Volume G 255: May 1651

Calendar, Committee For Compounding: Part 1. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1889.

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'Volume G 255: May 1651', in Calendar, Committee For Compounding: Part 1, (London, 1889) pp. 439-448. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/compounding-committee/pt1/pp439-448 [accessed 24 March 2024]

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May 1651

[May 2.] Proposals from Auditor Rich. Sherwin in order to a controul.
To have from the registrars of the Committee for Compounding and Committee for Advance of Money a certificate of persons who have compounded and been assessed for their 20th parts, and of the sums paid. To have in future a transcript of the treasurer's books.
That in future all compounders enter their orders with him before taking them to the treasurer; all deductions from fines for impropriations to be settled at a gross sum.
All orders for reduction of fines to be entered.
No acquittances to be valid without the auditor's signature.
All payments to be entered with the auditor, and he and the treasurer to settle their cash accounts weekly.
The same mutatis mutandis for the business of the Committee for Advance of Money.
All Parliament orders for money to be entered by the auditor before warrant for payment.
All discharges of sequestrations to be re-entered, and to specify what proportion of the yearly rent is to be allowed to the compounder.
All allowances for annuities, augmentations, rent-charges, or fifth parts to be entered.
The Committee for Plundered Ministers to request all ministers to enter their orders. [G 14, p. 105; 64, pp. 755, 756.]
May 2. Order of the Committee for Compounding, admitting the above proposals, which are to be entered with the registrar, a copy fixed on the door of the treasury at Goldsmiths' Hall, and the registrar and treasurer to permit the perusal of their books, and the taking of the extracts required. [G. 14, p. 105.]
18. Order on a Parliament order of 1 May 1651 prefixed, grounded on a report from the Committee for Compounding, that the money ordered him by Parliament on 30 Aug. 1649 from the estate of Sir John Hewitt, who has since compounded, should be paid from his fine, and part advanced at once for relief of his wife and family, he being then in service in Ireland—that 100l. and 40s. weekly be paid to his wife, he being now Adjutant-General in the army in Scotland, to be paid from the 1/5 formerly allowed to the wife and children of the Earl of Chesterfield—for payment accordingly. [2 pages.]
May 2.
Durham.
19. County Committee for Durham to the Committee for Compounding. The Revenue Committee enjoin us to observe the ordinance of Parliament for payment of the fee-farm rents due out of the sequestered estates in this county, and to pay in all moneys received; but having received your order prohibiting such payment until further direction, we have withheld it, though the receivers for the county threaten to drive the Commonwealth's tenants for the rents, and we expect they will now do it, as they are to sit here this week. Therefore your speedy order is desired.
With note of reply 12 May. The Revenue Committee has written to us, and we have acquainted them that if they will cause the auditor to make certificates of what rents are payable out of sequestered estates, we will give order therein; if the receiver of co. Durham procures a certificate from the auditor of what rents are payable out of sequestered estates, which have usually been answered to the Crown, we will then grant order therein; but you are not to suffer the tenants of the Commonwealth to be disturbed until further order. [1 page; also G 30, p. 64.]
May 6.
Northwich.
20. County Committee for Cheshire to the Committee for Compounding. Particulars of cases. We have by order from the Council of State, seized and secured the estates of several in this county informed against as being privy to and guilty of the plot lately discovered, and wait for further instructions. We have surveyed some delinquents' and Papists' estates, according to the Act of 25 Jan. 1650, and hope you will receive satisfaction therein. We find no advantage to be derived by wood upon such estates, there being only sufficient for the defence and keeping up the heyment thereof.
We estimate the two parts of the demesne in Buerton of Wm. Stanley of Hooton, a recusant, to have been formerly worth 133l. 6s. 8d. a year, and on posting it, Randle Bagnell of Brunbrow, and Wm. Hay of Eastham, offered 160l. for it for this year, and we have therefore let it to them, so that it is improved 66l. 13s. 4d. more than it was set for the last year, and 26l. 13s. 4d. above our estimate of the value. You will find the like in several other estates. We have proceeded upon all estates above 20l. a year value, by posting, boxing, &c., which we hear is not so punctually and publicly done in some other counties, though it would produce more and greater rents, by the striving of takers to outbid one another. We have by this post returned 260l. to your treasurers at Goldsmiths' Hall, and will send more as it comes to our hands.
