|
Mar. 1.
Court at Whitehall. |
1. Sec. Windebank to Patrick Ruthven, Lord Ettrick, Governor
of Edinburgh Castle. Since the despatch of his Majesty's letters to
you of the 26th Feb. the bearer, Mr. Wm. Roberts, was commanded
to attend the receiving of the 500l. he now brings to you, and this
has been the cause of his longer stay here than was expected. This
500l. is not for satisfaction of any arrears due to yourself and other
officers there, but for present payment of the soldiers and other pressing
occasions. The arrears, beginning from the time you entered into
the castle, will be allowed out of a greater sum, shortly to be transmitted, but which could not safely be committed to one man, considering the times and the hazard of the passage. Care shall be
taken to keep you supplied with money. Understanding that
there are certain rents and yearly perquisites belonging to the
castle his Majesty desires to know their true value, and though,
considering you as a person of extreme merit, he is contented that
you should enjoy the same over and above the 40 marks Scottish
by the day, it is not his intention that this his bounty should be
drawn into precedent by your successors in that charge. P.S.—His
Majesty has commanded me to let you know that such packets as
shall come from you superscribed with your name and dated shall
be expedited in the post as if superscribed by the Earl of Traquair,
or the Principal Secretary for Scotland, and you are therefore to
address them accordingly. [Draft. 1 p.] |
| Mar. 1. |
2. Wm. Roberts to Sec. Windebank. Whereas his Majesty's
letters of the 26th Feb. signified that I had then my despatch, I
pray you let Lord Ettrick understand that I was immediately after
commanded to attend the receiving of 500l., together with his
Majesty's further commands. I pray you also to intimate to him
that his Majesty is pleased to give him, Mr. Scrymsoure, Capt.
Ruthven, and Wm. Roberts, as arrears of pay, all that should have
been paid them from 31st July to this day, excepting to Captain
Scrymsoure from the 31st December, according to the rates expressed
in his letters of the 26th Feb. Lastly, I beseech you to state
whether the 500l. be in part payment of the said arrears or to
disburse for his Majesty's service. [1 p.] |
| Mar. 1. |
3. Minute of warrant to release James Wilford from the Gatehouse
prison. [3 lines.] |
| Mar. 1. |
Another copy of minute. [See Vol. ccxcii., p. 114.] |
Mar. 1.
Office of Ordnance. |
4. Certificate from the officers of the Ordnance what gunpowder
was remaining in his Majesty's stores on the 1st Feb. last, with the
amounts since brought in and issued by way of sale or otherwise,
respectively. Total remaining in store at the Tower and at Portsmouth, 271 lasts 23 cwts. 39 lbs. [=2 pp.] |
Mar. 1.
Grafton. |
5. Thos. Cooke to Richard Harvey, at Mr. Porter's house in the
Strand. You shall receive by Mr. Cornelius a present of poultry
sent by Lady [Crane, of Stoke Park], which I desire you to present
to Mr. and Mrs. Endymion Porter with her best respects. [Seal
with design. ¾ p.] |
Mar. 2.
Edinburgh Castle. |
6. Patrick Lord Ettrick to the King. The wall of the outer
work on the south side of the castle fell on the 25th February,
likewise the wall of the north-east side of the outer work on the last
of February, built by the Covenanters this year. These are to
petition your Majesty to give strict command under highest pain to
your master mason to take speedy course for redressing the work,
to provide workmen and all other necessaries. I pray take into
consideration the plot of this castle with the outer fortification I
sent by my secretary, which I believe is more regular and formal
than it is presently; also to signify what your pleasure is concerning
this. The little money I had for providing your castle I am forced
to pay away to the Scotch soldiers. The Earl of Traquair has left
warrant here to his under receiver to give me, according to your
commands, money weekly for payment of the soldiers, [but] I
can have none that way, [for] they will answer none of his warrants.
Your Majesty will be pleased to give order for sending money here
the most convenient way you may think fit; also a post warrant to
all postmasters in Scotland and inland to bring my letters safe and
speedily to your hands. Pardon my not answering your last letters,
for I have been ever expecting your further directions by my secretary, whom I long for, hoping to receive them by him. For anything
I can learn your Majesty may expect no settling of peace in this
country. You know best, and what it pleases you to command me
shall be punctually obeyed. Endorsed by Sec. Windebank, "Delivered
to me on the 8th." [Seal with crest and arms. 1 p.] |
Mar. 2.
Whitehall. |
7. Notes by Nicholas of the proceedings this day at the Council
of War. Ordered that the Earl of Newport take order that a complete proportion of arms, whereof two parts to be muskets and a
third pikes, be timely delivered at Berwick to the 400 foot which
are ordered to be forthwith raised for reinforcing the garrison there;
also that he cause to be provided colours for the four companies of
foot suitable to the colours which the companies belonging to the
garrison already have, the same to be sent together with drums,
partisans, and all other things necessary. Ordered that the Earl of
Newport cause to be delivered at York, arms complete for the four
troops of carabineers, consisting of 60 horse apiece, raised for reinforcing the garrison at Berwick, and that as many of the said
troopers or their officers as shall desire to have saddles and furniture
should have the same, paying ready money for what they receive.
[1 p.] |
Mar. 2.
Whitehall. |
The like. This day Sir William Brouncker and others of the
captains appointed for reinforcing the garrison at Berwick desired
that they might have pay for themselves and their officers from
the date of their commissions, which was refused, and order given
that they shall not enter into pay till they mustered 40 horse
in each troop. Resolved that all the officers of the four companies
of foot to be levied for reinforcing of Berwick, from the captain to
the drummer included, shall receive pay from the date of their
commissions, and to be hastened away with all speed. [Written on
the same paper as Feb. 22. See Vol. ccccxlvi., No. 6 ½ p.] |
| Mar. 2. |
8. Thos. Alderne, sheriff of co. Hereford, to the Council. In my certificate of February [see Vol. ccccxlvi., No. 72] I intimated that the constables were to appear with the ship-money collected on 25th Feb.,
who accordingly came, but with a mind rather to retard than by
their endeavours to further the service. I find that the constables of
divers hundreds contemptuously refuse either to appear or assess
according to my precepts; many also refuse to distrain and sell goods,
while others return the menacings and threatenings of the persons
assessed. With much care and diligence I have levied about 100l.,
and have since renewed my warrants according to your commands,
the return whereof I have appointed for the 25th of this month, our
assizes being so near. [Seal with arms. 2/3 p.] |
Mar. 2.
Oxford. |
9. Sir Nathaniel Brent to Archbishop Laud. According to your
command I have acquainted the fellows of Merton College with the
particular informations enclosed in your last of the 28th Feb. I
find that Mr. Corbet tendered himself to answer in divinity at the
beginning of Michaelmas term last, but no man would appear to
oppose. At the end of the term disputations were performed, and at
the beginning of this term, and will be, I suppose, likewise at the end.
If they be kept twice every term I believe it is as much as your Grace
will enjoin, there being but five to uphold that exercise. Mr. Knightley's lecture has not been read because nobody is willing to read it,
nor, indeed, any well able for it but Mr. Corbet; neither has any
man received any part of the stipend all this while. Some of the
debts due to the two chests have been demanded, and I suppose
will be paid ere long, but some others are desperate. I will not
fail to incite custodes cistarum to do their best for the speedy recovery of these debts. Mr. Corbet protests that he ever did and ever
will bow at the name of Jesus. I have often seen him do it, and so
have divers of the fellows, as they say; yet sometimes his mind may
be otherwise busied, as he saith, and so he may not perform that
due reverence which he is always most willing to do. This is his own
answer. Mr. Newman was absent three months and more for his
preferment in the country, and by public leave of the college, which
I suppose you do not hold to be unlawful. Mr. Clarke denies that
he has entertained any bachelors in his chamber. I know not how to
disprove him, because the informers do not name the parties entertained, nor the time, which they ought to have done. Mr. Hinton
has left [Merton] College, and I have not as yet spoken with
Mr. Reynolds, the chaplain. A book of statutes was mislaid about
Christmas, but has been found. I cannot find that the prayers
have been curtailed for a long time, except on Christmas-day last,
when the Litany was omitted at the request of Mr. Nevill, who said
his sermon would be very long, though indeed he preached not at
all, but Mr. Burton for him. The college evidences have been
placed in several boxes, ever since my memory; only Mr. Subwarden
says that Mr. Simonson, when he left to be subwarden, gave divers
evidences to him, being his successor, which he brought into the
Exchequer, and does not know now where they are. He and I will
seriously think of it. I cannot conceive any man to be so abominably wicked as to steal evidences which can do him no good. I do
not know but that some of the junior masters may be faulty in not
coming to the beginning of prayers, especially of those which are
very early in the morning. I have given them an admonition, and
if your Grace's injunctions shall hereafter set any punishment it
shall be duly inflicted. I cannot possibly find that the postmasters
are faulty in not speaking Latin, and most of them are very well
able to do it. Howsoever, I have given them an admonition to be
careful herein, and exhorted the principal to look narrowly to them.
There has been no book for wood sales, because no money has been
received for wood since the order made, but the subwarden, who is
registrar by his place, has promised to provide one. Alban Hall
commoners have lodged in the college these 50 years, of my knowledge, and I do not remember that you have as yet interdicted them.
I do not know that any of them are refractory to the ceremonies of
the Church. Howsoever, I will desire the principal to look to them,
because I have not any authority over them myself. Mr. Newman's
postmaster protests that he ever did and ever will bow at the
blessed name of Jesus, and that he always did so when he was at
school in the country; neither can I find the contrary by any testimony. Morning prayers, I conceive, are frequented as well with us
as in any other college, yet some are faulty now and then, who
have not been punished as yet, because no punishment is set for
that fault. It is not well done of the informers, under your favour,
to say that I knew that Mr. Edward Nevil was desperately in debt,
and so occasioned the loss of 60l. to the college. I call God to
witness that I did not know it, and all the five seniors voted for
him. How can I live quietly with men who will swear what my
intentions and secret thoughts were, and will inform what my
knowledge is, and all contrary to truth ? It is true that Sir James
Leviston has of late got too much acquaintance in the university,
but it is with gentlemen of good rank, and some of them his betters
by far. This has occasioned him to neglect his book too much, and
to haunt the town more than is fit a great deal, but I do not find
that he has lost any civility at all, and believe that no gentleman in
the university has a more civil and gentle behaviour than he. The
remonstrances of myself and his tutor, and our recommendations to
his mother to remove him in case he change not his course, have
made him a new man of late. P.S.—I conceive the Lady Sidley has
no cause to complain of us. We have been careful to find out land
to buy with her 500l., and will receive it as soon as she pleases
to pay it. [3 pp.] |
Mar. 2.
Mincing Lane, London. |
10. Officers of the Navy to Sir Wm. Beecher, clerk of the Council.
We have received certificate that there are 300 oak trees marked for
the King's service in the parish of West Bradingham, co. Norfolk, containing about 200 loads, which timber is immediately to be converted
and carried to the water-side at Lynn, to be transported to Chatham.
We pray you to procure letters from the Lords to the justices of
peace in co. Norfolk to assist the purveyor, and provide land
carriage at accustomed rates. [2/3 p.] |
| Mar. 2. |
11. Receipt given on the part of the Government to John Herne,
of Lincoln's Inn, for certain specified papers which, as counsel for the
tenants of the Dean and Chapter of Durham, he held in his hands;
the same appearing upon examinations taken by the King's special
command of George Grey and Anthony Smith to relate to a petition
subscribed by divers of the said tenants. [½ p. Draft corrected by
Sec. Windebank.] |
| Mar. 2. |
12. An accompt of imprest money paid by Sir John Heydon for
arms, munition, &c., being part of the 5,000l. received upon the
land service; total, 4,497l. 13s., leaving 502l. 7s. [½ p.] |
| Mar. 2. |
13. Note by Capt. Legg of the price of arms sold for the King's
advantage the last year. [2/3 p.] |
Mar. 2.
Westover. |
14. John Ashburnham to [Nicholas]. I perceive you have had
some discourse with Lord Goring concerning the place of provider,
wherein you both have been careful of my interest, for which I
thank you. Why the Lord-General should desire the King might
be moved in it I cannot understand, since the pains required for
the honest execution of the place ought rather to persuade him to
invite any man to accept of it, than that it would become any man
to make a suit of it to the King to have it. In that and in all
other things I submit myself to be wholly disposed of by you.
Since my coming down I have had conference with Mr. Tutt and
Mr. Green about the farm of Long-parish, which I expect to obtain.
Conditions of purchase. I am much ashamed of John Packer's
dishonouring the memory of our dear master by his unworthy
behaviour at this time, where he had so fair an occasion to have done
him right, but it is impossible to make a base heart noble. I pray
you give my brother, who has gone post to London, the best advice
you can how to comport himself to the General, that he may gain
him as a friend. If Sir Robert Pye has had the canvass for the
burgess' place of Westminster, I am glad my landlord has not failed
of the fine holland instead of his blue apron. Expressions of
gratitude. [1 p.] |
Mar. 2.
Edinburgh. |
15. Alexander Erskine to his wife. Remonstrates with her for
entertaining such harsh opinion of him who had always loved her
You say in your letter that it is my kindred and country people
who have scandalously wronged you, and would scandalise God
himself if he were on earth. Considering this I pray you attach no
credence to whatsoever their malice may spurt against me. I entreat
you let Capt. Hyham make all possible haste over with his company
and if there be possibility send one other company with him, and
as many thereafter as you may. As for my business there are
200 men, as I wrote in my last, who will be gone when wind and
weather shall serve, which have crossed them this long time, to the
utter undoing of the gentleman who is captain. As for Mr. Mowbray
you must know that he is not only the chief plotter, inventor, and
spreader abroad of all these base calumnies, but he did also, like a
fool, vent before his going home, to one whom he thought had not
been my friend, that he had taken notes of all words spoken by me
in Scotland, and that he would construct and relate them to the
Marquis of Hamilton, and so kipper me at the King's hands, that I
should have no more pension. This was told me lately by one that
will justify it to his face, and many other things that concern you
as well as me, so you may think of him accordingly, for I shall find
my time. Sir Thos. Dishington will find a carrier for the tablets
and powder. I shall present your love to my Lady Rothes. I have
no knowledge either of the ring or the picture you wrote about.
