Charles I - volume 459: July 1-13, 1640

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1640. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1880.

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'Charles I - volume 459: July 1-13, 1640', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1640, (London, 1880) pp. 434-474. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/chas1/1640/pp434-474 [accessed 25 March 2024]

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July 1-13, 1640.

July 1. 1. Sir Michael Ernie to Sec. Windebank. On Monday the 29th of June there came to Dunse 200 horse loads of provisions, and there are come to Haddington, Dunbar, and Preston Pans divers forces to the number of 3,000 or 4,000, so that they now make a show as if they meant to draw to a head. Monroe was on the 27th of June still at Aberdeen, though divers gentlemen that came out of the North with the Marquis Huntley's son reported he was marching towards Edinburgh, 9,000 or 10,000 strong; but he has not the third part of that number, and is ill-provided with ammunition. Some forces are sent, and as I am informed, six cannon to take in Lord Ogleby's [Ogilvie's] house in the North. Those that went long since into the West of Scotland to take Lord Nislet's [Nithsdale's] house, as it was conceived, are still at Dumfries. Edinburgh Castle remains in the same state; it is reported by one that came thence that to-day they intend to make some great attempt upon it; but I can give little credit to the report. I shall not fail, as well as I can inform myself, to give you account of the proceedings in these parts. [Endorsed: "Received July 6." Seal with crest. 1 p.]
July 1. 2. George Payler to [Lord Treasurer Juxon]. The 6,000l. lately advanced for the garrison of Berwick is sufficient for the payment of the 12 companies and train of artillery for two months from this date; but the fortifications, repairs, and materials, together with other emergent occasions, require a further supply of 2,000l. for two months, and in regard of these large disbursements the great distance betwixt London and Berwick, the hazard in open postage of moneys, together with the charge, especially if attended with my own person. May it pleace your Lordship to give order that a further advance of 10,000l. be prepared, which will continue the discharge of all occasions belonging to the garrison until the 1st of November next, that I may return to my employment at Berwick. [2/3 p.]
July 1.
Newcastle.
3. George Vane to his father Sec. Vane. The building at Raby Castle is progressing well; I have not yet seen Richeson, the surveyor. I am going to Raby Castle to-morrow to remove my troop to within two miles of Newcastle, to be in readiness, the report here being constant and general that the Scots without fail will be here next week. I shall take order before I go from Raby about your breed, if I take John Betty with me, so that it shall not be neglected in his absence. Also Mr. Conyers and I have appointed a meeting for enrolling such tenants of yours as shall be able to take arms in time of need for the defence of the castle, and you shall have a list of them. I shall also take care your armoury is in good order. [Seal with crest, broken. 2 pp.]
July 1.
Donington.
4. Henry Earl of Huntingdon to Nicholas. The draught horses shall be at Newcastle the 15th of July, according to the Council's directions, signified by your letter of the 29th of June last. Next week the Lord General shall have an account of the performance of this business. [Endorsed: "Received 3rd July." Paper seal with arms and coronet. ½ p.]
July 1. 5. Petition of Robert Gilbert, vicar of Flixton, Suffolk, to Archbishop Laud. Petitioner was presented by the University of Cambridge to this living on or about May 10th, 1639. Prays for assistance, because divers tenants of Lady Lettice Tasburgh, pretended patroness of the said living, who is a convicted recusant, have defrauded him of the tithes due out of the lands they occupy to the value of 600l. per annum. He has proceeded against them in the Court of Arches, and sentence is to be given next Monday, but petitioner cannot discharge the fees to the court for that sentence, by reason of the subtraction of his tithes, and the money he has already expended. Underwritten,
5. i. "I desire Sir John Lambe to take this poor clergyman's case into consideration, and afford him all lawful favour for "his just relief. W. Cant. 1st July 1640." [2/3 p.]
July 1.
Lambeth.
6. Archbishop Laud to Edward Viscount Conway. I doubt my last letters, which I gave Sec. Windebank to send you, miscarried, because I hear not from you since, considering those letters gave you an account of your four propositions entrusted to me about fortifying Newcastle. In those letters I sent you word that I had showed those propositions to his Majesty, who liked them well, but misdoubted the first, as if it would unsettle the new duty to him upon the coals. I further said I would again press the King for the necessity of this work and get your propositions referred to my Lord Lieutenant [of Ireland], who now I hope [mends] indeed. I did so. His Majesty answered the Lord Lieutenant was a stranger to the whole business about the coals, and, therefore, could not be fit, besides the consideration of his weakness, to have the reference made to him, but commanded me to deliver them to Lord Cottington. I did so, and have since called on him for his judgment. He tells me plainly he conceives them impracticable, because the Corporation cannot have less than 2d. per chaldron, and the owner and sel[lers] have great impositions already laid upon them both at Sunderland and Newcastle. For my own part I would have something done to secure Newcastle both for the present and the future. [Seal with arms; damaged by damp. 1 p.]
July 1. 7. Deputy-Lieutenants of Somersetshire to the Lords Lieutenants Philip Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery and William Earl of Hertford. We received, the 28th of June, your letters of the 20th of the same, and therein a transcript of one from the Council unto you of the 19th June, by which we perceive they are offended with some neglect of ours in this service. We desire you to let their Lordships know, that according to his Majesty's command and their directions we pressed 2,000 able men, and brought them to the rendezvous at Bruton and Wincanton on the 10th of May, where two of us continued with them till the 17th of the same, expecting they should depart on the 20th towards Newcastle, and we provided for them 2,000 coats, and laid out for their pay almost 600l. But after all this your letters of May 6 were sent us, and in them a transcript of another from the Council of 3rd May, which were not delivered to us till the 16th, commanding us not to bring the soldiers to the rendezvous till the 1st of June, when they had been there already seven days. Had they departed thence, according to the former directions, there had not gone out of any county a band of more able and well ordered soldiers. But what disorders they committed after their disbanding we are unwilling to relate, and yet two of us always remained among them to keep them in order as well as we could, and to see them duly paid; had we not supplied them out of our own purses with above 100l. when money came not in readily out of the country they had all dispersed and gone away. The whole fault must rest on those that kept your letters so long from us, by means whereof there was near 600l. cast away. On receipt of your letters, dated Marlborough, June 10, which came to us at Bruton when all things were full of tumult, that being the day appointed for the soldiers to march towards Selby, we offered some of them press-money, but they utterly refused it, and we thought it at that time no indiscretion to connive at it. And at our coming to our homes we intended to prosecute the service, but at our return and ever since we find these parts in and about Taunton and the adjoining parishes so dangerously infected with the plague that we fear to call any companies together lest we might send some to the King's army bringing with them more prejudice than we hope the enemy's sword shall ever be able to do. Another reason which made us forbear to trouble the country with a new press was because we conceived, and so it fell out, that many soldiers upon our warrants which were sent throughout the country would daily come in before their removing from their rendezvous or speedily after. But the chief cause of this omission is the want of money. For whereas we are commanded to press almost 400 men, and send them by conductors to Selby at the charge of the county, we assure you there is already spent in the former pressing and paying of the soldiers above 1,300l., and the draper who furnished the coats is paid but 300 odd pounds of the 1,000l. due to him, so that there is owing to him almost 700l., which if it be not speedily paid he is utterly undone, and we have not yet one penny towards it, and have cause to doubt that it will come in very slowly if at all. To press so many men anew, and cause them to be conducted and paid till they come to Selby, at the charge of the county where there is not one penny to pay them, we leave it to you to consider how dangerous it may prove to ourselves and the country to bring together so many unruly men and have nothing to pay them. We have often heretofore and lately called most of the constables before us requiring them to bring in the money laid on their several hundreds, but many brought not in one quarter of their dues, others nothing at all, alleging their neighbours excused themselves saying they had no money; and we requiring the names of such refusers, their answer was they must bring in the names of every man in some hundreds, which we believe will be such a number as you will not think fit should be sent you. Touching the soldiers which are run away, we have sent abroad warrants and hue and cries for them, and will send out others to have them apprehended and punished according to law, but at present we hear of none that are taken. [Seal with arms and crest, broken. 2 pp.]
July 1.
Bodmin.
8. The Deputy-Lieutenants of Cornwall to the Lord Lieutenant Philip Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery. We have endeavoured the levying of the 1,600 pressed men imposed on this county, and have impressed the greater part of them with the assistance of the commanders sent hither for that purpose by the Lord General. We have observed your directions in pressing others instead of the freeholders that were of the trained bands, and who were unable or unwilling to serve themselves, and have spared seiners and sailors. This has been more difficult than you may conceive, for we have been even compelled to press the constables of many parishes to enforce them to bring forth their able-bodied men. We have given orders for levying as much money as we conceive will be necessary for the coating and salary of these 1,600, and for conducting them to their rendezvous; but although we have commanded that the money should be brought us hither at Bodmin, at this time of our meeting, by the petty constables, it is not, and could not yet be so fully effected as we expected, so we are forced to appoint another meeting on Tuesday next in our several divisions, and then we hope to have our men ready to come to their rendezvous. For the whole number of the soldiers we yet want about 50 men, 25 of them were to have been raised out of the parishes of St. Just, Filley, Gerrans, and Antony, but Capt. Hannibal Bonithon in a violent way commanded the menof those parishes to attend to be mustered before him at the same time we had commanded them to have been brought before us to be mustered. The particular of Bonithon's doing and contempt herein we herewith certify under our hands, commending it to you to be reformed. We are informed, and are very doubtful, many will refuse to pay coat and conduct-money for these soldiers, which will retard the service. Concerning those that refuse to receive the prest-money, we desire further directions how we shall proceed with them. We cannot sufficiently express to you the lamentable complaints of all sorts of people that are brought us for the impressing so great a number, and we again solicit you for the lessening of the number, if it may be obtained. We are forced to present also to you the mischief lately done on our coast by the Turkish pirates, who have fought with our ships, and taken away divers of our people at Looe, Penzance, and other places, whereof we are unable to certify the numbers. These Turkish miscreants are reported to be at least 60 men-of-war. The fishermen are afraid to put to sea, and we are forced to keep continual watches on all our coasts. [Seal with device. 1½ pp.] Enclosed,
8. i. The certificate of the same deputy-lieutenants touching the contemptuous misdemeanours above mentioned, of Capt. Hannibal Bonython, lieutenant of St. Mawe's Castle. Bodmin, July 1st, 1640. [1½ pp.] Enclosing,
8. ii. Copy of warrant of the deputy-lieutenants to the constables of St. Just, Gerrans, Filley, and Antony, for mustering the trained bands and able men at Truro, on the 20th of June. June 12th, 1640. [2/3 p.]
8. iii. Copy of certificates of the constables above mentioned, that they had received and published the warrants of the deputy-lieutenants, and then of Capt. Bonython, for assembling the able-bodied men of their parishes as above. Truro, June 20th, 1640. [1½ pp.]
July 1.
Middle Temple.
9. Robert Henley to [Robert] Read. According to what I spoke of last night, I find in one of my servant's letters that he did write twice to me concerning a boy's going away, and that it seemed his letters miscarried. I believe that one of his letters did miscarry. This is all I can find at present concerning that matter. Had I known before that you desired a certificate I should have furnished myself better and shall hereafter. P.S.—Mr. Freke has brought you a certificate from Lord Paulett and myself, who are the two next justices to Crewkerne. If such men were put in it would credit the business. [Seal with arms and crest. 1 p.]
