Charles I - volume 331: September 1-19, 1636

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1636-7. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1867.

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'Charles I - volume 331: September 1-19, 1636', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1636-7, (London, 1867) pp. 110-132. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/chas1/1636-7/pp110-132 [accessed 24 March 2024]

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September 1-19, 1636

Sept. 1. 1. Petition of Richard Lea and Dorothy his wife, prisoners in the Gatehouse, to the Council. There was an order made by the Council that the butchers that had their slaughter houses near St. Clement's Well should not kill any beasts until All Saints' Day, to prevent increase of the sickness. Petitioners there living killed not above three beasts to relieve themselves and their family, upon which petitioners were sent to the Gatehouse, where they live in miserable case, like to starve and their children also. Crave that Mr. Rea, bailiff of Westminster, may take such bail as petitioners are able to tender, for their forbearing to offend. [1. p.]
Sept. 1. 2. Petition of William Carringham, John Carringham, and four poor orphans under age, to the same. These orphans wanting friends, had an uncle, their father's brother, one William Carringham, who bequeathed 90l. to William Carringham and the rest of the poor orphans for their maintenance and education in the service of God. Alice Carringham, the relict, executrix to her husband, with many fearful oaths denies the said will, and refuses to obey summons or warrant, or her ordinary to pay the orphans their legacies, who are like to come to the parish, as by a report of referees stated to be annexed appears. Beseech the Lords to send for Alice Carringham and take order for relief of petitioners. [½ p.]
Sept. 1. 3. Petition of the inhabitants of Bierton-cum-Broughton, co. Buckingham, to the same. Petitioners received a warrant from Sir Peter Temple, late sheriff, dated 26th January last, for raising 43l. 3s. within their parish towards setting forth a ship. Petitioners considering their inability to bear so great a burthen, and that the hamlet of Quarrendon (an ancient enclosure depopulated) being within their parish and of the value of 1,500l. per annum, ought to be charged with them in regard the tithes are paid at Bierton, and the inhabitants there christen, bury, receive the communion, and are lately taxed to the poor with them, therefore petitioners assessed Quarrendon at 15l. 9s., and the residue, 27l. 14s., upon themselves, and have paid it accordingly, but the 15l. 9s. is denied, upon pretence that the occupiers there are taxed for the same in other places, and the new sheriff requires the said 15l. 9s. of petitioners upon a new tax. Beseech the Lords to take consideration of petitioner's inability being all poor husbandmen, and to give order that the 15l. 9s. may be raised out of Quarrendon, or that the 27l. 14s. already paid may be accepted in discharge. [1 p.]
Sept. 1. 4. Petition of the Mayor, Sheriff, and other officers of Exeter to Archbishop Laud, Bishop Juxon, Lord Treasurer, and Sec. Windebank. The bishop and dean and chapter of Exeter having complained against petitioners that they had encroached upon the liberties of that church, his Majesty referred the determining of those differences to the persons addressed in this petition and to the Lord Keeper and Lord Privy Seal, and it was ordered that both parties should be heard in Michaelmas term next. Petitioners pray that in the meantime complainants may give the petitioners their grievances in writing, that if their complaints be just the differences may be composed at home, for petitioners would not willingly encroach upon the liberties of that church. [1 p.]
Sept. 1.
Chatham.
5. Kenrick Edisbury to Nicholas. Encloses a certificate on behalf of a kinsman of his for the clerk of the check's place at Deptford. He sent one wherein are nominated one clerk for every officer, which Sir Henry Palmer kept. If Nicholas discerns any probability to do good in John Edisbury's behalf, the writer will gratify Nicholas with 50l. for his furtherance, besides 150l. another way if accepted. There were there named by the writer, Edward Hayward, John Edisbury, and John Davies, he cared not which had it. Believes Boate's son is gone to Sec. Coke about it. The Repulse and the Victory's men are discharged. They are fitting out the Swallow, and would be glad to know what ships shall remain on the Narrow Seas all winter, and whether any of the ten ships shall out or not. They are clear at Chatham and the ships from the infection of the plague; it was suspected in the Repulse, but did not prove so; four have died of the spotted fever in that ship, and many have been sick of the calenture, but are recovered. [1 p.]
Sept. 1.
Hartingfordbury.
6. Christopher Vernon to Robert Read, secretary to Sec. Windebank. The bearer has a grant from his Majesty of a forfeiture by one found guilty of petty larceny, and tells Vernon that Read desires to be certified whether it be any parcel of the forfeitures granted to the Earl of Berks, called Green wax. The forfeitures of that nature are not comprehended within the Earl's grant. [¾ p.]
Sept. 2. 7. Petition of the Merchants and Owners of ships in Exeter, Plymouth, Barnstaple, Dartmouth, Weymouth, Melcombe Regis, and Lyme Regis, to the Council. The said ports and country adjacent consist of merchandising and fishing voyages, in which a great number of ships and barks are at sea, and in them about 7,000 men expected to return in September and October, by whose industry imposts and customs are improved, the kingdom enriched, and a great number of his Majesty's subjects maintained. In times past, only the pirates of Algiers sometimes came into the English and Irish channels, now the pirates of Sallee are become so numerous, strong, and nimble in their ships, and are so well piloted into these channels by English and Irish captives (of whom they retain almost 2,000 in slavery), that both these channels are so full of them that petitioners dare not send their ships and goods to sea, seamen refuse to go, and fishermen refrain to take fish, whereby customs and imposts are lessened, merchandising is at a stand, petitioners are much impoverished, and many of them utterly undone. Pray that speedy course may be taken for securing trade, suppressing these pirates, and obtaining the freedom of those in captivity. [1 p.]
Sept. 2. 8. Sir Nicholas Slanning to Sec. Windebank. Has made stay of a ship of Hoorn for Capt. Bradshaw's satisfaction, outward bound for Fernambuck [Pernambuco], 240 tons, 10 pieces of ordnance, 17 men, full laden with merchants' goods, and valued by the skipper and company at 10,000l. or 12,000l. sterling. [1 p.]
Sept. 2. 9. The same to Nicholas. Reports his detention of a ship of Hoorn as stated in the preceding letter. The skipper and company say that a great part of the lading is victual and perishable. Desires a new direction from the Lords. He has suffered more in this business than ever he did in any, but when Nicholas shall thoroughly hear of his industry in discovering this ship he will acquit him of all that has been laid to his charge. Encloses examinations. The goods belong to the West India Company. It is justly fallen on them, for the ship that did the damage was in their service. Sir Nicholas's lieutenant coming on board before any had been ashore, they cried one and all that their ship was of Hoorn, but no sooner were they on land but they were made acquainted with Bradshaw's order and presently endeavoured to make themselves of Amsterdam. Has by their examinations endeavoured to prove her of Hoorn. P.S.—Prays him to send the enclosed letter to Capt. Bradshaw at his lodgings near the gate of the abbey yard, Westminster. [Seals with arms. 1 p.] Enclosed,
9. i. Separate examinations of John Marsen and three others who depose that the ship was of Hoorn, but had taken in her lading at Amsterdam. [1st September 1636. 1 p.]
9. ii. Examination of Henrick Doedens. The St. Clare was freighted by merchants of Amsterdam. The skipper, who is part owner, and another of the owners, are inhabitants of Hoorn. [1st September 1636. ½ p.]
9. iii. Certificate of John Tresahar and four others. On 29th August last, there entered the harbour of Falmouth four Dutch ships. A boat went from Pendennis to visit them, and coming aboard the St. Clare, the soldiers questioned whence their ships were; they said there were two of them of Amsterdam, one of Middleburgh, and one of Hoorn, bound for Farnabocke [Pernambuco]. Going aboard the ship that was said to be of Hoorn and demanding whence she was, the company answered of Hoorn. 2nd September 1636. [¾ p.]