Be wise and suffer not yourself to be led astray by those who hunt
after our disgrace. P.S.—Within 14 days you will hear something
which will please you, but as yet I neither must nor can write it.
[Seal broken. 3 pp.] |
| Mar. 2. |
Commissioners for Saltpetre and Gunpowder to Samuel Cordwell
his Majesty's gunpowder-maker, or to Mr. Blythe. Warrant to view
the parcel of about 12 or 13 tons of foreign saltpetre in the hands of
George Fletcher, merchant, and certify us the quality and quantity
thereof. [Copy. See Vol. ccxcii., p. 115. ½ p.] |
| Mar. 2. |
Commissioners for Saltpetre and Gunpowder to Sir Charles
Harbord, his Majesty's Surveyor-General. There was, about three
years since, 2,000l. imprested to Samuel Cordwell for erecting of
mills, millponds, and other works and buildings for making
gunpowder about Chilworth, co. Surrey, for his Majesty's service;
these are to require you to view during this vacation all the said
works and buildings, and certify us how much you conceive to
have been expended on the same, and what the lands, ponds, and
waters there used for these works may be reasonably worth, to
be bought after the expiration of the lease already taken for the
King's use. [Copy. Ibid. ½ p.] |
| Mar. 3. |
Declaration under the Privy Seal that no writs or other process
shall be issued and directed to the sheriffs out of the Exchequer for
receiving and levying of any his Majesty's revenues concerning
Recusants, unless desired by the Receivers. [Docquet.] |
Mar. 3.
Westminster. |
Letters Patent confirming by inspeximus a license granted by
Archbishop Laud for Sir Edward Littleton, Chief Justice of Common
Pleas, to eat flesh in Lent, any statutes or proclamations to the
contrary notwithstanding. [See Case E., No. 21. Latin. Parchment. 14 lines.] Annexed, |
|
i. License granted by Archbishop Laud to Sir Edward Littleton,
permitting him, together with his wife and ten other
persons to be by him chosen, to eat flesh at his table in
Lent and other days prohibited, during his life, but
soberly and frugally, so as to avoid public scandal; with
proviso that these letters of license shall not be available
except they be confirmed by the King's letters patent.
26th Feb. 1639. [Ibid. Latin. Parchment. 15 lines.] |
Mar. 3.
Westminster. |
16. The King to Sir Henry Garway, Lord Mayor of London.
Warrant to press within the city 200 able men for the wars, and to
deliver them at the Tower Wharf before the 12th inst.; the ordering and disposing of the men to be arranged according to
directions sent from the Lords. [Copy. ¾ p.] |
| Mar. 3. |
17. Another copy of the same. [¾ p.] |
| Mar. 3. |
18. The speech made to the King by Lord Loudoun in the name
of the Scotch Commissioners sent from the Parliament of Scotland.
[2¾ pp. Printed in Rushworth, Hist. Col. iii., p. 994-997.] |
| Mar. 3. |
19. Notes taken by Sec. Windebank at the interview of the
Commissioners, sent from the Parliament of Scotland, with the King
at Whitehall on the 3rd March, the Earl of Traquair and a Committee of the Privy Council being present. [1½ p. These were the
original notes jotted down on the occasion, but objected to by the
Scotch Commissioners at their next interview on the 9th March.
Another version of these notes, fuller in some particulars, will be
found printed in Rushworth iii. p. 993.] |
Mar. 3.
Whitehall. |
20. Order of Council. Resolved that all the horse to be raised,
as well those for the garrisons at Berwick and Carlisle as those for
his Majesty's army, shall be mustered by appointment from the
Lord-General at their first rendezvous, and two certificates of the
number so mustered returned, the one to the Lord-General and the
other to the Treasurer-at-Wars, that they may enter into the King's
pay so soon as it appears by the certificates that 40 horse or more
were mustered. It was likewise ordered that there shall be advanced by warrant from the Lord-General to the captains of the
troops requiring it, one month's pay for so many of the officers and
troopers as shall be certified to be mustered as aforesaid, to bear
their charges to their rendezvous at York or Berwick. [Draft.
¾ p.] |
Mar. 3.
Whitehall. |
Minutes by Nicholas of the proceedings of the Council of War
this day. Ordered that a warrant shall be given by the LordGeneral to Sir William Uvedale, Treasurer-at-Wars, to pay to Capt.
William Legg, master of the armoury, 200l. for removal of all the
arms for horse from Hull to York. Whereas by the list of entertainments there are allowed to every company of foot two drummers,
it was this day resolved that one of these to be appointed by the
colonel of every regiment shall be drum-major, and shall have 6d.
per diem more. Ordered that it should be left to every captain to
press his own drummers by order and warrant from the LordGeneral if they cannot otherwise furnish themselves with volunteers.
[Written on the same paper as Feb. 22. See Vol. ccccxlvi., No. 6.
½ p.] |
| Mar. 3. |
21. Contract tendered by Sir Wm. Russell and Sir Job Harby.
Whereas we have been informed that [Robert] Blake has made
a proposition that if his Majesty shall account it a good service to
be furnished with all the saltpetre that shall be made where the
Emperor of Morocco commands, if neither the former nor latter
traders into Barbary will undertake the same, that then his Majesty's
letters to that Emperor were desired signifying that as his Majesty
had dispensed with his artificers to provide for that Emperor's
service as many birding pieces as they could conveniently make, so
his Majesty desired that that Emperor would cause his saltpetre
works to be employed to make as great a quantity as they could,
which Mr. Blake has order to contract for at the rate of 45s. per cwt.,
to be delivered aboard in the river of Saffi, to be paid for in the
same road with such commodities at the usual rates as his Majesty's
dominions will afford and his occasions permit. We whose names
are hereunder written do undertake, so far forth as it may be
accompted a good service to his Majesty, to furnish the Emperor of
Morocco with as many commodities in the road of Saffi as shall
satisfy for the saltpetre, not exceeding 100 tons, at the rate of 45s.
per cwt., unrefined, the saltpetre to be delivered by us to his Majesty's
use at the same rate, payment being made upon delivery. [Copy.
Unsigned. ¾ p.] |
Mar. 3.
Edinburgh. |
22. James Broun to Thos. Waad. The castle walls on the south
and north have fallen down of their own accord the last week. The
Earl of Angus has subscribed the great covenant, and protests that he
will maintain it to his end. I have sent you an information to
look on at your leisure and to make such use of as you may think
best. [Seal broken. 2/3 p.] |
| Mar. 3. |
22a. See "Returns of the Justices of Peace." |
| Mar. 3. |
23. Certificate by Sir Henry Marten, Judge of the Admiralty, to
the Council. Upon examination of the petitioner [Francis Tenant]
and his witnesses, I find that the annexed petition [see Vol. ccccxxiv.,
No. 83], so far as concerns the ship and goods seized by the Dantzicers about 12 years ago, is true. Since your reference of this
petition to me, the petitioner arrested a ship of Dantzic in the river
Thames upon a civil action, supposing her to belong to the Dantzicers who had taken his ship, but the master of the vessel making
proof that the owners of that ship were not the men against whom
petitioner commenced his suit, he, at the instance of the English
merchants trading to Dantzic, released her, although it was by them
acknowledged that petitioner had received much wrong from the
Dantzicers. Petitioner chose rather to be relieved in such honourable way as your Lordships shall think expedient than to bring
the above-mentioned merchants into danger of seizure of their goods
at Dantzic, or hazard the event of a long suit. Underwritten, |
|
23. i. The Lords, upon reading this certificate and that of Sir
Thos. Roe, late ambassador to Sigismund, King of Poland,
thought fit that Sec. Windebank be prayed to acquaint
his Majesty therewith, and to understand his directions.
Whitehall, 4th March 1639[-40]. |
Mar. 4.
Queen Street. |
24. Algernon Earl of Northumberland to Sir John Pennington.
I formerly wrote to you to stay the Bonaventure till the coming
down of a vessel to be convoyed to Dunkirk; the same being now
ready, you are to require the captain of the Bonaventure to convoy
her thither, and so proceed to the performance of his former instructions concerning the Spanish ambassador. [Admiralty seal impressed. 2/3 p.] |
Mar. 4.
Berwick. |
25. Capt. Charles Lloyd to Sec. Windebank. In my last I
certified you of the true state of the town. The weather continues
so bad that I am idle; only the smiths and carpenters, the first fair
day, will finish the small breastwork round the town. I waited
on Sir Michael Ernle at Norham, which place I viewed before, and
which requires a small garrison of 50 men and those dragoons. The
place being vast and most ruinated would require 3,000l. for
absolute repair, but there is an inner place which could be made
defensible for 300l. or 400l. in the summer. I have agreed with
Mr. Goodman for draining the water from the hills, which formerly
broke the stone wall between the bridge and the Newgate, for 20l.
I formerly wrote to you, desiring to rent a house called the comptroller's house, now in the possession of an ale-wife, having no
stowage for my materials. [1 p.] |
Mar. 4.
Berwick. |
26. Sir Michael Ernele to Sec. Windebank. I was last week with
Capt. Lloyd at Norham Castle, and what he conceives fittest to be
done there, he will give you particular account. It is reported at
Edinburgh that his Majesty intends to block them up, both by sea
and land, to hinder all commerce and trading, and that the lords
whom they have sent to his Majesty will return without any
satisfaction. They have lately published a little book, wherein
they declare that at the camp, when the King was here, all things
were agreed upon, and that all conditions were performed on their
parts, and that they gave great satisfaction to all the nobility that
were then here with his Majesty; that since the Earl of Traquair
would never give them other answer, since his being commissioner
there, but the King will have it thus. These and divers other
things they allege in this pamphlet, which they spread as much as
they can, and no doubt amongst Puritanical people may do some
hurt to his Majesty's service. Capt. Tillier and Mr. Payler are
coming to London, who will inform you of all things concerning this
garrison. [Seal broken. 1 p.] |
Mar. 4.
Whitburn. |
27. [Thomas] Triplet to Archbishop Laud. After thanking you
for taking this care of us, that these seditious neighbours of ours
may be quelled a little in the beginning of the faction, before it
spread to a covenant, or before it grow like their town, which was
yesterday but as Elijah's cloud of a span long, but now swells big
into a mayor and corporation, I desire to give you a little more
satisfaction in the business, and first of Lilburne the great factotum of Sunderland, that rules both the religion and wealth of the
town. In a letter which I received the other day from Dr. Duncan
I had the following passage, which will help to establish my single
report concerning the condition of the man:—"A good jest of
Mr. Johnson's Lilburne: he was telling lately his story at Darnton
[Darrington ?] of the quarrel between him and Mr. Basier; and a
minister, my neighbour, stroke against him, and disputed for the
Blessed Virgin, and among other arguments urged the Magnificat,
'All generations shall call me blessed.' Lilburne replied just like an
ignaro, a[dding], 'Prove it out of Scripture, or you say noth[ing].'
The priest laughed at him and his horrible ignorance, and told him
the Magnificat was in St. Luke, which was great news to Lilburne.
I am sure of the truth of this incredible passage." Now, I so far
agree with the doctor that it is ignorance in Lilburne, but yet not
pure and simple, but litigious and affected. This wretched kind
of people, my lord, are so infatuated with their rancour against the
Liturgy, that whatsoever Scripture is in it, eo ipso, by being there
merely, becomes apocrypha to them, like the seaman's needle that
loses its virtue when it is touched with the south pole of the loadstone. I say it could not be pure ignorance in Lilburne; for after
that, Lilburne was in the High Commission for saying all such as
used to give thanks in particular for the Blessed Virgin, did it with
a purpose to bring in popery. Mr. Johnson, his parson, chose that
text in the Magnificat to confute that senseless opinion, which these
of Sunderland have got out of Peter Martyr in English (scarce three
Puritans, beside Peter Martyr, of all that have written holding it),
viz., equality of glory in the saints. For these wretches stick not
to say the[y are] not, each of them in particular, but by their
abundant faith to be as glorious as the Blessed Virgin herself.
