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Oct. 1. |
Petition of Robert Webb, cook, and Ralph Moodie, chandler, of
the parish of St. Giles-in-the-Fields, and William Hodgson, of
St. Andrew's, Holborn, cutler, recusants convict, to the King.
Your Majesty was pleased upon a former petition, for the preservation of petitioners and others of the poorest sort of convicted
recusants from ruin, to signify your pleasure to the Commissioners
for compounding with recusants that such persons should be
admitted to composition under 40l. per annum upon information
of the churchwardens and overseers, who thereupon were commanded by the Commissioners to certify accordingly. After such
certificate made petitioners and others attended, but the Commissioners not having convenient leisure they could not be admitted
to make their compositions. Notwithstanding they have been and
will be ever ready to compound, there have of late issued out of the
Exchequer divers writs and commissions to enquire of and seize
petitioners' goods, whereby they are like to be deprived of your
Majesty's intended grace, and themselves and families utterly
ruined, unless the said writs and commissions be superseded. They
pray that special order and directions be given to the Commissioners to admit them to composition under 40l. per annum, and
in the meantime all such enquiries, seizures, and other proceedings
against them out of the Exchequer may be superseded. Underwritten, |
i. It is his Majesty's pleasure, according to his former directions
of the 13th Feb. 1637, that his favour intended by his
commission of grace be equally distributed as well to the
poor sort of recusants as to others, and that the Lord
Treasurer, Lord Cottington, and others the Commissioners
take order that the petitioners and all others of their
quality be admitted to compound at such moderate rates
under 40l. as their estates, being certified by the churchwardens or overseers of each parish where they dwell,
will bear, and that as soon as they shall have tendered
themselves to the making of their compositions, all processes, writs, and commissions for enquiries and seizures
be superseded and no further proceedings had upon them.
Whitehall, 1 Oct. 1639. [Copy. See Book of Petitions,
Vol. cccciii., p. 93. 1½ p.] |
[Oct. 1.] |
1. Petition of Katherine Hadley, prisoner in the Poultry Compter,
to the Council. Upon information given by a boy that she had
scattered writings, petitioner was carried before the Lord Mayor,
and committed to prison. She thereupon petitioned his Lordship
for her liberty, but was answered that you were made acquainted
with the business, and that it was out of his power to do anything
therein, whereupon she has divers times petitioned you, but cannot
as yet prevail. Forasmuch as she, being a poor sickly maiden, has
been in prison 23 weeks and upwards, and is like to be ruined,
having been lodged with a woman who has the foul disease, she
prays order for her speedy enlargement upon bond to attend the
Lords to answer anything that can be objected against her. [2/3 p.] |
Oct. 1. My house, Drury Lane. |
2. Sec. Windebank to [Sir Robert Whitney] sheriff of co. Hereford. About the 11th July last, I made known to you his Majesty's
pleasure for the stay of all proceedings upon a commission of enquiry
of the recusants' estates within that county, it being informed that
it was a new and extraordinary molestation. Since that time it
has been made appear to his Majesty that such proceedings are not
unusual, nor of any extraordinary prosecution against them, but on
the contrary render them capable of compounding with his Majesty's
Commissioners according to his gracious instructions, and that the
said enquiries are only to be of the lands and goods of recusants
already convicted and mentioned in schedules annexed to the commission, and that no seizure shall be made by you or your deputies
of the lands or goods of any such as shall engage within three
months to attend and prosecute their compositions before the
Commissioners in London, unless it be of the lands or goods of such
as upon warning from the Commissioners in the country shall refuse
or forbear to appear before them, or of such who, having already
made their compositions, and neglected to pass their leases, according to an order in that behalf, shall refuse to give security to
you that within three months next after they will pass their said
leases. Wherefore I am to signify by direction of his Majesty that
the commission shall be no longer superseded, but that you and
the Commissioners may proceed therein accordingly. [By a note
underwritten it would appear Sir Robert did not receive this letter
at Hereford till the 30th Nov. 1639. Seal with arms. ¾ p.] |
Oct. 1. |
3. Similar letter, but unsigned and endorsed "Copy of Mr. Secretary's letter to the sheriffs of divers counties." [¾ p.] |
Oct. 1. |
4. Sir Nicholas Carew and Sir Abraham Dawes, [justices of peace
for Surrey,] to the Council. According to your order of the 11th
August directed to us, concerning the difference between the
inhabitants of Battersea and Sir Thomas Southwell and Mrs. Peel,
touching the highway mentioned in your reference, we (Sir Thomas
Grymes being dangerously sick) have met at Battersea, and find
that the gardeners, husbandmen, and many dwellers thereabouts
have enjoyed the constant use of the way where the posts are now
set up by Mrs. Peel for conveyance of dung, &c. from the waterside.
The inhabitants desire that these posts may be removed until
Mrs. Peel shall provide some other convenient passage, or else that
they may have a speedy trial in law for the recovery of the said
way, which they conceive to be their right. In the meantime we
recommend that the posts be removed, which we will do at your
command. [Seal with arms. ¾ p.] |
Oct. 1. |
5. Note of petitions and papers delivered over [by the Council to
be reported upon. They comprise] petitions of Hackney coachmen
against Wrey the messenger, of captains and officers in the late employment [in the North], of Philips, of Watts, of the creditors of John
Van Ixem of Norwich, of Capt. Penn, of Katharine Hadley, of
Mr. Barkham, of Sames and others feltmakers of London. [½ p.] |
Oct. 1. Constantinople. |
6. Inventory of cloths remaining in the warehouse of Marmaduke Peckett [at Constantinople] for accompt of John Ball, of
London, total number 250. [2 pp.] Annexed, |
6. i. Certificate of John Woolfe and others that according to the
order of Sir Sackville Crow, the English ambassador, they
had inspected the cloths, and found the above statement
to be correct. Constantinople, 1st Oct. 1639. [Seal
with arms.] |
6. II. License of Sir Sackville Crow for copies to be made of the
above certificate entered in the Chancery of the Embassy.
21st Dec. 1639. [2¾ pp.] |
Oct. 2. Westminster. |
7. The King to Lord Treasurer Juxon. Whereas merchants
[being] subjects of the Kings of France and Spain, for the better
safety and accommodation of their trade in time of war betwixt
those kingdoms, have sent great quantities of goods in English
shipping by way of Dover, Dover Road, and the Downs, where they
receive great advantage by a composition there made with them by
the farmers of our customs, according whereunto they duly pay our
customs for the same. But forasmuch as we have received information, both by our public ministers abroad as also by some here,
that, notwithstanding directions by our late treasurer for prevention
thereof, some masters and owners of English ships have of late
practised to divert that course, by sending their ships from London,
Dover, Southampton, and some other of the western ports of this
kingdom in ballast, to take in their lading at St. Malo, Newhaven
[Havre de Grace], and other ports of France, to carry the same
directly for Spain or Flanders, and relade back to France, without
coming to Dover or paying our customs accordingly, by which
practice the trade of that port declines in a great proportion, and
foreign princes receive the customs and benefits raised by the service
and trade of our ships and seamen, and in respect of that private
advantage which now remains only to the owners of those ships,
our native commodities have greater duties put upon them in
foreign parts, as we are given to understand by our public ministers
abroad. We therefore require you to give order to the officers of
our customs in London, Dover, and all other ports of the kingdom,
that they give notice to all masters and owners of such ships of this
our pleasure, that from henceforth they forbear any such practice
and trade which tends so much to our prejudice, and that from
henceforth wheresoever they conceive any such shipping is intending
to go contrary to this our pleasure that they take good bond, with
sureties to our use, of every such master or owner of such ship or
ships as trade between the said nations in manner aforesaid that
they neither go for France to lade for Spain or Flanders, nor return
from Spain or Flanders with their ladings for France, until such
time as the goods of either nation be brought to Dover, Dover Road,
or the Downs, and due entry be made thereof in the custom books,
and our duties really answered for the same, according to the composition there held for goods of that nature, being not for the
consumption or vent of this kingdom. [Copy. 3 pp.] |
Oct. 2. London. |
8. Algernon Earl of Northumberland to Sir John Pennington.
Whereas complaint has been made to his Majesty by the resident
of Spain that since the coming of their fleet into the Downs divers
of their mariners have absented themselves from their ships and
have received passage and entertainment in English bottoms, to the
great prejudice of that fleet. His Majesty has signified to me his
express pleasure that during such time as the Spanish fleet remains in
the Downs none of his subjects shall presume to admit on board or
give passage to any Spanish soldiers, mariners, or seamen appertaining to that fleet, either for Dunkirk, Spain, or any other place.
Wherefore you are to give notice of this his Majesty's pleasure
to all masters of ships now in the Downs and likewise to all
such as shall come thither during the time above said, straitly
charging them that they carefully observe the same and in no wise
transgress it, as they will answer the contrary at their uttermost
perils. I made his Majesty acquainted with the reasons you alleged
in your last packet save one, for your not releasing the merchant
ships in the Downs, though you had order for their discharge,
wherewith he was very well satisfied in the general, but for some
particular ships, viz., the Ann Bonaventure, the Golden Lion, the
Speedwell, the James, the John and Thomas, and the Golden Eagle,
in regard some of them are deeply laden and the rest are to take
in fish at Plymouth, his Majesty has been so importuned both by the
farmers and owners that he has given me order for their discharge
without further interruption, of which I desire you to take notice
and to give present order therein accordingly. The Prince Elector
intends to come towards you very suddenly, and therefore you must
not fail to have a ship in readiness to attend his Highness, according
to my former directions, when he shall send unto you for the same.
