Charles I - volume 141: April 17-30, 1629

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1628-29. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1859.

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'Charles I - volume 141: April 17-30, 1629', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1628-29, (London, 1859) pp. 521-534. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/chas1/1628-9/pp521-534 [accessed 27 March 2024]

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April 17–30, 1629

April 17.
Chelmsford.
1. Justices of Peace of Essex to the Council. On coming to the quarter sessions at Chelmsford there repaired to them 200 persons, who delivered a petition in the names of the weavers of Braintree and Booking, complaining of extreme necessity for want of work by the clothiers, intimating that above 30,000 persons were likely to partake of that misery, and following the writers about with outcries, so that they were forced to forbear all the other affairs of the country. Some of the justices went to treat with the clothiers of those towns, and persuaded the people to repair to their own houses in expectation of some speedy provision to be made for them. But they are of opinion this quiet will not prevail long, as the clothier pretends a stop of trade, and that he is utterly unable to employ them as heretofore. Pray the Lords to determine what may be done for settling the clothier in his former course of trade, for these poor people will not long be quiet unless they have means to relieve themselves and families.
April 17. 2. Attorney General Heath to Sec. Dorchester. Yesterday received from the King's own mouth his commandment that Lord Stourton, who in truth goes to church, Lord William Howard, the Lord Viscount Dunbar, and Lord Gray, a Scottish Lord who married the Lady Sydenham, should have their convictions deferred. Begs him to procure the King's hand to short warrants.
April 17. 3. Account of Sir James Perrott, as Deputy Vice Admiral under the Earl of Pembroke for cos. Pembroke, Carmarthen, and Cardigan, of wrecks and prizes recently brought within his jurisdiction, and what had been received on account thereof.
April 18. 4. Petition of Seigneur de Lalande to the King. In the expedition to the Isle of Rhé. the Earl of Newport gave the petitioner a place in his cavalry. He was afterwards sent from England into Rochelle, where he remained until the arrival of the Earl of Lindsey, with whom he returned into England, and has since been sent into Languedoc with letters to the Duke of Rohan, whence he returned a few days since. He is now reduced to very great necessity, and without hope of ever being able to return to France, seeing the example of Seigneur de La Grossetiere, who after the surrender of Rochelle was hanged and burned, notwithstanding he had the same orders from the King as the petitioner. Prays for some allowances for maintenance and payment of his debts. [Underwritten is a reference to the Lord Treasurer.] Annexed,
4. i. Certificate of Montjoy Earl of Newport of the service of the petitioner in the Isle of Rhé. Salisbury Court. 1628 (sic), April 18.
April 18.
Whitehall.
5. The Council to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. It is the King's pleasure that they restore to the Earl of Lindsey the Content, formerly taken from him by the Dunkirkers, and recaptured by the Earl of Danby in his repair to the Isle of Jersey.
April 18. 6. Petition of Capt. Theophilus Wright, Archibald Nicoll, and their partners, to the King. Set forth the circumstances of their obtaining letters of reprisal and seizure upon a Scottish ship, laden with Dunkirk goods, at Dover, and the further proceedings which terminated in an Order of Council for their satisfaction, to the amount of 4,577l. 5s. By the interference of Sir John Hippisley, they failed in procuring satisfaction for 3,277l. 18s., part of the 4,577l. 5s., and thereupon petitioned Parliament for redress. During the inquiry the Parliament was dissolved, and they now pray a reference to the Archbishop of York and other Lords to take final order for their relief. [Underwritten is a reference to Sir Henry Marten to call the parties before him, and take such course as is consonant with justice and equity.]
April 18. 7. Dr. John Bancroft and Dr. William Smyth to Bishop Laud, of London. Report what progress had been made in the late commission for the preservation of the forests of Shotover and Stowe, and what frauds of the under-keepers had been discovered, so that each of them made more benefit to himself in one year than his Majesty did in five. Yet now there are some about the undertaking to repair the said forests. His Majesty's profit will be most advanced by keeping them in his own hands, so that the officers are straightly held to the forest laws; wherefore they request him to uphold the late commission.
