment of foot, commanded by Colonel Richard Coot. [Ibid., p. 41.]
May 8.
Whitehall.
Commissions for Robert Gorst, gent., to be ensign of the company of which Lieutenant Colonel Toby Caulfields is captain in the regiment of foot commanded by Colonel John Courthope; for William Fielding, gent., to be lieutenant of the company of which Captain James Barry is captain in the same regiment [Ibid., p. 43]; for Joseph Saunders, gent., to be lieutenant of the company of which Captain Daniel Macneale is captain, in the some regiment [Ibid., p. 53]; for William Stevenson, gent., to be cornet of the troop of which Captain Hugh Calwell is captain in the regiment of dragoons commanded by Colonel James Wynns; for John Lloyd, clerk, to be chaplain in the same regiment; for William Sampson, gent., to be captain lieutenant of the company in the regiment of foot commanded by William, Viscount Mountjoy, of which he himself is captain; and for James Fitz Symonds, gent., to be adjutant to the same regiment [Ibid., p. 56].
May 8.
Whitehall.
Appointment of Sir Charles Sydley, of St. Cleere, bart., Sir Edwin Steede, and James Herbert, esq., to be deputy lieutenants of Kent. [Ibid., p. 43.]
May 8.
Whitehall.
Warrant to Viscount Sydney to issue arms, &c., for the Eagle and the Dolphin, two vessels for carrying the mails to and from Holland, viz.: four patereros and four guns for each of them, with carriages, powder, shot, small arms and all other ammunitions and stores of war. [Ibid., p. 44.]
May 8.
Whitehall.
Warrant to Viscount Sydney reciting that a regiment of foot is to be raised, commanded by Colonel Northcott, consisting of thirteen companies, each company of sixty private soldiers, three sergeants, three corporals and two drummers, and directing that out of the stores remaining in the office of the ordnance, the necessary arms and appurtenances are to be forthwith issued for arming the said regiment. [H.O. Military Entry Book 4, p. 41.]
May 8.
Whitehall.
Passes for Mr. Robert Manley to go to Harwich and Holland; for Caspar Feldman and Trenæus Crusius, two Germans, ditto [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 37, p. 207]; for Egbert Hemskerke, a Dutchman, to go to Holland; for Mr. Henry Kettleblad, ditto; for David Lingebach, a Dutchman, ditto; for Mrs. Frances Guyon with two servants, ditto; for John Ritsen and Adrian Van Gorlee, ditto [Ibid. 38, p. 561]; for Peter Chambon and William Nelson, gents., ditto [Ibid., p. 562].
May 8.
Whitehall.
Warrant to Richard Hopkins and Henry Legatt to apprehend Colonel Philipps, who has lately come from France without their Majesties' leave. [Ibid., p. 568.]
May 8.
Whitehall.
Warrant to the Attorney-General for a grant to Henry, Viscount Sydney, of the dignity of Earl of Romney in Kent. [Ibid. 39, p. 33.]
May 9. The Duke of Schomberg and Leinster to the Duke of Shrewsbury, inclosing the petition of Mr. Samuel Tuke, who has served as a volunteer during the whole war of Ireland, and is anxious to continue in the service. The petition is not preserved here. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 5, No. 79.]
May 9. Minutes of the proceedings of Council with regard to certain admiralty matters, e.g., the manning of the machine vessels, the embarking of Lieutenant-General Talmash's forces. [H.O. Admiralty 7, No. 41.]
May 9.
Whitehall.
Commissions for Claudius Tettefolle, gent., to be cornet of that troop in the regiment of horse commanded by Meinhardt, Duke of Schomberg, of which he himself is captain [H.O. Military Entry Book 3, p. 215]; for Constantine O'Hara, gent., to be ensign to Colonel Henry Rowe's own company in his regiment [Ibid., p. 216]; for Taillourdeau de St. Paul to be sub-lieutenant of the troop of grenadier guards of which Colonel George Cholmondeley is captain and colonel, and to take rank as eldest lieutenant of horse [Ibid., p. 217]; for Mr. Alexander Foster to be lieutenant of the company of which Captain Richard Cobham is captain in the regiment of foot commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Dutton [Ibid., p. 223]; and for John Woolley, gent., to be ensign of the company in the regiment of foot commanded by Colonel Luke Lillingston of which he himself is captain. [Ibid. 4, p. 50].
May 9.
Whitehall.
Passes for Mrs. Anne Clifford, Mrs. Mary Clifford, and Elizabeth Brucks, a servant, to go to Harwich or down the river and Holland; for James Lavally and James Gryme to go to Gravesend and Holland [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 37, p. 207]; for Mr. Gerard Muysken to go to Holland; for Mr. Stephen Sarazin, a French refugee, to go to Gravesend and Portugal; for Sir William Russell and four servants to go to Holland; and for William Chappill, ditto [Ibid. 38, p. 562].
May 10. Extract from a letter dated at Paris. The vessels from Brest had not left on the 3rd of this month. We afterwards heard they left on the 7th. Of the thirty-five assembled, including those from Port Louis and Rochefort, one newly-built was left behind for repairs, because it let in too much water. If the enemy are waiting at Cadiz, it will prevent a junction with the ships in the Mediterranean. There can be no doubt that their object is to forward the design on Catalonia, where they hope to effect the reduction of Spain more quickly than from any other part. This plan is not doubted here; they even say Palamos is already besieged, as a preliminary to an attack on Barcelona. This year we have only fifty-nine armed vessels, with thirty galleys, of whose departure we have not yet heard. [H.O. Admiralty Entry Book 1, p. 119.]
May 10.
Whitehall.
Sir John Trenchard to the Lords of the Admiralty. Orders are to be sent to Captain Bridges to sail to Spithead with the men-of-war under his command designed for the main fleet, unless he has received different orders from Mr. Russell. The Charles Galley is to be put under the orders of Mr. Russell, or, in his absence, of Sir Cloudesley Shovel. [Ibid., p. 115.]
May 10.
Whitehall.
Passes for Wolff Taubenberger, with five grooms carrying horses to the Emperor, to go to Gravesend and Bremen; for Mr. Timothy Schols, and a young boy, to go to Gravesend and Hamburg [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 37, p. 208]; for Major Livesay, Ensign Richard Brewer, John Higinson, John Game, Thomas Knisbury, Richard Dobinson, and one soldier, to go to Holland; for Mary Shorter with two children, ditto; for John Gregory to go to Holland or Flanders; and for Doctor John Colbach and two servants to go to Holland [Ibid. 38, p. 562].
May 10.
Whitehall.
Warrant to stop the proceedings in the Irish Exchequer against the ship Postillion of Bristol, seized in Cork harbour in August last, by Captain James Waller, one of the deputies of Sir Robert Southwell, vice-admiral of Munster, upon an information that she came from Rochelle with a cargo of brandy and salt; and to put Captain Waller again in possession of the ship. [S.P. Dom. Signet Office Letter Book 13, p. 110.]
May 10.
Whitehall.
Caveat that nothing pass relating to the office of a commissioner of appeals and regulating of the excise till notice be given to the Duke of Shrewsbury, or Mr. Thomas Watkins, one of the clerks of the Privy Seal. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 74, p. 1.]
May 10.
Whitehall.
Commission for Robert Shamberg, gent., to be ensign to Major Anthony Shamberg in Colonel John Michelburne's regiment of foot. [H.O. Military Entry Book 3, p. 215.]
May 11.
Whitehall.
Order to Sir Cloudesley Shovel to receive on board the forces under Lieut.-Gen. Talmash, and to sail, as soon as they are embarked, to join Admiral Russell. [H.O. Admiralty Entry Book 1, p. 115.]
May 11.
Whitehall.
Order to Lieut.-Gen. Talmash to embark his forces on board Sir Cloudesley Shovel's squadron at Spithead; and to advise with Admiral Russell how best to annoy the enemy. [H.O. Admiralty Entry Book 1, p. 116.]
May 11.
Whitehall.
Order to Admiral Russell to give such assistance as he shall judge requisite to Lieut.-Gen. Talmash, and the forces under his command. [Ibid.]
May 11.
Whitehall.
Sir John Trenchard to the Lords of the Admiralty. Orders are to be given to Sir Cloudesley Shovel to take the machine vessels, manned from the fleet, when he sails to the rendezvous. Five hundred hammocks are to be provided for the fleet; and such of the victualling ships as are ready shall sail forthwith to Spithead. [Ibid., p. 117.]
May 11.
Whitehall.
The same to the Transport Commissioners. Such of the victualling ships as shall be discharged at Portsmouth are to be taken up to attend the fleet, and to receive on board so many of the land men as cannot be put on the men-of-war. [Ibid.]
May 11.
Whitehall.
The same to Sir Cloudesley Shovel, recounting orders issued relative to the squadron under his command, and enclosing a letter (not entered here) for Admiral Russell. [Ibid.]
May 11. Minutes of the proceedings of council in regard to certain admiralty matters, e.g., the manning of the machine vessels, and the sailing of the victualling ships. [H.O. Admiralty 7, No. 42.]
May 11.
Whitehall.
Warrant to the Lords Justices of Ireland to make a re-grant to Doctor Robert Gorges of the lands of Smithstown, Bodin, Thomastown, part of the town of Kilbrew and the Risk of Kilbrew, all lying in the barony of Ratoth, co. Meath, upon a representation made by Captain Richard Gorges, son of the said grantee, shewing that the lands were granted to Dr. Gorges in satisfaction of arrears due for service in Ireland, with a saving to the right of one Patrick Barnwall, pursuant to a pretended deed of settlement made in 1625, put forward after the death of his father, Simon Barnwall, who died in 1675. This deed, purporting to have been made by Simon and Elizabeth Barnwall, father and mother of the said Patrick, and witnessed by Andrew Dillon, his uncle, was detected to be a forgery, not made till after the war. In 1688, when the Kingdom was put in Irish papists' hands, Barnwall obtained a finding for the said deed by an Irish jury, and one Nangle, then sheriff, broke into the house of the said Dr. Gorges and gave it into the possession of Patrick Barnwall, thereby making Dr. Gorges the first fruit of the then approaching rebellion, since the said Barnwall, raising a company in Lord Slane's regiment, was in the siege of Londonderry killed in actual rebellion; and his wife, being conscious that neither she, nor any of hers, have any legal right to the estate, has quitted the same, and Dr. Gorges has re-entered into possession. [S.P. Dom. Signet Office Book 13, p. 114.]
May 11.
Whitehall.
Warrant to William Wolstenholm, esq., lieutenant of the company commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel George Villiers in the first regiment of foot-guards, to take rank as captain of foot, under warrant issued by the king at Gemblours, 19 July, 1691, authorizing all lieutenants of the first and second regiments of foot-guards to take rank as above. [H.O. Military Entry Book 4, p. 45.]
May 11.
Whitehall.
Commissions for William Wolstenholm, esq., to be lieutenant of the company of which Lieutenant-Colonel George Villiers is captain in the first regiment of foot-guards commanded by Henry, Earl of Romney; for Henry Smith, esq., to be ensign of the company of which Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Hastings is captain in the same regiment; and for Denis Pujolas, esq., to be ensign of the company of which Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Collenbine is captain in the same regiment. [Ibid., p. 46.]
May 11.
Whitehall.
Passes for Mr. John Smeaton and his two nephews, Harry and John, Mr. Philip Gybbons, and his servant Thomas Lamb, to go to Harwich and Hamburg; for John Tack to go to Harwich and Holland [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 37, p. 208]; and for Catharine Freysick and three children to go to Holland [Ibid. 38, p. 562].
