William III: December 1696

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: William III, 1696. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1913.

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'William III: December 1696', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: William III, 1696, (London, 1913) pp. 450-495. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/will-mary/1696/pp450-495 [accessed 25 March 2024]

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December 1696

Dec. 1.
Kensington.
Commission for Mr. George Rowan to be lieutenant to Captain William Weightman in Colonel Gustavus Hamilton's regiment; and for Mr. John Henderson to be ensign to Captain James Ash in the same regiment [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 167, p. 274]; and for Mr. Andrew Mowat to be lieutenant of Lieutenant Colonel Corbett's company in Colonel Æneas Mackay's regiment, with power to command as captain of foot [Ibid. p. 295.]
Dec. 1.
Whitehall.
Passes for James Fade to go to Holland; and for Claude La Forest, a French protestant, ditto. [Ibid. 346, p. 482.]
Dec. 1.
Whitehall.
Warrant for a further reprieve for Peter Cook. [Ibid., p. 483.]
Dec. 1.
Whitehall.
Sir William Trumbull to the Lords Justices of Ireland. I acquainted you in my letter of the 12th past that a credit was to be made in Ireland for provisions for five thousand men for four months, for the squadron that is to guard the coast of that kingdom. The squadron is now augmented, and it will be necessary to make provision for eight thousand men for the same period.
You must let me know what species of naval stores may be had in Ireland.
It is the King's pleasure that you employ, from time to time, "some of the lightest, best sailing ships you have cruizing under your direction," to sail to the coast of France, and get the best intelligence that may be had of the preparations of the enemy at Brest or elsewhere thereabouts, sending me an account thereof. [S.P. Ireland, King's Letters 2, p. 139.]
Dec. 1.
Kensington.
The King to the Privy Council of Scotland. Although at present there is no certain account of any design of invading the kingdom of Scotland, yet, for preventing all danger that may occur by an invasion or an intestine commotion, it is our will that all necessary orders be given for putting it in a posture of defence.
In order to this, we doubt not that the Commissioners of the Treasury will take care that the subsistence money be duly and "timeously" paid to our standing forces. The garrisons are out of repair, and we have signified our pleasure to you concerning them formerly. We know the present circumstances of our affairs will not allow that they be so repaired as they ought to be; yet what is most necessary ought to be done with all diligence, such as the mounting of guns on sufficient carriages and the repairing of the ammunition houses.
It is obvious that, if an invasion happen, the standing forces cannot take the field without some field pieces. Therefore such a number as shall be found needful ought to be mounted immediately, and put in order.
You are also now, when there is time to do it deliberately, to appoint persons of undoubted loyalty for commanding the several shires and usual districts, and to consider whether the most effectual way for giving assistance to our forces will be by modelling the militia or training the fencible men, or by taking different methods in the several shires, as you shall think most fit.
We expect your diligence and care in all these particulars, it being equally necessary for the support of our government and your own safety and preservation.
You are to acquaint us with your proceedings from time to time, that we may give you our approbation or orders therein. [S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 16, p. 302.]
Dec. 2.
Whitehall.
Passes for Elizabeth Duncan and her child to go to Holland [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 344, p. 585]; for Captain Elias Dascher and Jockin Boyson, his man, ditto [Ibid. 346, p. 482]; for Hannah Paterson and Margaret Brake, ditto; and for Juan Batta Weerbrock and his son, ditto [Ibid. p. 484.]
Dec. 2.
Whitehall.
Warrant to the keeper of Newgate to bring John Cornelius to the Duke of Shrewsbury's office to be examined. [Ibid., p. 483.]
Dec. 2.
Whitehall.
Warrant for the apprehension of John Rolfe, on suspicion of treason; he is to be brought before Sir William Trumbull for examination. [Ibid. 349, p. 13.]
Dec. 3.
Whitehall.
Sir William Trumbull to Mr. Barnardiston. This is to thank you for your care in endeavouring to take the suspicious persons that came lately to Rolfe's house, and to desire you to make all the enquiry you can into the circumstances of their escape, and who was the master of the hoy, or any other thing that may lead towards a further discovery of that matter, and I desire particularly that you will send to Knolles to know how many horses he took from Rolfe, who alleges he brought away two, whereas Knolles mentions but one. [Ibid. 99, p. 321.]
Dec. 3.
Whitehall.
The same to the Commissioners of the Customs. I have received information that several priests, Jesuits, and other disaffected persons, are coming from Flanders into England. I desire that you give orders to your officers, especially on the coasts of Kent, and Sussex, to take every care, and not allow any passengers to land, without carefully examining them, and to take strict account of them. If they are foreigners, or his Majesty's subjects, unless officers of his Majesty's army, and have not passes, they are to be detained, and notice to be sent immediately to me, together with their names, and what can be discovered about them. I also desire, that you will enquire of your two officers, Toby Fen and — Bell, who were employed at Harwich, and Orford, what they know concerning certain suspicious persons, that went lately from John Rolfe's house at Bardesey, and particularly of a hoy which conveyed them away, which is commonly used for smuggling. [Ibid.]
Dec. 3.
Whitehall.
The same to the Sheriffs of London. The King commands the postponement of the execution of Edward Jones, now in Newgate under sentence of death for counterfeiting the coin. [Ibid.]
Dec. 3.
Kensington.
Warrant for Major-General William Stewart to be sworn of the privy council of Ireland. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 163, p. 85. and S.P. Dom. Signet Office 13, p. 361.]
Dec. 3.
Kensington.
Warrant for Henry James, D.D., president of Queen's College, Cambridge, recently elected vice-chancellor of that university, dispensing with his residence as residentiary of the metropolitan church of York during the time of his vice-chancellorship. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 163, p. 87.]
Dec. 3.
Kensington.
Warrant to the vice-chancellor of Cambridge university for conferring the degree of bachelor of divinity on John Swinfen, who was admitted to Emanuel College in 1681, but did not continue there to take any degree. [Ibid. p. 88.]
Dec. 3.
Whitehall.
Proceedings upon the petition of Thomas Connor, gentleman. The petitioner shows that he was employed in 1691 to enquire into the forfeited lands and goods in the county Kerry, in Ireland, and returned the same in the King's Exchequer at his own charges, for which he has received no satisfaction. He attended the Commissioners of Enquiry into Forfeitures in the provinces of Munster and Connaught this summer as solicitor and manager and was at great expense for 77 days. On the 23rd January, 1688, he obtained a judgment for 400l. against Matthew Barnwall and Richard, his son, in the King's Court of Exchequer, but, because the judgment was entered after the abdication of the late King James, the said court of Exchequer refuses to give him leave to recover his debt. The lands are in the King's hands, and Barnwall has been since outlawed for high treason, whereby he has forfeited his estate to the King, amounting to 850 acres in the county of Meath, value per annum 141l. 7s., and two houses in Kirar's Lane worth per annum 10l. He prays a grant of the said lands in satisfaction of his debt and other demands. Referred to the Lords Justices of Ireland for report. [Ibid. 238, p. 93.]
Dec. 3.
Whitehall.
Passes for Herman Cramer to go to Holland [Ibid. 344, p. 587]; for John Hinrick Hamon to go to Denmark; for Abraham Bisson, a Dutchman, ditto; for Jacob de la Bernadière, a Dutchman, ditto [Ibid. 346, p. 484]; and for James Menantrau and James Fouly, French protestants, ditto [Ibid., p. 485.]
Dec. 3.
Kensington.
Warrant to Thomas Bedford, esquire, receiver of the money due for salvage of ships retaken from the enemy by ships of war, to pay to Captain Valentine Bowles, commander of the ship Lime, the crown's share of the salvage of two Dutch ships, called the Bartholomew and the Young Man, otherwise Fortune, retaken by the said Captain Bowles. [Ibid.]
Dec. 3.
Kensington.
Warrant for the delivery to St. George Devenish, gentleman, of a French vessel belonging to Marseilles, coming from Salley laden with wool and hides, which was taken last November by the packet boat Spanish Expedition, in case the said vessel be condemned as a prize and adjudged to the crown as an admiralty perquisite. If she be sold at Corunna, the proceeds are to be given to the said St. George Devenish. [Ibid., p. 497.]
Dec. 4.
Whitehall.
Passes for Sigismund Godfried Alberti, George Frederick Tschirnhaus, and John Frederick Berger, German protestants, to go to Holland [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 344, p. 585]; and for George Lambert, ditto [Ibid. 346, p. 485.]
Dec. 4.
Kensington.
Warrant for a patent under the great seal of Scotland, creating Major-General Sir Thomas Livingstone Viscount Teviot and Lord Livingstone of Peebles, in consideration of his services as commander-in-chief in Scotland, and master-general of the ordnance there, as well as in several other offices and stations, both civil and military, before and since his Majesty's accession to the crown, and particularly that signal service and succesful conduct in the total defeat of the rebels at Crombden in the year 1690. [S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 16, p. 303.]
Dec. 4.
Kensington.
The King to the Privy Council of Scotland, directing them to re-consider their former proposals for modelling the militia, and to make them effectual as soon as possible, in such ways as may be least burdensome to the country.
In the mean time it is our pleasure that the militia regiments of the towns of Edinburgh and Glasgow, of the three shires of Lothian, and the shire of Fife, be raised and " rendezvoused," and made ready to join our standing forces, in case there shall be need or occasion for it. [Ibid., p. 306.]
Dec. 4.
Kensington.
The same to the Lords of the Treasury of Scotland, ordering that the subsidies for maintaining the forces be applied solely for that use. Now that there is an appearance of an invasion, it is requisite that a considerable sum of money be in readiness for answering the several exigencies that may occur; the most effectual methods are therefore to be taken for raising such a sum. [Ibid., p. 307.]
Dec. 4.
Kensington.
Warrant for " a remission to Lieutenant Alexander Cazettes of the slaughter of Ensign Skeen, the same having been committed without premeditate malice, but in the heat of passion in an accidental quarrel." [Ibid., p. 308.]
Dec. 4.
Kensington.
Warrant for the payment of 500l. to Major-General William Stewart, upon account of money due to him and the regiment under his command, during the time it was upon the establishment of Ireland, between 1st January 1691–2 and 20th March 1693–4. [S.P. Dom. Signet Office 13, p. 361.]
Dec. 5.
Brussels.
M[aximilian] Emanuel, Elector [of Bavaria] to the King, thanking him for kindness of which he has heard from Count de Bergeik, whom he met at Villebruk. [S.P. Dom. King William's Chest 16, No. 48.]
Dec. 5.
Admiralty Office.
The Commissioners of the Admiralty to Sir William Trumbull, enclosing papers relating to David Creagh, a prisoner in Newgate, who has been used as a witness for the King, and desiring directions concerning him. [S.P. Dom., Naval 5, No. 50a.]
Enclosing:—
(1) Edward Whitaker [solicitor to the Admiralty] to [the Secretary to the Admiralty], dated 30 November, 1696. Having used Creagh as a witness for the King, I hope he may be pardoned; but I do not see how either he or Thomas Elrington could be admitted into the general pardon, because neither of them are convicted, and think it must be a special pardon for both. [S.P. Dom. Naval 5, No. 50a. i.]
(2) Petition of David Creagh, a prisoner in the common side of Newgate. He was committed on the 2nd July, 1695, charged with high treason in being on board a French privateer. At a sessions of the Admiralty held at the Marshalsea, the 9th December, 1695, he gave such proofs of his innocence that his trial was put off. Since then he has given undeniable proofs of loyalty in convicting two notorious enemies to the King and government, viz., William May of piracy, and Captain Thomas Vaughan of high treason on the sea, both convicted on the 6th inst. at the Old Bailey by the high court of Admiralty.
He has forfeited all his friends by the services so done to the King, and hopes Sir Robert Rich and Mr. Bridgman will remember what they were pleased to promise him at Mr. Fell's house. [Ibid., No. 50a. ii.]
(3) David Creagh to Edward Whitaker, solicitor to the Admiralty, dated Newgate, 30th November, 1696, begging his liberty, especially that he may use it to procure evidence against a notorious malefactor against the King and government. His former friends retain all his linen, which was in their hands, and will not send him so much as a pair of stockings; and they have made a scandalous ballad about him. [Ibid., No. 50a. iii.]
Dec. 5.
Kensington.
Warrant to the Lords Justices of Ireland to give instructions to Major-General Stewart, sent as commander-in-chief of the forces in Ireland: We recommend you to take care that the several regiments, troops and companies be made and kept complete according to the establishment; that no papists be admitted into the Irish army, and that any who are discovered to be papists be forthwith discharged; that the army be kept in clothing according to our former orders, and furnished with serviceable arms and proper ammunition; and that care be taken to establish such methods for regular payment as shall prevent the complaints that have been made on that head. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 163, p. 86; and S.P. Ireland, King's Letters 2, p. 14.]
Dec. 5.
Whitehall.
Sir William Trumbull to the Lords of the Admiralty. I moved the King upon yours of the 1st inst., to know his pleasure concerning Captain Thomas Vaughan; he declared he would no longer respite the execution of the sentence against him. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 204, p. 129.]
Dec. 5.
Whitehall.
Pass for Sigfred Scheller to go to Holland. [Ibid. 346, p. 485.]
Dec. 5.
Whitehall.
Warrant to Peter Browne to apprehend — King on suspicion of high treason. [Ibid., p. 490.]
Dec. 5.
Dublin.
Thomas Brodrick to Mr. Vernon. Several of the gentlemen of this country thought it necessary, upon my leaving London, that some one or more should go over from them into England, to attend his Majesty's pleasure, in answer to the memorial which I left with you, to be delivered to the Duke. This I got deferred for some time, but the repeated accounts we had of his grace's illness, added to several hardships put upon us of late, so far prevailed as to render all the reasons I could offer to the contrary ineffectual.