The French and Holland ambassadors still continue to give the
King assurances that they will not attempt anything within the
King's ports or roads, which makes us the more confident that they
will still pay those respects that are due unto his Majesty. However
I think to be with you so soon as the wind will suffer our ships to
get out of the river; in the meantime we must trust more to their
civility than to any strength of ours. So wishing for a good
deliverance from these troublesome guests I rest. [3 pp.] |
Oct. 2. |
9. Extract from the above letter concerning the continued assurances of the French and Holland ambassadors. [1 p.] |
Oct. 2. Long Whatton. |
10. Dr. William Robinson, John Pate, and Thomas Caldecott,
[Justices of Peace of co. Leicester,] to Sec. Windebank. Certify
their proceedings in obedience to Windebank's instructions [see
July 4th, 1639, No. 16] for the examination of witnesses relative
to the seditious speech charged against John Oneby, a lawyer, by
John Moore, M.A., in a petition to Archbishop Laud. [1½ p.]
Annexed, |
10. I. Depositions of William Musson, of Much Ashby, and
Thomas Mason, of the same place. |
10. ii. Answer of John Oneby, Counsellor-at-Law, to the complaint of John Moore, clerk, contained in a petition
exhibited against him [see July the 4th, 1639, No. 16. i.]
by the said Moore to Archbishop Laud, taken before the
above-named justices of peace on the 30th August 1639.
In Lent last, being in the house of Mr. Bartholomew
Byard, at Much Ashby, for the purpose of meeting some
clients, Mrs. Brookesby, who was sitting at a table next
him, asked what he heard to be the cause that moved the
Scotchmen to make these wars against us. Whereunto
this examinant answered that, as he heard, the Scots at
the first did refuse the Book of Common Prayer and
episcopal government, or words to that effect. And then,
immediately upon those words, examinant said if these
were the cause of the Scottish men's wars then their war
is their priests' war, or war for their priests, but which
he cannot remember; further he said that he had never
read in any histories but that all such wars begun under
colour or pretence of religion did break out into rebellions
or invasions or such like ill, though they pretended
religion at the first, adding that he prayed God that the
wars which the Scots make may not prove such, and further
that the King's Majesty was enforced to raise forces and
to make war to prevent and suppress these ill attempts
of the Scots, or words to that effect. He further deposed
that the words he there spake were only and expressly of
the Scots and their war and their priests and bishops,
but denies absolutely that he spake any word concerning
any English priests or bishops, or had any reference to
them in his discourse. Denies that he heard William
Musson say in reply to him "the said wars were not the
priests' wars, they are the King's."
|
10. III. Examinations of Mary Brookesby, wife of Matthew
Brookesby, of Ashby Magna; Rose Cooper, wife of John
Cooper, of Much Ashby; John Kinde, of Willoughby
Waterless; Richard Bent, of Cosby; George Goodman,
of Croft; and Isabel Byard, wife of Bartholomew Byard,
of Much Ashby. [6 pp.] |
Oct. 2. Berwick. |
11. Sir Michael Ernly to Sir Henry Vane. Here is little news
worth your information. The parliament in Scotland, for aught I
hear, has rather disputed business than concluded anything. It
is credibly reported that there is much dissension amongst them. I
very much desire to know whether it be the King's pleasure that
the fortification shall go forward this winter; the weather here will
be very ill and uncertain, and, unless there be greater occasion than
I can conceive, it will be best to let it remain until the spring of
the year. The officers of the garrison are much discontented that
their pay is not yet established, and intended to have petitioned
the Lords, but the governor going himself they were persuaded to
desire him to inform the Lords both of that and other things
concerning this garrison. A malignant sickness broke out amongst
us, but is much abated. The last man that died was Mr. Calvert
I know not what to call the disease, but the persons afflicted with
it fall mad and die in that state. I must tell you that I had order to
receive Sir Humphry Sydenham's company as amply as he enjoyed
it, but the governor took 25 men out of the company and put them
into the several companies, which is much to my disadvantage.
But in regard it was the King's pleasure to command me hither I
took no notice of it. I hope you will think of me when there shall
be occasion, for I have no other friend. [1 p.] |
Oct. 2. Berwick. |
12. Charles Flood to the same. A month ago I sent you a
letter, whereby you might consider the estate I am in still with
the Prince of [Orange], though by the King's and your command I
came over without his leave. I should be glad if I could perform
any acceptable duty to my King, yet in my life I have never lived
under 4s. per day. I have [served under the direction] of the
mayor since Sir Humphry [Sydenham's] sickness till the present.
I vow to God I would rather serve my King for 4s. per day than
any prince in the world for 40s. I am 40l. out of purse. I have
made three corps de guard, 40 sentinel houses, two draw-bridges
yet unset up, and the barricades before Mary Gate according to Sir
Humphry's order, but finding it not resistible I thought it unnecessary to go on withal, but whatever he said was law, and I
was only the agent to his projections. I never was a courtier; all
my ambition is honestly to perform the duty imposed upon me.
[Seal with arms much damaged by damp. 1 p.] |
Oct. 2. St. Twinell. |
13. Thomas Collard to Richard Harvey. I beg you to entreat
your master to speak with the judges about my son Luttrell's
business, and to make known to them the equity and right that he
has in the menes [mines?] appointed to be argued the second day of
this term, as I understand by J. Butcher. We rely more upon your
friendship than upon all other men's, therefore do for us what you
can. [1 p.] |
Oct. 3. Dover. |
14. Theophilus Earl of Suffolk to Sir John Pennington. On
Saturday last a small ship of Holland, commanded by Captain
Dorvelt, came aground under Dover Castle, whereby an anchor
and cable became, in right of my admiralty of the Cinque Ports,
due to me, and my officer had secured the same or some satisfaction
for the value thereof whilst the captain was here, if this bearer
had not at his instance engaged himself forthwith to satisfy 10l.
as a moderate composition for the value of the same. But now this
bearer complains that Capt. Dorvelt, having got into the Downs
with his ship, refuses to repay the 10l., and that without your
assistance he is likely to lose the same. Wherefore I pray give
him your furtherance therein as you shall find most fit. [Seal with
arms. ¾ p.] |
Oct. 3. Drury Lane, 1 a.m. |
15. Sec. Windebank to the same. His Majesty has commanded
me to signify his pleasure to you that presently, upon receipt
hereof, you be very careful that no person of what quality soever,
other than the Prince Elector and such as shall be in company
of his Highness, be suffered to pass out of this kingdom towards
any part beyond the seas till his Majesty's pleasure shall be further
known. And in case any person shall endeavour to pass by his
Majesty's fleet with any letters, you are to make stay as well of the
letters as of the passengers, not excepting the letters of any ambassador whatsoever, and detain both passengers and letters till you
shall receive further order. Herein you are to be very diligent,
his Majesty's service being very much concerned in this business.
[Seal with arms. 1 p.] |
Oct. 3. |
16. Draft of the same. [¾ p.] |
Oct. 3. Beaksbourne. |
17. James Wilsford to Nicholas. I have lately received a letter
from the Council requiring me to pay in the money or to attend
the Board the first Sunday in the term, which my business, unless
there be necessity, will not permit me. Do me the favour, if it
be in your power, to prorogue it a month longer, and appoint
the time, when I will not fail to attend. When I have ended this
I will forswear troubling the Lords more. I entreat a line from
you by the next post. [Seal broken. ½ p.] |
Oct. 4. |
18. John Earl of Bridgewater, Sir Thomas Milward, Sir Marmaduke Lloyd, and others to the Council. We heretofore certified
the Archbishop of Canterbury of the seditious passages at an
unlawful conventicle of certain persons at Blodwell, Salop, together
with the examinations of the said persons taken before us. Whereupon, as appears by your letters to us lately directed, you were
pleased to direct us to cause such proceedings to be [taken] before
us against the said delinquents for their misdemeanours and seditious
courses as should be agreeable to justice, or otherwise, in case
upon further examinations taken their offences appeared to be
capital, then the offenders to be indicted and proceeded against
according to law. We thought ourselves obliged to advertise you
that whilst we were further examining the premises, and an information was prepared by his Majesty's attorney attending this council
against the delinquents, we were acquainted by letters from the
Bishop of St. Asaph, within whose diocese the said conventicle
was held, with his Lordship's proceedings against them for part
of the matters objected against them; from whom also, for our
further satisfaction, we received the copies of the acts and proceedings therein, which herewith we present unto you. And for
the other matters wherewith they are accused, being the one, as we
conceive, of blasphemy, most proper for ecclesiastical cognizance,
and the other a crime capital, and in that way to be proceeded in,
if there were clear and competent proof, which we doubt of, we
have thought good to forbear any further proceedings therein till
your pleasure be further signified. [Seal with crest. 1 p.] |
Oct. 4. Exeter. |
19. The Deputy-Lieutenants of co. Devon to the Council. If to
accuse were sufficient, none should be innocent, if to excuse none
would be nocent. We have used our best endeavours to search
out exactions, with what fruit the enclosed will inform you. The
offenders we commend unto your justice. That you employ the
informer to a more narrow scrutiny is our earnest desire, for we
must profess that we yet groan under the bruit of this corruption,
and as we acknowledge ourselves very unworthy the places we
bear if we should prove any way guilty of this accusation, so should
we be as unworthy if we should not endeavour to vindicate so foul
an aspersion, for as it is very just you should right the country
upon us if we be foul, so it will adequate your justice to right us
on the informer if we be clean; it will clear our reputes, cheer us
in our duties, and encourage others to observance. [Seal with crest.