And hence follows another gadfly of theirs, that eggs them on and
makes them so ambitious of their pseudo-martyrdom as they are;
for they are confidently persuaded that every petty libelling knave
amongst them shall have as big a crown for the loss of one drop
of blood which the hangman sheds for their sedition, as any of the
glorious martyrs and confessors that we meet with in the church
story. An ill precedent, too, has this Lilburne given, as they say,
in murmuring against the ship-money and suffering a d[istraint]
before he would pay it. I say an ill precedent to the simplicity of
obedience in these parts, that, before Lilburne grew great, knew not
what it was to confront royal authority. I confess it is an honour
to the [king]dom to have such towns as Sunderland was, to come
up and flourish from small beginnings. But as [these] unhappy
times are, I am put in mind of what the Roman history reports of
Cato major, who in all business proposed in the senate, delivering
his opinion, [said], I think thus and thus, and still of his own accord
added, I think Carthage ought to go down. So I think, under your
Grace's correction, that the King's Majesty had better for awhile
despise that honour and profit that accrues to him that way, if these
things be not exactly looked into, than to suffer little towns to grow
big and anti-monarchy to boot; for where are all these pestilent
nests of Puritans hatched, but in corporations, where they swarm
and breed like hornets in [a dead] horse's head. There is one
pestilent fellow besides these, that the messenger carries with him,
that I cannot yet prove [anything] directly against, besides his
zealous letters of counsel written to Mr. Johnson, the parson, when
Lilburne was put in the High Commission; his name [is] Husband, the
elder, for there are two of that name. But by [his conversation]
this fellow has done much mischief in the town, having been among
all the Puritans beyond sea. This man is a great associate of this
George Stephenson's, and if he be suffered, it [will soon be a] proverb
that Sunderland is Husbandied as Newcastle Jenisonied. To make
the conspiracy a little more appear to your Grace, you shall [understand that] Justice Cottrell, the mayor, who grinds with all winds,
[offered] to take my information upon oath, and now I have discovered the plot. [This town] was not quite free from the sickness,
so neither of us thinking it fit for me [to go to him] he came over
the water to me. I offered to be sworn for the King to my in[formation, but he refused to take my] oath, though I told him I had
a Testament in my pocket, as I had, and took it under my hand
only. I asked him the reason. He told me that he was to go
to the sessions, and though he himself feared no danger, yet it
might scandalise them, to come from giving an oath to one who
dwelt in a town infected; whereto Mr. Hicks, the vicar of Monkwearmouth, who was by, replied, "Is it not more danger to take
a paper from him than to give him an oath, you or your clerk
writing his examination?" whereto he could say little, but put it
off foolishly, saying in his ridiculous way of expression which he
uses, "I will calcine the paper." So the plot appears thus. He takes
the information thus, and being not deposed to, never offers to
show it in public sessions, but, by Lilburne's device and his, they
show it privately to my lord after the rising from the sessions,
and have an ambuscado of Lilburne's friends in readiness to inform
my lord, as they had, that the information was not upon oath,
that Stephenson was a good religious man, &c.; and so, to say the
truth, my Lord of Durham was abused in the business, as the
King, and myself most of all, that was made both a slanderer and
a liar. But now it appears plainly that it is most true of the
mayor of Sunderland what I certified your Grace of in my former
letter, viz., that by the mayor of Sunderland's means Lilburne
and his man in their journey from Alnwick had intelligence of
the business, which made them ride back and tamper with Morrell
as they did; for thus it was, when Mr. Johnson, as I desired him,
did by letter warn the mayor to proceed as a justice of peace
and as the King's good subject ought to do in the business, he
was so far from going to work with that advice and wariness
as he ought to have done for discovering the business, that he
reads the letter aloud among the company that he was in when
the letter came; in which company there was one Paul, who is
employed here by the customers; and this Paul it was that sends
the notice of the business to Lilburne by the way, and to make
the conspiracy the more notable this letter from Paul came to
Lilburne without a name. Lilburne has reported this himself, and
I hear it from Mr. Hicks that heard Lilburne speak it. I am
sorry that I knew not this before, that the messenger might
have had but one labour. Surely his Majesty has a notable servant
of Paul, that being in Sunderland of purpose to do the King
service, should be an eminent conspirator in the business. He
knew he did a thing that he ought not to have done, as he is
cunning enough, otherwise why set he not his hand to it? The
reason of the late great league and necessitude between Paul and
Lilburne, they two having been deadly enemies not long since, I
take to be this. These under-publicans, placed in these maritime
towns by the customers, having no great allowance, it may be
100 marks or 100l. per annum, live notwithstanding at great
rates and drink sack, to maintain which they must, and I believe
do, practise much indirectness. Such fellows as Lilburne, who
have all the great doings, that have ships, &c., in order that they
themselves may be connived at by these mercenary sub-customers,
go a share with them in transporting firkins of butter and such
non-licensed commodities. For, my lord, let it be considered, how
should such a fellow coming from nothing, who for poverty in his
first beginning was [driven to] the miserable necessity of stealing a
horse, for which he was or was to [have been punished], how is it
conceivable that he should come to be worth a matter of ten
thou[sand pounds in this beg]garly country, and such a mean
town as that was, when he first began? This is an ordinary course
between these customers and the townsmen, as the narratives (here
given) of a bark cast away and a storehouse burnt with butter
ready for transportation show. I'll undertake, if these two accidents
had fallen out against any prosecutor of Puritans, as they fell out
against one that abused the King, the Puritans would have
reckoned it as a terrible judgment, and Burton would have made a
divine tragedy of it. It was put to this Baggs afterwards by a
friend of mine as a case of conscience for abusing his Majesty thus.
His answer was that he intended not to transport this butter, but
to make his market of it among the great navies that were last
year riding in the Downs; a likely tale that a man should go from
hence and so far about with ill and dear butter, when the plentiful
county of Kent was so near to furnish them much cheaper and
better; nay, the Kentish men who come in by sea hither will not
eat a bit of our northern butter, accounting it in comparison of their
own a very noious and rancid thing, as indeed for the most part
it is. It seems good butter is so scarce a commodity with us, that
my lord of Falkland protested last year that though he had been
three weeks in the country or above before he came to my house,
yet he had not tasted anything like good butter till he came to our
quarter. Besides, my lord, this Paul came at first into his office
with much pretended integrity, whereupon [this pi]ous Lilburne,
at whom Paul would not connive, because perhaps not sufficiently
tempted, was presently in his [sulks], and they had a great ruffle.
But when it seems Paul saw that integrity in Sunderland was but
a [losing] trade, he began to imitate the burgher's dog of Hamburgh.
This dog had often brought home his master's basket of meat from
the butcher's safe, defending it and himself stoutly from other
invading and essaying dogs, but being once waylaid, set upon, and
mastered by an extraordinary band of stout curs, they fell aboard
presently with his meat; he thought it best not to lose all, and so
came in for a share, and fell to eating with them. I will not say as
the old doctor after a long simile in his sermon, when he came to
apply it: Even so, beloved, or rather far otherwise; but even so,
my lord, and no otherwise do I take Paul's case to be. Now, my
lord, seeing I have trespassed thus far upon your patience in
matters concerning others, I will beg leave for conclusion to say a
word for myself. I am, as I ever was since I knew anything, [down-]
right for the King and the Church. I have ever expressed myself
sufficiently that way; and it would better [appear] in me, if the
times were as I hope they shall never be, when Puritanism should
be the way to rise, [for your] Grace remembers such times, when
except yourself, my ever honoured dead lord, and it may be [two or
thre]e more in the whole university, there was scarce any durst
show themselves for the Church, [so great was] the power of prevailing Puritans. I profess seriously that if I may have protection
and encouragement, and any reasonable power authorising me so to
do, I will have such an eye about my quarter, and so unkennel the
covenanting seditious cubs, that not a man of them shall be earthed
about me. There came a mendicant preacher about three weeks ago,
who got leave to preach at Monkwearmouth, both forenoon and
afternoon. To him amain came the Sunderland Puritans like rats
over the water, Lilburne and Stephenson, Husband and Humble,
and all the pack, forsaking Mr. Johnson, a honester man and a better
preacher. These cry him up for a rare and powerful man. I, hearing
of this fellow and inquiring after him, learn that his name is Bancks,
and that he dwells at Alnwick. The curate of Alnwick was first
my curate, and professes kindness and love to me, having been a
little piece of the means of his fortune; and though his father
is, and his grandfather was, an eager Puritan, yet he makes me
believe he is right himself. I ask him of this fellow. He gives
him pretty good commendations, that he is a poor man and wants a
place, and his preaching neither factious nor seditious. "Say you so,"
quoth I; "I'll try that presently. I have a chapel of ease now that
wants a curate, the place worth some 20 marks a year, more than
I have myself from that chapelry; offer him that." He did so, and
his choice of another which he could have helped him to at the
same time. But this runagate peremptorily denies both, and had
rather, it seems, go abroad seeking out knots of Puritans, and be a
preacher at large, receiving present pay, than, to the greater credit
of the clergy and his own greater honesty, confine himself to a
certain cure, and, as this country goes, an honest salary. Whereupon
I wrote to Mr. Levir, the curate of Alnwick, and among other things
I had this passage concerning the powerful man, "Commend me to
Mr. Bancks, and tell him that he had best keep within his bancks, for
if I catch him in these parts again, with his seditious, begging,
running, canting preachments, I'll have him laid by the heels for a
vagrant," of which passage I have yet no answer. If I have any
that is considerable I shall acquaint your Grace by the next. P.S.—
Since the writing of this letter I hear of two other passages; one
that the pursuivant can tell your Grace, how this knave Stephenson
denied his name to him, calling himself Nicholson, under which
name he ran away and made an escape till he was retried again.
If this Puritan makes no bones to lie so manifestly, denying his
name, sure he will deny the treasonable words. The other passage
is of one Craig, the King's footman, who, if he be examined, can
make a notable certificate of Lilburne having spoken in his hearing,
and Craig himself the reporter of it, little less than treasonable
words, when this Craig came down hither about the river of Sunderland. Dated March 4th, 1639. Endorsed by Laud, "Received
March 10, 1639-40. Mr. Triplet." [Much damaged by rats. 2½ pp.]
Enclosed, |
|
27. i. The charge preferred against George Stephenson, servant
to G. Lilburne, of Sunderland, attested by T. T[riplet].
[½ p.] |
Mar. 5.
Scadbury. |
28. Sir Thos. Walsingham and Sir Thos. Pope Blount. Your
letter directed to the justices of peace at Eltham, Kent, requiring us
to take some legal course to lay an assessment upon the estate of
Wm. Stoddard, Esq., now prisoner in the Fleet, for the necessary relief
of his sisters, that they may not be a parish charge, has been considered by us, being the next justices, but we have not as yet
proceeded to cause an assessment to be made, for the reasons stated.
5th March 1639. [1 p.] |
| Mar. 5. |
29. Petition of Robert Sumner, priest and prebendary of the
cathedral church of Peterborough, to Archbishop Laud, showing that
the Dean and Chapter, having several benefices in their gift, advowsons of some of them have been granted to some of the prebendaries,
and one of Northborough, in Northamptonshire, to Dr. Pocklington,
which, being now vacant, the Doctor has procured your Grace's letters
to the Bishop, that institution might be given him upon the advowson; that this advowson was granted in the late dean's time; that
the now dean and greater part of the prebendaries, as petitioner
hopes, will present him; that those who enjoyed the benefit of
advowsons heretofore, were such as had the benefits fall in the time
of the dean who granted them; that if institution should be granted
upon this advowson, others who have the like granted in the former
dean's time will expect the same benefit; that this rectory of Northborough is not better by 20l. a year than that which Dr. Pocklington
should leave. Ever since his being prebendary, petitioner has been
resident, solely attending upon the service of the church, and has a
great charge, and no other spiritual living or better hopes. Petitioner prays your Grace to take these particulars into your consideration, and to signify your disengagement of the said Bishop in the
premises, that he may have liberty to institute such clerk as his
lordship in equity and conscience shall think fit. Underwritten, |
|
29. i. I desire Sir John Lambe to speak with Dr. Pocklington
concerning this business, and in regard he is to leave a
living within 20l. as good as this, and that the petitioner
has taken great pains in the church, it were good that
some fair end were made of it to his content, which I
should be glad to hear. W. Cant. 5th March 1639[-40]. |
Mar. 5.
Queen Street. |
30. Thos. Smith to [Sir John Pennington]. I perceive you are
not well pleased that my letters for release of your good [sea]men
are so frequent as of late they have been. I would not offend you
by any means, yet I am importuned by such friends as I cannot
deny, though you may, and not displease me at all; nevertheless, I
thank you for what you have done. The time draws nigh that we
shall be happy in the sight of you, which I long for. News we have
here in abundance, which you shall receive in this enclosed paper.
You may communicate the same to whom you please; but not a
word from whom you have it, for words now are wrested according
to the gall of some who lie in wait to ensnare men, though never so
well meaning. I have just come from the Lord Admiral, who has given
me order to let you know that these seven ships, being part of the
next year's fleet, viz., Garland, Antelope, Mary Rose, Providence,
8th Whelp, Greyhound, and Roebuck, are to be in readiness to go
forth to sea by the 1st of April at the furthest, and it will be necessary that the Greyhound be sent in to be graved, &c. You are
therefore to give order that the said pinnace be forthwith sent into
Chatham, in place of which the Nicodemus is ordered to attend you.
My brother, who has the honour to be with you, writes in behalf of
Mr. Johnson, an officer in your ship, who desires to have the command of one of the smaller vessels. I nominated this man to the
Lord Admiral, who answered that if you would recommend him for
this service he would put him into that vessel. Yesterday my lord
signed a warrant to you to send away the Bonaventure to fetch the
Spanish ambassador, and withal to convoy the vessel which will
bring you that warrant from Dover; between you and me it carries
powder to Dunkirk, but no man must know the same, and therefore
no words but "Mum." Those captains who go with the seven ships
are as follows: Fog, Stradling, Price, Hill, Woolward, Wheeler, and
Rockwell. Whither they go we know not, but think for Scotland,
against the people of which country we make as much preparation
and as speedy as if we were to eat them up, but I fear the worst.
Mr. Digby, who goes captain of a troop in this business, being now
with me, desires to be remembered to you. I think I shall stay
behind to wait on the marine affairs, for which I am the less sorry,
because I shall by that means have the more opportunity to salute
you often and serve you here. [Endorsed in Pennington's hand,
"From Mr. Smith, the 5th March 1639-[40]."] Encloses, |
|
30. i. A relation of news from court. Mr. Bagshaw, reader, of
the Middle Temple, read but one week, being commanded by
the Lord Keeper to surcease. He read upon the statute
25 Edward III., touching the plenarty of benefices:—1st.
That an Act of Parliament might be made without
bishops. 2nd. That no man in orders can be a justice of
peace. 3rd. That no sentence in the High Commission,
wherein the cause is not expressed, can be valid in law.
Mr. Ludlow, reader, of the Inner Temple, read but one
week, likewise by reason, as some say, of his extreme
poverty. |
|
Lord Chief Justice Littleton was sworn a Privy Councillor upon Friday last. Letters have been sent from the
Board to all officers and judges, excepting Judge Croke, to
know what money they will lend the King, and some of
them have appeared and promised good sums, but many
dispute the business and will not lend, whereof Mr. John
Packer is one of note. The Parliament writs to the
nobility are gone forth to all excepting the Lords Say,
Brook and Mandeville. The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland,
Strafford, goes hence to-morrow, making all the haste he
can, in regard their Parliament begins on the 18th inst.
We have the sad news that Mr. Essex Devereux, son of
Walter, of Worcestershire, with divers other gentlemen of
note, were drowned while passing a small river in that
shire, about 12 p.m. Yesterday the Scotch commissioners
were heard before the King and the Cabinet Council, and
behaved themselves very discreetly. When the King spake
they gave reverend audience, but when any of the Lords
spake they gave them hearing too, but never replied one
word to them, but directed their answer to the King. The
archbishop took occasion to say that he had heard that
there was one called the Sheriff of Teviotdale [Sir Wm.
