|
| Feb. 3. |
Committee for Compounding to the Commissioners for co. Lancaster. John
Holliday of Heyhouses has produced as ordered his discharge as not being
worth 40l., and says he receives 2s. a week pension from the inhabitants for
maintenance of his family. If this is true, free him from sequestration. [G 15,
p. 236.] |
Feb. 3.
Cambridge. |
43. County Committee for Cambridge to the Committee for Compounding.
We received your letter requiring us to peruse the books of the former county
committee, and see what estates were discharged otherwise than by order of
Parliament, the former Committee at Goldsmiths' Hall, or allowed by yourselves, and to give order to the persons concerned to produce their discharges
to you. |
|
The estate of Wm. Knight, clerk of Waterbeach, was discharged by a decree
of Chancery, and we have given the tenant notice not to pay any rent to him
till further order. The estates of Edmund Harris of Cleghure, value 1l. 13s. 4d.,
and Wm. Hills of Fordham, value 40s. a year, were discharged according to
ordinance of Parliament because they were not worth 200l. There are no estates
suspended, but divers have had orders of discharge, as Sir George Whitmore,
John Harris, Mr. Cooke, and Simon Watson, to whom we have given notice
to produce their discharges. Particulars of cases. The estate of Wm. Curtis,
clerk, a delinquent, was sequestered by us long since. |
|
We enclose a list, with the addresses, of all persons who are under
sequestration in this county. William Ling, clerk, had an estate at Over of
8l. a year, and his sequestration was suspended, but he never compounded; as he
has since sold it, we have again sequestered it, and we are now endeavouring to
find out all those whose estates have formerly been seized, and no further
proceedings taken against them. [1 page.] Enclosing, |
43. i. List of delinquents and Papists in co. Cambridge under sequestration,
viz.:—
Thos. Coningsby of North Mimms, co. Hertford.
Sir Anth. Cage, Burrough Green.
Thos. Nightingale, Whittlesford.
John Seale, apothecary, Cambridge.
Sir Robt. Hatton.
Millicent Pratt, Cherry Orton, co. Hunts.
Hen. Finnimore, Yaxley.
Dr. G. Gifford, clerk, late of London, deceased, his wife married to Sir John
Wake of London, a Papist and delinquent.
Wm. Curtis, clerk, late of Cambridge.
Wm. Knightes, clerk, Brinton, co. Hunts.
John Priest, barber of Cambridge.
Chas. Parris, recusant, Cambridge.
Sir Fras. Mannock, Gifford's Hall, co. Suffolk.
George Bentley, Hanniwell, co. Essex.
John Peters of London.
Margaret Harris, widow, Milton.
John Cooke, Wolverhampton, co. Stafford.
Bridget Fryer, widow of London.
[Edw.] Archloe [or Atslow], Downham, Essex.
Lord Petre, Thorndon Hall, co. Essex. |
|
[¾ page.] |
| Feb. 3. |
Ald. Thos. Andrews and Fras. Allen to the Committee for Compounding.
We have received 3 letters of 28 Jan. last to the County Committees of York for
5,000l., Northumberland 5,000l., and Cumberland 500l. With note, 4 Feb.,
from Sir John Wollaston and Ald. John Dethick, that they have seen this letter.
[G 138, p. 611.] |
| Feb. 4. |
Petition of Rob. Fleming to the Committee for Compounding, for a lease at
the former rent of 10l. of 5 houses in Golden Lane, near Old Street, which he
held from Mr. Lawrence, recusant, and which were granted him in 1645 by the
late Camden House Committee, but he hears that the rent is to be raised to
14l. The tenants are very poor and in arrears, and cannot pay more. [G 85,
p. 778.] |
| Feb. 4. |
Order of the Committee for Compounding, that the London Committee
survey the tenements, certify their value, and let them according to instructions. [G 15, p. 242.] |
| Feb. 4. |
Petition of Henry Grenfield, of Truro, co. Cornwall, to the Committee for
Compounding, to continue to him the office of steward of Penwith Manor,
Cornwall, granted him by Sir John Arundel of Lanherne, who was bailiff, but
for recusancy and supposed delinquency is now unable to nominate a steward.
Noted that the Committee for Compounding know him not, but Mr. Carey is
to be spoken with about it. [G 88, p. 347.] |
Feb. 4.
Preston. |
44. County Committee for Lancashire to the Committee for Compounding.
There being several rents due out of rectories in this county under sequestration, which were formerly payable to the late bishops, Capt. Farmer, who is
appointed receiver of those rents in these northern parts, has demanded these
rents and the arrears; and upon our telling him we could not pay him without
your order. he replied he was not to seek for an order from you, as he had commission to distrain in case of non-payment. We have therefore desired him to
stay the seizure, so that the tenants might not be disturbed, until we had
acquainted you therewith, which he was willing to do, and we now desire your
speedy resolution herein. [With note of reply, that the commissioners are to
require the collector or receiver not to disturb the tenants until order from the
Committee for Compounding; and if he does, they are to take proof and
certify, but the Committee for Compounding cannot pay any that have not
grown due since Dec. 1649.] |
|
Touching Peter Ambrose, and his not perfecting his accounts, by your order
of 3 June last you imposed a fine of 20l. upon him, and he to be imprisoned
until he had paid; but conceiving his imprisonment might protract his accounts,
we moved it might be respited, which you granted for two months longer. We
then called him before us, and perceiving small hopes of his finishing his
accounts, we committed him prisoner to the garrison at Liverpool, and desired
the governor to give directions for his safe custody; but the sickness of the
plague happening shortly after in that garrison, and the prisoners being
removed, he was permitted to return to his own house, where he still remains.