May 11.
Whitehall.
Warrant to Henry Legate to apprehend Thomas Trant for treasonable practices. [Ibid., p. 563.]
May 11.
Whitehall.
Warrant to the Keeper of Newgate to take into custody Walter Philips, accused of high treason "in conspiring to the death and destruction of their Majesties." [Ibid.]
May 11.
Whitehall.
Warrant to Richard Hopkins to search for and apprehend Mary Jones, accused of treason. [Ibid.]
May 12.
Whitehall.
The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Queen commands me to send you the enclosed address of the House of Commons on behalf of their chaplain, Mr. Maurice Vaughan, of whom her Majesty wishes to be reminded when any dignity falls vacant in the Church that may be fit for him. Enclosure not here appended. [H.O. Letter Book (Secretary's) 5, p. 14.]
May 12.
Whitehall.
Warrant to the Earl of Romney reciting that four regiments of foot are to be raised, commanded by Viscount Charlemont, Viscount Mountjoy, Sir Richard Atkins, and John Courthope, esq.; each regiment consisting of thirteen companies, each company of two sergeants, three corporals, two drummers, and fifty private soldiers, and directing that out of the stores remaining in the Office of the Ordnance, the necessary arms are to be issued for arming the said regiments. [H.O. Military Entry Book 4, p. 48.]
May 12.
Whitehall.
Warrant for the appointment of John, Duke of Newcastle, to be lieutenant of the county and town of Nottingham. [Ibid., p. 47.]
May 12.
Trinity House.
The Board of Trinity House to the Commissioners of the Navy. Certifying that Thomas Whitehorne is capable of acting as master of any of their Majesties' fourth-rate ships from the Downs to the S. and E. coast of Ireland, and as far as Cadiz and Virginia. [H.O. Admiralty 7, No. 43.]
May 14. Minutes of the proceedings of council relative to certain admiralty matters, e.g., sailing orders to Admiral Russell and Sir Cloudesley Shovel, and the embarkation of Lieut.-General Talmash's troops. [Ibid., No. 44.]
May 12.
The Tower.
Maj.-Gen. Dorrington to —. "Although my applications for releasement happen not to take, and I have now lost the prospect of enlargement, I am none the less obliged to you for proposing them. I have often, during my imprisonment, represented my having had no allowance, though but a soldier of fortune, it being by all the experience I have seen, never refused to any prisoner of my trade; and I have often had encouragement by references from his Majesty to the Treasury for granting it, especially once, upon a favourable report made by you." [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 5, No. 80.]
May 12.
Whitehall.
Proceedings upon the petition of Baron Barry, of Santry. States that, in 1684, he mortgaged the lands of Killcairnes, co. Meath, to Thomas Browne, Michael Chamberlin and Patrick Allen, esquires, in trust for James Dempsey, esq., to whom the petitioner was indebted. Dempsey was lately killed in actual rebellion against their Majesties, whereby the mortgage became forfeited. Prays that the securities may be released to him. Referred for report to the Lords Justices of Ireland. [S.P. Dom. Petition Entry Book 2, p. 400.]
May 12.
Whitehall.
Proceedings upon the petition of the Londonderry officers that have commissions in the new levies, praying the payment of some part of the sum promised them by the queen; they have been two years attending for some reward, and, having contracted debts in London, cannot repair to their respective commands without relief. Referred to the Treasury for report. [Ibid. 3, p. 56.]
May 12.
Whitehall.
Proceedings upon the petition of Sir Francis Compton, praying a grant of certain forfeited lands, in consideration of his services in Ireland. Referred to the Treasury. [Ibid., p. 55.]
May 12.
Whitehall.
Passes for John Klopper to go to Harwich and Holland [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 37, p. 209], and for John Strake, a Dutch soldier, and his wife, to go to Holland [Ibid. 38, p. 564].
May 12.
Whitehall.
Warrant to Richard Hopkins to apprehend William Crosbie, accused of treasonable and seditious practices. [Ibid.]
May 12.
Whitehall.
Warrant to Richard Hampden, esq., to deliver to Sir John Somers, Keeper of the Great Seal of England, the seal belonging to the office of Chancellor of the Exchequer, to be by the said keeper delivered to Charles Montague, esq. [Ibid. 39, p. 35.]
May 13.
Whitehall.
Sir John Trenchard to the Transport Commissioners. In connection with orders sent you on the 11th instant, it is the Queen's pleasure that one of you should immediately go to Portsmouth to take up such victualling ships as shall be discharged there, or such other ships as can be provided, for embarking such land forces as cannot be shipped on board the men-of-war; and the Commissioner so going is to follow the orders of Lieut.-Gen. Talmash. [H.O. Admiralty Entry Book 1, p. 120.]
May 13.
Whitehall.
The same to the Lords of the Admiralty. The delay of the fleet's sailing from Spithead will be very prejudicial to the present service. The Queen therefore directs that the payment of the seamen at Spithead be dispatched with all possible expedition. [Ibid.]
May 13.
The Royal Oak in Cadiz Bay.
Rear-Admiral John Nevill to Sir John Trenchard. On the 8th inst. Don Pedro Corbetta informed us they were ready to sail. He had had an express from the King desiring a return of the state of our ships. Although he said they are ready, I fear we should not find them so if we should come upon action, for I see but few men on board them, and am informed they have but twenty rounds of powder and shot. We are in great pain for Capt. Hughes with the Barcelona and Alicante ships, hearing they were forced away to Carthagena by the hard gales of westerly winds. [H.O. Admiralty 4, p. 756.] Enclosing:—
An undated paper sent by the Governor of Cadiz, reporting news brought by a French privateer to Lisbon, that on the 12th instant she had seen forty-five ships belonging to that nation, amongst them being thirty to thirty-five ships of war; a passenger on board the privateer stated this squadron was bound to Barcelona; and that Marshall Tourville has gone to Toulon to embark, so as to join these two squadrons before Barcelona, to the number of sixty-five ships of war. Copy. [Ibid., p. 760.]
May 14.
Whitehall.
Sir John Trenchard to the Lords of the Admiralty. The Queen commands that you order the Comptroller of the Navy and a set of clerks to go along with the fleet, to pay the seamen on board. Orders are also to be sent to Sir Cloudesley Shovel to sail with the first conveniency of wind and weather. [H.O. Admiralty Entry Book 1, p. 121.]
May 14.
Whitehall.
The same to Sir Cloudesley Shovel. The Queen commands that you begin to embark the land men as soon as may be after receipt hereof, and put the fleet in a condition to sail with the first opportunity of wind and weather. [Ibid.]
May 14.
Whitehall.
The same to Admiral Russell, recounting the orders issued with respect to Sir Cloudesley Shovel's fleet, which you may speedily expect; but if the wind comes westerly, and you reach Torbay before they join you, her Majesty leaves it to you to stay there, or to proceed to St. Helen's, as you shall think best for the service. [Ibid., p. 122.]
May 14.
Whitehall.
Commission for William Carr, gent., to be adjutant to the Princess Ann of Denmark's regiment of foot, commanded by Colonel John Beaumont. [H.O. Military Entry Book 4, p. 50.]
May 14.
Whitehall.
Appointment for Colonel Edward Fitzpatrick to be governor of the fort of Languard Point in Suffolk, with all privileges enjoyed by Colonel Henry Killegrew. [Ibid., p. 55.]
May 14.
Whitehall.
Caveat that nothing pass concerning the reversal of Mr. Fagan's outlawry in Ireland till notice be given to Lord Coningsby, or to Mr. Penceford, at Mr. Fox's office. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 74, p. 2.]
May 14.
Whitehall.
Proceedings upon the petition of Captain Eleazar Minto, praying to be made an engineer in consideration of his services. Referred to the Earl of Romney for report. [S.P. Dom. Petition Entry Book 2, p. 400.]
May 14.
Whitehall.
Proceedings upon the petition of Elizabeth Mead, shewing that her first husband was a captain of horse in the milita of Dublin, extremely well affected to their Majesties' government, and unfortunately killed by one Barras Gradon, whose insolencies and reflections upon his Majesty he could not suffer; praying the queen will remit the rent of her small farm, for the maintenance of herself and her family. Referred to the Treasury for their opinion. [S.P. Dom. Petition Entry Book 3, p. 57.]
May 14.
Whitehall.
The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Lords of the Admiralty. The Queen commands me to send you the enclosed complaint against the commander of the Greyhound frigate, for his ill-usage of a Danish ship bound to Plymouth, in killing one of their men and wounding several others, which her Majesty wishes enquired into, and a report made to her of the circumstances of this fact and the provocations leading to it. Enclosure not here appended. [H.O. Letter Book (Secretary's) 5, p. 14.]
May 14.
Whitehall.
Pass for the ship Speedwell, Robert Boarne, commander, to take on board such French prisoners as are now in England and transport them to St. Malo to be exchanged for our subjects, prisoners there. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 37, p. 210.]
May 14.
Whitehall.
Passes for Lawrence Coningh and his child to go to Holland; for Captain Richard Beaumont, Mr. James Hanis and Richard Colthrop, lieutenant, Henry Clark, quarter-master, Mr. Parry, chaplain, three serjeants and eighty-four recruits belonging to Lord Castleton's regiment [Ibid. 38, p. 564]; for Arnold Van Shurr to go to Holland and Hamburgh; for Philip Guillereau, a French Protestant, to go to Hamburg; for Margaret Foullerton and her children to go to Holland or Flanders [Ibid., p. 565].
May 14.
Whitehall.
Warrant to Richard Poike, jun., to search for and take into custody Major John Pulman, who was found concealed on board a transport ship in the river, designing to go to France under a false pretence. [Ibid. 39, p. 36.]
May 15.
Dublin Castle.
The Lords Justices to [Sir John Trenchard]. Mr. Charles White of Leixlip, whose petition for the reversal of the sentence of outlawry we referred to Sir Richard Levinge, their Majesties' SolicitorGeneral, was Governor of the county of Kildare, in the absence of the Earl of Limerick, in the years 1689 and 1690, also a privy councillor to the late King James, and a member of the late pretended parliament. It does not appear that he was in the late King's army or otherwise concerned in the late troubles. During his terms of office, he was very kind to the protestants, especially those of Leixlip, who by his means enjoyed their church. Immediately after the rout at the Boyne he embraced the King's "Declaration," and had a protection signed by Sir Robert Southwell, dated at the King's camp at Crumlyn, July 11th, 1690, and has since continued obedient to the Government. It also appears by an affidavit of the petitioner that he is only tenant for life, but the settlement is not produced to us. He is an old man, and the value of his estate, beyond the rent he pays and the pension allowed him, small. [S.P. Ireland 356, No. 53.]
May 15.
Whitehall.
Sir John Trenchard to the Lords of the Admiralty, directing authority to be given to Sir Cloudesley Shovel to keep such of the discharged tenders as he shall think necessary. [H.O. Admiralty Entry Book 1, p. 122.]
May 15.
Whitehall.
The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Lords of the Admiralty, enclosing certain "proposals" (not here appended) for their opinion. [H.O. Letter Book (Secretary's) 5, p. 15.]
May 15.
Whitehall.
