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| March 2. |
Petition of Thos. Reeve of Rowington, co. Warwick, to the Committee for
Compounding, for discharge, on producing as ordered his discharge from the
Committee for Sequestrations. Granted. [G 16, p. 83; 113, p. 323.] |
March 2.
Winton. |
70. County Committee for Hants to the Committee for Compounding. As
to the duplicate pressed for, we hoped you had been satisfied with the return
already certified, and the statement of Sir Thos. Jervoise, Mr. Wallop, [Nich.]
Love, and others of the late committee who attended you, and as we conceived,
had proved the impossibility of their making the duplicate desired, for the reasons
expressed in our letter of 22 Oct. 1650. You direct us to call together the former
collectors, and by perusing and comparing their books and accounts, to make
up a duplicate of estates at any time under sequestration, and so supply the
defect of the late committee, occasioned by the loss of their first book at the
siege of Basing, where their clerk was slain, and that book taken. |
|
This, with great pains and much expense we effected, and transmitted; it is the
utmost that we are able to do, and we hope you will not put us to levy fines, as
the gentlemen concerned have done what they possibly can, nor engage us upon
what no diligence of ours can amend. In the duplicate is expressed what
estates were continued under sequestration and turned over to us. Yet for your
better satisfaction, we have summoned all persons concerned to make certificate
therein. We shall endeavour to perfect our accounts within the time limited,
and send them, together with a particular of estates under sequestration, and how
let, and with a rental of the same. [1 page.] |
March 2.
York. |
71. County Committee for York to the Committee for Compounding. Though
we are fallen low in your eyes, we have not wilfully omitted anything or acted
for our own advantage. Though we have not come up to our instructions,
we are not guilty of breach of trust, but have spent all our time in the work. |
|
About levying money on the old county committee, we replied 24 Dec.
1650, but have received no answer to our letter, and therefore supposed you
were satisfied; we should have expected directions rather than reproof. The
gentlemen concerned were our countrymen, most of them M.Ps; they served
gratis, and none were privy to all that was done, as they acted in parts and by
turns. Also they were not to be paid for the transcriptions, and we knew not
why to levy on one more than another, therefore we expected your order, which
would have been an excuse to us, rather than your putting us on what would so
much reflect on us; however, we will press those that are in the county hard to
give in their accounts. |
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We had long since sent our accounts and rentals, but that we are ordered to
deliver them by one of ourselves, and this we have been prevented doing. |
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We have often given the arrears in charge to the agents, and they have seized
cattle, but the fall in price is such, growing worse every market, that unless we
half gave away what we distrained, we could not make money of them; but as you
wish us to proceed so strictly, we will observe your orders. Many arrears can
never be got, for the persons are desperate and the estates will not let. Our
treasurer has 4,630l. in hand, besides Lord Dunbar's rents, which you have
ordered to be paid to Martin Browne. |
|
With notes of reply 5 May. We do not wish to undervalue your services and
good endeavours, judging you active and faithful, but as you confess coming
short of your instructions in a material point, the omission of which may frustrate the ends proposed by Parliament in the Act of 25 Jan, 1650, requiring the
return of duplicates, wherein we also may be blamed, we press you to execute your
power, as an account will be exacted from us. We did not accuse you of breach
of trust, nor did we urge anything but what is indispensable. |
|
You did in Deo. 1650 send us the names of the former committee, but few of
them ever meddled with sequestration matters, and we judged your letter rather
witty than weighty, and thought you would try to obtain returns from those who
really carried on the work and their officers, and levy fines on them according to
the order of Parliament. Your argument that they acted gratis is not of force,
because all who accept trust are accountable therefore. You are persons of
understanding and honesty; read your letter and the Act, and then show how
we can satisfy the Act, to which we are sworn, other than by doing as we have
done. You will see that we had more reason to take exceptions than you had
to take offence; but we had better join in fulfilling our duties than proseeute
any contest. |
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In cases of distresses, you had better send the cattle to the public market;
those estates which none but desperate persons will take must be let by the
year, in hopes of better tenants. [2 pages; also G 30, pp. 437, 438.] |
| March 3. |
Order of the Committee for Compounding, allowing the discharge by the
Committee for Sequestrations of Edw. Wade, clerk, co. Leicester. [G 16, p. 90.] |
| March 3. |
Committee for Compounding to the County Committee of Dorset. Particulars of cases. Enquire whether Lieut.-Col. Raymond has any estate, real or
personal, and where it lies. If tenants do not pay tithes, you have a way open
by complaint to a justice of peace; if that fail, send the names of the tenants,
with oath of your demand and their refusal, and what they are in arrear, and
we shall send for them. [G 30, p. 47.] |
| March 3. |
Committee for Compounding to the County Committee for Lancaster. You
are to post 2/3 of Clifton's estate and let it to those who offer the best rent, since
Robinson takes that advantage. As to the bishop's rents demanded by Capt.
Farmer, tell him we can allow no rent that is not proved on oath before us, nor
in any case what has grown due before 24 Dec. 1649. Require him at his peril
not to disturb the tenants, and if he proceeds further, you have power to oppose
him, which you are to do, and certify us. |
|
Re-commit Ambrose forthwith till he perfect his accounts; enquire what he
has received since his last enlargement, and levy it, with 20l. fine; warn the
tenants to pay no more to him or his agents, and in case they are forced to pay,
levy the same again upon them by distress. |
|
We confirm the 7 years' lease to Capt. Elletson of the water corn mill
sequestered from the Earl of Derby. [G 30, p. 212.] |
| March 3. |
Committee for Compounding to the County Committee for Lancaster.
Your answer about the duplicates of the late county committee is not satisfactory, nor have you done your duty in not fining them. Take a speedy
course, for we must require them from you, since Parliament has given you
power to compel obedience to your demands. |
|
For returning the names of those continued under sequestration, you need no
better directions than the Act of 29 Jan. 1650, viz., that you require the name,
surname, and address of each delinquent, the date and cause of sequestration,
and particulars of the estates and their value. These we expect to receive.
[G 30, p. 213.] |
| March 3. |
Committee for Compounding to the Committee for Sequestrations, co. Essex.
The Militia [Commissioners] have no power to levy fines on sequestered estates.
You say you cannot oppose them; give them notice of our orders, and if they
persist, send us proof on oath, and we will sign any warrant against them.
[G 30, p. 141.] |
| March 4. |
Petition of Anthony Deane to the Committee for Compounding, for leave to
keep 15l., one half-year's rent for the Mulberry House, being Lord Goring's,
due from 28th Feb. 1651, when he was discharged, to Midsummer 1651, and
not seized till half-a-year after, Lord Goring being indebted to him a greater
sum. |
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With note of reply that as it is now alleged by Mr. Wilford, clerk to the
[Middlesex and Westminster] commissioners, that the rent of Mulberry House
is received for the use of the Commonwealth, this committee will give no
order therein. [G 88, p. 1009.] |
| March 4. |
Order of the Committee for Compounding, that a letter from Rich. Carter,
agent to the Commissioners for co. Devon, of 22 Jan. 1652, be sent to the said
commissioners, who are to certify what they know on the particulars named.