With marginal notes for a reply. The committee will consider of further orders about estates secured by order from the Council of State. Also about confirming the estates let, seeing first whether they are let for more than one year. [1 page.]
May 8. Order of the Committee for Compounding, to consider of the bringing up in the Protestant religion of the children of Papists who have their portions allowed by the committee. [G 36, p. 177.]
May 9. Order in the Committee for Compounding, on a Parliament order of 8 May prefixed, on the Earl of Stamford's petition,—that he be paid the arrears of the 1,500l. a year formerly ordered him out of the estates of Sir Charles Smith, Peter Gifford, and Rowland Eyre, and incurred at Ladyday 1651, and that he be paid no longer after that date;—for payment accordingly. [G 12, p. 202; 120, pp. 591, 592.]
May 9. Committee for Compounding to the trustees for fee-farm rents. On yours of 9 April about moneys of any earl or peer compounded for, we have searched our books, but do not find that any peer has compounded for such; only a note was made in the Earl of Derby's particular of 40l. a year from Henry VII. to his ancestors, for creation money, issuing out of West Derby Manor, but he has not compounded for it or any part of his estate. [G 12, p. 204.]
May 9. T. Bayly to Rich. Deane, secretary to the Army Committee. Pray present the enclosed to the Army Committee. [G 32, p. 3.] Enclosing,
i. Warrant for payment of salaries to the officers of the Committee for Compounding. 8 May. [G 32, p. 3; 63, p. 819.]
May 9.
Preston.
County Committee for Lancashire to the Committee for Compounding. We will send our accounts as soon as we can get those for last year from Mr. Ambrose. We have been busy 2 or 3 months in letting estates, but still many are unlet, as we had no offers but far below the value. Many who had contracted, in hopes to let them to the owners or others, finding none will take them at such rates, refuse to give security for payment, particularly Lieut. Jolly, lieutenant of a foot company in Chester garrison, —who farmed the estates of Rob. Blundell and Thos. Gerard of Ince, and [Eliz.] Girlington of Stanworth,— and Quartermaster Gray, and others, who say they offered high terms to advance the revenue and draw the delinquents to a higher rate, though in other cases they have made benefit to themselves. How are we to enforce them to give security ? Yet if this dealing be suffered, it will encourage others to deny security in hopes of abatement of rent.
Though Peter Ambrose promised you to bring in his accounts for Derby Hundred in 2 months, he is very dilatory. As he complained of the multiplicity of his business, we gave Wigan and Ormskirk parishes, by his consent, to Wm. Eccleston, to whom he promised particulars as to letting, but we found them posted by Ambrose and Eccleston at different rates, which led to confusion; and when we requested him to let those parishes alone, he refused, and said he would leave his employment unless he might have the whole, nor would he act for the stipend allowed, by you 9 Dec. We thereupon appointed John Case for that division, and we desire you to authorize him. Notes of cases. [G 159, pp. 453–455.]
May 10.
Exeter.
21. John Serle and Rich. Clapp to the Committee for Compounding. Details of particular cases.
Finding 30l. demanded for disbursements about Hartland Sheaf, returned as worth 207l. a year, we posted it for letting, and at a day appointed opened the offers, but finding none of them amounted to near the value, —it being returned to us at 256l., and the best offer being but 216l., —we called for any that would give more, when Wm. White bid 240l. for one year or longer, if freed from army taxes. What has since been received by us for this sheaf is in your treasury. If this will not satisfy, we desire you to give power to those that will please you better therein.
We have published your encouragement for discoveries, wherewith some are satisfied, and will live upon your promises, but others are shy until they see the Act. Our orders are issued to your agents, and we are still calling for returns, but you have an account of all moneys received, and the money is returned to your treasury. We expect so far to improve the year's revenue that it will amount to 1,500l., and hope our extraordinary charge and trouble will gain your allowance and encouragement.
As malignants are presented and convicted, we seize and secure, giving them the heads of their charges, and liberty to cross-examine, according to your order, which gives us a mass of trouble and charge in attending their clamours; the justice thereof somewhat satisfies them, but their labours are fruitless, and scarce any conviction has miscarried in our hands.
We are much puzzled in our proceedings on seizures by former agents, and are forced to let go many for want of the proofs, nor can we know who were sequestered upon judgments, and who suspended by them, though we have often called upon [Nich.] Rowe and the old committee, both in Devon and Exeter, about it. Although the agents were ordered to conform, and penalties were threatened, nothing is yet done, but a shuffling in of some loose papers useless to this work.