Passes for Hildebraen Baen, a Dutchman, to go to Harwich and Holland [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 37, p. 209]; for Martha Van der Hurt, a soldier's wife, with her child, to go to Holland; for John Thomasz, a Dutchman, ditto; and for Francis Knowles, esq., of Winchington, in Bucks, and three servants, to embark in any port of the kingdom and pass beyond the seas for the recovery of his health [Ibid. 38, p. 565].
May 16.
Luyck ?
M. Coehoorn to the King. As regards the state of the works in this place, I am in a position to wish the enemy would only come and try them. Before I began them, I told your Majesty that, once the lines were completed, I could hold them with ten thousand musqueteers; and although it is represented that I now require more men, I can assure your Majesty that I am still of the same opinion as regards the lines; but as regards the citadel and the Carthusian monastery, which in case of an attack could not be held by the Luyck troops alone, and which, in my judgment, are far weaker than any part of the lines (although all that was possible has been done), we shall still require men enough to hold the two gates, and some more troops to prevent disorders in the town.
As soon as the works are complete, I beg your Majesty will furnish us with the necessary men, for whom I have so frequently written to the Council of State. The officers commanding the regiments in this garrison have begged me to represent to your Majesty their petition that they may be on the same footing as regards carriage money with the other regiments, and they have commissioned two officers, viz., Lieutenant-Colonel Rolas and Major Coehoorn, to lay the matter before you. [S.P. Dom. King William's Chest 15, No. 9.]
May 16.
Ghent [?]
Thomas Hurly to Mr. Daniel Sullivan, Southwark. A private letter reporting on the progress of "my lord's son" Robin, and of Mr. Laurence. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 5, No. 81.]
May 16.
Admiralty Office.
The Lords of the Admiralty to the Duke of Shrewsbury. We have sent Mr. Leckie to the Navy Board to report to us what they think fitting to be done concerning his proposals. As to what Mr. Leckie says at the bottom of his proposals that they had our approval, we must state that the only answer he had from us was that we believed there were several things therein that would be beneficial to the Navy. [H.O. Admiralty 5, p. 414.]
May 16.
Whitehall.
Passes for Thomas Masman, a huntsman, three servants, a woman, and two children to go to Gravesend and Denmark [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 37, p. 209]; for Colonel Sydney Godolphin and two servants to go to Holland or Flanders; for Captain Bernard Granville and one servant to go to Holland; for Isabella Bee Adams, ditto; and for Elizabeth Jacobsen and her child, ditto [Ibid. 38, p. 566].
May 16.
Whitehall.
Warrant addressed to the Earl of Romney reciting that ten men, one sergeant and one drummer are to be added to each company of the regiment of fusiliers commanded by Major-General Sir Henry Bellassys, and directing that out of the stores remaining in the office of the ordnance certain arms and ammunition are to be issued for use of the said regiment. [H.O. Military Entry Book 4, p. 49.]
May 17.
Whitehall.
Passes for Turgen Thomsen and Mary Madtzdatter, his wife, to go to Gravesend and Denmark [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 37, p. 209]; for Hermanus Meyering to go to Holland and Flanders; for John Van Schoonhoven, ditto; for Hans Michel Newman, a Dutch soldier, ditto; and for Amy Carter and two children to go to Flanders, on the recommendation of the churchwardens of St. Martin's in the Fields [Ibid. 38, p. 566].
May 17.
Whitehall.
The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Judge of the Admiralty. The enclosed papers are put into my hands by Mr. D'Alonne, to whom the case of the St. Eve is earnestly recommended by a near relation of his, now in Sweden, who thinks it of consequence to gratify the owners, Billingscield and Palinfelt, as persons of consideration in that country. I therefore could not refuse to send you their demands, and desire you so far to favour them as they shall appear reasonable, particularly in relation to the freight for that part of the goods which is yet under question. [H.O. Letter Book (Secretary's) 5, p. 15.]
May 17.
Whitehall.
Sir John Trenchard to Sir Cloudesley Shovel. The last sum of money for paying the fleet will go from hence to-morrow morning, so that you may dispose for sailing accordingly. [H.O. Admiralty Entry Book 1, p. 125.]
May 17.
Whitehall.
The same to Admiral Russell [Ibid., p. 123] appending (1) Account of the French naval forces at Marseilles, May 1694, sent by Mr. Kirke, Consul at Genoa. [Ibid.] (2) Extract of advices received from Brest, 11 May, 1694:—On the night of the 2–3 May orders arrived for the squadron here to put out immediately; all were ready to put to sea in the evening of the 6th, but they did not sail till 3 a.m. on the 7th; they are bound for the Straits. There are thirty-one men-of-war. Orders were also received on the night of the 2–3 May to suffer nobody and nothing to leave this place, either by land or water, and these were enforced until the 9th instant. [Ibid., p. 124.]
May 8/18.
Turin.
Lord Galway to the King. Marshal Caprara has just heard that he is to take command in Hungary. It is now thought that the command of the Imperial troops will be given to Prince Eugene. President Pouane has said positively that the Viennese Court is entertaining the overtures France is making for peace. This Pouane has some credit with his Royal Highness; he is a bigot who opposed the edict in favour of the Vaudois. I imagine his object is to unsettle his master's mind, and so induce him to listen to such proposals himself. The edict is to be [considered] on Saturday, the 12th/22nd of December; they want to insert a clause that the Vaudois and other strangers coming to the valleys are in no way to molest the Catholics; this should be made reciprocal.
The enemy have made no important movement since I last wrote. I am urging his Royal Highness to let the Imperial troops march; part of them are sixteen days' march from here. I see no use in fatiguing our troops by marching till we receive the orders I expect by your Majesty's fleet. [S.P. Dom. King William's Chest 15, No. 10.]
May 18.
London.
Lord Montagu to the King. I did not like to trouble your Majesty or would have made it my humble request that you would have been so gracious as to have done my family the same honour you have done to my lord the Earl of Bedford and others. This request had been made to you by the old Duke of Schomberg, who thought himself under some obligation to me for the encouragement I gave him to attend you in your expedition into England, but that I did did not think it reasonable to ask the being put over the Duke of Shromsberge's (sic) head. But now that you have given him that rank, which the greatness of his family and personal merit has deserved, I may by your grace and favour pretend to the same dignity, as well as any of the families you have promoted, being myself the head of a family that many ages ago had great honours and dignities, when I am sure these had none, we having lost them by the civil wars between York and Lancaster.
I am now below the two younger branches, my Lords Manchester and Sandwich. I have to add to my pretension the having married the Duke of Newcastle's eldest daughter, and it has been the practice of all your predecessors, whenever they were so gracious as to keep up the honour of a family by the female line, to bestow it upon those who married the eldest, without there were some personal prejudice to the person who had that claim.
I may add another pretension, which is the same for which you have given a dukedom to the Bedford family, the having been one of the first and held out to the last in that cause which for the happiness of England brought you to the Crown. I hope it will not be thought a less merit to be alive and ready in all occasions to venture all again for your service, than if I had lost my head when my Lord Russell did; I could not then have had the opportunity of doing the nation the service I did when there was such opposition made by the Jacobite party in bringing my Lord Huntington, the Bishop of Durham and my Lord Ashley to vote against the Regency and your having the crown, which was passed but by those three voices and my own.
I should not put you in mind of this, but hope that so fortunate and so seasonable a service as this may supply all my other wants of merit, which since you were pleased to promise me in your bedchamber at St. James' before you were king never to forget, you will not, now that are so great and so glorious a one (sic); the Duke of Shrewsbury can further satisfy you what persecution I suffered, and what losses I sustained in the two last reigns, which must make the mortification greater if this humble pity be refused to your most dutiful and obedient servant. Printed by Dalrymple. [Ibid., No. 15.]
May 18.
Dublin Castle.
The Lords Justices of Ireland to Sir John Trenchard. Yesterday was presented to us a petition of the merchants of Whitehaven, shewing that several of their ships were expected home from the West Indies, Norway and the Baltic, who had all orders to sail north betwixt Scotland and Ireland, and praying that cruisers may be sent to guard the said passage, it having of late been much infested by French privateers. Of the four men-of-war that are to attend this coast two of them, viz., the Sapphire and St. Martin's Prize, are commanded into England by orders from the lords of the admiralty. The Virgin's Prize also by our order sailed to Portsmouth upon the representation of the Captain that if she be not put into dock and repaired, she will, in a little time, run the hazard of foundering at sea. The Dolphin, the only remaining frigate, we have ordered to accompany the convoy of the corn ships as far as the Land's End and then to return to Kinsale, there to be repaired, wanting many things, as Captain Stepney tells us, to fit her for service. So we are not able to gratify the merchants' request, though it seems very reasonable, and much for their Majesties' service that this northabout passage should be secured, for want whereof many ships belonging to Liverpool and other places in the St. George's Channel have been taken by the French. Wherefore we desire that cruisers may be appointed for security of the trade with what expedition you can in regard that June and July are the months in which these ships usually return from the West Indies. [S.P. Ireland 356, No. 54.] Enclosing copy of the petition of the Whitehaven merchants, undated, giving the names of the ships now expected on their return. [Ibid., No. 54 i.]
May 18.
London.
William Ashhurst, Lord Mayor of London, to [Sir John Trenchard]. You are acquainted with my loss of 1,500l., sustained from the Daltons, two brothers in Dublin. The King referred my petition for the grant of their forfeited estate to the Lords Justices. I hear you will now receive this report, and beg you to lay it before the Queen, for the longer it is delayed the less advantage it will be to me, most of the debts becoming every day worse. This loss, as well as some others I met with in London, was merely occasioned by the late revolution, and had I not been as busy to serve their Majesties in London as you were at Exeter, I might have had security for it. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 5, No. 82.]
May 18.
Admiralty Office.
Report by the Lords of the Admiralty upon the unfitness of William Blakeway, the present sailmaker to the navy, to retain his post, he being a person disaffected to government, and having converted some of their Majesties' canvas and tar to private uses. The navy commissioners have received orders to discontinue him as soon as compatible with arrangements made. [H.O. Admiralty 5, p. 418.] Appending:—
(1) The petition of Charles Bridger, of Bermondsey, sailmaker, requesting the post of sailmaker to the navy in the room of William Blackway; undated. Written below is the King's order referring the matter to the Lords of the Admiralty for report, 27 March, 1694. [Ibid., p. 422.] (2) Copy of a testimonial in favour of the said Charles Bridger, by the Lord Mayor and others, 19 Sept. 1693. [Ibid., p. 426.]
May 8/18.
The Hague.
Mr. Blathwayt to Sir John Trenchard. The King orders me to acquaint you that, by all advices from France, it is believed the ships intended from Brest for the Mediterranean have already gone out, so that the English squadron intended for the Straits should be hastened away. The ships that are to go from the river to Portsmouth are to be dispatched thither with all expedition. Copy. [H.O. Admiralty Entry Book 1, p. 119.]
May 18.
Whitehall.
Warrant for the reversal of the outlawries against Theobald, late Viscount Dillon, upon the petition of Henry Dillon, esq., his son and heir, who commanded a regiment of foot in the city of Limerick at the time of its surrender, and is adjudged to be comprehended within the Articles of Limerick; it appears that Viscount Dillon had settled all his property before the late rebellion, and was tenant for his own life only, therefore by the reversal of the outlawries the said Henry Dillon will not be restored to anything more than the title of Viscount Dillon. The said Dillon is to enter into a recognizance in 10,000l., to convey to the Crown all his title to any real estate formerly belonging to his father, except such as was settled on him and his issue by a deed of settlement of 15 November, 1688. [S.P. Dom. Signet Office Letter Book 13, p. 113.]