Since then we have heard nothing from him, but he still goes on, by his agents,
in levying and collecting arrears, and not paying anything into the treasury
here, or giving us any manner of account of his actions. [2 pages.] |
Feb. 4.
Coventry. |
45. County Committee for Warwick to the Committee for Compounding.
We received your order for production of discharges not allowed by Parliament or your committee, and will speedily give you an account thereof.
We do not find any who had suspensions from the late Committee for Sequestration or Barons of the Exchequer, except Sir Charles Adderley, who has
compounded, and Thos. Kittermaster, who is now compounding. Much of our
time having been taken up in examinations, and in the accounts of the late
committee's treasurer, we have been prevented exhibiting our accounts, but
will do so shortly, and hasten the payments. [12/3 pages.] |
Feb. 5.
Chelmsford. |
46. County Committee for Essex to the Committee for Compounding. We
will proceed according to your direction in Mr. Eldred's business. We have
as ordered sequestered Lord Morley's third part for delinquency. We enclose a
list of persons under sequestration in this county. Particulars of cases. What
you write as to the fines upon sequestered estates will not help us, because we
have not sufficient strength to oppose those who have the strength of the
county militia in their hands; but something from the Council of State would
have done it. |
|
With marginal notes of reply, 3 March, that they are once again to give the
Militia Commissioners notice not to levy the fines, and if they persist, to certify
the names of those who sign warrants therefor, with proof on oath of their proceedings, and authority will be used against them. [1 page; also G 30, p. 141.] |
Feb. 5.
Newcastle. |
47. Hen. Horsley to Thomas Bayley, clerk to the Committee for Compounding. I shall observe your masters' commands not to pay any money without
their order. I have been much pressed by Mr. Bilton, the deputy-treasurer,
by letters and bills of exchange, to pay moneys to Capt. Daborne and Capt.
Lilbourne, two troops that quarter in Northumberland, but I still refuse, and
tell them in plain English I cannot pay any money, nor accept Mr. Bilton's
bills, without an order from Haberdashers' Hall. If the soldiers take it from
me by force, I cannot help it, but I shall not part with it unless I have order.
[1 page.] |
Feb. 5.
Taunton. |
48. County Committee for Somerset to the Committee for Compounding.
We had a meeting at Taunton this week in prosecution of the matters mentioned
in your letter. Confirm our contracts for the copyhold estates lately returned
to you, as the want thereof obstructs our further proceedings. Send directions
for the sale of woods growing on sequestered estates, and fit to be felled. |
|
With note of reply, 25 Feb., that they are to certify particulars of the woods
that are of full growth, and survey and post them, giving no liberty to cut any
but underwood; also to certify whether Mr. Whetcomb has cleared his accounts,
or if any of the county committee neglect to act. [¾ page; also G 30, p. 394.] |
Feb. 5.
Taunton. |
49. County Committee for Somerset to the Committee for Compounding.
We find that the late committee, 30 Oct. 1646, sequestered 2/3 of Martock Manor,
being 70l. a year old rents, as the estate of Sir George Strode and Sir Hen.
Compton, and it has never been discharged. On 30 Oct. last we ordered our
agent to seize it for the State, but find that Wm. Strode of Barrington has
collected the rents and granted estates ever since, and enjoyed the most of the
profits. We beg directions. [1 page.] |
| Feb. 6. |
Receipt by Thos. Muspratt, co. Commissioner of Hants, from Mr. Leech,
clerk to the Committee for Compounding, of 10 accounts of John Woodman,
sequestrator of co. Hants, containing 59 sheets. [G 134, p. 141.] |
Feb. 6.
Lancaster. |
50. County Committee for Lancashire to the Committee for Compounding.
Upon our survey, finding a water corn mill near Manchester sequestered from
the Earl of Derby in a ruinous condition, we gave order for its repair; after
we had disbursed 40l., we contracted with Capt. Elletson, in whom the tenantright to the mill was vested by assignment from the ancient tenant, and leased
it to him for 7 years, he repaying the money disbursed in repairs, finishing the
same, and paying us 3l. 6s. 8d. a year. Thereupon he repaid us the 40l., and
has since perfected the repairs, in expectation of having his bargain performed;
but meantime we received your instructions not to lease estates under sale but
for one year, and this being part of the Earl of Derby's estate, now in the Act
for sale, we desire either order to repay him his money disbursed, or to perform
our bargain. Noted that the lease is to be confirmed for 7 years. [1 page.] |
Feb. 7.
Kendal. |
51. County Committee for Westmoreland to the Committee for Compounding. The season of the year for husbandry being at hand, we send to you
before farming out estates. Our first instructions last year were to let them at
a clear rent, but when the form of the leases came down, we found that assessments are to be allowed, which puts us to a stand. In these parts it will be far
more advantageous to the State to farm estates at a clear value than to give
allowance of assessments. |
|
With note of reply, 18 Feb., that the Committee for Compounding differ from
this opinion as to 7 years' leases, and therefore they are to proceed as directed.