I know you thought me hot, but I have followed your advice by continually tempering things as much as they would bear. Thus far I easily prevailed, that nothing should be done till his grace had first moved the King, and received his answer, by which they will be able to judge what is fit to be further done. The gentlemen gone over are Major Deane and Mr. Serjeant Neave; the former goes through Gloucestershire, lest the Duke should not be got to London, and will wait on you as soon as he gets thither. I believe they will satisfy you in every point; we think them men of sense and good temper, which made me better satisfied with their going than any others.
It is not reasonable to desire greater freedom from you to them than you see necessary, but I think I may assure you they go over with such directions, that whatever you advise against will be avoided; therefore I hope so far you will please to give them hints. If they see a prospect of the Duke's coming hither, everything will be easier than otherwise it can be made; for from thence in great measure we hope for quiet and a settlement.
I hear it is said on your side of the water (grounded on accounts from hence) that generally people are now satisfied, and all things likely to be easy. I know not two men whose sentiments are altered, save that many think our case worse now than formerly. I wish from the bottom of my heart the quiet of my country, and that whatever the King thinks fit may be cheerfully submitted to, toward which I shall always contribute my best endeavours. As the greatest instance of it, you may let the Duke know that I have not communicated to these gentlemen, or anybody else, the information of which I gave his grace an account, in confirmation of which I can now add what is material; nor will I, [do so] whilst there remains any hope of redress and safety for us. [S.P. Ireland 358, No. 69.]
Dec. 6.
Kensington.
Commission for George Villiers, esquire, to be colonel of that regiment whereof Sir Richard Atkins, deceased, was colonel. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 167, p. 271.]
Dec. 7.
Kensington.
Commissions for Henry Withers, esq., to be lieutenant-colonel of the first regiment of foot guards commanded by the Earl of Romney; and for — Shrimpton, esq., to be major of the same regiment. [Ibid.]
Dec. 7.
Whitehall.
Proceedings upon the petition of John Beere, master of the King's ship Queen. The petitioner shows that his son Jonathan was about nine months ago forced on the Calais cliffs in a little boat, where he was seized as a spy and kept prisoner for some months. At last, to save his life, he was forced to serve on board a privateer, which is now happily taken, but his son is seized as a traitor, and in a messenger's custody. He prays a pardon to his son, who is an infant. Referred to the Admiralty for report. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 238, p. 94.]
Dec. 7.
Whitehall.
Proceedings upon the petition of Sir Thomas Cook. The petitioner shows that Sir John Friend, who was executed for high treason, was at his death indebted to him in the sum of 3,000l. and upwards, principal and interest. He prays for satisfaction to be made him out of the forfeited estate of Sir John Friend, or in such other way as the King shall think fit. Referred to the Commissioners of the Treasury for report. [Ibid.]
Dec. 7.
Whitehall.
Passes for Joseph Bremand, a French protestant, to go to Holland [Ibid. 346, p. 487]; for Jacob Stapris, a Switzer, to go to Switzerland; and for Laurents Cornelisse and Carel Rombers, Dutchmen, ditto [Ibid., p. 489.]
Dec. 7.
Whitehall.
Warrant to the keeper of Newgate to suffer a servant to attend Robert Fielding, esquire, now a prisoner, and to allow him such a convenient room and treatment as is fit for a gentleman. [Ibid., p. 487.]
Dec. 7.
Whitehall.
Warrant to the same to bring John Cornelius to Secretary Trumbull's office to be examined. [Ibid.]
Dec. 7.
Whitehall.
Warrant to John Thornbourg to apprehend — Ledger, Thomas Smith, Thomas Abergall and — Pepper, on suspicion of high treason. [Ibid.]
Dec. 7.
Whitehall.
Warrant to Richard Young to apprehend — Hilton, for treasonable and seditious practices. [Ibid., p. 489.]
Dec. 7. Rough official note, headed: "Deficiencies," of papers read. [S.P. Dom., William and Mary 6, No. 95.]
Dec. 8.
Whitehall.
Sir William Trumbull to the Lords Justices of Ireland. The King well approves of what you have done in causing the chief of the Irish papists to give security not to go from Dublin without your leave. He thinks it is fit that, on this occasion, you give directions forthwith for disarming the Irish, and securing their arms in such places as you shall think fit. The charge of the provisions you are making for the seamen, by directions from here, shall be made good to you by the victuallers here. [S.P. Ireland, King's Letters 2, p. 141.]
Dec. 8.
Kensington.
Warrant for Stephen Rothwell, esquire, high sheriff of Lincolnshire, to live out of that county. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 163, p. 87.]
Dec. 8.
Kensington.
Commissions for Mr. John Anthony Bernier to be lieutenant to Major Nehemiah Farmer in Colonel Thomas Brudenell's regiment; for Mr. Leonard Saunders to be captain-lieutenant in the same regiment [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 168, p. 272]; for Mr. Joseph Whiteman to be captain of a company in the first regiment of foot guards [Ibid., p. 273]; and for Mr. Edward Wybrants to be captain in Colonel George Villiers' regiment of foot [Ibid. p. 278.]
Dec. 8.
Kensington.
Passes for Lavolus Lonus, a subject of the States General, to go to Holland [Ibid. 344, p. 588]; and for — Aubry and — Langlois, now in Paris and going to serve the King of Sweden, to go from Paris to Stockholm [Ibid. 346, p. 489.]
Dec. 8.
Kensington.
Warrant for the payment to John Fisher, gent., of the proceeds of a French ship called the Madonna di Carmine, laden with silk, etc., taken in the Mediterranean about July last by the ship Charles, Captain Charles Pickering, commander. [Ibid. 347, p. 1.]
Dec. 8.
Dublin Castle.
W. Palmer to Mr. Vernon. I received yours of the 24th and 26th past, and the enclosed three commissions, which as soon as delivered out I will take care to return the money, but you forgot either to get Ensign Strawbridge's commission changed, or to give me directions to put in the right name, as was desired some time since. The Lord Chancellor thanks you for your care of the seals, and begs you to forward them as soon as possible. By the last post, Sir William Trumbull signified his Majesty's pleasure that the pirates taken here should be tried, I presume at the instance of the East India Company, but their lordships " admire " they make the difficulty of paying the rewards to such as took them upon their producing to them the Lords Justices' certificate of that service. As soon as Colonel St. John's chaplain's commission is signed, I must desire you to send it hither.
I acquainted the Commissioners of the Revenue with your writ concerning their representation for setting the forfeited lands for a term, and they desire your care thereof, it being so much for his Majesty's service. Two coiners have lately been seized at Wexford, and the Mayor desires there may be public notice given that such are taken. They came lately from England, and appear to be very notorious fellows. I enclose their names and description, and the Lords Justices desire they may be put into the next gazette. Their lordships have put the kingdom into the best posture of defence in case the French design us a visit. There was some time since a letter sent over from the Lords Justices in favour of Mr. Kearney. Their lordships direct me to put you in mind if possible to get a return to it. No enclosures preserved. [S.P. Ireland 358, No. 70.]
Dec. 8.
Dublin Castle.
The same to the same. I am sorry to trouble you twice on the same day, but the too sad occasion will more than sufficiently justify me, when I tell you that our good Lord Chancellor has departed this life, to the great and sudden surprise of us all here. I left him at four o'clock in his closet, and he was dead in two or three minutes after, though as well when I left him, and cheerful, as I had ever seen him. He sat down in his chair to finish his letters, as soon as I was gone. as the man who waits on him told me; the man went but down for candles, and returning found him leant a little back in the same chair, being an elbow chair, dead without motion, sigh or groan.
Our affairs here will have no small loss of him, and I doubt not but his Majesty will think so too. How it will be thought fit to be dealt with is not to be judged on this side (I mean as to the government), whether for one to be added, or to be in a single hand. I have written to Mr. Pulteney, if it be in a single hand, and there be a possibility to continue me in the station I am in, to get your assistance. As to the Lord Chancellor's station as Chancellor, if I may pretend to judge, I see no person so proper as Lord Chief Baron Doyne, being a man of most extraordinary temper, good law and singular integrity, but I believe it too sweet a morsel not to be caught at by some person on your side, though most certainly, for the King's service, he would be the most proper man, being so well known in the country. [S.P. Ireland 358, No. 71.]
Dec. 9.
Brussels.
M[axmilian] Emanuel, Elector [of Bavaria] to the King, sending him copies of letters received from Spain. [S.P. Dom. King William's Chest 16, No. 49.]
Dec. 9.
Gravelines.
Petition by — Desimberts to the King, begging to be sent anywhere but to France. The petitioner commanded a battalion of free companies in the service of France at the siege of Namur. The battalion was afterwards taken from his command to form part of a regiment under the Marquis de Guiscard. This injustice, fortified by motives of conscience, have led him to throw himself on the bounty of William III, and to become once more a protestant, as he was by birth.
By an unequalled misfortune, he has been arrested, and kept in prison nearly ten months, without any examination. Six months ago he was informed by the messenger, in whose charge he is, that he had received orders from the council to transport him to France; whereupon he petitioned the council to rescind the order.
Three months since the council gave orders for his being transported to Hamburg. This also he refused, preferring to await the King's return. He was unable to write to the King immediately he arrived in England, because ink and paper were refused him.
He was recently transferred to the prison of the Savoy, and put into irons, and in that state transported to France. He now proposes to return to Dover, to lay his case before the King. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 96.]
Dec. 9. List of convicts at the gaol delivery at Newgate. [Ibid., No. 97.]
Dec. 9.
Kensington.
Warrant for calling courts martial from time to time, and appointing William Selwyn, esquire, one of the brigadiers and colonel of a regiment of foot, to be president of such courts martial. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 167, p. 275.]
Dec. 9.
Whitehall.
Passes for John Trellund, a Dane, to go to Holland; for William Colster and Dirck Pathee, Dutchmen, ditto; for Gerlach Beck, his wife, a son and a daughter, ditto; for Marte Jacobse, Aldertjanse Douker, Hans Berentse. Daniel Roelofse, Pieter Gabriel, Cornelius Speece, Andries Franse and Michel Abramse, all Dutchmen, ditto [Ibid. 346, p. 488]; and for Lord Lorne and Mr. Alexander Cunningham, and George Logan, and Theodore Lecroy, their servants, ditto [Ibid., p. 489.]
Dec. 9.
Kensington.
Warrant for a further reprieve for Thomas White. [Ibid., p. 488.]
Dec. 9.
Dublin.
Thomas Brodrick to Mr. Vernon. That which seemed in some measure to discourage the Duke from thoughts of this government is now removed, for the death of the Lord Chancellor has, I think, put an end to those feuds which were every day growing to a greater height. What we have now to wish for is a good Chief Governor and Chancellor. The former, I do flatter myself, we shall not fail of; the latter I hope you will take care to send us out of England, anything but a Tory. For if the division and distinction that is crept in among us, be continued, we must inevitably be ruined at last. People talk here (but I hope without grounds) that interest will be made for Baron Worth or Sir John Mead; I cannot think that either of them can so much as be named. Look back into their past lives, and consider the parts each of them now act, and I believe we shall be safe from them [S.P. Ireland 358, No. 72.]
Dec. 9.
Dublin.
Lord Bellomont to the same. The packet is just going away, and I have but just time to tell you the Lord Chancellor died yesterday about four in the afternoon, suddenly, of a fit of appoplexy, having been very well and cheerful a moment before. I am heartily vexed, I hear nothing of the Duke of Shrewsbury's recovery and coming to court. [Ibid., No. 73.]
Dec. 10.
Christ's Hospital.
Nathaniel Hawes to Sir Joseph Williamson. Through the inadvertency of the manager, the act granted in the former session of the present parliament, in Mr. Warner's case, proves insufficient for conveying the copyhold lands, and so will be useless for the intended purpose. The disconsolate widow and friends are therefore constrained to make their application for a supplemental act, and have already passed with it through the Lords; and the first reading before the Commons. The second reading is appointed for Tuesday next, when your presence and furtherance are most earnestly intreated, to the end that his just debts may be discharged.
This paper is endorsed with a proposal for a duty to be laid on all persons, according to the true value of their real and personal estate, their stock upon land and trade, and their income by offices, places, professions, etc. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 98.]
Dec. 10.
Kensington.
Commission for John Hobart, esquire, to be lieutenant colonel of Colonel Thomas Brudenell's regiment. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 167, p. 272.]
Dec. 10.
Whitehall.
Passes for Mr. Nicholas Lincoln to go to Holland and Italy [Ibid. 344, p. 586]; for Alexander Caron, his wife and son, to go to Holland [Ibid. 346, p. 490]; and for Robert Robinson, servant to Mr. Prior at the Hague, ditto [Ibid., p. 491.]
Dec. 10.
Kensington.
Proclamation of a reward of 500l. for the apprehension of — Grascomb, who was the person who brought the manuscript of the libellous pamphlet, referred to in the proclamation of 5th November last, to be printed. Printed. [S.P. Dom. Proclamations 4, No. 142.]
Dec. 10. Return of the state of nineteen regiments of the Allied troops. [S.P. Dom. King William's Chest 16, No. 50.]
Dec. 11.
Whitehall.
Passes and post-warrant for Gilles Aloeraert to go to Holland [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 344, p. 588]; for Dorothy Madson and Ann Farmer, ditto; for Martin Laurentse, Roelof Andriese, Harmen Heindrickse, Relof Janse and Gerret Janse, Dutch seamen, ditto; and for James Pavey to go to Ipswich and return. [Ibid. 346, p. 490.]
Dec. 12. Return of the state of four regiments of the Allied troops. [S.P. Dom. King William's Chest 16, No. 51.]
Dec. 12.
Whitehall.
Pass for Cornelis Brom and Tieleman de Moll, Dutch seamen, to go to Holland. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 346, p. 491.]
Dec. 12.
Dublin Castle.