May 18.
Whitehall.
Proceedings upon the petition of Anne Long, widow, for a writ of error in a judgment obtained against her at the suit of Charles Reeve. Granted. [S.P. Dom. Petition Entry Book 2, p. 399.]
May 18.
Whitehall.
Proceedings upon the petition of Francis Boynton, merchant, praying letters patent for his invention of an engine for casting up great quantities of water. Referred to the Attorney-General for report. [Ibid.]
May 18.
Whitehall.
Proceedings upon the petition of Robert Baden, praying a writ of error in a judgment that their Majesties recovered against him upon a plea he pleaded in discharge of several lands of Edmund Clarke, esq., seized in their Majesties' hands by virtue of an outlawry against the said Edmund at the suit of David Allen in a plea of debt at the court of exchequer. Granted. [Ibid. 3, p. 57.]
May 18.
Whitehall.
Warrant to Henry, Earl of Romney, reciting that at the request of the mayor and burgesses of Lyme Regis in Dorset, it is thought fit to grant them three pieces of ordnance to better guard and defend the place in time of war, and directing that out of the stores remaining in the office of the ordnance, three saker and as many carriages proper for them be delivered for the use of the said town. [H.O. Military Entry Book 3, p. 216.]
May 18.
Whitehall.
Warrant to Henry, Earl of Suffolk, to grant leave to John Gibsone, gent., ensign of that company of which Captain George Keyworth is captain in the regiment of foot commanded by Colonel John Gibsone, to be absent from his said command, and be in the service on board the fleet this summer. [Ibid., p. 217.]
May 18.
Whitehall.
Warrant to Henry Earl of Romney, directing that out of the Ordnance Stores one hundred and twenty pair of pistols are to be issued for arming the two additional troops in the regiment of dragoons commanded by Colonel Cunningham. [Ibid. 4, p. 51.]
May 18.
Whitehall.
Passes for Captain Gualy and two servants to go to Harwich and Flanders; for Lewis Barry, Jane, his wife, Mary, Jane, Lewis, and John their children, to go to Gravesend and Holland [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 37, p. 211]; for Jane Gorenflo, a French protestant, and five children to go to Holland [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 566]; for Allain Brocket, a French protestant, ditto; and for Mr. Smith, an officer in the Marquis de Rada's regiment, and a servant, ditto [Ibid., p. 567].
May 19.
Poole.
Joseph Wadham to Sir John Trenchard. On Thursday morning last two French privateers chased our custom-house boat into this harbour and took a small Guernsey vessel laden with brandy; the master reported he came from Lisbon. After that the privateers ran in as far as the harbour's mouth, sounding the ground as they came in, and anchored two or three cables' length off the shore. Yesterday, one William Thomson of this town, with about 30 men well-armed, went down in the custom-house boat to endeavour to take them; but as soon as the privateers discerned them they hoisted sail and made off. We want a small frigate to cruise from the Isle of Wight to this place and to Portland, to prevent these small rogues from doing any more mischief. At present it is very difficult and dangerous for any ship or boat to go in and out of this harbour for fear of being taken. A small frigate of ten or twenty guns would do for this coast. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 5, No. 83.]
May 19.
Bristol.
Robert Yate to Sir John Trenchard. The French privateers have wholly blocked up this Channel for want of a small frigate twixt Lundy and Milford; and whereas, during last winter, which was very stormy, their Majesties' ship Lark was in this Channel, now, when she might do us service, she has been recalled sometime; and we do not hear that one man-of-war has been near Milford Haven these two months. Our coast trade is entirely stopped, on the advice from Milford of burning two, and taking three, vessels out of the harbour; and is more uneasy to us than all the taxes we have hitherto paid. [Ibid., No. 84.]
May 19.
Whitehall.
Sir J. Trenchard to Admiral Russell. The King presses very earnestly for the departure of the squadron for the Straits, but I think it is not possible till the rest of the fleet joins you. The last money for the payment of the seamen will reach Portsmouth tomorrow. [H.O. Admiralty Entry Book 1, p. 125.] Enclosing: (1) Extract of a letter from Toulon, 11 May, 1694, N.S. (French). Misery is experienced here as elsewhere. The galleys have orders to be in readiness. It is thought the ships will leave on the 15th. The St. Philip caught fire in a thunderstorm. There are two bomb-vessels, and each ship carries a mortar. De Tourville is on board his ship. A rich French vessel has been taken by the people of Flushing. [Ibid.] (2) Extract of a letter from Paris, 21 May, N.S. (French). No one thinks much of the siege of Barcelona, but very much of the siege of Palamos and of Girone. We hear a great thunderstorm took place after the naval squadron had left Toulon, damaging the admiral's ship. Fears are entertained at Brest that the enemy may come and burn the vessels lying there disarmed, to the number of thirty and more, for the squadron of thirty-four that left Brest were not all from that place, but included ships from Rochefort and Port Louis. Mons. de Vauban is taking measures to provide for the safety of the place, and will probably remain there all the summer. [Ibid., p. 126.]
May 19. List of the English royal navy as it is ordered for the line of battle. London, printed for John Amery, and sold by R. Taylor, near Stationers' Hall. [H.O. Admiralty 7, No. 45.]
May 19.
Whitehall.
The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Governor of Bermuda. The bearer, Mr. Nelson, is employed by Mr. Row and others to manage their interest in their Majesties' grant to them of the wrecks in those parts. I do not doubt you will give fitting assistance. [H.O. Letter Book (Secretary's) 5, p. 16.]
May 19.
Whitehall.
Passes and post warrant for Mr. Robert Foreman to go to Harwich and Holland; for Colonel John Courthop with five able horses to go to Holyhead or Chester [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 37, p. 211]; for Mr. James de Linville, a French protestant, to go to Holland; for Louis Volere and two children to go to Ireland [Ibid. 38, p. 566]; for Mr. Peterstone to go to Holland; and for Gysbert Kuyper, a Dutchman, ditto [Ibid., p. 567].
May 20. Extract from various communications from Switzerland and France, in a letter of 10/20 May, containing details as to the disposition of troops, &c., &c. [S.P. Dom. King William's Chest 15, No. 11.]
May 20. E. Smith to Henry Tomlin. A private letter, mentioning Mr. Hobes, Mr. Vanbrugh, and Mr. William Raw. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 5, No. 85.]
May 20.
Sherborne.
Sir Ralph Dutton to Sir John Trenchard. A gentleman that was at my house last week was very pressing to have me take a commission of King James. Being sensible it might be of service to the government if such a thing be managed, I inform you thereof, in case you might think fit to acquaint the Queen. On a note received under my hand without my name I shall presently receive a commission for a colonel of horse. I suppose I shall then be permitted into some other companies of them, but this will be a considerable charge, and I do believe that I must come to London. I have sent Captain Fisher to wait on you. The Poll Bill will do more hurt than the money's worth to Government. [Ibid., No. 86.]
May 20.
Whitehall.
Pass for Captain Henry Seymour and two servants to go to Holland. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 567.]
May 21.
Whitehall.
Sir J. Trenchard to Sir Cloudesley Shovel. [H.O. Admiralty Entry Book 1, p. 126.] Enclosing:—Order to the same, dated Whitehall, 21 May, 1694, directing him if the wind continues contrary to disembark the land forces and await Admiral Russell; if the wind be fair, to proceed to join Russell in Torbay, leaving orders for the bombvessels and victuallers, not yet joined, to follow him. If the land forces are taken, they are to be victualled out of the sea provisions according to the proportion the seamen are now allowed. [Ibid.]
May 21.
Whitehall.
The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Recorder of London. The Queen commands me to send you the enclosed petition of Alice Langly, that you should consider the allegations therein, particularly in relation to her being made use of as an evidence for convicting a notorious offender, and the encouragement given her to hope thereby to be recommended to mercy, and whether this was her first crime, and upon your report of the circumstances of her case her Majesty will declare her further pleasure. Enclosure not here appended. [H.O. Letter Book (Secretary's) 5, p. 16].
May 21.
London.
Tregonwell Frampton to Sir John Trenchard, begging advice on enclosed, to be sent to Mr. Stuteville, directed to the posthouse in Newmarket, Cambridgeshire. "I will take care he shall present you with a pad nag for your trouble." [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 5, No. 87.] Enclosing:—
(1) Charles Stuteville to Tregonwell Frampton, dated Dalham, 18 May, 1694. On my mother's behalf I beg, if you will see or write to Sir John Trenchard, you will request him to see the Lord Keeper and speak a word or two, acquainting his lordship that we have been a long continued family, yet we are now endeavoured to be borne down by others, who commit great waste upon our estates, and to desire his lordship to do us justice when our causes shall come before him. [Ibid., 87 i.] (2) Note of a Rule consented to at Ipswich Assizes by Charles Stuteville [Ibid., 87 ii.]; and (3) Copy of an order served upon Lady Glemham, 3 May, 1690, in an appeal made by Charles Stuteville, esq., and Judith his mother, versus the said Lady Glemham, Sir William Rawsterne and Thomas Owneby [Ibid., 87 iii.].
May 21.
Poole.
Joseph Wadham to Sir John Trenchard. Begging employment, in case a person is wanted at Poole for measuring ships, &c., in connection with the Tonnage Bill. Just now about twenty Frenchmen have come into the town, taken on board the two boats mentioned in my last. They came out of St. Malo about a fortnight ago. They took only a prize out of Studland Bay; one Captain Rowland of Guernsey, and one Peter Jollife of this town took them yesterday, between our harbour and Weymouth. One of the boats, I think, is carried to Weymouth, the other to Swanage; but these Frenchmen that have come here are carried to prison. [Ibid., No. 88.]
May 21. Minutes of the proceedings of Council touching certain Admiralty matters, e.g., sailing orders for Admiral Russell and Sir Cloudesley Shovel, the embarking of the land forces, &c. [H.O. Admiralty 7, No. 46.]
May 21.
Whitehall.
Sir J. Trenchard to Admiral Russell. In reply to yours of the 19th from Torbay, if this finds you there and the wind be westerly, the Queen thinks fit you should sail forthwith to St. Helen's; if easterly, that you await Sir Cloudesley Shovel at Torbay. As soon as he has joined you, you are to use all possible diligence to hasten the squadron into the Mediterranean; and to send a list of such ships as you intend for that service. [H.O. Admiralty Entry Book 1, p. 127.]
May 21.
Whitehall.
Sir J. Trenchard to the Lords of the Admiralty. Inquiring the whereabouts of the Granado and Fire Drake, bomb-vessels, and the occasion of their delay. [Ibid., p. 129.]
May 21.
Whitehall.
Order to Lieut.-Gen. Talmash to put the land forces on the fleet ashore at Torbay or elsewhere, in order to shift the men from one ship to another, if the admiral shall think it requisite. [H.O. Admiralty Entry Book 1, p. 128.] A similar order to Admiral Russell of the same date. [Ibid., p. 129.]
May 21.
Whitehall.
Sir J. Trenchard to Adm. Russell. If this finds you at St. Helen's the Queen's pleasure is that you hasten the dispatch of the squadron designed for the Mediterranean. [Ibid., p. 128.]
May 21.
Whitehall.
Warrant to Griffith Rice, esq., high sheriff of Carmarthen, to dwell out of the said county, provided that his absence prove not prejudicial to the service. [H.O. King's Letter Book 1, p. 53.]