[G 16, p. 97.] |
| March 4. |
Committee for Compounding to the Committee for Sequestrations, co. Essex.
You are not to allow any augmentations from sequestered estates to ministers
without certificate of their taking the engagement, and you are to report the
names of defaulters. [G 30, p. 141.] |
| March 4. |
Note by Ralph Clarke that Ald. James of Nottingham, and Gregory Silvester
of Mansfield, are fit to be commissioners for co. Notts. [G 108, p. 67.] |
March 4.
Coventry. |
72. County Committee for Warwick to the Committee for Compounding. We
enclose the names of persons sequestered and not discharged by order of Parliament, or by you, whom we have summoned to produce their discharges. The
cause of their sequestration, and the nature of their estates, will appear in the
duplicate of the late committee with Auditor Sherwin; they were all either
personally summoned, or the warrants left with the proprietors of the estates
sequestered, or with some of their tenants. [1 page.] Enclosing, |
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72. i. List of 14 persons summoned residing in co. Warwick. [¾ page.] |
| [March 5.] |
Articles by John Rayment of Westminster against Agricola Waylett, a
Commissioner for co. Cambridge. |
|
1. That he often absents himself from duty, and refuses to join in turning
out tenants who will not pay rent, &c. |
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2. That being a maltser, he buys corn of delinquent farmers, and helps
witnesses to speak favourably of them in examinations. |
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3, 4. That he shared with Ralph Claydon in the profits of underwoods which
he sold him below their value. |
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5. That he detains money from the treasurer on pretence of salary, and
advises him not to be so forward to pay it into Goldsmiths' Hall. |
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6. That he discouraged the prosecution of several delinquents on an order of
the Committee for Compounding last June, so that no return has yet been made
on it, and, the parties have their estates, though some, conscious of guilt,
offered large sums to have the prosecution taken off. |
|
7. That he refused to join the other commissioners in preventing the woodward cheating the State as to the value of some sequestered woods. [G 127,
p. 405.] |
| March 5. |
Order of the Committee for Compounding on pernsal of the above, that
Waylett be suspended and answer the charge, and the other commissioners
and the agent carry on the work meantime. |
|
Order that two of the Acts of General Pardon and Oblivion be sent to
Hen. Scobell, clerk of Parliament, to be examined with the record remaining
with him, and that he be desired to attest them with his hand. [G 16,
pp. 102, 103.] |
March 5.
Durham. |
73. County Committee for Durham to the Committee for Compounding.
We wrote you that we had received 3,000l., which we would gladly pay into
the treasury at Goldsmiths' Hall, if we could return it; but being so far
remote from London, it still remains in our hands. We now desire it may be
transferred to the treasurers-at-war, and assigned for the pay of some of the
soldiers in these parts, or that we may be otherwise directed as to its disposal.
We have our account for the half-year ending at Martinmas ready to return,
but meantime we are endeavouring to collect in the arrears mentioned therein.
We require your confirmation of our contracts for sequestered estates.
[1 page.] |
March 5.
Durham. |
74. County Committee for Durham to the Committee for Compounding.
On your order of 31 Dec. 1651, we have perused the books, &c., of the former
committee, and find the 6 persons underwritten to have been sequestered,
and not discharged. We have therefore given them notice to produce their
discharges before you, and procure your allowance. |
|
— Evans, Keverstone.
Administrators of Ant. Maxton.
John Hester, Bedburn.
Wm, Garth, Headlam.
Chris. Mickleton, Durham.
Tenants of Rob. Wild, Preston.
Hen. Marley, Hilton. |
|
Like notice is given to 8 others named who are suspended. With the dates of
serving the respective notices. [1½ pages.] |
March 5.
Winton. |
75. The late County Committee for Hants to the Committee for Compounding. You command a punishment upon us until we have done what we can
never do, When we began as a committee, our country was in the power of
the enemy, and our committee cousisted mostly of Members of Parliament,
who, having their estates lost, made use of their credits to borrow great
sums to recover their country. Our first actions as a committee were in the
first leaguer of Basing, and the greatest number of the delinquents of this
county were then sequestered. The House of Basing, when ready to be rendered, was relieved by a strong party from Oxford, our records taken by the
enemy, and our solicitor, who was also our clerk, slain. Our next sitting was
the summer following, in the second leaguer there, and during most of the
time we acted, we were environed and alarmed by the enemy from Dennington,
Farringdon, and Oxford, until the reducing of those places, When that was
effected, and we were in hand to take accounts of our officers, we were ordered
to send our accounts to a committee of accounts at Southampton, which we
did. When our country was settled, we dispersed, and committed the receipts
of money to such as we believe honest, to whom we have and must still refer
you for accounts. |
|
If there be any amongst us that have dealt falsely or corruptly, we do not
desire favour for them, but we believe you will find none such. If, in continual
jeopardy of our lives, after loss of our estates, we have extended our credits to
serve Parliament and our country faithfully, and never fingered the public stock,
or eaten the public bread, we hope that, though we may not expect thanks
for what was but our duty, we need not fear ruin, and to be made a scorn to
those God has thrown at our feet. For the safety of our country our own lives
and estates were not dear to us. We wish we could have done as methodically
and as wisely as you expect, but what is in our power we have and shall
readily assist you in. |
|
With note of reply 5 April, that the 20l. penalty is to be respited until,
further order, and the commissioners to levy it upon the officers of the former
committee, [1 page; also G 30, p. 406.] |
March 5.
Worcester College. |
76. County Committee for Worcester to the Committee for Compounding.
We have been careful to lease sequestered estates to the best advantage, and
the tenants paying their rents and observing their covenants, both they and we
conceived they would be secured from trouble by the sheriff, for former debts
contracted by the proprietors of the land; yet he has driven away the cattle of
a tenant to a great value for the debt of the owner, and the tenant expects
defalcation of so much rent; the sheriff avows his act by authority from Westminster. We have no power to deal with either party, and beg directions. |
|
We have paid John Rushworth all the rent received since 24 Dec. 1649 for
the two meadows purchased by him, sequestered from Dr. Potter for delinquency,
and have given him possession thereof, according to your order. |
|
With notes of reply, 6 May, that they are to send the name and address of
the sheriff and of the tenant, the account of the debt, and of the damage by the
distress, when further course will be taken. [1 page; also G 30, p. 474.] |
March 6.
The George, Derby. |
77. The surveyors for county Derby, to the Committee for Compounding.
There are two farms, one cottage, and some tithes in Elvaston belonging to
the Earl of Chesterfield, to which John Stanhope pretends a lease at 22l.
a year, but has not produced it, and as neither the land nor the rent have
been yet discovered or sequestered, we desire your directions therein.
[¾ page.] |
March 6.
Kendal. |
78. County Committee for Westmoreland to the Committee for Compounding. We supposed the accounts sent would have given satisfaction, but the
main obstruction was the want of the acquittances for payments out of the
estates which we will send. You also object to letting estates at clear value,
though far more advantageous here. We also thought we had given satisfaction
as to the value of particular estates under sequestration, but as you have
ordered us to survey, we have made some progress therein; though we
hasten it as much as may be, if the farming of estates be respited until it is
perfected and returned, the year will be so far spent that many will lie waste.