1 p.] |
Oct. 4. |
20. Justices of Peace for Middlesex to the Council. According to
your letters [see Vol. ccccxxviii., No. 87], we called the brick and
tile makers before us, intending by a conference with them to have
settled abuses in that trade by consent, but we found amongst the
brickmakers, especially those that have been of the corporation, as
we conceived, a combination rather to give over the manufacture
than to be abated anything of such price as they have generally
agreed upon amongst themselves, that so by necessity of the use
of the material their price proposed may be admitted. We find
also upon enquiry and due search made, much abuse in the illordering, making, burning, and assizing of their bricks and tiles,
which in our opinion deserves punishment for example's sake.
Upon conference with them and others and amongst ourselves we
find that the brickmakers may make their bricks and sell them at
the kilns for 8s. per thousand, or delivered at the place of the work
for 1s. per mile in winter or 10d. in summer extra for every load;
and herein is considered every particular of the charge, with a
competent gain allowed to the workmen; whereof if you approve,
it will be necessary, in our opinions, that the same be published by
proclamation to be observed, as has been done heretofore in the
like case. There are two other materials, lime and sand, and the
ordering of workmen's wages of all sorts, worthy of consideration
in matter of building, if you shall so think fit, which now also are
grown to a very great height, and we have held it our duties to
remember them and to offer them to your judgments, being ready
in all duty to do our best endeavours in this or any other his
Majesty's services. [1 p.] |
Oct. 4. |
21. Petition of William Smith to the Council. The difference
between petitioner and William Aldred having been referred by
the Lords [to the High Commission], petitioner attended the hearing
thereof [at Doctor's Commons], as appears by the affidavit annexed;
but Aldred by misinformation obtained from Dr. Rives a dismission
till another summons. Petitioner prays the Lords to order that
Aldred shall attend Dr. Rives according to his second note. [1 p.]
Annexed, |
21. i. Depositions of William Smith and Lawrence Butler,
taken before Dr. William Sammes. That the cause being
appointed to be heard before Dr. Rives on the 2nd inst.,
they attended at Doctor's Commons until past 3 o'clock.
Lawrence Butler also deposes that yesterday Dr. Rives
wrote a note fixing the hearing for the 4th inst. at 9 o'clock,
which note was left at Lockington's house, but neither
Aldred nor Lockington appeared. [¾ p.] |
Oct. 4. |
22. Archbishop Laud to Sir Thomas Roe, English Ambassador at
Hamburgh. You have now all that I can say to your letter, saving to
the passage concerning Dr. Johnson, for which you need ask no pardon,
for I thank all my friends most [sincerely] for their greatest freedom,
and so do I you for this. But the case stands thus: Dr. Higgs, at
the Queen [of Bohemia's] suit, having been preferred, her Majesty
desired me to supply her with [a chaplain] to succeed him. I
pitched upon Dr. Johnson, both because of his language and
experience in Germany, where he was three or four years with Sir
Robert Anstruther, in all this time highly commended, and by him,
who, as I think, is far enough from Socinianism. Besides I could not
easily find so ready a preacher. 'Tis true this last spring I received
advertisement from Amsterdam that he had strangely discovered
himself as foully tainted with Socinianism. Presently upon this I
wrote to the Queen of Bohemia, to Sir William Boswell, and to the
Doctor himself, with a resolution expressed to recall him and punish
him too at his return in case he were found guilty. Upon this all
was found to arise from a mistake of Dr. Rivett, who being spoken
with again acknowledged himself fully satisfied. I had letters, of
the truth of this, and in Dr. Johnson's commendation, from the Queen,
from the Prince Elector, and from Sir William Boswell, with a desire
that I would not recall him. Thus far I went, and if you can say
more to this I pray write it freely; but think withal what a
mischief may follow, if after such satisfaction, besides his own abjuration of these opinions and his preaching strongly against them, I
should disgrace a man of his learning and spirit without all proof.
For my part, I know not how to do such open wrong. But if
they who scandalize him, so far as Hamburgh, will take upon
them to prove anything against him, I will, upon notice given by
you, recall him instantly. [Endorsed by Archbishop Laud: "A
branch of my letters of Oct. 4th, 1639, to Sir Thomas Rowe, Ambassador at Hamborough, touching the report of Dr. Johnson's being
a Socinian." ¾ p.] |
Oct. 4. Bristol. |
23. Bishop Skinner of Bristol to Archbishop Laud. The church
benefices are peaceably disposed of, and the augmentation of the
church means is agreed on and settled by a chapter act. For the
benefices first: the dean has Olston [Olveston], eight miles from
Bristol; Mr. Tucker has Barclay [Berkeley], 15 miles from Bristol;
and Mr. Weeks has Banwell, 13 miles from Bristol. The truth is,
before your letters of the 23rd Sept. came to hand I had so far
proceeded and dealt with Mr. Dean to Mr. Cutbeard's satisfaction
in a temporal accommodation, and to Mr. Tucker's satisfaction in
his remove to Barclay [Berkeley], which for profit is better than
Olston [Olveston], and has a singular good house, so that I had no
heart to reverse, no, nor to ruffle the business. The dean and
myself had fully accorded that it was your intent Mr. Tucker should
be regarded, and so his importunities abated, if it might justly and
fairly be compassed; and there was no way to effect it fairly, but
by satisfying him to whom Tucker had promised, and who never
had had any addition from the church, and whose relations are considerable, being first chaplain to Lady Montague, the Lord Privy
Seal's mother, then preferred to a small benefice and to be prebend
of Wells by Bishop Montague [of Norwich], then by Sir Sydney
Montague's mediation brought to be canon of this church. Possibly
you may remember this Mr. Cutbeard. A small jurisdiction he has
of no more but one parish, and thence for a commutation he presented you, as I have heard him say, with 40l. to St. Paul's fabric;
but a temporal advantage being thought on for him, Tucker had
Barclay with his consent and suffrage; the rest of competitors having
been formerly pleasured were not so regardable. Bamwell fell to
Mr. Weeks' lot, if he can hold it, being without distance of his other
benefice, but I wish his accommodation. For the church's augmentation these were the passages. The dean flatly told me he could
prevail nothing with the prebends, save only with Mr. Weeks, who
to give him his due was the only honest, faithful man in this business
among all the prebends. But I told Mr. Dean as flatly that the
business was to be done and should be done. That it stood not with
your Grace's honor nor yet with my poor reputation to take from Dean
Chetwind 200l. and then to put it into his pocket, for what would
a thousand Puritans say? I showed him moreover a part of your
late letters which enables me to revive and call upon the business.
I showed him also what an absolute submission and reference the
dean and chapter had made to his Majesty, and under his Majesty
to you, for disposing of the two leases to the church's use and
advantage. I further added if they stood off till my visitation, they
should answer their tergiversations with shame enough. The very
next day after a chapter was called and all assented to in peace,
and confirmed by a chapter act, viz., that 200l. yearly augmentation should accrue to the church out of the two leases; to the dean's
place 40l. per annum, to each and every prebend 20l., to the
choir 20l. yearly, and to the fabric 20l. Likewise the 20l. for
mending highways is disposed of to the public good. I doubt not
but the dean was of himself very well affected to all this, but by
their averseness they had even tired him out and taken off his edge.
[2 pp.] |
Oct. 4. Cawood. |
24. Archbishop Neale of York to Sec. Windebank. I wish your
greater occasions would afford you leisure in a line or two to let me
know how his Majesty accepted my answer to your last letters to
me concerning Dr. Jenison. I am in a straight, not knowing what
to do with him; to let him return to Newcastle I dare not; to
restrain him from his own house, wife, and children he thinks a very
hard case, and indeed so it is. If I knew how his Majesty accepted
of that answer, I should the better resolve what to do with him.
He still professes conformity, which I dare not trust him in. I have
endeavoured to have information from Newcastle of any correspondence that he has held with the Scotch Covenanters, but can discover
none. For other things, he has confessed and promises amendment,
which I wish were hearty. I am very earnestly entreated by an
honest man, to whom I have a long time been beholden to for his
care of my health, to solicit you to do him a favour, but my petition
is and shall be bounded by due respect of your own convenience.
His suit is, to obtain his Majesty's letter to the Governors of St.