[July 1.] 10. Sir Richard Tichborne, Sir Henry Clerk, and Sir Wm. Lewis to [James Stuart Duke of Lennox], and Jerome Earl of Portland. lords lieutenants of Hants. We having received your letters of 17th April last for the examining a complaint against Capt. Tucker, by Mr. Dare, whereof his Majesty and the Council took notice, and thereupon made an order which we received, together with a petition of Captain Tucker recharging Mr. Dare with private ends of his own; the examination whereof it pleased you to refer to us to report on; accordingly we met at Winchester the 5th of June, and called before us Captain Tucker and Mr. Dare, with all such testimonies as were necessary. In the first place we required Mr. Dare to deliver unto us the examinations formerly taken therein, which he refused to do in the originals, but delivered unto us, as he alleged, a true transcript of the same, but not under the hands of either of the former referees. Nevertheless we accepted of the same to prevent any exceptions that might be pretended, and examined all witnesses that Capt Tucker or Mr. Dare then offered us, the true copies [of which examinations] we here present. In which we do not find that Capt. Tucker received any money for the discharge of any prest soldiers, some overtures were made and small sums deposited in the hands of second parties, which were to obtain supplies, if they might be had. But we find not any discharged by Captain Tucker without the consent of the deputy-lieutenants or some of them, nor that any of the parties accused of offering money to be exempted from that service held themselves aggrieved, or would have complained if they had not been pressed thereunto. You may haply find some difference between these examinations and those taken by the former referees, whereof we informed the examinants, and willed them to be careful to express truth, although we had no authority to administer an oath. Some of them answered that what they said before us they would be disposed to, and that what they had formerly done they were drawn unto by fear or respect unto Sir Henry Mildmay, one of the former referees. As for the offers of accommodation made to stay further prosecution of the business after the complaint exhibited (as is alleged in Captain Tucker's petition) you may find by the examinations of John Imber, clerk, Mr. Baker, Richard Braxton, Anthony Cleeter, and George Hide, that the charge of recrimination was not without ground, both touching the yielding up of the captain's place to Sir Henry Mildmay, and a coppice to Mr. Dare. Some law suits have formerly been between the parties. [Endorsed: "Sir Ric. Tichbourn, &c., letter to my Lord and the Earl of Portland concerning Capt. Tucker, received July the 3rd, 1640." 2 pp.]
July 1.
Office of Ordance.
11. Certificate from the Officers of the Ordnance what gunpowder was remaining in his Majesty's stores on the 1st of June last, with the amounts since brought in and issued for his Majesty's services or otherwise respectively. Total remaining in store at the Tower and at Portsmouth, 196 lasts 9 cwt. 28 lbs. [=2 pp.]
July 1. 12. Certificate of the names of such of the trained band as appeared not at the muster at Wokingham, co. Berks., this day. [1 p.]
July 2. 13. Sir Richard Tichborne and Sir Richard Norton to [the Lords Lieutenants of Hants]. On the first of this July we met at Magdalen Hill, near Winchester, whither we desired the able horses proportioned on each division to be brought before us, to be forthwith sent towards Newcastle, some few horses were shown to us, and those in a manner insufficient, the owners affirming they had no better and that such as they were they were unable to part with them upon their own hazard except their value might be satisfied or secured by the country or some other way. Many who were to bring horses brought mares, alleging that they had no horses, and it is true that in many places of this county, especially in the woodlands, mares, oxen, and small nags are most used for draught. Out of some divisions we received no returns at all, as out of the New Forest and King's Clere. The fittest horses are in the hands of gentlemen of quality or renters of farms, most of which are charged with light horses, and many are his Majesty's servants, all of whom desire consideration to be had of that charge, and the service they are bound to attend. Nevertheless we hope that if the charge of these 50 horses might be laid indifferently upon the whole county and not on particular persons the service might reasonably be done, which we cannot possibly do without further power from above, for we find by the experience of the ill-payment of the coat and conduct-money with what unwillingness other demands will be satisfied. If the coat and conduct-money were paid, or course taken to reduce the refusers to conformity, it would near suffice to despatch this business, and much encourage those who have willingly paid on the like occasion. The proportion rated upon the county was 2,500l., of which about 500l. is brought in for the most part by those nearest us. This is for the most part expended on the present conducting and allowance for necessary repairs of apparel to the soldiers gone. The coats are not paid for, but remain to be satisfied upon our undertaking for them, and we desire your assistance to make good our undertaking. We also present to you, that since we delivered the soldiers out of this county very many of them have returned; some show certificates of discharge, others allege as much, but show nothing, some followed by hue and cry, of whom, such as are apprehended, are committed to gaol; concerning these we desire directions. [1¼ pp.]
July 2.
Bala.
14. Deputy-Lieutenants of co. Merioneth to John Earl of Bridgewater. We have levied 100 foot with a drum and drummer, coated them, and to day delivered them to Capt. John Edwards by indentures, whereof we send you duplicates for further to be done therein as to you shall seem meet. [Endorsed: "Received 11th July 1640." ½ p.]
July 2.
Lambeth.
15. Warrant from the High Commission Court, signed by Archbishop Laud and John Warner, Bishop of Rochester, to Thomas Thrasher, messenger of the Chamber, and to all justices of peace, mayors, sheriffs, and others to aid him in searching all places where Jesuits, Popish priests, or other dangerous persons, or Popish and heretical books or any kind of seditious writings or printing presses employed in the printing of any such are suspected to be, and to apprehend and search every such person so found, and the parties in whose keeping any such things are found; as also all persons procuring or permitting mass to be said, or that shall be hearers thereof, or that shall be vehemently suspected to be present thereat in any place whatever; and also all makers and sellers of any superstitious relics or monuments of Popery, and those known or suspected to carry such from place to place or bring them from foreign parts. Those that are offenders in any of these ways we authorise you to bring before me, the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, or the Bishop of London, or to any who deal in those cases; or if they cannot presently be conveniently brought, then to commit them to the next prison or common gaol of the county where they shall be found and forthwith to acquaint us. All persons refusing to have their children lawfully baptized, or procuring or Buffering any Popish priest or other person superstitiously to baptize any child, or that shall be known or vehemently suspected to send any child or other person into foreign parts to be kept or taught in any school or college there or to be instructed in the Romish religion; and all known or suspected to practise against the State and religion now established. Likewise all in whose custody you shall find any sum of money or other things known to be provided to convey or maintain any such child, priest, or person beyond seas, or to be employed for any other Popish superstitious use; that all such persons and things you attach and bring presently before us as aforesaid, always provided that you first note in writing all the parcels under the hands of the parties in whose hands any such shall be found, or of the constable and other your assistants herein, to be sent to us together with the same; and if you cannot presently bring to us the said persons, that then you commit them as aforesaid, unless they forthwith enter good bond with sufficient sureties to his Majesty's use, to appear before some of us at a certain day to be by you limited according to the distance of their abodes, all which bonds with your informations against the parties you shall return into our registry at or before the days of their appearance. [Copy. 3 pp.]
July 2.
Thrusk[Thirsk?]
16. Capt. Hugh Pollard to Edward Viscount Conway. It has been my misfortune not to be able to wait on you sooner. Your chaplain, Mr. Smith, impatient of my slow march, though late, hastens to you. The commissary's bitter pen is now delivering you such news as came this night from London. The little I brought with me I reserve for when I shall wait on you. [Seal with device. 1 p.]
July 2.
Whitehall.
Henry Earl of Holland, chief justice and justice in Eyre of the forests on this side Trent, to the officers of Windsor Forest, co. Berks. Suit having been made to me on the behalf of Francis Kiblewhite, of Old Windsor, to grant him license to enlarge a dwelling-house, being parcel of Tyle-place, and standing upon certain grounds called Remnan's, in Old Windsor, within the forest, and to take in three or four acres of the grounds for orchards and gardens, with authority to dig earth and make bricks and tiles, and to burn lime for the building aforesaid, the which I am certified may be done without prejudice to the forest. I have therefore thought fit to license Mr. Kiblewhite to inclose two and a half acres of the lands called Remnan's, to be employed for this purpose, and to have 10 elms or oaks carried away, but these to be taken in such places and under such limitations as are here mentioned. [Copy. = 3 pp. See vol. ccclxxxiv. p. 85.]
July 2.
Whitehall.
Warrant of the same to Mr. Batten. You are required to repair to the dwellings of the persons named in the schedule, and to demand and receive of them the several fines imposed at the sessions held before me for the forest of Essex, and as yet unpaid to his Majesty. If any refuse to pay you are to take bond for their appearance before me at Whitehall on the 12th October next, and if any refuse to enter into such bond you are to bring such in custody before me wheresoever I shall then be. [Copy. 1¼ p. See Ibid, p. 88.]
July 3. Petition of Nathaniel Gerard to the King. Some years past petitioner, by your command, made sundry voyages into Holland concerning your jewels, in which he aimed only at your profit, as appeared to the then Commissioners of. your Treasury, and is known to Sir William Boswell, your resident in Holland, who was joined with petitioner in that business. In that employment petitioner left his own occasions and spent two years, so that he was hindered above 1,000l. and no reward has been given him for his service. Also he has paid 400l. interest charged to his account for great charges in loss of time and suit, and money is due to him on a Privy Seal. As he intends to make a voyage to Spain to follow his trade in pearls and hopes to do you and the Queen good service, and so raise his estate, having no hope left to recover himself but this intended voyage, he prays you to give order that the truth of this relation be examined, and then order the payment of the Privy Seals of what he stands charged concerning the necklace of pearls, and reward his other services. Underwritten,
i. Reference to Lords Treasurer and Cottington to examine what sums of money his Majesty owes petitioner, both as principal and interest, and what reward is fit to be given him. Whitehall, July 3, 1640. [Copy. See Book of Petitions, vol. cccciii., p. 203. = ¾ p.]
[July 3.] 17. The same to the same. Petitioner was, by your Majesty's command, sent twice into Holland concerning the King's jewels, for performance of which service he left his family and business in Spain, and in these two voyages and long attendance of 20 months has spent above 1,000l.; prays for reward, not having yet received any recompense. [2/3 p.]
July 3/13.
Paris.
18. Charles Louis, Elector Palatine, to [Sec. Vane.] Having as yet received no answer from the French ministers, upon the point his Majesty advised me to communicate with them, and fearing a longer delay of his Majesty's sending to the Imperial Diet may make it fruitlesss, since it appears by the summons which the King of Hungary has sent to the States of the Empire, that he will hasten the consultation and the execution of what will be propounded there; I beseech his Majesty by the enclosed memorial to hasten the sending of Curtius to the Diet, with such order as I have presumed to submit to his consideration in the memorial, desiring you to deliver it to his Majesty and to further the effect of it with your good advice, lest the subject of it minister the same excuse unto the princes there assembled, which the Elector of Saxony did pretend for excluding me out of the peace of Prague; viz., because there was nobody present to speak for my interests. Monday next, I go to the Court at Amiens. [Endorsed: "Received the 8th." 1½ pp.]
July 3.
London.
19. General James King to the same. Regrets having to depart without having seen him. Craves the continuance of his favour. [Seal with arms and crest. 1 p.]
July 3.
Hamburg.