[1 page; also G 30, p. 461.] |
| Feb. 10. |
Order of the Committee for Compounding, that Ant. Pearson be sequestration
commissioner in county Durham. |
|
Also that Capt. Silas Taylor be a commissioner for co. Hereford. [G 12,
pp. 399, 400.] |
|
Order on hearing And. Sherwin, about the request of the Commissioners
of co. Chester, for allowances in their accounts for old rents, quit rents, feefarm rents, &c., not exceeding 20 nobles a year,—that the auditor be empowered
to allow them, on certificate of the commissioners that the court-rolls, leases,
conveyances, &c., were produced before them; but parties claiming rentcharges, annuities, &c., are to produce their deeds to the Committee for
Compounding. |
|
Order in the case of Bennett Hoskins, on reading the resolves of Parliament
of 9 and 15 July 1647, referring his and other cases to the committee where
John Corbett held the chair,—that this committee has no cognizance of the
case, but refers it to the said committee, and orders all proceedings before the
County Sequestration Commissioners to be stopped, and the depositions taken
in the case suppressed. [G 15, pp. 255, 256.] |
| Feb. 10. |
Committee for Compounding to the Committees for co. Lancaster and
North Wales. The Commissioners for Prize Goods complain that you have taken
possession of some vessels that came from prohibited ports, and refuse to deliver
them to their deputy, according to the Act empowering them, which we enclose.
You are to certify the grounds of the seizure, deliver up the goods, and forbear
to intermeddle in future, unless you can show better cause. [G 15, p. 248.] |
| Feb. 10. |
Committee for Compounding to Alderman Allen. There is now at Chester
600l. returned from the Sequestration Commissioners in counties Flint, Merioneth, and Denbigh, and 200l. in co. Monmouth, which will be paid on your
order, if you can assign it to the army there. [G 15, p. 248] |
Feb. 10.
Chelmsford. |
52. County Committee for Essex to the Committee for Compounding. We have
used our best diligence to prepare a satisfactory return in answer to yours of
the 12th inst., but the time is too short for perfecting accounts fit for exhibition. We entreat 14 or 21 days more, but if you do not approve, we will effect
what we can in the time limited. [½ page.] |
| Feb. 11. |
Petition of Peter Egerton of London, on behalf of the county of
Nottingham, to the Committee for Compounding. An order being granted
3 Dec. last for examining witnesses on both sides, and the depositions being
returned, begs an order for publication, and the suspension of the commissioners,
that the country may be no more oppressed by them; also an order to secure
the estates of Mich. Brett and 3 others, there being 2 witnesses against each,
and bonds given in for their prosecution. Also for appointment of faithful and
just commissioners to examine those of Nottingham, because of the great
trouble and charge of going to Derbyshire. [G 83, p. 679.] |
| Feb. 11. |
Order in the Committee for Compounding that a copy of this petition be
sent to the Committee of Sequestrations for Notts, and publication granted
unless they show cause to the contrary in 14 days. [G 16, p. 7.] |
| Feb. 11. |
Committee for Compounding to the Committee for Sequestrations, co.
Somerset. You complain that Wm. Strode of Barrington collects rents and
grants estates in an estate sequestered by you as belonging to Sir George Strode
and Sir Henry Compton. We blame you for suffering such proceedings
when you have the power to right matters. You must require the rents of
those tenants who had notice of your seizure, and distrain such as refuse to pay.
Those who have renewed their estates must pay you their fines according to
the custom of the manor, or you must make void their estates and let them to
others. Meanwhile you are to send the enclosed to Mr. Strode. [G 30, p. 393.]
Annexing, |
|
i. Order to Wm. Strode to repay what has received from the manor of
Martock though it was seized for the State, or to appear before the Committee
for Compounding in 14 days, to show cause of refusal. 11 Feb. 1652.
[G 30, p. 393.] |
Feb. 11.
Exeter. |
53. County Committee for Devon to the Committee for Compounding.
Touching manors and rectories in this county claimed by Col. Rogers, M.P.,
in right of his wife, relict of Sir John Hele, Sir John was sequestered by the
late county committee on 26 Feb. 1646, having been a colonel in arms against
Parliament, and his sequestration was taken off 16 Sept. 1646, but as no
discharge was produced, and we were dissatisfied concerning 4,000l. yet unpaid
of Sir John's fine, we caused the rents to be stayed in the tenants' hands until
further order from you. [2/3 page.] |
Feb. 11.
Exeter. |
54. County Committee for Devon to the Committee for Compounding. We
certify that 166l. 15s. 6d. has been received out of the estate of the Earl of
Worcester since 25 Jan. 1650, and 24l. 5s. out of that of the Marquis of Winchester; the rest of the Marquis' rents were taken up by the agents of Robt.
Wallop, M.P.; the estates were formerly in the management of the Trustees
for Ireland. [½ page.] |
| Feb. 12. |
Order of the Committee for Compounding, that they will not again sit by
candle-light, unless engaged in the hearing of a cause, report, or petition.