Thomas's Hospital, for the reversion of the apothecary's place for
that hospital. The bearer whom I move for, William Rouswell, is
a man of very good worth and ability in his profession, bred therein,
and much used by our ancient friend Sir William Paddy. By doing
him this favour you will oblige him to be a faithful and loving
servant to you and all yours while he lives. [Seal with arms. 1 p.] |
Oct. 4. The Unicorn, in the Downs. |
25. Sir John Pennington to Sec. Windebank. Yours of the 3rd
inst. has come to me. I must crave pardon for not performing your
commands therein mentioned, for that I am absolutely prohibited
by the Lord Admiral from executing anything except I have it
immediately under the King's own hand or from himself, and I
have suffered for it in his Lordship's good opinion heretofore; moreover your directions are so lapped up that I know not well what
can be done in them, for you neither name the persons of the men
that should be stayed nor their country, neither can I stay any
man by that direction, if the Prince Elector will own him to be of
his company. [1 p.] |
Oct. 4. |
26. Copy of the same. [¾ p.] |
Oct. 4. Woodhall. |
27. James Gibbes to [Richard] Harvey. This is to bid you
welcome to London again, and to give you notice that I had and
have a great resentment of the misfortune of not seeing you when
you called at Woodhall in passing by. Here we are all alone, and
apply ourselves to our books diligently. I hope to make Mr. Philip
[Porter] my masterpiece, according as he proceeds with me and takes
learning. His father told us we should shortly be going over sea,
but I fear it will not be before next spring. What you may advise
I shall be glad to follow. As for Mr. Charles [Porter] no great
matter could be worked with him, wherefore I should rejoice some
settled course should be thought on for him. I received letters from
Mr. Bartlet lately, who desires to be remembered to you. [Seal
with arms. 1 p.] |
Oct. 4. Conisholme. |
28. Thomas Butler to the same. I was sorry that you were gone
away before I came up to Hollam Hill. I desire to know whether
Master Porter has received my letters, and what effect they have
wrought. I hope you will stand my friend to speak for me when
you see cause. I know that Mr. Philips never had any good heart
towards me, for if he had, I think verily that he would not have
left me in such a case as he did, taking no care for me whether I
sink or swim. I would have been at London before this time, but
for special occasions; however I will be there about the middle of
this term. [1 p.] |
Oct. 5. The Court, at Whitehall. |
29. Sec. Windebank to the Sheriff of co. Oxford. There lately
issued forth to yourself and others a commission for finding of the
lands, goods, and chattels of certain recusants, which proceeding
being only intended for enabling those who are already convicted
and mentioned in a schedule annexed to the commission to make
composition for the several sums due to his Majesty upon the
statutes for their recusancy, according to his Majesty's instructions
in that behalf, which otherwise they could not do. Forasmuch as
the commission of enquiry has been by divers misunderstood as
an unusual violent prosecution against recusants, which is not his
Majesty's intention, these are to signify that his Majesty's intention
is that no seizure be made of any of the lands, goods, or chattels
of those who shall, at the execution of the aforesaid commission,
enter their names that they will, within three months after, prosecute their composition in London with his Majesty's Commissioners
for Recusancy, and that you be careful, in the execution of the
commission, that all further or unusual prosecution against recusants
be forborne by those who shall be therein employed. If any
seizures be already made by you or your deputies contrary to
these his Majesty's gracious intentions, the same shall be forthwith
restored, such being his Majesty's clemency towards them at this
time at the instance of her Majesty. [1 p.] |
Oct. 5. |
30. Similar letter to the Sheriff of Sussex. [Seal with arms.
1 p.] |
Oct. 5. |
31. The like to the Sheriff of Somerset. [1 p.] |
Oct. 5. |
32. The like to the Sheriff of Hants. [1 p.] |
Oct. 5. Dover Castle. |
33. Sir John Manwood to Sec. Windebank. According to the
commands in your letter touching the powder, I have sent the merchants' accounts how they intended to dispose of it, and from whence
they had it, if his Majesty restrain them not, they being humble
suitors to know his Majesty's pleasure. My Lord will satisfy you
in all other points that concern him. [Seal with arms. 1 p.] |
Oct. 5. |
34. Copy of the same. [½p.] |
Oct. 5. Dover. |
35. Theophilus Earl of Suffolk to Sec. Windebank. Upon receipt
of your letter of the 4th inst., I sent aboard Sir John Pennington,
to enquire of the Prince Elector's passage, and had from him the
enclosed answer. According to your directions I have made stay
of all passengers and letters within the Cinque Ports, and likewise
the ordinary packet that goes for France; but now, as I conceive,
it is your meaning that the restraint be taken off, and the packetboat has liberty to go away to-morrow with the tide. And to the
rest of the ports I shall now send order to put them in the same
state they were before the restraint, until such time as I shall hear
more from you. I acquainted the general of the Spanish fleet with
his Majesty's favour concerning the landing and accommodation of
his sick men. He seemed thereat to be infinitely taken, and uttered
many thankful acknowledgments for all his Majesty's princely
favours, and in this particular I did let him know that the Spanish
resident had moved his Majesty therein. But the general returned
me answer, as I said before, with thousands of thanks to the King,
that he had taken order to send his sick to Dunkirk, and therefore
had no occasion, in this particular, to make use of his Majesty's
grace and favour. P.S.—There have no French come either to
Dover or Rye, saving two mean persons belonging to the Queen
Mother; the one came to Dover, the other went to Rye with divers
letters to ladies and other private persons, all which shall be
presently returned to them again, and they themselves suffered to
go on their journey. [1 p.] Enclosed, |
35. I. Sir John Pennington to Theophilus Earl of Suffolk. Your
letter of this date is at this instant come to me, in answer
whereof the Prince Elector set sail from hence in the
Bonaventure yesterday, between 4 and 5 o'clock in the
afternoon, for Bolline [Boulogne], in France, and, as the
report of their ordnance tells me, was landed this forenoon about 10 o'clock. The Unicorn, in the Downs,
5th Oct. 1639. [1 p.] |
Oct. 5. |
36. Copy of the above letter of the Earl of Suffolk to Sec.
Windebank. [1 p.] |
Oct. 5. London. |
37. Algernon Earl of Northumberland to Sir John Pennington.
According to your desire, I have acquainted his Majesty with such
particulars contained in yours of the 2nd and 4th inst. as were
worthy his taking notice of. Howsoever, the Admiral of Holland
seems to excuse the seizing upon those vessels, because the King
had prohibited his subjects from transporting Spaniards to Dunkirk,
yet he cannot choose but take [it] ill that the Hollanders should
presume to take them under the command of his forts. And for the
masters of those ketches who have offended in this business, I shall
take order they be severely punished; and his Majesty doth expect
the Admiral of Holland should do the like with his captains who
have transgressed, especially with him that durst wear the King's
colours in his Majesty's own roads, contrary to all honest practice.
With the proceedings of the packet-boat his Majesty is much displeased, and has given order to the secretaries of state to examine
the business and to see the delinquents punished; but for a more
certain reformation of that abuse, it is very necessary that I be
made acquainted with such particular offences as have been committed by that boat, as also with the proofs, that we may be sure
they be not doubtful, but infallible, whereof I desire you to have a
special care, not only for what has been already done, but what shall
be done by her hereafter. As for the misbehaviour of Rockwell,
master of the Greyhound, I am content he be discharged so soon as
Wheeler shall come to you, unto whom, upon his humble submission
and very serious promise of amendment, I shall once more give
warrant for the command of that vessel, and shall despatch him
towards you suddenly. I have this morning sent for the victualer,
and have acquainted him with the complaint you make, that there
are no victuals come down for the three ships, who protests, upon
his credit, that the victuals went away ten days ago, and had not
the wind been contrary they would have been with you long ere
this; adding, moreover, that to prevent all inconvenience he did
long ago furnish Holt, your purser, with 200l., to supply either you
or them with fresh victuals from the shore, in case there should be
any necessity before the coming down of their victuals. You have
done well in refusing to put into execution those directions sent you
by Sec. Windebank, and I will excuse you therein to the King, and
justify the doing of it. Concerning Apslin, whom you recommend
unto me, I shall remember him, the rather at your entreaty, when
any master shipwright's place shall become void, if I find him
capable thereof. And whereas you desire to receive more punctual
instructions than have already been sent you concerning your
demeanour towards the two fleets in the Downs, I do assure you that
you have the very same that were given to me, and other than those
I cannot send you. The inconveniences that may happen by suffering these two great fleets to remain in the Downs have been fully
represented to the King, but his Majesty is not yet resolved upon
the appointing a day when both fleets shall depart the road.