April 18. 8. Lord President Conway to the Mayor of Guilford. Complaint has been brought to the Council against the Mayor for arresting Capt. Jo. Burley, commander of the Swiftsure, a Vice Admiral in the expedition to Rochelle, and at this time sent for to receive directions respecting the King's service. His entertainment being in arrear, Burley cannot satisfy his creditors, and therefore prays that he may be released. Lord Conway does not doubt that, on knowledge of these circumstances, both the Mayor and the creditor will take order that he may be set at liberty. The Mayor cannot be ignorant of the provision that those whose entertainment is in arrear should not be arrested till the end of July, when his Majesty will be prepared to satisfy them. [Copy.]
April 18.
Haroldstone.
9. Sir James Perrott to Nicholas. Returns the Commission for the Spanish carvel which came into Milford Haven laden with corn. A small French bark has been brought into Tenby, the right to which does not appear. He has caused her to be stayed. If there be not a fair account made of the ship at Llanelly, some other course must be taken.
April 18.
Exeter.
10. Anthony Batt to—. Wrote last week to mention that Mr. Alden delivered a letter of the person addressed to the Bishop, who refused to institute him upon the King's presentation on the ground that he had a title of his own to Exminster. His title seems nothing more than to get money from the Corporators. The Bishop would yield to the King's letters mandatory.
April 18. 11. Certificate from the Masters of the Navy and others appointed to survey Mr. Harby's cordage, to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, of a further quantity of the same cordage found serviceable, and another quantity unserviceable.
April 19.
St. Martin's Lane.
12. Sir Thomas Roe to James Earl of Carlisle. Is prevented waiting upon him by the gout. To-morrow will attend their meeting in the public service, which can never be separated from his Majesty's service; if he cannot go, he will be carried, and will send the Earl an account by writing. It is not for the King's honour to contract or condition, but there are some graces which they hope to obtain, which will fall like a morning dew upon those that now wither in contumacy, and he will not doubt to promise the Earl's favour and assistance, which will set a crown upon their endeavours, and make them [i.e. the persons who wither in contumacy] know, and by them all others, that submission has more power to draw down grace from a good King than obstinacy.
April 20. 13. Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to Capt. John Mennes. Approve his discreet and stout carriage in the capture of a Hamburgher out of a fleet of Hollanders. Calling to his assistance the Mayor of Sandwich, he is carefully to search the hold of the ship. If he finds any considerable quantity of prohibited goods he is to send her up for London, if not to discharge her. A supply of three months' provisions will be sent for him into the Downs. He is to waft thence the stores for the ships preparing at Portsmouth, and whilst waiting for them to ply up and down from the river's mouth to Beachy Head.
April 20. 14. Extract from the preceding letter of the part relating to the captured Hamburgher.
April 20. 15. Nicholas to the same. Incloses the preceding letter, and comments on its contents.—P.S. Neither of the two ships he sent in will prove prize, but Nicholas fears no demand for anything they miss as taken from them.
April 20.
Wallingford House.
16. William Lake to Sir Henry Fane [Vane]. Commends Mr. Rogers, who, in the Isle of Rhé, proved himself a soldier, a traveller, and a scholar, but withal ill handled by fortune. Advanced by the writer to Mr. Hierome's service. Business goes on de mal en pis, few or none paying the duties, and those that pay do so under other men's names; so much are their tender consciences terrified at Sir John Eliot's brutum fulmen. Though the Custom House is not shut up, yet they are at such low ebb that the monies that used to be supplied from thence for the monthly payment are now issued out of the Exchequer. Hope there is that the Merchant Adventurers leading the way, the rest of the sheep will follow. The ill spirit of obstinacy lies not only in the merchants' breasts, but moves in every small vein through the kingdom. Last week the clothiers of Essex were up, but were dispersed by the Earl of Warwick and Lord Maynard. Sir Francis Cottington is now at last Chancellor [of the Exchequer] in good earnest; Newburgh is Chancellor of the Duchy; the Chancellor [Sir Humphrey May] is Vice Chamberlain; William Herbert is Lord Powys; and now the only business of the Court is to provide a successor for the Gentleman Usher's place, and to make St. George a good feast. The Earl of Northampton is gone this day to Windsor to be installed, if the great waters do not stop his passage by reason of the excessive rain for three days. The term will bring in the Star Chamber, of which there is great expectation concerning Sir John Eliot and the rest, wherein, if they proceed not warily and stoutly, actum est. Likes well of Sir Henry's going to the Leaguer, because he may there learn to command and be of some service to the commonwealth in case the Earl of Warwick and Lord Maynard miscarry in the Essex affairs. Sir Henry's return depends upon another's answer, from whence they heard yesterday, but nothing to the purpose.