Douglas] that had wished himself at Jerusalem, or banished
to any place, so that the King were in Edinburgh to
receive plenary satisfaction from his people there, both in
the justness of their cause and the readiness of that nation
to submit to all his Majesty's reasonable demands. The
Sheriff being by, replied to his Majesty that he was the man,
and was there ready to justify that he spake those words,
and would maintain them with his life. What proceeded
further we know not. |
|
The city have chosen their burgesses, Aldermen [Sir
Thos.] Soam for one and [Isaac] Pennington, lately
sheriff, for another; I know not the rest. The electors
of Westminster have chosen theirs in great confusion,
Mr. [John] Glyn and Mr. [William] Bell, but it is thought
that the last will hardly stand. This 5th of March the
Lord Lieutenant [Strafford] went out of town for Ireland,
and intends to be here again at the beginning of the
ensuing Parliament. [Endorsed by Sir John Pennington,
5th March 1639[-40]. 2 pp.] |
| Mar. 5. |
31. Note of Pells Issue Rolls for certain terms specified during
the reigns of James I. and Charles I., described as "unwritten."
[These are still wanting on the Rolls, with the exception of the first
two. ¾ p.] |
| Mar. 5. |
32. Bond of Anthony Allen, of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in 100l.,
for his attendance before the Council until licensed to depart.
[Latin and English. ½ p.] |
| [Mar. 6.] |
33. A relation of some passages of the reading of Mr. [Edward]
Bagshaw, Reader of the Middle Temple, in Lent vacation. Mr. Bagshaw, a man religious and honest, made choice for his subject of the
statute 25 Edw. III. c. 7. He began his reading on Monday, the
24th February, but before he made his divisions he told the gentlemen attending his lectures that he once intended to have read upon
Prohibition, but he found that too sharp a subject to deal withal;
yet, nevertheless, if he could conveniently accomplish his task in
hand, perhaps, in the end, he would give a touch upon that also. He
told them that he intended to observe a rule out of Tacitus,—not to
follow the truth too near lest it should dash out his teeth, nor yet
to follow it too far a distance lest he lost it; and therefore he would
keep himself in an equal distance, neither to offend nor to be offended.
He then divided his matter into 10 parts, according to his 10 days'
reading, and every day's labour into 10 several cases; with these,
however, I will not trouble you, saving such as are become the
common discourse about town, and these I will express briefly and
truly. He put a case whether or no it be a good Act of Parliament
which is made without assent of the Lords Spiritual, and he held
affirmatively and proved it by the arguments herein stated. The
second case was this:—If any beneficed clerk were capable of temporal jurisdiction at the time of the making of that law. He held
the negative point, and proved it by the arguments here stated. The
third case was this:—Whether a bishop without calling assigned
have power as diocesan to convict a heretic. He maintained he
could not. His reason was that, albeit, by the bloody statute
2 Henry IV., some supposed that grounds may be raised for maintenance of that authority, yet it is not so full, and besides, which is
the main reason, the Commons did not consent to the making of that
law, for he searched the records and found that Act only passed the
consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, but the Commons are
never mentioned in it. Some other matters he handled in point of
law. If he had gone forward he would have delivered his opinion
both of the High Commission and Prohibition, as mentioned, but he
was commanded silence; and within two days after he repaired to
the Lord Keeper to know the cause, and carried with him the head
of his argument, which the Lord Keeper said was good law, but not
seasonably delivered, and told him that as he was prohibited by the
King from reading, so he must be set at liberty again by his Majesty,
and advised him to move the Archbishop of Canterbury for his
proceeding. After that Mr. Bagshaw had been twice at Lambeth
without admittance; the third time he spoke with the Archbishop
there, who told him that he had fallen upon an unfit subject and an
unseasonable time, and that it would stick closer to him than he was
aware of. He answered he had not done it out of any evil intention,
neither had he taken his resolution of a late time, but that above
two years ago, when he knew that he must now perform the exercise,
he then made choice of that statute; and that until within this
twelve months he never heard of any opposition made against the prelacy, and thinking that the same which was moved against them in
another kingdom nothing concerned those, therefore he conceived no
offence would have been taken by it; and for him to have altered
the frame of his reading, especially before this time, he should have
disappointed the house [Middle Temple], wronged himself in his
study, profession, and practice, in regard that he should not have
been able in so short a time to have performed so great a task as
that was. The Archbishop answered that perhaps it had been better
he had given it over quite at first, than to suffer that by it which he
was like to do. Then Mr. Bagshaw replied that the same which he
had [delivered] was good law, and he was able to maintain it, and
he would stand by it, and hoped that he need not fear any man's
power in regard that his cause was lawful and warrantable, but he
humbly desired his Majesty's leave to finish what he had begun; he
was answered that his Majesty had otherwise resolved. The reader
went out of town on Friday, the 6th March, accompanied by 40 or
50 horsemen in very good credit and applause of the house [Middle
Temple] of which he is a member. After his return from London
to Banbury, in Oxfordshire, of which town he is recorder, he was
chosen a burgess for the Parliament. [An abstract of Mr. Bagshaw's
case, as here argued, is printed in Rushworth, Col. iii., 990.
3½ pp.] |
| Mar. 6. |
34. Petition of Chief Justice Littleton and the rest of the Justices
of the Common Pleas to the King. That in the fourth year of your
Majesty's reign the Commissioners for Examination of Fees required
the then judges of that court to certify the fees due to them, which
they performed accordingly, both for their own and their clerks'
fees, whereof a true copy is annexed. The commissioners not
having declared any exception to these fees, they have ever since
been paid to petitioners and their predecessors. Pray your Majesty
to ratify and confirm the same by Privy Seal. Underwritten, |
|
34. i. Reference to the Lords Keeper, Treasurer, Privy Seal,
Lord Cottington, and the two Secretaries of State, who are
to call before them the commissioners, to be informed
whether the fees in the schedule annexed are fit to be
ratified as desired, and then to certify their opinions to
his Majesty. Hampton Court, 6th March 1639[-40].
[1 p.] Annexed, |
|
34. ii. Schedule of fees payable to the Lord Chief Justice and
other the justices of the Court of Common Pleas at Westminster. Endorsed, Desire to be referred to the Lord
Keeper and Lord Privy Seal for the settling of fees of
court. [52/3 pp.] |
| Mar. 6. |
35. Note by Thos. Meautys, Clerk of the Council, of business
undespatched this day. The Lord Mayor and sheriffs to give an
accompt of ship-money on Sunday next. Newfoundland fishing
upon the complaint of the merchants of the western ports. The Corporation of Starch-makers. The Association of the Herring-fishing
upon the petition of the Lord Chamberlain and the rest of that body.
All these his Majesty has appointed to hear himself, but no day set,
save only for the first. Counsel on both sides have attended several
days according to former appointment. In an order lately made
concerning the tin farm it was resolved that the importation of that
commodity from foreign parts, either wrought or unwrought, should
be prohibited by proclamations, as likewise the using of any
measures for retailing wine, beer, ale, &c., other than such as are
made of pewter, capable of a stamp, and sealed according to statute.
Directions are already given to the Attorney-General to prepare
proclamations to be published in England and Ireland, but for
Scotland it was respited until upon conference with the Lord Treasurer
and others of the Privy Council of that kingdom, now here, his
Majesty and the Board should give further order. [1 p.] |
| Mar. 6. |
36. List of the King's servants to be warned to be at the Council
Board on Friday in the afternoon, dated March 4, but endorsed
March 6. [1⅓ p.] |
| Mar. 6. |
37. Similar list of the King's servants, with the amount each is
required to contribute to the loan. In the margin are notes of
their replies. Those in this paper now absent to be sent for against
Wednesday. [1 p.] |
Mar. 6.
Berwick. |
38. William Roberts to Sec. Windebank. I am safely arrived
in Berwick and hope to be in Edinburgh this night. I should have
given you all the intelligence I could gather here, had I not met by
the way, betwixt Durham and Darlington, Captain Ridpeth, whom
the Earl of Ettrick had sent post with letters to the King; also
Captain Tillier and Mr. Payler, paymaster of Berwick, who went
this morning from hence post towards London, and who doubtless can
acquaint you with all occurrences in these parts. I shall be careful
to show my duty in this kind on every fit occasion, with a most
hearty desire to do his Majesty all faithful service. [Seal with crest
and arms. 1 p.] |
| Mar. 6. |
39. John Innes to the same. I have many times written to
you of my miserable estate, being committed by your warrant, to
my utter ruin, the death of my wife, and overthrow of all my family.
I wish you had given order with your warrant that my head had
been struck off, or I hanged; then I had been at rest, but now I am
murdered in prison. I am sure his Majesty desires no such cruelty
to any, much less to one who has done what I have in his service,
and which is well known to his Majesty, having been certified by
his Council in Scotland, and by some here, amongst these by the
Marquis of Huntley. I entreat you with all speed to take this into
your consideration. [1 p.] |
Mar. 6.
Lambeth. |
40. Archbishop Laud to Sir Thos. Roe. I received yours of
Feb. 3/13 with a copy of one to you from Dr. Earnstius. For him
let it fare as it will; for your business there it must fare as it may.
Service you have done, and very good with the King of Denmark,
but as for that for which you were principally sent I never thought
from the beginning that any good would come of it. In a disguise
and for a delay it began, and I never expected better issue than it has
brought forth. For yourself I have prevailed with his Majesty for
your present return, and both the Secretaries have promised to send
this day and recall you. I pray make as much convenient haste as
you can, which I think is an easy suit to you. The truth is I
heartily wish you here, and though you cannot come time enough to
be of the House, the writs being sent out for the 13th of April, yet I
persuade myself you may in your way do some good for his Majesty's
service, to whom you are much beholding. So haste away hither,
and God's protection guide you. P.S.—I pray remember my thanks
to your lady for her frequent remembrance of me by your pen; I
fear she will not die of grief for sorrow of your return. [Seal with
arms. 1 p.] |
Mar. 6.
London. |
41. Algernon Earl of Northumberland, Lord-General and Lord
Admiral of England, [to Sir Thos. Roe]. In return for yours of the
3rd Feb., I can now send you the welcome news of his Majesty's
pleasure for your present repair into England, for which Mr. Treasurer has received order to give you notice. By this resolution I
receive much contentment, assuring myself that it will be pleasing
to you and very grateful to all your friends. We are here beginning
our levies; I have already given out commissions for the raising of
2,000 horse, that are commanded to be in Northumberland by the
middle of April. The petitioners or, as some call them, Commissioners
sent from Scotland have several times been admitted to his Majesty's
presence, but I see little hopes of accommodation without blows,
for though they make show of great humility and obedience, yet do
they justify and maintain their former proceedings. If in this
Parliament the people acquit themselves as becomes dutiful and
loyal subjects, all may do well; but, if otherwise, the events are likely
to prove unhappy. I have according to your desire provided well
for Capt. Minne, having made him lieutenant-colonel to Vavasor,
and shall with the like readiness serve you on all occasions. 2 pp.] |
Mar. 6.
Drury Lane. |
42. Sec. Windebank to the same. You have great reason to
press for your revocation, when you have leisure to dispute with
yourself whether idleness or business be the greater pain, with
which problematic question your letters of the 28th January begin.
Your letters came very opportunely to give me occasion at the
Foreign Committee to represent your condition, which Archbishop
Laud having seconded, his Majesty thereupon took a resolution to
give you leave to return, and commanded Sec. Vane and myself to
make it known to you. Having his Majesty's license you may now
take your leave of those there [at Hamburgh] whom you shall think
fit and come away, leaving Mr. Avery there in the same capacity he
held before your arrival. If necessary you may have the King's
letters of revocation, which I conceive must have been sent if your
residence and negotiations had been with any prince or state; but
in the condition you now are I think the signification of the
King's pleasure in this manner is sufficient. [Copy in Read's hand.
1½ p.] |
Mar. 6.
Knowle. |
43. Sir John Sackville to Sir Henry Vane, Treasurer of the
Household. Mr. Bowles, your chaplain, brought me your commands
touching your standing to be knight of the shire [for Kent], and in
obedience to them I have laboured since to do you service, and have
procured for you most of the voices of this town and parish. I
have my Lord of Dorset's bailiff and other agents working for you
in the country. I am sorry I cannot wait on you in person, for
first I have no voice in Kent, and besides I must be in Sussex at
the election. [Seal with crest. 1 p.] |
Mar. 6.
York. |
44. Sir Lionel Maddison to Sir Henry Vane. I received your letter
by Mr. Shafto, and have subscribed my part of the agreement,
relying upon your noble intentions and the true meaning of all
parties. I have a little business here this week at the sessions at
York. The marriage was consummated on Thursday the 27th ult.,
unto which I beseech the Lord to grant his blessing, and to us all
much joy and comfort in it. [Seal with arms, broken. ¾ p.] |
| Mar. 6. |
45. Receipted bill of Humphrey Bradbourne for 4l. 5s. paid
by Lord Conway for gloves, &c. [1 p.] |
| Mar. 6. |
46. Examination of Francis Gray, clerk of the peace for co.
Northampton, taken before the Attorney and Solicitor General this
day. Touching a petition delivered to him at the sessions held at
Kettering, 8th January last, by Richard Knighton and the rest of the
grand jury [concerning ship-money], when the justices directed the
same to be presently read in open court. He has delivered no
copies of this petition except one to Sir Christopher Yelverton,
sheriff of co. Northampton. [1 p.] |
| Mar. 6. |
47. The like examination of Richard Knighton, of Irtlingborough,
He acknowledges that he was foreman of the grand jury at the
sessions held at Kettering for co. Northampton the 8th January
last, and he and the rest of his fellow jurors agreed upon and
framed this petition concerning ship-money, but who penned the
same he knows not. [1 p.] |
| Mar. 7. |
Grant of the office of Captain of Upnor Castle, Kent, to Thomas
Osborne during good behaviour, upon surrender of the same by
Sir Charles Howard, with a fee of 30l. per annum for himself, 16d.
per diem for a master-gunner, 12d. per diem each to seven gunners,
and 8d. each for 20 foot soldiers. [Docquet.] |
| Mar. 7. |
Presentation of Thos. Twitty, clerk, to the vicarage of Enstone,
Oxon., void and in his Majesty's gift by the minority of the Earl of
Down, his Majesty's ward. [Docquet.] |
| Mar. 7. |
48. Account of ship-money for 1639 levied and in the hands of the
sheriffs. Total 5,907l., making, with the 1,622l. paid to the Treasurers
of the Navy, 7,529l. There had been paid in this week no shipmoney for this present year, nor any arrears payable for any of the
preceding years. The arrears at this period stood as follows:
1635, 4,536l.; 1636, 6,954l.; 1637, 16,872l.; 1638, 14,469l. [1 p.] |
Mar. 7.