It is not the wages but the work that encourages us to do this service, yet we hope you would not have us lose by it. [Nich.] Tripp, now joined with us, is acknowledged by us to be godly, and we hope faithful to the Commonwealth's interest, yet he can contribute little to the work or to our actings, unless Major Pearse or some other may be joined, either to check us or carry on a part of the work by two. We cannot find Thomas and Rich. Wyatt in this county.
We offer it to you to stop the 5ths or 3rds of such as, with their tenants, refuse to give us rentals, or security, or a sight of their leases, and whose stewards still keep their courts for estates under sequestration. Our steward has been with us nearly 3 weeks on that work, in which time he had 11d. out of 18 courts. After we have dispatched something of the work, which will be in a fortnight, he is to go through the whole county, the charge of which service is great, and we hope will be allowed by you. We hope to be as thrifty servants as any, and to improve the revenue much.
We have sent up particulars of our proceedings in contracts. The tenants want leases, that they may be assured and settled to pay their rents, for which we wait your speedy allowance.
We send moneys received, viz.:—
John Arundel, of Trerise, 15l. 14s. 8d.
Thos. Ivatt, 50l. 10s.
John Copes, 4l. 11s. 10d.
Earl of Worcester, 19l. 6s. 3d.
Silvester Norris, 7l. 4s. 7d.
John Chichester, of Arlington, 24l.
Capt. Richards, 4l. 8s. ld.
Arthur Bassett, 9l.
P.S. by John Serle.— I live in Buckerell parish, where time beyond the memory of man, there has not been one qualified for the ministry by reason of the poverty of its livelihood; upon petitioning the Committee of Plundered Ministers in 1646, there was an augmentation of 50l. granted annually, 37l. 13s. 4d. being out of Mr. Windham's sequestered sheaf in Payhembury, and a minister allowed; as it is entered in your books, I am sorry to see you deny it, and hope it may be preserved upon all compositions. With marginal notes for a reply. [3 pages.]
May 10.
Preston.
County Committee for Lancashire to the Committee for Compounding. By your instructions, we are to take care that the sheriff does not distrain the State's tenants for arrears from sequestered estates till allowed by you. The under sheriff promised obedience, but we have since received several complaints that his bailiff has distrained goods, and that the tenants have had to pay money for their restoration. Let speedy order be given to protect the tenants against further seizures, and for restitution of what has been seized. [G 159, p. 19.] Annexing,
i. Deposition of Hen. Bolton, husbandman of Houghton, that being bound with Mrs. Mary Wolf all for payment of 50l. 2s. rent for the sequestered estate of her late grandfather Thos. Wolf all, the bailiff carried away 7 of his beasts on pretence of a sheriff's warrant, and he was obliged to pay 5l. to redeem them. 9 May 1651. [G 159, p. 17.]
May 13. 22, 23. Order of the Committee for Compounding on a Parliament order of 18 April given, — that the 20,000l. charged upon the receipts of Goldsmiths' Hall and the 10,000l. upon Haberdashers' Hall for supply of the stores, be paid by warrant from the Council of State, and that the Commissioners for Compounding issue their warrants to the treasurers;—for payment accordingly. [2 copies; also G 1, p. 232.]
Order to inquire of the Army Committee whether the commissioners below [county commissioners], by virtue of the Act of 25 Jan. 1650, should not have their 12d. in the pound out of the fines and sequestration rents of those who make their compositions here. [G 36, p. 178.]
Order that the treasurers certify what money they have received from the county commissioners, and from what counties they have not as yet received any. [G 13, p. 40.]
Order confirming the contracts presented by the Committee of co. Worcester, 1 May, it appearing that they have much improved the estates.
Order confirming the contracts made by the London Committee, but the widow named cannot be allowed to dwell in the house with Mr. Hill without paying rent.
May 13. Order granting, at his earnest request, to [John] Price, one of the Sequestration Commissioners for London, a dispensation from acting, there being 3 commissioners besides. [G 14, pp. 116, 117.]
May 13. Committee for Compounding to the Committee for co. Gloucester. Certify whether any of you or your officers have not taken the oath ordered by the Act of 15 April 1650; in that case the persons concerned are to forbear to act; we wish to know, having heard that some of yourselves are not yet sworn. [G 14, p. 115.]