Shall we let the estates for this year at a clear rent, or with the allowance of
assessments, as we shall see most advantageous for the State ? |
|
We, amongst others, were members of the late county committee, and
having perused several accounts and papers which we have already got into
our hands, we would have answered your former letters ere this, but that
divers of the committee are dead, and two of them are agents in Ireland, which
has hindered our proceedings. We enclose an order from the Trustees for sale
of delinquents' lands, and desire directions what to do with estates in such a
condition, as also how to proceed against the estates of such as were active in
the last war, whether we must seize their estates and receive the profits out of
the same. |
|
With notes of reply, 6 May. As to the not passing of your accounts, the
auditor has one rule for all, and we cannot allow payments from estates till we
have heard and passed the claims. You need not postpone farming estates till
your survey is returned, but post and contract them as you survey them; if
you act on your instructions, we shall not disallow your contracts, only make
no deduction for taxes, but leave them for the State; take the full rent, and only
deduct them as they grow due. Send the duplicates as soon as you can.
Take no notice of orders by the Trustees for sale till allowed by us. |
|
Examine witnesses against those who were in the late engagement, and if the
charge is proved by two, secure their estates. The Act of Pardon, far from
discharging them, exempts them from composition. [2 pages; also G 30,
p. 461.] Enclosing, |
|
78. i. Order by the Trustees for sale of estates forfeited for treason. Several
persons, on pretence of power given them by the County Committee for Sequestrations, have presumed to make leases, keep courts, grant customary estates,
take fines, and sell woods on the estate of Sir Philip Musgrave, and others of
Westmoreland, appointed to be sold, since the interest thereof vested in us by
virtue of the late Act of Parliament, to the great prejudice of the State and
deception of those who deal for the same. The surveyors for the county
are to prohibit such persons proceeding further in such unlawful practices,
and to furnish us with the names and qualities of the offenders, together
with their miscarriages, and the damage arising thereby, that such further
course may be taken with them as may conduce to the preservation of such
estates. 3 Feb. 1651. [Copy, ¾ page.] |
March 8.
Bedford. |
79. County Committee for Bedford to the Committee for Compounding. We
have searched the books of the former county committee, and find the estates
of the several persons mentioned in the enclosed list to have been
sequestered by them, but not discharged, yet they were not returned to us
as under sequestration. We have summoned them to appear before you, and
produce their discharges. We cannot return those unduly discharged, as the
orders for discharges are in the keeping of the former committee's solicitor
in London; Sir Wm. Boteler has sent for them in order to making up the duplicates. |
|
We also found an estate of Sir George Blundell (of Ireland) in our county
to have been sequestered for his delinquency, and discharged upon a certificate
from Sir Adam Loftus and other gentlemen of Ireland, that he was not a
delinquent. We also find that the estate of George Halfhide of Elvestow was
sequestered for his refusal to pay taxes, but that the sequestration was taken
off upon his doing so. [1½ pages.] Enclosing, |
|
79. i. List of 6 delinquents and 3 recusants under sequestration in the county of
Bedford. [1 page.] |
|
79. ii. List of persons in co. Bedford summoned to appear before the
Committee for Compounding at Haberdashers' Hall within 28 days,
viz., |
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John Kidd of Elvestow, yeoman and delinquent. Mr. Auncell bought the estate,
and now occupies it, and the summons was left with his wife. |
|
Lewis Conquest, a delinquent, deceased, had an estate in, Houghton Conquest,
occupied by Wm. Risley, upon whom a summons was also left. |
|
Charles Ventris, a deceased delinquent, had an estate at Campton, and the
summons was left with a tenant. |
|
Lord Vaux had an estate at Pamenham, and the summons was left with the
tenant. [1 page.] |
March 8.
Bedford. |
80. County Committee for Bedford to the Committee for Compounding. We
wrote to Sir Wm. Boteler, chairman to the former Committee for Sequestrations,
for duplicates of their records, and he stated they were in the custody of Mr.
Spencer of Bedford, and referred us to Capt. Smith; if we do not receive them
within the time limited, we will levy the fine of 20l. a-piece on each of the said
members, as directed, but we desire further time for perfecting our accounts.
[1¼ pages.] |
March 8.
Bedford. |
81. County Committee for Bedford to the Committee for Compounding. We
received your order for sequestering the estates of Thos. Abbis of Statfold,
Wm. Taylor of Clapham, and Rich. Cooke of Cranfield, for neglecting to pay
the moiety of their fines, but the estates of Abbis and Cooke were sequestered
by former order from you, and the rents have since been received, which we
will transmit, as also the names of all persons under sequestration in this county.
Taylor has no estate here and does not reside here. [¾ page.] |
| March 9. |
82. Order of the Committee for Compounding, allowing the discharge before
the Barons of the Exchequer of John Paget of co. Worcester. [G 16, p. 105.]
Annexing, |
|
82. i. Discharge by the Barons of the Exchequer alluded to, 27 June 1649.
[½ page; also G 109, p. 1089.] |
|
82. ii. Order by the County Committee to Paget to produce his discharge before
the Committee for Compounding within 28 days, and to bring their discharge to the County Committee within 6 weeks, on pain of re-sequestration.
28 Jan. 1652. [2/3 page.] |
March 9.
Hereford. |
83. County Committee for Hereford to the Committee for Compounding.
Can we safely let copyhold estates, and make money of delinquents' woods?
What shall we do with Papists that were in arms, and were sequestered in other
counties 7 years since, but have kept their estates in this, and since sold them ?
Also with Papists who keep their estates from sequestration, or get them off, on
pretence of debts which are already satisfied ? Also with those who have compounded at under-values ? |
|
We have got some bonds from the other committee. By the Act of Pardon,
the State loses many thousands, because many were voted delinquents by the
late committee, and yet are not sequestered, [¾ page.] |
| March 9? |
84. County Committee for Hereford to the Committee for Compounding.
We find that Barrow and Merrick have let all the sequestered estates at undervalue, and that much improvement may be made in estates leased contrary to
instructions. |
|
We want a commission for George Lynn to keep courts and thus save chargesAre those who were voted delinquents by the late committe, and gave bonds
for their estates, included in the late pardon ? Sir Rich. Weston was in
Hereford when it was a King's garrison. [1 page.] Annexing, |
|
i. Account of how 11 estates, co. Hereford, were let by [Mat.] Barrow and
[Walter] Merrick for 7 years; with note of improvements that might be
made therein to more than double the value. [G 157, pp. 191, 192.] |
March 9.
Newcastle. |
85. County Committee for Northumberland to the Committee for Compounding. As to the duplicate of the proceedings of the late county committee, we hoped our former letters had satisfied you, but we will not fail to
return what is required by Easter next, and also our accounts since our
entrance. [1 page.] |
| March 10. |
Ant. Pearson to the Committee for Compounding. I request an order to the
Durham Committee to repay to Sir Art. Hesilrigge the rents, with arrears, of
Bishops' lands in Evenwood and Wolsingham, co. Durham, purchased by him.
[G 94, p. 175.] |
| March 10. |
86. Order of the Committee for Compounding, that the Durham Committee
pay in those rents to Sir Arthur, he having purchased them, and received them
till the year 1651, and also that they suffer his officers to receive them in future.