20. John Dury to Sir Thos. Roe. I am desirous to let you know that in answer to a letter from Bishop Hall, of Exeter, I have told him of the motion which in my last I made to you concerning my abode in this place, and becoming a coadjutor to Mr. Elborough. The great kindness he professed unto me gave me this freedom, for having told me what passed in the Synod concerning me, and how he would put my Lord's Grace in mind of his promises on my behalf, I showed him my intentions to aspire no higher than the preferment of my work, and that if I could be permitted to stay here and agitate the business in my own way, and have maintenance to keep two or three writers to copy out things to be communicated, that then I would think myself sufficiently assisted. I thought good to advertise you of this, that your motions for me, or rather my work (for I desire not to be anything out of the work), may be coincident and if you think fit also communicated together to second one another towards his Grace. If my request be granted, one thing I am. resolved to intend, and that is, to introduce on the Lord's-day, in the afternoon, a practice of catechising by question and answer. I hope I shall be able to bring Mr. Elborough to it, either to do it himself or suffer me to do it; but I would not have this intention of mine notified to him except my Lord's Grace like that I should, when I am his coadjutor, intend this, and in this case I would not have any break the matter to him besides myself, except it be thought expedient to enjoin us both so to do. Colonel David Leslie and Colonel Lumsden went to Sweden eight days ago; Leslie is not fully cured, yet is better than at any time heretofore; he purposes to solicit a recompense for his services and retire to some corner and live privately. Lieutenant-General King's lady has an infant daughter. Mr. Deputy [Avery] is delivered of his ague, but is very weak. The divines of this town and of Lubeck are beating their brains about an answer to be given me. J. Lunnius, of Lubeck, has promised to put it in the best terms he can conceive, and more than this I cannot desire. [Seal with arms. 2 pp.]
July 3.
Horsley.
21. Sir Thos. Powell to his brother Lawrence Whitaker. Albeit I put you to unreasonable charge in very paying the post so many sixpences for his carriage of my letters to you, yet I cannot forbear to advertise you, and pray you to certify to the Board my endeavours to execute the service of ship-money. I find such combinations that I cannot as yet get in any more money to any purpose. I have issued money from my own purse, in bearing the charges of such special bailiffs as I send, as my trustiest agents, to aid the constables in distraining, of which moneys I have not yet received any repayment out of the distresses, or from those officers whose persons (because of their neglect of his Majesty's service, and their refusal to give bond to answer the same at the Council) I have committed. The reason is that no man will buy the goods distrained, and the persons committed continue in their obstinacy, and refuse to take release, thinking to have more advantage against me, and aggravate my proceedings as illegal. There is yet in the Castle at Chester one George Edgley, one of the head constables of Nantwich Hundred, whom I committed for wilful neglect, and keep in, for refusing to conform to the duties of his office, until I receive from the Board notice of his Majesty's pleasure concerning him, which (because of many threats against me by the great men, who favour this Edgley, being of the purer sort), I entreat you to procure me, that I be not justly charged for oppressing him, which they might have some colour to charge me with if I should not certify his restraint, and the cause thereof, and desire to know his Majesty's pleasure thereupon. The quarter sessions for the county are at hand, and then Edgley, by order of the Bench, hopes to be released from his head constableship, and consequently from his restraint. But though his office should cease, I think his crime committed during his office is punishable afterwards and determinable only at the King's pleasure. The justices of the peace of that faction will, at their sessions, prefer bills of indictment against me and my under officers who stir at all in the levy of this ship-money, and therefore if we be not well backed up by his Majesty and the Board in our proceedings according to his writ and their instructions I and all my agents will be utterly discouraged. There is among the justices one Thos. Standley, of Alderley, the most forward of all the refractories. He has dared me and my officers, I am told, to come and distrain, and he would shoot us. This and the like examples, if they pass with impunity, will prove very pernicious. Within these few days it shall be tried what he will do. I have returned 100l. more by Mr. Webbe, of Shrewsbury, which is to be paid at London on the 1st of August with the 400l. [300l. ?] I returned by him before, payable the same day. The bill of exchange for this 100l. I shall send by Leech, the carrier. I hope you have received this day two bills I sent you in my letters this day week ago by Leech. They are for 700l., which with the bill of 300l. sent first of all, and this of 100l. will make 1,100l. of the shipmoney from Cheshire already returned. [Seal with arms and crest. 1 p.]
July 3. 22. Opinion of Sir Robert Heath touching the legal effect of the writ ne admittas in the case of Durant versus Cragg, in the Arches Court, Mr. Durant having been presented by the King to the church of Weston Sub-Edge, in co. Gloucester. If the plaintiff's clerk should be admitted and the King put to his quare impedit, by the same reason it must be so in all other cases. Therefore I hold that the ne admittas ought to be superceded as it was in the cases of Dr. Sheldon and Dr. Littleton. The ne admittas may be useful to prevent a lapse [but] may not be used to prevent the King's clerk to be admitted. [1 p.]
July 3. 23. Account of the receipt of revenue between 26th June 1640, when there was remaining 4,554l. 3s. 2d., and this day. Total of receipts of revenue, 45,916l. 16s. 7d.; expenditure, 38,290l. 6s. 8½d.; so there remained this day 7,626l. 9s. 10½d., whereof of the loans, 4,260l. 12s. 4d.; for the Great Level, 470l. 12s. 7½d.; other moneys, 2,895l. 4s. 11d. [2½ pp.]
July 3. 24. Account by the Treasurers of the Navy of the ship-money received by virtue of writs of 1639. Totals, 28,918l. 18s. 9d. paid, leaving 181,481l. 1s. 3d. remaining. Also 240l. promised to be brought in to-morrow from the sheriff of Hants. [1 p.]
July 3. 25. Account of ship-money for 1639 levied and remaining in the hands of the sheriffs. Total, 4,112l., making with the 28,918l. paid to the Treasurers of the Navy, 33,030l. This week were paid in no arrears of ship-money for former years. [1 p.]
July 3. 26. Certificate of Lucy wife of Arthur Staveley, Esq., that for the ¾ of the year ending at Midsummer last she had not received any money towards her alimony payable by her husband by order of Council. [⅓ p.]
July 4.
Chelmsford.
27. Robert Earl of Warwick, lord lieutenant of Essex, to the Council. According to your commands I repaired to Chelmsford, where my Lord Chief Justice and the rest of the Commissioners read their commission; but finding all things very peaceable here we saw no cause for further prosecution of the commission at this time. Sergeant Major Thelwell's information to you of their disorder was true, but since then my deputy-lieutenants have sent away all their companies but one, to several great towns, hoping thereby to master any disorder, and I have ordered the captains adjacent to be ready to assist their officers in case any distemper arise amongst them, and we shall be ready upon the first disorder to execute the commission. [Seal with arms and coronet, broken. ½ p.]
July 4.
Cardiff.
28. Deputy-Lieutenants of Glamorganshire to the same. We enclose a duplicate of the indentures signed by us and the officers sent to take charge of the 200 men raised in this county for this present expedition. [2/3 p.]
July 4. 29. The like from the deputy-lieutenants of Cardiff. [2/3 p.]
July 4.
Cardiff.
30. The same to John Earl of Bridgewater, lord lieutenant of co. Glamorgan. We have sent to the Council and the Lord General duplicates of the indentures signed by us and the officers sent to receive the 200 soldiers raised in this county, and herein enclosed present you with a true copy thereof. We pray your assistance that the allowances spent for coating, keeping, and conducting the soldiers may be repaid as is mentioned in the Lords' letters, a copy whereof you sent us. [Endorsed: "Received 25th of July 1640." 1 p.]
July 4.
Berwick.
31. Sir John Conyers to [Sec. Windebank]. I see no great effect of the noise they [the Scots] made last week of marching into England, for I am informed the forces they have and intend to raise will not much exceed the numbers specified under, which are no way considerable for such an enterprise, so that in my opinion we might with more ease relieve Edinburgh Castle and march farther into Scotland with the horse the King has and the army he intends to raise, if they were ready to march in any reasonable time, for they [the Scots] want ammunition, victuals, money, and arms, and I hear not of any considerable horse that they have. Edinburgh Castle still holds out; the Scots sprung a mine lately but it wrought no effect, the Governor having countermined and taken away their powder, having notice given him by a collier that had wrought in the mine whom he took prisoner. We mustered here last Wednesday, and I find the companies good and very complete, but great complaints of the bread which the soldiers have weekly given them, so I beseech you when this corn is spent that the soldier may have his full money and no more bread. P.S.—List of the above-mentioned troops the Scots have and are to levy, making a total of 5,900 men. [Endorsed: "Received July 10." 1 p.]
July 4.
Bowden.
32. Certificate of the Deputy-Lieutenants of Cheshire to William Earl of Derby and James Lord Strange, lords lieutenants. That they have raised, coated, and clothed the 500 men and 5 drummers at the expense of the county, and delivered them to Sergeant Major Matthew Appleyard, of Colonel Sir Charles Vavasour's command, by indentures, to which schedules containing the names of the men are annexed, and whereof one part is enclosed to be presented to the Council. [Endorsed: "Received [July] 21st." Seal with arms and coronet. 1 p.]
July 4.
Rochester.
33. The Deputy-Lieutenants of Kent to Philip Earl of Pembroke, lord lieutenant. This day, soon after we had despatched our letters to you, we received yours, enclosing one from the Council of 30th June. In obedience to the directions whereof we now resolve to keep the men that shall be impressed at Canterbury, Ashford, Sittingbourne, Rochester, and Dartford, till they shall be otherwise disposed of, and for regulating them in those several places to pursue the Lords' directions. But we hope that they may be on his Majesty's pay from the time of their bringing thither, which will be the 11th of this July, for the coat and conduct-money gathered from the country will not keep them, as well as answer the other charges, any time after they shall be impressed. [Seal with arms. 2/3 p.]
July 4. 34. Intelligence from Scotland forwarded by Lord Conway. General Leslie arrived at Dunse last Wednesday, and ever since has been daily employed posting between Jedburgh, Kelso, and Dunglass, to view the companies in those places. On Friday last the Earl of Lothian's company and two more that had been at Jedburgh 10 days together by command of the General, first advanced towards their rendezvous, which is at Chowsely Wood, three miles west of Dunselaw, and five or six from the Border. The army is lodged in an [in]convenient place far from corn or meadow, between two hills, a brook running through the gorse, on the west a wood, and the place is of no strength or advantage. There came thither last Saturday night 6,000. Yesterday Lord Ker's regiment marched from Kelso, and two other companies from Dunglass are commanded to advance, so that the whole there assembled yesterday night are 10,000 or 11,000 without doubt. There are about 100 or 120 tents advanced to the view of all beholders, which I saw with a glass. There will be to-morrow night, or Tuesday without fail, at the rendezvous 9,000 or 10,000 more, although they speak of a great many more, yet these there are and will be for certain; too great a number to be gathered together and do nothing, they cannot hold long together without taking in hand some enterprise; most men suspect an invasion. The Governor of Berwick is of opinion they will not [invade England], but stand upon their own defence only. All stand amazed that so great a multitude should be gathered together and none near to withstand them, either to offend or defend. The general report among themselves goes, and some of good quality in the army know of no other, but to invade, and give out in what places their army will lodge. [Endorsed by Viscount Conway's Secretary: "Intelligence from Scotland." 1 p.]
July 4.
Leicester House.