[G 13, p. 43.] |
| Feb. 12. |
Committee for Compounding to James Russell. Knowing your proneness to
promote the service, we wish you, as you are going into Herefordshire, to
enquire into the complaints made of the commissioners there, and if you find
these true, to suspend them, for our oaths forbid our employing those who are
guilty of those things complained of. [G 16, p. 15.] |
| Feb. 12. |
Committee for Compounding to Aug. Garland. We find amongst the exceptions taken by the present Commissioners of co. Hants to the accounts of
John Woodman, that the library of the Dean and Chapter of Winchester is unaccounted for. He says you bought it of the contractors at Gurney House,
but we doubt it, as they have no power to sell the personal estate of deans and
chapters. Tell us how the books are disposed of, and in whose hands they now
are. [G 16, p. 16.] |
| Feb. 13. |
Order in the Committee co. Compounding, on request of the Commissioners
for co. Notts for further time to cross examine witnesses, that publication pass
now, but that the hearing be not till Tuesday week. [G 16, p. 18.] |
Feb. 13.
Exeter. |
John Serle and Rich. Clapp, co. Devon, to the Committee for Compounding.
The prosecutors fill our hands with your orders for new-discovered malignants
(of whom a multitude are yet amongst us) and for undervaluations, of which few
who had large estates will clear themselves. But we wait to know whether, by
the Act of Oblivion, these sons of violence, who have enriched themselves by
the spoil of poor sufferers, are to get off with low compositions, or none, all the
Acts of Parliament to the contrary notwithstanding. At present we are posting
and letting undervaluations and calling in arrears. Had your agents prosecuted our orders, it had been of great service, but our orders and warrants only
fill their pockets, and (as Vavasour Powell lately declared in his sermon at
Whitehall) the petitions of poor sufferers are only used to light tobacco. The
returns are few and unfaithful. Notes of cases. |
|
Though we have done our work well, we have as yet got nothing but blows
for it. Our salary may amount to 80l. a-piece, of which 60l. is expended. Mr.
Tripe being uselessly added lessens the salary, and endangers the receipts if
his accounts are not accepted. We are taking account of all the great Papists'
manors; our steward has served well, but has had nothing yet for his expenses.
[G 151, p. 513.] |
| Feb. 13. |
Col. J. Hutchinson and Gilb. Millington to the Committee for Compounding. The Commissioners for co. Notts having shown us a petition presented
to you by [Peter] Egerton, in the name of that county, charging them with
miscarriage, we certify that we neither know him, nor has he been employed
by the said county to prefer any such petition. [G 108, p. 81.] |
| Feb. 14. |
Receipt by Wm. Sherwin, for the Treasurers at Goldsmiths' Hall, of 18 bonds
delivered by Thos. Bayley. [G 82, p. 674.] |
Feb. 14.
Presteign. |
55. County Committee for Radnor to the Committee for Compounding.
Since our taking the oath we have not slept in negligence, though not
having received the books and papers of the late county committee, we
cannot proceed as we desire. We are examining witnesses concerning new
delinquents that adhered to Charles Stuart in the late invasion. We have
seized some goods, and are about setting out some lands. We hear great
mutterings about an Act of Grace which is to be procured, and is much
presumed upon, and expect your directions for our further proceedings.
[¾ page.] |
Feb. 14.
Reading. |
56. County Committee for Berks to the Committee for Compounding.
We have posted several estates for the 17th, when we will take in such
offers as shall be brought; but a doubt arises whether we may let lands
to recusants, they putting in the highest offer and good security. In the Act
of 25 Jan. 1650, sequestered estates are to be let to such fit and able persons as
will give the best rent, but we find no prohibition of letting to Papists themselves unless at an undervalue. We find many potent Papists having their
estates in their own hands, who much obstruct the offers of such as would
profer for them. [¾ page.] |
Feb. 16.
Nottingham. |
Fras. Pierrepoint to Col. Hutchinson, M.P. I hear there is a petition
presented to the Committee for Compounding, as from the county, by Peter
Egerton, whose name I never heard, against Capt. Bland and Mr. Brett, subcommissioners. No officer serving Parliament, civil or military, knew of it, or
they would have suppressed it, Brett and Bland being men of ability and
intergrity, and Bland faithful when on military service. [Chris.] Wasse, [Chris.
and Wm.] Fetherston, and [John] Weaver are their causeless adversaries.
Brett purchased some land a year ago of Mr. Colburne, and his son, without
knowing that one of the sons was a delinquent. [G 83, p. 51.] |
Feb. 16.
Thrumpton. |
Ger. Pigott to Col. Hutchinson, M.P., at his lodging in the Long Stone
Gallery, Whitehall. You may remember how in this war, when the Scots
were at Nottingham, Mr. Brett, as at other times, hazarded himself by frequent
repair to Newark to gain intelligence, which was very useful; he had been
employed on the same errand by Col. Thornhaugh, and it is an ill requital that
he should be suspected on the scandalous information of Wasse, Fetherston,
and Weaver, all idle fellows. Please to speak your knowledge of him till
10 March, when I hope to come up and bring my testimony. [G 83, p. 48.] |
| Feb. 17. |
Deposition of Col. Chris. Whichcott, governor of Windsor Castle that on the
Parliament orders of 30 May 1648, 13 Jan. 1649, and 8 July 1651, for payment of 1,500l. from the woods of the Duke of Buckingham in co. Bucks, for
provisions and repairs in Windsor Castle, he has only received 567l., and that
933l. is still due. [G 130, p. 135.] |
| Feb. 17. |
Order of the Committee for Compounding for payment of the money, and if
the woods already felled do not suffice, the commissioners are to fell more.