Tower Street. |
49. The Treasurers of the Navy to Nicholas. That there has been
no ship-money paid in this week, but the sheriffs of Devon and Hants
have made up several sums of money to be paid here within 15
days, when we will make an orderly certificate. [⅓ p.] |
Mar. 7.
Winterbourne Earls. |
50. John Nicholas to his brother, Edward Nicholas. Great need
has driven me to write to you, entreating you to help me now at
this time, this year being very hard and provision very dear; added
to which, my wife and two of my children are very sick. My
father and mother still continue their hard courses towards me.
[Endorsed by Nicholas, "7th March 1638. Brother John to me."
2/3 p.] |
Mar. 7.
Berwick. |
51. Sir Michael Ernle to [Sec. Windebank]. I have received
your letter, by which I understand that this Stevenson and his
master are sent for by a pursuivant. I have examined Morrell, who
only confesses that Stevenson said that he thought it was not
honestly done to serve against the Scots, for he believed the Scots
were in the right. This Morrell has the report to be a very knave.
You say you will come hither shortly, which I should be glad
to see. [1 p.] |
Mar. 8.
Whitehall. |
52. Philip Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery, Lord Chamberlain,
to John Earl of Rothes. Repudiates any complicity or allowance
in the designs of the Scottish Covenanters undertaken by other
arms than by petition and prayers to the King, as insinuated in
Rothes' letter of 29th January before calendared [see page 397], to
which this is the reply. I never found loyalty in your Covenant,
or duty in your taking up arms. I never affirmed the justice of
your cause, neither did I consider so much the merits thereof, as I
did your unwarrantable and tumultuous disobedience therein unto
your King, with the vexation and disturbance it brought upon the
nobility of this kingdom. [Printed in Rushworth's Collections iii.
p. 984. Copy. Endorsed, "For Sec. Windebank." 1½ p.] |
| Mar. 8. |
53. Another copy. [2 pp.] |
| Mar. 8. |
54 and 55. Two more copies of the same, to which are prefixed
copies of Rothes' letter of 29th January, calendared at p. 397. |
| Mar. 8. |
56. Warrant signed by Henry Earl of Manchester, Lord Privy
Seal, and Edward Earl of Dorset, requiring the attendance of John
and Peter Cooper at the Council Board on the 26th inst. to answer
for the great wrongs done to Benjamin Smith in detaining from him
his late wife's portion, she being Anne, daughter of Christopher
Cooper, to whom you were executors. [½ p.] |
Mar. 8.
Berwick. |
57. Sir Michael Ernle to Sec. Windebank. I have received no
commands from you of late. Since Captain Tillard [Tillier] and
Mr. Payler went hence, there has arrived at Leith from Holland a
ship laden with arms, powder, and match, besides 8 or 10 pieces of
cannon. The chief lords of the Covenant are summoned to be at
Edinburgh to-morrow. I was informed that Stephen Boyde, a
bailiff of Edinburgh, was sent to the Governor of the Castle in the
name of all the magistrates, to desire they might raise a mound
for securing a particular part of the town if occasion should happen,
which he [the governor], as he had good reason, denied. I am
credibly informed that they are levying men at Edinburgh, but
what number I know not. Mr. Roberts when he went by this town
desired me to forward you the enclosed. [Endorsed by Windebank,
"Received 12th, at 8 in the morning." 1 p.] |
| Mar. 9. |
58. Notes taken by Sec. Windebank at the interview of the Covenanting Commissioners from the Parliament of Scotland with the
King [at Whitehall] this day. [Another version of this interview,
fuller in some particulars, will be found in Rushworth's Collections,
iii., p. 997. 1 2/3 p.] |
Mar. 9.
Whitehall. |
59. Notes by Nicholas of the proceedings at the Council of War
this day. Estimate by Captain William Legge, Master of his
Majesty's Armoury, of the number of waggons required for transport of tents, viz., for 20 regiments 100 waggons, value 10l. each,
so that the whole will amount to 1,000l. Resolved, that these be
provided by the Office of the Ordnance at the King's charge, and
that the 300 horses to draw them shall be taken up in the several
counties as the last year. Resolved, that timely order be given to
the counties for sending not only the 300 horses for carriage of the
soldiers' tents, but also 1,100 more for the use of the train of
artillery, together with carters, the King's allowance to be after the
rate of 1s. for each horse and 8d. wages for each carter per diem.
The Lord-General is desired to set down what provisions of victuals
for the army are requisite to be provided, at what times and in
what places, and to send a note thereof in writing to the Lord
Treasurer and Lord Cottington, who are prayed to enter into
contracts with fit persons for timely providing the same. Resolved,
that Mr. Pinkney shall be commissary of the victuals, and to have
10s. per diem, and for his instructions is to attend the Lord-General.
The Lord-General this day declared that he had appointed Sir John
Fenwick to be Muster-Master-General of the Army, and that there
is now every day occasion to employ him for mustering of the horse
which are being raised, whereupon it was ordered that his lordship
should be prayed to give order that the said muster-master enter
into pay. Resolved, that all the troops of horse now raising for his
Majesty's army shall receive their arms at Hull, and shall be
quartered in the country thereabouts. Ordered, that none of the
horse now raising shall be mustered within 30 miles of London to
prevent borrowing of horses, and that as soon as there shall be
either 60 cuirassiers or 40 carabineers of a troop mustered they
shall enter into pay and instantly march towards Hull, there to
receive their arms, and such of them as shall want saddles may
there purchase the same out of the King's magazine. Ordered,
that when a captain of a troop of cuirassiers shall muster 60 horse
or upwards, and a captain of a troop of carabineers shall muster
40 horse or more, that then the captain shall receive half pay for
himself and the six horses which he is allowed, and that all other
officers and troopers mustered shall have full pay, but so soon as
the captain shall muster his whole troop he shall receive his full
pay. It is recommended to the Lord-General to set down in his
orders to be published that it shall be death for any trooper or
inferior officer to show at the musters a borrowed horse, and that
if it be done with the privity or connivance of the captain, the
latter to be cashiered and imprisoned. Resolved, that three of the
four troops to be raised for Berwick shall receive their arms at
Berwick, and that the fourth of those troops and the troop to be
raised for Carlisle shall receive their arms at York. The LordGeneral having this day declared that he doubted he should not find
fit and able officers for so many as 30 regiments, the Lords thereupon
entered into consideration that it would be fit to make each regiment 200 men apiece, more or less, and left it to the Lord-General
to take the same into his consideration and to form the regiments
accordingly, or as his lordship upon advice should think fit, and as
he should herein resolve the Lords prayed him to give order to the
auditor accordingly to make up the list of the entertainments.
Resolved, that Captain William Legge shall have 1l. 10s. per diem
for his entertainment as Lieutenant of the Ordnance for this present
expedition. [3½ pp.] |
| Mar. 9. |
60. Archbishop Laud to Sec. Windebank. The warden, fellows,
and scholars of Wadham College, Oxford, having compounded with
the Commissioners for disafforesting the manors or farms of Moor
Hall, Montpelier alias Willingales, Shippon, Fryerning Hall, Ray,
and the rectory of Hockley-on-the-Hill, with all other lands belonging to the college situate in Writtle, Chelmsford, Fryerning,
Ingatestone, Hockley-on-the-Hill, or elsewhere within the county
of Essex, in consideration of 240l. to be paid into the Exchequer,
his Majesty is graciously pleased to remit the same. If you will
speak with his Majesty therein he will give you directions in it, or
accept of this my certificate to give your warrant to the Clerk of
the Signet to prepare a bill for the King's signature for their
discharge of the said 240l. [¾ p.] |
Mar. 9.
Raby Castle. |
61. William Conyers to Sec. Vane. Not long since I received
by Mr. Richeson three letters written by your appointment, one
from Mr. Henry Vane, another from Mr. Dingley, and the third
from Mr. Cosens. The departure of Mr. Rogers hence is so sudden
that I am not able at this instant to answer these letters, but hope
within 20 days to give you a full answer to these and all other
business here. Concerning the new pale you appointed me to make,
it was finished before I received order from you to make it up
with a dry edge and quickset. Desires instructions as to West
Park. Concerning the valuing of the lands and leases you are
about to purchase of Mr. Ewbanke I have already said something in my last letters. A variety of particulars about the
management of the property. [2½ pp.] |
Mar. 9.
The Hague. |
62. Sir John Conyers to [Sec. Windebank]. On the 6th of this
present I received your two packets by Sir Nicholas Byron of the
18th and 21st February, together with his Majesty's most gracious
and favourable letters in my behalf to the Queen of Bohemia,
the Prince of Orange, and the States, for which I return most
humble thanks, and thank you also for the pains you have
taken. I have delivered those letters, and so are all the rest
in behalf of those other noble gentlemen for whom his Majesty
was pleased to write delivered, but I now perceive they will
not be of any effect, for the Prince of Orange doth absolutely
refuse to give leave to any, and, as he usually doth when he
intends not to do a courtesy, he has referred the business to the
States General, who, I am assured, will do nothing but by his
advice. I hope we shall have answer this day or to-morrow, but
whether they give us leave or not, I for my part do purpose,
God willing, to take the first passage for England to attend his
Majesty's commands there. If in the meantime they take my
company from me, I shall think it well bestowed, since I lose it
to do his Majesty service, and shall be sorry for nothing so much
as that I have troubled his Royal Majesty and your honour and have
lost so much time in that business, but I hope that henceforward
by my diligence and faithful service to his Majesty to repair
what hitherto has been wanting in me. [Endorsed by Windebank, "Sir John Conyers. Received by Mr. O'Neale. 21 our style."
1½ p.] |
Mar. 9.
New College, Oxford. |
63. John Windebank to his cousin, Robert Read. My allowance
is so very small that I cannot possibly bring the year about with it.
My fees due for my exercise which I lately performed for master
of arts stood me in about 30l. I know not how to discharge my
tailor's bill in London unless you can procure it of my father.
P.S.—This afternoon the whole university are assembled to elect
our burgesses. I intend on Wednesday to acquaint my father
with the proceedings. I hear already that the vice-chancellor has
given order to the masters of arts to name my father [Sec. Windebank] burgess in the first place before Sir John Davers. [Seal with
arms. 2 pp.] |
Mar. 9.
Bristol. |
64. George Knight, mayor, and others of Bristol to Nicholas.
Since the receipt of the Lords' last letters mentioning an abatement
of 160l. of the 800l. imposed on this city towards preparation of
shipping, we have laid the assessment after the rate of 640l., and
have proportioned the same upon every ward as indifferently as
we could according to our instructions, and have appointed collectors. We hope to send up a good part of the whole assessment
by the end of this month. We find the inhabitants more slow
to contribute than formerly. We thank you for your care and
pains in assisting us from time to time. [Endorsed by Nicholas
as received 15th March. Seal broken. 1 p.] |
Mar. 9.
Stone. |
65. George Carr to William Raylton, agent to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. I am directed by Sir George Wentworth to
desire you to send over for Ireland [Rudd] the drum-major he
spoke to you of; his name and address you may obtain from
Mr. Henry Wentworth, the Earl of Cleveland's brother. As the
drum-major will enter into pay upon his arrival in Ireland,
Sir George desires his immediate departure hence, that so he may
arrive there before the Lord [Lieutenant's] return from thence.
[Seal with arms, broken. 1 p.] |
Mar. 9.
Bristol. |
66. John Chambers to Richard Harvey, servant to Endymion
Porter. My brother-in-law, Henry Weston, desires you would take
sufficient security for that money which upon accompt shall
appear to be due to you. The securities offered are here named.