35. Sir George Radcliff to Edward Lord Conway and Killultagh. Here I found the Lord Lieutenant [of Ireland] very weak by reason of his long sickness and a dangerous relapse; but for this last fortnight he has daily increased his strength in a slow but constant way. I fear nothing now but that his mind should hurt his body by putting him too soon and too earnestly upon business and travel. I wish he were less confident of his own strength and amendment. We have had two councillors lately sworn, the Earl of Cork on last Sunday and Sir Thomas Roe a week before. Some say the King is now furnished for all things, even to the telling of strange stories, wherein these two shall vie wonders with any three in Christendom. You will hear from better hands how a Spanish regiment and three troops have beaten Count William, of Nassau, from St. Anne's Fort, near Hulst, where he lost 1,000 men and is himself hurt. On the other side there is a notable mutiny in Catalonia, where the people have killed divers of the King's soldiers there garrisoned, and the Viceroy himself is shot with a pistol. Here we talk of nothing so willingly as the disorders and mutinies of soldiers, one lieutenant killed at Faringdon, another beaten now lately in Essex, and with this some men solace themselves as fine news. I believe it will be more acceptable to you to know that such shift is made, if I be not foully misinformed, as we shall have money enough for this year's work, and in probability for the next two. This was at the first as great a wonder to me as if the Earl of Cork had told it; but I am since converted. Our Irish army, 8,000 foot, will be all at Knockfergus about the latter end of next week, and thither is my Lord Lieutenant hastening more than the weakness of his body doth persuade. I have been here almost three weeks longer by much than I intended at the first; my business was to see my Lord [Lieutenant] and keep him from business, which having done as much as I could, now that I see him able to walk in his garden, I begin to think of Ireland, and hope I may there lie in a corner quietly when all this world is in action, mediis tranquillus in undis. What you may command me here or there [in Ireland] shall be most willingly obeyed. P.S.—I cannot tell your Lordship the stress of Mrs. Seymour's discourse with the Bang about my Lord of Northumberland. G. Garret [George Garrard] or one that can better, doubtless, will send it you. It exceeds all romances. Subjoined,
35. i. I know not what negligence kept this letter by me thus long till it be out of date. A dare's lands will be no fit suit for you, as I am now informed. One reason is, I hear it is in mortgage, and charged with debts which are not to be avoided. This I got by speaking of it, that as soon as our revenue in Ireland will bear an assignment, as it will ere long, if God send peace, my Lord Lieutenant will readily serve you to supply the moneys, warrant being gotten from hence. But in the meantime we shall be slow to pay English debts with Irish money or suits. 13th July. I go hence on Thursday, or perhaps Friday, 17th July, towards Ireland. [1 p.]
[July 4.] 36. [Edmund Rossingham to Edward Viscount Conway]. News letter. The Dunkirkers in 14 ships have given the Hollander a shrewd blow, thus: The East India Company in Holland have given order that their East India ships shall go round about by the north of Ireland, and not through the narrow seas, lest they should be forced into any of his Majesty's ports and be seized upon by our East India Company to make good a debt of 70,000l. due some years since, which the Dutch have no mind to discharge. The Hollanders therefore about this time of year send some men-of-war to lie off the north of Ireland to meet those East India ships which are homeward bound. This summer they have sent four tall ships which the Dunkirkers taking notice of sent out 14 good ships, and these meeting with the Hollanders fought till one of the latter was sunk and the other three taken. The Hollanders fearing the loss of all those East India ships, which are daily expected by way of the north of Ireland, have ordered their Admiral Tromp to go thither with 20 States men-of-war to clear the coast of Ireland of these Dunkirkers. It is observed that the Hollanders' East India Company have been much more prejudiced by altering their passage homeward by the north of Ireland than they should have been by coming through the narrow seas, although they had been forced to discharge the 70,000l. debt, besides the interest of the money, which would not have been required, nor yet all the principal. The letters from Poland tell us of very great disorders within that kingdom, the States there having met in Parliament where great differences arose between those of the Romish religion and those of the reformed churches, the King siding with the former. The Protestant nobility, who are said to have set the crown upon the King's head, are quite fallen from him, and refuse in Parliament to grant supplies to check the invasion of the Turks and Tartars until their demands for free toleration of religion be granted, whereupon their Parliament is dissolved and the common enemy ravages part of Poland where many Catholics and some Protestants are exposed to their fury. I cannot yet light upon the heads of those 32 Acts which passed in the Scoteh Parliament. I hear they passed one Act to justify their proceedings since the beginning of the disorders to be consonant to their laws (old sleeping laws worn out by antiquity), and another Act to make null all proclamations and declarations which have been published against their proceedings, but the letter which the Covenanters wrote to the Secretary of State for Scotland, with the packet in which they sent all their Acts, was very short, and as I hear to the effect here stated. It was reported that all their ships were released, but nothing of the sort was intended unless the masters and owners of them would first take the oath, which I mentioned in a late letter, abjuring the Oath of the Covenant; although their ships be staid, yet all the Scotchmen who have been taken, though they have sworn to the Covenant, are set at liberty. The report that the town and castle of Edinburgh had shot at each other was a mistake, it was the town ordnance which discharged all that day; their Parliament was adjourned for joy they had made a session, i.e., that they had passed all their Acts without opposition. Last week Sir John Coke, late Secretary of State, wrote from Derbyshire to his son here in town of some disorders committed by the soldiers in their march towards their rendezvous in the North. These soldiers cast down some of Sir John's inclosures, although he sent them first 40s. and then 3l. more, the which they said they had not yet deserved, but they would deserve that, and more ere they had done, and so they went and burnt his mill; one letter says they have done Sir John 1,000l. damage, and I hear that some of his malicious neighbours hired these soldiers, for which he has given order to put an information into the Star Chamber against them. These soldiers also pressed into the county gaol at Derby and examined some of the prisoners as to the cause of their commitment; they took out one who lay there for debt and another for running away from his colours the last year, saying they would have no soldiers to lie in prison for that fault, and so took both of these with them. In their march they broke into the Earl of Huntingdon's park at Ashby, where they killed all the white deer, but could not kill the other deer being more wild; as they pass they inquire where they may do mischief, and as people inform them so they are ready to do prejudice more or less upon such as the people complain of. At Cirencester, in Gloucestershire, some soldiers took out a prisoner, being an attorney-at-law, who would by no means be so discharged, telling them he was in prison only for a contempt, and that he should be set at liberty again quickly, but if so be they took him out to carry him with them he should lose all his practice and so be quite undone; but all was unavailing, they would have him, saying, he should march along with them and be their Attorney General, but as good luck is, he is a bachelor and may be spared, and is a pleasant mad fellow fit for such company. The Bishop of Gloucester was within these few days in a fair way to be bailed; I hear he has signed a bond of 10,000l. not to depart the kingdom, and 10 sureties were to be bound with him, of whom nine subscribed and sealed, but there was a stop made before the tenth man would seal, which continues still. The Bishop's trunks have been all searched, but for what I am not certain, although it was rumoured to discover whether he held any correspondence with those of Rome, but it seems nothing was found to do him hurt, wherefore all his papers are since returned him. Concerning the Canons, there is a proclamation coming out to authorise them throughout the kingdom. They are printing and will be ready for sale very speedily. Those roguish Turkish pirates which lie upon our western coast have taken from the shore about Penzance, near St. Michael's Mount, 60 men, women, and children; this was in the night, for in the day these rogues keep out of sight for fear of the King's ships. General King, the Scottish commander in Germany, who was sent for by his Majesty to come over to England, is now sent back to Hamburgh upon special service, but for what we do not know yet, only this, that he is suddenly to return, and that this employment has relation against the proceedings of the Covenanters. Besides the 1,000l. a year pension given to General King at his first coming over, his Majesty has now presented him with a diamond of good value. Last week the soldiers to be raised in Essex were all pressed, and remained quiet till Saturday, when they demanded 12d. a day instead of 8d., to be punctually paid them, whereupon one of the deputy-lieutenants hearing their insolent language struck some of them, which they revenged upon the same deputy-lieutenant, striking him again; this was soon complained of to the Board, and presently the Commission of Oyer and Terminer was sent down. The news from the Prince of Orange's camp before Hulst is both good and bad; the particulars are here stated: Count Henry of Nassau wounded and left for dead; this blow discourages the Prince of Orange and gives heart to the Spaniard, who was much dejected at the first news of this attempt before Hulst. On Saturday last, by a warrant under the King's hand, all the money in the Mint, about 100,000l., brought in by the merchants, was seized upon for the King's present necessity, the merchants being ordered to repair to the Lord Treasurer to receive security for their principal, and 8l. per cent. interest. This stop has put the merchants into great disorder, wherefore they join all together to petition his Majesty and to set down the ill consequences that it will beget. The merchants knew nothing [about the seizure] till Sunday night, after the King was gone from Whitehall to Oatlands. [4 pp.]
July 4. 37. Receipt of Robert Long for 595l. 12s. 0½d. received of Richard Holling this day, out of the money received for the Recusants' revenue upon his account for the year beginning Lady-day last, 1640, in which sum Long acknowledges himself to be still indebted to the account. [⅓ p.]
July 4. 38. Account of the charge for coat and conduct-money in the east division of co. Northampton in the year 1639; total 174l.; followed by an account of the charge for coat, conduct, and pay upon days of exercise of the soldiers levied in the east division and delivered at Stamford Baron, the place of rendezvous, 4th July 1640. Total 236l. 17s. 4d., making in all 410l. 17s. 4d. [1 p.]
July 4.
Whitehall.
Deputation by Henry Earl of Holland, chief justice and justice in Eyre of the Forests on this side Trent, to William Lane, appointing him to be steward in Whittlewood and Salcey Forests, cos. Northampton and Bucks. [Latin. Copy. 1¼ p. See vol. ccclxxxiv., p. 90.]
July 5. Commission requiring the Lords of the Council, archbishops, bishops, chancellors, and vice-chancellors of Oxford and Cambridge, heads of colleges, and others to take the oath made in the late Convocation to support the discipline and doctrine of the Church of England, and to administer the same oath to all ecclesiastical persons, schoolmasters, actuaries, proctors, graduates, &c., on or before the 2nd of November next. [The form of oath which is here recited is the same as that printed in Rushworth iii., 1186. Skin of parchment. See case E., No. 23.]
July 5. Grant to Sergeant Glanville, of the office of one of his Majesty's sergeants-at-law, during pleasure, with a declaration that it shall be lawful for him to continue Recorder of the City of Bristol. [Docquet.]
July 5. Presentation of William Styles, clerk, to the vicarage of Stalham, co. Norfolk, void by the death of the last incumbent, and in his Majesty's gift by reason of the wardship of John Riches, subscribed by Mr. Norgate by order from Archbishop Laud. [Docquet.]
July 5. Grant to Edward Moseley, and his heirs male, of the dignity of a baronet of England. [Docquet.]
July 6. 39. John Milborne, sheriff of co. Monmouth, to the Council. I have heretofore sent up 400l. of the 1,500l. ship-money charged on the county, and more has been already collected; a great part of the rest the constables undertake to bring in very shortly. I desire your further directions with regard to suits at common law on account of distresses, against James Gwillim, chief constable of Skenfreth, and the collectors of Grosmont, by Anne Saunders in the name of her daughter Jane Saunders, who made absolute denial of the rate assessed upon her. I have committed, according to your directions, the collectors of the town of Usk for refusing to enter into bond to appear before the Council to answer for neglect of the service, and appointed other collectors in their place. [Endorsed by Nicholas: "Received July 17. A letter to be written to the sheriff, to certify particularly in what courts the actions are brought against these constables and others by Mrs. Saunders, and that some person well instructed attend the Attorney General about it." Seal with device. 2/3 p.]
July 6. 40. William Lord Craven to Sec. Windebank. I am extremely beholden to you that you have given me an occasion to serve you in the person of your kinsman. Mons. Webb has informed me that his Majesty has imposed on you the putting him in mind of pressing on the Spanish ambassador the delivery of Prince Rupert; I know of yourself you will be willing enough to perform that charitable work; however the relation I have to that generous prince is such, I should fail of my duty if I did not entreat your vigilance in it. [Endorsed: "Received [July] 10, our style; answered 31st July." 1 p.]
July 6.
Whitehall.