W. Palmer to Mr. Vernon. Viscount Mountjoy has made application to the Lords Justices that they would recommend to his Majesty Mr. Hamilton Montgomery, now ensign to Lieutenant-Colonel Nicholas Price in his lordship's regiment, for a commission to be lieutenant to the company commanded by Captain Christopher Biggs, in the room of Lieutenant Hans Stevenson, who desires to quit his command; and Mr. Owens, a gentleman who carries arms in the said regiment, for a commission to be ensign in the lieutenant-colonel's company in the room of Mr. Montgomery. Their excellencies therefore desire you will acquaint the Duke of Shrewsbury therewith, and he may take the first opportunity to move the King for commissions for these gentlemen accordingly. [S.P. Ireland 358, No. 74.]
Dec. 12.
Dublin.
Lord Bellomont to [Mr. Vernon]. I hope care will be taken to send over a good Chancellor, and that the Lord Keeper will have the recommending the person; then we can reckon upon having a man well affected to the government and every way well qualified. You know as well as I that a Lord Chancellor here has a vast power and influence on the nation; therefore great care should be taken in the choice of the person.
The late Lord Chancellor has left a miserable family, and it is said no sort of provision for two daughters. It were to be wished the King would portion them; 2,000l. or 3,000l. each would match them well in this country.
I have New England still in my thoughts, and provided the King will allow me such appointments as are fit for me to accept of, I will be going in February next, which is as soon as a voyage thither will be practicable. I will be so resigned in the matter of a salary, that if the Duke of Shrewsbury and the Lord Keeper will say I shall content myself with the salary that is offered, I will do it without the least objection. I desire you will try whether the government of New York may not be added in one and the same commission with New England, without more to do. The present government has been there five years; when I have been there so long, I shall be very well pleased to be superseded.
I desire Mr. Clement, a merchant whom I have seen in your office, and who wrote an ingenious book about trade, may be sent over secretary of New England. He is a very good sort of man, and has a good understanding for business. I have been quite out of conceit with Addington, the present secretary, since his signing the address from New England which I shewed you, wherein a faction in the assembly and council desired the King to make Mr. Stoughton (the present deputy-governor) governor, which was in effect opposing my being sent over governor. You must know that faction was Mr. Blathwait's faction, and I was assured before my leaving London that that address was of Mr. Blathwait's procuring. I cannot go to that country with so good a mind and so much cheerfulness, when a stranger is in that post, as if I had a man whom I know and can trust.
Another thing I should propose is the sending five hundred men, under a well experienced colonel and good officers, to discipline the people there, and teach them to use their arms. There are two hundred men already in New York in the King's pay, and five hundred more, which may be detached from the army here in Ireland, would make them up a regiment. But the colonel ought to be a quiet and brave man; I mean he must not be a swearing man, because that would give offence to the people of that country, who are said to profess great sobriety, whatever they practise privately. I have had a gentleman in my thoughts a good while, Lieutenant-Colonel Newton, of whom Mr. Stanley can give a character, as well as I. He is an extraordinary good officer, and the King knows him to be so. [S.P. Ireland 358, No. 75.]
Dec. 13. Percival Brunskell to Sir Joseph Williamson, at his house in Jermyn Street. I wrote and caused this piece, entitled " A Direct Road to Peace and Happiness in Church and State," to be printed, when I was overwhelmed with grief and trouble at being denied the consideration of my petition and case last session. And after I had finished it, perceiving church and state ready to be devoured with the spawn of regicides and self-interested persons, who regard not the wealth, honour and safety of their king and country, I was about to burn the original and the printed copies. But, upon your reception of a post in this government, I am encouraged to present you with my case, as also with the said piece. If it be not well liked by your honour, I will not suffer it to be exposed to the view of any more persons than have already seen it. Neither should I have presumed to have presented you with it, but that I was emboldened by the favour you shewed me, when you were the late King Charles's great minister of state. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 99.]
Dec. 13.
Kensington.
Warrant for the restitution of temporalities to Dr. John Williams, bishop of Chichester. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 151, p. 17; and 346, p. 491.]
Dec. 13.
Kensington.
Commission for Major Thomas Stringer to be major of Colonel George Villiers' regiment of foot. [Ibid. 167, p. 276.]
Dec. 13.
Kensington.
Warrant for the restitution to Dr. John Williams, bishop of Chichester, of the temporalities of that see. [Ibid. 346, p. 491.]
Dec. 14. Affidavit by William Platt, collector of the fourth four shilling aid for the parish of Harrow Weald, co. Middlesex, of his having paid 11l. 10s. to Major John Gibbon, head collector. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 100.]
Dec. 14.
Kensington.
Commissions for Mr. John Sidney to be ensign to Lieutenant Colonel Bucknell in the first regiment of foot guards [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 167, p. 273]; and for Mr. Thomas Hussey to be lieutenant to Lieutenant-Colonel Gorsuch in the same regiment [Ibid., p. 274.]
Dec. 14.
Whitehall.
Passes for Domingo Gonzalez and Rafael Perez to embark at Falmouth for Spain [Ibid. 344, p. 586]; for Henry Hales, with his wife and child, to go to Holland [Ibid., p. 588]; for Johannes Foet and Daniel la Bontana, subjects of the States General, ditto [Ibid., p. 589]; for John Beale, ditto; for Dominick Martason to go to Flanders [Ibid. 346, p. 491]; for Roelof Andriese and Molis Gouco to go to Holland; for Ivan Batta Nocca and Robert Esselinck, subjects of the King of Sweden (sic); for Simon Saranu and his wife, poor Jews, to go to Holland; and for Pierre Franckman, a High German, ditto [Ibid., p. 492.]
Dec. 15.
Kensington.
Commissions for Mr. Vavazor Cage to be lieutenant to Colonel Montague in the first regiment of foot guards; and for Mr. Edmund Fielding to be ensign to Lieutenant-Colonel Wilson in the same regiment. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 167, p. 272.]
Dec. 15.
Whitehall.
Sir William Trumbull to the Lords of the Admiralty. Upon the petition of Eleanor Wren, widow of Captain Ralph Wren, the King is willing, out of compassion for her miserable condition, that "somewhat" should be done for her. I am therefore commanded to send her petition to you to report what may be fitly done for the relief of her and her family. [Ibid. 204, p. 130.]
Dec. 15.
Whitehall.
Passes for Captain van der Laen to go to Holland [Ibid. 344, p. 589]; for Peter Andriese, ditto; and for Peter Janse, ditto [Ibid. 346, p. 492.]
Dec. 15.
Kensington.
Warrant for a further reprieve for Peter Cook. [Ibid., p. 493.]
Dec. 15.
Kensington.
Warrant for the payment of a pension of 3l. a day during pleasure to Sir George Rooke, knight, late admiral and commander in chief of the fleet, who is to remain on shore for some time to assist at the Admiralty Board. [Ibid., p. 496.]
Dec. 15.
Whitehall.
Warrant for the payment of the bill of extraordinaries of Richard Hill, esquire, envoy extraordinary at Brussels, 1st March to 30th September, 1696. [Ibid. 345, p. 452, and 347, p. 11.]
Dec. 15.
Whitehall.
Sir William Trumbull to the Lords Justices of Ireland. I am commanded to recommend very earnestly to your care the getting ready of the provisions for eight thousand seamen for four months; they should not only be made ready to be shipped, but should be put on board ships hired for the purpose, proper to carry them to the fleet.
The dispatch of this business is of so great importance to his Majesty's service, and for our common safety, that you cannot do any thing that will be more seasonable for his affairs, or more acceptable to the King.
The King is informed there are great quantities of salted beef in casks, and other sea provisions. ready at Cork to be shipped to the West Indies. I am to desire you will deal with the merchants or owners of such provisions in the best way you can, for so much of them as may be needed to complete the supplies necessary for the fleet. [S.P. Ireland, King's Letters 2, p. 142.]
Dec. 16. Affidavit by George Park, collector of the fourth four shilling aid for Portugal Street Ward in the Liberty of Westminster, of his having paid 14l. to Major John Gibbon, head collector. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 101.]
Dec. 16.
Kensington.
Commission for Mr. Bodingham to be lieutenant to LieutenantColonel Russell in the first regiment of foot guards. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 167, p. 273.]
Dec. 16.
Whitehall.
Proceedings upon the petition of Captain Thomas Crow. The petitioner shows that he served the crown nearly 40 years at sea, and in 1669 commanded the Henrietta yacht, in which he brought the King and Lord Ossory from Holland. He afterwards commanded the Martin yacht, and, after that, was made porter of Portsmouth "yard," where he continued till the late King James dismissed him. He has ever since been pilot of the King's ships, but, as his eyesight is failing him, he is unfit for that service, as he is 63 years of age. He prays an order of superannuation in the same quality as when commander, for the subsistence of him and his family. Referred to the Admiralty for report. [Ibid. 238, p. 95.]
Dec. 16.
Whitehall.
Proceedings upon the petition of Captain Peter Wootton, commander of the Deptford, on behalf of himself, his officers and ship's company. The petitioner shows that in August last he re-took a Dutch ship from the French called the Justice hoy, Cornelius Ruiderts, master, for which Thomas Bedford, esquire, deputy registrar of the Admiralty, was paid 279l. 18s. 9d. for salvage. By an act of parliament, when any of the King's ships retake any English ships, the salvage is given to the captain, officers and company, but for foreign ships the same is omitted, but has been usually supplied by the King's bestowing such salvage on the "recaptors." He prays the King to bestow the same upon them. Referred to Sir Charles Hedges for report. [Ibid.]
Dec. 16.
Whitehall.
Proceedings upon the petition of Jeremiah Boardman. The petitioner shows that, by the laws of England, if any person having the presentation of any place in any church, college, school, etc. shall take any fee directly or indirectly, or any assurance for money for his voice in electing any person to any place in the church, then such place shall be void, and the King may elect another person. William Walker, one of the clerks of the church of Manchester, has secured his presentation thereto, by bond of 70l. or thereabouts contrary to the said law, and therefore the petitioner prays the King to grant his writ of mandamus to the wardens and fellows of the said church to admit the petitioner into the said place. Referred to the Attorney General for report. [Ibid., p. 96.]
Dec. 16.
Whitehall.
Proceedings upon the petition of John Bright. The petitioner shows that he is marshal of the King's regiment of foot guards. He had the misfortune to have his house pulled down on the 11th April, 1695, and his goods burnt and destroyed. He prays some relief. Referred to the Duke of Schomberg for report. [Ibid. p. 97.]
Dec. 16.
Whitehall.
Passes for William Fasset, a subject of the States General, to go to Holland [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 344, p. 586]; for John Hutton to go to his family in Holland; for Mary le Gendre and her daughter Elizabeth, — Daumont and her two children, and John Vasselar, poor French protestants, ditto; for Peter Peterson, James Freeland, Janet his wife, Claes Peters and one child, ditto; for Sergeant James Hellen with eight recruits, ditto [Ibid. 346, p. 492]; for Pierre Lanthuil, a French refugee, ditto [Ibid., p. 493]; and for Micklethwayte Blunden and Hermana, his wife, ditto. [Ibid., p. 494.]
Dec. 16.
Kensington.
Warrant for an allowance on the rents reserved under a custodiam of certain forfeited lands in Ireland, granted 26th September last to Sir James Caldwell, bart., being the estate of Dudley Bagnall, esquire, in consideration of the charges thereon of 400l. a year for the maintenance of Ann Bagnall, wife of the said Dudley, and her children, and of 100l. a year payable to Sir Gervase Clifton, until he shall receive 2,000l., part of the portion he was to receive with his wife, who is one of the daughters of the said Dudley Bagnall. [S.P. Dom. Signet Office 13, p. 363.]
Dec. 16.
Kensington.
Warrant for a grant to Henry Petty, esquire, and William Fownes, junior, of the offices and places of master of the game of hunting, hawking, fishing and fowling, and chief ranger of all the royal parks and woods in Ireland, and ranger of the park called Phoenix Park near Dublin, and keeper of the walk in the said park, commonly called Newtown Walk, with the fee of 50l. a year out of the Exchequer of Ireland, upon the surrender by William Rider, esquire, the surviving patentee, of a grant thereof made to him and Edward Richbell, esquire, deceased, for their lives, 13th September, 29 Charles II. [Ibid., p. 364.]
Dec. 17. Affidavit by Thomas Walker, collector of the fourth four shilling aid for the ward of Bedfordbury in the parish of St. Martin in the Fields, Westminster, of his having paid 13l. to Major John Gibbon, head collector. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 102.]
Dec. 17. A like affidavit of payment of 55l. by Daniel Cookman and Thomas Watts, collectors in the ward of Farringdon Without, St. Bride's parish. [Ibid., No. 103.]
Dec. 17.
Whitehall.
Sir William Trumbull to the Lords of the Admiralty. The King directs that you examine the allegations contained in the petition of Captain James Osborne, and, in case the facts are truly set forth, that you deliver up to him the French ship called the Benjamin mentioned in the petition, to be disposed of for the use of the said James Osborne and the seamen who came along with him, which the King is pleased to bestow on them in consideration of their losses and sufferings. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 204, p. 130.]
Dec. 17.
Whitehall.
Passes for Moses Orillon, a French protestant, to go to Holland [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 344, p. 586]; for Dirk Pope, ditto; for Baron Cicati. Major General Hubert, Count Noyelles and Colonel Ittorsum, and their servants and attendants, ditto [Ibid., p. 587]; for the Marquis Strozzi, Pietro Manello, Pietro Populeschi, and Thomas Smith, Italians, with six servants, ditto; for Mr. Henry Clarke, a gentleman in the first troop of guards, to go to Flanders [Ibid., 346 p. 493]; and for Jean de Cleves, a French refugee, to go to Holland. [Ibid., p. 494.]
Dec. 17.
Whitehall.
[Sir William Trumbull, or Mr. Vernon] to Mr. Stanhope. The King is sensible that this kingdom lies under extreme inconveniences by the exportation of such quantities of coin and bullion for the supply of his fleet and armies abroad, even to the endangering of our being exhausted; and he finds it absolutely necessary to apply all remedies that can be thought of for putting a stop to so apparent a mischief.