April 20. 17. Articles objected by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners against William Jones and Augustine Matthewes, printers, and Nathaniel Butter and Michael Sparke, stationers, for printing and publishing various books without the same being licensed by the Archbishop of Canterbury or Bishop of London, according to the Decree in the Star Chamber of the 28th year of Queen Elizabeth. Nathaniel Butter is charged with printing and publishing "The Reconciler," and Michael Sparke, "Babel no Bethel, written by Henry Burton;" William Jones, "Musquil unmasked," by Thomas Spencer; Augustine Matthewes with printing, and Michael Sparke with publishing, "The Antithesis of the Church of England," by William Prynne.
April 20. 18. Certificate of Robert Earl of Lindsey. In the late expedition to Rochelle, M. de Lalande exposed his life to extreme hazard, and desperately escaped when he issued out of Rochelle to report the state of the town.
April 21.
Whitehall.
19. The King to Attorney General Heath. Warrant to prepare a pardon for Humphrey Galbraith, William Galbraith, and others, indicted two years ago of high treason in co. Fermanagh, Ireland, for killing Sir John Weymes. Order is taken for a competent allowance to be made to Dame Anne Weymes, widow of Sir John, by "the Mr." of some of the persons so indicted.
April 21.
Whitehall.
20. Commissioners appointed to examine the complaints made against Dr. Beale, Master of Pembroke Hall, in Cambridge, to Thomas Boswell, John Johnson, Daniel Marrett, and William Fenner, Fellows of that College. Summons to appear at Whitehall, in the lodgings of the Earl of Holland, to give evidence concerning the matters in question. [Signed by the Earl of Holland only, and the day of attendance not filled up.]
April 21.
Whitehall.
21. The Council to Thomas Boswell, Fellow of Pembroke College. Summons to give his personal attendance in the Council Chamber at Whitehall.
April 21.
Whitehall.
22. Sec. Coke to Attorney General Heath. To renew the Commission for making Saltpetre granted to the late Duke of Buckingham and Earl of Totness, to the Commissioners for the Admiralty and the present Master of the Ordnance.
April 21.
The Tower.
23. Sir Allen Apsley to Nicholas. Recommends Albon Frances, who had been commended to him by Endymion Porter, for a purser's place.
April 21.
Southampton.
24. John Ellzey to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. Gives account of what tenths had been sold by him since the August 23 last, and promises to sell those remaining in his hands, and account for the same in Midsummer Term.
April 21.
Southampton.
25. John Ellzey to Nicholas. Sends him the preceding, to deliver or not as he thinks convenient. Gives further details of the tenths in his hands. A ship of 100 tons, said to belong to Ostend, has been brought in by Capt. Needler for Capt. Scras.
April 22.
Marshalsea Prison.
26. Mons. La Touche to the King. Order had been made for his release, and that of his fellow prisoner, on paying the prison charges. Bremond had money and was discharged; the writer, not being able to pay, but being a stranger, unknown, without assistance, and reduced to hunger and nakedness, remains there the most wretched being in the world. Intreats for his release.
April 22.
Cockfield.