[Also G 16, p. 115.] |
March 10.
New Radnor. |
87. County Committee for Radnor, to the Committee for Compounding.
Not hearing from you, we fear miscarriage of letters. We posted up the
lands of the parties mentioned in the enclosed list, upon Presteign Cross and
likewise in New Radnor, being the nearest towns; when the time arrived,
we found no tenants but the former, who are willing to hold them according
to their leases from the parties, and become tenants to the Commonwealth,
but we have not granted any leases, not having heard from you; only the
tenants keep the lands and will pay no rent. |
|
We expect the books of the late committee, which are at London, on receipt
of which, we hope to discover some old delinqnency long dormant. We have
very full proofs of the five gentlemen going to Worcester to assist Charles
Stuart. [1 page.] Enclosing, |
|
87. i. Note of lands liable to sequestration in co. Radnor belonging to Nich.
Meredith, John Bull, Thos. Gomey, Wm. Taylor, Baynham Vaughan,
and others. [2 2/3 pages.] |
|
87. ii. Deposition of John Lloyd of Presteign, that Meredith, Taylor, Bull,
Gomey, and Andrew Higgins, went from Presteign towards Worcester
armed, and meeting Major-General [Robert] Montgomery at Bewdley, told
him they had sent him some wine, he being then one of the chief officers
belonging to Charles Stuart, who was at the head of his army at Worcester. |
|
There being then an order to march, or an alarm, Meredith and the others
accompanied the Major with his brigade of 2,000 horse to Worcester, and
rode with the Duke of Buckingham in his troop; when Lord-General
Cromwell came against Worcester, they joined the troop of the Duke of
Buckingham, and advanced into the field; but perceiving their party
retreating, the whole troop retreated likewise, and then were all scattered.
11 Feb. 1651–52. |
|
Also depositions of 4 others, to prove the part taken by the said persons
in the cause of Charles Stuart at Worcester, or of the late King, 27 Feb.
and 1 March. [3 pages.] |
| March 11. |
Order of the Committee for Compounding on Parliament orders of 13 Jan.
1649 and 8 July 1651, about raising 3,000l. by felling wood in Whaddon
Chase, co. Bucks, to pay Windsor garrison and the horse forces, that Mr.
Mayne produce the debentures of the soldiers who are to be benefited by the
said orders, and the receipts of the officers thereon. [G 16, p. 119; G 71,
p. 729.] |
|
Order that the counsel set down at the foot of their reports what proof is
wanting in every case that they state. [G 36, p. 292.] |
March 11.
Berkhampstead. |
88. County Committee for Herts to the Committee for Compounding. The
former committee sent you, in May last, a duplicate and some accounts of estates
and persons then under sequestration, and as many of their officers are dispersed, they cannot give another; but we have now obtained another duplicate,
which we enclose. Particulars of cases. We will give you a speedy account
of what you require. We also send a rental of estates under sequestration
since we came in, and of our contracts, and intend next week to pass our
accounts with your auditor, [¾ page.] |
March 11.
Salop. |
89. County Committee for Salop to the Committee for Compounding. We
have done our best to observe your orders, and do not deserve your severe
censure; our trouble is great in riding on surveys, and some of us living far
from the town spend 40l. a year, and our fees are small. Also we are so abused
by the malignants that only our affections to the Commonwealth have carried us
through. We are quite willing to surrender our commissions if you can find
others more faithful. [It was a general letter, and most counties deserve the
reproof, having failed in many particulars required by the Act of 25 Jan. 1650.
We shall be glad if you can clear yourselves, but we must require from you
what Parliament requires from us, and you should not take offence, our letter
only pressing you to that duty. We are sensible of your pains, but a trust
when undertaken is to be discharged.] |
|
At Ladyday there will be 700l. due from Sir Hen. Fred. Thynne's estate,
which you have leased for 7 years. [You are to demand and receive his rent, or
to distrain.] We contract with many tenants to pay their rent to your
treasury, but we hope you will allow us 1s. in the pound before they pay you.
[You can detain 1s. in the pound on what you return.] |
|
We brought up our accounts, but your auditor not liking the form, and some
surveys being omitted, we brought them back to perfect them, and shall soon
send them; we cannot come now, as some of us must be at the assizes. |
|
Are reviews on delinquents' estates cleared by the Act of Pardon ? [Reviews
not adjudged are cleared.] The passages in brackets are notes of reply.
[1¾ pages.] |
March 13.
Carmarthen. |
Morris Thomas to the Committee for Compounding. You appoint Wm.
Fleming, Jenkin Dawkins, and myself Commissioners for Sequestrations for
this county, but neither of my associates are willing to take the oaths, or to act
as commissioners, though I have several times repaired to them. |
|
With note of reply, 6 May, that Major-Gen. Harrison will send in names to
supply these. [G 167, p. 684.] |
March 13.
Gloucester. |
90. County Committee for Gloucester to the Committee for Compounding.
The coming forth of the Act of Oblivion has put some stop to our proceedings
against such delinquents as have been questioned, and their estates seized and
secured by us. Does the Act pardon them, or how are we to proceed therein,
and to whom are they to apply for discharges ? What are we to do with the
bonds and securities taken, whether to deliver them up to the parties who
sealed them or not ? |
|
We have also taken many informations and proofs of delinquency against
persons whose estates are not yet secured, and the prosecutors have been at
great trouble and expense, and daily cry out for justice. Have we power
to let for 7 years any estates of delinquents which are to be sold ? The
25th of March, the day upon which our grants are to begin, being at hand,
some of the tenants have applied to take them for that period. What shall we
do with persons who are behind for their 20th part ? Shall we proceed further
in seizing and sequestering the estates of delinquents compounding at an
undervalue; or does the Act take off our power therein ? |
|
We want your resolution touching the estate of Benedict Hall, a notorious
Papist, from which no profits have been received since 25 July 1650, we being
prohibited by your order from intermeddling further therewith; also touching
the wood cut upon the lands of Sir Wm. Poole, being 30 acres, yet unsold, and
amounting to 200l., as great loss is likely to ensue by its lying on the ground. |
|
With marginal notes for a reply, 6 May. You are to certify about estates
seized, when we will give orders, and on our discharges, you are to deliver up
the bonds. All are discharged whose delinquency was not since the change of
government, and we can allow nothing to the prosecutor. No estates in the
bill of sale to be let for more than a year, unless let before the bill was passed.
All twentieths not received before the time expressed in the Act, and all undervalues not sequestered are pardoned; but the parties must apply for a discharge.
Benedict Hall's case is before Parliament, on the point of letters of grace
granted by the late King. [1 page; also G 30, p. 154.] |
| March 16. |
Order of the Committee for Compounding, that Wm. Phillips, late clerk
to the Committee for co. Radnor, deliver up to the present commissioners all
the sequestration books and papers in his hands. [G 16, p. 138.] |
| [March 16.] |
Note by Fras. Haslar, recommending [Thos.] Lindley of Skegby, Rob. Brunts
of Mansfield, and Thos. Bristow of Elston, as fit men for Sequestration Commissioners, co. Notts. [G 108, p. 63.] |
| March 16. |
Order of the Commttee for Compounding, that a certificate be drawn up for
their appointment, and that the former commissioners be discharged, and ordered
to deliver up their books, papers, &c., to the present commissioners, and to
make up their accounts. [G 12, p. 410; 108, p. 63.] |
| March 16. |
Committee for Compounding to [Mich. Brett and Fras. Bland] late Commissioners for co. Notts. We signify to you that you are no longer to act as
Commissioners for co. Notts, but deliver all your books and papers to Mr.