Amongst other means to this end, he has taken into consideration that the Mediterranean fleet is now provided from Spain with wine and oil, instead of beer from this country. These supplies have hitherto been paid for by the Victualling Commissioners, and great sums of money have been sent over for that purpose. The fleet was sent to the Mediterranean for the safety and preservation of Spain, and the King believes that court will give him as much ease as may be in a matter that lies so heavy upon him, and will supply the fleet with such wine and oil as they have occasion for during their stay there.
As these are the product of their own country, it will put them to little inconvenience, for the cost thereof will still circulate amongst themselves. The King will thereby be in a more tolerable condition to undergo the other expenses he must incur in so great a war.
It is therefore his Majesty's pleasure that you interpose in his name, and make all necessary and pressing applications to obtain this concession. As regards the necessary quantities, the Victualling Commissioners report that 3,500 tuns of wine, and 250 tuns of oil (reckoning 236 gallons to the tun) will be requisite for the supply of the English ships in the Straits this year. [S.P. Dom. Naval, 5, No. 51.]
Dec. 18.
The house of Mr. King, Messenger.
Thomas Nicolson to —. On Wednesday last one who names himself John Hambleton took advantage of my present misfortune to menace me by several letters, to the effect that, unless I would immediately send him money to supply his necessities, he would accuse me as a man of intrigues against the government, and a spy. If such a person offers to become evidence against me, I hope you will advertise me of it, and hear my exceptions thereunto. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 104.]
Dec. 18.
Whitehall.
Proceedings upon the petition of William James, esquire. The petitioner shows that by an inquisition taken on the 17th October in the 5th year of the King's reign, by John Archer, esquire, then sheriff of the county of Berks, it was found that it would not be to the prejudice of the King if he should grant to Boulton James, esquire, the petitioner's late father, liberty to enclose the highway which leads from the top of the hill called Dentford Hill to a place called Dentford Pound, in the parish of Kintbury, and, being so enclosed, to hold the same to the said Boulton James and his heirs for ever, if the said Boulton James did make another way through his own ground 180 perches in length and 23 feet in breadth. The said Boulton James died before he could make any application to the King for a license, and the petitioner, being his son and heir, prays to the King to grant him liberty to enclose the said highway on the conditions aforesaid. Referred to the Attorney or Solicitor General for report. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 238, p. 96.]
Dec. 18.
Whitehall.
Passes for Edward Jackson, a soldier, to go to Flanders; for Donato Raffaels, a Florentine, Franceso Velasco, a Neapolitan, and Marget de May, to go to Holland; for Nicholas Gueson, a gardiner, ditto [Ibid. 346, p. 493]; and for Hermanus Jansen, ditto. [Ibid., p. 494.]
Dec. 18.
Kensington.
The King to the Privy Council of Scotland. We have received yours of the 8th inst., and are well satisfied with your proceedings. We think fit that you continue what is necessary for the security of that kingdom, particularly that the militia be made effectual in the manner you agreed to in May last. We expect to have an account that the necessary repairs of the garrisons, and mounting of guns, are put in execution. [S.P. Scotland Warrant Book 16, p. 309.]
Dec. 18.
Kensington.
The same to the Lords of the Treasury of Scotland, approving of the payment of pensions to the Earl of Crawford and Lord Ruthven,' as commissioners of the Treasury; also to the Earls of Glencairn and Eglinton, out of the bishops' estates instead of out of the forfeited estates. [Ibid. p. 310.]
Dec. 18.
Kensington.
The same to the Commissioners of the Exchequer of Scotland. We are well satisfied with your proceeding in relation to the tack set to the commissaries, which they pretended to be free of; but you are to examine what reason they have for desiring allowance for the furnishing of magazines to our troops, when they were called together in March last, and also what just ground the tacksmen of the excise have for desiring any abatements of their tack-duty since Candlemas last, before which time we understand the scarcity was not sensible, and therefore for the first two quarters they ought to have no abatement. On both these points we direct our advocate and solicitor to be heard, and then you are to acquaint us with your opinion, that we may do therein as we think fit. [Ibid., p. 311.]
Dec. 19.
Whitehall.
Passes for Peter Eckman, a Dutchman, to go to Holland; and for Christine Cornelis, a Dutchwoman, ditto. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 346, p. 494.]
Dec. 20.
Kensington.
Commission for Mr. Charles Sears to be ensign to Captain Kingsley in Brigadier Selwyn's regiment. [Ibid. 167, p. 272.]
Dec. 20.
Kensington.
Warrant for the delivery to John Shaw, gent., of a French vessel called the St. Bonadventure of Nantes, laden with sugar, cocoa, etc., taken last November by the packet boat Spanish Alliance, Captain John Hutchins, commander, in case the said vessel be condemned as prize and adjudged to the crown as an Admiralty perquisite. If she be sold at Corunna, the proceeds are to be paid to the said John Shaw. [Ibid. 346, p. 498.]
Dec. 21.
Whitehall.
Passes for Hiddo Grethinga, a subject of the States General, to go to Holland [Ibid. 344, p. 587]; for Jacob Jacobse, Frederick Tielemans, John Pauluse and John Vanderse, Dutch seamen, ditto; and for Jean Jacques Cassin, a French protestant, ditto. [Ibid. 346, p. 494.]
Dec. 22.
Whitehall.
Passes for Louis Goulet, a French protestant, to go to Holland [Ibid.]; for Henry Defrey, a native of Maestricht, ditto; for the Sieur Mallet, a native of Geneva, ditto; for John Moss, ditto; for Hermanus Heindricks, Abraham Jorise, Jacobus de Songe, Haybert Heindrickse and Cornelis Valentin, Dutch seamen, ditto; for Jacob Willemse, Gerret Laurense, Samuel Roberts, George Dirks, John Christiaens, Abraham Engale, Christian Janse, Jan Hermanse van den Broeck and Frans Janse, Dutch seamen, ditto [Ibid., p. 495]; for Michiel Pommerel and Claes Samuell, natives of Dantzig, ditto; and for Mr. John Vanharen, a protestant, ditto. [Ibid., p. 497.]
Dec. 22.
Kensington.
Warrant for a reprieve for William Holiday, sentenced to death, for robbery, at the last sessions held at the Old Bailey. [Ibid., p. 495.]
Dec. 22.
Kensington.
Warrant for a further reprieve for Thomas White. [Ibid., p. 496.]
Dec. 22.
Whitehall.
Sir William Trumbull to the Lords Justices of Ireland. I have laid your letter of the 8th inst. before the King, who is well satisfied with the measures you have taken for the security of Ireland. I am specially to recommend to you dispatch in carrying out the directions contained in my letter of the 15th inst.
The King intends to fill the place of Lord Chancellor, vacant by the unexpected death of Sir Charles Porter, with some person proper to succeed, with all possible expedition, so that the business of the court of chancery may be delayed as little as need be. [S.P. Ireland, King's Letters 2, p. 142.]
Dec. 22.
Whitehall.
Proceedings upon the petition of Susanna Parkyns, widow of Sir William Parkyns, lately executed for high treason. The petitioner shows that her husband by his ill usage forced her to levy fines of her own estate and jointure. She was always very well affected to the King. She is left with several small children without any provision for their support, and prays the small remainder of her husband's estate. Referred to the Commissioners of the Treasury for report. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 238, p. 98.]
Dec. 23.
Whitehall.
Passes for Jan Jacob Hess, Jean Louis Hirzel, Salomon Escher and Henry Switz, Switzers, to go to Holland; for Elizabeth Sevenhuysen, ditto [Ibid. 346, p. 498]; for John Desorille, senior, and John Desorille, junior, of the garrison of Namur, to go to Flanders; and for Mr. Joseph Lawrence, of the Duke of Ormonde's troop, ditto. [Ibid., p. 503.]
Dec. 23.
Kensington.
Warrant for a general pardon, upon condition of transportation, to Joseph Dawson, convicted, upon his own confession, of piracy at the last Admiralty sessions held at the Old Bailey. [Ibid., p. 499.]
Dec. 23.
Kensington.
Warrant for the payment to John Robinson, D. D., appointed English resident at the court of Sweden, of 300l. for his equipage, and 4l. a day for his ordinary entertainment and allowance, to commence from the 2nd of October last. [Ibid. 347, p. 2.]
Dec. 23.
Kensington.
Commissions for Dr. David Mitchell to be physician-general to the forces in Scotland [S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 16, p. 312]; and for John, Lord Carmichael, to be his Majesty's High Commissioner to the ensuing General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. [Ibid., p. 313.]
Dec. 23.
Kensington.
Warrant for a yearly pension of 200l. to Lord James Murray. [Ibid., p. 321.]
Dec. 24.
Kensington.
Commissions for Mr. George Watkins to be captain lieutenant to Colonel John Gibsone; for Mr. Alexander Gibsone to have the company of Captain Arthur Foord, deceased, in Colonel John Gibsone's regiment; for Mr Handasyde to be ensign to Captain Alexander Gibsone in the same regiment; for Mr. Jacob Boyce to be lieutenant to Captain Alexander Gibsone in the same regiment; and for Mr. Lewis Learmont to be second lieutenant of the company of grenadiers whereof Captain Dalyel is captain in the same regiment. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 167, p. 276.]
Dec. 24.
Whitehall.
Sir William Trumbull to the Lords of the Admiralty. The King directs me to transmit for your opinion a paper concerning the erection of courts of admiralty in the plantations in the West Indies, and another concerning Jamaica in particular. [Ibid. 204, p. 131.]
Dec. 24.
Whitehall.
Sir William Trumbull to the Lords of the Admiralty. I have laid before the King the enclosed memorial of the Newfoundland merchants to the Council of Trade, concerning convoys for the ships bound thither, and I have his commands that you direct the convoys to be prepared accordingly, for the encouragement of that trade. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 204, p. 131.]
Dec. 24.
Whitehall.
Passes and post warrant for Anthony Hibon, a French protestant, to go to Holland [Ibid. 344, p. 587]; for Johan, Baron de Keppell, and Ernst Hendrick van Ittersum, and their six servants, to go to Holland or Flanders, and to go to Harwich with eight horses [Ibid., p. 588]; for Lambert Price, —Parker and —Porter, serjeants, with Patrick Kennedy and Anthony Simpson, of Colonel Frederick Hamilton's regiment, to go to Flanders [Ibid. 346, p. 494]; for John de Huez, a Dutchman, to go to Holland; and for John Baily, a Dutchman, ditto [Ibid., p. 499.]
Dec. 24.
Dublin Castle.
W. Palmer to Mr. Vernon. I have not received any letter from you by the late packets, and have therefore only to advise you that yours of the 10th and 12th instant to the Lord Chancellor came to my hands.
According to your signification to him of the King's pleasure in relation to Lord Bellow and Mr. Knox (although he was gone) I moved the Lords Justices in both those matters.
As to the first, they had, upon application made to them some days before, given "an order down" to the Commissioners of the Revenue not to disturb the estate till March next, by which time his lordship may get the order for the reversal of his outlawry.
As to Mr. Andrew Knox, though the lords are willing to pay all obedience to his Majesty's commands, yet they have directed me to acquaint you how dangerous it is to make precedents of that kind, and that it will encourage others who are governors of forts (several of them having already applied on the subject, although they have been denied) to expect the same favour, the consequences whereof must needs be bad for the army, and hard upon others, in regard they are dispensed with from any duty, and therefore it would be better to have something allowed him on the establishment. Their lordships therefore desire you, in case the Duke be not come to town, to move the King again therein, and that they may receive his further directions, which they will readily observe.
I have written to you several times about the mistake of a name in a commission you sent over some time since. The commission you sent over was for Daniel Strawbridge to be ensign to Lieutenant-Colonel Caulfield in Sir George St. George's regiment, when it should have been in the name of the person I then wrote you. The colonel has again desired I would put you in mind of it, that the vacancy may be supplied.
I wrote in my last to you that the Lord Chancellor had made but an indifferent provision for his family, notwithstanding all his employments; but, by the last packets, having received advice that the King had promised him 1,000l. a year (not knowing of his death), and had in order thereunto received a list of lands which he had promised should be granted, if it should come in your way I beg your furtherance thereof. My business lies still in the Treasury. I beg you will speak to Mr. Lowndes to have it dispatched. Did there not come references and orders from thence daily I should think multiplicity of public business hindered all affairs of that kind, and should not press it; but, if I lose the opportunity I now have, it may be some prejudice to me. [S.P. Ireland 358, No. 76.]
Dec. 25.
Dublin Castle.
W. Palmer to [Mr. Vernon]. Our Munster packet came in just now, and I received by it a letter from Mr. Monk, collector at Tralee, the substance whereof is, that, on the 14th instant in the evening, came into Ventry Bay the Leopard of Bristol, burden 300 tons, John Heart master, 26 guns mounted, homeward bound from Nevis with sugar, etc. She sailed thence in company of fifteen merchantmen the 20th October last, with their convoy, the Hastings, of 28 guns, and the 24th last was parted from them in a storm. Also, the same evening, came in the Supply of Bristol from Newfoundland, John Potter, master, with some oil and a little fish, but not half her loading. She sailed from thence the 16th November last. The master reports that all the forts and plantations to the southward of "St. Johnstons" were taken, burnt or otherwise destroyed by the French; but that they resolved to hold out, and daily expected a siege. About ten leagues from land she met the Oxford and Dreadnought plying thither, and he doubts not but that they arrived in good time for the defence of the place. On the 16th, in the evening, came into Ventry Bay the Association galley, Samuel Alderton, master, (but I know not of what place) burden 80 tons, laden with sugar, cotton, etc., from Jamaica; she parted thence the 19th October, being sent with several expresses and packets, which I hear are put under cover to the postmaster on your side. From Wexford we have an account that, on the 22nd instant, a ship of 200 or 300 tons, laden with wine, brandy, hats, cards etc. was cast away near the Tower on the county of Wexford side. The packet has been sent on board these two hours. I know not whether this may overtake it or not, so that I must desire you to communicate this to Mr. Yard, not having time to do it. [Ibid., No. 77.]