Sept. 2.
Deptford.
10. John Falkener to the same. Sir Edward Powell, by Mr. Mayo's means, presented the writer's petition, and got his Majesty to refer the same to Sec. Coke (see Vol. cccxxx., No. 80.) As the Secretary was gone from Oxford before Falkener had this reference, and told petitioner there would nothing be done until his Majesty came to Bayshaw [Bagshot ?]. Beseeches Nicholas's furtherance. [1 p.]
Sept. 2.
Deptford.
11. John Birtby to Nicholas. Applies for Nicholas's interest to support him as a candidate for the office of clerk of the check at Deptford, being one of those recommended by the Officers of the Navy. [1 p.]
Sept. 3.
Worcester.
12. Sir William Russell, Sheriff of co. Worcester, to the Council. Since the Lords' letters of the 21st June he has paid 200l., and all this vacation he has one day in a week, excepting the assize time, waited at the city of Worcester upon this service, but has received little or none but by distresses taken, or they that are refractory committed, and has distresses he cannot sell, neither are they fit to be sent to the Victualler of the Navy. Some clergymen are negligent; desires directions what he should do to quicken them. Has this day received of the corporation of Bewdley, 50l. 11s. 9d.; the bailiffs and burgesses allege it is as much as possibly they can raise within their corporation; the whole charge upon them is 70l.; desires directions what course shall be taken for the remainder. The charge upon Wyche [Droitwich ?] is 70l., which he has a promise shall be paid between this and the term. The charge upon Evesham is 84l.; part they have collected, which he sent his undersheriff to receive, and to require the speedy levying of the rest. For the moneys remaining in the body of the county, some that are assessed live out of the county and there are no cattle kept on their lands; some hide themselves, others plead poverty, and until their harvest be inned and they have time to make money of their corn they are not able to pay the several sums upon them assessed. The constables and other officers grow weary to attend the service, in regard there is no allowance for their pains, neither can he have any warrant executed by the bailiffs of Oswaldslow and Pershore hundreds. In these things he beseeches directions and further time. [1 p.]
Sept. 3/13.
Madrid.
13. Christopher Windebank to his father, Sec. Windebank. Supposes the Secretary has found the ambassador's worth far beyond the relation; is afraid that, instead of praising, his poor expressions rather detracted from him. Believes the Secretary expects a Spanish letter, but it is impossible he should gain the language so soon; living with English, he understands it reasonably well, and talks nothing else at table. Ere long he will do his best to write. "We are" now venturing to act a Spanish comedy, which will be a great help in the language. Has spent money in learning to write, but by reason of the master's neglect has left him, and is practising by an English copy. Has lately received a note from Mr. Hopton, giving him notice that the Secretary has increased his allowance, for which he is thankful. [1½ p.]
Sept. 4.
Hatfield.
14. George Garrard to Edward, Viscount Conway and Killultagh. Has a serious purpose to print Lord Conway's letters, but will consult further on his pillow. Describes at length and with minuteness Archbishop Laud's journey from Croydon to Oxford in his coach and six, attended by fifty horsemen, all his own servants. He lodged the first night at Sir Thomas Roe's, the second at Cuddesdon, a house of Bishop Bancroft of Oxford. On Thursday the 25th August he came to St. John's College. Garrard describes the newly beautified chapels of St. John's, Merton, and Lincoln colleges, and the new quadrangle built by Archbishop Laud. Garrard lodged at Merton College with Sir Nathaniel Brent, the warden, where also lodged Lords Hertford and Essex. In the town Garrard on Saturday afternoon met Lord Cottington, with whom he wandered up and down until near ten at night. On Sunday he went to St. Mary's, where he heard a preacher, who, in the afternoon, railed against Henry VIII. and Selden's History of Tithes. On Monday all repaired to St. John's to pay their respects to Archbishop Laud, "courteous he was to all, but walked most and entertained longest my Lord Cottington." At one o'clock on the ringing out of the university bell, all the students of quality waited on their Chancellor, Archbishop Laud, to meet his Majesty near two miles out of town, all on horseback and with footcloths. Describes the King's entry into Oxford. When he had set down the Queen at her lodgings, he went to Christchurch Chapel, where he heard evening prayer. That night there was a play at Christchurch "fitter for scholars than a court." Lord Carnarvon said it was the worst that ever he saw but one that he saw at Cambridge. On Tuesday morning Garrard repaired to court to hear the sermon. Mr. Browne, who lived with Tom Carey, preached. A convocation was afterwards held for granting degrees. The Archbishop proposed that whomsoever the Prince Elector should commend to be Dr. should be invested with that degree, which was yielded unto, and Garrard heard of 13 that were to be so made. Sir Nathaniel Brent proposed to Prince Robert to accept of the degree of M.A., whereupon he put on a scarlet gown and Sir Nathaniel Brent presented him. The Archbishop then waited on the King to the library, where Will. Herbert made a fine oration in Latin. The King and Queen then proceeded to dinner at St. John's, where the Archbishop gave a mighty feast. Garrard gives an account of the principal presents, which were immense. Dinner done, they went to the play, which was not done until after six. The play over, their Majesties returned to Christchurch to supper, then had another play, the Persian Slave, excellently written by a young Master of Arts, one Cartwright. Generally liked, and the Lord Chamberlain so transported with it, that he swore mainly he never saw such a play before. Both courts went away about nine in the morning. The Archbishop feasted the heads of houses at St. John's on Wednesday, and went thence on Thursday after dinner. [5½ pp.]
Sept. 5.
Streethay.
15. Richard Pyott, Sheriff of co. Stafford, to the Council. Upon the Lords' letters he addressed himself to the present service, and sent to Mr. Wyrley, late High Sheriff, to hasten the payment of the arrears of 300l. His answer to the writer was, that he would send to Edward Manley, his late undersheriff. After a second letter, Wyrley wrote that Manley said some part of the 300l. he had in his own hands, and some part was in the chief constable's hands, and some in their hands who ought to pay it; and moreover, that Manley said, that in Easter term last he took order with Sir William Russell to pay in the whole in next Michaelmas term. Of this the writer made enquiry, and found it not to be so. No moneys were paid until the 25th August, which is 100l., and a promise at the same time of 160l. more within one week after, which is not performed. It is conceived that Manley has received the whole sum, and yet he gives an account in returns of 40l., the greatest part whereof is payable by the Dean and Chapter and other the clergy, which will not be easily collected. The writer has sent up to his brother, William Pyott, (dwelling at Bethnal Green), the 100l. he has received. [Seal with arms, 1½ p.]
Sept. 5.
Chatham.
16. Kenrick Edisbury to Nicholas. Having received the first certificate from Sir Henry Palmer, touching the persons recommended by the Officers to succeed Mr. Falkener for the clerk of the check's place at Deptford, he has sent it enclosed, desiring Nicholas to present it to the Lords, and not that other for his cousin, John Edisbury, alone. Desires an answer from the Lords for disposing of the ten ships. The gunner of the Victory is now sick of the plague, and they are there in the way of commerce with all sorts of people from places infected, though for ought is known they have been clear in Chatham all this year. [½ p.]
Sept. 6. 17. Petition of Nathaniel Terne to the King. Having served 38 years as a clerk in sundry places of the Navy, prays for the place of clerk of the check at Deptford, as the same was granted to Edward Falkener, deceased. Underwritten,
17. i. His Majesty is inclined to favour the petitioner in regard of his ancient service, and requires the testimony of the Lords of the Admiralty touching petitioner's ability to serve in the said place. Lyndhurst, 6th September 1636. [1 p.]