[G 16, p. 23; 130, p. 135.] |
|
Order allowing the discharge by the late Committee for Compounding of
Fras. Walstead, co. Stafford. |
|
Order to the County Committee of Lincoln, to pay Colonel Thos. Lister 119l. 6s.,
by them received from Robt. Farmery's estate discovered by Lister, and from
sale of wood on the Duke of Buckingham's estate, according to Parliament
order of 13 Sept. 1649, Lister swearing he has had but 2,450l. of the sum
voted him, and the treasurers of Haberdashers' Hall and Goldsmiths' Hall
certifying they have paid no more. [G 16, pp. 22, 28.] |
| Feb. 17. |
Committee for Compounding to Mr. Aldridge, Navy Office, Tower Hill. The
estate of Sir George Strode has long been in the hands of the trustees for
raising 50,000l. for Ireland, with whom you had some relation, and by a Parliament order of 6 May 1646, 1,000l. was to be paid out of it to Sir John Evelyn.
Tell us whether it has been paid, as we have written to the trustees about it and
received no answer. [G 16, p. 20.] |
| Feb. 18. |
Petition of Rich. Carter and John Hayward, agents for co. Devon, to the
Committee for Compounding, for an order to the county committee for payment of their salaries, 30l. each, due Nov. last, which the commissioners cannot
safely pay without order. With order that Art. Squibb peruse the letters and
returns of the county committee touching the petitioners. [G 73, p. 332.] |
| Feb. 18. |
Committee for Compounding to the County Committee for Berks, Directions
in particular cases. Recusants are not debarred by the Act from farming their
own estates, nor would any give better rates, but we cannot apprehend how any
Papists would have such power in the county as to deter others from bidding for
the estates. They may influence their tenants and neighbours, but it seems
very strange that they should discourage others; your prudence in letting
1 or 2 estates where you suspect tampering may prevent future obstructions.
[G 30, p. 14.] |
| Feb. 18. |
Committee for Compounding to the Committee for Sequestrations, co. Brecon.
We cannot in justice but confirm the contracts for the estates of Edw. Winter,
the Earl of Worcester, and others, unless we find they were not surveyed and
posted according to directions. You are therefore to let the leases thereof
accordingly. [G 30, p. 420; 98, p. 163.] |
| Feb. 18. |
Committee for Compounding to the County Committee for Essex. We are
satisfied with your resolution of posting the 130 acres of underwood of Wm.
Peter's estate. We will allow 150l. for 2/3 of the necessary repairs, the other
⅓ Mr. Peter is to take care of; when they are completed, we may allow more
if needful. Allowance for the charge of collecting quit-rents is unreasonable;
if it had remained in the State's bands, they would have been paid without expense; consider further of it. We approve your intention to make good the
repairs out of the underwood, and confirm your contract. [G 30, p. 141.] |
| Feb. 18. |
Committee for Compounding to the County Committee for Monmouth. In
your survey of Abergavenny Lordship, you neither certify whether you surveyed
it in person nor whether you posted it. You are not to seal any lease till you
inform us therein. [G 30, p. 271] |
| Feb. 18. |
Committee for Compounding to the County Committee for Somerset. We
approve the contracts named in yours of 16 Jan. As to yours of 29 Nov. about
Bristol, we will carry on the business there by the same hands as we do in other
counties where there are great cities, such as Exeter, York, and Chester. You
are to demand of the former commissioners duplicates according to the Act, and
accounts of proceedings, and if not delivered in a month, to levy the fine of 20l.
on them, and return their names, and those of any others who interrupt your
proceedings, and we will take course therein. [G 30, p. 393.] |
| Feb. 18. |
Committee for Compounding to the Mayor and Aldermen of Bristol. On our
appointment we nominated county committees for Somerset and Bristol, as in
other counties where there are great cities as well as lesser corporations, such
as York, Exeter, Chester, Newcastle, &c., leaving the business in the same
hands, and no magistrates or officers have scrupled to submit thereto save
yourselves; but we hear from the county committee that you wish none but
yourselves to manage things of this kind. We know not how far any not
yet detected are concerned therein, but we believe there is a desire rather to
conceal than punish offenders. We confirm the power of our commissioners,
and have ordered them to proceed vigorously, and you are to suffer them to act
in your precincts, and to give them all assistance. We shall take a strict
account of your carriage herein. [G 30, p. 393.] |
| Feb. 18. |
Committee for Compounding to the late County Committee for Somerset. Your
duplicate's should have been returned to the county committee 2 years ago, and
we know not how you can excuse your neglect. If you delay longer you will
be proceeded against. Your carriage, and that of some in your city [Bristol],
make us believe that either some persons are concerned who fear detection,
or that you have not acted as becomes those who hold so great a trust. You
must deliver the duplicates in a month, or you will be fined 20l. each, and a
serjeant-at-arms sent to bring you up in custody, and then it will be too late for
you to wish you had not compelled us to proceed so far. [G 30, p. 393.] |
| Feb. 18. |
Committee for Compounding to the County Committee for Stafford. You
say you have difficulty in returning the money in hand. Name the sum, and
we will get the treasurers-at-war to have it assigned in those parts, unless
meantime you find a safe way of sending it. [G 30, p. 428.] |
Feb. 18.