27. Thomas Vicars to his cousin, John Vicars. Offers terms for apprenticeship of his brother. Perceives the wit of Dr. Hall to save his credit. What a disparagement is it for a Bishop to err! Every witty man is like the Pope. Take him in an error! You may as well take a rhetorician speaking false Latin; this man will salve his false Latin with a rhetorical figure, and he his error with a quirk of wit. Dr. Corbet has not forgotten his old trade. "I have heard he was a ballad singer when he was a mad lad in Oxford, and now he is the grave Bishop of Oxford he is turned a ballad maker." It concerns you little vituperium of London and the great O'Neale of Winchester to foment and keep afoot the faction. They have learned their lesson. Divide et impera. They play the Rex. It was Barnevelt's policy; they tread his ground. It is good fishing in troubled waters. We have a prayer, or rather praise, for the Queen's being with child. Do you believe it? The writer is Thomas. There be a great many jesuitical pates about her. He prays God they be not hammering some mischief.
April 22. 28. Extract from the statutes of St. Peter's College, Cambridge, concerning the restriction of preferments to persons born in particular counties, with articles showing the mischievous effect of the same. Indorsed, in Bishop Laud's hand, "The Statute of Countries in Peterhouse in Cambridge, in which case I was named a referee by his Majesty."
April 22. 29. Copy of the same.
April 22.
Bourton-on-the-Hill.
30. N. Overbury to—. Desires him to move the Bishop of Gloucester to favour a suit of the bearer, a kinsman of the writer.
April 23.
Aboard the Assurance.
31. Sir Henry Palmer to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. One of the Whelps is gone to Swanage, to attend for the vessels laden with stone. The bark with provisions for the Islands is gone. He wrote to the captain of the St. Claude, whose name is Morley, to take charge of her, which he promised, but is gone without doing it. Purposes to-morrow to stand out to sea, and when his victual is spent to repair to the Downs to receive a supply. Answers a complaint respecting Dutch ships which came in to Guernsey, at his being there, said to be laden with French goods.
April 23.
Flint.
32. Sir John Bridgeman and Sir Marmaduke Lloyd to Lord President Conway. Edward Morgan, a Popish recusant, found guilty of refusing to take the Oath of Allegiance, and now remaining in the gaol of Flint, offers, if he be bailed, to be a mean to apprehend the Bishop of Chalcedon, and to discover his practices against the State.
April 24. 33. The King to the Commissioners of his Revenue whilst Prince of Wales. By warrant, dated March 22, 1628, the Commissioners were ordered to pay 30,000l. to the Queen's Receiver General, for satisfaction of tradesmen to whom her Majesty was indebted; and by another warrant, dated the 17th inst., understanding that the Queen's creditors were clamorous, the amount was ordered to be paid in three equal payments. The Commissioners are now desired, for satisfaction of the mind of the Queen, and of those of her creditors who have long forborne their monies, and are unable to forbear them any longer, to take up upon their own bonds 10,000l. for the use of the Queen, on security of the lands held by them in trust. [Copy.]
April 24.
Whitehall.
34. The Council to Lord Treasurer Weston. There remains due to Sir Francis Willoughby, for arrears of himself and his officers in the expeditions to Cadiz and Rhé, 1,094l. 7s., whereof he is behind the officers of the army in proportion of payment 600l. Pray that he may be paid the 1,094l. 7s., at such time as shall suit best with the Lord Treasurer's occasions. [Draft.]
April 24. 35. Horatio Gentileschi to Sec. Dorchester. In obedience to his commands gives account of what he received by way of gift from the late Duke of Buckingham, not what the Duke gave him whilst he served another sovereign, nor for pictures sent to the Duke from Paris, but what the King gave the Duke for Gentileschi. It was 1,500l., out of which he had to give 200l. to some persons who interested themselves in the affair. Prays for a settlement of his other claims. Italian.
April 25.
The Tower.
36. William Coryton to Sec. Dorchester. Intreats him to put the King in remembrance of his petition for his freedom. Protests his loyalty, and that he has always bent his endeavours only to the service of God, his Majesty, and the commonwealth. He has suffered more than any man in being deprived of all offices, and put out of all commissions without being questioned for misdoing or injustice, and thrust out of a place of judicature, out of which never any man was displaced before for any misdemeanor. Has endeavoured to regain his Majesty's favour; has a poor estate full of trouble, a great family, and is much indebted. Begs that he may know his transgression, or otherwise may enjoy his liberty.
April 25.
Whitehall.