[3½ pp.] |
Oct. 5. Ancaster. |
38. Thomas Earl of Lincoln to Archbishop Laud. I am and
always have been very desirous to submit to your private determi-
nation the cause depending in the High Commission which concerns
myself and the vicarage of Stowe. I doubt not but to satisfy you
that this vicarage is endowed but with 20 nobles per annum; the
tithes thereof were impropriate to the monastery of Semperingham,
which was purchased from the Crown by my great-grandfather,
Edward Earl of Lincoln. Within a quarter of a mile of Stowe is
the vicarage of Threckingham, the endowment whereof exceeds not
40 marks per annum. I have for all my time allowed to the church
to which those few inhabitants of Stowe have resorted, not only the
20 nobles due to Stowe, but a part of the impropriate tithes. Before
ever the present suit was thought of, I moved your visitor in these
parts that the vicarage of Stowe might be consolidated with the
vicarage of Threckingham, which he approved, and it was in doing
by direction of my counsel when this suit was commenced. I am
now suitor that the consolidation may proceed, the churches being
so near and both of them so poor. I give you many thanks for
your respects to me in the proceeding of this business, especially
that you are pleased to bestow your pains in private to accommodate
me in my desires. In the beginning of the term my counsel shall
not fail to attend you, and I then hope to give you good satisfaction
in everything, which my friend Sir Christopher Wray has, on my
behalf, alleged to you in my necessary absence, and I trust I shall
be able to wash my hands before you from the charges of demolishing
or profaning the Church. The desire I had to clear myself from
these foul aspersions hath been the only cause on my part of spending
time in this suit, and unless in this summary way I do render
myself innocent, I shall willingly, in that and everything else, abide
your judgment. [Seal with arms. 1 p.] |
Oct. 5. |
39. Statement of the stages through which the suit in the Star
Chamber versus Bishop Williams, of Lincoln, has passed, since the
18th Jan. 1638, when the information was exhibited against the
bishop. Under date 29th Nov. 1638 occurs this entry:—Upon
the Attorney-General's information that the bishop had several
times made insufficient answers to the interrogatories, and will not
be drawn to perfect his examination according to the last certificate
of the judges, but is close prisoner for his contempt therein, it was
ordered that the examiner attend him that afternoon, and unless he
perfect his examination in a week, the matters questioned shall be
taken pro confesso. So there has been above 10 months spent
before the bishop could be brought to perfect his examination upon
interrogatories, and 10 months more spent in bringing in some of
the other defendants, many of them being kept out of the way by
the bishop's means, and some others of the principal defendants are
yet concealed and shifted away, insomuch as Mr. Attorney has
been driven to move the court, 5 Oct. 1639, for a special order to
reply to them, when they can be brought in to answer. The bishop's
counsel was heard at large by the judges referees touching the
scandal in his answer, and he had knowledge that it was expunged
above 11 months since, as will be witnessed by Mr. Parry, who
delivered him the copy of his answer so long since, with those
words expunged, by direction of the court, and his lordship expostulated the matter with Parry about expunging the same. So, if in
truth there had been cause, he might have questioned Mr. Kilvert
and any others by his bill before this time, it being 16 months since
the scandal was expunged. And now, after replication filed and
issue joined in the cause, to add unto or alter a defendant's answer
hath not been known; and since this cause has been delayed now
20 months by the shifts and contempts of the bishop, it is humbly
prayed that the defendants may examine all their witnesses, and
publication pass within a month, that the cause may be brought to
hearing this term. Nine orders of court have been made for his
close imprisonment, and one that he should be taken pro confesso,
before he could be brought to answer, and be examined upon interrogatories. Underwritten, |
39. i. In the first cause the bishop inserted scandal in his
answer against Sir John Lambe, and because it was not
excepted against before the replication filed, it could not
be expunged. [3 pp.] |
Oct. 5. |
40. Account by Sir William Russell of ship-money for 1638.
Total received 40,660l. 12s. 9d.; in arrear 29,089l. 7s. 3d. [1 p.] |
Oct. 5. |
41. Account of ship-money for 1638 levied and remaining in the
hands of the sheriffs. Total 1,851l., making, with the 40,660l. paid
to Sir William Russell, 42,511l. The following was the state of
arrears: For 1635 = 4,536l.; 1636 = 7,181l.; 1637 = 20,459l.;
1638 = 27,089l. [1 p.] |
Oct. 5. |
42. Receipt of Edward Peters for 240 barrels of gunpowder from
Hamburgh for exportation to Dunkirk. [¼ p.] Annexed, |
42. i. Receipt of David Hemsen for 50 barrels of gunpowder
from Hamburgh, to be transported to Madeira and
consigned to Mr. Martin. [¼ p.] |
Oct. 6. Whitehall. |
Henry Earl of Holland to Sir Robert Bennett, Surveyor of the
Works belonging to the Castle and Honour of Windsor. I am
informed that it will be necessary for the good of his Majesty's deerbelonging to Francis Yong's Walk within the Great Park that the
large pond adjoining to the great meadow within the said walk be
scoured, and also that the pales round about the little meadow near
the lodge be repaired. It is fit also to alter the locks of the gates
belonging to the Great Park, thereby to disappoint the multitude of
keys by which the park is made in a manner common, as well to the
disturbance and hazard of the deer there as to the filling of the park
with horses and cattle of persons unknown. I require you therefore
to cause the locks to be changed and the pond scoured, and likewise that the pales above alluded to be repaired. [Copy. See Vol.
ccclxxxiv., p. 65. 4/5 p.] |
Oct. 6. |
43. Certificate of Philip Holman, sheriff of co. Northampton, by
which he submits to pay the arrear of ship-money charged upon the
county by virtue of writs directed to him, excepting only the sums
charged upon the corporations within that county. [½ p.] |
Oct. 7. |
Grant to Ralph Nicholls of 100l. per annum for executing the
place of Marshal of the Ceremonies to his Majesty, in the room of
Amis Andros, upon the surrender by Andros of the like grant.
[Docquet.] |
Oct. 7. |
Presentation of Francis Stroud, clerk, M.A., to the rectory of
Cadeleigh in the diocese of Exeter, void by the death of the last
incumbent, and in his Majesty's gift hac vice by reason of the
minority of Simon Leech, his Majesty's ward, or for want of suing
out his livery. [Docquet.] |
Oct. 7. |
Warrant to the Exchequer for an allowance of 40s. per diem to
Sir William Boswell, resident for his Majesty with the States of the
United Provinces, for his entertainment in that service, to commence from the 3rd April last exclusively, and to continue till his
return; also to advance to him from time to time three months
entertainment to be defalked upon his account; likewise for payment of such other charges as by bill to be by him subscribed and
allowed by one of the principal Secretaries of State shall appear
due. [Docquet.] |
Oct. 7. |
44. Sir William Armyne to the Council. In obedience to your
commands Sir Edward Hussey and myself have heard the allegations of Lady Pakenham for proof of the suggestions of her petition
unto you in June last concerning a light horse now in difference
betwixt that lady and Mr. Brownlow. We have likewise heard
what Mr. Brownlow can say. It appears to me that Richard
Brownlow, the father, first bought the reversion of Belton in 1609,
and not long before Sir Henry Pakenham's death purchased also the
present possession, agreeing to pay Lady Pakenham a rent of 560l.
per annum during her life, upheld from all manner of charges whatsoever. Accordingly, from 1619, about which time Sir Henry died,
till 1627 Richard Brownlow stood charged for Belton with a light
horse, and did in that time show horse and arms for Belton according to his charge. On the 10th February 1627[-8] Francis Earl of
Rutland, then Lord Lieutenant of co. Lincoln, charged Captain Godfrey, who had married the lady, with a light horse, for his wife's
lands in Belton in the occupation of Richard Brownlow, but from
that day to this never any was showed, neither by Mr. Brownlow nor
by Capt. Godfrey. About Christmas 1638 Capt. Godfrey died, and
Lady Pakenham, his widow, says she was never yet charged with
any horse or arms, but is very willing, if she, releasing her annuity,
may have the possession of the house and lands in Belton during
her life, with all the profits and commodities thereunto belonging,
as amply as she had before the bargain made with Richard Brownlow to find the light horse and arms which stand now charged upon
Belton. Otherwise she hopes to enjoy her rent reserved out of
Belton, free from all manner of charges whatsoever, as hitherto she
has enjoyed it, save only the trouble and charge of this particular
business now in hand before you, which she prays you would relieve
her in. And so, in submission to your final determination in this
matter, I conceive Mr. Brownlow should find the light horse and
arms during the life of the said Lady Pakenham, as his father did
before him, in regard of the before-mentioned bargain, and that
Mr. Brownlow now has the full possession of the house and lands in
Belton and dwells upon them. [1p.] |
Oct. 8. London House. |
45. Lord Treasurer Juxon to the Officers of the Customs of
Sandwich and Dover and the Members thereof. I have received
his Majesty's privy seal, dated Westminster, the 2nd inst., concerning the abuse of freighting and unlading English bottoms in foreign
ports, without touching at Dover, Dover Road, or the Downs, or
paying the duties according to composition for the same, as by the
copy thereof [See p. 3, No. 7] herewith sent may more at large
appear. These are therefore to require you to take good heed to
the tenor of the said privy seal, and to observe the same in all points.
[Copy. 1 p.] |
Oct. 8. |
46. Robert Reade to William Dell. Upon the enclosed information of Winckworth against Parsons, Mr. Secretary [Windebank]
sent his warrant for him; and now that he is brought up it
appears that this is the third time he has been questioned for this
business. The first time he was in trouble about it was in 1633,
when he remained a good while in restraint, and then was discharged by consent of Archbishop Laud. The second time the
examination of the complaint was referred to Sir Richard Harrison,
who certified therein, and to my best remembrance it appeared that
it was a malicious accusation. I am sure this third complaint is of
malice, it being made by one of his adversaries in the parish, who
stands now excommunicated at his suit, yet Mr. Secretary would
not discharge him until he had acquainted his Grace with it, which
he purposed to do yesterday, but forgot it. You may please therefore to acquaint his Grace therewith and receive his order how
Mr. Secretary shall proceed further herein, for though the man can
never be too much punished for such an insolence, yet since he has
been already twice troubled for it there is the more consideration
to be had of him. [Seal with arms.] Written in the margin, |
46. i. William Dell to Robert Reade. I have shown his Grace
this letter, who thanks Mr. Secretary for his care of him,
and yourself for your pains. He had not leisure to
speak with the man, nor had heard one syllable concerning him till now, unless it were a great while ago,