Lindley, Brunts, and Bristow, whom we have appointed, and make up your
accounts with our auditor. [G 16, p. 144.] |
| March 16. |
Committee for Compounding to [Thos. Lindley, Rob. Brunts, and Thos.
Bristow]. On a good report of your fitness, we have appointed you Commissioners for co. Notts, and doubt not your acceptance, which we request you to
signify to us. You are to demand the books and papers from the late commissioners. [G 16, p. 144.] |
| March 16. |
91. Query by the said commissioners, whether, if they appoint one of
themselves treasurer, and he dies or becomes insolvent, they, as joint commis
sioners, be not severally liable to answer for all moneys in the said treasurer's
hands, not pardoned by the Act of oblivion. |
|
Endorsed "Mr. John Stephens, counsel, Elm Court, Middle Temple."
[1 page.] |
| March 17. |
92. Order in Parliament that such delinquents as have been admitted to
composition, and paid part of their fines, and elapsed their times for payment of
the residue, be admitted to pay in the residue of their said fines, with interest
at 8l. per cent.; those who are within 80 miles of London to pay the sums, with
interest, by 20 April next; those at a further distance by 20 May next. That
the Commissioners of Goldsmiths' Hall take care that this vote be sent to all
their sub-commissioners in the several counties of England and Wales, and
published, that none may plead ignorance. [Printed, 1 page; also G 172, p. 703.] |
| March 17. |
Order of the Committee for Compounding, allowing the discharge by the
Barons of the Exchequer of Thos. Reeve, clerk, Alburgh, co. Norfolk. [G 16,
p. 147.] |
| March 17. |
Committee for Compounding to the Commissioners of co. Notts. We lately
confirmed the contracts made by the former commissioners, being certified that
the estates were surveyed and posted according to instructions; but we find that
that of Sir Edw. Golding, Papist, was not surveyed nor posted, so that the tenants
had no notice, and it was let at a great under-value. You are to summon Brett
and Bland and their clerk to give an account of the letting, and state the real
value of the estate for a 7 years' lease. [G 16, p. 153.] |
March 17.
Nottingham. |
93. Fras. Bland, one of the County Committee for Notts, to the Committee
for Compounding. Though your encouragement for my continuance be such
that I cannot build upon a certainty of employment for the future, yet since
my return here, I have had so many applications and so much business that if
you order my continuance, I beg speedy assistance by the addition of others,
as the urgency of the business and the execution of your orders require.
I recommend John Bellamy for an agent, a person whom I have employed
since the late agent's desertion, and whose future service and diligence will
much advantage the State. [1 page.] |
March 17.
Cambridge. |
94. County Committee for Cambridge, to the Committee for Compounding.
As there is a complaint depending before you against Agricola Waylett, one
of our members, who has been suspended by you, we desire, in case he shall
endeavour to make any defence thereto, that we may have notice, as we can
give you full satisfaction therein. [½ page.] |
| March 18. |
Order in the Committee for Compounding that discharges on the Act of
Pardon are only to extend to the county mentioned in the auditor's certificate. |
|
That all discharges on sale of lands by the Drury House Trustees are to be
entered with the auditor. [G 36, p. 295.] |
| March 18. |
Committee for Compounding to the County Committee for Durham.
We have acquainted the treasurers-at-war with the money you have in hand,
and hope there will be assignments sent you. Meantime if you can safely
return any part of it, do not lose the opportunity. Your contracts are so
numerous that we have not yet had time to run through them, but hope we
shall do so soon. [G 30, p. 65.] |
| March 18. |
Committee for Compounding to Ald. Allen. We cannot hear that you have
yet given directions for receipt of the money from Northumberland, Cumberland, Lincoln, and Notts, about which we wrote you, and you gave us your
resolution for 5,000l. from Yorkshire, 5,000l. from Northumberland, and 500l.
from Cumberland. As we hear of other large sums in the Northern counties
ready to be paid, tell us whether you can assign the payment in those parts for
greater ease and security, and say what order you have taken about the aforesaid sums. [G 16, p. 165.] |
| March 18. |
Committee for Compounding to the County Committee for Middlesex. We
confirm the contracts named in yours of 27 Feb., so far as they are according to
the Act and instructions. [G 30, p. 258.] |
| March 18. |
Committee for Compounding to the Committee for co. Radnor. We hope the
late committee will fulfil their promise of the books and papers; if not, you
must levy 20l. a-piece on them, and let us know, that we may send for them
in custody. We send you printed instructions, and Acts and rules for your
proceedings. [G 30, p. 421.] |
| March 19. |
Account by John Deverell, late treasurer to the County Committee for Bucks,
of receipts in part of 1,500l., parcel of 3,000l. ordered by Parliament to be
raised for pay of the forces, from sale of the Duke of Buckingham's trees;
total 357l., leaving 1,143l. still due. Audited by Sherwin. [G 71, p. 727.] |
| March 19. |
Order thereon, that the Committee for co. Bucks pay the said 1,143l. to the
said treasurer, out of the profits of the Woods therein mentioned. [G 16, p. 171.] |
March 19.
Haberdashers' Hall. |
95. Committee for Compounding to the county committees. We desire
you to search in the books and papers of the late committees, and also of your
own proceedings relating to sequestrations, for all persons sequestered within
your jurisdiction since 1 April 1643, and not discharged by the Sequestration
Committee, or allowed of by ourselves before 1 Dec. last; and within eight
days to send us an alphabetical list of them, giving their christian and surnames, their titles and places of abode. You are to omit none that have been
sequestered (not seized only), and punctually observe our directions herein,
and to notice the day this letter comes to hand. [1 page; also G 16, p. 170.] |
| March 19. |
96. Evers Armyne and Benj. Norton, late County Commissioners for Rutland, to the Committee for Compounding. You threaten to levy a fine of 20l.
a-piece on us, or to send a messenger for us for not giving satisfactory answers to
your former orders, which we are confident we have twice done, if you make
your clerk produce them; being again threatened to have our goods distrained,
we for the third time say, |
|
1. That Armyne lived in London till Mar. 1644, and Norton was not of the
committee till 1646, and that Armyne cannot give an account or be responsible for sequestrations whilst at London, nor Norton before he was of the
committee. |
|
2. That Col. Waite, [Capt.] John Hatcher, Robt. Horsman, John Osborne, and
others of the committee, and Capt. [Mat.] Barry as solicitor for sequestrations,
were actors, both at Burley garrison and Rockingham Castle, before Armyne
came from London. |
|
3. When Armyne came first to Burley garrison in Michaelmas 1644, he
found no horse forces there but what were borrowed from Northampton, and
within a short time he, with some others deputy lieutenants to Henry, late Earl
of Kent, raised two troops of horse, well armed, under Major Leafield and Capt.