May 21.
Whitehall.
Warrant to the Wardens and other Electors of New College, Oxford, and of the college near Winchester, to admit Thomas Dalton to be a child of the said college of Winchester. [Ibid. 2, p. 57.]
May 21.
Whitehall.
Proceedings upon the petition of Rose Forster, widow, sister to "Mrs. Ellen Gwin," mother to the Duke of St. Albans, showing that her first husband, Captain John Cassells, having for many years served the crown to the great expense of his fortune, died in 1675, leaving her in a sad condition, whereupon Charles II. granted her a pension of 200l., which has been unpaid since their Majesties' accession. Referred to the Treasury for report. [S.P. Dom. Petition Entry Book 3, p. 58.]
May 21.
Whitehall.
Pass for Francis Rousseau and Susanna Mornet to go to Gravesend and Holland. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 37, p. 211.]
May 21.
Whitehall.
Warrant to the Keeper of Newgate to take into custody Major John Pulman, for designing to go into France with intent to serve their Majesties' enemies, for which purpose he embarked on board a vessel "under a feigned pretence and name." [Ibid. 39, p. 38.]
May 21.
Whitehall.
Warrant for the payment to Anthony, Viscount Falkland of Scotland, appointed envoy extraordinary to the States-General of the United Provinces and plenipotentiary at the Congress of the Hague, of the sum of 500l. for his equipage as envoy extraordinary, and 300l. more as plenipotentiary, and the further sum of 5l. by the day as lord envoy extraordinary, and 3l. besides by the day as plenipotentiary for his ordinary entertainment and allowance; the said 5l. and 3l. per diem to commence from the day of his departure till the day of his return, and the allowance of 3l. as plenipotentiary to continue as long as the said Congress shall subsist. [Ibid., p. 37.]
May 21.
Whitehall.
Commissions for William Cade, gent., to be lieutenant of the company of which Lieutenant Colonel Adam Murray is captain in the regiment of foot commanded by William, Viscount Charlemont; and for — Montgomery, gent., to be ensign of the company of which Captain John Wildman is captain, in the same regiment. [H.O. Military Entry Book 4, p. 50.]
May 22. Lord Godolphin to the King. I have received your letter of the 24th (n.s.) from Loo, and in answer to it you will find by the returns which Mr. Guy will send to Mons. Schuylemburgh by this post that we have not been negligent in remitting the 12,000l. according to your orders. The other part of your Majesty's commands in the same letter will not be so soon complied with, for we cannot assign Mons. de Schuylemburgh for that 29,000l. upon any funds but the Bank, though that were not the funds first designed for him, but the funds of the lottery having already answered near 500,000l. to the use of the Army, and half of that, and indeed of all the taxes being strictly appropriated to the Navy, we are not at liberty to assign his money upon that fund, and shall therefore place it upon the Bank which will be a little more remote.
We are endeavouring all we can to get through the difficulties that we meet with in the settling of that matter pursuant to the Act of Parliament, and I hope we shall at last overcome them all, though the thing being new in itself and against the interests of many particular persons, meets with great opposition; and besides the Act of Parliament was made in such haste, as that several parts of it are defective, and have not been so well considered as they ought to have been. However, I hope still it will take effect, for I am sure without it, it will be impossible to find means here to carry on the subsistence for the Army, and even in case it does succeed, I doubt much whether the money will come in fast enough from it to answer that service, for your Majesty may remember that by the scheme you saw at the Treasury before you went from hence, the funds for the subsistence could not reach further than the beginning of October, supposing the whole sum expected from the Bank were ready money and could be all made up between this day and October, whereas I do not find the Corporation will be obliged to pay more than one half by the 1st of Oct., and the other half at any time before the 1st of January.
This is a true state of that matter. Mr. Howard is now well again and out of all danger. [S.P. Dom. King William's Chest 15, No. 17.]
May 12/22.
Turin.
Lord Galway to the King. I think your Majesty will already have been informed by Baron Goertz that the Emperor has given the command of the imperial troops in this country to Prince Eugene; other details relative to the campaign on the continent follow. [Ibid., No. 12.]
[May 22.] J. Howe to Sir John Trenchard. [S.P. Dom., William and Mary 5, No. 89.] Enclosing:—
Ebenezer Bradshaw to J. How, dated, Brighthelmstone, 19 May, 1694. Our poor town of Brighthelmstone, in Sussex, hath been this day suddenly surprized with four French privateers, and pestered therewith ever since 11 o'clock a.m. As yet they have not done us much mischief, having discharged themselves so nigh us as to shoot over our town; but now we see they are increased two in number, and seemingly more resolute in their designs, which most conjecture will be a firing and plundering of us. We are all ordered to our own defence, but here is our misery, we have nothing to maintain it with; and our county "parliamenteers" are such friends to the French interest, that though we have addressed them frequently in times seasonable for our relief with suitable magazines, yet they turn a deaf ear to us, and no supply is granted. Every one is ordered (though alas ! we are very naked) to be on our own defence this night, if so be that by appearances we may drive off this umbrage of ruin; and we all think ourselves highly obliged to do our respective parts for to gain a security within ourselves for the future; and I therefore beg you will use your interest in our behalf with all probable persons. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 5, No. 89 i.]
May 22.
Whitehall.
The Duke of Shrewsbury to Lord Lexington. I have received by the Dutch post arrived this morning a copy of a letter from Count Kinski, one of the ministers at Vienna, in which he mentions that the Emperor is required by the King of Poland to send his Ambassador to the place that shall be appointed to treat of a peace with the Grand Seignor. His Imperial Majesty shows a willingness to send his Ambassador to Stry, on condition that the mediation of England and Holland be still kept on foot; and matters of so great importance now coming under consideration, Count Kinski adds that it is desirable that a minister from the King of England should be dispatched to that Court. [H.O. Letter Book (Secretary's) 5, p. 17.]
May 22.
Whitehall.
The same to the Lords of the Admiralty. I send you the extract of a letter I received this morning by the foreign post, and I take this occasion to let you know that I have not yet heard whither the frigates have sailed or what readiness they are in, which you told me you had appointed to cruise for interrupting this corn fleet, though I have to send an account thereof into Holland. Enclosure not appended here. [Ibid., p. 18.]
May 22.
Admiralty Office.
The Lords of the Admiralty to the Duke of Shrewsbury. The Mountague, Oxford and Henry prize are under orders to cruize upon the Broad Fourteens. [H.O. Admiralty 5, p. 430.]
May 22.
Whitehall.
Appointment of Edmund Waller, of Gregories, esq., to be deputy lieutenant of the county of Buckingham. [H.O. Military Entry Book 4, p. 51.]
May 22.
Whitehall.
Proceedings upon the petition of Francis Leigh, of Rathbridge, in Ireland, setting forth that he was never in arms against their Majesties, nor otherwise concerned except by acting as a J.P., and submitted on the declaration of 22 February, 1688, as soon as he could have notice of it (living in the county of Kildare, near Dublin); that he hath since been outlawed for treason, and his estate granted to Lord Sydney; praying a pardon. Referred for report to the Lords Justices of Ireland. [S.P. Dom. Petition Entry Book 2, p. 401.]
May 22.
Whitehall.
Passes for Christian Brant to go to Gravesend and Denmark; for Magdalen Young to go to Holland; for Peter Eaton, ditto; for Mrs. Elisabeth Smith, Mary Pers, Mary Hayood, and Mary Swift, all servants to Mr. Wolseley, to go to Flanders; for Mrs. Ann de Bray, a minister's wife, to go to Holland or Flanders; for Mrs. Mary Gervaes and her maid to go to Holland [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 567].
May 22.
Whitehall.
Warrant to Lord Lucas, governor-in-chief of the Tower of London, to take into custody Colonel John Parker for high treason in adhering to their Majesties' enemies. [Ibid. 39, p. 69.]
May 23.
Whitehall.
The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Lords of the Admiralty. Lord Lexington, their Majesties' envoy extraordinary to the Emperor, being ready for his departure, I am commanded by the Queen to signify to you that you immediately provide a yacht with a convoy to take him to Holland. [H.O. Letter Book (Secretary's) 5, p. 19.]
May 23.
Whitehall.
The same to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury. There are now pressing occasions for Lord Lexington's hastening to Vienna, and he only stays for what he receives out of the Exchequer upon his Privy Seal of envoy extraordinary. I could not refuse joining my request with his, that you would give him all possible dispatch. [Ibid., p. 20.]
May 23.
Admiralty Office.
Report by the Lords of the Admiralty, stating that the rules of the navy make an allowance of bounty money to such persons only whose relations are slain in fight against the enemy; the widow of Sir Francis Wheler can therefore have no claim to such relief. [H.O. Admiralty 5, p. 438.]
May 23.
London.
Mons. Leyoncrona to [the Duke of Shrewsbury], requesting that the Swedish Captain John Moller may be admitted to serve as a volunteer on their Majesties' fleet, having obtained leave of absence this summer from the King of Sweden, in order to gain further experience abroad, upon condition it be either on the English or Dutch fleets. [Ibid. 7, No. 47.]
May 23.
Bridgwater.
Roger Hoar to Sir John Trenchard. Myself and others are great sufferers for want of cruisers in this Channel, having lost four ships taken from myself and partners in eighteen months' time, the last of which was on the 13th inst., taken out of Milford Harbour by a French privateer. I have to ask advice about two Irish men, John Murphy and Philip Conellan, who were taken by the Mary galley in a French privateer about fourteen months since, and sent to Plymouth, from whence they lately made their escape, and were apprehended here by Mr. Mayor and myself, and sent to the county gaol, on their confessing very impudently under their hands their voluntarily going into the privateer, and taking a Bristol ship two days after they came out of St. Malo; and, being asked where they were going, they told us to their King, for that they were but prisoners of war, and were under the Articles of Limerick, and ought to be sent back to France, notwithstanding their piracy, for that they had King James's commission. They now relent and have written to one Captain Hyde in this town (who is raising an independent company hereabout), that they will enlist under him. We beg your honour's direction herein. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 5, No. 90.]
May 23.
Whitehall.
Passes for Mr. Gilbert Nelson to go to Gravesend or the Downs and Bermudas; for Elizabeth Hughes to go to Gravesend and Denmark; and for John Jacob Stentzel to go to Gravesend and Holland. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 37, p. 212.]
May 24.
On board the BritanniaSt. Helens.
Sir Edward Russell to the King. "I am so afraid your Majesty should conclude the ships designed for the Mediterranean not being gone proceeds from any delay on my side, that I rather venture to trouble you with a short account of the matter than lie under the mortification of your Majesty's apprehending me faulty. When I sailed the 3rd day in May there were only eighteen of all sorts of ships paid, which I went out with—victualling ships, bomb-vessels, and store-ships, not any arrived at Portsmouth. By the assistance of the Dutch ships, I made up a squadron of thirty ships of war, which I sailed with into the Soundings. When I heard the French were gone from Brest, which I had notice of the third day I had been at sea by the ship I had sometime before sent into Brest Harbour, and after I had made the little detachment into Conquet, I returned to this place, where I found the soldiers embarked. I lost no time in removing them to the proper ships that were to stay in these seas, and completely victualled and fitted the rest of the ships that were to proceed to the Straits, and it was done with that dispatch, that though I came here Tuesday noon, by Wednesday night I was ready to sail with the whole fleet, had the wind been fair, which is the only thing that at present detains us, and I hope it will not long continue, for I am very sensible that the delays that have been always made have too far advanced the season of the year.