37. Sec. Coke to Attorney General Heath. Notwithstanding the message sent by Sir Francis Cottington, the saltpetre commission is to proceed according to the writer's former direction.
April 25.
Tehidie.
38. Francis Bassett to Nicholas. Daily expects return of his messenger with instructions how to proceed against Salleneuve's prize. Wishes to know what custom is due out of wrecks and pirate's goods: should the King pay tenths and custom out of his own?
April 27.
Newcastle upon-Tyne.
39. Mayor and Aldermen of Newcastle to the Council. Send schedule of the names of all recusants in that town and county. Had caused them to be indicted at the last Easter Sessions, to the end they might proceed to their conviction.
April 27.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
40. Certificate of the Mayor and Aldermen of Newcastle, Commissioners for preservation of the River Tyne, to the Council, of their proceedings from Michaelmas to Easter last.
April 27.
Newgate.
41. Charles Caimus to Sec. Dorchester. Appeal for favour and protection. He was moved to return to England by the tears of his wife, and the advice of his physicians. Latin.
April 27. 42. Bishop Laud, of London, to Attorney General Heath. The Dean and Prebendaries of Norwich have petitioned that the manor of Hindolveston may not be annexed to the deanery. The King is pleased that the late declaration of the statutes of that cathedral should be newly engrossed, with this alteration.
April 27.
Portsmouth.
43. William Towerson to Nicholas. By the inclosed he will perceive what goods are aboard the Ark, sent to him by Sir Henry Palmer. Has put a man aboard, and waits for further directions. Inclosed,
43. i. Sir Henry Palmer to Towerson. Sends the Ark to him to take care of till he hears from the Lords. 1629, April 26. [Copy.]
43. ii. Examination of Peter Eversham [Evertson], master of the Ark. Was laden at Amsterdam by Dirick Nysan [Niesen], with butter, hides, and wicks for candles, for Brouage, in France. 1629, April 26. [Copy.]
[April 27 ?] 44. Questions respecting the legal character of the offences attributed to Sir John Eliot, and others, propounded to the three Chief Justices by Attorney General Heath by direction of the King, with their answers. In this copy there are two additional questions written in the hand of the King himself: one is, "Can any privilege of the House warrant a tumultuous proceeding?' to which the Judges replied, "We humbly conceive that an earnest, though a disorderly and confused proceeding, in such a multitude, may be called tumultuous, and yet the privilege of the House may warrant it." The other question put by the King arose out of the answer to one of the previous questions. The Judges had been asked, whether if Parliament-men conspired to defame the King's government, and deter his subjects from obeying and assisting him, of what nature would be their offence?" They answered that it would be more or less according to the facts. The King added, "It is true that the circumstances of the fact will aggravate or diminish when particular men come to be tried, but I must know what the nature of this offence is, being fully proved?" The Judges replied, "We in all humbleness are willing to satisfy your Majesty's command, but until the particulars of the fact do appear we can give no directer answer than before."
[April 27 ?] 45. Draft of the preceding questions (except those added by the King), in the handwriting of the Attorney General; with an additional memorandum, in the same hand, to the effect that the answers of the Judges consulted in reference to the offence of Parliament-men conspiring as above mentioned was given off-hand, and was not to be published "but by consent and conference with the other Judges."
[April 27 ?] 46. Another draft of the same questions, with others, in the same handwriting.
[April 27 ?] 47. Copy of the same questions and answers.
[April 27 ?] 48. Another copy, differing in some respects from the others.
[April 27 ?] 49. Copy of the answers only.
[April 27 ?] 50. Copy of another series of questions, apparently submitted to all the Judges; with the answers, and some questions added by the King, specially in relation to the case of Sir John Eliot.
[April 27 ?] 51. Draft of the same questions, in the handwriting of Attorney General Heath. It differs very materially from the questions which seem to have been ultimately adopted.
[April 27 ?] 52. Statement, in the handwriting of Attorney General Heath, as to the questions propounded by him, and the answers given by the Judges. This statement contains the King's questions as to the case of Sir John Eliot, mentioned in article No. 50, with the answers of the Judges.
[April 27 ?] 53. Copy of the same.
April 27.