and therefore his Grace refers it wholly to Mr. Secretary
to release him if he please, being heartily sorry he has
such occasions to put him to trouble. [1 p.] |
Oct. 8. Windsor. |
47. Algernon Earl of Northumberland to Sir John Pennington.
I have made his Majesty acquainted with that part of your letter,
brought me this day by your nephew, which concerns your de-
meanour between the Holland and Spanish admirals, unto which
his Majesty's answer is this, that you are to let the Holland admiral
know that his Majesty is now celebrating the feast of St. George at
Windsor, but within four days will return to London, and is then
resolved to appoint a short time for both fleets to depart the Road,
and upon the assurances which the Holland ambassador has given his
Majesty he rests confident that in the meanwhile no acts of hostility
will be committed by them in that place. This being done, you are
to send to the Spanish admiral, to inform yourself in what state
they are to defend themselves and to resist that great force of the
Hollanders which now threatens them. If when the Hollanders
assault the others you see the Spaniards defend themselves so well
that with the help of those few ships that are with you they shall
be able to make their party good, which the King, upon the report
of some, is well inclined to believe, then are you to give them your
best assistance, otherwise you must make as handsome a retreat as
you can in so unlucky a business. More particular instructions
than these I cannot get for you, which you must manage to your
best advantage. Your requiring them to forbear but for three days
and then to take their course, if the Spaniards were not commanded
out of the Road or the Hollanders permitted to fall upon them,
exposes you to some censure, having no commission to make any
such proposition, but because I presume it proceeded from a good
intention in you I will use my best endeavour to make it so
understood. P.S.—I have once more given the victualer order for
supply of those ships, and have sent to the City about theirs, and
that with such earnestness that I assure myself you will hear from
them both suddenly, either by sea or by land. [2 pp.] |
Oct. 8. Sion. |
48. Thomas Smith to Robert Reade. Mr. Sec. Windebank is
desired to procure a warrant from his Majesty to the Lord Admiral
for his giving order that his Majesty's ship Convertive be made
ready to go to sea with rigging and sea stores of that kind, both
for the boatswain and the carpenter, as is accustomed for six
months, and so to be lent to the Earl Marshal of England. [Seal
with crest. ¾ p.] |
Oct. 8. Greenwich. |
49. Bishop Maxwell of Ross, in Scotland, to Sec. Windebank. My
lord's grace told me what you wrote concerning the doubt of the
two Drs. Wishart. I thank you for your care and kindness, and
that you desire not only to know his christian name, but also what
I think fit to be done for facilitating the business. It is a mistake
that there are two doctors of that name, and so the designation of
Dr. Wishart had been enough. His christian name is George. For
his ability and integrity I will undertake. To advance and facilitate the errand it is requisite, if not necessary, that his Majesty's
letter, and that an earnest one, be directed with all convenient
diligence that Dr. George Wishart, sometime preacher at St. Andrew's,
may during the suspension of Dr. Jenison have the charge he had
at Newcastle, that is, to be lecturer at St. Hallows, Newcastle, on
Sunday, and at St. Nicholas on Thursday. This letter as I conceive, but in this I refer myself to you who know those things best,
must be directed to the mayor of Newcastle and aldermen there,
or the mayor alone, as you think fit. What makes me request for
haste is that there is periculum in morâ, for which favour I trust
God will reward you; an honest man will be a daily orator to God
for you. [1p.] |
Oct.8. Excter Palace. |
50. Bishop Hall of Exeter to Archbishop Laud. We begin
already to find the effects of the Scottish schism. I am grieved
to say that one of my clergy, Benjamin Cox, of Sandford, in my
diocese, has lately in his chapel rather than church vented doctrine
foully prejudicial to the divine institution of episcopal government.
Upon intelligence I convented him, and drew from him the copy of
his sermon, written with his own hand, and so before me acknowledged, although, when he saw what I intended, he refused to
subscribe his name to it. I pressed him with particulars; he stands
peremptorily upon his points. I do therefore wait your pleasure by
the hands of my chancellor, to whom I have sent the sermon
originally written. I took it the more heinous from him for that
the man had been all this while strictly conformable, and was one
of the first in my diocese who removed his table voluntarily to an
altarly situation; quo percitus æstro he hath done this I know
not. I doubt more will follow this peevish humour. My zealous
endeavour shall not want both for prevention and remedy. [Endorsed by Laud: "He submitted and recanted." Seal with arms.
1 p.] |
Oct.8. Exeter Palace. |
51. Bishop Hall of Exeter to Sir Dudley Carlton. I received
an order from the Council to convent one of my clergy, Mr. Blake,
vicar of Bar[n]staple, and to receive his answer concerning his
refusal of the payment of the shipping money, which I have
accordingly done, and have here enclosed sent you his answer, too
full and prolix. You may be pleased to cut off the latter part,
which is too personal, and to take notice of the real satisfaction
he has given to this point. The man is peaceable, conformable, and
of more than ordinary desert. Let him speak the rest for himself
in his large answer. [Seal with arms. ¾ p.] Enclosed, |
51. i. Remonstrance of Martin Blake, vicar of Bar[n]staple, to
Bishop Hall of Exeter. Contends that the payment of
the assessment does not pertain to the vicar, but to the
impropriator of the place, in proof of which he encloses
an extract of the register which concerns an ancient
taxation of this vicarage by Bishop Stapleton in 1311.
Has forborne to pay this assessed sum of 15s., not out of
a base desire to spare his purse, much less out of a
refractory and perverse spirit against authority, but
merely out of an obligation in conscience to preserve
the right of the church against the impropriator, seeing
the poor vicar's allowance is so small and also that his
own expenses in the re-edification of the vicarage-house
(which was left to him no better than a ruinous heap) has
cost him above 300l. Oct. 4. [1½ p.] Encloses, |
51. i. i. Extract of the register of Bishop Stapleton of
Exeter above alluded to. [¾ p.] |
Oct.9. Drury Lane. |
52. Sec. Windebank to Archbishop Neale of York. I have
acquainted his Majesty with your letter of the 6th Sept. concerning
Dr. Jenison, and he is very well pleased with your grave and discreet carriage in that business, and with the care you ever use in his
and the church's service. For the non-conformity of the person,
his Majesty holds it dangerous to his government, especially considering the ill symptom it carries with it, of his correspondence
with the Scottish faction; and therefore his Majesty's pleasure is
that you shall not only continue his suspension, but proceed further
against him for such misdemeanours, as by proof and evidence he
shall be found guilty of. In the meantime, that the place he held
at Newcastle may not continue unsupplied, his Majesty has commanded me to write to the town in his name, a copy of which
letter [see next entry] I herewith send you, requiring them to make
choice of and to admit Dr. Wishart, sometime preacher at St.
Andrew's, to Jenison's charge. This Dr. Wishart is one for whose
ability, integrity, and good affections to the church the Bishop of
Ross has undertaken to his Majesty [see p. 19, No. 49], who has
thereupon been pleased to vouchsafe him recommendation. [Copy.
1 p.] |
Oct. 9. Drury Lane. |
53. Sec. Windebank to [the Mayor and others of] the town of
Newcastle-upon-Tyne. His Majesty having understood that Dr.
Jenison, who held the place of lecturer in Newcastle, stands suspended for nonconformity, and is to be questioned for sundry other
misdemeanours, has commanded me to signify to you his care of the
good of that town and how sensible he is that the place should
continue unfurnished of an able and learned minister. Whereupon
his Majesty's intention is that it be supplied with some person of
integrity of life and soundness in religion, and to that end has made
choice of Dr. George Wishart, whom his Majesty knows to be very
fit for that charge. His Majesty's pleasure therefore is that you do
not only immediately choose the said Dr. Wishart to the place of
lecturer at St. Hallows' in Newcastle upon Sundays and at St. Nicholas upon Thursdays there, but that you likewise suffer him to
enjoy and receive all profits, commodities, and advantages whatsoever
thereunto belonging in as ample a manner as Dr. Jenison enjoyed
the same, and that Dr. Wishart shall hold and exercise that charge
during the suspension of the said Dr. Jenison. [Copy. 1 p.] |
Oct.9. Windsor. |
54. James Marquis of Hamilton to Sec. Windebank. My lying
in his Majesty's chamber, he being in bed and I called for, will
plead excuse for the shortness of this letter and my not entering
into particulars. I am commanded to let you know that if upon
Friday next Rook's petition be presented to the Council with his
Majesty's reference thereupon, you signify to the Lords that it is
his pleasure they forbear any proceeding thereupon till his coming
to town, at which time he will declare his further pleasure. [Seal
with arms. 1 p.] |
Oct.9. Windsor, 11 o'clock at night. |
55. Algernon Earl of Northumberland to Sec. Windebank. Last
night his Majesty, understanding by some advertisements from the
Downs that the Hollanders are preparing to give a present assault
upon the Spaniards in that place, commanded me to let the Admiral
of Holland know by Pennington that at his Majesty's return to
London he was resolved to limit a short time for both fleets to depart
the Road, and therefore expects in the meantime that no hostile act
be committed by them. His Majesty's pleasure is that you give
like notice of this resolution to the States' ambassador, that he may
do all he can to prevent the inconveniences that must necessarily
follow if anything should be there attempted. The King's resolutions
have hitherto been so uncertain that I much doubt it will now hardly
be in his power to hinder both the dishonour and loss which he is
likely to suffer. I wish a good end to this business, and myself
some means of serving you. [¾ p.] |
Oct. 9. |
56. Copy of the same. [¾ p.] |
Oct.9. Windsor. |
57. Endymion Porter to Sec. Windebank. At nine o'clock last
night I received your letter with one enclosed from Don Alonso de
Cardenas, and acquainted his Majesty with the contents of it. He
commanded me to let you know that he would have you make
answer to the resident, if he require it, that the King has shewed
his care of the Spanish fleet with all the kindness that could be
expected, and that if the wind set where it does it will be impossible
for his ships to come to protect them against the Hollander, but
his Majesty will do the best he can. Howsoever he would have
the Spaniards prepare themselves for the worst, for they cannot
imagine but that he will be prest to limit a time for their abode
in his port; in the meantime he will keep them from hostility if
it be possible, and his Majesty has given the best order he can for
that purpose. You can also inform them how great a prejudice it
would be to the King if they should fight in the harbour, for if
any ships should miscarry and be sunk there it would be the ruin
of the best harbour in the kingdom. It seems the Spaniards regard
nothing but their own accommodation, nor will they look about
them until the King assign them a day to set sail, the which will be
required from him; and when they are out of the port they must
trust to their own force, for his Majesty will protect them no farther.