41. Sec. Windebank to Edward Viscount Conway. With yours of the 30th of June I received the occurrences of the northern parts and a copy of a very learned despatch found upon the way, with all which I acquainted his Majesty, who was then newly come from Oatlands, Mr. Treasurer [Vane] being then absent at the marriage of his eldest son. He judged the highway letter to have been let fall upon design to spread it as a libel, such religious ejaculations having been very frequent lately in most parts of the kingdom. The rumour of the Scots coming into England is more discoursed of than apprehended, their party here, which I fear is very numerous, promising themselves rather advantage by it than loss, and others, not inclined to them, being hard of belief that they have either the courage or power to make a formal invasion, but rather to pillage on the Borders. Besides, the arguments you give for their not coming are to me very convincing. Nevertheless, I am very glad to understand you are so well provided for them, and hope, notwithstanding all machinations to the contrary, the great nerve of war shall not be wanting, but that his Majesty shall be supplied both in time and proportion fit for his occasions. Some restiveness appears in some counties in raising the forces, and sundry insolencies are committed by the forces when they are levied, most of which have been redressed upon repair of the lords lieutenants to the counties, so that the people are not in themselves refractory, but where the lords lieutenants and their deputies are well affected the service succeeds without difficulty. I have delivered your letters to my Lord of Canterbury; your letters to my Lord Lieutenant I presented with my own hand; he is become so strong that he has been with the King and begins to fall close to business, which, so it may not endanger him again, I am very glad of, our business having been sick with him ever since his indisposition. My Lord of Cork is become a Privy Councillor, which being a delicate piece I reserved to close up your stomach. [2 pp.]
July 6.
Naward [Naworth.]
42. Sir William Howard to the same. I am sorry you saw my name to the letter from the deputy-lieutenants of Cumberland. I think the mistake was great, for we are apt to take all reports for truths, for my part I was absent at their meeting, my Lord then being in present danger of death and yet very ill; there was a place left for my name and I set my hand to their act, though I neither believed the news nor thought their demands reasonable, knowing your numbers at Newcastle. It is most certainly true we have no manner of defence to resist if we should be invaded; our country is extremely factious, and generally inclined to the Scots; our train bands very defective and no officers to command them. I commend these things with my faithful service to your consideration. [2/3 p.]
July 6. 43. Sir Richard Rogers to Lord Cottington. The horses are in readiness and the rest of the business [in co. Dorset] as forward as the shortness of the time would permit, and only that about the conductors demurred on; after two or three hours consideration not one of us could think of a fit man, when four or five would be needed. Another thing of no small vexation to us is the providing the carters, the stock of them is so much impaired by the late press, and the employment of such people growing greater every day. I wish you would consider what a trouble it would remove out of our way if they might be excused. I beseech you think of it. At least we must have a new warrant to press them, for we have no such authority yet, only to provide them. Yet lest this should be of more difficulty for you to alter than I think, I will in the meantime look about how to supply the want, and beg no word at this time but your speedy answer to these. [1 p.]
July 6. 44. Petition of Thomas Squire, parson of Escrick, to Archbishop Laud. Sir Arthur Robinson has for many years detained all tithes happening upon the domains of Deighton, within petitioner's parish, on pretence of paying 13s. 4d. per annum for the same, and has lately taken into his hands grounds which were in the possession of tenants, and seeks to free them from payment of tithes under the same pretence; so that petitioner has been much impoverished and his church injured. Whereupon petitioner convented him in the Ecclesiastical Court at York for tithes, from which court Sir Arthur removed the cause to common law by prohibition, and on a full hearing there, finding his proofs insufficient, non-suited himself, so that petitioner brought the cause back by consultation to the Ecclesiastical Court at York, from which Sir Arthur, upon a pretended grievance, has appealed to the delegates, threatening he will keep petitioner in suit all his life. Petitioner therefore requests you to recommend the speedy prosecution of this cause to the judges delegates, that he may receive such justice as his cause deserves, Underwritten,
44. i. I earnestly recommend petitioner to your Grace's favour, to deliver him from him who would oppress him by spinning out the suit by all pretences. Richard Ebor. 6th July 1640. [1 p.]
July 6.
Child Okeford.
45. Gerard Wood, archdeacon of Wells, to Sir John Lambe. I am now driven to implore your lawful favour, for our Bishop, who infringed the liberty of our Synod, now violates the liberties of the Dean and Chapter of Wells. You may conjecture who drew the Canon wherein attempt was made to empower the Bishop to concur in the jurisdictions of the Dean and Chapter, and Peculiars, and to curb all other ecclesiastical officers. The Dean and Chapter of Wells have by their charter, which they hold of the Crown in free soccage of the manor of Greenwich, not only all their lands, dignities, prebends, &c., but also all privileges, liberties, free customs, both new and old, together with the cathedral church, and all things therein contained and thereto belonging, as likewise all free jurisdiction, excluding the Bishop in all matters of jurisdiction, excepting only the time limited in his triennial visitation. Notwithstanding all this, he now claims disposition of seats, and to cite and inhibit any of the canons residentiary, although they live only in the peculiar liberty of the Dean and Chapter. He lately sent his apparitor to cite me unto his Consistory, as I lately travelled out of the county of Dorset to my house, within the liberties of our church of Wells, and threatens that he will suspend me if I appear not, and that he will suspend any proctor that shall appear for me, I having at this present an ague I brought from London. But I have secured a proctor who has undertaken in my absence to appear in my behalf, and to allege our exemption, which the Dean and Chapter purpose to try with him. I entreat you, if the Bishop shall proceed, to grant an inhibition and a restitution of my estate, and the proctor's too, if he suspend both or either of us; and we will prosecute our appeal with effect. If the Bishop has anything to object I will be ready to answer it before you. [Seal, broken. 1 p.]
July 6. 46. Funeral certificate by William Ryley, Bluemantle, of William Cecill Earl of Exeter, Lord Burghley, member of the Privy Council, and K.G., who died this day at Exeter House, in St. John's, near Clerkenwell, from whence he was conveyed to Westminster Abbey and there buried with his ancestors in an aisle on the north side of Henry VIL's Chapel. He married to his first wife Elizabeth, daughter and heiress of Edward Manners Earl of Rutland, K.G., by whom he had issue William Lord Ross, who died in Italy, S.P. His second wife who survived him was Elizabeth, sister and coheir of Sir Robert Drury, and daughter of Sir William Drury, of Hawstead, in Suffolk, by whom he had issue three daughters, his coheirs, viz.: 1, Lady Elizabeth, married to Thomas Howard Earl of Berkshire, K.G.; 2, Lady Diana, first married to Henry Earl of Oxford, and secondly to Thomas Lord Bruce Earl of Elgin, in Scotland; and 3, Lady Anne, married to Henry Lord Grey, of Groby, Earl of Stamford. [Draft. 1¼ p.]
July 6. Copy of the same. [See vol. ccclx., p. 31. 1 p.]
July 6. 47. Certificate by George Longe and Richard Lowther of the several answers of the persons named resident in certain parishes of the metropolis and northern suburbs, co. Middlesex, who have not paid their assessment for coating and conducting 1,200 men to be employed in the King's service in the North. [4 pp.]
July 6. 48. Note of money disbursed for the private expenses of William and Edward Hunton, total 18s. 2d. [1 p.]
July 7.
Whitehall.
49. [Sec. Windebank to Ralph Hughes], sheriff of co. Flint. The King understanding that George Peters, Esq., of Greenfield, co. Flint, a Roman Catholic, has begun to erect a building in the town of Holywell, which for reasons of State, best known to his Majesty, is not held fit, has commanded me to signify his pleasure to you, that upon receipt hereof you repair to Holywell and there give command that the building do immediately cease and be no farther advanced. [Draft. ½ p.]
July 7.
Donington.
50. Henry Earl of Huntingdon to the Council. Last Monday I sent 70 horses and 23 carters out of Leicestershire, and 20 horses and 7 carters out of Rutland, to be at Newcastle the 15th of this month. I raised money enough and bought them, the prices being between 9l. and 10l. a horse; conceiving the country would be better contented they should be raised out of a general charge than impressed from particular towns. [Paper seal with arms and coronet. 2/3 p.]
July 7.
Langar.
51. Elizabeth Countess of Sunderland to Archbishop Laud. I have entered my caveat to the presentation of the parsonage of Hambleton, void upon the death of Doctor Domelaw, and have presented Mr. Richard Thornton, my chaplain, to it, and Mr. John Scroope has entered another caveat, and presented Mr. Roberts, his clerk, which titles being in controversy you appointed some short day for both parties to attend Sir John Lambe to hear and determine them. I have searched for the evidences concerning the title in question, and am informed that my brother Francis, late Earl of Rutland, and my brother George, now Earl of Rutland, trustees appointed by my late Lord Emanuel Earl of Sunderland, committed them to Mr. Hayes, the late Earl of Rutland's solicitor, since dead, in whose custody I may find those evidences which will clear the title in question before your Grace. Now from the short time since it came to my knowledge that the deeds were likely to be in Mr. Hayes' custody, and it also being in the vacation, I pray you give me longer time that I lose not my right through want of means to come to my own deeds to manifest my clear title, which I hope I shall do if you put off the hearing of the cause till next term. Underwritten,
51. i. I desire Sir John Lambe to peruse this and do further as he shall find just, provided the other party have warning. W. Cant. July 14, 1640. [Seal with arms and coronet. 1 p.]
July 7. 52. Sir Henry Garwaie, lord mayor of London, to the Council. According to your letters of the 12th of April last, on a petition of Peter Welsh, one of the artsmen in Bridewell, against the Governors of the same hospital, on the 7th of May last I caused the Governors and Peter Welsh, and all the artsmen, to appear before me in the Court of Aldermen, and in their hearing were read your letters and Welsh's petition and remonstrance. Welsh and all the artsmen being required to speak what they could of the abuses therein complained of could prove nothing. The Governors giving a clear answer to every one of Welsh's complaints, neither he nor any of the artsmen could disprove anything in their answers. And the artsmen being asked whether they had any grievance against the Governors, answered they had nothing to complain of, and disavowed any hand in Welsh's petition and remonstrance, and desired not to be further troubled from their businesses about the same. But Welsh said he had other witnesses he wished might be heard, and the court appointed him to bring them all the 2nd of June, on which day the Governors attended, but Welsh brought no witnesses, then he had time given him to produce his witnesses on the 11th of June, but did not, and then till this 7th of July, but now he has brought none. Whereby the court believes he has none to prove his complaints, and that the same are untrue and scandalous, only feigned to hinder an execution upon judgment against him, to put him out of the hospital for being refractory to the rules, for it appeared plainly unto the court that when he was first sued he obtained a reference from his Majesty to your Lordships, which the Governors answering, his Majesty the 11th of January last, under the hand of Sir Francis Windebank, signified that he was well pleased with the answers of the Governors, and that Welsh's complaints were scandalous and in opposition to government, and the rules of that house, which his Majesty much misliked, and left him to be proceeded against by the Governors. Thereupon the law proceeding to judgment before execution he procuring your reference in observance thereof, execution has been stayed; but now the court hopes you will not only leave the Governors free to proceed against Welsh, but also will inflict some corporal punishment on him for his causeless vexations. [¾ p.]
July 7. 53. Deputy-Lieutenants of the Eastern Division of co. Northampton to the lord lieutenant, William Earl of Exeter. Thursday last we met at Stamford Baron and delivered 248 able men to Lieutenant Colonel Kirke appointed by the Lord General to receive them. We could not complete by 27 the number chargeable upon this east division, because the long stay betwixt their pressing and setting forward gave them occasion to convey themselves out of the way when called for, yet we have sent out warrants to find them out. We shall entreat you to take notice of the under-mentioned constables who have been negligent in their duty as also of certain refusers of coat and conduct-money, whose names are underwritten. [Seal with arms and crest. 1 p.]
July 7. 54. Certificate by John Browne and William Hill, J.P.s for Middlesex, of the assessments for coat and conduct-money in the parishes of Hampton, Teddington, Hanworth, East Bedfont, Feltham, and Sunbury, co. Middlesex, specifying what has been paid and what returned by the petty constables as still unpaid. [Endorsed: A letter delivered to Henry Kyme, the messenger, and a warrant enclosed. 4 pp.]