[John] Clarke, one of your sub-commissioners; and afterwards another troop
under Capt. Collins, by virtue of an ordinance as deputy-lieutenant, and the
order of Parliament as a commissioner, and that he took care to pay them. |
|
4. That the Easter following he went up to London again, leaving Capt. Hatcher,
Christ. Browne, and John Osborne of the said committee in the garrison, and the
said 3 troops of horse under Major Leafield, Capt. Collins, and Capt. Clarke wellarmed and in good condition. That in his absence, Burley garrison was burnt
with his goods, books, and papers, amongst which were remembrances that he
voluntarily took to control the accounts of the receivers of money there. That
when he came to Burley stables in Aug. 1645, he found a sub-committee of
accounts there, who took accounts upon oath, and who, no doubt, can do much
for your satisfaction. |
|
5. Neither of us have ever been treasurer or receiver of money belonging to
the sequestrations or Commonwealth, as declared in Armyne's answers to the
sub-committee of accounts, who can inform that the colonels, captains, committeemen, &c., received the public moneys. |
|
6. That as they received the money, some of them have challenged and received great pay as a colonel, captains, or solicitor for the sequestrations in
Rutland. The receivers of the public money and the actors from first to last
in the sequestrations ought to give satisfaction to you, and not those that were
neither, but were otherwise employed for the public. |
|
7. After Armyne came to the garrison, some malignant prelatical ministers
were sequestered before him, and others placed in their livings by authority of
Parliament, which has been 3 times certified by Armyne to the late and present
Committee for Compounding and to your sub-commissioners; Nich. Estwick,
the writer hereof, is ready to made this good by oath, as he can all the rest of
the matters here in alleged on Armyne's behalf. |
|
8. If your sub-commissioners will not serve your orders upon those that acted
in the sequestrations and received the profits, but upon those who neither can
nor ought to satisfy you, the cause of your non-satisfaction may appear. |
|
With note of reply of 19 April, that the County Committee are to forbear
levying the 20l. upon these commissioners until further order; but they are
to levy a similar sum upon the officers to the former committee, unless they
make the returns required by the Act. [2 pages; also G 30, p. 371.] |
March 20.
Blandford. |
97. County Committee for Dorset to the Committee for Compounding.
According to your letter of 18 Feb., we have given notice to the former committee, and they have promised to satisfy you as to their returns. Rich.
Stephens, their clerk, keeps their records; he lives at Dorchester. Give us longer
time for our accounts; two of us being ill, one only is able to act. Besides our
hands will be full with disposing of estates and receiving rents till May, when
we shall be able to clear all our accounts to this quarter. [½ page.] |
| March 21. |
98. County Committee for Monmouth, to the Committee for Compounding.
Had we not thought the knight of our shire, with other principal members of
the late committee, had satisfied you as to these accounts, we should have levied
the fines imposed on them; but being sensible of our neglect, we have performed your commands and secured the fines. The books and papers have
been tendered to us by Samuel Jones, their clerk, but he desires the use of them
until they have perfected their accounts. We are preparing accounts, but have
not received any return for the moneys in our hands, without which we shall not
be discharged. We seldom receive a letter but it is broken open. [1 page.] |
| March 23. |
Petition of Chris. Wasse, of Mansfield, Notts, to the Committee for Compounding. Has expended much money in prosecuting at his own charge Fras.
Bland and Mich. Brett, late sequestrators for co. Notts, in examination of
witnesses, in two costly journeys to London, and in consulting counsel, &c.
Begs his charges, and some encouragement for his service. With note for him
to put down his charges. [G 127, p. 111.] |
| March 23. |
Order in the Committee for Compounding that he be paid 7l. 10s. for his
expenses therein. [G 16, p. 190.] |
| March 23. |
Committee for Compounding to the Committee for Sequestrations, co. Monmouth. On hearing Mr. Herbert, M.P., on behalf of the late Committee for
Sequestrations for that county, we respite our order for levying 20l. each upon
them, for not returning duplicate accounts. [G 16, p. 191.] |
| March 23. |
Committee for Compounding to the Committee for, co. Durham. You are
to pay to order of Sir John Wollaston and the late treasurers-at-war 3,000l.
out of the sequestered moneys in your hands. With note of like letter to the
Commissioners of co. Notts for 1,000l. [G 16, p. 175.] |
| March 23. |
Receipt by John Blackwell of the said letters from the Committee for Compounding; also like receipt, 22 June, of a letter to the County Committee for
co. York for payment of 6,000l.; and, 12 Nov. 1652, of an order to the treasurers
at Goldsmiths' Hall to pay 100,000l. to Mr. Leman on a Parliament order of
17 Dec. 1651. [G 183, p. 601.] |
March 23.
Wrexham. |
99. Thos. Ball, sheriff, and the County Committee for North Wales to the
Committee for Compounding. We have received your two letters requiring an
account of the two last years. We have not been neglectful, but have been
retarded by our assizes. We hope to send it in 20 days, and intreat your
patience, [¾ page.] |
March 24.
Reading. |
100. County Committee for Berks to the Committee for Compounding.
We have surveyed and posted the estates of John Doncastle and Sir Edward
Mansfield, Papists, and of Hen. Daniell, delinquent, as also part of Lord
Craven's, and have treated with several persons to be tenants thereof. We
desire you will confirm the contracts enclosed. |
|
With note confirming them 31 March. [½ page; also G 30, p. 15.] |
March 24.
Exeter. |
County Committee for Devon to the Committee for Compounding. We cannot tell whether by your printed papers of 17 March, the Act clears all omissions and under-valuations of compounders' estates, some of which we have
posted and let, because as they are omitted in all suspensions, we considered
them still under sequestration. Others are still offered us by prosecutors,
but we wait your orders. We give a list of our late receipts; the money has
been sent. We are busy certifying the causes of sequestration, but hope you
will not trouble us to send the charges of those which you have already. |
|
With note of reply, 5 May, that the under-valuations already let are not to be
discharged, and that they are to send in their accounts and receipts separately,
for transmission to the auditor. [G 151, p. 511.] |
March 24.
Carlisle. |
101. County Committee for Cumberland to the Committee for Compounding.
Particulars of cases. The parties prosecuting charges against certain delinquents have expended 20l. to bring them to maturity, and are unsatisfied for
their employments in securing the goods of such persons. We request you
will consider their pains and expense, and grant the parties informing an
allowance by special order, their actions tending to the advancement of the
service. [¾ page.] |
March 24.
Chelmsford. |
102. County Committee for Essex to the Committee for Compounding.
Mr. Mann, treasurer for sequestrations in this county, being made unfit to
perfect his accounts by a very great distemper, we intreated a respite of
14 days; but the request seeming unmeet, he has since applied himself with
so much intentness to perfect that work that he gave advantage to his infirmity,
which prevailed to that height that he was speechless a whole day. He is now
recovering, but the work has been so much retarded that we are forced to
acquaint you with it, and request time. |
|
Noted that no answer is needed, as the commissioners have now come up with
their accounts, [¾ page.] |
March 24.