As for their making any proposition, I think they are such dull,
stupefied souls that they think of nothing, and when I acquainted
his Majesty with their negligence in that particular he told me that
the resident was "a silly, ignorant, odd fellow." [1 p.] |
Oct.9. |
58. Copy of the same. [1 p.] |
Oct.9. The Tower. |
59. Sir William Balfour, Lieutenant of the Tower, to Nicholas.
I lately received a letter from the Council concerning arrear of shipmoney for 1637 in the Tower liberty, as if through my remissness
and negligence the same had not been collected ere now. For
clearing whereof I desire you to represent to the Lords from me
that the said liberty has been and still is highly rated, chiefly in
consideration of 40 yeomen-warders serving there, who are all of
them subsidy men and are ordinarily rated in these assessments at
44s. a man, which comes to 88l. for their share. The rest of the
assessment is laid upon the liberty, which hardly is collected from
them, being a company of poor men who mostly live by their labour,
and the warders being exempt from this collection by order from
the Lords, the inhabitants question if they in reason should be
charged to pay the warders' share and their own too, their own share
being almost double as great as any of the adjoining hamlets where
many rich men inhabit. Yet out of my zeal for his Majesty's service
I did for that year 1637 lay 48l. of the 88l. which was the warders'
share upon the inhabitants, which with great grumbling and much
ado was collected save 10l. or 12l., and this besides my own share
of 3l. or 4l. I made up out of my own purse; so that the 142l. that
year appointed both for the warders and inhabitants was all paid,
save 40l. now called for, which I fear cannot be had or expected
from such poor men as those of this liberty, they having already
strained themselves to their uttermost, and how this can be remedied
I leave to their Lordships' consideration. [Endorsed by Nicholas:
"Order to be taken that next year when ship-money shall be required the sheriff of Middlesex do not levy so much on the Tower
liberty by 40l. as was laid in 1637." Seal with arms. 1 p.] |
Oct.10. |
60. Sec. Windebank to Theophilus Earl of Suffolk, Lord Warden
of the Cinque Ports. His Majesty considering that if the Holland
fleet should commit any act of hostility upon the Spaniards in the
Downs, whereby the latter may be driven on shore for preservation
of their lives, and so finding themselves in want of victuals and
lodging may perhaps become unruly and disorderly, as soldiers in
distress and necessity use for the most part to be, to the prejudice
and damnifying of his Majesty's subjects, his Majesty commanded
me to signify his pleasure to you that as well you as the deputylieutenants of Kent, in such case of necessity, shall cause provision
to be made for the billeting of the Spaniards as strangers, in places
most convenient, in such sort as for their money they may have all
necessaries of meat, drink, and lodging, and that it may appear
to all the world how careful his Majesty is, not only for the good
of his own subjects in preventing disorders, but likewise of the
subjects of his friends and allies in such cases of extremity. Thanks
for your despatch wherein you give account of the Spanish admiral's
well accepting of his Majesty's offer concerning the sick soldiers,
and of the disposing of them another way. [Copy in Windebank's
handwriting. 1 p.] |
Oct.10. |
61. Another copy of the same. [¾ p.] |
Oct.10. Windsor. |
62. Endymion Porter to Sec. Windebank. His Majesty having
considered what may happen if the Hollanders should in a hostile
manner fall upon the Spaniards in the Downs and compel them to run
ashore, has commanded Porter to request Windebank to signify to the
Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and the deputy-lieutenants of Kent
to provide for the billeting of such Spaniards as may come ashore,
as detailed in the preceding letter before calendered. [1 p.] |
Oct. 10. |
63. Copy of the same. [1½ p.] |
Oct. 10. |
64. [Sec. Windebank] to Bishop Mainwaring of St. David's. I
understand there is a difference now depending before you concerning the title of an advowson wherein the Earl of Worcester
claims a right. You well know, and I can testify, how willing his
Majesty formerly was that the Earl's right should be maintained,
though it then concerned his Majesty in particular. And as for
this, it being, as I am informed, but a vexatious course of the
adverse party, I doubt not but you will consider of the quality of
my Lord of Worcester, and the great estimation the King has of
him, and proceed in so fair and equal a way as that by your
justice his Lordship may have his right preserved without troubling
his Majesty, who certainly will be no less careful of him in this
business than he was in the former, which you may intimate to
the adverse party. Herein you will very much oblige my Lord of
Worcester. [Draft. ¾ p.] |
Oct. 11. |
65. Petition of John Stripe, merchant, and others to the Council.
There is a general plenty of all sorts of grain this year thoughout
the kingdom, and particularly in the parts of Yorkshire in and about
Hatfield Chase, where it is much increased by the draining of the
level, by means whereof, and of their old stores yet remaining, the
prices are so low that the husbandmen and farmers are unable to
pay their rents and subsist, unless they may sell some quantities
to be transported into the parts beyond the seas, as in such cases
has heretofore been usual. Pray license to export from Hull 200 lasts
of wheat, 100 lasts of oats, 300 lasts of rye, and 200 lasts of
barley, being quantities that may be well spared out of those parts.
[½ p.] Annexed, |
65. I. Richard Bradforth, mayor, and others of Doncaster to the
Council. Certify that at the last market held on the
5th inst., best wheat was sold at 25s. the quarter, and the
meanest for 18s. 4d.; rye 16s., and so down to 14s.
according to goodness; oats 6s. 8d. the quarter, and so
down to 5s. Doncaster, 11th October 1639. [1 p.] |
Oct. 11. Deal Castle, 10 a.m. |
66. Theophilus Earl of Suffolk to Sec. Windebank. At this
instant the Spaniards and the Hollanders are in a bloody fight in
the Downs. The Admiral of Holland began the fight. There are
six Lubeckers already run ashore, and it is probable that more
will follow. A few hours more will decide the particulars, and then
you shall hear further from me. [½ p.] |
Oct. 11. |
67. Copy of the same. [½ p.] |
Oct. 11. Dover, 3 p.m. |
68. Theophilus Earl of Suffolk to Sec. Windebank. Since my last
letter I stayed at the Downs until such time as the Spaniards and
Hollanders being under sail made their way from the Downs westward, fighting as they passed. There are some ships come on shore
near the castles in the Downs, and I saw two of the Spanish fleet
fired close under Walmer Castle, and those are all that have yet
suffered by that way. This is all that I can say touching this fight,
saving that his Majesty's ships lie in the Downs safely, not having
sustained, for ought I know or can be informed, any harm. As for
your letter of the 10th inst., which I received this morning, I will be
careful to follow the directions therein. There are many Spaniards
already come ashore, for whose accommodation I have given order.
[Seal with arms. ¾ p.] |
Oct. 11. |
69. Copy of the same. [¾ p.] |
Oct. 11. Dover. |
70. Theophilus Earl of Suffolk to Sec. Windebank. Holding it
part of my duty, being here, to give you all the advertisements that
come to my knowledge, I am now thereby to give you to understand that since the writing of my two last letters the Hollanders
which followed the Spanish fleet have possessed themselves of two
of the Spanish ships which, as it seems by the relation I have, lagged
behind the rest, not being able to keep sail with them, and it is
the opinion of most understanding men that they are like still to
take more, in this way of their falling off [from] their company.
P.S.—There are already numbers of men landed both at the Downs
and Dover, and more will daily come ashore. In the meantime I
use my best endeavour for their accommodation, but I fear it will
be burthensome to the country unless some order be taken for
defraying their charges by the Spaniard. [Copy. ¾ p.] |
Oct. 11. |
71. Lord Treasurer Juxon and Francis Lord Cottington to Sir
Robert Pye, Auditor of the Exchequer, Sir Edward Wardour, Clerk
of the Pells, and the rest of the officers whom it may concern.
Whereas, by his letters of privy seal dated the 31st July 1639, his
Majesty was pleased for supportation of the hospital of King James
founded in the Charter House, Middlesex, to pardon and release the
governors of that hospital and their successors the sum of 500l.,
compounded and agreed with us and other the Commissioners to be
paid for disafforestation of their manors and lordships of Southminster,
Norton alias Cold Norton, Stambridge Magna, and other manors
and lands in the said privy seal expressed, commanding talleys to
be levied at the receipt of the Exchequer for discharge of the said
governors. These are therefore to require you to levy the talleys
according to the tenor of the above-mentioned privy seal. [Copy.