Dec. 26.
Whitehall.
Sir William Trumbull to the Lords of the Admiralty. I enclose for your opinion the draft of an establishment for the registering of seamen in the Cinque Ports, and a memorial touching the charge thereof; also an extract of a letter lately received from Hythe, relating to the cruizers upon the coast of Kent and Sussex, with which I thought it was fit you should be acquainted. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 204, p. 132.]
Dec. 26.
Whitehall.
Passes for John van Hemert to go to Holland [Ibid. 346, p. 487]; for Sigesmund Dannies, Jacob Heitz, Christian Zirckler, Bastian Schmitt, Christopher Hiffner, George Krause, Tobis Richter and Daniel Kirch, Brandenburgers, to go to Germany [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 346, p, 499]; for John Neruman [?] of Hamburg to go to Holland; and for John Isaac and Anthony d'Offerand, French protestants, ditto. [Ibid., p. 503.]
Dec. 27. John Johnson to Sir William Trumbull. I beg your intercession with the King on behalf of one John Marshall, who lies under sentence of death for house-breaking; he is not above eighteen, and if he could obtain the benefit of transportation, might become a good man. His father is an honest man, and one of my acquaintance. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 105.]
Dec. 27.
Kensington.
Warrant for Gervase Eyre, esquire, high sheriff of Nottinghamshire, to live out of that county. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 163, p. 88.]
Dec. 27.
Kensington.
Order to the Marquis of Carmarthen, or in his absence the commander in chief of the marine regiment of foot under his command, to recruit his said regiment. [Ibid. 167, p. 277.]
Dec. 27.
Kensington.
A like order to Lord Berkeley. [Ibid.]
Dec. 27.
Kensington.
Warrant for the delivery to Charles, Marquess of Winchester, of a French vessel called the Marianne, Peter Bruneau, master, lately taken and condemned as prize, and adjudged to the crown as an admiralty perquisite. If the vessel be sold, the proceeds are to be paid to the Marquess, as of the King's free gift and royal bounty. [Ibid. 346, p. 500.]
Dec. 28.
Whitehall.
Warrant to Ralph Young, messenger in ordinary, to apprehend Charles Walwin, on suspicion of high treason. [Ibid. 349, p. 1.]
Dec. 28.
Whitehall.
Passes for Susanna Reynier and her two children to go to Holland; for Leendert de Lent and Dingelman Swaan, ditto [Ibid. 346, p. 501]; for Jacob Usan and Zeve van Eike, ditto; and for Samuel Chatignie, ditto. [Ibid., p. 503.]
Dec. 29.
Whitehall.
Sir William Trumbull to the Lords of the Admiralty. Vice Admiral Almonde has represented to the King that a Dutch man-of-war called the Sneek, Captain Leyden van Leewen, commander, has lost her bowsprit, and suffered great damage by the vice-admiral of the blue squadron having run foul of him when the fleet sailed lately from St. Helen's. She was obliged to return to Spithead, but can not be repaired, it is alleged, unless the King orders timber to be supplied out of his yard at Portsmouth. The King commands that you send the necessary directions accordingly to the Commissioners of the Navy at Portsmouth. [Ibid. 204, p. 132.]
Dec. 29.
Whitehall.
Passes for Abraham Willemse, Daniel Claese, Frans de Hart, Joost Roelofse, Peter Janse Lens and Andriaen Janse, Dutch seamen, to go to Holland; for John Berthelot, a poor Vaudois, ditto; and for Agnes Dieu, and John and Peter Dieu, her sons, French protestants, ditto. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 346, p. 501.]
Dec. 29.
Kensington.
Warrant for a pardon, under condition of transportation, to Thomas Richardson and John Brown, at the last assizes held at Hertford convicted of felony and sentenced to death. [Ibid., pp, 504 and 506.]
Dec. 29.
Kensington.
Warrant for a like pardon to Daniel Philips, convicted of felony at the last sessions held at the Old Bailey. [Ibid., p. 505.]
Dec. 29.
Kensington.
Warrant for a further reprieve for Peter Cook. [Ibid.]
Dec. 30.
Kensington.
Colonel T. Windesor to Sir William Trumbull, asking for a reprieve for James Pritchard, a soldier in his regiment, condemned for coining. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 106.]
Dec. 30.
Whitehall.
Proceedings upon the petition of John de Lenne, a French protestant. The petitioner shows that he was forced to fly from his country on account of the persecution, and had no other way of withdrawing some effects, but by bringing contraband goods. These have been since seized, and a considerable sum forfeited, one moiety to the King and the other to the informer. He prays the King's moiety of the said goods. Referred to the Commissioners of the Treasury for report. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 238, p. 98.]
Dec. 30.
Whitehall.
Proceedings upon the petition of Maurice FitzGerald, esquire. The petitioner shows that, at the malicious prosecution of John Steers, a bill of indictment of high treason was found against him by a grand jury of the county of Kerry. He was tried at the court of King's Bench, but was acquitted, the jury being satisfied of his innocence, as he was about 14 years of age at the time the treason was supposed to have been committed. He has since been restored to the possession of his estate, whereunto the said John Steers entered by reason of the said indictment; notwithstanding this he has been again indicted, at the prosecution of the said John Steers, in the county of Cork, for the same crime, though laid in the indictment to be at another time and place than the former indictment. The bill being found, the petitioner is threatened to be again tried for his life. He prays a Noli Prosequi on the said indictment, and a pardon of all treasons and other crimes which he might have committed in the time of the late war in Ireland, when he was under age. Referred to the Lords Justices of Ireland for report. [Ibid., p. 99.]
Dec. 30.
Whitehall.
Passes for Dirck van der Sween and Arec Johannes Appeldoore, subjects of the States General, to go to Holland [Ibid. 344, p. 589]; for Warner ter Stalh, Peter van Tiegem, Philips Kindt and Jan Berents, soldiers in Count Nassau's regiment, ditto; for Johanna Cheft, a soldier's wife, ditto; for Jan Steenhuysen and Cornelis Bierema, subjects of the States General, ditto; for Bernard Sassé, Willem van Heel, Louys de Chevanne and Paul Heindrickse, subjects of the States General, ditto [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 346, p. 501]; and for Adrian Rietvelt, a Dutchman, ditto. [Ibid., p. 502.]
Dec. 30.
Whitehall.
Warrant to Peter Tom to bring up from Ipswich for examination Francis Prime, Anne Denis Lamotte, Ellen Catherine Aldridge and Thomas Joly, stopped at that town for coming lately out of France without leave. [Ibid.]
Dec. 31.
Kensington.
Warrant for John Pack, esquire, high sheriff of Suffolk, to live out of that county. [Ibid. 163, p. 88.]
Dec. 31.
Kensington.
A like warrant for Thomas Dyke, esquire, high sheriff of Somerset. [Ibid., p. 89.]
Dec. 31.
Kensington.
A like warrant for Edmund Godwin, esquire, high sheriff of Essex. [Ibid.]
Dec. 31.
Whitehall.
Passes for Mr. John Baptista Prouwells to embark at Falmouth for Corunna [Ibid. 344, p. 589]; for John Lothens, a soldier, to go to Holland; for Frederick Schruder Arse, ditto; for Hans Jurrie Coenraetgies, a maimed Dutch soldier, ditto; for David Davidsen, a maimed Dutch soldier, ditto [Ibid. 346, p. 502]; for Thomas Haysome, ditto; and for Jacob Palmer, ditto. [Ibid., p. 503.]
Dec. 31.
Kensington.
Warrant for the appointment of Sir John Jeffreson, knight, one of the justices of the court of Common Pleas in Ireland, Thomas Coote, esquire, one of the justices of the King's Bench, and Nehemiah Donellan, esquire, one of the Barons of the Exchequer, to execute the office of Chancellor or Keeper of the Great Seal of Ireland, vacant by the death of Sir Charles Porter. [S.P. Dom. Signet Office, 13, p. 366.]
Dec. Rough memoranda for the King of matters before both houses of parliament. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 107.]
Dec. Report by Robert Dale, Blanch Lion, pursuant to an order made by the officers of arms in a meeting of the society 10th December, 1696, and endorsed "Particulars of the funeral (sic) of Queen Mary." (fn. 1)
" Banners: the great banner of England and twenty banners and bannerets. Helmet and crest.
" Shield sword and tassles of the mantle and a black table.
"A double rail of velvet the outermost covered within to the bench and without to the bottom excepting a yard at the southwest corner.
"A seat covered with cloth lined with matt[ing].
"The outside velvet of the inner rail at the opening towards the east torn away.
"The flooring of the outermost and second rail bays upon matting.
"The outside of the innermost rail hath only the velvet remaining against the obelisk at the north east corner (between the obelisks). The lining on each side the body only remains excepting that on the doors and the covering of the two lowermost stools on the north side and the lowermost stool on the south side which is torn away and the flooring of velvet with matting under it remains.
"Eight carved silver stands and a long table for the body.
"The obelisks from the basis all covered with velvet. The south west obelisk on the west side hath a scroll with Beati pacifici a shield crown and eight small pencils three stars and a crown and M. and crown and narrow fringe along the mouldings to the top; on the south side Dieu et mon droit shield crown and eight pencils three stars crown M. and crown and narrow fringe; on the east side Salus populi suprema lex shield crown eight pencils three stars and crown M. and a crown and fringed; on the north side Video taceo a shield crown and eight pencils two stars crown M. crown and fringed.
" The north west pillar on the west side: Vivat prudentia regnans a shield crown eight pencils three stars a crown and M. and a crown and fringed.
" On the south side Posui Deum adjutorem meum a shield crown seven pencils two stars crown M. crown and fringe. East side Salus populi suprema lex shield crown eight pencils two stars crown M. crown and fringe. North Concordia nutrit amorem shield crown eight pencils three stars crown M. crown and fringe.
" The south east pillar: west side Concordia nutrit amorem shield crown six pencils three stars crown M. crown and fringe; south side Semper eadem shield crown eight pencils three stars crown M. crown and fringe; east side Video taceo shield crown eight pencils three stars crown and crown fringed; north side Posui Deum adjutorem meum shield crown six pencils three stars crown M. crown fringed.
"The north east pillar: east side Semper eadem shield crown seven pencils three stars crown M. crown no fringe; south side Vivat prudentia regnans shield crown four pencils two stars crown M. crown no fringe; east side Beati pacifici shield crown eight pencils three stars crown M. crown no fringe; north side Dieu et mon droit shield crown seven pencils three stars crown M. crown and fringe on one corner from the uppermost crown to the top.
"Inside at top all velvet.
"Four stars between the east pillars and circle three to the west four west [sic] and four north.
"A majesty scutcheon at the top of the cupola fringed deep round and twenty-eight narrow fringe up the ribs; a large deep fringe at the bottom of the cupola; the vallance on the inner side fringed round with a narrow fringe; three stars within upon the vallance to the east three to the west three south three north.
"The outer and inner scalloped vallance fringed round entire with twenty-four tassles.
"On the outside of the vallance; at the west end the King's arms with crown supporters and motto Dieu et mon droit the crests of England and France to the south and Scotland and Ireland to the north within garters and with crowns and a star between every one at the top; the south side arms crowns and motto as before; harp and thistle to the east portcullis and red rose to the west. The east end as the west the north as the south.
"Four silver sconces one between every pillar. The banner with the cross of England to the south west corner and Scotland to the north west; France at the south east corner and Ireland at the north east.
"Above the verge:
"The south pyramid at the west end; the west side covered with velvet to the top only about a foot and a half baize at the bottom; M. crown crown rose crown M. crown star crown and narrow fringe; south side velvet as before M, crown star crown rose crown M. crown star crown and fringe; east side no fringe and velvet only from a foot and a half above the rise of the cupola rose crown M. crown star crown; the north as the east for velvet no fringe crown rose crown M. crown and crown and unicorn and shield at the top of the pillar.
"South east pillar: the west side velvet from the rise of the cupola no fringe rose crown M. crown crown; south side velvet and fringe as the other pillar M. crown rose crown M. crown star crown; east side velvet as before about a yard and a half of fringe wanting M. rose crown M. crown star crown; north side velvet only from about a yard above the rise of the cupola no fringe rose crown M. crown star crown and lion at the top.
"North east pillar: west side velvet only from a yard above the rise of the cupola and no fringe; rose crown M. crown star crown no fringe; south side as the west for velvet no fringe M. crown and crown; east side velvet from within a foot of the ground and fringe M. crown rose crown M. crown star crown; north side as the east for velvet and fringe excepting a foot of fringe at one corner M. crown rose crown M. crown star crown and unicorn at the top.
"The north west pillar: on the east side velvet from within a foot of the bottom and fringe M. crown crown rose crown M. crown star crown; on the south side velvet from the rise of the cupola excepting about half a foot square no fringe crown rose crown M. star crown; east side velvet from about a yard above the rise of the cupola no fringe crown M. crown; north side, velvet and fringe as the west side M. rose crown M. star crown and lion at the top.
"The rise of the cupola: on the south side velvet and fringe at the top from within about a foot at the bottom and nine tin candlesticks; on the east side fringe as before and four tin candlesticks and velvet wanting about a yard wide at the north east corner which is supplied with baize; north side fringe as before eight tin candlesticks and velvet wanting half a yard in breadth at each pillar or better; west side ten candlesticks fringe and velvet entire. The rising or cupola covered with velvet and ten laces of silver or eight at least. About sixteen little pendants." [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 108.]
Commission for Mr. Daniel Ormsby to be ensign to Major William Ormsby, in Colonel Tiffin's regiment. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 167, p. 259.]