Gloucester. |
57. County Committee for Gloucester to the Committee for Compounding.
We sent up the surveys and rentals of all sequestered estates a year since, and
would have sent the accounts had you required them; but will attend you with
them, and also the contracts, by the time limited. [¾ page.] |
|
They are made up from our first acting to Michaelmas last, and we have used
and shall use all endeavours to get in the arrears. You have an exact list of
all the contracts and the improvements thereon, the estates having been
exactly surveyed and posted. [1 page.] |
| Feb. 19. |
Certificate by John Baker, that Thos. Parsons, nominated as sequestration
agent for co. Leicester, is well affected and fit for the employment. With note
of a commission to be drawn accordingly. [G 111, p. 83.] |
| Feb. 19. |
Order in the Committee for Compounding that John Baker and John Horton
be Sequestration Commissioners of co. Leicester. |
|
Also that Thos. Parsons attend them as agent. [G 12, p. 401.] |
|
Order that Geo. Smith, of the King's Arms, Long Lane, London, deliver
up the papers come into his hands by his marriage with Elizabeth, widow
of Thos. Tipton, late under-clerk to the Committee for Compounding.
[G 16, p. 44.] |
|
Order that no discharges be passed on fines, or reports, or confirmation of
discharges, without a certificate from Mr. Dallison that there is no information
exhibited against the party or concerning the estate for delinquency, recusancy,
omission, undervaluation, &c. [G 13, p. 43.] |
| Feb. 19. |
Committee for Compounding to the County Committee of Wilts. We wish
you to survey the estate of the Marquis of Winchester in your county, if you
have not done it, and certify to us its true yearly value. [G 16, p. 43.] |
| Feb. 19. |
58. Committee for Compounding to the Committee for Sequestrations,
co. Monmouth. We wish you to pay 2,000l. of the sequestration moneys in
your hands to Sir John Wollaston, Thos. Andrews, Fras. Allen, and John
Dethick, late treasurers-at-war. |
|
With note by Andrews and Dethick, 23 March, requesting payment of 1,460l.
thereof to Denis Gauden. |
|
Also note by Gauden, requesting its payment to John Bunbury, and receipt
by Bunbury, 2 April. [2 pages; also G 12, p. 402.] |
| Feb. 20. |
Order of the Committee for Compounding that John Pye be agent to the
Committee for Northumberland in place of Geo. Redshaw. [G 12, p. 404.] |
Feb. 20.
Ipswich. |
59. County Committee for Suffolk to the Committee for Compounding.
You imply that we are careless in our trust and neglect your orders;
but on receipt of them, we always set ourselves to performance. Last
year we sent you a perfect rental, and then our account of arrears, and the
cause of non-collecting them, also the year's accounts and our vouchers; but
our clerk had not put them in proper form, and they had to be transcribed;
this was done long since, but we could not attend the auditors with them,
and that account was also returned. For a rental of this year, as our contracts
have been confirmed by you, and only commenced from Michaelmas last, we
did not apprehend your desire. We should be sorry to be thought unfaithful. |
|
The cause of the backwardness in paying the arrears has been the great fall
of corn, butter, and cheese, out of which the rent must be raised; it has occasioned several to give us notice to leave their farms if the rent is not lowered,
to which we shall not yield unless enforced, our endeavours having been to
advance the rents. [1 page.] |
Feb. 21.
Bedford. |
60. County Committee for Bedford to the Committee for Compounding. A
poor man, Thomas Savage, tenant to part of Sir Lewis Dives' estate in this
county, has lately been sued by John Wooden (to whom Wm. Rotchell assigned
his pretended title), who sealed a lease of ejectment for the grounds in Savage's
occupation, and declared against him last Michaelmas term, Rotchell alleging
that the estate was mortgaged to Sir Lewis for certain years now expired. We
believe that it was but a feigned business, for they let the suit fall upon Sir
John Strangway's purchasing Sir Lewis's life interest, as we suppose they
conceived he could produce evidence for it. Savage has been put to 50l.
charges in defence of the State's right, and asks allowance thereof; but, as we
have no such power, we crave directions whether we shall compel satisfaction
from Wooden or Rotchell, or allow him his costs out of his rent. [1 page.] |
Feb. 21.
Kendal. |
61. County Committee for Westmoreland to the Committee for Compounding. Notes of cases. We enclose a list of all persons under sequestration
here. We have searched the books of the late committee, but cannot find any
estates discharged otherwise than by your predecessors, yourselves, or the
commissioners at Newcastle; neither do we know of any person that has produced any discharge upon appeal to the Committee for Sequestrations or the
Barons of the Exchequer, or anything done therein by the late county committee otherwise than we gave you an account of. The suit in Chancery
between the tenants of Holme and the Commonwealth's tenants was commenced by the tenants, on pretence that Holme Park, sequestered from Sir
John Preston, belonged to their ancestors and was usurped by Sir John's
predecessors, and they seek to recover it; but we will find out what further
evidence we can, as there is but a single witness in it. |
|
You charged 1,000l. upon the sequestrations here, and no one calls for it; we
wish to pay it to some one you may appoint. [1½ pages.] Enclosing, |
|
i. List of 46 delinquents and Papists in Westmoreland, whose estates are under
sequestration, 22 of whom are named in the lists of 13 April 1648, or 22 Feb
1650. |
The remainder are as follows:—
John Jackson, Shap.
John Richardson, Crosby.
John Park, Kendal.
Ant. Garnet, Kendal.
Thos. Waller, Ewbank.
Chris. Gilpin, Kentmere.
Bridget Lawson, P., Hornby.
Mary Kirkbeck, P. "
Rob. Watkinson, P., Keyber.
Agnes Garnet, widow, P., Skelsmergh.