Considering how long the French have been gone, I should be extremely sorry for your Majesty's service that a fleet should go so far to seek an enemy, or have the misfortune to do no service by the enemy performing what they designed, and then retire to their harbour. I should in this receive another mortification as to myself, not being fond of taking such a voyage, but out of the hopes of rendering your Majesty some service, which I still hope may happen. But be pleased to let me observe that from the great number of bomb vessels you were pleased to order, we have at this time but three, and hardly the necessary stores and provisions for them. The Dutch had no orders till Allemonde came for any of those ships to go to the Straits; and now there are four considerable ships wanting and all the provisions for their whole squadron. I hope your Majesty will not think I have been wanting in my part to hasten the service I know is so necessary. I will sail the first moment I have either wind or fair weather." [S.P. Dom. King William's Chest 15, No. 18.]
May 24.
Whitehall.
The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Lords of the Admiralty. Your report of the 18th inst. upon the petition of Charles Bridger is laid before the Queen, by which it appears you have given directions to the principal officers and Commissioners of the Navy to dismiss from their Majesties' service William Blakeway, the present sail-maker to the Navy, and her Majesty, taking notice of the advantageous character that is given of the said Charles Bridger by the Lord Mayor, several of the aldermen and other eminent merchants of London, as well in relation to his zeal and duty to the Government, as his skill in his profession of sail making, commands me to tell you that as you shall be satisfied in the reasonableness of his proposals, and his abilties to undertake the employment of sail-maker to the Navy, you do accordingly consider him at the next disposal of the same. [H.O. Letter Book (Secretary's) 5, p. 20.]
May 25.
Whitehall.
Order to Rear-Admiral Nevill to join the squadron now sent to the Mediterranean under Admiral Russell. [H.O. Admiralty Entry Book 1, p. 130.]
May 24.
Whitehall.
Sir John Trenchard to the Lords of the Admiralty. The bombvessels now ready in the river, but wanting men, are to be forthwith manned and sent to the fleet. The Queen requires an account of what credits have been sent to Admiral Nevill, and what care is taken for the short allowance money for the seamen on board the main fleet. [H.O. Admiralty Entry Book 1, p. 130.]
May 24.
Whitehall.
Sir John Trenchard to Admiral Russell. The Queen is fully satisfied with your care in hastening out the fleet. As to the dry provisions to be lodged in Cadiz Bay, the King, last month, gave orders to the Admiralty for one month's dry provisions for the whole fleet to be ready about the beginning of August, which shall be sent after you. If you think more requisite, the Queen will give the necessary directions. The King was of opinion that if the credit you thought requisite for the Mediterranean squadron were to be immediately ordered, it might make the design too public, and therefore left it to be done by the Queen at the proper time. At the beginning of the month orders were sent to Rear-Admiral Nevill and Vice-Admiral Calemberg to have the ships under their command ready to sail "in six hours' warning." [Ibid., p. 131.] Enclosing:—
(1) Copy of a letter from the Admiralty respecting credits returned to Rear-Admiral Nevill (not here appended); (2) Extract of a letter from Mr. Wolseley, dated 16/26 May, 1694. They write from Paris that the French court are apprehensive we have a design either to besiege or bomb Brest, and have therefore added six battalions of foot to the garrison, and Mons. de Vauban, the famous engineer, is ordered to stay there all the summer. They add that the Toulon squadron consists of but 22 men-of-war, some of which are already much damaged by thunder and lightning, and that the squadron (sic) consists of 33, and is already sailed towards the Straits [Ibid., p. 132]; (3) Extract of a letter from the Spanish Ambassador to the Queen, dated 2 June, N.S., 1694 (French). News has arrived by way of Corunna that on the 14th of May fifty to sixty French ships were seen in the Straits, flying the captain's and admiral's standard, making for Barcelona to attack that place both by sea and land; report says they were to be reinforced by 30 ships from Toulon. Mons. de Schonnembergh has notified, on behalf of the King of England, that if the French send fresh forces to increase those at Toulon, the English and the States' General will provide that their forces in those parts outnumber the French by onethird. [Ibid.]
May 24.
Whitehall.
The Queen to Lieut.-Admiral Allemonde. Whereas the Westfriezland, Castecl van Medenblick, Enkhuijsen and Tergoes, which were designed to be part of the Mediterranean squadron, are not at present with the fleet, we hereby desire you to appoint four other ships for that service. [Ibid., p. 131.]
May 24.
Whitehall.
Warrant addressed to the Earl of Romney, reciting that three regiments of horse commanded by the Earl, of Macclesfield, Charles, Earl of Arran, and Colonel Thomas Windsor, and Colonel Edward Leigh's regiment of dragoons are to encamp on Hounslow Heath, and directing that out of the ordnance stores the usual proportion of tents are to be issued for the use of the said regiments. [H.O. Military Entry Book 4, p. 52.]
May 24.
Whitehall.
Passes and post warrant for John Wolfgang and Andrew de Koert to go to Gravesend or Harwich and into Holland [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 37, p. 212]; for Mr. Daniel Miter and Mr. Christophorus Iseluis, with two able post horses, to go to Portsmouth; for Mr. Stephen la Camboline, a reformed captain, to go to Gravesend and Holland; for Samuel Demaupoey and Peter Puchou to go to Harwich or Gravesend and into Holland; for Philip Bydall and Katherine his wife, ditto [Ibid., p. 213]; for Don Scipio Brancacio, lieutenantgeneral of the King of Spain's cavalry, Don John Budham, and Don Ventura Onez de Bergara, and five servants to go to Flanders; for Susanna Chevalié and Anne Perée, French Protestants, to go to Holland; and for Thomas Whetcombe, ditto [Ibid. 38, p. 568].
May 24.
Whitehall.
Warrant for the grant of a noli prosequi to be entered upon the information exhibited against Peter Hudson, of London, merchant, for mingling bad powder amongst some barrels of gunpowder he was to furnish to the magazines of the Tower. [Ibid. 39, p. 39.]
May 25.
Turin.
Lord Galway to the King. The Marquis de Leganez arrived here on the 2nd instant; he has been to Genoa and to Final with Bruner. The Genoese reply neither to the demands of the Imperialists nor the Spaniards. The latter have one hundred thousand crowns belonging to the Genoese, as cover for their claims. The Imperialists wish to enter their country. Whatever they do they will not get all they claim. I will oppose this design as much as I can, because this would prevent the troops from entering the country, and because we can derive great commercial advantages from Genoa, if we undertake some enterprize by sea, though, on the other hand, they render greater service to the enemy than if they had declared themselves, whilst the French seize all their ships, paying no heed to the complaints of their minister.
The Marquis de Leganez reports having left Final in good condition, and well provided with stores of war and victuals sufficient for the army for six weeks.
Still there are several difficulties to be overcome; the first is the governor's obstinate resolve not to divide his infantry, without which we have only twenty-two battalions for the expedition; and if his royal highness takes these troops, so as to leave others in the plain, he insists on sending back three thousand of them to the Milanese; and thus we shall have no larger force of infantry, but troops not so good and not so dependent upon his royal highness. But the difficulty which appears to me insurmountable is the large body of foot that remains under the command of Mons. de Cattinat. I enclose a return of their troops, which seems correct. The whole forces are set down except the troops in the county of Nice and in Provence, of which I am to receive an account. The Marquis says he was assured in Final that there are eight thousand men in Nice and Villefranche and the forts.
It seems to me, from what news we have, that if your Majesty's fleet does not alter the enemy's plans, they propose to take [everything ?] in Catalonia. They are wasting a great deal of time in waiting for Chateau[renaud]'s squadron. Apparently whether this enterprize succeeds or fails, the troops employed in it will come back towards Piedmont. We must see if there will not be time to effect something before that. The return of the courier I have dispatched to your Majesty will give us some information; however, our only anxiety is to dispatch the courier to set the Imperial troops in motion. "23" has not yet left, although the Marquis de Caprara promised his royal highness that it should be so. We lose months by this waiting from day to day.
We are to meet this morning in his royal highness's private room. I regret very much that a contrary wind detains your Majesty in England. [S.P. Dom. King William's Chest 15, No. 13.]
May 25.
Whitehall.
Sir J. Trenchard to the Postmaster-General. I have received yours of yesterday with which I have acquainted the Queen, who commands me to signify her pleasure to you that you give order for stopping one of the Groyne packet boats to carry such letters as shall be sent by the Commissioners of the Navy. [H.O. Letter Book (Secretary's) 3, p. 169.]
May 25.
Admiralty Office.
The Lords of the Admiralty to the Duke of Shrewsbury. The Navy Commissioners have orders when they enter into a new contract for making sails for the navy to give public notice thereof, as is usual, to all the sailmakers about the town, and amongst the rest to Charles Bridger; and if his proposals be found most advantageous for the service, he will be appointed to the work. [H.O. Admiralty 5, p. 442.]
May 25.
Admiralty Office.
The same to the same. [Ibid., p. 446.] Enclosing:—
Copy of the examination of Captain James Atkins, commander of their Majesties' ship the Greyhound, concerning the complaint made against him by Simon Broomberg, commander of the Emmanuel of Dramenn in Norway, Captain Atkins being sent upon an expedition for Havre de Grace by Rear-Admiral the Earl of Danby, on board the Neptune, 13 April, 1694; and of the depositions of Benjamin Clarke, master of the Greyhound and others of the crew. [Ibid., p. 450–455.]
May 25.
Whitehall.
Sir John Trenchard to the Lords of the Admiralty, enclosing a letter of the 18th instant, from the Lords Justices of Ireland (not here appended), and directing that cruisers be appointed as before to guard the Irish coasts. Orders are to be given for a convoy for the victualling ships now in the Downs, bound for the fleet. [H.O. Admiralty Entry Book 1, p. 133.]
May 25.
Whitehall.
The Duke of Shrewsbury to Lord Lucas. It is her Majesty's wish that Mr. Jones and Mr. Burroughs be admitted to see Colonel Parker, now a prisoner in the Tower, in the presence of yourself or your deputy governor. [H.O. Letter Book (Secretary's) 5, p. 21.]
May 25.
Whitehall.
The same to the Lieut.-Governor of Deal Castle. I received yours of yesterday which gives an account of one Frenchman and seven women, that are secured there till satisfaction be given as to the truth of their pretences that they have come over only to enjoy the liberty of the Protestant religion, which it is fit they should make appear before they are allowed to pass further; and therefore you have done well to confine them and they should continue so till they find some who shall answer for them or give security for their appearance here. [Ibid., p. 22.]
May 25.
Whitehall.
The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Lords of the Admiralty. The Queen having been moved on behalf of Captain John Moller, a sea officer and subject of the King of Sweden, that he may have leave to serve as a volunteer this summer in the fleet, commands me to order you to give directions for the said Captain Moller's being received on board one of their Majesty's ships of the line of battle to continue there during this summer's expedition. [H.O. Letter Book (Secretary's) 5, p. 22.]
May 25.
Whitehall.
Passes and post warrant for Jacob Fallaar, a Dutchman, to go to Holland; for Daniel Dismier, a French Protestant, ditto [S.P. Dom., Warrant Book 38, p. 568]; for John Rennison, brigadier Russell's servant; for Captain Simon Martinez, commander of a Spanish frigate, to go to Portsmouth, with one horse and a guide [Ibid., p. 569].
May 25.