May 13. Committee for Compounding to the Committee for South Wales. You are forthwith to sequester the estates, real and personal, of the following persons, who are excepted out of the general pardon for South Wales and co. Monmouth.
Sir Henry Stradlin.
[Col.] Herbert Price.
Thomas and John Price.
Lewis, Marmaduke, Henry, and Sir Walter Lloyd.
Sir Fras. Pane.
Walter Floyd.
Sir John Culpeper.
Baynham Vaughan.
Sir Edm. Sawyer.
Rob. Martion.
Major-Gen. Langhorne.
Col. Poyer.
Col. Powell.
John and Lewis Barlow.
Wm. Phillips.
[G 14, p. 115; 118, p. 683.]
[May 13.] Notes for an order to sequester John Vaughan of Llanelly, Hen. Middleton of Llanarthney, and John Lloyd of Llangendeirne, all co. Carmarthen, who have not paid the latter half of their fines, viz., 113l. 16s. 8d., 60l., and 28l., and are trying to have then taken off in Parliament, on the Act for South Wales. [G 118, p. 686.]
May 13. Committee for Compounding to the Committee for Sequestrations for South Wales. You are to sequester the estates of the said persons for non-payment. [G 14, p. 115.]
May 13.
Reading.
County Committee for Berks to the Committee for Compounding. We certify on yours of 30 April that we employed Hen. Earlett instead of Chris. Cheesman, when he did not attend, from 2 Dec. 1650 to 22 April 1651, and paid Earlett 20l. for attendance, horse, and services for 20 weeks. With note, May 16, for Mr. Fowle to examine the certificates and orders in Cheesman's case, and report. [G 146, p. 305.]
[May 13.] Note of the services performed by Hen. Earlett, from 2 Dec. 1650 to 22 April 1651. [G 146, p. 307.]
May 13.
Westminster.
R. Deane to Mr. Bayly. We are enforced to return your warrant, for it must state the express times from which the officers are to be paid, and the sum in gross due to each. [G 63, p. 821.]
May 14. Order of the Committee for Compounding on an order of the County Committee of Sussex, 4 March 1645, granting Dan. Pritchard 50l. a year for his pains in the cure of Harting, according to the will of Sir Rich. Carill, and on certificate of its previous payment, that the county committee pay the same with arrears from Dec. 1649. [G 14, p. 118; 110, p. 849.]
May 14. Exceptions taken by the County Committee of Cambridge to the account of Isaac Disborow, one of the late committee for sequestrations, for overcharges in fees and salaries, omission of receipts, non-production of vouchers, selling of timber to his own use, &c. [G 147, p. 295.]
May 14. Order of the Committee for Compounding on perusal of the said exceptions delivered by Captain French, that—as Isaac Disborow has been thrice summoned to perfect his account, but has neglected the same, and has much Common wealth money in his hand;— the sequestered farm held by him be taken out of his possession and let to another, who will give most for the same, and as much of his personal estate as will amount to 1,000l. be secured till he perfect his account. [G 14, p. 121.]
May 14. Committee for Compounding to the Committee for Sequestrations for North Wales. You have sufficiently answered your own letter of 9 April about letting Redcastle to one of yourselves. We cannot and date not dispense with your and our oaths. As to payment of Parliament taxes, we think it best to let lands at the utmost value, and the State to bear the taxes. As to the repairs of the castle, if it be a garrison you are not to lay out anything upon it, but it is to be repaired other ways. [G 30, p. 417.]
May 14. Committee for Compounding to the County Committee for Stafford. We approve your inquiries as to undervalued estates, especially Lord Stafford's. In answer to your query, we reply that delinquents who have compounded for all they are possessed of, or have any right to, are not to have any estate sequestered which has fallen to them after composition, either by marriage or lineal descent. [G 30, p. 427.]
May 14.
Durham.
24. County Committee for Durham to the Committee for Compounding. We enclose our account for the rents, &c., received up to Martinmas. The money resting on this account, and on our account returned for Pentecost, amounts to 466l. 17s. 4d., which we desire to pay into the treasury at Goldsmiths' Hall; the Pentecost rents being now due, we shall use all speed in collecting and returning them.