I pray you do my brother all the kindness you may herein; it
tends much to the settling of his estate; and let me entreat you
to send us a present answer. [1 p.] |
| Mar. 9. |
66. Affidavit of Henry Ludlow. That on the 17th February
last, after this deponent had procured the Council order dated 5th
February, made between Edmund Ludlow, Esq., this deponent,
and his six brothers and sisters, concerning their maintenance and
portions, he went to his brother's lodging on the back-side of
Drury Lane, but not finding him there he left a copy of the said
order with his brother's agent, Mr. Gyles, who refused to deliver
it, and so deponent, accompanied by Richard Tommes, took a
journey to Coker, in Somersetshire, where he left another copy
at his brother Edmund's dwelling-house. [Attested copy. 1 p.] |
| Mar. 9. |
67. Affidavit of Richard Tommes to the same effect as the preceding. [Attested copy. 1 p.] |
| Mar. 9. |
68. See "Returns made by Justices of Peace." |
| Mar. 10. |
Presentation of Michael Hudson, clerk, to St. John's Hospital,
near Lutterworth, co. Leicester, and diocese of Lincoln, void, and in
his Majesty's gift pleno jure. [Docquet.] |
| Mar. 10. |
Privilege granted to Robert Chiver, gent., for 14 years for the
sole practice of a new way by him invented for improving and
manuring of land, rendering to the King one moiety of the clear
profit, with proviso, that if found inconvenient his Majesty or the
Council may determine the same. [Docquet.] |
| Mar. 10. |
License for Edmund Brudenell, Esq., to travel with two servants
for three years. [Docquet.] |
| Mar. 10. |
Warrant for repayment of 2,000l., lent by Sir Charles Cæsar for
his Majesty's present supply, out of the fines for compositions for
alienations, payable in the year ending 13th February 1642-3, with
interest at the rate of 8l. per cent. per annum. [Docquet.] |
| Mar. 10. |
Letter to Henry Earl of Worcester, dispensing with his absence
at the next session of Parliament. [Docquet.] |
| Mar. 10. |
Warrant to the treasurer of the chamber to pay to Bartholomew
Dixon, groom of the privy buckhounds, vice Ralph Reade, deceased,
the wage of 13d. per diem quarterly, and 20s. per annum for his
winter livery during life. [Docquet.] |
| Mar. 10. |
The like to the master of the great wardrobe for a livery of
3l. 16s. per annum for Bartholomew Dixon. [Docquet.] |
| Mar. 10. |
69. The King to Patrick Lord Ettrick. We have understood
by your letters of the 2nd present the unhappy accident of the fall
of the two walls on the south and north-east sides of the outer
works of the castle of Edinburgh, and according to your desire
we have by our special letters which go herewith given strict
command to our master-mason there to take speedy course for
reparation of the same. We have likewise directed our letters to
the Provost and Bailies of Edinburgh, a duplicate of which you
are now to receive, commanding them to give you all possible
assistance in this work. For the work itself you are to order
it in such sort as you shall judge most necessary for your defence,
and so as it may be finished with most speed, it importing our
service very highly that great diligence and haste be used in it,
and therefore we recommend expedition most especially to your
care. Concerning money there is a supply of 1,000l. sterling
delivered to this bearer to be disposed of for our service as you
shall direct. There is likewise order taken for the warrant to
the postmasters in Scotland for the conveyance of your letters
according to your desire. For all other business in your former
letters we have fully signified our pleasure to you by your secretary
Roberts. Your care in our service shall not be forgotten upon
any occasion wherein your interests shall be concerned. We
understand there is good agreement between the English and
Scotch soldiers in the garrison, and therefore we hold Captain Shipman's stay there unnecessary, and give him license to come away
and leave his charge to your disposing, which you are to let him
know. Endorsed, "His Majesty's letters to the Lord Ettrick in
answer of his of the 2nd of March." [Draft in Sec. Windebank's
hand. 1½ p.] |
| Mar. 10. |
70. The King to the Provost and Bailies of Edinburgh. We
have lately by our letters made known to you how well we are
satisfied with your obedience to our commandments, by the diligence you used and the assistance you gave to the safe and quiet
passing of the men and munition which we sent not long since
for your security to our castle of Edinburgh. And though we have
reason upon so good a ground to expect from you, though unrequired, the like conformity in anything that may concern our
service and your good, yet there being now another occasion
presented by the fall of some of the works at the castle there,
wherein you may, by your like readiness, confirm us in that our
gracious opinion of you, we hereby require you to furnish Lord
Ettrick, our governor there, with men and materials and all things
necessary for the speedy reparation of those works, and to be aiding
and assisting to him in this service to the uttermost of your abilities,
your own safety and honour, of which we shall always have a
tender and princely care, being chiefly concerned herein. [Draft.
1 p.] |
| [Mar. 10.] |
71. Strictures on the arguments advanced in support of the
demands made by the Covenanters deputed from the Parliament of
Scotland to the King. The notes in the margin are in the King's
hand. |
|
1. His Majesty pressing them to declare whether they conceived
he had power to prorogue the Parliament or no, they said it
should be done by Act of Parliament or by consent of the States;
but being pressed for a clear and positive answer touching his
Majesty's own power in that particular, they concluded that
they knew not what he might do in the extent of his high power. |
|
2. [Margin: "Defyning of the Articles."] Touching the Act
which they require for excluding the third estate, and by consequence the taking away his Majesty's royal prerogative, which all
the Kings of Scotland have had, in the nomination and choice of
some of the Lords of the Articles, they answered that there was
no necessity of having any Lords of Articles at all, but only such
a committee as the Parliament itself should choose when they
were assembled; but when it was represented to them that this
was new, and in effect not only an alteration of the whole frame
of the Parliament, and an exclusion of his Majesty's just and
royal prerogative, they replied that it could not be called new,
seeing that way of choosing Lords of Articles was not until the
time of Robert Bruce, which was not passing three hundred
years since, and one of them [margin: The Sheriffe of Tividall]
affirmed that there was now a necessity of this course, for how
could they else leave out and exclude the third estate. |
|
3. [Margin: "Castells. Strangers."] They complained that
his Majesty had placed English soldiers in some of his castles in
Scotland, alleging that strangers ought not to be so employed;
whereupon his Majesty affirmed that his English subjects could
not be called or esteemed strangers no more than the Scots were
here. |
|
4. [Margin: "Monies."] They affirmed that the King had no
power to assign values unto money, but gave no reason, law, or
precedent for it, and so held a frivolous desire that the Parliament
only should do it. |
|
5. [Margin: "Customes."] The reducing of his Majesty's
customs and impositions to the ancient rates was ridiculous, for
considering three hundred years is new and late with them, who
can tell what they will call ancient, and besides they allege
nothing for the diminution of his Majesty's prerogative in that
particular. |
|
6. Lastly they insisted that his Majesty ought not to place any
governor of either nation in any of his forts or castles without
consent of the Parliament, which likewise appeared very frivolous,
for so upon the death or removal of every governor a Parliament
must be called or for ever continued. [1⅓ p.] |
| [Mar. 10.] |
72. Answer to queries submitted on the part of the King to
the Covenanters deputed from the Parliament of Scotland, with
their answers to the same. These answers are according to the
informations given to us by the Parliament who gave us our instructions. Signed by Dunfermline, Loudoun, Douglas, and Robert
Barch. [Printed in Rushworth's Collections, iii., pp. 1001-7.
7¼ pp.] |
| [Mar. 10.] |
73. Copy of the preceding. [5¼ pp.] |
Mar. 10.
Whitehall. |
74. Notes by Nicholas of the proceedings at the Council of War
this day. Resolved that the officers of foot shall have allowance for
their waggons from the time they shall enter into full pay. Resolved
that such of the troops of horse as desire it may be mustered here,
about this town, when they are ready, and have a week's pay delivered to them so soon as they have mustered 60 cuirassiers or 40
carabineers, and then to depart towards the rendezvous at Hull
within eight days, and after another eight days to be again mustered
about 30 miles from this town, when they are to enter into pay, and
be mustered again at Hull. [1 p.] |
Mar. 10.
Westminster. |
75. See "Returns made by Justices of Peace." |
Mar. 10.
Staindrop. |
76. Nathaniel Ward to Sir Henry Vane. Concerning the trees
sent with me and the wines they are disposed of according to your
directions. William Towler, the gardener, will not accept of less
than 18l. with a house in Raby. Touching the business of providing
for the poor and suppressing superfluous alehouses, matters are yet
as bad or worse than when you were present. Nor had I ever in
my life before so much experience that the express laws of the realm,
practised generally elsewhere, might be here baffled, or that men in
place who pretend most forwardness should underhand stop what
outwardly they seem to further, and I conceive both in these and
other matters of this country your worthy son George has learned the
humours of the inhabitants in this short time of his abode far better
than I should do in the time of a complete apprenticeship. I shall use
that patience and moderation in prosecution of your commands this
way, that I shall either cause those in place to perform what they pretend or to discover plainly what they inwardly intend, or howsoever
shall so far protract the time that a justice of peace may be settled
hereabouts, who may make others know we are here as subject to the
King's laws as they who live in the southern parts of England. In
the meantime I begin to be very troublesome among my parishioners,
both to present officers for neglect of their duties and tipplers for
their notorious disorders; which course (mingled with all possible
indulgence), till I understand the world better, I purpose to continue
till either the delinquents are weary of their disorders or the magistrates ashamed of their neglect. [Seal with devise. 1 p.] |
Mar. 10.
The Hague. |
77. Sir John Conyers to [Sec. Windebank]. As I was about to close
this letter I received the States' answer, who absolutely refuse my
leave to come to serve the King except I presently quit my company,
which I shall not refuse to do, and will not fail by the first ship to
take my passage into England to do his Majesty the best service I
can. In the meantime I would be thus far more troublesome to
you. Here is a young man, my wife's sister's son, his name is Henry
Hume, a near kinsman to the Earl of Hume, [also] to the Earls of
Ancrum and Roxburgh, and as gallant a young man as any in the
States' service of his age; he is about 26 years old, has served nine
years, and is now a lieutenant in Abercrombie's Scotch company of
horse. He has a good estate in these countries, and therefore the
more fit to serve this state. I beseech you be pleased in my behalf
and his to beg the King's letters to the Prince of Orange, if not in
regard of my 36 years' service, yet for his merits he will be pleased
to give him my company, or if not mine, then that which was Sir
Thomas Lucas', which they esteem here to be a Scotch company, if the
Prince dispose not of it according to his Majesty's letters, which I
hear have been sent by Sir Thomas Lucas, to have power to resign
it, which it seems cannot be effected, and that his Majesty's letters
to that purpose be sent by Sir William Boswell to his secretary
here, with order to deliver them to the Prince, and to follow the
business, and to give an account of it to you, for I in the meantime
hope to be in England; and Lieutenant Hume, though he be here
now, may in the meantime be commanded to his garrison, which if
he be, that he send for him to Nimeguen, where his garrison is,
that he may also come and speak for himself. I beseech you, if
M. Arsens, the States' Ambassador, be yet in England, that the
business may be powerfully recommended to him, and that his
Majesty's letters to the Prince be sent with all expedition. [2 pp.] |
| Mar. 10. |
78. Edward Herbert, the Queen's Attorney and Solicitor General,
to Sec. Windebank. Howell-ap-Rees being summoned by presentment to appear before the Bishop of St. David's, articles were
exhibited against him for keeping a seminary priest and christening
his children after that way, with the like, which his adversary
failing to prove, the latter importuned the bishop to tender him the
oaths of Supremacy and Allegiance. Rees being an ignorant man, and
not understanding the English tongue, desired to have a short respite,
which being denied him, he was thereupon committed. In that
place the poor man is likely to be prosecuted with vehemency. His
suit is to be by his Majesty's gracious favour removed hither, and
security taken for his appearance. I beseech you acquaint his
Majesty that it is my humble suit to him to have the poor man
removed, and to you that it may be without putting him to the
expense of a pursuivant, also that the gentleman who out of charity
stays in town to follow it may be despatched, as his Majesty shall be
pleased to think reasonable. [1 p.] |
Mar. 10.
Netton, near Winterbourne. |
79. John Swayne to Nicholas. I pray you peruse these few lines,
showing how Michael Tidcombe, Sir Edward Baynton's under-sheriff,
doth deal with me about the ship-money which I stand engaged for.
I was charged in our side of the hundred of Amesbury, Wilts, by
the sheriff to collect 196l., of which I have levied 168l., as my
acquittances will testify, and Mr. Tidcombe has received the other
28l. in returns, and has delivered them to Robert Kent, bailiff, with
some other returns of the south part of our county. I can make it
appear that he has levied by distress 23l. or 24l. of the 28l., but I
can neither get the sheriff to give me a discharge, nor Kent to be
accomptable to the sheriff. I beseech you to take it into your
consideration, and to help me in it what you can, for if the bond
should be sued upon me it might be part of my undoing. My
partner and myself have collected almost 700l. for ship-money. I
understand the remainder of the 28l. which Kent has not received is
due from some poor people who are not able to pay, and some dead.
[Seal with arms, broken. 1 p.] |
Mar. 10.
Westover. |
80. John Ashburnham to the same. As it is none of my least
misfortunes to be, as I conceive, so unworthily matched with a
competitor for the place of provider [for the army], so it is none of
the least blessings that God has given me, in making me happy in
a friend who on all occasions is so sensible of my honour, which is
the highest expression that love can pretend to. I wonder that
Colonel Goring if he were present [at the Council of War] did not make
some distinction of our persons, for when he first spoke to me about
it I told him that if the place were not of condition more considerable than would render such a man as Mr. Gibbons, who in the last
expedition executed something in the like nature, capable of it, I
would not for much more than the profit of the place be nominated
for it. According to our appointment we despatched the business
of Longparish last night. In absence of an attorney I was forced to
draw out the articles which I send enclosed. Though you find in
the conditions that you are to pay the whole 1,200l. on the 28th
May, yet you shall have grace till 28th June for payment of the
half. Further particulars relative to this conveyance. I am going
this morning to Stratton to conclude with Lady de la Warr, and
to-morrow towards Ashburnham. Jocular expressions about Nicholas
and his wife. [Three seals with crest and arms. 1½ p.] |
Mar. 10/20.
The Hague. |
81. E. Countess of Levenstein to Sir John Pennington. When
I see any who know you, I always inquire after your health, for I
can never forget your civilities when I had the honour to come over
in your ship and care with Lady Strange. Your respects to the
Queen [of Bohemia], my mistress and hers, are very much esteemed,
and I shall be glad of any occasion to give you testimony how much
I honour you. [Endorsed by Pennington, "Received from my
Lady Levenstein, this 24th March 1639-40." Seal with coronet
and arms. 1 p.] |
Mar. 10.
Chester. |
82. Robert Brerewood to [Sir Thos. Smith]. Excuses his delay
in writing. I thank you for your acceptance of the place of one of
the burgesses of our city, which I believe is really meant for you
and will be truly performed; yet I would not have you to be oversecure, since you know the inconstant disposition of the people of
this city. You would do well to write to your servant, Ned Williams,
that he cause all your tenants and friends in the city to be sure to
be at the election, which is to be on Monday sennight, and I shall
join with him to do the like. I should advise concerning my cousin,
your son Lawrence, that you would admit him of the Inns of Court
at his now coming to London; the Inn to be chosen is the Middle
Temple, where I shall be able to serve him. [1 p.] |
| Mar. 10. |
83. The case between Dr. Balcanqual, Dean of Durham, and
the church tenants, as reported to Archbishop Laud. Since Gray
and Smith have confessed very nigh all of that wherewith I charged
them, viz., that they never held their leases otherwise than now
they do, and that Gray purchased his lease with its present tenure,
and has never yet been aggrieved by any fine from the Dean and
Chapter. Also that in divers corners of the country these two have
assembled great companies of his Majesty's subjects, our tenants, of
which many of them are of his Majesty's trained-bands, without
any power or authority, and at these tumultuous meetings persuaded
hundreds of our tenants to set their hands and seals to four several
papers, obliging themselves to one another to prosecute against
their landlords before any judicatory these two should think fit.