Sept. 6/16.
The Hague.
18. Elizabeth, Queen of Bohemia, to Archbishop Laud. These two young princes are brothers to the Landgrave of Hesse, who sends them to live in England for some time, and to study at Oxford. She recommends them to the Archbishop; they are very fine youths, and are the King's, her brother's, kinsmen, and their brother the most affectionate servant to the King.—PS. Does not know whether these princes mean to wait suddenly upon the King to kiss his hands, which makes her not to trouble him with her letters, but if they should, she prays the Archbishop to present them. [Seals with arms. 1 p.]
Sept. 6.
Oatlands.
19. George, Lord Goring, to Edward, Viscount Conway and Killultagh, aboard the Triumph. "Blame not me, but the stars, that so divided our courts as neither Mr. Wackerly [Weckherlin] at his corner, nor Capt. Rossingham at his, could stand me instead, for otherwise an hour should not have been lost to have told my dear Lord Edward that I am ever his as his own." Sunday next is the day of trial, whether they were cozened or not for the Dunkirk coin. All sides assure him that Lord Cottington would willingly shove it off from himself and the secretary to the Earl of Northumberland, "who was," saith he, "to judge the same whether fit or not to be sent," which report lays such a blot on Cottington as he will never claw off whilst he lives, considering how their sweet Lord is esteemed, and what professions the other has made to him. Does now verily believe that they will assist the French, and that somewhat is gone to the Earl of Leicester to that purpose, which will not a little avail the Earl of Arundel's treaty, who now only takes the air, and says that the report of our deserting the French has put him more back than all things else. [Seal with arms. 1 p.]
Sept 6.
Foxehale [Foxhall].
20. Hugh Lloyd, Sheriff of co. Denbigh, to Nicholas. Received a letter importing that the remnant of the ship-money is not yet paid in. Having by sufficient men, who are drovers of that country, delivered the ship-moneys upon security to be paid to Sir William Russell, he now finds on their return that the moneys are not paid in by reason of the sickness in London. All these moneys being in his hands in silver, not possibly to be changed into gold in their country, and also the danger of conveying it to London on horseback, considering the contagiousness of these times, few or none travelling, nor no bills of exchange for London, he intends to send up a servant of his own, in company with the drovers, to receive the moneys of them, and so to be paid in by the last of this month [1 p.] Written in the margin,
20. i. Nicholas Goldsborough to Nicholas. Those drovers who undertook to pay in the King's moneys were with the sheriff, and affirmed as much as the above imports before the writer. [5 lines.]
Sept 6.
Westminster.
21. Capt. Richard Bradshaw to the same. Is advertised that a pinnace of Hoorn is there stayed according to the orders of the Lords. John Markson [Marsen], the skipper thereof, has travelled to London to put in security for freeing the pinnace, and will shortly be with Nicholas. If the pinnace be freed upon security, he shall be put to further trouble by a tedious suit which he is very unable to withstand. Desires she may not be freed until he be satisfied. [¾ p.]
Sept. 6.
Chippenham, Cambridgeshire.
22. Sir William Russell to the same. Understands that there are many suitors for that place of Mr. Falkener. The officers have deputed Mr. Birtby to execute the place until the Lords of the Admiralty dispose of it. About Michaelmas he intends, if the sickness increase not much, to be at London, and will then give his opinion concerning the man that is fit for it, if in the meantime it be not disposed of. Understands likewise that the purser's place of the St. Andrew is void; desires Nicholas to mind the Lords of their promise to the writer for the next purser's place, and that it may be granted to Gervase Russell. He has (for accommodating the sheriff of co. Cambridge) received 100l. of him there, because he was unwilling to send his servant to London in respect of the sickness. Doubts not Edward Fenn will certify the receipt of that sum. [Seal with arms. 1 p.]
Sept. 7. 23. John Jewell, surgeon, to Nicholas. Certifies his appearance, being thereto commanded, at Plymouth, whereby he has lost his voyage. For his courtesies to his countrymen in distress at sea he can get no satisfaction. [Endorsed, "Bound to appear before the the Lords of the Admiralty." ½ p.]
Sept. 8.
New College, Oxford.
24. Thomas Reade to his uncle, Sec. Windebank. Has obtained all the acts of the comedy, from stem to stern of it, as he may say, which even without scenery will probably please. Scholars in a university cannot attain courtly elegance, but who shall forbid them to imitate? The rest of the productions of the university muses are still unpublished. What was formerly in print he commits to Windebank, not as to the Aristarchus of the university, but to their Mæcenas. [Seal with arms. Latin. 1 p.]
Sept. 8.
Sunninghill.
Nicholas to William Hawkins, Deputy-Clerk of the Privy Seal. Concerning the business of Sir James Jolley of Berne, cannot give him particular satisfaction. The sentences which have passed in the Admiralty Court have been in a judicial way, as Mr. Thomas Wyan can inform him. The Hope, of Viana, was not declared good prize for Sir James Jolley, but for the King, having been taken by Sir James without lawful commission, reserving only a liquidation to be made for the charges of setting forth the ship which took her. Refers him for all particulars to Mr. Wyan, the King's proctor, or his brother, the registrar. [Copy. Nicholas's Letter Book, Dom. James I., Vol. ccxix., p. 125.]
Sept. 8. 25. Sir Ludovic Dyer, Sheriff of cos. Cambridge and Huntingdon, to the Council. According to their letters there should be an arrear unpaid within those cos. of 1,390l. By the memorial delivered to him by his predecessor, there appears to be uncollected only 990l.; the residue his predecessor and the corporations have paid to the Treasurer of the Navy, all but 400l., which his predecessor acknowledges to be in his hands, and intends present payment. Of the remaining 990l. the writer has paid 700l., which is all that he could yet collect, being much hindered by the rectifying of rates complained of for inequality, and driven to levy many sums by distress and sale of goods of persons who refused to pay or to redeem the goods distrained. That which now remains uncollected is 290l., the finishing whereof will require a little further time, for that much of it is to be levied by distress by small sums in places lying remote and far distant one from another. [1 p.]
Sept. 8.
Claxby.
26. Sir Walter Norton, late Sheriff of co. Lincoln, to [Nicholas]. The charges against him, as he conceives, were, 1. That he had not paid in the money required, which he had paid. 2. That he was slow in giving account, in reply to which he states his inability to obtain accounts from the constables after his discharge. 3. That the service stayed because he did not give account to his successor; he denies the fact. 4. That he had extorted money, and dealt partially in assessing the weaker and sparing the abler. He challenges inquiry, and thinks no man living will hold him so base as to have done anything of the kind. Conceived, upon reading his Majesty's letters, that the witnesses against him had been ready, and not to seek upon the notice given by the Earl of Lindsey of the place where he should personally sit to charge the writer face to face, and have heard his defence, and not that it was part of the King's intention that the country should be summoned by troops against the writer, and be pressed to complain by a special warrant of which he incloses a copy. He thought also that the Earl would sit in person which he does not, but employs amongst his deputylieutenants those who were principal opposers of the loan and prime refractories against the ship-money. Sir Christopher Wray said that he neither had nor would pay, and again that his assessment was but small but that he would not pay it if it were but a groat. Mr. Ogle affirmed that the collectors durst not distrain his goods. Appeals to the King to weigh his whole life and carriage with theirs, his constant service with their backwardness and crossness to his royal prerogative, treading a parliament way. Has paid in 7,907l. and prays the King's warrant to call before him all collectors that he may have an account from them whereby he may make his just defence. [Unsigned. 1¾ p.] Enclosed,
26. i. Robert, Earl of Lindsey, Lord Lieutenant of co. Lincoln, and Sir Francis Willoughby and Sir Charles Bolles, Deputy Lieutenants, to the chief constables of the wapentake of Lawress. Complaint has been made to his Majesty that in raising 8,000l. in that country for ship-money, there has been much inequality in assessing the same, and that Sir Walter Norton has by his officers extorted money. His Majesty has commanded the writers to make inquiry of the truth of these complaints, and to give account thereof. Require them to inform themselves, in the several towns in the said wapentake, what has been the general charge, also what persons have been summoned to pay private charges, and what sums have been received by Sir Walter or any employed in this service, for sparing any person, and those persons who had paid any private charge were to be summoned to appear before the writers at Spittle on the 6th September next, with such warrants, and the persons addressed were to bring with them all precepts directed to them, and to summon all persons who can testify the truth of those particulars. Thorpehall, 1636, August 17. [Copy. 1¾ p.]