We are surveying estates, and will make a due return thereof, as also of the contracts, and hope what we have done therein has been to the State's advantage. There are several small old rents issuing out of sequestered estates, which were formerly paid to the Crown, and the late Bishop, Dean and Chapter, which have now been purchased by several gentlemen from the contractors for sale of the said lands, and are demanded out of the sequestrations. Must these rents be allowed by us to the tenants without your order ? They are small and ancient rents, and almost every estate pays rent to some lord or the other, and we have allowed them until last Martinmas.
With note of reply, 14 June, that the rents are not to be paid without order, as the instructions forbid allowing incumbrances on estates. [1 page; also G 30, p. 64.]
May 14.
Bridgwater.
County Committee for Somersetshire, to the Committee for Compounding. We have told you why we did not employ Capt Burgess. His actions are very prejudicial, he takes profits, detains bonds, and forbids the tenants to pay their rents to us. We beg your answer, and continuance of the honest men whom we have employed, or we must take some course to restrain Burgess' insolencies. [G 166, p. 429.] Annexing,
i. Depositions of 10 persons against John Burgess, of Bristol, 11 Feb.—14 May, 1651. [G 166, pp. 431–439.]
May 15.
Erme, near
Truro.
John Jago to [Art. Squibb, one of the Committee for Compounding]. We have many obstructions. It seems to me easy to set at an improved value the estates set by the late committee; there are those of great delinquents, especially those that were in Pendennis of which you write us to take great care. We are slow in getting in the accounts of former agents, sparing them as we would ourselves be spared. Many sums collected for the 1/20 are supposed to lie where they should not.
I am ashamed that, though so often called on, we make so little progress in undervalues, and the first account would not have been made but for one who could do more if he had help. As to returning money it is in [Sam.] Kekewich's hands, but he has not much, for divers are slack in paying, and I cannot get them proceeded against. You should urge us—
1. To return a list of our new letting of the estates let by the old committee, and of our proceedings against those in Pendennis.
2. To look into the accounts of former receivers, &c.
3. To be exact in returning money and to speed our accounts.
4. To hasten the return of undervalues.
I can give you an account of many, but to do it fully would take more time and pains than some of us are willing to bestow; we should also be called on to hold frequent meetings.
The commissioners are my good friends, and I would not reflect on them; but I want all to be quickened, and none outed or else all, which I would advise if I could find fit men to do the work. There are those who are godly, and have courage and wisdom, but they fancy not the employment. It needs wisdom, integrity, courage, a working head, and unwearied spirit, and you may search the 4 shires and not find 3 such. A composition for all the delinquents in the county would be most advantageous, and bring in many hundred thousands that will never be got, however careful you are in the choice of men. I was asked my opinion of such a design by H. E., who is well acquainted with their purpose, and if you hearken to the motion, I will make further enquiries about it. [G 150, pp. 23, 24.]
May 15.
Erme,
Cornwall.
John Jago to Art. Squibb. Case of Sir John Arundel. I will observe your advice about the examination of witnesses, as much harm is done by neglect or want of ability therein. You warn us against corruption, but nobody ever had the boldness to try me, or they would be rejected with indignation. Neither purse nor potency would prevail with me. The person you name spoke well of Parliament, but he raised a great estate when many of its friends were ruined, and should pay towards the damage. [G 150, pp. 25, 26.]
May 19.
Oxford.
25. County Committee for Oxfordshire to the Committee for Compounding. We have sent up our agent for sequestrations, Robt. Leicester of Adderbury, to pay in his money, and receive your instructions. We are very sensible of your late favour towards us in the discouragement of those whose malice is envenomed to blemish our reputations, and whose designs were highly destructive to the safety and honour of this nation. We cannot as yet make an exact return of Lord Craven's estate, it consisting mostly of wood grounds, but hope to do so shortly. [1 page.]
May 20. Order of the Committee for Compounding, that the Commissioners for Middlesex enter Derby House, Channel [or Cannon] Row, Westminster, and survey it according to the Act of 25 Jan. 1650, and certify its yearly value to be let for 7 years.
Order on motion by Thos. Gell on behalf of his brother Sir John, — producing the Act of the High Court of Justice, and showing the case to be in the Exchequer, and the Council of State having also written to the committee to forbear intermeddling with it,—that the case be dismissed, and the county commissioners ordered to proceed no further therein.