Aboard the Adventure, in Margate Roads.
54. Capt. John Mennes to Nicholas. The weather had been so unseasonable that they had not been able to search the Hamburgher. He had brought her into Margate pier, where they intended to begin their search that morning. The skipper would confess nothing. Prays permission, when they have convoyed the provisions to Portsmouth, to haul ashore and careen their ship.
April 27.
Whitehall.
55. Certificate of Sir William Alexander, that he has sworn in Nicholas Sherman, as master workman and chief armourer at Greenwich, in the place of Thomas Stevens, deceased.
[April 27?] 56. Information preferred in the Court of Exchequer by Attorney General Heath against Richard Chambers, merchant, for refusal to pay customs.
[April 27 ?] 57. Note, that in the Exchequer, in custody of Gawen Wilson Mr. John West's man, are books of certain enumerated monasteries. It is added, that in one of them is the will of Edward II.
[April 27 ?] 58. Another list, comprising more names of monasteries than the preceding. It commences with "The Will of Henry II."
April 28.
Margate.
59. Capt. John Mennes and Henry Forstall to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. On incomplete examination they had discovered in the Hamburgh Hoy a great quantity of prohibited goods. There will be found in the vessel near 20,000 weight of copper. Inclose examinations. Inclosed,
59. i. Examination of Adrian Reymers, Master of the Hawk, of Hamburgh. On searching the vessel, he said, that if we were ashore he would truly confess what goods he had; and, being examined, gives a detail, which follows. 1629, April 27.
59. ii. Examination of Casun Casun, mate of the Hawk, who gives a similar but more general account. 1629, April 27.
59. iii. Account of copper, lead, and other prohibited goods found aboard the Hamburgh Hoy. April 27.
April 28.
Margate.
60. The same to Nicholas. Details the contents of the Hamburgher, and the way in which the prohibited goods were stowed away under wet and musty hides. Has sent examinations, and hopes to receive further instructions immediately.
April 28.
Portsmouth.
61. George Robinson to the same. Prays him to move the Lords of the Admiralty, that Jarvis Morland may be purser of the Triumph, in the writer's place, on his voluntary surrender.
April 28.
Hinton.
62. John Lord Poulett to his cousin, Sec. Dorchester. Thanks for friendly courtesies. His sons are preparing to wait on the Earl of Danby, and intend to be in London by May 5 or 6. Wants an honest, careful man, that can speak French, to wait on his son Rolles this journey. Begs the Secretary to spare him one of his, or commend a fit person.
April 28.
Buckden.
63. Bishop Williams, of Lincoln, to the same. Thanks for favours at his last being in town, and continued since, to Sir Richard Grosvenor. Details the circumstances of Jane Hawkins, of St. Ives, who, having fallen into a rapture or ecstacy, has uttered strange things, in verse, which she will not confess she could ever make before or can do now, in matters of divinity and state. She is a witty, crafty baggage. Feigning herself in a trance, she began to preach in verse, magnifying the ministry of Mr. Tokey, the Vicar. The versifying continued three days and three nights in an auditory of very near 200 people, the Vicar and one Mr. Wise, his Curate, and another scholar sitting at the bed's feet, and copying out the verses which the poor woman (she is but a pedlar) did dictate, which, amounting to some thousands, they had transcribed fair, with intent to print them, when, coming suddenly, the Bishop seized on the copy and originals. The Bishop required the Vicar and his Curate to acknowledge their error in making themselves actuaries to the impostures of a frantic woman, which the Vicar refusing to do, the Bishop had suspended him and put the Curate quite away. He also left a warrant with the Justices to look to the woman, and that none of her neighbours come to visit her. Preaching there on the Sunday, he took occasion to speak of the scandal thereby put upon our church, whereupon the people have quite forsaken this rhyming preacheress.
April 28./May 8.
Douay, from the Convent of St. Gregory.
64. [P. Leander] to —. Gives him a long account of a book written in the controversy between the Regulars and the Bishop of Chalcedon, which book had been condemned by the Pope.
April 28./May 8.
Florence.