Preston. |
103. County Committee for Lancaster to the Committee for Compounding.
Robert Miduleton of Warton produced a certificate of having compounded for
his estate in Westmoreland; but having an estate in Lancashire which descended
to him by the death of [Thos.] Kitson, in right of his wife, who was Kitson's
sister and heir, we sequestered it and let it to John Chippingdale, the highest
bidder, who has ploughed and fenced it; but upon the passing of the Act-of
Oblivion, Middleton ejected him, and took possession. If he is suffered to retain
it, we shall be troubled with others of the like kind. [1 page.] |
| March 24 ? |
Order or warrant by the County Commissioners of Somerset to their agents
in the several hundreds. The committee, being charged by Act of Parliament
to demand accounts from all sequestrators, pressed the work, and received some
accounts so imperfect as to cause suspicion. Wishing to obtain full and clear
discovery of the profits made from sequestered estates,—all men being now,
by the Act of General Oblivion and Pardon, free to give informations and
assistance—they issue copies of this warrant to all petty constables and tithing
men, requiring them, taking bailiffs, &c., to their assistance, to give in writing
their best information in answer to queries annexed, and certify the names of
refusers or obstructors; attending themselves with a list of the parishes and
tithings in their hundreds, and the names of the sequestraors. Also the
warrant is to be read at all parish churches. [G 167, pp. 245, 246.] Annexing, |
|
i. Five particulars of inquiries to be made about the disposal of sequestered estates
in co. Somerset, the timber, 1/5 and 1/20 parts allowed, &c. [G 167, p. 247.] |
March 24.
Taunton. |
104. County Committee for Somerset to the Committee for Compounding.
As things now lie before you, we may be thought negligent in our accounts;
at Michaelmas our treasurer, Col. Gorges, went to London to complete them,
but could not obtain confirmation of our contracts. Further delay was caused
because, till yours of 18 Feb., we had not confirmation of our late letting of
estates. We shall soon send accounts and the rents. [1 page.] |
| March 24 ? |
Rough notes of queries by Col. John Gorges to be propounded to the Committee for Compounding, relative to the payment of the County Commissioners
of Somerset, reducing their number, the expenses of the commissioners for
keeping courts, and of himself for 3 journeys to London, &c.; also relative to
the allowances to the families of delinquents. With marginal notes in reply.
[G 167, pp. 241–244.] |
| March 25 ? |
County Committee for Devon to the Committee for Compounding. John
Pointer of Tavistock, our late agent, having State's money in his hands, which
he acknowledged not till discovered, refuses to pay it to us without a general
discharge. |
|
We send Mr. Spory's account; he comes not near us to perfect it. |
|
The Marquis of Winchester's rents are stayed in the tenants' hands. Many
tenements are fallen in. The keeping of courts will be a charge, but will also
be an advantage. Note of receipts. |
|
With note in reply that Pointer is to be summoned before the Committee
for Compounding, and a serjeant-at-arms sent for him if he comes not. [G 151,
p. 521.] |
| March 25. |
Particulars by the County Committee for Kent of 3 leases made before the
order of 30 Aug. 1650, for posting estates above 20l. a year, and 2 made after,
and particulars of 4 leases made, but not sealed. [G 158, pp. 259–266.] |
March 25.
Lewes. |
County Committee for Sussex to the Committee for Compounding. In yours
of 18 Jan., which only reached us 16 March, you desire a duplicate of the
persons sequestered by the old committee, and order us, in case of refusal or
delay, to levy a fine of 20l. on each of the committee. We have done our
best therein, but there are 6 rapes in the county, and there was formerly a committee in each, chiefly Parliament men, who were mostly in London or at
Lewes, where the grand committee of the county eat, having the business of
2 rapes, and the greatest share of the other rapes. Their clerk has been dead
3 years, and he made few entries of orders for discharge. |
|
On writing to the surviving county commissioners for the duplicates, they
wrote to their solicitor to make them out as far as he could, but on account of
the size of the county, and the many commissioners to whom he must apply,
he begs delay till next term. |
|
As to our accounts, we have given them in for the year 1650, with arrears,
above a year since, and should have given those of this year before, but some of
us were very ill. We will send them with rent-rolls, and the late committee's
accounts, by 3 May next. [G 170, p. 87.] |
March 25.
Wrexham. |
105. Ben. Rodenhurst to the County Committee for Montgomery, at Redcastle. The county committee here ordered me to send you letters and votes
of the Haberdashers' Hall Committee, which concern you equally with themselves. I also send an order which Edw. Vaughan kept unproduced all the
week, at the meeting here, till you were gone out of town.; but our committee
being unwilling to intermeddle in a case which mostly concerns your county,
asks your advice, and will join you in promoting the service, [2/3 page.] |
| March 26. |
Order of the Committee for Compounding, that on Friday next they will hear
4 reports as commissioners for compounding, the next after the 6 appointed for
Thursday. [G 13, p. 43.] |
| March 26. |
106. County Committee for Derby to the Committee for Compounding. We
send the return ordered by yours of 19 March. [⅓ page.] Enclosing, |
|
106. i. List of 16 undischarged Papists and delinquents in the county. [1 page.] |
March 26.
Preston. |
107. County Committee for Lancaster to the Committee for Compounding. Since the passing of the Act of Oblivion, we are importuned by old
delinquents to discharge such parts of their estates as were not sequestered
1 Dec. last. Are we to sequester new estates discovered since 1 Dec. of old
delinquents formerly sequestered ? Are we to proceed as formerly against
Papists discovered since 1 Dec, if they offer to take the oath of abjuration ?
[¾ page.] |
March 27.
Brecon. |
108. County Committee for Brecon to the Committee for Compounding.
[Roger] Havard and the late commissioners have returned certain contracts,
but many persons who contracted with them refuse to give security for rent, and
some have given in their bargains. Most of the estates of the Earl of Worcester and Sir Fras. Fane consist of impropriate tithes. How are we to proceed
therein ? [¾ page.] |
March 27.
Brecon. |
109. Same to the same. Your letters of 16 Jan. did not arrive till 25 March,
so we could not give a timely account of sequestered estates in our county,
There are none sequestered, but that of the late Mrs. Bevans of Alexanderston,
recusant, worth 30l. a year, on whose death the late committee allowed the
grandchildren to receive the rents before it was discharged. So Wm. Lloyd
received his rents of 60l. on pretence of a composition, but as he has not
produced a discharge, we shall sequester him. [¾ page.] |
March 27.
Hereford. |
110. County Committee for Hereford to the Committee for Compounding
We have published the Parliament order of 17 March in our several towns,
but we cannot improve upon your instructions, because we have not either the
books of charges or the discharges of the late committee, and we have done
nothing but seize and secure estates, which is rendered invalid by the late Act
of Oblivion, [2/3 page.] |
March 27.
Kendal. |
111. County Committee for Westmoreland to the Committee for Compounding. Particulars of cases. We send a survey of the chief estates
under sequestration, and shall finish the rest shortly, and give you an account.
[1¼ pages.] |
March 29.