1 p.] |
Oct. 11. Beaumaris. |
72. Robert Chambers to Francis Lord Cottington. The opportunity of this conveyance gives me occasion to give you notice of
our safe arrival at Holyhead on Wednesday last, from whence we
are now hasting homeward with all convenient speed. The great
business is now concluded, and I hope I may safely say so settled,
according to the trust reposed in the Commissioners, that we may
hope for a gracious acceptance from his Majesty, the advance of
whose service has been their only aim, and I may add your
honor has been much regarded. I am not ignorant but that a
business of this nature, transacted at this distance, may admit of
various reports from persons variously affected to it; thus much I
dare assure you, there is no certainty at all in any report concerning
the sum to which this revenue is advanced but what proceeds from
the Commissioners or myself, to whom it is only known, and
whether it be more or less than is reported, a fair account will be
given of it upon our return. [Seal with arms. 1 p.] |
Oct. 11. Sion. |
73. Thomas Smith to Sir John Pennington. My Lord Admiral
having granted a safe conduct to the ship Four Sisters for freeing the
men from the press, the owners are fearful she will be staid when
she comes into the Downs; and though I have assured them the
contrary, in regard she is laden, yet they will not be satisfied
without a letter from me to you, which I could not deny. I entreat
you not to suffer her to receive any interruption when she comes.
[¾ p.] |
Oct. 11. |
74. Relation by Sir John Pennington, Admiral, Sir Henry
Mainwaring, Henry Stradling, Richard Fielding, Edward Popham,
Richard Slingsby, John Hall, William Brown, Peter White, James
Bamford, William Nicholls, John Swanton, Philip Johnson, Thomas
Rockwell, and John Rochester, captains and masters of the fleet for
guard of the Narrow Seas, concerning the beginning of the fight in
the Downs between the Spaniards and Hollanders. The Spaniards
being berthed altogether in the best of the road, the Hollanders
lying without them to the eastward and northward, and the King's
ships to the southward, about eight in the morning, the wind being
N.W., the Hollanders were all of a sudden under sail; whereupon
our admiral called a council. We were no sooner aboard with him
but we heard some shot betwixt the fleets, but which began we
could not certainly know by reason of the fog, but as some of our
men affirm and by circumstances it is probable it was the
Spaniards, yet we conceive the Hollanders gave the first occasion
by weighing with their whole fleet, endeavouring to get to the
windward, and coming so near that the Spaniards might justly
suspect their intentions to board them with their fire ships. Our
ships being all loose, we had no time to advise long, being at
that time the last quarter flood. We all agreed that being the
leewardmost ships of all, by reason of the fog, the thickness of the
ships together, and the smoke, we could neither avoid being
entangled, to a great disadvantage, betwixt the fleets, nor the
danger of the fire-ships, nor yet assist the Spaniards, unless we
stood to the northward to get the weather-gage of them, which
we did; at which time the Holland admiral sent a captain aboard
with a letter [see p. 28, No. 80], which being in Dutch we understood
not, but the captain in the name of his admiral made a protestation
that they had not broken the peace, but the Spaniards who began
with them. The fog was so thick that the ships could not see one
another, so that in an hour's time we heard few or no shots, neither
were there very many shots in all. The weather clearing up a
little, we could see that we had got the weather-gage of them.
We stood in again with the Hollanders, and shot many guns from
all our ships, shooting many of them through, but they did not
return one shot at us. We continued chasing and shooting at them
till they were all beyond the South Foreland, neither did they put
out their flags till they were all out of the Downs and a good
way off, and then seeing some Hollanders to the northward and
eastward, we tacked and stood into the Downs again to prevent them
from fetching [off] those Spanish ships which were run on shore,
being to the number of 24, of which one was the vice-admiral, who
did all willingly run on shore, save some which were forced to avoid
the fire-ships which burnt out by them. In regard that the Spanish
fleet was so much disabled by the loss of half their ships at the first
onset and the rest flying, we did not think fit to pursue them any
further, neither do we conceive that if his Majesty had at this time
a force equal to the Hollanders it had been possible to prevent this
action, seeing we were not to begin with them, whereby they might
take their own time and best opportunity of wind and tide most
for their advantage. This is a true relation, which all we captains
and masters of his Majesty's fleet are ready to testify upon our
oaths. As we were signing this, we made stay of two Hollanders
who had run ashore in the fog between the two castles, which made
many shots at them, but which the Hollanders never returned. But
considering that it is probable that the Holland fleet will speedily
come in again, and that we shall not be able to keep these by force
if they require them, which we conceive will be a greater affront to
his Majesty than what is passed, if they should take them from us,
we have therefore thought it convenient at this time to dismiss
them. [Copy by Sec. Windebank. The original appears by the
Earl of Northumberland's letter of the 16th inst. [see p. 41, No. 30]
to have been sent by Sir John to the Earl. 2 pp.] |
Oct. 11. |
75 and 76. Two other copies of the same. [1½ p. and 2½ pp.] |
Oct. 11. The Unicorn, in the Downs. |
77. Sir John Pennington to [Algernon Earl of Northumberland].
By your letter of the 8th inst. you have more clearly satisfied
us all what we are to do and not to do, which if you had done
before we had not given you the last trouble, though it be the very
same we had concluded upon amongst ourselves before the receipt
of yours, and resolved to make good to the last man. And whereas
it seems my honest and plain meaning was mistaken by some,
though truly construed by you, for which I thank you, for my intent,
as I then wrote, was only to gain time and divert the [Hollanders]
from what I was credibly informed they had concluded presently to put
in execution, and to assure them that within three days there should
be a certain time prefixed when they should depart or else liberty
for them to take their course. If it were not so fully expressed as
I intended, I beseech you to impute it to my weakness or the
continual trouble I am in by a multitude of company and other
business. I have sent the message you commanded me to the
Holland admiral, but he has returned me no assurance that he will
forbear putting his design in execution. I have also sent to the
Spanish admiral, who now returns me a better answer than
ever he did before, for whereas he ever formerly sent me word he
was in the King's road, and therefore expected I should protect him,
his answer now is that he will stick close to it if I will assist him,
which we are resolved to do to the uttermost of our powers. And
I conceive the Holland admiral may have received some message
from their ambassador, whose son was aboard of him yesterday, for
they had given [battle] on the day before, but that it fell flat calm and
a great fog, but intended to do it the first opportunity, which they
omitted yesterday. The 500 barrels of powder are come aboard the
Spanish admiral, and he has had likewise 30 sloops more come to
him from Dunkirk with men and provisions, and one taken in
returning wherein were 60 Spanish soldiers. The Second Whelp is
not yet come to us, at which I much marvel, in regard of the
continual fair weather which we have, whereby they may stop and
tide it from any place. [Copy in Sec. Windebank's handwriting.
1¾ p.] |
Oct. 11. |
78. Another copy of the same. [1¾ p.] |
Oct. 11. |
79. Portion of the wrapper of a letter addressed to Sir John
Pennington on board the Unicorn in the Downs from Algernon Earl
of Northumberland, and dated "Sion, 11th Oct. 1639; Friday,
about five in the morning," and which by the last post-mark
appears to have reached "Canterbury past six o'clock at night" on
the 12th. [½ p.] |
Oct. 11/21. The Amelia, in the Downs. |
80. Martin Harpenson Tromp, Admiral of the Holland Fleet, to
Sir John Pennington. It has pleased you oftentimes to tell us by
your captains, that we should have a care not to use any hostility
to our enemies, for that they had order to fall upon those that should
shoot first while in this road. On the 29th Sept/9th Oct. one of the
Spanish ships, the sun being more than half an hour high, shot
against me and my vice-admiral and other captains and officers
through the foresail of our pinnace, wherein we were sailing by the
Spanish fleet, trusting ourselves upon the freedom of his Majesty's
road, which shot the Spaniard did not deny before you, but excused
himself that it was done by night, fearing that the pinnace was a
fire-ship, which you may very well know was an unjust excuse, it
being our pinnace which when passing by your ship gave three
pieces of ordnance. Mr. White told us that you in person gave
command that our pinnace should be answered with one piece of
ordnance, and at that time our officers, having been a reasonable
time aboard our pinnace, came aboard our ships. You yourself can
testify at what time the pinnace saluted you with three pieces, and
the shot was fired against us above an hour before that salutation,
whereby it appears that the Spaniards have violated his Majesty's
road; besides a true report has been brought to you. What passed
on the 4/14th inst. you know, when we saluting the Palsgrave, one
of the Spaniards shot one of our men in Capt. Balke's ship dead
with a musket, whereby the road was twice by them infringed;
therefore we beseech you to assist us to fight [and] beat the
Spaniards according to his Majesty's order. If you will not follow
his order by helping us, which we trust you will, [we expect] at least
that you will let us go on against our enemy and fight with him,
otherwise you will give us occasion to complain to all kings and
potentates of the injury done to us by you upon this our reasonable
request. Hereupon certifying unto you upon our promise that we,
for the reasons aforesaid and by order from our masters, are
resolved here to fall upon our enemies and to defend ourselves
against those that shall resist us, and had rather die as soldiers with
his Majesty's leave in clearing his Majesty's road than that we
should not fulfil our masters' order. Hoping that it will be
acceptable to his Majesty, and if his Majesty should take any
distaste we hope he will graciously forgive us. [Copy by Sec. Windebank. Endorsed, "Translated out of the Dutch." 1¾ p.] |
Oct. 11/21. |
81. Another copy of the same. [1¾ p.] |