List of Dutch men-of-war continued in service through the winter of 1695–6, including eight in Spain and nine dispatched thither. [S.P. Dom. King William's Chest 16, No. 52.]
A list of the land forces which his Majesty has now in pay, and which he thinks necessary to be continued and maintained in England and beyond the seas for the service of this year, videlicet:—
English horse:—
Three troops of Guards.
The Grenadier Guards.
The Scots Guards.
The Royal regiment of horse.
The Queen's regiment.
Colonel Leveson's regiment (late Villiers's).
Colonel Wood's regiment (late Berkeley's).
Colonel Langston's regiment (late Godfrey's).
Colonel Coy's regiment.
Colonel Windham's regiment.
The Duke of Schomberg and Leinster's regiment.
Lord Galway's regiment.
The Earl of Macclesfield's regiment.
The Earl of Arran's regiment.
Colonel Windsor's regiment.
Dragoons:—
The Royal regiment.
Colonel Lloyd's regiment (late Fairfax).
The Earl of Essex's regiment.
Sir Thomas Livingstone's regiment.
Colonel Ross's regiment (late Brigadier Wynne's).
Colonel Cunningham's regiment.
Colonel Leigh's regiment.
The Earl of Denbigh's regiment.
Colonel Eppinger's regiment.
The Marquis de Miremont's regiment.
Foot:—
The two regiments of Guards.
The Scots Guards.
The Royal regiments of Foot and Fusiliers.
Colonel Selwyn's regiment.
Colonel Churchill's regiment.
Colonel Trelawney's regiment.
Colonel Beaumont's regiment.
Sir Bevil Granville's regiment (late Bath's).
Colonel Brewer's regiment.
Sir John Jacob's regiment (late Hastings's).
Colonel Tidcombe's regiment.
Sir David Colyear's regiment.
Colonel How's regiment (late Leslie's).
Colonel Colt's regiment (late Goodwin's).
Sir Matthew Bridges's regiment (late Courthope's, formerly St. George's).
Colonel Collingwood's regiment.
Colonel Stanley's regiment.
Colonel Robert Mackay's regiment (late O'Farrell's).
Colonel Earle's regiment (formerly Luttrell's).
Colonel Earle's regiment from Ireland.
Colonel Mordaunt's regiment (late Monmouth's).
The Duke of Bolton's regiment.
Colonel Lillingston's regiment.
Colonel Holt's regiment (late Godfrey Lloyd's).
Colonel Saunderson's regiment (late Castleton's).
The Marquis de Puisar's regiment (late Venner's).
Colonel Ingoldsby's regiment.
Colonel Maitland's regiment.
Colonel Ferguson's regiment.
Lord Lorne's regiment (late the Earl of Argyll's).
Colonel Tiffin's regiment.
Colonel Æneas Mackay's regiment.
Colonel Colyear's regiment (late Sir Charles Graham's).
Colonel Lawder's regiment.
Colonel Collumbin's regiment (late the Marquis de Rada's).
Colonel Seymour's regiment (late Lord Cutts's).
Colonel Fairfax's regiment (late Edward Lloyd's).
Colonel Frederick Hamilton's regiment.
Colonel la Melloniere's regiment.
Colonel Comte Marton's regiment.
Colonel Belcastle's regiment.
Sir Henry Bellasis's regiment.
Colonel Brudenall's regiment (late Row's).
Brigadier Stewart's regiment.
Colonel Coote's regiment.
Colonel Buchan's regiment.
Colonel George Hamilton's regiment.
Lord Strathnavers's regiment.
Colonel Gibson's regiment.
Colonel Northcote's regiment.
Colonel Farrington's regiment.
Colonel Russell's regiment.
The four New York companies.
The Leeward Islands company.
The Windsor company.
The Upnor company.
The Chester company.
The Tinmouth company.
The Hampton Court company.
The Miners' company.
[S.P. Dom. King William's Chest 16, No. 53.]
Four lists of the French fleets at Toulon, viz.: (1) Admiral Russell's list of the ships at Toulon, Dec., 1694; in all 62 ships. (2) List received from France of the ships at Toulon, Dec., 1694; in all 53 ships. (3) List received from France of the ships at Toulon, Dec., 1695; in all 60 ships. (4) A list of ships fitting at Toulon, Dec., 1695, received from Geneva; 50 ships, not inclusive of fire ships, etc. [Ibid. No. 54.]
Plan of the encampment of the Allied troops near Neustadt. [Ibid. No. 55.]
Order of battle of the Allied Army. [Ibid. No. 56.]
A list of invalids and men disabled in twenty-six regiments of the Allies' troops. [Ibid. No. 57.]
J. de Louuagne [?] to the Elector of [Bavaria ?], reporting news of the troops at Pignerol, etc. [Ibid. No. 58.]
A fragment of a letter from the same to [the same ?], reporting on the state of the army in the field. [Ibid. No. 59.]
French plan of Blackness Castle. [Ibid. No. 60.]
View of the west side of Blackness Castle, shewing the village of Blackness, and the old castle of Abercorn. [Ibid. No. 61.]
View and plan of Dumbarton Castle. [Ibid. No. 62.]
Plan and two views of Edinburgh Castle. [Ibid. No. 63.]
Plan and three views of Stirling Castle. [Ibid. No. 64.]
A petition of the glass-makers praying that the duty may be taken off glass-wares, which has caused them loss of employment, and great hardships to themselves and their families. Printed. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 109.]
The petition of William May, mariner, of London, now under sentence of death in Newgate for piracy, " as being steward of the ship called the Charles, run away withal by Captain Avery."
The petitioner shows that he is condemned to die merely upon the testimony of David Crea, a man whose life and conversation have been vicious and scandalous from his infancy as the following will show. Mr. Dan and the boy Middleton both confessed that the petitioner was from first to last of that voyage indisposed. David Crea was born in Ireland, came young to England, and was bound to Sir William Crea in Newcastle-onTyne, where he behaved as a thief and a drunkard. He was discharged by Sir William Crea, and came to London, where he broke open Mr. Stephen Crea's closet, and stole a quantity of gold etc. David Crea, when in Spain, met one Mr. Terry, being then in the expedition with Don Arthuro O'Bruyn; from Mr. Terry, David Crea also stole money and goods.
The said Crea went to France, and at Dunkirk entered himself in a privateer under the command of Mons. Du Bart; this can be proved by the oath of William Ray, who was then a prisoner in Dunkirk. He was at the taking and sinking of the England frigate, where he caused eighty persons to be left to drown, the truth whereof is referred to Mr. Ryder, lieutenant of that manof-war. He was at the taking and plundering of fourteen merchant-men, one whereof was a ship belonging to Captain Francis, which the latter swore before Sir Thomas Lane the 1st July 1695. He was committed to Newgate on the 2nd July, 1695, by Sir Thomas Lane.
The said David Crea threatened to swear high treason against Stephen Crea, his brother, and twenty more, which was sworn by Mr. Ray and Mr. Hyde at Captain Vaughan's trial, where Crea produced a letter, asserting the same to be in the said Vaughan's hand-writing, but Captain Gibson can truly aver that David Crea is good at forging of hands.
The petitioner hopes that Lord Chief Justice Holt, who tried him, will send for Mr. Stephen Crea, merchant in Walting Street, and examine him as to the said letters, and if they shall be produced and proved, that then the Lord Chief Justice shall infer that the said Crea's testimony is false, and not sufficient to hang a dog. Printed. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 110.]
Rough memoranda of proceedings of the House of Commons, touching the clipping, etc. of coin, consumption of malt per head of the population, the amount raised by excise, the elections, the poor, the possibilities of proposed taxes on cattle, etc.; the numbers of baronets, knights etc. in England. The population of London is estimated at 900,000. [Ibid. No. 111.]
Copy of an act of parliament to set aside amendments and alterations made in the records and writs of a fine and two recoveries in the grand sessions held for the county of Glamorgan, by means whereof Thomas, Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery, is deprived of all the benefit he ought to have by three several writs of error brought by him in the King's Bench to reverse two recoveries and a fine suffered by his brother Philip, late earl; provided jointure be confirmed to Henrietta, Countess Dowager of Pembroke, now wife of Timoleon Gonsier, Marquis de Theis, in the kingdom of France; and provided also that the manors concerned in the said fine and recoveries shall be chargeable with such sum, if any, as shall be necessary to complete the marriage portion of 10,000l., which Philip, the late earl, received with the said Henrietta, mother of Lady Charlotte, only daughter and heir of the said Philip, and now wife of John, Lord Jeffreys. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 112.]
The case of several persons, who have advanced the sum of 564,700l. upon the credit of an act of parliament made in the 6th and 7th years of his Majesty's reign, for granting certain duties on glass, stone and earthen ware, coals and culm.
There was a clause in the said act, guaranteeing that whatever should fall short, in the time granted for repayment of the loan, should be repaid to the lenders out of the next aids or supplies granted by parliament.
There was no deficiency in the fund, for the said duties would have brought in more money in the time than was lent.
In 7 and 8 William an act was passed establishing a national land-bank, wherein it was enacted that the duties on coal and culm should cease, and be no more paid or collected; and the duties on stone, glass and earthenware be appropriated to other uses.
Provision was made in the said act that 560,000l., the remainder of the said 564,700l., should in the first place be paid to the lenders thereof, out of the moneys intended to be advanced by the said land-bank, or on the credit of exchequer bills.
Neither of these has taken effect, and the abovesaid lenders are totally deprived of their security, which has been taken away without their consent, and this will doubtless prove a great prejudice to the public credit.
They therefore pray to be transferred to the first supply granted this sessions, or else to be restored to their former security. Printed. [Ibid., No. 113.]
1696. Engraving, with descriptive letterpress, issued at Rome, 10 November, 1695, of a device for detaching runaway horses from a carriage; presented to the Duke [of Shrewsbury] by the writer of a note on the back, who obtained it as a great favour from Rome. [Ibid., No. 114.]
Newgate. —Pinet to Mons. Dubourdieu, minister of the French church in the Savoy. We have heard lately that all the prisoners are to be brought to trial. But, as I have no one to speak for me, I fear I shall be forgotten. For the last twelve days I have been reduced to bread and water.
When you came to see me, I forgot that the man I told you about was an old servant and pensioner of King James. I remember that the captain of the Swedish vessel in which we came had important letters to the bishop of "this town," with orders to deliver them only into his own hand; these letters, I think must have been destined for this gentleman, for I can hardly believe that a protestant bishop would have correspondence with the French. French. S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 115.
Abstract of three acts of parliament of 8 William III. viz.: (1) For importing and coining guineas and half-guineas. (2) For the further remedying the ill state of the coin of the kingdom. (3) To explain that part of the act passed last session for laying several duties on low wines and spirits of the first extraction, and for preventing the frauds and abuses of brewers, distillers and other persons chargeable with excise, which relates to the payment of tallies and the interest thereof.
Printed by Charles Bill and the executrix of Thomas Newcomb, deceased, printers to the King. [Ibid., No. 116.]
Valuation of the manors granted to the Earl of Portland by letters patents of 8 William III, being the manors of Grantham, co. Lincoln, Pevensey, co. Sussex, Patrington and Bristall [Birstall] Garth, co. York, Dracklow and Rudheath, co. Chester, Terrington, co. Norfolk, Hornsey, Twing, Barnsley cum Dedsworth, and Leven, and the honour of Penrith and forest of Inglewood, co. Cumberland.
These manors belong to the Queen Dowager for life, so that the value to the earl, during her life is nil; after her death, till the expiry of existing leases for thirty-one years or three lives, 976l. 9s. 8¾d. yearly; after the expiry of such leases there will be an improved value of 3,281l. 12s. 3½d. By conveyance from the trustees for sale of fee-farms, there is to be conveyed so many of these rents as amount to about 1,500l. a year; but the rents being small, and at least half of them defective, the grant of them cannot be certainly valued at present. [Ibid., No. 117.]
The mysteries of the counterfeiting of the coin of the nation fully detected, and methods humbly offered to parliament for preventing the said abuse for ever by easy and reasonable laws; and for raising the sum of 200,000l. in three months' time, and augmenting his Majesty's yearly revenue considerably; by Joseph Aickin. Printed by William Downing, London. A pamphlet of 15 pp. [Ibid., No. 118.]
The non-associating list of those members that refused to subscribe to the National Association for the defence of his Majesty's sacred person. Printed for E. Tomlinson in Westminster. [Ibid., No. 119.]
Mr. Montague's scheme for making good the deficiency of all the parliamentary funds, hindering the discount of tallies and bank bills, and enlarging the Bank of England.
Tallies already struck on funds given by parliament, and remaining unsatisfied in the Exchequer, on 14th Nov., 1696, amount to 8,739, 527l. 4s. 2¼d.
There remain to be struck on the Salt Act, to complete 2,564,000l., for which it was given, 1,583,997l.
300,000l. or 400,000l. of the said loans will be paid by the money which is recoining at the Tower, reducing the debt to 10,000,000l.
It is proposed that the duties mentioned in paper No. 3, amounting to 1,200,000l. or 1,400,000l. yearly, be continued and granted to his Majesty till 1st Aug., 1706, when the Bank of England may be determined by parliament; that these duties be settled and applied to answer the interest and principal of all the said parliamentary tallies.
That the tallies remaining unsatisfied on the 1st Aug., 1706 be answered and paid out of the perpetuity on salt, if the Bank continue, or be paid off altogether with the 1,200,000l. principal stock, if it be dissolved.
The parliamentary tallies being thus secured, let it be lawful for the Bank of England to receive subscriptions, and augment their capital stock to any sum not exceeding 10,000,000l., the payments on such subscriptions to be made either in tallies or bank bills and notes. For every 100l. so paid, together with the interest due thereupon, let the subscribers be entitled to one share in the capital stock of the bank, with power to sell or transfer the same.