Whitehall.
Warrant to Henry Legate to search for and apprehend — Coleman, for treasonable practises. [Ibid., 570.]
May 25.
Whitehall.
Warrant to William, Earl of Strafford, in order to the preservation of the royal game, to seize all greyhounds and other dogs, and to take away all snares put down for the purpose of killing the game near and about Wentworth Woodhouse, co. York, and to detain and certify names of all persons offending by such means within fifteen miles of Wentworth Woodhouse. [Ibid., p. 577.]
May 25.
Whitehall.
Warrant to the keeper of the Marshalsea Prison to permit Mr. James Johnson to speak with Mr. Charles Welch, a prisoner, in the presence of a keeper. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 39, p. 39.]
May 25.
Whitehall.
Commissions for Charles de Boileau Castlenau, gent., to be ensign to Captain Samuel Pittman in Colonel Thomas Farrington's regiment of foot; for Robert Wynn, gent., to be second lieutenant of the company of which Captain Thomas Leigh is captain in the second marine regiment of foot commanded by John, Lord Berkeley. [H.O. Military Entry Book 3, p. 217.]
May 26.
London.
Sir P. Leeds to the King. "Sir,—I can say nothing that is worth giving your Majesty the trouble of a letter, but I think it becomes me to inform you that the Council has made so good a progress in the commission and draft of the letters patent for establishing the Corporation for a Bank that it is hoped there will need but one sitting more of the Council for what they can do towards it; but so many difficulties have appeared therein that it is not easy to say how the consequences may answer our designs. As to the matters of the fleet and the land forces which are aboard it, I fear that the delays which have happened will prove not only to have lost the opportunities of the easterly winds, but of those designs for which (as I suppose) the land forces were at first intended, and has no less retarded the service principally aimed at in the Mediterranean unless the winds serve very speedily to carry them away, and as things do stand now, I believe that had there been a Cabinet Council acting as heretofore, who would have taken upon them to offer their advices to her Majesty upon these matters, the majority of them would have proposed the stopping of the land forces, rather than their going so late upon an expedition which has not that prospect of success it had a month ago. As it is they wait only for a good wind, but I confess for my own part I could now wish that that part of the fleet which is not to go with Mr. Russell might rather have been employed with the machines and bomb vessels to have spoiled the Mole of Dunkirk, which Mr. Meesters and others have always thought practicable, and which would have brought the land forces nearer your Majesty, and have rescued them from great inconveniences, which they are likely to undergo by being so long on board ship.
I believe your Majesty may remember that some time ago I acquainted you with Sir Henry Goodrick's desire to be sent into Holland to succeed my Lord Dursley; and now that Lord Falkland is dead, he has repeated his request and desired me to mention it again to you, which is all I shall presume to do, your Majesty knowing so well his fitness for the employment and his zeal for your service." [S.P. Dom. King William's Chest 15, No. 19.]
May 26.
Whitehall.
Sir John Trenchard to the Lords of the Admiralty. Orders are to be given to bring to some port in England the Portuguese ship St. Francis Zarier and St. Cajetan, bound from Lisbon to Amsterdam, captured by Capt. James Townsend and Capt. Cooper, and by them carried into Guernsey; and her papers are to be transmitted to the Admiralty Court. [H.O. Admiralty 3, p. 95.]
May 26.
Whitehall.
The same to Admiral Russell, acknowledging his letters of the 24th and 25th. Rear-Admiral Nevill was directed to communicate his orders to no person but Vice-Admiral Calembergh. [H.O. Admiralty Entry Book 1, p. 133.]
May 26.
Whitehall.
The Duke of Shrewsbury to Lord Coningsby, at Hampton Court, near Leominster, Herefordshire. I have received the two letters with the lists enclosed in the last of the militia and deputy lieutenants of Herefordshire. I do not find the number of the last so extravagant as was represented, and being a great stranger in the country, shall very unwillingly displace anyone in whatever station they are, without good reason. You do not make any remarks upon anyone, or if you judged them unfit to remain in the posts where they now are, and therefore conclude you have no great objection to anyone, but not having taken out my own commission I cannot be in so much haste to give out theirs, but if you have anything to represent upon them I hope to receive your advice. [H.O. Letter Book (Secretary's) 4, p. 1.]
May 26.
Whitehall.
Proceedings upon the petition of Robert Cecil, esq., praying that a conveyance may be made to him for 99 years of six thousand acres in the forest of Knaresborough, which were set out in the time of Charles II. to be disposed of at the pleasure of the King, but no disposition appears to have been made of them. Referred to the consideration of Lord Willoughby, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. [S.P. Dom. Petition Entry Book 3, p. 59.]
May 26.
Whitehall.
Passes for Toussaint Lambert, a Dutchman, to go to Holland; and for Sigismond Unruh, Henry Dyhern, Sigismond Landscron, Sigismond Rotwitz and Henry Koll, all Germans, ditto. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 569.]
May 27.
St. Malo.
Paul Crean to Nicholas Lynch in Galway, Ireland. I made bold to write to my father under cover to you, giving news of his cousin James Lynch and Mr. Ritledge in Dunkirk, Mr. Marcus Kernan in Paris, and Mr. James Browne. [H.O. Admiralty 5, p. 503.]
The same to Mr. Andrew Crean, gent., in Mayo or Galway. I have daily letters from my brother Edward, near Cadiz; he is living with Benjamin Warren, a rich merchant of great repute. News from these parts is but ordinary, for all ordinary affairs are kept close from the commonalty. There are great preparations for land service, especially against Savoy, where the King intends to command in person with a puissant army. Savoy is refusing peace on very fair terms, which puts the King into such a rage that he intends there a bloody harvest, or to be master in chief. A great army is also prepared to encounter the Emperor under the conduct of the Dauphin and others. King James keeps still at St. Germains, does not stir in action. We have about thirty-six sail of men-of-war at sea, gone to meet the rest that are coming from Toulon through the Straits. All our great ships lie at Brest ready fitted. The English and Dutch fleets lie in the Channel very strong, not yet attempting anything worth time. All these coasts are prepared for them, if they should attempt any invasion. They attempted this town last winter, but did no damage at all, though then but ordinarily fortified. Since then it has been made impregnable. Privateers make great havoc daily among the English and Dutch merchantmen. We have here also some talk of peace with the Emperor at least. There are several gentlemen from our country living in this town. Mr. James Browne, and Dominic Browne, son of Marcus. I live by going to sea, but intend to pass this half-year on shore, for our countrymen that are taken into England are very hard dealt with, for they hang some, and let the rest die in prison or worse misery. [Ibid., p. 504.]
May 27.
Whitehall.
Passes for Pieter Pietersen, a Dutch seaman, to go to Holland, and for Elizabeth Juriaans, a Dutch seaman's wife, ditto. [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 569.]
May 28.
Turin.
Lord Galway to the King. Council was held on Tuesday morning, the 25th of this month, as I had the honour to notify your Majesty; and it was decided that his Royal Highness and the Marquis de Leganez should send immediately all the stores of war to Final. There are already sufficient victuals for the Spaniards. His Royal Highness has taken measures to supply your Majesty's troops and his own from the stores in Coni; he will provide for their transport, so that we may depend on all being in readiness for any enterprize by the end of June, provided we are the stronger by sea and at least equal by land. His Royal Highness has drawn up a very careful plan. Allow me to say that the zeal and industry displayed by this prince deserve some praise at our hands in speaking to Mons. de la Tour or Count Farin, which may thus come round to him.
The Marquis de Leganez has consented to bring twelve battalions to the expedition, and to leave three of them with his cavalry in the army of Piedmont. We purpose taking the field with thirty battalions and fifteen hundred dragoons (for there is no forage in these mountains), and leaving seven battalions in garrison, and all the cavalry and the remainder of the dragoons, to form an army in Piedmont.
I had no difficulty in convincing his Royal Highness, Mons. de Leganez and Marshal Caprara of the danger of taking any part at present in the Genoa affair; it was decided that Comte Breiner should write to the Genoese for a positive answer to his demand for ninety-two thousand crowns, which they agreed to pay every year, without threatening them, though at the time the troops were passing close to the place. Orders have at last been sent, and they will march on the first of June, so that your Majesty may reckon on the army being assembled before the 20th, under the Marquis de Leganez. [S.P. Dom., King William's Chest 15, No. 16.] Enclosing:—
Report of a Council held at [Turin], 25 May, 1694. His Royal Highness held a council with the Marquis de Leganez, Marshal Caprara and Lord Galway; the first point under consideration was the strength of infantry they could count on for the beginning of the campaign, including part only of those now marching from Germany, assuming they could put into the field seven battalions of the imperial troops, twelve battalions of King Charles's troops, eight battalions belonging to the King of England, and eight belonging to his Royal Highness, altogether thirty battalions; ten specified battalions were to be left in Piedmont. They proposed to take with them a certain proportion of dragoons, leaving the remainder and the cavalry in Piedmont, to be distributed as should seem best according to circumstances. The Marquis de Leganez undertook at the instance of the King to see after all that was assigned to him in a memorandum read at the council, and provide for all the needs of the King's troops. They discussed the time to be appointed for marching; and decided to send an order to Count Palfi to come hither, and to let the troops start in June; the Marquis is to see that the troops under his command shall join at the same time. [Ibid 16 i.]
May 28.
Whitehall.
Sir John Trenchard to Admiral Russell. [H.O. Admiralty Entry Book 1, p. 134.] Enclosing:—
(1) Extract of a letter from Paris, 28 May, N.S., 1694. (French.) We have received advice that three vessels detached from the English fleet came to Brest, where they attacked a small fleet which was putting out to carry stores of war to St. Malo; and as they had only one frigate to convoy them, they were easily routed; the frigate was forced ashore and burnt; the transports were dispersed and some of them taken. The English bombarded several forts in Brest, without much result.
We are impatiently expecting news of the meeting of Mons. de Chateaurenand and Mons. de Tourville. Our diligence as compared with that of the enemy greatly favours our undertakings; for we should have been much embarrassed at this juncture if they had sent enough ships without delay to Cadiz. We have no news from Provence, for the ships and galleys have left those parts, excepting five which are coasting along Provence and Genoa. The last affair at Brest has made them look to the improvement of the fortifications there, and to the planting of fresh batteries. Mons. de Vauban is occupied with the whole of that coast. This makes us think they are not meditating a siege in Flanders [Ibid.]. 2) Extract of a letter from Rochefort, 18 May, N.S., 1694. (French.) We hear that all our vessels have joined company, that is to say, the 20 from Brest, the 6 from Port Louis and the 8 from this place. Those fitted out at Toulon are still in those waters. The three vessels for Canada are only awaiting their orders to depart. Particulars follow of other ships in the port. Marshal d'Estreé has been at Rochelle since the 12th instant; he brought no troops with him; since his arrival he has spent all his time reciewing the town militias from La Rochelle to Rochefort; he is expected here this week. He is placing guards all along the coast, as at Chastelaillon, Engoullin, the Point of Minimes, Yves, Fourras, &c. They say there is to be a camp at Vergeron, but this will be of marines, another is to be formed of the town militia of the 'Coste Dyve.'
A report is current that the English have landed at St. Malo to the number of 4,000 men, but that they were so vigorously repulsed that they escaped with only 600. [H.O. Admiralty Entry Book 1, p. 135.]
May 28.
Whitehall.