Sept. 8. 27. Account of Sir William Russell for receipts and payments on account of the ship-money for this year. Total received 177,483l. 15s. 6d.; paid 177,674l. 11s.; remains to be paid out of ship-money 23,600l. 15s. 6d.; to be received 25,016l. 4s. 6d. Examined by John Holland, paymaster under Sir William Russell. [1 p.]
Sept. 8. 28. Statement of ships, (1) discharged, and (2) to be discharged, with (3) those to be continued at sea, and for what time the latter are victualled. Under the first head were the Victory, the Repulse, the Mary Rose, and the Fourth Whelp; under the second, the Henrietta Maria, the Defiance, the Charles, the Assurance, the Adventure, the Fifth Whelp, the Greyhound; under the third head, the St. Andrew, the Bonaventure, the Tenth Whelp and the Swan were appointed to the westward, and the Triumph, the James, the Unicorn, the Nonsuch, the Convertive, the Garland, the Entrance, the Swallow, the Second Whelp, the Roebuck were at sea with the Earl of Northumberland. [1 p.]
Sept. 8. 29. Copy of the above. [1 p.]
Sept. 9.
Tostock.
30. Henry Lambe, servant to the Queen, and undertaker for making navigable a river leading from the Ouse to Bury St. Edmunds, to the Council. In obedience to Order of Council of 18th May last calendared under that date (Vol. cccxxi. No. 38), Lambe sets forth the course of his intended cutting and what land he shall require, and his readiness to pay for the same "in hand." He states also that he intends to pay for the land to be occupied by his towing path and for the trees which stand in his way, and that he will preserve and new gravel all fords and erect bridges in certain places, and that for carriage of coals he will be content with 2s. 8d. per ton, and for wine, oil, wool, and other commodities to be delivered 4s. the ton, the similar charges having been hitherto 4s. and 10s. per ton, respectively. [1 p.]
Sept. 9.
Westminster.
31. Peter Heywood, Justice of Peace for Westminster, to Lord Keeper Coventry. Divers persons, to the number of twenty at the least, in the out parishes in St. Giles's, Clerkenwell, Cripplegate, Shoreditch,. Whitechapel, Stepney, St. Katherine's, and other places have cellars full of rags, and poor people bring the same daily to them, which they buy at an under-rate, and much of these come out of visited houses. To prevent this mischief he has sent warrants to search what cellars be stuffed therewith, and to close them up, and if any person shall oppose them to bring them before some justice of the peace, and that they apprehend such rag-gatherers and punish them as rogues. But this will not cure the disease; the commodity is merchantable, but, being transported or used for paper, will add more fuel to that which is too hot and too much spread already. Prays that power may be given that so dangerous a commodity may be by fire or earth consumed, fire being more speedy yet more dangerous for infecting the air, and to bury them more safe, and that will purge all corruption. [Seal with arms. 1 p.]
Sept. 10.
Chatham.
32. Kenrick Edisbury to Nicholas. Is glad Nicholas has the certificate for all the clerks for Mr. Falkener's place. His son has a reference from his Majesty, and if the writer were assured he could carry it, he would not strive to hinder him, for he is a civil, honest young man, bred much in his father's business, and without doubt capable. Sir Thomas Aylesbury stands for Mr. Terne, and gives great hopes to effect it. For the place of purser in the St. Andrew, if William Stonehouse has it, the writer shall like well of it; to bring in unsufficient sharks that can scarce write their names, is a great dis-service to his Majesty. The boatswains recommended for removal would fain travel to speak with Nicholas, but Edisbury stays them till Nicholas come nearer; they are honest and able. Will be glad to see some establishment of the ships at home and abroad before winter, that they may resolve somewhat. The estimate for the ordinary this year will be very short in a considerable sum, if the ten ships proceed not to sea, all their harbour charge being left out of this year's ordinary assignment. The gunner of the Victory has two plague sores broke on him, and now there is hope of his recovery; he got the sickness in Rochester and brought it not from the ship, for his wife (and maid that died) visited some that had the disease in town. None of the ships' companies have been hitherto visited with the plague, nor any in harbour nor in the parish of Chatham. The Earl of Northumberland has written for two hundred men to be returned into the Downs, from the seven ships to be discharged, to supply the Fleet. The Henrietta Maria, the Charles, the Defiance, the Assurance, the Fifth Whelp, and the Greyhound are come into Chatham. The Adventure is to go over to convoy Madam nurse from Dieppe, and is not yet come about. The Swallow will be ready this day to return again to the Fleet. It were well the ships to serve for winter were determined, because they might be victualled for longer time than a month. PS. The pay for the six ships he expects at Chatham on Monday. The Earl complains of much leakage of beer this voyage; it is an old trick of the pursers. The Earl thinks he shall go to the northwards again, and writes that he then must be supplied with two cables for every ship, but the writer hopes it will not be so ordered. It is very dangerous for the great ships to be on that coast in winter weather, dark moons, and short nights. [1 p.]
Sept. 10. 33. Draft minute for entry on the Council Register of an appeal brought by William Gedeon from a sentence given against John Hardy, his attorney, by the lieutenant bailiffs and jurats of Jersey, to the benefit of Philip Soulomont (causâ uxoris) for 37l. sterling, and the use thereof since 1630, due to the wife of Gedeon upon bond given by the wife of Soulomont, and by her grandmother as her tutrix. [½ p.]
Sept. 10. 34. Account rendered by Edward Fenn, on behalf of Sir William Russell, of ship-money received to this day: total 178,487l. 15s. [Much damaged by damp. 1 p.]
Sept. 10. 35. Account of ship-money levied and remaining in the Sheriffs' hands, being 3,348l., making with the 178,487l. paid to Sir William Russell, 181,835l. as the total sum collected. [1 p.]
Sept. 10. 36. Another similar account, but with 200l. more collected in Staffordshire and 100l. in Wilts, making the totals 3,648l. and 182,135l. [1 p.]
Sept. 10. [?]
Lowick.
37. Thomas Berry, constable of Lowick, to the Constable of Woodford, to make hue and cry after three middle-aged men who had stolen a "bay bald" mare of the Earl of Peterborough. [¼ p.]
Sept. 11.
Oatlands.
38. Order of Archbishop Laud, Lord Keeper Coventry, Lord Treasurer Juxon, and Lord Cottington, referees of a petition of Lady Griffin to his Majesty, concerning the differences between her and Sir Edward Griffin. The referees upon the 2nd June appointed the 4th October next to hear the said differences, but as their meeting will be uncertain by reason of the sickness, they defer the same until the 20th January next. [Draft. 1 p.]