Salop. |
112. County Committee for Salop to the Committee for Compounding. We
send you a list of all estates under sequestration since 1 April 1643, and not
compounded for or discharged. The duplicate required from the late committee
is drawn, but as the gentlemen live far from each other, it will require a week
to have it signed; they use no delay, and as soon as we receive it, we will
transmit it. We have finished all our surveys, and are perfecting our accounts. |
|
We are proceeding against new delinquents that entered into the late invasion
with Charles Stuart, and are also examining the late committee's agents'
accounts, 30 in number, which will take up much, time, but there will be great
advantage to the State thereby. [1 page.] |
| March 30. |
Order of the Committee for Compounding that the Goldsmiths' Hall
treasurers pay Peter Brereton, counsellor, the balance due of his salary of
5l. a week for 40 weeks, from 24 June last. [G 16, p. 237.] |
| [March 30.] |
Petition of Charles Burton, sadler of London, to the Committee for Compounding. Complains that his whole estate of 93l. was seized by the late
Camden House Committee, on false information that he was a delinquent,
though he fought for Parliament at the battle of Worcester, and that, obtaining
no redress from the said committee, he appealed to the Barons of the Exchequer,
who discharged him. Begs restoration of the 93l., with damages. [G 71, p. 645.] |
| March 30. |
Committee for Compounding to Col. Downes, [of the Army Committee.]
We present this petition to you, Burton being very poor. We cannot restore
the money, because it was paid in long since, but we beg you to present this
case, with the rest of the reports in your hands, to Parliament for his relief.
[G 16, p. 238.] |
| March 30. |
Committee for Compounding to the trustees for sale of delinquents' estates.
We desire that in future your orders for discharge of estates sold may mention
the time of payment of the first ½ of the purchases money. If on survey any
prove to have been much undervalued, let us know, that we may take course
with our commissioners for remedy. [G 16, p. 240.] |
March 30.
Hereford. |
113. Capt. Silas Taylor to James Russell. Direct what you would have
us do in the cases we wrote about. It lies upon my spirit that I meddled with
this employment, considering Parliament hath so fortified malignants against
our acting, not leaving us a place of appeal. |
|
We sequestered one man before the Act came forth for proclaiming the King
at Bromyard. Does not this Act free him, because it was only words ? We
sequestered another for being in the second war, but yet because taken prisoner
before 30 Jan., he is freed. We have no power to sequester a Papist as a Papist,
nor to improve any sequestered estate by the felling of woods, because all
discoveries since the time limited in the Act are invalid. We can do nothing
against such as have compounded at an undervalue. When satisfied in
these, I shall propose other queries. |
|
With marginal notes of reply, 21 April. If the proclaiming the King were
done before 30 Jan. 1649, the Act remits; but if since, the seizure of the estate
is to be continued, and he to have a copy of his charge, and leave to examine
witnesses. The same rule for the person who was in the second war. |
|
You may improve any sequestered estate by felling wood, first certifying the
quantity and value, and obtaining our order. You may administer the oath of
abjuration to any suspected recusant, and sequester on refusal to take it.
You cannot proceed on undervalues, unless discovered before 1 Dec. 1651. You
may contract for copyhold estates. You may also seize estates for money
due to the State on bonds, [2/3 page; also G 30, p. 175.] |
March 30.
Durham. |
114. County Committee for Durham to the Committee for Compounding.
On yours of 19 March, and the resolves of Parliament, both of which we have
published, we have searched the books and papers of the late committee and
our own, and send you an alphabetical list of all persons whatever that have
been sequestered in this county from 1 April 1644 to 1 Dec. 1651, and are
not discharged, having omitted none. [1 page.] Enclosing, |
|
114. i. Alphabetical list of 169 persons above alluded to and of 17 suspended on
composition, but not discharged. 30 March 1652. [6 sheets.] |
|
114. ii. Blank form of certificate thereon, [½ page.] |
March 30.
Mansfield. |
115. Thos. Lindley and Robt. Brunts to the Committee for Compounding.
On receipt of your commission to serve as county commissioners for Notts,
we met, but Mr. Bristow was unwilling to join us. We summoned Fras. Bland
and Mich. Brett, the late county commissioners, to enquire how they proceeded
in surveying and letting the estate of Sir Edw. Golding, Papist, but Brett only
appeared, and could not inform us, not having acted lately, and said the records
were in Bland's hands, desiring respite for delivery till 8 April. Col. Fras.
Hacker offers an improved rent of 100l. for 2/3, or 150l. for the whole of Golding's
estate, but we cannot now certify its value. We beg an assistant instead of
Bristow. |
|
With marginal notes of reply, 6 May. Thanks for your cheerful acceptance
of employment, and your care to carry on the work. If Bristow declines, you
must proceed without other addition. Call on Bland and Brett again jointly
for their records, and order them to bring in their accounts in 21 days; if they
refuse or delay, levy 20l. each on them, and tell them we shall send for them
by a serjeant-at-arms, unless we hear from them within the time. Ascertain by
personal survey the value of Sir Edw. Golding's estate, and certify before we
let it to Col. Hacker, or any other. [1 page; also G 30, p. 324] |
| March 31. |
Order of the Committee for Compounding that the treasurers at Goldsmiths'
Hall pay to John Leech, registrar, the balance due of 192l., his salary at 6l. a
week from 26 Aug. last, deducting what has been paid. [G. 16, p. 246.] |
March 31.
Durham. |
116. County Committee for Durham to the Committee for Compounding.
We return our account for rents and arrears received at Martinmas last. Give
us your help for payment of 3,183l. 3s. 9d. resting on this account, as we are so
far from London. Our excuse for delay in collecting arrears is that our agent is
an officer in the army, and is employed in providing for the Scots prisoners.
Noted, "Needs no answer." [1 page.] |
| March 31. |
Certified by Aud. Sherwin that P. Brereton's salary for 40 weeks since last
June, is 200l., of which 130l. is paid, and 70l. still due. [G 83, p. 268.] |
March 31.
Stafford. |
117. Col. H. Danvers to the Committee for Compounding. Having to leave
these parts and come to London, I beg dismissal from employment, to make
way for some faithful person, and recommend Edw. Love, an able Christian, of
whose zeal I have had long experience. He has long served diligently as our
treasurer and accountant. We have lately sent in our accounts, which will be
perfected on my coming up. |
|
With note of reply, 16 April, approving the gentleman, who is to be commissioned when the accounts are perfected. [1 page; also G 30, p. 428.] |
March 31.
Stafford. |
118. County Committee for Stafford to the Committee for Compounding.
As Col. Danvers, one of our fellow commissioners, is removing from these parts,
we join in his request that Mr. Love may succeed him, knowing his faithfulness and ability. [¾ page.] |
| March ? |
Petition of Sam. Wheeley of Chelmsford, Essex, to the Committee for Compounding, for allowance for all discoveries made by him after 8 Aug. 1650.
Has always been faithful, and has been at great pains in discovering concealed
delinquents. [G 130, p. 461.] Annexing, |
|
i. Certificate by the County Committee of Essex, that he discovered the estate of
Ald. Bunce in Wickford, value 80l. a year, 14 Feb. 1652. With note by
M. Dallison, 17 March, that he was the first discoverer. [G 130, p. 463.] |