Further charges against Gray and Smith. This business being now
ready for hearing, I beseech your Grace that I may be heard at the
Council table the first day that the King is present. The sum of
what I shall deliver shall be to the purpose here stated. I am to
solicit his Majesty that we may have an Act of Council not only
disliking these tumultuous practices, but strictly charging all our
tenants to hold themselves quietly and peaceably to those estates
which they now hold from the church [of Durham] and have held
since the reign of Queen Elizabeth, notwithstanding an Act of
Council in her days pretended by them, but which is since discharged
by a proclamation of James I.; commanding them also that if they
find themselves aggrieved with their landlords they shall first
address themselves to the Dean and Chapter, and make them
acquainted with their desires or grievances; and that if they shall
then find the fines set upon them for renewing of their leases to
be too heavy or unreasonable, then it shall be lawful for them to
complain to the Council Board, but so as it be not done upon a
public purse, or by way of combination, but every one by himself,
as knowing that the determination of the Council Board concerning one must needs conclude for all those who are equally
concerned. And for the settling of this great tumult now in the
country, I beseech your Grace to move his Majesty for this speedy
order. [Endorsed, "Received 10th March 1639-40." 22/3 pp.] |
Mar. 10.
Whitburn. |
84. [Thomas] Triplet to Archbishop Laud. Five of these enclosed
papers I thought it very necessary to send you, being all concerning
the business in question. The sixth, being Dr. Duncan's letter, will
show that we will not be unmindful of that Bancks whom I mentioned in my last. I entreat you to read ex abundanti the note
concerning the bearer, my brother, whose benefactor is Edward
Hyde, of the Middle Temple. By the governor of Berwick's letter
it will appear to you that [Stephenson] is justly called in question,
Morrell having now confessed the half of the charge, indeed enough
of itself to make him and his abettors examples of sedition in
dissuading from the lawfulness of arms against such rebels. Having
so lately trespassed upon your Grace by a very prolix letter [see
March 4, No. 27], and now having all these enclosed papers to
trouble you with besides, I think it not civil to lengthen this paper
too. I will only observe that by all this, that appears by Stephenson and his master, it is somewhat evident that they were the
dispersers of that libel which my servant found coming from market
on the 10th August, and which I send up by the bearer. P.S.—The
pursuivant, as I hear, has had 3l. of Lilburne for giving him leave
to stay thus long. They will excuse it because of the High Commission day; but I have reason to believe that it was to gain time
to tamper again with Morrell; for Stephenson has been with him
again at Berwick since the pursuivant came, as I am assured,
though not to much purpose, as appears by Sir Michael Ernley's
letter: [Endorsed by Laud, "Received 17th March 1639-40. From
Mr. Triplet." Damaged by rats. 1 p.] Encloses, |
|
84. I. The same to Bishop Morton, of Durham. I heard last
night that the pursuivant who is come for the mayor of
Sunderland, G. Lilburne and his man Stephenson [upon
the] information against Stephenson at the last sessions,
has given his prisoners [respite from] their journey till
Monday next, for this purpose, says my intelligencer, [that
they may make] my Lord of Durham a party in the
business or may procure his letter, or [may effect this
man's] escape the better. I would presume to counsel you
to be on your guard against them. You will see that
this business, as slight as it was made at the sessions, will
prove a dangerous conspiracy, and I would not be in some
of their coats for 100l. I hope that they have not surprised
you already. If they or their agents come to you, instead
of either counselling or writing for them, you may do
well to take notice how they have abused you in taking
an information concerning high treason without oath,
though I offered the mayor to depose to it before witnesses,
and this on purpose that it might be needless to call it in
public sessions, that it might be only showed in private
to you as it was, and they have in readiness an ambuscade
of Lilburne's friends, whose testimony concerning the
party accused, viz., that he was honest and religious, you
would give credit to, and so the business to be shuffled
over, as it was, the party concluded innocent, and myself
a malicious informer. But Mayor Cottrell [Mr. Cottrell,
mayor of Sunderland] shall know, my lord, that my
information for the King ought to have been of better
account with him, and that Stephenson, as I could have
no malice to his person, because before this business I
scarce knew him de facie, so he will appear to be an arrant
knave and villain, besides his perfect and intestine malice
to our church discipline, which will be sufficiently proved
against him. His zeal has already dispensed with two
famous lies. When the messenger asked him whether his
master were within, he answered he knew not, though he
came to the door immediately from waiting on his master
at supper. When the pursuivant asked Stephenson his
name, he said Nicholson. "Why, then," said the pursuivant,
"go call George Stephenson, for I must speak with him."
"Yes," replied the former, and ran away. So you may see
a little what will become of this business, for truth seeks
neither to be hidden away in corners nor defended with
lies. Before this, there was sufficient matter, as I believe
will appear, to some of their costs. Once again I admonish your lordship not to touch or meddle with these
fellows. March 3. [Copy. 1 p.] |
|
84. ii. Triplet to Bishop Morton, of Durham. Though your lordship be pleased with me but conditionally, yet I protest that
I have discharged my duty to you absolutely, which will
appear when it will be evident what care I have taken to
discover the plot of this little covenant to misinform and
so to abuse your lordship. The Governor [of Berwick's]
note to me I have sent up, which being but a certificate of
Morrell's confession, I desired Mr. Johnson to entreat
you from me to send to Berwick for a copy of the examination, that you may justly charge those who have wronged
you in this business, and so make it appear how vain
was the mayor Cottrell's boast that the Bishop of Durham
would bear him harmless in this business, though he, like
a very unworthy justice, refused my oath on purpose that
it might be but a private information and to be made
to appear so to your lordship. For my part I tell you
truly, that if the King's attorney will not prosecute every
man of these ex officio I will, if I may have leave, for I can
prove that after the mayor was warned to proceed wisely
and honestly in the disquisition of the business, he, notwithstanding, so published the matter, that Lilburne and
his man had intelligence of it by an anonymous letter
before they came home, which made them turn back and
tamper with Morrell, their accuser, whom by fees and
promises they so far prevailed with, that at that time he
denied the words, but since has confessed so much as will
make that anti-episcopal Stephenson and his part-takers
to be but in a reasonable case. For upshot of all, to
make the iniquity of Lilburne and his man complete,
the pursuivant serving the warrant upon him and his
man on Thursday, instead of taking them off with him
on the following Monday, agreed with Lilburne for 3l. to
stay ten days longer; in which time he acts two notable
parts, one the baffling of the High Commission, pretending to save the forfeiture of his bond, and the other in
sending his man Stephenson to tamper once more with
Morrell at Berwick, whom, it seems, did cretizare cum
cretensi, telling him that he had confessed nothing that
would hurt him. If Morrell had told him the truth, I believe
Stephenson would have made one escape more from the
pursuivant and have joined issue with his brother
Covenanters, when he was so near them. [Endorsed,
"Copy of my last letter to the Bishop of Durham." ½ p.] |
|
84. iii. Bishop Morton, of Durham, to Triplet. I thank you
for your zealous affection, both in the cause and for
myself. The mayor of Sunderland was with me two
hours before your letter came to me. I gave a brief
answer that I would not meddle in this business, they
being now called in question about it. They impute
the information against them to you, how justly I know
not, nor how just the information might be, but I had
this reason not to believe them, because I knew you would
have acquainted me first with a matter of this nature;
however, I again thank you. [Auck] land Castle, 4th March.
[1 p.] |
|
84. iv. Triplet to Bishop Morton. I am heartily glad that the
mayor of Sunderland was a little before my man to no
purpose. Unless I had sent in the night I could not
have sent you the news of their design upon you. I
suspect that I was but a second to your lordship in this
action, for it is reported that your letter was with the
Governor of Berwick ten days before mine, and all these
parties conclude that, by intelligence from Berwick, this
pursuivant comes down, whether by your letter or mine
they know not. [Copy. ½ p.] |
|
84. v. The same to Sir Michael Ernle, Governor of Berwick.
A pursuivant is come down for George Stephenson, his
master, and the mayor of Sunderland. When the pursuivant came to Lilburne's both for the master and man, after
he had served his warrant on the master, and Stephenson
was lighting him upstairs, the messenger asked him his
name, when he, suspecting some mischief, replied George
Nicholson, and under pretence of calling Stephenson made
his escape. If it be put in execution, my life for yours
within a day, or such a matter, the varlet [will con] fess all,
and what Stephenson tampered with him at Alnwick, that
made him thus deny that [this was] so expressly spoken to
me; for though he be a soldier by office, yet I take him to be
a coward by disposition; and as for fear of Lilburne he
has been thus far a rene[gade to th]e truth, so now for
fear of the King and the King's laws he will justify
what he has [confess]ed. But though he do relent, seem
not easy at first to take hold of it, for fear [of discovering] a
plot; but seem to reject it, till such time as he be mightily
humbled, and then send [and re]port the whole story in
writing from the first to the last. I have sent my man
on a dirty journey for the effecting of this good piece of
service. Morrell must be kept close prisoner, that neither
man nor letter may come to him from Sunderland.
[March 5. Copy. 1 p.] |
|
84. vi. Dr. E. Duncan [to Triplet]. I received your letter with
one from Mr. Johnson, but not the other, unless it were
the one I had given me by Mr. Swinborne. What you do
against Puritans, God reward you for; I think the
generation of them is most dangerous to this church and
state, especially having a Scottish example of anarchy
and confusion to follow. I have sent away Vincent and
Lapthorne, two very factious lecturers, though I had much
ado to effect it you know. If we, who are in the right
uay of church obedience, were as zealous in our course
as Puritans are, I believe by this day a Puritan had not
been a weed in our garden. I shall be glad to see you
next week, come to stay three or four days. I have read
the book which congratulates the Covenanters for their
positions and practice so corresponding to the Jesuits;
there is excellent sport in it, especially a good comparison
between Loyola, the captain and founder of Jesuits, and
Lesley, the captain of Covenanters, both bastards, soldiers,
debauched in their youth, lame, fighting under any for
pay, converted, &c. I shall inform the Archdeacon of
Bancks' outrage ultra ripas. Sir William Bellasis was
with me, being lately come from London, and says all is
war; 2,000 horse are to come down, the patent of generallissimo is signed to the Earl of Northumberland, and Sir
Jacob Ashley is again sergeant-major; 80 ships are providing, and 30,000 or 40,000 men for foot soldiers will be
pressed. Durham, 3rd March, late at night. [1 p.] |
| Mar. 10. |
85. Certificate by George Fletcher that he had to bring into
his Majesty's stores in the Tower 100 tons of English match at
the rate of 45l. per ton, making a total of 4,500l., of which he desires
to have 2,000l. by way of imprest. [½ p.] |
| Mar. 10. |
86. The like certificate that he had to provide 50 tons of Flemish
match at the rate of 28l. per ton, making a total of 1,400l., of which
he had already received 500l. [½p.] |
| Mar. 11. |
87. Notes by Sec. Windebank of proceedings at the Council this
day, the King present. An Act of State to be made declaring that
the petitioners new come from the Covenanters have no power to
give his Majesty satisfaction, but only instructions, and these from
a few persons of no great consideration, and not from the Parliament,
and those powers which they have by their instructions, come not
home to any accommodation. Satisfaction to be given concerning
the subscribing of the Covenant by the King's command; but this
not in their sense; the Covenant, but not the bond. The new bond
was to be sworn against all men, not excepting the King; this
was the new one. The old one was made by the King himself.
The new one a combination against the King. The old one signed
by the Lord Marquis [Hamilton] and [the Earl of] Traquair. We
shall mutually assist one another as we shall be commanded by the
King or any authorised by him. When any are required to subscribe the Covenant as the Marquis Hamilton and the Earl of
Traquair did, and in their sense, they refuse to do it. Nothing done
in the general by swearing the Covenant [as] sworn by the Marquis
and Traquair that may justify their proceedings. Never any
Covenant made in the Christian world where the head was left out
or had not a negative voice. Some short treatise to be published,
stating what his Majesty expects of his subjects of Scotland, and
what he will grant to them. In the first place his Majesty expects
civil and temporal obedience. Till they acknowledge that the
supreme magistrate must have authority to call assemblies and to
dissolve them, and to have a negative voice in them, as it is used in
all supreme powers of Christendom, they are not to be heard. His
Majesty will first hear them, and they may give matter for such a
treatise. [1½ p.] |
Mar. 11.
Whitehall. |
88. Order of Council, the King present. By an order of the 9th
February, upon hearing the business for regulating the trade of
bringing in and retailing sea-borne coal, a month was then given to
members of the company of woodmongers and society of coal
merchants, with the mayor and some of the hostmen of Newcastle
or others, to present any new propositions to the Board for the
better ordering of the coal trade and the accommodation of the
city with coals at cheaper prices, either by a free trade or otherwise,
and for securing the King's revenue. On Sunday last the Lord
Mayor and Aldermen, with the parties before named, attended the
Board, and declared that they had no further propositions to make,
but desired that the contract of 17s. and 19s. might be kept, and
that thereupon they are willing to submit to the former orders of
the Board. It was this day ordered that the former contract made
2nd July 1638, with the society of coal merchants and the former
orders of the Board, are to be ratified, and the orders likewise made
by the society of coal merchants amongst themselves for better
regulating the trade, but heretofore suspended by order of 15th
May 1639, are also to be ratified. In case any of the coal merchants,
masters, or owners shall exceed the prices settled by the contract
of 17s. or 19s. respectively, or shall bring bad or unmerchantable
coals, that then, upon complaint of the woodmongers or others, they
shall answer their contempts at the Board. By an order of 27th
November 1639, Christopher Medcalfe and William Toomes, Surveyors-General of Customs, were required to forbear to demand of
the merchants, masters, or owners of ships of the society of coal
merchants 9d. for a cocket, complained to be collected of late times
as due by virtue of the said patent, until the first sitting of the
Board in February, by reason the society of coal merchants alleged
they had no benefit of the five in the hundred allowed to other
merchants. It was this day further ordered that the 9d. for a cocket
and 4d. for the return of the same shall still remain suspended
until the Board upon hearing the parties shall give further order.