Order allowing individually each of the propositions of Auditor Sherwin, allowed en masse on 2 May. [G 14, pp. 127, 128.]
May 20.
Exeter.
26. John Serle and Rich. Clapp to the Committee for Compounding. The enclosed particulars contain an account of each tenement as formerly let, with the allowance of thirds and all charges to Papists and delinquents, which brought in such defalcations that in many cases little or nothing remained to the State; but as now let by us, we hope you will find a great improvement, and the army taxes being once duly proportioned (a work the commissioners are now upon), this will bring the revenue to a near certainty. If in some few cases we let below the value, it is only where the tenements are much ruined. We desire your allowance of what is done, and ask for what term of years the leases are to be granted, we having acted therein punctually according to order by posting the same, that both ourselves and the tenants may be at a better certainty. [½ page.]
May 21. Order of the Committee for Compounding, that the Middlesex Commissioners certify the value of Derby House, and why they have not done it all this while.
That a copy of each order for settlement be delivered to Mr. Rich under the registrar's hand.
That at the first settlement of any rectory, [Thos.] Lawrey, minister of Market Harborough, be considered. [G 36, p. 182.]
May 22. Order of the Committee for Compounding, appointing Tuesday next for confirmation of fines. [G 14, p. 132.]
May 23. Petition of John Burgess to the Committee for Compounding. Has paid in his September accounts, and could have done more, but the county commissioners have put in articles against him. Begs a copy of his charge, payment of 100l. expenses, and release from his employment, since the service is obstructed by the refusal of the county commissioners to employ him. [G 71, p. 599.]
May 24.
Ottery
St. Mary.
County Committee for Devon to the Committee for Compounding. Notes of cases. The meaner sort of delinquents submit to your goodness and justice, and desire they may be as well thought of as if counsel pleaded for them; they request that if they deliver in their petitions and particulars, and we certify thereon, and they pay the fines imposed by you, they may be freed from further charge and trouble. [Their cases will be proceeded upon if the petitions, particulars, and certificates are sent, but they must have some one here to prosecute for them, and pay their fines within the time limited.]
We are often requested to discharge persons whose estates are under 200l. Are we to do so? [They must compound; it was only a proposal on the treaty (with the King) to free them, but no power is given to you or us to discharge.] Divers persons have compounded at undervalues, and may soon be discovered if there be encouragement given by you or the Act. [You are to seize undervalues, and allow the delinquent only what he compounded for.] We hope you know the trouble and charge of the appeals that you order, allowing all malignants to examine and cross-examine at pleasure, yet it is seldom that any thrive by it. [We cannot avoid appeals, nor can we transfer that power to any; we cannot deny the liberty to examine and cross-examine.]
Mr. Mills of Exeter, and Mr. Rowe, clerks of the late Committee for Sequestrations, still keep from us all informations, depositions, and proofs, though we have often solicited and ordered the levying of the fine, so that we are put to great difficulty; when we make seizures, the parties complain that there is no proof against them, or that they have discharges or suspensions from the late County Committee, and we cannot reply, but must lie under the odium of such aspersions. [A warrant is now sent you to imprison them.] [G 152, p. 28.]
May 27. Order of the Committee for Compounding, on Mr. Winslow's motion, that the case touching the imprisoning of malefactors, as Cholmly, [Jos.] Ring, Weekes, and others, be stated in a report to Parliament by Mr. Reading, advising with Mr. Brereton.
Order that when particulars of compositions come to the hands of the county commissioners, they are to put a difference between those saying "for which he "hath compounded," and those saying "for which he desires to compound."
That a seal be agreed on for letters and other papers. [G 36, pp. 184, 185.]
May 27. 27. County Committee for Middlesex to the Committee for Compounding. On 25 Dec. last we certified you of our survey of all the lands and tenements within our jurisdiction, and amongst the rest concerning Derby House, in Cannon Row, Westminster, which we valued at 80l. a year, to be let for 7 years. On 21 March last, Mr. Stephens, M.P., made application to take it. [2/3 page.] Enclosing,
i. Note by Roger Wilford, clerk to the County Committee, of 14 contracts made with persons named for the houses and lands of delinquents mentioned, between Nov. 25, 1650, and March 11, 1651. [1¼ pages.]
May 27.
Armourers'
Hall.