Anne Washington, widow, P.,
Grayrigg.
Thos. Thwaites, P., Whitwell.
Rob. Pattison, Sowerby.
Hen. Salkeld, Winton.
John Phillipson, Hollinghall.
John Smith, Whitwell.
Charles Saul, Saulwood.
Joan Mounsey, P., Patterdale.
Joan Blenkinsop, P., Helbeck.
Wm. Fleming, P.D., Rydal.
John Wilkinson, P., Gill.
Mary Hilton, P., Burton.
Thos. Thornburgh, P., Methap.
Bridget Nicholson, widow, P., Pat.
ton. |
|
[1⅓ pages P. signifies Papist.] |
| Feb. 24. |
61a. Act of General Pardon and Oblivion for all delinquencies, &c., committed before 3 Sept. 1651, and discharge for all estates not sequestered before
1 Dec. 1651. With numerous exceptions and provisoes. Also with order for its
printing. [26 pages, printed.] |
| Feb. 24. |
Order of the Committee for Compounding, allowing a discharge by the
Barons of Exchequer of Sir Rich. Dyott. With certificate by Martin Dallison
that there is no charge against him. 28 Feb. 1652. [G 16, p. 53; 80, p. 578.] |
|
Order on Peter Egerton's charge against Mich. Brett and Fras. Bland, commissioners for co. Notts, after a full hearing of both sides, that the charge is
proved against Brett, that he is to act no longer, and is to pay 20l. fine. |
|
That the lands which Brett bought of Wm. Colborne are to be sequestered, he
confessing himself a delinquent. |
|
That the order about Bland be further considered. |
|
That both bring accounts of their sale of timber from sequestered estates.
[G 16, p. 53.] |
| Feb. 24 ? |
Petition of William Fetherstone, of Normanton, co. Notts, to the Committee for
Compounding. Was the primary discoverer of the unwarrantable proceedings
of Fras. Bland and Mich. Brett, commissioners for sequestrations, and proved
the injuries they had done to many; but having other material charges to
bring, has travelled 100 miles to London to prove them, and remains at great
charge. Begs an order to Bland and Brett to perfect their accounts, if they
can, and when he has a copy, he will prove the damage they have done.
[G 86, p. 935.] |
| Feb. 25. |
Committee for Compounding to the County Committee for Durham. We beg
you to peruse a letter lately sent from Mr. Gilpin, and to examine Lady Hammond touching the plate therein mentioned, and what else she can discover,
and to take information from Mr. Gilpin, and certify us. [G 30, p. 65.] |
| Feb. 25. |
Committee for Compounding to the County Committee for Gloucester.
We shall expect the promised returns. We can take no excuse about the
arrears, as you have power to distrain for them, so collect them carefully.
[G 30, p. 154.] |
| Feb. 25. |
Committee for Compounding to the County Committee for Notts. You
name in yours of 26 Jan. [see p. 535, supra] moneys received from Thos. Tress
and Hen. Gill on our orders of 18 April 1650. What orders were they ? Send us
copies. Notes of cases. [G 30, p. 324.] |
| Feb. 25. |
Committee for Compounding to the County Commitee for Suffolk. We were
obliged to write sharply, finding such neglect and delay in your accounts and
rentals. We must see these things put in order while we have time before us,
since 2 years has produced so little. We could not take notice that your accounts
failed in method only, nor that the fall in butter and cheese caused arrears of rent.
These do not suffice against the State more than against a private person, and
none of you would take such an excuse for payment of rent. You could not
always expect new directions, you had our general instructions. If arrears
have arisen in your time, we must impute the blame to you, as you have power
to distrain to compel payment. We are glad that you are now so forward.
[G 30, p. 434.] |
| Feb. 25. |
Committee for Compounding to the County Committee for York. On yours
of 31 Jan. about the sheriff's levy of sums on the estates of Sir Phil. Hungate
and Lord Dunbar, we desire all oath that the under-sheriff was acquainted with
our order, and that 100l. was levied on Dunbar's estate. [G 30, p. 487.] |
Feb. 25.
Sarum. |
62. County Committee for Wilts to the Committee for Compounding. We
supposed we had given you a sufficient account of the revenue, having every
half year sent particulars of our contracts, the names of the persons to whom
the estates were let, the rents, term, and what improvements had been made.
Since our employment we have sent 3 such returns, with the revenue cast up. |
|
Since your instructions, we have not contracted for any estate but what
has been surveyed and posted. We wrote you of our sending to the [late]
committee for their books, and of their answer that John Strange, their clerk,
detains all which relate to the north part of our county, and will not deliver
them; he being in London, and out of our reach, we cannot force them
from him. As those that relate to the south part have now come to hand,
we shall speedily answer your expectations, and for those detained we shall
lay on the 20l. a month. We will return all moneys received up to the last
rent-day. |
|
With note of reply, 19 April, that they are to inquire where Strange may be
met with, or who knows anything of him, and whether he has any estate
in the county. [1 page; also G 30, p, 466.] |
Feb. 25.
Reading. |
63. County Committee for Berks to the Committee for Compounding.
Having surveyed and posted the estates of the Earl of Shrewsbury, Fras.
Purcell, and Anth. Englefield, Papists, we have treated with several persons to
become tenants according to the contracts enclosed; we desire your opinion.
[½ page.] |
Feb. 26.