Sept. 11. Order of Council on a petition of William Gedeon. The same is referred to Dr. Rives, the King's advocate, who is to examine the particulars, and return certificate to the Board. [Draft. See this present vol., No. 33. ½ p.]
Sept. 11. 39. Certificate and petition of William Leigh, Sheriff of co. Gloucester, to the Council. The sum charged upon that co. was 5,500l., of which the city was assessed at 500l., Tewkesbury at 60l., Chipping Campden at 20l., and the co. at 4,920l. Mr. Stephens, the late sheriff, had paid 3,659l. 6s. 5d.; the present sheriff had paid and returned 731l. 12s. 1d., so there remained 529l. 1s. 6d. The sheriff had in hand 100l., and divers distresses for sale; for the residue he desired a further day. Few sums have been levied [by the present sheriff ?] without distress. 100l. is due from Gloucester; the mayor will make present payment of 92l. Tewkesbury has paid 40l. out of 60l. Chipping Campden has been long visited with the plague; the inhabitants are in great distress, and have long been relieved by the country, so that the sheriff has not called upon them. [¾ p.]
Sept. 11. 40. Return by the same, of the names of those assessed in co. Gloucester, but who lived elsewhere and had not any distress to be taken in the said county towards the sums taxed upon them for ship-money. Among the persons mentioned are "Lord Say and Sele as assessed for Norton grounds, which are in the hands of tenants; he liveth at Broughton, in com. Oxon, 25l.," "Sir John Hales, knight, for Northway, but liveth in civit. Londini, 1l." There is also a list of those who were imprisoned and those who were dead and no distress to be had. The total of these returns was 81l. 3s. 5½d. [3 pp.]
Sept. 11. 41. Petition of inhabitants of Chipping Campden, co. Gloucester, to the Council. Petitioners were laid at 20l. towards the shipping business. The town has been visited with plague, which has long continued. The inhabitants (consisting of poor labouring men and tradesmen) have wanted their liberty to provide for themselves and their families, and the sickness still continuing, had not been able to subsist had not the country for many weeks sent them relief. Being unable to satisfy the 20l. they pray that it may be remitted. [½ p.]
Sept. 12.
Oatlands.
42. The Council to the Justices of Peace of Middlesex. Recite what is stated by Peter Heywood concerning the collecting of rags in various out parishes of London [see this present vol., No 31.]. The persons addressed are to cause search to be made for such rags, and to cause the same to be burnt in some open place for prevention of infection. They are also to hinder the gathering of rags near London. [Draft. ¾ p.]
Sept. 12.
Oatlands.
43. The same to the Mayor and Aldermen of Chester. Considering the great number that die of the plague in and near London, and that the same is dispersed in divers places in the roadway from London towards Chester, his Majesty has commanded the writers to signify to the persons addressed that they put off for this year their Michaelmas fair. Heretofore divers Londoners and others from infected places have used (when fairs have been put off,) to bring wares and merchandise to villages near the city, and vend the same thereabouts, which has been no less dangerous than if the fairs had been kept. They are not to suffer any such sale, and where they shall understand of any that doth the same within five miles of their city, they are to send to the justices of the peace nearest such place to cause such persons to forbear, and in case they refuse, to shut them up in the houses where they abide, as if they were places infected, and to keep them so till the danger of infection be passed. [Draft, 1¾ p.]
Sept. 12. 44. The same to the Sheriff of co. Buckingham. Understand by his of the 8th inst. that he has in his hands divers distresses of several natures taken from such persons as refuse to pay the rates assessed upon them for the business of shipping. Requires him forthwith to sell such distresses, and having deducted the full sum assessed, and all charges, to pay the overplus back to the said parties. As for such persons as having been assessed are removed and have left no distress, he is to certify their names, and the places of present abode, whereupon the Lords will take order with them. [Draft; a clause authorizing the sheriff to send distresses which he could not sell to the Victualler of the Navy in London has been struck out. 1½ p.]
Sept. 12.
Oatlands.
45. The same to the Sheriff of co. Gloucester. Understand by his certificate that Lord Say and Sele is assessed towards the shipmoney at 25l., for Norton grounds in that co. which are in the hands of tenants, and that he lives at Broughton, co. Oxford. He is to levy the same by distress upon the lands assessed, and if Lord Say and his tenants shall not accord between themselves, whereby the tenants find themselves grieved, they are to seek relief in a court of equity when they may be well assured to have justice. [Draft. 1 p.]
Sept. 12.
Oatlands.
46. The Council to John, Earl of Bridgewater, Lord President of Wales. To send to the Lord Keeper within seven days a list of four or more of the ablest persons in each county within the 12 shires of Wales fit to be High Sheriff. [Draft. ½ p.]
Sept. 12.
Oatlands.
47. Similar letter to Edward, Lord Newburgh, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, for co. Lancaster. [Draft. ¼ p.]
Sept. 12.
Oatlands.
48. Similar letters to Lord Chief Justice Bramston and Sir George Croke, as judges of assize for Norfolk; Lord Chief Justice Finch and Sir John Denham for the western circuit; Lord Chief Baron Davenport and Sir William Jones for cos. Berks and Oxford, &c.; Sir Richard Hutton and Sir Thomas Trevor for co. Northampton, &c.; Sir Robert Berkeley and Sir George Vernon for the Northern circuit; Sir Francis Crawley and Sir Richard Weston for Surrey, &c. [Draft. Endorsed is a copy of a clause inserted as a postscript in the letters to the judges for the Norfolk circuit to send separate lists for cos. Cambridge and Huntingdon, and in those for Surrey, &c., to send separate lists for Surrey and Sussex. = 1 p.]
Sept. 12.
Oatlands.
49. The Council to a messenger not named. To go to Bagshot and inquire there for Mr. Nicholas, and tell him that he was sent for a pass for John Boutts and three others to carry over English mastiffs, Irish greyhounds, and some tumblers to the Earl Marshal. [Copy. ¼ p.] Endorsed,
49. i. Minute of the pass above alluded to. [1/8 p.]
Sept. 12. 50. Certificate of Officers of the Navy, that Nathaniel Terne had served faithfully as clerk under the Officers and Commissioners of the Navy 38 years. [¾ p.]
Sept. 13. 51. Memorandum of the delivery to Mr. Keyme one of the messengers at Sunninghill, of ten letters of the Council, being those calendared under the 12th inst., with the addition of a letter to the Sheriff of co. Gloucester, and omitting those to the Mayor of Chester, the Sheriff of co. Buckingham, and that to a messenger. [¾ p.]
Sept. 14/24.
Rome.
52. Thomas Windebank to his father, Sec. Windebank. Understands that his brother has obtained the Secretary's leave to pass some time in Italy. Will be exceeding glad to see him. The Earl Marshal's departure from the Emperor's court is likely to be so sudden that the Earl conceives it impossible for the writer to arrive there soon enough to wait on him home. If haply his Lordship be so soon dispatched, the writer will pass through France, and, with such diligence as he may, arrive in England. The heats there have lost so little of their force that he dares not yet venture to Naples; but there are now some signs of rain. On the 2/12 inst. he received 150 pieces of 8 rials which the Secretary may repay to Mr. Richaut. [1 p.]
Sept. 15. 53. Petition of Nathaniel Terne to the Lords of the Admiralty. In consideration of his long service prays to be recommended to his Majesty for appointment as clerk of the check at Deptford. [¾ p.]
Sept. 16.
Winchester.