28. County Committee for Middlesex, to the Committee for Compounding. The tenants to the sequestered estate of Alderman Bunce were very much overrated in their taxes for the landlord, and we are thereby hindered in receiving their rents, as not having power to allow their bills. The occasion of the overrating is the alderman's absence beyond seas; it is grounded upon an ordinance of Parliament. We have had several such bills brought us, but for want of order what to do, we have returned them and left the money unreceived, and thus some considerable rents for this quarter are yet behind.
The like is the case with some of Lord Petre's tenants in Aldersgate Street; send us a speedy answer what to do in such cases. Noted that they are to receive the rents and arrears, and allow taxes as other landords do, by order of Parliament. [¾ page.]
May 27.
Dorchester.
County Committee for Dorsetshire to the Committee for Compounding. Notes of cases. We have summoned all the persons named in your order of 8 May, and they are applying to you for their discharges. [G 152, p. 683.]
May 28. Petition of Thos. Hammersley, messenger, to the Committee for Compounding, for payment of his expenses and services in riding post to cos. Northampton, Leicester, and Derby, to seize and secure the estate of Thos. Cook, of Gray's Inn, delinquent, in which he lamed his horse. With his bill of 11l. for the journey, and order, that it be paid by the treasurers at Goldsmiths' Hall, and reported to the Army Committee. [G 94, pp. 167, 168.]
May 29. Order in the Committee for Compounding on a certificate annexed by Thos. Fowle of 22 May, — that Cheesman's salary for his 425 days of service is 85l.; that he was paid 40l., and Harlett, or Earlett, who took his place during his absence from 2 Dec. to 22 April, 20l., so that 25l. remains due to him;— that the county committee pay Cheesman 33l., 8l. being overplus of the 20l. paid to Harlett for his 20 weeks, and 25l. due to him for salary. [G 14, p. 141; 74, p. 289.]
May 29. Committee for Compounding to the County Committee for Middlesex. We have received your list of contracts, but we expect a certificate that you have viewed and surveyed according to the Act, before we can confirm them, and you are to certify the names of the places where the lands lie. [G 30, p. 256.]
May 29.
Winton.
29. County Committee for Hants to the Committee for Compounding. We enclose particulars of money in the hands of Mr. Woodman unaccounted for, which we intended to surcharge on his account, with abatement of allowances demanded, being near 1/5 of his receipts, besides what he has concealed, which may be ⅓ of the whole. He intends to make his account a work of time, and says that as it was 4 years in managing, it will require the like time for passing. We have often summoned him, but he has only attended twice. We begin with him, that he may be a precedent for others in passing their accounts, he being chargeable with the greatest receipts; but as we have no authority to prevent his delays, we desire you will take some course. Owselbury Parsonage appearing to belong to the State by delinquency of Dr. Wm. Lewis, who held it of St. Cross' Hospital by lease, we let the tithes for a year to several persons, but Woodman will not permit us to dispose of the tenement, or settle a tenant. [1 page.] Enclosing,
29. i. Account of moneys received by Woodman and not accounted for. Total, 873l. 7s. 10d. With marginal notes of his replies. [12/3 pages.]
May 30.
Salop.
William King to the Committee for Compounding. I state, at request of Mary Studley, of Shrewsbury, that the late Committee for Sequestrations took 2 rooms in her house, at 10l. rent, for sequestration business, where we now sit, as we cannot remove the records to a better place, and she will now take 6l. for the rooms, being the sole estate of herself and children. The late Committee for Sequestrations owed her a year's rent, which the late John Broome, my fellow-commissioner, did not pay before his death, and she is in great necessity, and begs an order for payment. [G 165, p. 457.] Annexing,
i. Petition of Mary Studley to the Committee for Compounding, to the same effect. [G 165, p. 459.]
ii. Certificate by Col. H. Mackworth and Th. Nicolls, to the taking of the rooms, and to the arrears which Mr. Broome promised to pay. 8 May 1651. [G 165, p. 458.]
May 30. John Browne [clerk to the County Committee for Kent] to the Committee for Compounding. The county commissioners want some papers relating to sequestrations, now in the hands of Lambert Godfrey of Maidstone, late solicitorgeneral for sequestrations, co. Kent, and request you to order their delivery. [G 158, p. 162.]
[May?] List and particulars of 11 persons who have purchased 2/3 of recusants' estates, but not paid in the latter ½ of their fines. [G 63, pp. 803–806.]