Hereford. |
64. County Committee for Hereford to the Committee for Compounding.
At request of Major Nehemiah Collins and Lieut-Col. John Harpur, we have
taken their oaths of a statute acknowledged by Hum. Berrington, delinquent,
of his lands in Herefordshire for 200l., which statute was confessed in 1645 or
1646, when Will. Cater was Mayor in Hereford, and also that no defeasance was
entered, and no part of the money paid to Major Collins. Pixley Court belongs
to Berrington, and is let at 32l. a year, but is worth 50l., and it is upon this
that Major Collins desires the statute may be enforced. [¾ page.] |
Feb. 26.
Kingston. |
65. County Committee for Surrey to the Committee for Compounding.
Request replies to former letters, for their direction in particular cases.
[1 page.] |
| Feb. 27. |
Petition of Capt. Adam Baines, for Major-Gen. Lambert and other soldiers
under his command, to the Army Committee. States that 400l.,—part of 6,700l.
paid by Sir John Wollaston and the other treasurers-at-war to Paul Beale,
merchant of York, for disbanding supernumeraries in Yorkshire, and for
advance of pay to such as should engage in the service of Ireland,—yet remains
in his hands, while a great part of his estate is now seized for other debts.
Prays that care may be taken for securing the said 400l. out of Beale's estate,
being a public debt, and therefore to be paid before private debts. Referred
19 Feb. to the Committee for Compounding. [G 65, p. 313.] |
| Feb. 27. |
Order of the said committee for discharge of Beale's estate when the other
public debts are satisfied. [G 16, p. 76.] |
Feb. 27.
Chelmsford. |
66. County Committee for Essex to the Committee for Compounding. Our
accounts shall be ready to pass before your auditor by the time limited, and we
will send a list of our contracts. It is very difficult to get the duplicates from
the late committee, according to the Act of Jan. 25, 1650, as they profess not to
have the records mentioned. As to levying the fines imposed upon them for
neglect, there have been so many alterations by death, disaffection, and removal,
that most of the members are out of our power; and if the penalty is inflicted,
it will fall upon those who least deserve it. Some collectors of sequestrations
have brought in their books; if the rest do not, we shall pursue your commands concerning them, and prepare you a book as required. |
|
We have discharged our duty to the best of our ability, but found the business
exceedingly perplexing, as the former managers suffered houses to fall into
decay, and kept things in so dark a condition that it has increased the charge
of the Commonwealth and our trouble. Particulars of cases. [1½ pages.]. |
Feb. 27.
Preston. |
67. County Committee for Lancaster to the Committee for Compounding.
At our first entrance into our employment, we sent to the old county committee for duplicates of their proceedings. They said the books and papers
were in the hands of their officers; whereupon we wrote Mr. Okie, their auditor,
and Mr. Harrison, their solicitor, for all that were in their hands. The auditor
returned a great number of accounts, but in such a confused manner that we
conceived the sending of them up would give little satisfaction; we sent to him
for more exact accounts, to which he replied that he did not think it reasonable
to deliver up all his accounts, but if we would pay him, or employ others, we
might have copies, and we have not heard further from him. We have again
sent to the committee and the solicitor and auditor, to meet us on 25th March
next. We could not meet earlier, as our assizes are on the 11th March, and
some of the former committee will be employed therein. We shall then press
the business so home to them that we hope we shall be able to give you a better
account. |
|
As to the return of the names of those continued under sequestration, if you
or your auditor will signify wherein it is defective, we will do our best to
amend it. As to your only having received our accounts and rentals for one
year, and no surveys or contracts, we sent you a perfect account by Messrs.
Cunliffe and King of all sequestered estates; from whom, and for what, to whom
let, and the clear yearly value at which the same were let, and a survey made by
us of one half of the sequestered estates, which was left with your auditor. We
would have sent the whole, but the sickness and death of [Peter] Holt, and the
marching of the Scots and the Earl of Derby through the county, prevented.
The winter is unseasonable for making surveys; but we are still going on with
them, and shall shortly give you a good account. |
|
We are now making leases of all estates surveyed, and have ordered our agents
to perfect their accounts and levy all arrears due to 24 Dec. last; if they delay,
we will stay their salaries. We hope by Easter term to send up one of our
number with all the accounts. [2½ pages.] |
Feb. 28.
Exeter. |
County Committee for Devon to the Committee for Compounding. Our
agents are enquiring after Joshua Hall, and he shall be sequestered if discovered. Many charges and orders are brought in, but the prosecutors are
silent, in expectation of the new Act of Oblivion, "which exceedingly heightens
the spirits of the enemy, and makes them jeer at those whom they have
wronged." No lenity will win "their affections, because their Satanical
spirits are still in enmity." Particulars of cases. Note of receipts. [G 151,
p. 517.] |
Feb. 28.
Presteign. |
68. County Committee for Radnor to the Committee for Compounding.
We have had no answer to our last three letters, and fear a miscarriage; we will
send up our accounts when we can safely. Pray advise as to the effect of the
Act of Grace [Pardon] in matters of delinquency. Next week we meet to grant
leases of sequestered lands, and will certify all our proceedings. We have not
yet received the books and papers of the late committee. [¾ page.] |
| Feb. ? |
69. Account of moneys received [by the County Committee for Devon] out
of 10 sequestered estates named since 23 Jan. 1652. [½ page.] |
| Feb. |
List of 55 bonds delivered into the Treasury. [G 82, p. 675.] |