Let the governor and corporation of the Bank of England receive the interest and principle of all tallies paid in to them on such subscriptions, for the use of the corporation.
Let the interest and principle of all tallies belonging to the Bank, or in the hands of private persons, be paid off in course as they stand on the register.
Let 8 per cent. per annum be allowed for all tallies paid into the bank, but let private persons receive no other interest than is granted on the tally.
If the Bank be permitted to increase their capital stock to 10,000,000l., and the subscribers be obliged to pay one tenth in money, the Bank may furnish 500,000l. for the service of this year. The last paragraph is scored through in the original. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 120.]
A sure and effectual method for the recovery of credit, and making good the deficiency of parliamentary funds, humbly proposed by a merchant of London.
The method is to issue exchequer tallies, against a real security to be settled by parliament for 12,000,000l., with a sinking fund of 1,200,000l. yearly, for the discharge of the debt. Printed. In duplicate. [Ibid., Nos. 121 and 122.]
A proposal by John Goodwin, gent., to raise eight millions in two years (altered in pen and ink to: five millions in one year) by a duty to be laid upon the woollen manufacture, with hair and silk, by such a way that none shall pay towards it but those who please, and they that will shall pay but what they please.
It will be no small contradiction to the notions of our foreign enemies, that England can hold out no longer, when it plainly appears that, by a voluntary duty upon a single commodity, with the revenues already settled, we are able to maintain the war seven years longer, without damage to trade or people. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 123.]
The petition of Joseph Ormeston, Isaac Ashley, Richard Goddard, Nathaniel Rouse, and others, merchants and inhabitants of London, trading to Dantzig, all English-born. Their correspondent in Dantzig, Cornelis Law, merchant, a burgher of that city, has possessed himself of their money and goods to the value of near 12,000l., whereof he refuses to make them any return or account, assuming to himself certain pretended privileges, as a burgher of that city, for large allowances of time. They pray the King will induce the magistracy of Dantzig to summon Law before them, in order to the petitioners' obtaining some satisfaction. [Ibid., No. 124.]
The most humble remonstrances presented to the House of Commons, by John Chabbert, minister and refugee, concerning: (1) The proofs whereby the French gentlemen commissioners, appointed for the distribution of the charity bestowed upon the poor French protestant refugees, may be convinced that there are still in their hands great sums of money, and a revenue more than sufficient to maintain all the poor refugees. (2) Concerning the means whereby the said sums may be discovered, and the commissioners compelled to give an exact account of them. (3) Concerning the motives which may induce the House of Commons to use the aforesaid means. A pamphlet of 31 printed pages. [Ibid., No. 125.]
Note, signed J. Pulteney, of a caveat on behalf of the Earl of Romney, that, in case the place of Master of the Ordnance in Ireland shall be disposed of, the word 'general' may not be inserted in the warrant, by calling him Master-General of the Ordnance, before his lordship has notice thereof. [Ibid., No. 126.]
Caveat that there be no pardon granted for Joseph Horton, he being a clipper and coiner. [Ibid., No. 127.]
[1696.] Caveat on behalf of the Admiralty, in case of any grant being made of a ship bound from Marseilles to Genoa, and three corn vessels bound for France, taken prizes by Captain Broome in the Mary Rose, he having received a commission in 1689 to be commander of a privateer called the Lusitania. [Ibid., No. 128.]
Caveat that the sign manual do not pass for appointing the common or town clerk for the borough of Leeds, co. York, before notice be given to Mr. Jasper Blythman of the Inner Temple. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 129.]
A paper of Reasons against the Coinage Bill. Silver is a commodity, and rises and falls in value as accidents in trade, etc. happen, and it is accordingly imported or exported to or from any country.
There is no parity between the coins of one country and another; they are calculated for the convenience of commerce within each country, and have names and values put upon them at the discretion of every such place. But all traffic is carried on, and prices set upon goods sent from one country to another, according to the intrinsic value of the coin of each country that is to be taken in exchange for such commodity.
The making of such alterations, by raising or changing the values of coins, certainly redounds to the loss of any country or place where it is done.
To give instances in England:—In 1266 an English penny was to weigh thirty-two wheat corns of the middle of the ear, and twenty of those pence to make an ounce, and twelve ounces a pound, and more anciently it was of a lower value.
The ounce of silver, which weighs 20 dwt., is now to be coined into sixty pence, besides some advantage by the Mint.
So here is more than two thirds of all the ancient rents reserved to lords' or gentlemens' manors lost, and, looking backwards, it may be more.
Now, suppose that our coin be advanced a twentieth part more. Is not every contract made worse by so much one side, if the recipient must be paid in coin of so much less intrinsic value ? Will it not hinder loans, if repayments must be made in coin of 6 or 7 per cent. less in intrinsic value ?
It will not hinder exportation of coin or bullion, for that is governed by the balance of trade.
The present causes of exporting silver from England are: (1) The great stop by embargoes and the wars, which have hindered the exporting of your commodities to supply the luxury and expense of foreign commodities here. (2) The great occasions for money abroad, for which nothing is returned, as the money paid to the Dutch and the Danes, and the payment of the armies in Holland and Ireland. (3) For want of convoys no bullion has been imported these last two or three years, and the merchants say there is 500,000l. or 600,000l. now waiting for convoys at Cales. Insurance being at 8 or 10 per cent., and the profit being small upon bullion, none will be brought in without good convoys. (fn. 2)
As to the effect the advancing coins has had abroad:—Portugal at three several times since 1650, to prevent the carrying out of their coin, have abated their cruisado from 4s. 4d. value to 2s. 5d. Spain but three years since abated the value of their pieces of eight from 4s. 6d. to 3s. 8d.; but still the merchants bring away these abated coins as they did before the abatement. The reason is plain,—they sell their goods according to the intrinsic value of the money, and the exchanges to and from all places are regulated by the intrinsic value of the coin of each place. This law rules everywhere, and there is no reason why it should not here.
The profit will be but to a few persons, the master-worker of the Mint, etc., which the King must pay, and have no more money in his kingdom for it. It will cause all the money, that is not light or clipped, to be re-coined, so that the King must lose two thirds of the advance to bear the charge.
It will be a great dishonour to the nation, having been experimented only in low and declining governments, or in France, where great oppressions and injustices are used. And, although we are under hard circumstances, yet it is neither for the honour or interest of the nation to publish it to all the world, as this will do.
Some prevention of exportation might be effected by a short bill, providing that no bullion shall be exported that has been melted in England, and making it more penal to export coin. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 130.]
A paper, "from Mr. Taylor," of proposals to remedy the present difficulties for want of money.
It is proposed that the sum given for 1697 be ascertained by making good what shall be deficient out of the next money which shall be raised by parliament.
That, upon the general credit of the funds for raising the said sum, bills be made out, from 15l. to 100l., for 9,000,000l. or more, to be divided into three parts, with interest on the first at 1d. per diem per cent., on the second 2d., on the third 3d., to continue till notice be given that money is in the Exchequer to pay off the bills, and that to be done in course, as the bills are numbered, principal and interest together.
That any person receiving these bills with an allowance of more than the interest to which he is entitled by the bill, shall forfeit double what shall be so allowed.
That these bills shall be made currant in all payments as lawful money, of England, the taxes which are to pay them off only excepted. Hereby a new specie may soon be made, little inferior to money, that by security and interest becomes profitable; this by security and interest is made valuable, and will be money in a short time.
There are three objections that may be made: (1) It will be compulsion. (2) It will not answer the occasion; for paper will not raise money nor buy goods. (3) It will be unjust to force paper instead of money.
To these it may be answered: (1) Compulsion in this case will be no more than forcing money from the subject by taxes, which at this time are equally beneficial to the nation and necessary for our support. (2) This paper, being made good payment in law, will discharge all debts, and consequently be as useful as money, and in a little time may be more desired; it is not to be doubted that what will pay debts will always find credit. (3) The injustice or hardship in this case will be the least that can be, and not like the lowering of guineas, or passing hammered money by weight, which brought great loss on most men; this will but be a suspension of money payment for some months; it requires only forbearance in the usurer, and is equally an accommodation to all who are in debt.
The benefits would be as follows: (1) It takes off the occasions for loans this year, by giving the King an immediate supply of money. (2) It will give present ease to the country by paying off the soldiers' quarters, and will be a means of keeping money in the country. (3) It will in a great measure put a stop to the high discount of tallies, not only by multiplying our specie, but because that has arisen from the necessities of such as receive tallies from the King, who still have money owing to them. If they are paid by these bills, it will relieve them against their creditors, and enable them to serve the King again. (4) It will revive trade, and set the poor at work again. (5) It will defeat the usurer, who now makes his market to the prejudice of the public, paper not being, as it used to be, in competition with his money. (6) It will be a means of uniting us, by bringing the enemies to this government to have an interest in it; for whoever has a title to money will have a share of this paper, and that will strengthen the security. (7) It will be an effectual way to recover credit, by being able to subsist without it, as the man has most credit who least wants it, and seldom borrows. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 131.]
Proposal for the stamping or marking of all plate, at the rate of 6s. 8d. per ounce for gold, and 6d. per ounce for silver; and that "any person bringing plate so marked to the Mint to be coined shall receive 6s. 8d. for gold and 6d. for silver, per ounce, over and above the intrinsic value."
By a moderate computation this will raise 200,000l.; it will affect none but those well qualified to bear it, and it is, properly speaking, "no other than lending the public a tenth part of their dead plate without interest which will be repaid by the Mint whenever it is coined." It will save the nation the expense for the future of any encouragement for plate to be coined; a great quantity of useless plate will be coined "rather than persons will pay for stamping, and by this means the Mint will be plentifully supplyed." It will cause all the plate in the kingdom to circulate through it, and the continual income by marking the plate as proposed being appropriated to pay the said 6s. 8d. for gold and 6d. for silver for marked plate, "will be more than sufficient to discharge the same."
It is conceived that making it felony to counterfeit the stamp and causing unmarked plate to be forfeited will remove two objections that might otherwise be made. The general receivers in each county being appointed to stamp the plate in every corporation "under their respective receipts," and the chief magistrate in each town being also obliged to supervise the work may return an account of what is so marked to the Treasury; which will be a check upon the receivers. Printed. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 132.]
A proposal for raising two millions of money, at the rate of fourteen per cent., for single lives or lease of forty years, which shall expire first, offered to the consideration of the House of Commons. The method proposed is a lottery of 100,000 tickets at 2l. per ticket, with 131,877 prizes, varying in value from 1,000l. to 1l. yearly. Printed. On the back are remarks on the above, signed J.F., addressed to Sir Joseph Williamson, pointing out that the proposal is not so low as to be beneath the cognisance of the court and city, for the prizes are as valuable as those in the 1,000,000l. adventure. It would be of great advantage both to the crown and the nation, and might be useful in taking in clipped money. [Ibid., No. 133.]
Proposals to the House of Commons for the laying a tax upon raw hides, etc., by Richard Organ. Printed. [Ibid., No. 134.]
A proposal by T. A. Gent for raising 600,000l. in three months, by licenses on plate, gold and silver lace and ornaments, and silk stuffs. Printed. [Ibid., No. 135.]
Reasons humbly offered to the consideration of parliament, for laying a further duty upon French, Spanish and other foreign salt (except Scotch salt, and what is consumed upon the fishery of this kingdom), towards the support and encouragement of the manufacture of salt in this nation. Printed. [Ibid., No. 136.]
Sir William Trumbull to the Mayor of Coventry. I have received yours of the 9th instant concerning a seditious pamphlet giving an account of the proceedings in parliament relating to the lowering of the price of guineas, and containing reflections on the government as well as particular persons therein named. I desire you to send me one, and suppress, as far as you can, the dispersing of them. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 99, p. 298.]
A list of the deputy lieutenants and of the militia officers for the county of Hereford.
Deputy Lieutenants:—Thomas, Lord Coningsby, Sir Herbert Croft, Sir Edward Harley, the Honourable Paul Foley, the Honourable Thomas Conisby, Ferdinando Gorges, John Scudamore, James Morgan, William Fiennes, Edward Littleton, John Salway, Henry Gorges, Robert Harley, Thomas Gwellym, Thomas Rawlins, William Gwellym, Thomas Foley, John Byrch, Richard Reed—Baldwin, John Dutton Colt, Robert Unett, Robert Dobbins, Edward Harley and Thomas Harley, esquires.
Officers of the foot:—Thomas Foley, esquire, captain-lieutenant, Sir Herbert Croft, lieutenant-colonel, Robert Harley, esq., major, Captains:—William Fiennes, James Morgan, Thomas Gwellym, Richard Shipp, Edward Littleton and Robert Unett, esquires.
Horse officers:—The Honourable Thomas Conisby and John Scudamore, esquires, captains.
Thomas Mathews, esquire, treasurer; John Hill, gent., clerk; Fitzwilliam Conisby, muster-master; Robert Watts, marshall. In duplicate. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 169, p. 6 and p. 6a.]
Warrant to Ralph Young to receive into custody John Tompson and James Harwood, on suspicion of high treason. [Ibid., 345, p. 418.]
Warrant for John Ford, commander of the ship John to take on board such French prisoners as are now in the gaols of England or Ireland, and to transport them to St. Malo, there to be exchanged for English prisoners. [Ibid., 346, p. 433.]
Passes for Abraham de Gan, his wife and two daughters, and Joseph Harrison, his wife and two daughters, to go to Holland [Ibid., p. 456]; for David Buffer, a trooper in Lord Galway's regiment, ditto [Ibid., p. 462]; for Mr. Henry Roberts, a gentleman in the third troop of guards, to go to Flanders [Ibid., p. 492]; and for Anthony Lardique and Gedéon Montenon, recruits for Brigadier Belcastel's regiment, ditto [Ibid., p. 499.]
Details of a squadron proposed to be sent at the latter end of the summer, for the protection of the "flota" and galleons, to consist of ten English third and fourth rates, and three fireships, and six ships of the States General, with two fireships. [S.P. Dom. Naval 5, No. 52.]