54. Jerome, Earl of Portland, to the same. According to their directions, he sent to Hurst for the Turks' caravel, and delivered her to Mr. Goodwin. He made demands likewise, of her powder, muskets, the captain's chest and sword, and other things which, if judged to his Majesty, will help to bear the charge, but they were denied. Entreats warrant to Lord Gorges for their delivery. If the captain be cleared, he presumes he should have his goods again, which are very little worth, except his sword, which has been valued by Lord Gorges at 6l. Lord Gorges desires consideration for bringing in the bark, which the writer leaves to their consideration. He has there one man and two boys, taken by this bark, sent him by Lord Gorges; he has confronted them with the prisoners and they know them all. He will proceed to trial as soon as he can get the commission of oyer and terminer renewed. John Henrickson, a Dutchman, now prisoner at Portsmouth, is accused for speaking opprobrious words against his Majesty; desires to know what the Lords will have done with him. [1¾ p.]
Sept. 16.
The Triumph, ready to sail from the Downs.
55. Algernon, Earl of Northumberland, to the same. They have taken in near their whole proportion of victuals for one month. They want some necessaries from Chatham, but he has taken order that they and the Swallow shall follow them to Yarmouth. He takes with him the Jonas and the Neptune, which have victuals left for ten days, and have a fortnight's provision remaining to carry them in. The Second Whelp lately arrived from the Low Countries he has sent to Chatham leaky; she stayed at Flushing, expecting Mr. Harbin [Harby] until her victuals were almost spent. His coming away was then very uncertain, but he desired that about the end of the month he might have passage in one of the King's ships, which Capt. Carteret may take care of. He has appointed Capt. Carteret, (who came two days since from transporting the Earl of Danby to Southampton), to remain in that place, and has left for his assistance the True Love. The Adventure being sent to bring over the Queen's nurse from Dieppe, stayed there twelve days after the appointed time, and was forced to return without her. He is sending the True Love to perform that service. The Adventure is gone for Chatham. [2 pp.]
Sept. 16.
The Triumph, going from the Downs.
56. The same to Sec. Coke. His desire to have some single licences was because some words in these must be blotted out, which he thought would not be so handsome to be seen abroad. If the busses avoid them, as they did in the north, it will hardly be in their power to bring into conformity any numbers of them. When they were last among them, all the advantage they had was only their good sailing, but now they will have many others, which are impossible to be prevented in that place and this season. Prays him to let his Majesty know that he has omitted nothing that might hasten their going towards Yarmouth, and that their anchors are up, and they under sail. Within a few days he will see what the fishers intend. [1½ p.]
Sept. 16. 57. Edward Fenn to Nicholas. Has received since his last certificate from the sheriff of Somerset 104l. 10s., and from the sheriff of co. Stafford, 100l. [¼ p.]
Sept. 17/27.
The Hague.
58. Elizabeth, Queen of Bohemia, to Sir Thomas Roe. Has not wit enough to find out the reason of the odd proceeding in the Poland business. Thinks the Ambassador was the only one ever sent without his commission or instructions signed by his master. As for Gordon, he is a good, honest man, but the King of Poland is too hard for him. They have made a fool of the poor man, taking advantage of his affection for the writer, and his extreme desire to have the match proceed. The Lord Marshal writes that the Ambassador is underhand seeking a match with a daughter of the Emperor, and the one that is in France seeks it with a daughter of the Duke of Mantua. What it will all come to she knows not, and it is indifferent to her. The French deny much the last match, and press it hard. If the King, her brother, shows no anger as to the [Spanish] money, it will make all the Hollanders believe that it was done as Roe writes that some think. Has had news from Arundel. The Emperor has given him his last answer, which was that he would not give any other than he had given, and for the Electorate he could not restore it. Being not well content with this the Earl went to the Emperor and told him the same by word of mouth; and for the Prince Elector's dominion the King must give money to the King of Spain and the Duke of Bavaria. Arundel has sent a courier express with this to B., so as she believes he cannot with his honour [stay any longer ?] Urges strongly the adoption of some proposals mady to the King by the Landgrave of Hesse, whose alliance she prefers to that of the Duke of Weimar. She has written in cipher that he may see if she understands it right. Hopes he may read it, for it is terribly scribbled. Begs him to continue his advice to the Prince Elector, and especially now that it is clear the Emperor juggles with the King, though she wrongs him, for he has spoken very plainly. [Several other passages in a cipher the key of which has not been wholly discovered. 3 pp.]
Sept. 17. 59. Acknowledgment of James Duncan of Dundee, mariner, master of the Gift of God, of receipt from Abraham Braems, of Dover, merchant, 139l. 2s., and from George Wellingham, of London, merchant, 65l. 18s., due to Duncan from Prestwick Eaton and Timothy Alsopp, merchants, residents in St. Sebastian. [1 p.] Annexed,
59. i. Notes of various payments, the account whereof is principally in short hand. [½ p.]
Sept. 18.
Oatlands.
60. Declaration of the King in Council. Divers persons of good quality and ability to serve the office of High Sheriff having procured themselves to be sworn his Majesty's or the Queen's servants extraordinary, and under colour thereof having been taken to be exempt from undergoing the office of High Sheriff, it was declared by his Majesty that no such service extraordinary should be a ground of exemption. [Draft. ¾ p.]
Sept. 18.
Oatlands.
61. The Council to the Justices of Peace, co. Middlesex. The selling of rags in this time of infection being a great cause of dispersing the plague in the country near London, and there being no means to suppress such dealing whilst the paper mills in Middlesex are suffered to work, his Majesty had commanded the writers to give directions that no paper mills within that county be permitted to go or work until it shall please God to remove the contagion. The justices are required not only to stay the working of all such mills, but to suppress the buying of any rags or old clothes, and if any refuse to obey, they are to commit them till they be brought to a better understanding. [Draft. ½ p.]
Sept. 18.
Oatlands.
62. The same to the Justices of Peace for Surrey near Nonsuch and Oatlands. By letters of 11th June the Lords gave them charge to inquire what houses within ten miles of Hampton Court and Oatlands received inmates or sojourners and to take order for the present removing of them. The Lords are given to understand that divers Londoners have obtained houses, not only near Hampton Court and Oatlands, but near Nonsuch also, and there inhabit, going daily to and from London, which cannot be without great peril to their Majesties. The justices were charged not only to perform the former letter, but also to remove such persons as coming from London or Westminster have settled as aforesaid. Persons who settled before the said letters are to be enjoined that they neither go nor suffer their servants to pass to and from London, upon pain to be removed from their houses or to have the same shut up. [Draft. 1¼ p.]
Sept. 18.
Oatlands.
63. The same to [Richard Pyott], Sheriff of co. Stafford. Have made his Majesty acquainted with his letter of the 5th inst., [see No. 15,] and by his command have required the late sheriff of that county, either to pay the whole sum in arrear for ship-money, or else himself and Edward Manley, his undersheriff, to attend the Board to answer their fault in neglecting to pay in the said money. Suggest to the person addressed to call on them and advise the writers what his predecessor does in prosecution of the said directions. [Draft. ¾ p.]
Sept. 18.
Oatlands.
64. The same to Humphrey Wyrley, late Sheriff of co. Stafford. There is still unpaid of ship-money chargeable upon co. Stafford, 300l., of which only 100l. is paid to the present sheriff. It is stated that the person addressed, or Edward Manley, his undersheriff, has long since collected the sum charged, and that Manley has detained a good part thereof in his own hands, and suffered the residue to remain in the hands of several constables, which is a presumption that cannot be answered by Wyrley or his late undersheriff, and which the Lords are resolved not to let pass. Wyrley is to pay in the whole sum in arrear, and he and Manley are to attend the Board within eight days. [Draft. ¾ p.]