[July 7.] 55. The like certificate by Thos. Baldwin, J.P., and Peter Heywood, J.P. for Westminster, of the assessments for coat and conductmoney in the parishes of St. Margaret's and St. Martin's-in-thefields. Certify the names of such inhabitants of these two parishes as refuse to pay. [3¼ pp.]
July 8.
Berwick.
56. Sir John Conyers to Sec. Windebank. Since my last of the 4th of this present I do not hear that the forces in Scotland are increased. The forces they have for the most part are said to have order to be ready when called for. My Lord Montgomery has brought lately from Fife to Leith 300 or 400 horse, and they make provision of victuals at Dunglass and Andernock; in the first place they brew, and in the other bake. They have taken from the Earl of Nithsdale 11 great horse and above 70 other horses. Those of Edinburgh sprung a mine in the spur on Friday last, and I believe it had no effect, because they did not second it with an assault, but last Monday they sprang another and gave an assault, but were repulsed with the loss of seven men killed and 10 or 12 hurt, and it is said they blew up some of those of the castle, for there were four men's heads found. They said their great mine should be sprung on Monday night, but of that I have heard no more, and they have one mine more. Those of the town are importunate to have the castle, else it is thought they would let it lie. Lord Loudoun came to Edinburgh on Friday. P.S.—I received yours with the Marquis Hamilton's letter by the last post. [Endorsed: "Received 11th." 1 p.]
July 8.
Audley End.
57. James Earl of Suffolk to the same. I am very sensible of your favour in staying that which you conceived might be to my prejudice and therefore the more desirous to give you a just account of this business. I have therefore sent to my uncle [Sir] William [Howard] to wait on you with Sir William Witherington, and let you know the causes of my deferring payment of my debt. [Endorsed: "Received 9th." Seal with arms and coronet. 1 p.]
July 8.
Tehidy.
58. Francis Bassett to Nicholas. You were at the Council when the Lord General, the Lord Chamberlain, our Lord Lieutenant, and Sec. Vane offered me and my countrymen to dismiss 600 or 1,000 of our 1,600 men to be pressed, we undertaking the coat and conduct-money for that number should be paid in. I hope you remember how earnestly Sir Nicholas Slanning and myself pressed that we might receive that favour which Coriton and all our neighbours then present declined, but since traduce us, and have reported they had obtained the discharge of men and money had not we so unseasonably interposed, and have brought us into much disrespect, though now the country curses them for not joining with us, and petitioning for that grace from his Majesty and the Lords. I was then so confident of the acceptableness of the service to the country that had not sickness disabled me I had made use of your and those Lords' friendship for the dismissal of the men directed to be pressed out of the hundreds of Penwith and Kerrier, the extremest parts of this kingdom, and where we want men so much, as I cannot get men half sufficient either for my tillage for next year, or to thresh and make the best profit of what I have of the last. In our tinning, those men now impressed, and those who have fled from the press, have so utterly abandoned those labours and let in the waters that the tin farmers (who still refuse to pay us) will have juster cause to crave defalcation for the want of enough from us than yet they have for there being too much [tin] in Barbary. I deliver you these grievous complaints on my reputation, so if you hold it not too late I beseech you to remonstrate it by petition in my name to the King or Lords, and I will with my estate and life answer it. In case you obtain the dismissal of the impressed men of Penwith and Kerrier (about 300 in number), I will make good the coat and conductmoney, and you will do his Majesty a special service, for the whole county will sue to be alike admitted, and so you may have, as often as his Majesty has the like occasion, our money to raise men in the heart of the kingdom, and leave those few of us for the preservation of this poor part, the Turks having lately infested us, and most obvious we are to all other enemies. This being thus, I beseech you to pardon my boldness, the care of my country commanding me to it, and so you be speedy in it you may send directions for this relief, albeit some of our Cornish soldiers to the east begin to march next week, ours of the west cannot move this fortnight. Herein, Sir, you may do the King and country real and good service, and enable me to serve with power our Royal master, which shall be even my passionate desire. P.S.—The coat and conductmoney comes very slowly in, but the dismissal of the men will bring it away roundly, for which I pawn my credit and estate. We hear of Loudoun's liberty and honour, and hope thereon a speedy peace. If you find it so you will not need to trouble yourself in the affair. [Endorsed: "Received July 19th." Seal with crest. 3 pp.]
July 8. 59. Warrant to the Petty Constables of the parishes of St. Giles'in-the-fields and St. Clement's Danes to give notice to the persons whose names are underwritten to appear by 8 o'clock to-morrow morning at the Muse [Mews] near Charing Cross, before Sir John Hippisley and Sir Henry Spiller to show cause why they neglect and refuse to cleanse and repair their parts of a common sewer near Lewknor's-lane, St. Giles'-in-the-fields, which has become a public nuisance. [½ p.]
July 9.
Whitehall.
Notes by Nicholas of the proceedings of the Council of War this day. A letter is to be presently sent from the Council Board to the Treasurers of the Navy to give order to Sir Wm. Bellasis, sheriff of co. Durham, forthwith to pay the 1,560l. which he has received for ship-money payable by that county by writs issued in 1639, to Mr. Geo. Payler, paymaster of Berwick, for the use of the garrison, and the same shall be repaid again here to the Treasurers. Ordered that Sir John Conyers, governor of Berwick, shall provide two or more horsemills in or near Berwick for the use of the garrison instead of the 24 handmills which he has sent for, because handmills are held to be useless, and the paymaster of the garrison is to pay for them out of the moneys he has or shall receive for the use of the garrison. That the Master of the Ordnance shall take order for sending 10 handmills to Berwick for the use of the garrison. That Sir John Conyers shall sell to his Majesty's best advantage such coals as are or shall be from time to time taken in Scotch vessels and brought into Berwick, and all such moneys as shall arise upon the sale are to be paid over to the paymaster of the garrison, who is to give a true account thereof. Upon the petition of Drs. Denton, Sheafe, and Caddeman, physicians appointed to attend his Majesty's army, showing that there being allowed to each of them but 150l. apiece, and 6s. 8d. apiece per diem during their attendance on the army, which is too small an allowance, it was this day ordered that it shall be left to the Lord General to give them such further reward as he shall think fit, and they shall by their pains deserve. Warrants are to be issued for so much money to be paid the paymasters of Berwick and Carlisle as will pay their several garrisons till the 1st of November next. Ordered that the Treasurer at Wars shall be hereby prayed to send to John Gibbons to give an account in writing of the 500l. he received last year, and the 2,000l. he received this year for providing hay, oats, &c. for the horse belonging to the army. Ordered that the governor of the garrison of Carlisle shall take present order to provide two horsemills for that garrison, in places where he conceives they may be most conveniently provided, and the paymaster of the said garrison is to pay for them out of the moneys he has or shall receive for the use of the garrison. Whereas the pay for the 469 carters and 1,400 draught horses appointed for the train of artillery and for carriage of tents, and likewise the pay of 100 pioneers was omitted in the list of the train of artillery; it was this day ordered that the Lord General shall be hereby prayed to give warrant for payment of so many of the carters, draught horses, and pioneers as shall be employed in the army, and during such time as they shall respectively serve, the carters at the rate of 8d. apiece per diem, the draught horses at the rate of 12d. apiece per diem, and the pioneers at the rate of 1s. apiece per diem. [Written upon the same paper as June 24. See vol. cccclviii., No. 2. 2 pp.]
July 9. 60. Geo. Payler, paymaster of Berwick, to the Council. Sir John Conyers, governor of Berwick, desires an order for the speedy provision of 24 or 30 handmills for Berwick, and for the sale of such coals as are taken in Scottish vessels and brought to Berwick, because there is no convenient place to keep them. The paymaster of Berwick advertises you that the present pay for the garrison, works of fortifications, &c., amounts to 4,000l. per month, and the last 6,000l. advanced will not continue longer than the middle of August. Wherefore he desires a further advance of 10,000l., which will suffice till 1st of November next. [1 p.]
July 9.
Durham.
61. Dr. Eleazar Duncon [prebendary of Durham], to Sec. Windebank. I would not presume to trouble you at this time, but I conceive it expedient for me to relate what Lord Loudoun said in Durham, as reported by a kinsman of his dwelling here, who had much discourse with him here on 1st July. Lord Loudoun said that he had kissed his Majesty's hand, and was in the gallery at Whitehall with the King in private two or three hours, the Marquis [of Hamilton] only being present, that the King gave him 200l. understanding his want of money, that he had leave to buy four of our best horses and carry them into Scotland, that all was like to be peace for he had a commission from the King to treat with the Covenanters of Articles of Pacification, that the King would yield to the abolishing of episcopacy in Scotland, and would provide in Ireland for the Bishop of Ross, and some others, that he would be back at Court within three weeks and give an account of his agency, that a stop should be made of all wars till he returned. To this effect was his relation which I thought fit to represent to you in brief, doubting whether such reports may not prove scandalous to his Majesty at this time. [Endorsed: "Received 14th, answered 20th July." Seal with device and motto. 1 p.]
July 9.
Newcastle.
62. George Vane to his father Sec. Vane. His troop being quartered near Newcastle he cannot leave them till they hear some certainty of the proceedings of the Scots, when he will observe his father's directions concerning Raby. I have written meantime to Mr. Conyers to let him know the order I have received from you, and to desire him to have his accounts in readiness, that as soon as possible I and my father-in-law intend to be with him, that in the interim he should send you a particular of the state of his accounts. I desired him to tell Richeson, the surveyor, to send you an exact model of your buildings, and weekly information of his progress in them. [Endorsed: "Received 13th." Seal with crest, broken. 2 pp.]
July 9/19.
The Hague.
63. Elizabeth Queen of Bohemia to Sir Thomas Roe. Congratulates him on being made a Privy Councillor. I will say no more, but wish you may not stand still at this stage but rise higher. I told you by my last how my son [the Elector Palatine] had sent Paul to the French King to desire leave to be gone and come hither since he found his business would take a long time before that King would do anything in it, for that King had let my son know he could do nothing for his assistance without the Swedes and the States joined in the same by treaty with my brother and him. Chavigny has given him an answer from the King, which indeed is none, for he refers him to that former answer, and makes no mention of his leave to come hither. The French King is now at Amiens, and my son will go thither to see what he can do himself. Now I would be glad to know your opinion in case he be refused his liberty to go where he will, or at least a delaying answer which is all one, whether he may not be excusable before God and the world if he get away as well as he can? Pray keep this to yourself, for I have not written anything to him of it, but will first hear what you think, and have desired Sir Hen. Vane to know privately my brother's opinion of it. My cousin, Count Henry, the governor of Friesland, died last week of his hurt. I doubt not you know how he received it. I never knew one more lamented both here and in the army, for next the Prince he was the most considerable man here, and extremely beloved, besides the public none have lost more than I have in him, for he loved both me and mine most extremely; I confess I loved him also the best of any cousin I had for he deserved it, therefore you may imagine how much his death troubles me. His brother has gone with his body into Friesland. I hope they will make him his successor in the Government, he deserves it very well, for he is a very deserving young man both for courage and wit. The army is marching forward. The Cardinal Infant was to give a general assault on the French quarters the 9th of this month, but as yet we know not the success. Bannier and Piccolomini are still in Franconia, and those of Weimar in the Landgrave of Darmstadt's country, who I wish may be soundly paid, for he deserves it. P.S.—Sir William Boswell is [not] yet come, so I know not what resolution the King takes for sending to the Diet. [Two seals with arms and crown. 22/3 pp.]
July 9.
York.