Commission for Camille Richard de Vendargues, gent., to be ensign of the company of which Captain Robert Thorold is captain in the regiment of foot commanded by Colonel Thomas Farrington. [H.O. Military Entry Book 4, p. 50.]
May 28.
Whitehall.
The Duke of Shrewsbury to Lord Fairfax. I am to recommend to you one Mr. Hunt, now a lieutenant in your regiment. I do it in confidence that he is a person who will behave himself so well as to deserve your favour. [H.O. Letter Book (Secretary's) 5, p. 23.]
May 28.
Whitehall.
Passes for Francis Benoist to go to Gravesend and Holland; for Herman Wallenrod, ditto [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 37, p. 214]; for Mr. Robert Loder to go to Holland; and for Lieutenant Edward Robinson of Colonel O'Farrell's regiment, and two servants, ditto [Ibid. 38, p. 569].
May 28.
Whitehall.
Warrant to the Recorder of London to cause Edward Tobyn (who was at the last Sessions held in the Old Bailey condemned to death for the murder of David Hughes and Diana Lawrence) to be inserted in the next general pardon that shall come out for the poor convicts of Newgate upon condition of transportation. [Ibid., p. 572.]
May 28.
Whitehall.
Warrant to the same to cause Edward Coe to be inserted in the next general pardon that shall come out for poor convicts of Newgate without condition of transportation. He was convicted of felony at the Sessions at the Old Bailey in January last, and sentenced to death. [Ibid. 39, p. 40.]
May 28.
Whitehall.
Warrant to Richard Hayward to apprehend Captain Oliver Cantwell, together with his papers. [Ibid., p. 35.]
May 29.
Jersey.
E. Harris to —. Since my last by Captain Hardy another fleet of fifty-sail has passed us to the eastward from St. Malo. I send an odd sort of letter directed to one Lynch in Ireland, which I have from the master of a Guernsey vessel, lately prisoner in France. [H.O. Admiralty 5, p. 458.] Enclosing:—
The information of Daniel Palot, master of a Guernsey vessel, taken by a St. Malo frigate coming from Marseilles; undated. I was taken into Brest, and on the 26th April saw a squadron of ships sail out under Mons. Chateau-Renaut, being twenty-eight ships of the line, with victualling ships, &c. to the number of fifty-two sail. It was said they were going to besiege Barcelona, and to join at Toulon with Mons. Tourville, who has a squadron of ships and thirty-six galleys. I was told there were fifteen great ships and several small ones in Brest not to be sent out this year. Furthermore there went out of Camaret about eighty-five sail, convoyed by one of thirty-six guns and two others of eight. We came as far as Whitesand Bay, wind not permitting to go farther, whence we perceived two great English men-of-war and one fireship that made the fleet and the convoy drive ashore; the convoys were battered to ruin, which caused them to set the biggest of them on fire; the ebb-tide coming they were obliged to go by the Broad Sound with two prizes. On the 25th of May a fleet of about fifty-five sailed out of St. Malo, laden with wine, brandy and salt. The Duke of Shaulnes (sic) arrived at St. Malo on the 26th. Twenty privateers are out from that place, and within a fortnight there will be twenty-five more ready to sail. There is news that the corn fleet has arrived in Normandy and Dunkirk. They say there are a hundred and twenty thousand men in Flanders, and the Dauphin in person. All the coast of Brittany is garrisoned and they are strongly fortifying St. Malo and Quince fort. I also hear that the Diamond has arrived at Nantes with three prizes that were bound for Newfoundland. [H.O. Admiralty 5, p. 466.]
May 29.
On board the Britannia at St. Helens.
Order by Admiral Russell to Lord Berkeley. You are to proceed with your squadron to Brest, transporting thither the land soldiers embarked on board under the command of Lieut.-General Talmash, landing them wherever shall be thought best by a council of war of the officers of both services. When all that is possible has been done against Brest by both land and sea forces, another council shall be held to consider whether any service can be done against any other forts or places of the enemy. When such a council considers no further service can be performed against the enemy either by sea or land, the land forces are to be re-embarked, and you shall bring your squadron either to Torbay or Spithead. In case it shall be judged necessary to land any of the seamen to assist the land forces, and it may be done without imperilling the safety of the ships, you shall detach such a number as the council of general officers shall think fit. [Ibid., p. 460.]
May 29.
St. Helens.
Order by Admiral Russell to Captain Clements, commander of the Portsmouth, off Berry Head, to join the fleet from his cruising station. [H.O. Admiralty Office 7, No. 48.] Enclosing:—
An order of the same date, to be opened in case the fleet be not met at the rendezvous thirty leagues from the Lizard; appointing another rendezvous off Cape Spartel, and indicating Russell's proposed course to that place. [Ibid., No. 48 i.]
May 29.
Whitehall.
Post warrant and passes for Mr. de Boileau, ensign, and Mr. de Castelneau, officers, with two horses to go to Norwich; for Ode Pomier to go to Harwich or Gravesend and into Holland [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 37, p. 214]; for Jean Seguin, Marie, Susanne, Ester and Anne Beau, lately come from France and detained at or near Deal, and who are certified to have fled from France for their religion, to come to London [Ibid. 38, p. 570]; for David Hosdé, a French Protestant, to go to Holland; for Elizabeth Pietersen, a Dutch seaman's wife, ditto; for Margretha Jammers and Dorothea Herrsselaer with their children, for Captain John le Hunt and his servant, to go to Holland; for Captain William Purefoy, Mr. Chomby, and ten recruits to go to Flanders; and for Mr. James Smallwood, chaplain to the first regiment of footguards, and a servant, to go to Holland [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 38, p. 571].
May 29.
Whitehall.
Approbation of Sir Richard Bennett, bart., John Willis, Aetham Smith, Hugh Underwood, John Twells, Roger Jenings, and John Millicent, esqs., as deputy lieutenants of the county of Cambridge. [H.O. Military Entry Book 3, p. 218.]
May 30.
Whitehall.
Passes for —, daughter of Captain John Thomas, and two other women, lately come from France and detained at Deal, to come to London. [S.P. Dom., Warrant Book 38, p. 571.]
May 30.
Dublin Castle.
The Lords Justices of Ireland to Sir John Trenchard. Recommending a relaxation of the excommunication of Mr. Armar, in consideration of further evidence of his inability to undertake a journey from London to Lisburn. [S.P. Ireland 356, No. 55.] Enclosing: —
Report by the Bishops of Meath and Derry to the Lords Justices of Ireland, dated 4 May, 1694. In obedience to your references concerning Mr. Armar, dated April 26th, we certify that we are strangers to the first part of his petition relating to his sufferings, services and recommendations by persons of quality to the bishop of Down: but as to the remaining part of his petition we certify and acquaint you that at a Regal Visitation begun by us at Lisburn on the 22nd of February last, pursuant to their Majesties' Ecclesiastical Commission to us directed, the petitioner being returned precentor of Connor was duly summoned to appear before us and did not appear; that on the 23rd of February a paper license of absence from the Lords Justices was exhibited before us by Mr. Henry Leslie, which was not admitted because it was not under the broad seal; that on the 3rd of March following a citation viis et modis was decreed against him; on March 8th the said citation was returned, and, Mr. Armar not appearing, a citation ad dicendam causam, etc., was decreed; on March 16th the said citation was returned and he, not appearing, was pronounced contumacious; on the 22nd he was decreed excommunicandum fore in proximum; on the 24th of March he was actually excommunicated, and the sentence publicly read in court. By which it may appear that besides notice, given him in England, of the commission before it was executed viz., from 19th of December at which time it bears date, till the 22nd of February when it was opened, he had time and leisure enough given him to appear, being expected a full month before his excommunication. Further, we conceive we had just reason and occasion given us to pronounce the said sentence of excommunication against him because we found the great Cure of Ballymony, part of his chantership, wherein there are above a thousand nonconformists, committed to the care of a blind man, who by reason of his blindness was incapacitated for the discharge of it. Also by depositions made upon oath it did appear to us that 200l. had been given by Sir Robert Colville as a gratuity to Mrs. Mary Cole for being some way instrumental in procuring the said chantership from the late bishop of Down; and that neither the Earl of Nottingham's letter, nor the interposition of the Lord Massereene and Sir Robert Colville could prevail for the grant of the said living till the security was given for the payment of the said sums; that the said 200l. has since been paid to the said Mrs. Cole by the said Sir Robert or his order; that if Mr. Armar had appeared we could have had an opportunity to enquire whether the said Sir Robert has not been reimbursed the said money out of the profits of the said chantership as is reported, the whole profits thereof being paid into the said Sir Robert's hand, and that we did believe that our reputation had been blemished if some censure had not been passed on the said Mr. Armar.
Further we certify that upon the 26th of March last we were desired to relax the said excommunication upon a certificate exhibited before us of Mr. Armar's sickness signed by one Dr. Cockburn, and dated March 15 last, but that we rejected the said certificate because it was not sworn upon oath nor attested by any witness. [S.P. Ireland 356, No. 55 i.]
May 31.
Whitehall.
The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Lords of the Admiralty. Lord Lexington, their Majesties' envoy extraordinary to the Emperor, (who could not be in readiness to go with this last convoy) has now dispatched his business at the Treasury, and desires only three or four days more to prepare for his journey; you are to give orders for a yacht and a convoy to carry him to Holland, that they be ready to sail about the beginning of next week. [H.O. Letter Book (Secretary's) 5, p. 24.]
May 31.
Whitehall.
The same to Lord Lucas. It is the Queen's wish that the bearer, Mr. John Burroughs, be again admitted to see Colonel Parker, a prisoner in your custody. [Ibid.]
May 31.
Admiralty Office.
The Lords of the Admiralty to the Duke of Shrewsbury. Orders have been sent to the ships cruizing on the Broad Fourteens, to cruize on that end of it nearest the Maez.
If the enemy's ships be as many as mentioned in your yesterday's letter, we fear they will be too strong for the five cruizers (which are all that can at present be spared) unless they are joined by the Dutch men-of-war you told us were ordered for that station. If there be not a certainty of their so joining them in time, we would offer it for her Majesty's consideration, whether it will not be best to call the cruizers off from that service. [H.O. Admiralty 5, p. 470.]
May 31.
Whitehall.
Proclamation for publishing the several marks or stamps to be used for vellum, parchment and paper, pursuant to a late Act of Parliament for charging certain duties thereon. Printed. [S.P. Dom. Proclamations, Vol. 6, No. 101, and Bundle 8.]
May 31.
Whitehall.
Commission for Alexander Fulton, gent., to be lieutenant to Captain — Acheson in the regiment of foot commanded by Colonel Creighton. [H.O. Military Entry Book 3, p. 218.]
May 31.
Whitehall.
Post warrant and passes for the Earl of Drumlanrig to go with six horses and a guide to Edinburgh; for John Coleman, James Barry, Mary Coleman, and Ann Lawrence, a maid servant, with their wearing apparel and necessaries, to return out of France into any of the ships appointed for the exchange of prisoners, or by way of Flanders, and to land in any port of England [S.P. Dom. Warrant Book 37, p. 215]; for Jane Parthon to go to Holland; and for Mr. Philip Bruggen, a high German gentleman, ditto [Ibid. 38, p. 572].
May 31.
Whitehall.
Warrant to James Kitson to take into custody — Lampley, for coming from France without leave. [Ibid. 38, p. 571.]
[May ?] Petition of Robert Mackarrell of like tenor with that of [12] Jan., 1694. [S.P. Ireland 356, No. 56.]