Sept. 18.
Oatlands.
65. The Council to Sir Ludovic Dyer, Sheriff of cos. Cambridge and Huntingdon. There remains unpaid of ship-money payable by the said counties, 390l., whereof Sir Ludovic affirms by his letter of the 8th inst., [see No. 25,] that there remains uncollected by him only 290l., and that 100l. is in the hands of his predecessor. He is to send to his predecessor, and require him forthwith to pay in the moneys in his hands, or to attend the Board on the 25th inst. And for the 290l., it is his Majesty's command that the person addressed instantly levy the same, and pay it in within 10 days, his Majesty being resolved to hearken to no further excuses in a service of this importance, and wherein so much time has already been trifled away. [Draft. 1 p.]
Sept. 18.
Oatlands.
66. The same to [Sir William Russell], Sheriff of co. Worcester. It is his Majesty's command that he forthwith distrain the goods as well of clergy as of laity that neglect to pay the sums assessed upon them for the business of shipping. For the corporation of Bewdley, the bailiffs complain now too late of being over rated. They are to levy the sum assessed, or, if they neglect, he is to do it himself; but if the rate shall hereafter appear to have been unequal, it shall be no precedent for the future. Concerning the distresses he has taken, he is to hasten the sale of them, and to levy what is in arrear with all diligence, for that harvest is now inned, which takes off the excuse of those that pretend poverty. Where he finds any constables slow, he is to quicken them, and to send the Lords the names of the bailiffs of the hundreds of Oswaldslow and Pershore, and also of all other officers that refuse to execute his warrants, and the Lords will take order with them. The writ gives him authority to levy the sums in all parts of his county, so as it can be no excuse that any person hides himself in any corporation in his county, nor is it excusable for him to allege that there are no distresses to be found on the lands of persons assessed; whereas his care ought to have prevented such excuse by distraining sooner, which omission he must now redeem; and when he cannot levy the sums assessed on any persons by reason of their absence and of no distress to be found, he is to send the Council their names, places of abode, and what sum is set upon each of them respectively, that they may take order as shall be fit. [Draft. 1¼ p.]
Sept. 18.
Oatlands.
67. The same to the Sheriff of co. Northampton. Understand that he has divers distresses taken for the shipping business, which he cannot suddenly sell, and that he is now busy in levying the remainder of the sum. His Majesty gives him till Michaelmas to send in the said arrear, but requires him to send in the whole moneys due from that county. Divers persons, whose goods he has distrained, refusing to receive from him the overplus of the proceeds of such distresses, his Majesty commands him to retain such overplus in his hands until the parties demand the same. [Draft. 1 p.]
Sept. 18.
Oatlands.
68. The Council to the Collectors of ship-money in St. Giles'sin-the-Fields, Middlesex. His Majesty is informed by petition of the said collectors, that the whole sum is fully paid to the sheriff, and that there remains in the hands of Henry Seagood about 20 marks, and in other collectors' hands some proportion of the like kind, being an overplus. The said overplus is to be distributed towards the relief of the poor of the said parish that are infected. [Draft. ¾ p.]
Sept. 18. 69. The same to Sir William Balfour, Lieutenant of the Tower. To receive into his custody John Bumstead, and keep him prisoner until further order. [Draft. Minute for entry on the Council Register. ½ p.]
Sept. 18. 70. The same to all Mayors and others. Warrant for William Watts, messenger, to be received and lodged from time to time as he shall have occasion to travel in his Majesty's service. [Draft. Similar minute. ½ p.
Sept. 18.
Bishopthorpe.
71. Archbishop Neile, of York, to Archbishop Laud. Excuses himself from coming to London the next term on account of the infection which was very dangerously scattered at Southwark, and the approaching confinement of his daughter-in-law. Pursues the narrative of transactions between the Bishop of Lincoln and the French and Dutch settlers in Hatfield Chase, given by him in a former letter (see Vol. cccxxvii., No. 47). Bontemps, the minister, had gone away to London; and Corsellys, the principal settler, to Amsterdam. Gives the words of the King's grant to Sir Philiberto Vernatti, of permission to erect a chapel and celebrate divine service in the English or Dutch language. Complains of the disingenuousness of a certificate sent by them to his Majesty, praying for liberty of worship. Being now interdicted, very many of them resort to the churches of the parishes in which they dwell, and there demean themselves very devoutly, even those that understand not English. He makes no doubt they will be easily brought to conformity when they shall have the book of Common Prayer in French and Dutch, which he prays Archbishop Laud to procure for him. Hopes his business at Oxford was well passed over. The writer understands that his brother was a suitor for his son, the Archdeacon of Winchester, for a doctorship. [3¾ pp.]
Sept. 18.
Foxhall.
72. Hugh Lloyd, Sheriff of co. Denbigh, to Nicholas. He was in good hope that the drovers into whose hands he paid the ship-money, would have been ready with the same, but the market proceeds so badly that he is much afraid they will disappoint him in part. He sent up his man to solicit them to pay in part, in case they be not able to pay the whole. Desires to be tolerated until All Saints. Nicholas will receive by the bearer the writ directed to the writer's predecessor for levying this money; he had no manner of allowance. If by Nicholas's means the writer may have any, he will not be ungrateful. His man will give Nicholas such satisfaction as he shall require. Prays Nicholas to accept of one piece in token of his love. [Seal with crest. 1 p.]
Sept. 19.
Oatlands.
73. The King to the Governing Body of some College in Oxford, unnamed. Having, at his last being at Oxford, taken particular notice of James Chudleigh, of Christ Church, upon information of two fellowships void in the college of the persons addressed, he conceives Chudleigh to be not unfit for their society, and recommends him to their choice. [Copy of perhaps a suggested letter, dated "ninetieth" for "nineteenth." ½ p.]
Sept. 19.
Oatlands.
74. The Council to Theophilus, Earl of Suffolk, Lord Warden. Cannot but marvel to find the maltsters in the Cinque Ports so refractory; all other parts, as well of Kent as in other counties, having gladly embraced the said articles for regulating their trade. Pray him to use his best endeavours to render the Cinque Ports and their members conformable, or to appoint some of them to attend the Attorney-General at his house in Stanwell, near Staines, with their charter. If they do not conform themselves, the Lords, on the Attorney-General's report, will take further course. [1 p.]
Sept. 19.
Oatlands.
75. The same to the Justices of Peace for Surrey, near Southwark. By reason of the sickness, the poor of Southwark, who are very numerous, are in great necessity. They are forthwith to take into consideration what is fit to be done, and if they find it to be too heavy for the five miles' compass near that borough, to relieve the said poor, they are, at their next quarter sessions, to consider of a fit tax to be laid upon the whole county, or so much thereof as they shall think most fit, the quarter sessions being by statute enabled to establish such a tax as may be for the competent sustentation of the poor. [Draft. 1 p.]
Sept. 19.
Oatlands.
76. The same to Archbishop Laud. Recite letter of 14th June (see Vol. cccxxvi., No. 29) to take order to remove inmates flying from London to Croydon in that time of infection. He is again to make strict inquiry whether any since that time have received any such inmates, and if so to give order for removing them, and for punishing those who have offended. Inhabitants of London or Westminster settled in their country houses before or since the 14th June are to be strictly charged not to pass to or from London, upon pain to be removed or have their country houses shut up. [Draft. 1 p.]