65. James Traill to James Earl of Carlisle. The continuance of Lord Doncaster's health. Mr. Boswell will make known their resolutions, and the causes of them.
April 28./May 8.
Florence.
66. William Lord Craven to [the same]. Desires the continuance of his favour.
April 28./May 8.
Florence.
67. James Traill to William Boswell. Signor Galileo remains retired in the country, above 30 miles from this town, so that Traill is afraid he must send him Boswell's letter by another, yet he knows the means to do it, so that if he have anything of these Boswell desires, Traill shall have them sent him. Lord Craven cannot stay there all the summer, and Lord Doncaster being unwilling to stay there alone, they have determined to return to England.
April 28./May 8.
Florence.
68. James Viscount Doncaster to [the same ?], whom he addresses as his most Noble Cordial. Complains that he has received no lines of comfort for two months. Is so weak for want of comfort that he is coming to fetch his cordial.
April 28./May 8.
Florence.
69. John Spelman to the same. Has met with one book of Galileo since the date Boswell wrote of, the title "Il Sagiatore," and met also with a little book, privately printed and given abroad by the author, "Della Misuratione d' Acqua Corrente," written by one that honours Galileo much; and because of that, and because it was a subject as the author supposes never writ on before, Spelman thought Boswell might like it. They are both small books, and he shall receive them by the first convenient messenger. Is this instant returned from Lucca.
April 29. 70. Minute of a letter from the Mayor of Bristol to [the Council]. William Dollert, servant to Lord Mountgarret, residing in St. John's, near Clerkenwell, had been apprehended with a box which contained letters. He received it from Capt Zouch, to be delivered to Mr. Knatchbull, in Ireland. In the box is a letter from Paris to the Bishop of Chalcedon, to take order to suppress a certain book of the Benedictines.
April 30.
Aboard the Assurance, in the Downs.
71. Sir Henry Palmer to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. Has thought it best to come to the Downs for his victuals with the two Whelps. Off Beachy they fell in with three Dunkirkers, whom they chased as far as Calais (freeing from them a Holland man-of-war, and a prize taken by him in the West Indies), but they proved too swift of foot for Sir Henry. Wishes the two Whelps to continue with him. Waits their commands.
April 30.
Aboard the Assurance.
72. The same to Nicholas. Repeats the information in the preceding letter.
April 30.
Portsmouth.
73. Richard Beale to the same. If he is to go to sea in the Charles, intreats his furtherance for expedition. Thinks the Irish coast the fittest service for that pinnace.
April 30.
Hinton.
74. John Lord Poulett to Sec. Dorchester. His sons, Smith and Rolles, come to London to wait on the Earl of Danby in his employment into France. Begs the Secretary to present them to the Earl, and that before they go they may kiss his Majesty's hands. Would not have them spare expense in that which tends to the honour of the King's service, being the only sons of their fathers, gentlemen well born and to good fortunes.
[April ?] 75. Opinions and advice given by the Judges on being consulted as to the mode to be adopted for clearing the kingdom of Irish and other beggars. This is the advice referred to and adopted in the proclamation respecting beggars published on May 17, 1629. Indorsed on this paper is a minute, in the handwriting of Attorney General Heath, of the similar opinion and advice of the Judges respecting the mode of raising money for setting the poor on work, alluded to in a proclamation on that subject, also published on May 17, 1629.
April. 76. Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to the Officers of the Navy. Desire them to renew a warrant of the late Lord Admiral for allowance to George Burrowes, for victuals embezzled out of the Recovery in his absence, attending other of his Majesty's services. [Unsigned, and torn.]
April. 77. Petition of the Mayor and Commonalty of Bristol to Queen Henrietta Maria. Bristol has anciently been reputed and called the Queen's Chamber, as London is the King's Chamber, and the late Queen Consort so esteemed thereof, and took it into her special protection. Being parcel of her Majesty's jointure, they pray to be received into her favour, and that she would recommend an annexed petition to the King, that he would refer the same to the Lord Chief Justice, the Lord Chief Baron, and the Attorney General.