64. Sir Jacob Astley to Edward Viscount Conway. There have passed me at Selby about 4,000 more, besides 900 of the Marquis of Hamilton's regiment, and two companies of Sir Nicholas Byron's. My Lord Marquis' regiment I have orders to send to Hull to be employed in fortifying that town. Those that passed are armed and mustered of their strength, and who they are I will insert hereunder, and you will know by the list I sent you where every one of them is lodged, and they have orders to obey all your commands. I had order from my Lord General to send 4,000 or 5,000 foot to you at Newcastle, but considering there was not such a number yet come, and those that are come have neither colours, halberts, nor drums, I forbore till further order, and now there is come money to pay the troops for seven days only, so that if I send you any of these troops, in this case you would be troubled with them for want of pay. Besides, this begets several inconveniences, for all the officers come hither for their money, their companies in the villages the worse in order, and hindered from exercising. This puts me here to so much trouble that I am over toiled, for they are to receive their money by my warrant. In my last despatch to my Lord General I passed my opinion that for sending any of these troops to you as yet I thought it would be better for the service that these troops might advance upon your summons, who would know sooner of the Scotch preparations. But if more troops come, as they will do within 14 days, they must rise higher than Topcliffe Bridge, for there will not be villages in so small a circuit to contain them. Now I am to receive all the arch knaves of this kingdom, and to arm them at Selby, as before I came 500 were there brought by Lieut. Colonel Ballard, they beat their officers and the boors and broke open the prisons, so I cast up a sconce close to my lodgings, where there is a house, part of it is my prison, the other part a court of guard to contain 60 men, wherein I keep day and night 20 or 40 [soldiers] as I see cause. I keep Sir William Ogle's own company of 200 men here in garrison for the time. Now when [any troops] come here and their officers complain of any of their soldiers I punish them in my sconce, or if the country complains of geese stealers, whom I get, I hang the geese about their necks in irons. Two days past Colonel Lunsford's regiment came, who had by the way fought with all their officers, and as they passed abused all the country; two of them went to my sconce, their fellows would have released them, and two threatened to set the town on fire, these also were put into my sconce in irons, neck and heels together. Hereupon they were all quiet, but I was fain to strengthen my guard and let Sir William Ogle's company stand all in arms till I was rid of them; thus we mastered them. I have nothing further but to desire your opinion concerning the sending of any troops to you. Underwritten,
64. i. List of the troops that are already come and passed through Selby, viz.: the Lord General's regiment, 1,164 strong; Sir Thomas Glenham's whole regiment, 1,000; Sir William Uvedale's company, 90; Colonel Goring's, 130; Lord Grandison's, 300; Lord Barramore's son, 360; Colonel Lunsford's, 640; Colonel Sir William Ogle's, 500; total, 4184. [Extracts from this letter are printed in Clarendon State Papers, ii., p. 101. 3 pp.]
July 9. 65. Memorandum—Endymion Porter, Esq., desires a bill of store for four hogsheads of white and ½ hogshead of Rhenish wine, packed in dry cask, which came from Amsterdam in the Elizabeth. Underwritten,
65. i. Endymion Porter to the Farmers of the Customs. If you will not allow me a bill of store for my wine I will bring my friends to your houses, and all those that come home to mine shall drink water, for I live by your favours. [1 p.]
July 9. 66. Answer of [Mr. Smethwick] to certain charges made against him. For three things am I maligned and hated by some aldermen and other citizens of London. 1st, for hindering a few of them from deceiving the East India Company of 500,000l. or 600,000l. at one time, and for endeavouring to advance the East India trade, and hindering them from destroying it as to this kingdom. 2nd, for giving 1,000l. to the repairing of St. Paul's, and being an instrument to procure that work to go on. 3rd, for offering to give 100l. to his Majesty the last year towards the charge of the then expedition for Scotland. Hereupon it was given out that I was a lunatic, and that I could not have paid the 100l. if it had been called for. And when the rebellious rout was up against his Grace of Canterbury and others it was reported that I had betrayed all the rich citizens by giving up a list to his Majesty and the Lords of 300 names who were able each to give or lend to the King 1,000l. apiece. To which I answer, 1st, that I could as well have paid the 100l. offered as have bestowed 120l. this year on my son's outfit for this year's expedition. Now seeing the citizens accuse me and wish me much evil causelessly, I desire I may be admitted to show how 200,000l. or 300,000l. may in probability be obtained from the citizens for the King's service, and that fairly, tolerably, and speedily. 2nd, that the ways which I have already showed to the Lord Treasurer and Lord Cottington may be tried and put in execution; how the East India trade may soon be settled and put into a way for an ample prosecution thereof, to the great profit of the Adventurers and to the advancement of the King's revenue 50,000l. per annum, besides a great increase of customs. 3rd, that trial may be made of the course which I shall propound, how sufficient money may be fairly raised to finish the repairs of St. Paul's, and every year to build one new church or chapel in some of the great out parishes of London, where there are above 10, 15, or 20 thousand persons inhabitants in a parish and but one church, an evil to be remedied with all expedition for the honour of God. [Endorsed: "Mr. Smethwick, 9th July 1640." 1 p.]
July 10. 67. Deputy-Lieutenants of the East Division of co. Northampton to the Council. Receiving knowledge of the death of our lord lieutenant, Wm. Earl of Exeter, by the bringing back of our letter of certificate sent to him of our proceedings in the levying of soldiers within the east division of this county, we now conceive ourselves obliged by the duty of that service we owe to his Majesty to return the account to your Lordships, together with the duplicates of the certificates of the men delivered to Lieutenant Colonel Kirke. By these you may perceive that we have not been wanting in our endeavours for the due performance of that which was committed to our charge. [Seal with arms and crest. ½ p.]
July 10.
Chester.
68. William Earl of Derby to the same. I present to you a list of the 500 men pressed in Cheshire, and delivered to Sergeant Major Appleyard; I have also sent the letter from the deputylieutenants to myself containing an account of that service. [Endorsed: "Received July 21st." Seal with crest, motto, and coronet. 1 p.]
July 10.
Bristol.
69. Bishop Skinner, of Bristol, to Sec. Windebank. Last Wednesday, the 8th of this month, I received your packet for examining and imprisoning William Collyer, of Bristol. Next morning he came to my house, and after his examination enclosed I sent to Mr. Mayor, and showed by what authority I had proceeded so far with a member of the city, and required him to send a guard and commit Collyer to prison, which was done. He now lies in Newgate, our common prison, to be disposed of as authority shall think fit. [Seal with arms. ½ p.] Enclosed,
69. i. Examination of William Collyer, above mentioned, to the effect that he bought a horse at Maiden Bradley of Thomas Webb, the informant against him, and that being at Ded Martin [Didmarton], within four miles of Tetbury, in the county of Gloucester, he heard a young man, the mercer of the said town, speak in his own house in the presence of the innkeeper's son of the town the very words charged in the information, viz.; "That the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury was turned Papist and that the King and his jester had found the cross or the crucifix in his breast." But he utterly denies that he ever heard such words in Bristol, or from any inhabitant there, or that he ever uttered the same to any man living. [½ p.]
July 10.
Llewerllyd.
70. Ralph Hughes, sheriff of Flint, to Nicholas. Since last week when I wrote to you an account of my proceedings about the ship mize, I have paid 160l. to William Salisbury, and taken security for returning thereof to the Treasurer of the Navy at or before 1st August. The 110l. odd remaining I am hopeless to get in before corn harvest for reasons expressed in my last. P.S.—Mr. Rees Williams, mercer in Cheapside, is agent for payment of the said sum, as he was of the 300l. by me formerly returned. [Endorsed: "Received July 18th." Seal with arms and crest. ½ p.]
July 10.
Melton Mowbray.
71. The inhabitants of Melton Mowbray to Sir John Lambe. Asking him to grant his license to Mr. Pole, whom they have elected master of their Grammar School. [Seal with device. ½ p.]
July 10.
Hamburgh.
72. John Dury to Sir Thos. Roe. Congratulations on his being made a member of the Council. Professes his only aim in life is to do good to the Israel of God. I wish that I may be henceforth more serviceable to you than ever I have been. I have no material news to impart. The armies are still separated for want of victuals, and Bannier is hard beset, he lives on the borders of Hesse and Westphalia, and in the Wetteren; some say he is purposing [to advance] towards Leipsic. Piccolomini is entrenched in Franconia. Bannier thought to draw the Dutch regiments from Longeville, but they are constant to the French. Oh, that God would bless your wisdom to be the instrument of appeasing matters at home amongst yourselves, then we would have abundantly matter of joy and you of praise. [Seal with arms. 2 pp.]
July 10.
Brecknock.
73. Deputy-Lieutenants of co. Brecknock to John Earl of Bridgewater. That on the 9th of this July they delivered to Capt. Henry O'Brien and Capt. John Fitzgerald, the officers appointed by the Lord General, 200 able men, well coated and clothed, by indentures, whereof they enclose copies [see vol. cccclxii.], one for the Council and the other for the Lord General. [Seal with arms and crest. 2/3 p.]
July 10.
Whitehall.
Warrant of Henry Earl of Holland to Humphry Beckley and three others, regardors of Windsor Forest, co. Berks. I am given to understand that Mr. Eastwick assumes the power to dispose of the herbage of the Great Park of Windsor, and depastures there great numbers of horses and other cattle, to the damage of the park and deer. These are, therefore, to require you to drive the same, and thereupon to certify me what number of cattle you find and to whom they severally belong. [Copy. = 1 p. See vol. ccclxxxiv., p. 91.]
July 10. 74. Bond of William Knight and Thomas and Ralph Farmer in 1,000l. Conditioned that Will. Knight shall appear before the Council or Sec. Windebank whenever he shall be called to answer such matters as shall be objected against him. [Latin and English. ⅓ p.]
July 10. 75. Account by the Treasurers of the Navy of the ship-money received by virtue of writs of 1639. Totals, 30,388l. 18s. 9d. paid, and 180,011l. 1s. 3d. remaining. [1 p.]
July 10. 76. Account of ship-money for 1639 levied and remaining in the hands of the sheriffs. Total 3,682l., making, with the 30,388l. paid to the Treasurers of the Navy, 34,070l. This week were paid in no arrears of ship-money for former years. [1 p.]
July 11. 77. Notes by Sec. Windebank of business transacted at a meeting of a Committee of Privy Council for the coining of the new money to be issued from the Mint. [Opinion of the] officers of the Mint, Sir William Parkhurst and Mr. Palmer. The fourth part silver; shilling, half shilling, and quarter shilling. The stamp. 60,000l. per mensem. The mixture silver and copper. Four pound weight in the hundred in 3d. and 2d. Stamp to be the King's arms on one side, on the other the portcullis crowned with [the motto] "Exsurgat Deus, &c." They can coin but 12,000l. a week for the first week, the next 16,000l., and so every week increasing until it come to 30,000l. Warrants to the officers for the King's signature for making the stamps and other things. A proclamation. Whether the proclamation is to be clogged now with the rules concerning what payments are to be made to the King in this coin. His Majesty to be advised with. A clause in the proclamation promising it shall be called in again, and this to be much enforced. No qualifying until the business be settled. The army to be paid at first in good coin, not to discontent them at first with the new coin till they be settled, and if you pay them in this new coin it will fill the skirts of the kingdom with ill money. The proclamation at first to go out free, afterwards some private rule concerning the greater payments to the King. Moneychangers to be restrained to 1, 1½, or 2 in the hundred, and this to be done quickly. The quantity cannot be resolved on now, but to be left to the occasion. All the King's payments here to be made in the new money; the best money to be reserved for the army for a while. [1 p.]