Sept. 19. 77. The same to Sheriff of co. Bedford. Have given order to Sir William Russell to receive from him 1,100l. ship-money. Concerning the arrears from the hundred of Manched [Manshead], he and his predecessor are to call to them the constables and certify the difference touching the sum remaining in that hundred. Where any persons whose goods he has sold refuse to receive the overplus, he is to retain it till they to whom it belongs shall demand it. Where persons who dwell in his county being assessed for lands remote from their dwellings shall refuse to pay, he is to proceed against them by imprisonment or distress where they dwell. But where any who live out of his county are assessed for lands therein in the occupation of tenants, he is to levy the same by distress upon the lands assessed, and if the person assessed and his tenant shall not accord touching the payment the tenants are to seek relief in the courts of equity. He is to send testimony of any who have resisted any officer in the execution of his warrant, and thereupon the Lords will take order. He is to certify what was the misbehaviour of George Gregory whose bond he has returned for his appearance at that Board. [Draft. 1½ p.]
Sept. 19. Part of a first rough draft of the preceding letter. [Written on the back of the paper next mentioned. ¼ p.]
Sept. 19. 78. The Council to Sir William Russell. The Sheriff of co. Bedford has in his hands 1,100l., and desires to know whether he may pay the same to Sir William at his house in Cambridgeshire rather than run the hazard in this time of contagion to send it up to London. Require him to receive the same as the sheriff desires. [½ p.]
Sept. 19.
Oatlands.
79. The same to Sir Thomas Walsingham, Sir Henry Snelgrave, and Thomas Blunt. Letter similar to that addressed on the 18th instant, to the Justices of Peace of Surrey [see No. 62] but having relation to Greenwich "the site of one of his Majesty's standing houses." [Draft. 1 p.]
Sept. 19.
Oatlands.
80. The same to Edward, Earl of Dorset. By reason of the infection in London and Westminster multitudes of tradesmen and others have fled since the 1st of July to Eltham, near one of his Majesty's houses, and there inhabit, two or three families in one house. He is to make inquiry and take such precautions as were directed to Archbishop Laud (see No. 76) with reference to Croydon. [Draft. 1 p.]
Sept. 19.
Oatlands.
81. The same to the Justices of Peace for Middlesex and Surrey. Divers Londoners, formerly removed by the justices out of houses wherein they were sojourners, within 10 miles of Hampton Court and Oatlands, have procured other houses near their Majesties houses of access, by which means there are already divers houses infected in Kingston, Teddington, Thistleworth [Isleworth], and other places. They are to remove all such persons in manner formerly directed, with the same provision as in the last previous letter to Archbishop Laud (No. 76) respecting persons settled in their own houses before the date of the former letter. Sheds or hulks are to be built in the fields without Kingston and Hampton and other places within the prohibited distance of their Majesties houses, and the sick are to be removed into them. They are particularly to remove from Teddington all persons that are in the house that was lately infected, and to cleanse the same with all diligence. [Draft. 1½ p.]
Sept. 19.
Oatlands.
82. The same to the same for cos. Buckingham and Berks, near to Windsor. Similar letter to that to Archbishop Laud (No. 76) for removal of Londoners from within six miles of Windsor Castle. They are to stay the Barge of Windsor from going any more to and from London, and to give strict command that the Barge of Reading and others passing by Windsor forbear to touch or land any person there. [Draft. 1½ p.]
Sept. 19. 83. Receipt of Henry Kyme, deputy Clerk of the Check, for letters to the sheriffs of cos. Northampton, Worcester, Cambridge, and Huntingdon, Stafford (old and present sheriffs), Kent, and Bedford, and Justices of Peace of Middlesex and Surrey near Nonsuch and Oatlands. [⅓ p.]
Sept 19. 84. Notes, by Nicholas, of business of the Admiralty to be transacted this day at Oatlands. The officers desire to know what they shall do with the ten ships prepared for a second fleet. [Margin: "To be unrigged."] Also whether the ships now abroad shall be re-victualled or only those that end their victualling this month. [Margin: "See what guard was the last winter."] Appoint a clerk of the check at Deptford. Nicholas suggests whether in disposing of this place it may not be better to pass the same by warrant from the Lords (as anciently) rather than under the great seal, the inconvenience whereof the Lords lately found. [Margin: "Respited till another certificate from the Officers of the Navy."] William Stonehouse has a note under the King's hand for the first purser's place void. Stonehouse petitions for the purser's place in the St. Andrew. [Margin: "Respited till return of that ship."] The Officers of the Navy recommend one to be boatswain in the St. Andrew; the Lords a year since promised Sir John Pennington to prefer William Parker to be a boatswain when a place should happen. [Margin: "Respited till the boatswain be convicted in the Admiralty."] Sir Nicholas Slanning advertises that there is stayed at Falmouth, on behalf of Captain Bradshaw, a ship of Hoorn, value, as the Dutch say, 10,000l. [Margin: "Referred to Sir Henry Marten to see Bradshaw satisfied before the ship be released."] Officers of the Navy recommend Hercules Price to be cook in the Anne. [1¼ p.]
Sept. 19. 85. Petition of John Falkener, son of Edward Falkener, late clerk of the check at Deptford, to the Lords of the Admiralty. Petitioner sets out the facts stated in his petition to the King, calendared under the 29th August last (see Vol. cccxxx., No. 80.) with the addition of his Majesty's reference. and prays a grant of his late father's office. [¾ p.]
Sept. 19/29
The Hague.
86. Elizabeth, Queen of Bohemia, to Archbishop Laud. Lately troubled him with a letter about the Landgrave of Hesse's brothers, and now she must do it for the Landgrave himself. What he has answered to the King's message Mr. Avery will faithfully send, and he himself, with his own hand, has offered his person and army to the King's disposing; he is so worthy and so brave a prince as she hopes the King will accept his offer. Entreats the Archbishop to do him all the good offices he can. By what she hears from Ratisbon, the Earl of Arundel has received no contentment in the Emperor's answer, but a plain denial, for her son's restoring. She cannot but believe the King will seek to recover by force what he cannot by treaty. The King has been many times in doubt where to have a fit man to command an army; now he may have this prince, who is a brave worthy man of their own religion and her son's near kinsmen. He has dependance upon none, and has a country that gives a fair passage into the Palatinate. Has written of it to the King. [Seals with arms. 1 p.]
Sept. 19.
Oatlands.
Nicholas to the Sheriff of Kent. To send a particular account of what he had done in performance of the letter of the Lords of the 6th July. Particularly to certify whether Mr. Spencer named in the certificate returned in that letter has paid what was assessed upon him for the shipping. [Copy. Nicholas's Letter Book, Dom. James I., Vol. ccxix., p. 126.]
Sept. 19. 87. List of ships at sea and how disposed of by the Earl of Northumberland. Ten were gone to Yarmouth, four to the west, and two to stay in the Downs. [1 p.]
Sept. 19. 88. Agreement between Sir Owen Smyth, of Irmingland, Norfolk, and Matthew Gilbert, of Wood-Dalling in the same co., husbandman. Sir Owen sells to Gilbert 30 acres of barley and the same quantity of oats then in his barns at Irmingland for 90l., with lodging and other convenience for threshing. The consideration to be paid 20l. down, and the remainder in three quarterly payments, the last at Midsummer next. [1 p.]
Sept. 19. 89. Depositions of witnesses taken at Cromer, Norfolk, under a commission out of the court of the Duchy of Lancaster, in a cause depending between his Majesty, by the relation of Sir John Heydon, plaintiff, and Thomas Doodes and others, defendants. The question in the cause was the right to wreck within the manor of Sidestrand near Mundsley in Norfolk. [42 pp.]
Sept. 19. 90. See "Papers relating to Appointments in the Navy."