[Copy. 1½ p.] |
Mar. 11.
Edinburgh Castle. |
89. Patrick Lord Ettrick to the King. I have received yours of
the 26th February, also your Majesty's commission with the articles
of war, which will encourage me to proceed the more cheerfully in
your service. I shall endeavour to show myself most sensible of
your gracious favour in granting all my humble suits presented in
my letters of the 18th ult. I have, as commanded by the Earl of
Traquair, sent you a particular of all the ammunition and victuals
within the castle. Sir John Ruthven accepts your gracious favour,
and intends to make his speedy repair to your Majesty, while Colonel Francis Ruthven will remain here awhile to settle his brother's
estate, but will not enter into any employment, and intends with
his best convenience to follow his brother. You commanded me to
let you understand what further supply of victual and ammunition
would be required to sustain a year's siege. With officers, gunners,
and artificers, here are above 300 men, besides a few women and
children. I suppose, therefore, as much more ammunition and provisions as are expressed in the particular herewith sent will suffice
for a year's siege; but it will require further deliberation to give a
direct answer to this question, which I leave to your Majesty's
consideration. The people here are of late become far more insolent
than they have ever been since I came here, for not only timber and
trees are denied me wherewith to repair the walls lately fallen down,
but even at the gates of the castle all who bring in daily provisions
are much abused and their provisions taken from them by the
common people, with whom there is no order taken, notwithstanding
my often sending to the Provost about it. I defer to use means to
reform these disorders myself, lest it prevent me receiving the money
promised by the Secretaries of State for payment of the soldiers. I
pray let me receive all intended supplies with all speed, lest they
come too late. [Endorsed as received on the 17th March. 2 pp.]
Encloses, |
|
89. i. A note of ordnance and ammunition in the Castle of
Edinburgh. March 11, 1639-40. [3¼ pp.] |
|
89. ii. The like of provisions in the Castle of Edinburgh. [¾ p.] |
Mar. 11.
Edinburgh Castle. |
90. Patrick Lord Ettrick to [Sec. Windebank]. I have received by
my secretary Roberts the 500l., which, according to your directions,
shall be disbursed for pay of the soldiers, and other pressing
occasions. I thank you for furthering me in my late suits to his
Majesty. I beseech you to be a means that I may speedily receive
further supplies of money, lest they come too late. Concerning the
rents and yearly perquisites belonging to the castle, I could never
yet understand the value of them. I have been often promised a
true particular of them, which, as soon as I can obtain, I shall send
you to present to the King. I shall endeavour to the utmost of my
power to serve his Majesty in all particulars, as may show me
sensible of his extraordinary favours towards me. P.S.—If you let
me understand that you have given order to all postmasters to
despatch packets superscribed with my name, I shall henceforth
presume to send my letters in that kind. [Endorsed by Windebank
as "Received on 17th and answered the 19th." 1 p.] |
Mar. 11.
Berwick. |
91. Capt. Charles Lloyd to the same. Reports progress of the fortifications at Berwick. Sir Michael Ernle showed me your last letter.
All the prejudice I conceive done him [Sir James Douglas] is cutting
sods in his fields, which I must of necessity do for the advancement
of the works, but this cannot amount to five marks. The kilns
which the town and Sir James are in suit for I set on work by Lady
Douglas' own men, who supply me weekly with the quantity [of
lime] I require, and I pay them for it according to the customary
rate; and this is all the damage I can think of, unless it be a mill
which was broken long before we came to the town. [Endorsed as
"Received on the 16th." 1 p.] |
Mar. 11.
Berwick. |
92. Sir Michael Ernle to the same. I received yours of the
5th present concerning Sir James Douglas. I cannot tell in what
he has been prejudiced, except in taking of some sods from his
grounds for the works; and for the townsmen set on work about his
lime, Capt. Lloyd will give you an account. The Covenanters
intend sending 1,200 men to Kelso, under the charge of Lord Ker,
son of the Earl of Roxburgh, and as many to Getwart [Jedburgh],
under the charge of the Earl of Ancrum's son, into both which places
arms are already sent. The Marquis of Douglas is come to remain
here in Berwick; I told him I heard his eldest son was lately turned
Covenanter, which he confirmed. The Marquis also told me that
an Englishman was sent to the Covenanters in Scotland, to assure
them that they had a very strong party in England, but I could not
hear any such thing by anybody else. [1 p.] |
Mar. 11.
Newcastle. |
93. William Vane to his father, Sir Henry Vane. I have engaged
the assistance of all the nobility and those of my acquaintance in
these parts in my undertaking, but I confess that I find it very
difficult, if not impossible, to raise all my troop here from that class
of persons I could wish. Gentlemen will not serve upon 2s. a day,
having had more by 8d. the other time, so that I fear finally I shall
have to have recourse to the south; but of this and of all else I shall
be better able to inform you next week, when I see what progress
has been made in my business. The lieutenant whom you mentioned in your first letter is engaged with Lord Clifford. I have
been requested by Sir William Darcy and others to recommend to
you Capt. John Muschains, who has served in the foreign wars, being
an officer under the King of Sweden. He is a very able man, and
was employed in the last service at Berwick. I pray you provide
for me such handsome outfit as may be required for the present
service, either at London or in Holland. [French. 2 pp.] |
| Mar. 11. |
94. List of the King's servants and others required to contribute
to the loan, similar to the lists calendared under date March 6,
Nos. 36 and 37. These are to be warned to be at the Council table
upon Wednesday, the 11th March, at 2 p.m. [In the margin are the
notes against the names of those who have been warned, of those out
of town, and of the places where others are staying. 1 p.] |
| Mar. 11. |
95. Estimate of ordnance and munition to be presently supplied
for furnishing the train of artillery. Included in these particulars
are 20 brass drakes, whereof 10 to be of 3 lbs. bullet, and 10 of
6 lbs. bullet; also four whole culverins. These are to be furnished
with field carriages bound with iron, with shod wheels, and all other
things necessary for their draught, with spare wheels, block car,
axletrees of each sort, ladles, sponges, rammers, moulds for cartouches, ropes for draught, &c.; likewise four mortar-pieces, two of
a larger and two of a smaller size, with their carriages and appliances.
[1⅓ p.] |
| Mar. 12. |
96. Notes taken by Sec. Windebank at the meeting this day of
the Committee of Council for hearing the Covenanters deputed from
the Parliament of Scotland. [2/3 p.] |
Mar. 12.
Auckland. |
97. Bishop Morton, of Durham, to Sec. Windebank. I beg your
patience in the perusal of these lines, which relate the truth of a
business so far as came within the cognizance of my sheriff, Sir
William Bellasis, Mr. Richardson, and myself. An information was
tendered at the last sessions at Durham by the mayor of Sunderland
concerning George Stephenson, servant to George Lilburne, who
had spoken certain bold words in the defence of the Covenanters in
Scotland, which information, because it was taken without oath, and
the informer then a soldier at Berwick, it was thought good that a
letter should be directed to the governor of Berwick, there to
receive upon oath the party's information, and to return it to John
Richardson, J.P., at Durham, whose sudden death made both this
and some other country businesses for the present miscarry. While
I was about to repair this mischance by sending to Whitburn,
recently afflicted with the plague, where these words were spoken,
I learned from you that a messenger had taken Lilburne and the
rest. This messenger for Lilburne's cause has here dispensed with
them for 12 days, although the others were ready to go with him,
that so, as appears, Lilburne might affront his Majesty's Commissioners at Durham in Causes Ecclesiastical; for he, being bound to
appear before them on Tuesday last to answer articles, put in an
appearance, and so freed his bond, and then, under pretence of being
his Majesty's prisoner, refused to enter into a new bond, either to
answer by himself or his proctor, or to abide the sentence of the
court, saying, "It was all one to him whether he was a prisoner at
Durham or London." Whereupon he was committed; but the
messenger, George Carter, in the face of the court, took him from
the gaoler, and so set forward presently on their journey, plainly
signifying by their actions for what ends they came thither; and
by this means has he freed himself from his bond taken here.
Therefore we desire, if it may seem to stand with justice, that
Lilburne be compelled to give bonds with your honour to enlaw
himself to the Court of High Commission again. [Seal broken. 1½ p.] |
Mar. 12.
Chester. |
98. Henry Birkened, junior, to his kinsman [Sir Thos. Smith]. I
should have written before, but doubted the delivery of my letter,
by reason of your purpose of removing from Ashton; but now I
hope it has found you, and will be the more acceptable to you
because delivered by the hands of those whom you have great cause
joyfully to receive. Family matters. [1 p.] |
| Mar. 12. |
99. Articles signed by Archbishop Laud, and proposed on behalf
of Francis Earl of Bedford, touching the bringing of certain French
and Dutch planters into the lands and fens in or about Thorney,
within the diocese of Ely. These articles chiefly relate to the
providing of a church and minister, and the use of the Liturgy of the
Church of England in French or other language. [12/3 p.] |
| Mar. 12. |
100. Certificate by Lawrence Whitaker that Alexander Maurice
had taken the oath of allegiance. [4 lines.] |
| Mar. 12. |
101. The like by Henry Garwaie, Lord Mayor, and two others,
justices of peace for the city of London, that Samuel Middleton,
gentleman, had taken the same oath. |
| Mar. 12. |
102. Testimonial by Robert Cottesford, rector of Hadleigh, and
11 others, that Gawen Nash, B.D., minister of the Tower church in
Ipswich, had lived amongst them three years irreprovably, preached
the Word of God constantly and orthodoxally, acknowledging the
King's supremacy above the usurped authority of the Pope of Rome,
and never had spoken anything in defence of Popery. [1 p.] |
| Mar. 12. |
103. Information by George Okes and Christopher Thornton that,
they being at Sellby's Inn in Long Acre, one [Edmond Rychers]
maintained that the oath of allegiance to King Charles was of no
force in foreign parts, and that an Englishman being in Flanders or
elsewhere might bear arms lawfully against the King of England.
[½ p.] |
| Mar. 12. |
104. Examination of Edmond Rychers, taken before Lawrence
Whitaker. Does not remember that he spake any such words as
are informed against him by George Okes and Christopher Thornton,
neither is he of any such opinion as those words import, but if any
such words passed from him in his drink, he is heartily sorry.
Protests that he is ready to draw his sword in the service of his
Prince, is a communicant of the Church of England, and is willing
to take the oaths of allegiance and supremacy. [2/3 p.] |
| Mar. 13. |
105. Certificate returned to the Council by Martin Bradgate and
Thos. Bell, merchants, and William Field and Michael Gardiner,
vintners, that, according to an Order of Council of the 9th February
last, for viewing of wines in difference between Capt. Langham,
Robert Fison, merchants, and Robert Quarterman, vintner; as also
between John Johnstone, merchant, and Thomas Symmes, vintner,
we, the above-named referees, have viewed and tasted the said wines,
and have all agreed upon the loss accruing from the inferior quality
of these wines, as here stated, but cannot agree upon the proper
incidence of these losses, so that we, Bradgate and Bell, do here
deliver our opinions apart. [1 p.] |
| Mar. 13. |
106. The like certificate returned by William Field and Michael
Gardiner. [1 p.] |
Mar. 13.
Whitehall. |
107. Sec. Vane to Sir Thos. Roe. By the occurrences I find that
great preparations are made in all places for an early campaign, and
it has pleased God so to dispose of the affairs of this island that his
Majesty is necessitated to prepare for the same also, as for the sitting
down of his Parliament, which approaches near, being the 13th of
next month, and I dare assure you it costs his Majesty the expense
of much time. Yesterday the King appointed to hear the lords
sent to attend him out of Scotland, they having desired to be heard
in his presence, and that is now the third time they have been before
him. At these conferences Archbishop Laud, Lord Treasurer Juxon,
Marquis Hamilton, the Earls of Northumberland and Traquair, Lord
Cottington, and the two Secretaries of State have assisted. His
Majesty's grace towards these Scotch lords is such that though, by
the opinion of the Lords above named and of the Council Board, the
powers they brought with them are altogether invalid, and not
satisfactory, yet his Majesty will give them a full hearing. [1 p.] |
Mar. 13.
Hamburgh. |
108. Sir Thos. Roe to Sec. Windebank. Having received your
command to persuade good Scotch officers to [volunteer for] his
Majesty's service, I could not refuse the bearer, Sergeant-Major
Thelwall, who desires to be recommended to the Lord-General, the
Earl of Northumberland, he having relinquished his designs here.
[½ p.] |
Mar. 13.
Hamburgh. |
109. The same to the same. The like recommendation for Captain
Thurland, of Sir George Fleetwood's regiment. [Seal with arms,
impressed. ½ p.] |
| Mar. 13. |
110. Certificate of Gabriel Chickard that he had spoken to Clifton
about the ship-money, who said that he had done what he could
but could not get anything to speak of, for some paid and some
would not; but he would ask Mr. Holborne's opinion concerning the
same. [⅓ p.] |
Mar. 13.
Bilbao. |
111. Prestwick Eaton to George Wellingham. I have received
several of your letters of ancient date by Stone with the things
you sent me. [Seal with device. 1 p.] |
| Mar. 14. |
112. Certificate by Capt. William Legg, in obedience to the Lords
order of the 3rd inst., for viewing of divers cavalry arms remaining
in the hands of particular persons in and about London, and for
treating with them for the prices thereof according to their several
numbers, condition, and quality. List of the arms remaining in the
hands of Sir John Suckling, viz.:—76 light horse armours, price
133l.; 57 pair of pistols, price 156l. 15s.; and 68 carbines with
firelocks complete, price 102l. In the hands of William Cox, 45
Dutch light horse armours, price 51l. 15s. In the hands of Richard
Wright, 35 Dutch light horse arms, price 40l. 5s. Underwritten, |
|
112. i. Order of the Council of War, signified by Nicholas, requiring the Officers of Ordnance to view the arms above
mentioned, and having treated with their owners concerning the prices to certify the Lords the number, condition,
quality, and prices of these arms, whereupon they will
take such further order as shall be best for the King's
service. Whitehall, 16th March 1639-40. [Copy. 1 p.] |