April. 78. Eliza Lady Falkland to Sec. Dorchester. The Countess of Banbury has acquainted the writer with his exceptions against her letter. If he had been a looker-on upon her miseries, a little impatience would not seem strange to him. There is nothing in the letter that can be taxed with incivility. She conceived that he had, in favour to her Lord, delayed her, but now discerns that he had been most noble to her, and he must needs believe that they who have most seen of delay will likewise be most sensible of despatch. Is well pleased with the King's reference, but would have himself added to the referees.
[April ?] 79. William Warmstry to [Endymion Porter]. Is so oppressed with a wandering humour of his two sons in Oxford, in their desire of going into France with Lord Danby, that he knows not what to do. If Porter thinks it a fit course for either of them, the writer will do what he prescribes. Hears that Lord Newport and Porter purpose to see the country from which Warmstry writes this summer. Would have some warning of their coming through Worcester, otherwise they may chance to keep fast. Being at Weston last week, saw a petticoat making up for Mrs. Sheldon. Advises him to fellow it for Mrs. Porter, and gives a reason for doing so.
April. 80. Questions arising out of the King having engaged in foreign war on the intreaty of a Parliament, and the Commons having been wooed in three Parliaments and having refused to give necessary supplies:—I. Whether it be not against the law of God and nature for the people, on any pretence of private grievances, to deny present aids for defence of the whole estate? II. Whether, if the people do refuse, the King ought not to make a proportionate assessment of all men's goods and estates? and III. Whether in that case he may be justly taxed for breaking any fundamental laws of the land?
April. 81. Articles objected by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners against Henry Burton, Parson of St. Matthew's, Friday Street. It is alleged that Joshua [Joseph] Hall, a grave and learned doctor, having written and published a book, entitled "The Old Religion," a book orthodox and fit to be read, Henry Burton, by word of mouth, and writing two books, entitled "The Seven Vials" and "Babel not Bethel," scandalized Dr. Joshua Hall by perverting his words, as if he intended to maintain that the Church of Rome is a true orthodox Church of Christ. It is further charged that Burton procured "the said book" to be imprinted by Michael Sparke, and himself distributed abroad 200 copies of it.
[April ?] 82. "The sums of money Gentileschi has received:" an account in the handwriting of Balthazar Gerbier. It enumerates the pictures which Gentileschi had painted since his arrival in England, and the various amounts paid to him.
[April ?] 83. Information of John Hooper concerning a person calling himself James Preest, who came to the house of the informant on March 29 last, and, pretending to know more than he dared speak, professed that a sudden change would take place before Michaelmas, perhaps even before Midsummer next, after which there would be but one religion throughout the whole kingdom; and, in reference to the means by which this change was to be brought about, remarked, "The Duke died; he was but a man. You know how he died; the King is no more."
[April ?] 84. Paper, prepared by a Herald, of the "Provisions to be made against the Queen's Majesty's delivery, and for the christening of the Prince, gathered out of former precedents."
[April ?] 85. Certificate of Thomas Powell, Keeper of the Ordnance Stores, of the quantity of powder spent in firing ordnance on the Tower Wharf, on May 6, 1606, at the funeral of the Earl of Devonshire, then Master of the Ordnance. With underwritten demand of John Reynolds, Master Gunner of England, for a quantity probably to be employed in the like manner at the funeral of the Earl of Totness.
April. 86. Note, by Nathaniel Apslyn and John Cawse, of the masts at Plymouth, received out of the St. Peter, of Horne, showing their several lengths, and number of hands or palms.
April. 87. Survey, by — Willoughby and — Right, of a parcel of masts lying near Arundel, with the charge of bringing them to Chatham.
[April ?] 88. Replication of Thomas Mun, plaintiff, in an action of Mun versus Letts and others, for chasing and abduction [chasiacionem et abductionem] of a horse at Rothwell.
[April ?] 89. Order made by the Justices of co. Somerset at the sessions held at Ilchester. The Officers of the Green Cloth for his Majesty's Household having, by letter dated January 24 last, certified that complaint was made by the Corporation of Bridgewater of a greater charge being laid upon them towards his Majesty's composition than they ought to bear, the same was referred to John Symes, George Powlett, Robert Goffe, and George Browne, four of the Justices.