Proposals for sending a squadron to the West Indies. Although it is said that the squadron commanded by Monsieur Renaud, which was designed for the West Indies, has been forced back, after having suffered very much at sea, and although it is certain that there lately passed from the Leeward Islands towards Hispaniola and Jamaica several French ships of war, and also that there are many privateers of strength lying off of the Carribbean Islands, which have lately taken some merchant ships of Bristol outward bound, it is suggested that a little squadron of men-of-war, of about six third and fourth rates, two fifths, and two fireships might visit all our plantations, to the great encouragement of the trade, and our reputation, so as to be at home in October next. This which may be compassed in the manner following:—
The squadron, if soon dispatched, may reach Barbados by the first of July, stay there a competent time, and "range" the coast of Martinique, clearing those parts of the privateers. If there be occasion, it might call at the Leeward Islands, and do the like there, avoiding the season of the hurricanes, and then "fall down" to the French parts on Hispaniola, calling in at Petit Guaves, to do the enemy what prejudice they can in their shipping.
After staying a short time in Jamaica and doing all that may be required in those parts, the squadron may sail to the capes of Virginia, and there information may be had of the French, if they should think of doing us any mischief there, which they have threatened. And if there be no occasion of stay, nor any intelligence of French men-of-war or privateers at New York or New England, the squadron may sail to Placentia on the French part of Newfoundland, and there not only take or destroy what shipping shall yet remain there of the French fishery, but probably possess themselves of Placentia itself, which they may destroy and render useless, at least for some time, to the French. From thence the squadron (if there be no occasion to call on the east side of Newfoundland, where the English fishery is settled) may return directly home, and arrive before winter.
Memorandum: If in this voyage, there happen to be need of strengthening the convoys homeward bound from any of the plantations, the commander-in-chief may be authorized to do therein as may be requisite, by leaving one more frigate to perform that service. If it shall not be thought fit to send such a squadron to the West Indies (which if done, ought to be done immediately) then four or five frigates may be sent in June, to Newfoundland, to protect our fishery, and annoy the French. [S.P. Dom. Naval 5, No. 53.]
The petition of Brigadier William Wolsley to the Lords Justices of Ireland. The petitioner shews that Edward Geoghegan of Castletown, in Ireland, petitioned his Majesty to be admitted to reverse the outlawries against him on account of his being in the late rebellion in that kingdom. He represented in his petition that he (Geoghegan) had never borne any employment, civil or military, under the late King James, but that after the battle at the Boyne he put himself under his Majesty's protection, and lived peaceably at his own house, until he was "fallen upon" by a party of Captain Pointz's soldiers, by whom he was shot through the body and stripped. By that means he was forced into the enemy's quarters, and on that account outlawed, but nobody appearing on his Majesty's behalf against him, he obtained the King's letter the 5th of April last to reverse the said outlawry, but with the following clause inserted:—"but if there be any material objection against this our intended pardon, which by the aforementioned reports we are not fully informed of, in that case you are to report the same back to us before any further proceedings therein."
Though the petitioner, upon the said Geoghegan's producing the said letter to Sir Charles Porter, then "Justice" of Ireland, appeared by his counsel on his Majesty's behalf, and offered to disprove everything alleged in the said Geoghegan's petition, if his lordship would give him time to bring his evidence, his lordship refused to grant the request, or to take any notice of the papers tendered for disproving the same, but immediately granted an order to his Majesty's attorney general for reversing Geoghegan's outlawry. His Majesty's letter not, however, agreeing with the record of the said outlawry, the attorney general could not proceed thereon.
Your petitioner is informed that the said Geoghegan has made his application to your Excellencies for another letter, and therefore begs leave to acquaint you that he is ready to disprove all the allegations of the said Geoghegan's application on which his Majesty's letter was granted, and to make it appear to you that the said Geoghegan was both a justice of the peace and a captain in the militia, and issued warrants requiring several protestants to send him men qualified to serve in the late King James' army, with arms, powder and ball, and all other accoutrements, and on default to be sent to goal without bail or mainprize.
In regard to Geoghegan's allegation that he was fallen upon at his own house by Captain Pointz's soldiers, the petitioner is ready to make it appear, by very good testimony, that the said Geoghegan had, for a considerable time before Captain Pointz fell upon him, voluntarily absented himself from his usual habitation, and fallen in with a party of rapparrees in the island of Monaghanstown, where they had killed or murdered several soldiers of his Majesty's army. The said Captain Pointz was sent out by the officer commanding in chief in those parts to suppress the said rapparrees, who accordingly fell upon them and found Mr. Geoghegan amongst them, with his Majesty's protection in his pocket, and though it may be he was wounded, it is certain that he went off with the enemy, and continued amongst them till the end of the war.
The petitioner therefore prays, in regard his Majesty has been pleased to grant him "a custody" of the said Geoghegan's estate, and that he has been at 300l. charge to defend his Majesty's title therein, that your Excellencies would be pleased to put a stop to any further proceedings of the said Geoghegan in this matter until his Majesty's return to this kingdom.
Your petitioner is very well assured that when his Majesty understands the true state of Geoghegan's case, he will not reverse his outlawry; the King having expressly commanded that all such as took his Majesty's protection, and afterwards went in to the enemy, should be excepted out of all Articles. [S.P. Ireland 358, No. 78.]
An address from the Irish people [to the Lords Justices of Ireland], testifying to the prosperous and flourishing condition of the country and the wise government of the triumvirate. [Ibid., No. 79.]
"Notes for the King":—Sir John Houblon, on behalf of the city of London, desires that the master, together with an able man, boys and cripples, may be protected on board the colliers; a master and a boy, on the lighters employed in bringing coal from the ships; and four men to each barge that brings corn down the river for the use of the city.
Sir Charles Rich's letter about his being beaten by the constables.
About fitting out more ships, to make up those now employed to 30,000 at their middle complements, there being now no more than 25,632, which is a deficiency of 4,368 men. [S.P. Dom. Various 1, No. 1.]
[Sir John Fenwick's confession.] After King James returned to France from Ireland, there was a select number of his friends entrusted by him to manage his affairs here, who held a constant correspondence with him and his then secretary of state by his command. They used all methods possible to advance his interest by engaging men in places of trust in the government, fleet and army, to his party, and by the accounts they gave from hence endeavoured to move the French King to attempt his restoration, but with little success, for till the year before the business of La Hogue, we knew only of Lord Godolphin (concerned in this government) who held a correspondence with him from the time he went over. In him King James, as he had often expressed in his letters, had an entire confidence. This winter Lord Middleton came to town; he had often been desired to go over, believing it would be great service to King James to have him there in his business. He alleged he could do little service by going, unless he could engage and settle a correspondence here before he went. This he endeavoured to do, and hoped to effect in a little time with some men in this government, who had power in their hands and were the only men capable of serving him. His friends, being all out of employment, could give him but little help. He had already entered into this affair with Lord Godolphin and the Duke of Shrewsbury, and there were some others whom he believed he should gain, and then he would go.
Soon afterwards Captain Floyd, a groom of the bedchamber to King James, was sent over to him from Lord Marlborough and Admiral Russell, with an assurance from them of their interest in the fleet and army, which they did not doubt but to secure to him, if he would grant them his pardon for what was past.
At his return, which was within a month, he acquainted me with some things King James had ordered him, and told me he had no difficulty in Mr. Russell's affair. The answer to Lord Marlborough was that he was the greatest of criminals where he had the greatest obligations, but, if he did him extraordinary service, he might hope for pardon. A little afterwards he did a considerable piece of service, of which we had an account by one sent on purpose by King James.
Captain Floyd went again for France, and came to King James at La Hogue with an account of the fleet,—that we could not put out thirty sail before the latter end of May,—which he carried from Mr. Russell.
When Lord Middleton had settled this correspondence, he went over in March following. After he arrived, King James wrote that, upon the assurance he brought of these men being engaged in his service, the French ministers had espoused his interest, and he hoped now the French King would lend him such an assistance that he would see us in a short time.
Lord Middleton then pressed King James to put out the declaration which they had drawn and sent over before he went; but it was not approved, because it was a general pardon for all that should be done till his landing, which exposed his friends in the mean time to all severities. He had sent to us before to send him the heads of a declaration we thought would be acceptable to the people, in which there were some exceptions, but Lord Middleton prevailed for the other, pretending it was absolutely necessary to make it a general pardon, for the security to the great men for their lives and fortunes; this would draw many people to his party, and strengthen their interest so much that they did not doubt, with a little help from France, to restore him soon.
When this declaration was published, and we found no performance of the great promises made for it, and that these men were engaged with a commonwealth party, we advised to take care of trusting them too much; we doubted they had procured that declaration more for their own security, whenever he should be restored, than for any service intended to him.
Soon after this the Duke of Shrewsbury, who had laid down his employment at the time he first treated with Lord Middleton, came into his place again. This gave great apprehension lest what had passed during that time should be betrayed to this government. We expressed our fears of it to King James, but were answered not to be dissatisfied, for it was with his consent he came in, that he was more capable thus of doing him service, and took off all suspicion of the correspondence he held.
A little after he came in, Captain Floyd was sent hither to know what proposals King James might make to the French King upon the assistance he might expect from them. The answer he had was that they could do nothing till the King here was removed, which we understood to be his next going into Flanders, and thought it too slight a ground to move the French King to take any measures upon for an attempt here.
Upon this it was thought fit that a considerable man should go over, to lay before him the danger of depending too much upon these men, whose party were enemies to all kings, lest they might engage him in some undertaking, which might prove his ruin. At his coming to France he desired he might not see Lord Middleton, his business being of such a nature as was not fit for him to hear, because of his correspondence with this party. King James told him he must see him, but he would give him an opportunity to discourse his business in private.
When he returned, he acquainted us with this, and that he had fully discoursed with the King in all he was entrusted with; that he found he reposed an entire confidence in them, and said they were men who would do him the best service; that they had grown weary of this government, and the promises he had made them of honours and employments would bind them to him. He would try what they would do, whenever the French King had an opportunity to attempt his restoration; but he desired we would still continue to advance his interest, and, whenever he returned, he should know how to value those who had always been firm to him.
From this time great endeavours were used by this party to remove Lord Melfort, and we supposed that this man's going was one great occasion of Lord Middleton's not being acquainted with his business. After he was out, we were ordered to write to Mr. Carrill, who gave us little encouragement that anything would be soon done from France, for the French King's fleet had gone to the Straits, there was a famine in his country, and a false calculation made of his money, which had forced him to reduce his army. We were ordered to keep ourselves quiet, for he must take his measures from this party for the time of his coming; on them he must now depend.
In the spring of last year one Crosby, a secretary under Lord Middleton, came over. He had been sent to this party several times before, and had engaged some men in the assassination. These he asked, at his coming, if they had received the commission for levying war and seizing the King, which commission they had desired as a security for themselves against King James for this undertaking. They told him it had not come. He affirmed he saw it signed by King James before he came away. The thing at that time was prevented, nor did the commission he mentioned ever come. These men believed they were imposed on by Crosby, and one of them resolved to go over to know the truth. Before he went, he acquainted some of King James's friends with the affair; they detesting so base an action, told him it would be a great service to inform him what an infamy Crosby had thrown upon him, and that he ought to be severely punished, to prevent any such thing for the future. He affirmed to King James, before Crosby, what he had said. King James reproved him, and told him he should be no more employed in his service.
We had few letters after this, and these ordered us, as before, to keep ourselves quiet, and not meddle in anything, for measures must be taken from other people.
The last letter we had from King James himself was dated the 4th of February last, new style, and said the Toulon fleet would sail on the 22nd, but what they would do next he could not tell, and this was all that was material in it.
This attempt of the assassination then broke out, with which we were all surprized; we found ourselves exposed without having the least notice given us, even to take care of ourselves. These, we believed, were the measures taken to restore King James.
All this time endeavours were being made by our friends to make an interest in the fleet; but they found it was to little purpose to engage private captains, for, unless all their men were of their mind (which was impossible), they could do no service. Captain Bottom and Captain Carter had both promised to go in. That year, as I remember, Lord Torrington commanded them. The first was killed in the attempt; the officer who commanded the land-men on board him mutinied when he saw his design. The other broke his word, and fought that day, and was killed. The officers commanding in chief were therefore applied to, and that year the fleet was commanded by commission. Sir Ralph Delaval and Killigrew were both engaged to serve King James. Their opinion was asked of Shovell. They said he was not a man to be spoken to. The service they promised was to sail the fleet out of the way, and let King James pass by, and declare for him, when he had landed. I saw the account that was sent of it to King James, and his answer wherein he returned his thanks, with promises of rewards and employments when he should be restored.
As for the army, King James depends upon Lord Marlborough's interest. He can do what he pleases with most of those who served in King James's time. At their going into Ireland Major General Kirke and Maine, and some other inferior officers, had promised to go in; but none performed their promise. Since that time there has been no opportunity of making any application to them, for those left here lie in the country, and are changed every year, while the main army is always abroad, where the only service they could do would be to desert to the French, who would not receive them. It was therefore thought that the best service would be to secure some of the garrisons here, of which there was the Tower, Plymouth by Lord Bath, Berwick by Billingsley, the deputy-governor, who was generally upon the place, Sheerness by Crawford, and Languard Fort by the governor, if it be the same who was there two years ago, whose name I have forgotten. King James had an assurance of their service, that they would declare for him whenever he landed. [S.P. Dom. King William's Chest 16, No. 65.]
Copies, in French and German, of letters from various writers on the subject of the proposed peace. [Ibid., Nos. 66–110.]

Footnotes

  • 1. The wording of this document is so peculiar that it has been thought better not to endeavour to punctuate it.
  • 2. The third cause is scored through, and in the margin is this note: "This was calculated last year against the last bill."