[July 11.] Petition of the Grand Jury impaneled to serve at the assizes for Berks on behalf of themselves and the rest of the county to the King. That petitioners have of late years been much burdened with sundry grievances of divers natures by officers deriving their authority from Your Majesty, but being directly contrary to your laws established in this kingdom, the chief of our grievances being put into a schedule and hereunto annexed for redress whereof as your petitioners hope. That you were pleased about the middle of April last to assemble the Great Council or Parliament, and some three weeks after to dissolve it, for want, as it seems to petitioners, of a good agreement betwixt the two Houses, nevertheless since the dissolution [in order to redress] such grievances of your poor people, Your Majesty has not failed by your declarations to invite them to pour their complaints into your princely ears. Be pleased to take the particulars into your tender consideration, and to give petitioners such ease therein as you shall think fit, and whereby it may appear to all your subjects, and especially to those of the Privy Council and other officers and ministers of justice, that Your Majesty is resolved to give to them all their rights and liberties which they desire by their Petition of Right, and were confirmed by you in the third year of your reign. The illegal and insupportable charge of ship-money as high as ever, though the subjects were not able to pay it, the last year, being but a third part. The new tax of coat and conduct-money with the undue means to enforce the payment of it by messengers from the Council table. The compelling of freemen by imprisonment and threatenings to forsake their places of habitation, hiding themselves in woods whereby their families are left to be maintained by the parish, and harvest work left undone for want of labourers. The infinite number of monopolies upon everything almost that the countryman has to buy. Besides [in] the eastern parts of this county Your Majesty's forests of Windsor are particularly burdened with the innumerable increase of deer, which if they shall go on so fast in 10 years more will neither leave food nor room for any other creature in the forest. The rigid execution of forest laws in the extremity. The exaction of inordinate fees by some officers under the Lord Chief Justice in Eyre. [Copy. = 2½ pp. See September 4, 1640, vol. cccclxvi., No. 42, pp. 18–20.]
July 11.
Whitehall.
78. Warrant to Sir William Parkhurst, warden, Sir Ralph Freeman, Sir Tho. Aylesbury, and other officers of the Mint. We have determined to make a new standard of moneys to be current in England, of which four several sorts of money are to be coined, viz., shillings, sixpenny, threepenny, and twopenny pieces; the same to be graven thus, on one side the royal arms and style in the circumference, and on the other a portcullis with a crown imperial, with this circumscription: "Exsurgat Deus dissipentur inimici." Our pleasure is that you give order to Edward Greene, graver of the Mint, to cause to be graven such number of irons for the striking of these moneys as by the work-masters of these moneys shall be thought needful. [Minute. 1 p.]
July 11.
Paris.
79. Charles Louis Elector Palatine to Sec. Windebank. I have given Sir Richard Cave special charge to thank you for the affection you continue towards me and my affairs. [Endorsed by Windebank: "11th July 1640, from the Prince Elector, received by Sir R. Cave 24th, our style. Answered 5th October by Sir R. Cave, and then I wrote to the Queen of Bohemia." 2 seals with arms. 1 p.]
July 11.
Winchester.
80. Deputy-Lieutenants of Hants. to Jerome Earl of Portland, one of the lords lieutenant. We received from you on the 9th instant a copy of the Lords' letter of the 6th. In answer whereof we reply that we have perused and considered their first letter to you of the 26th March concerning the raising and providing of 50 strong horses for the train of artillery, and 17 carters to take charge of them. The horses were to be raised in this county, but no mention was made in that letter, as we conceive, at whose particular charges they should be provided, only that the charge for sending them to their rendezvous at Newcastle should be borne by the country. According to which letter we endeavoured to raise the horses, and had some showed to us, for which they demanded money, which we well hoped might have been had out of the proportions formerly rated upon the county for this service. But those moneys come in so slack, not that we have returns of any man that directly denies, but they do pretend, as is true, that commodities are so dead in the country that they cannot make money of them to pay their rents. We, therefore, shall beseech you to ease us from this charge. The times as they are, we shall have much ado, and must give time to raise the money which we are already engaged for. [1½ pp.]
July 11.
Pool.
81. Deputy-Lieutenants of co. Montgomery to John Earl of Bridgwater. In the absence of the rest of the deputy-lieutenants here we have set out 200 able men for the King's service in the present expedition, and have delivered them well coated and clothed to Capt. Robert Broughton and Capt. William Maxey, authorised by the Lord General to receive them upon the 10th of this July, by indentures, whereof we send a copy. The delay of seven or eight days was occasioned by the several intermissions of the service, which gave our men some confidence they should not go this time, so rendering them careless of their appearance upon the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd of July, and putting us to a new labour to get in men to supply our wants; albeit, we had made our number full more than a month before. With these men that thus ran away and those that kept off from the beginning, notwithstanding our warrants requiring their appearance, we intend to take such course as the law warrants for the sake of example. Our warrants went out for levying the 700l. on this county for coat and imprest-money, soldiers' pay, &c., whereof at a more fit time we will give a more exact account. [Endorsed: "Received July 26th." 1 p.]
July 11.
Auckland.
82. Thomas Morton, Bishop of Durham, to Viscount Conway. I crave your acceptance of some venison, which, although it cannot commend itself for fatness, I am compelled to do it in respect of the rareness of deer in this country. It is but even now that I call to mind your [evavtiophavis] in 2 Kings VIII., the answer of Elisha, which answers for itself, because [by] the first part thereof, in these words: "Say unto him thou may'st certainly recover," was meant a possibility of the recovery of that disease mentioned in the question of Hazael which was an apposite answer and most true; the other part, "Howbeit, he shall surely die," implied another cause of his death, which was Hazael's stifling him with a cloth. As I have written heretofore, "To Mars, so do I now to your Mercury." [2/3 p.]
July 11. 83. Modern copy of the preceding. [1 p.]
July 11.
York.
84. Sir Jacob Astley to the same. I have cast up all things as nearly as I possibly can with our paymaster, who has brought us very little money; yet finding the troops come up so slowly for we have in all but 6,000 come to Selby, and 900 of them belong to the Lord Marquis [Hamilton], and are to go to Hull, I have as much money as will pay Sir Thos. Glenham's regiment for seven days more, until the 22nd of this month, which is 1,190 men, officers and all, and so for Colonel Lunsford's about 700 men; I have given them orders to march towards you to Newcastle. Sir Thos. Glenham marches out of his quarters on Monday the 13th and Colonel Lunsford on the 14th, so that you may please to provide for their accommodation; and all that pass me here have orders to rise and march at an hour's warning from you. I yesterday informed the Lord General that according to his command I have taken order that these two regiments are to come to you. I hope after the 18th of this month we shall receive more money from Sir Wm. Uvedale, otherwise we shall be all broken in pieces, and this new [system of] paying is extremely difficult to reckon as the captains spend more time in counting their little money than in spending it. Besides they are extremely unwilling to give anything back for dead pays to the King's use. The counties have sent their men very ill clothed, most wanting shoes and stockings, which the captains much complain of, having been at great charges to furnish them therewith; besides they want many of their numbers, so that the army will fall much short of the strength that was expected. This reckoning and counting and giving of warrants for money here at York will be one man's work, for neither paymaster, commissary, nor many of the officers understand it rightly. P.S.—This paying by seven days will cause all the captains and officers to come to York, and in the meantime their soldiers straggle in the country, and are not exercised as they ought to be, and I see no great forwardness in most of them to provide their waggons as ordered, although they have received money to do it, whereof I have spoken to the colonels to take some order in it. [1½ pp.]
July 11. 85. Modern copy of the preceding letter. [1 p.]
July 11.
Hereford.
86. Deputy-Lieutenants of co. Hereford to the [Lord Lieutenant of that county]. In obedience to the commands imposed upon us by your and the Lords' letters, we have at length happily, as we hope, performed that great and difficult service in the execution whereof we passed through great and eminent dangers both of our lives and fortunes, in regard of the mutinous disobedience and insolent behaviour of the soldiers, never before known or heard of in this county in our times. Yesterday we delivered 150 foot with one drum and drummer to Lieutenants Butler and Mintridge, and to-day 150 foot and two drums and drummers more to Captain Button, Lieutenant Edwards, and Ensign Owen, the officers sent down from the Lord General. We have made choice of able-bodied men fit for the service, and furnished them with good apparel according to the indentures we send herewith. [See vol. cccclxii.] We have just cause to acknowledge it as a great mercy that we have thus well finished so dangerous a service. One of the greatest difficulties we encountered proceeded from the long continuance here of the soldiers after they were impressed, for we found them tractable at first. The country has been deeply charged, and the money exhausted. We have provided horses for the train of artillery which lie at great charge, wherein we are again enforced to solicit your directions to whom they shall be delivered. A violent flood having spoilt the grass and hay on several rivers, presses us the more to desire to be speedily rid of them. [1 p.]
[July 11.] 87. Petition of Edward Davis, a distressed prisoner in the Fleet, to the Council. Petitioner about two months since [11th May 1640] was committed by Sir Francis Windebank to the Fleet on suspicion of being one of the disordered apprentices about the rising against the Archbishop of Canterbury, whereas he had no hand in it. Prays, for that he lies in prison in great distress and has no means nor friends to subsist, that you will give order for his enlargement. [½ p.]
July 11. 88. The Act Questions in theology, civil law, medicine, and philosophy set at Oxford 11th and 13th July 1640, with the names of the examinees who answered some of the questions. [Printed. 1 p.]
July 12. 89. John Winford to Attorney General Bankes. That Mr. John Founes, of Dodford, in the parish of Bromsgrove, has paid the 1l. 9s. 6d. ship-money imposed on him, and seems very sorrowful for his neglect. My petition is that Founes' appearance before you may be spared. [Seal with arms and crest. ¼ p.]
July 12.
Yarm.
90. H. Wilmot [Commissary General of Horse to Edward Viscount Conway]. I received last night a command from my Lord General to send to Carlisle that part of Sir Thomas Lucas' regiment which is here, being his own, Sir Charles Lucas' and Captain Barry's companies. I have given Sir Charles Lucas order to march with them next Tuesday. This afternoon Capt. Cooper goes to view the quarters you have appointed; to-morrow or the next day he will wait on you to give an account of them. I have sent to inform myself of what ships can come to Stockton, and shall, according to your command, inform my Lord General of that convenience for receiving our arms. A disorder has fallen out here, which will deserve your attention: Colonel Trafford's quartermaster is shot through the thigh by a soldier, only for reprehending him for spoiling his horse. I know not whether he will escape it or no. I should be glad to know what shall be done with the soldier; he is in prison for the present. Captain Fairfax is not come nor his troop, but excuses it that you have given him leave to stay with his company behind. [1½ pp.]
July 12.
Selby.
91. Sir William Ogle to the same. Coming here the 18th of June with 740 of my regiment I found the Sergeant Major General [Sir Jacob Ashley] who importuned me to stay, and quartered my company in Selby, to prevent disorders which might happen by the coming of a most disorderly multitude, and within a little space he went to York, where he remains. A small work is made here where we keep a guard and with that and my own company we are able to punish insolencies. The soldiers on the march to Selby commit infinite disorders, both against officers in beating them and the country in spoiling it. But when they come to Selby we put their commission of disorders out of date, arming and passing them away with more manners. There are passed to their quarters about York above 6,000, and a very great number more will be armed and passed this next week. [Seal with arms. 1 p.]
July 12.
Burdrop.
92. Sir William Calley to Richard Harvey. Will send his coach to Chiswick on the 25th of July to fetch his wife, and as Sir Edward and his lady and divers others are coming with her, he gives Harvey order to provide wine and provisions. [Seal with arms and crest. 1 p.]
July 12. 93. Receipt of Robert Loade for 2l. 0s. 4d. paid by Samuel Danvers as his assessment of coat and conduct-money for his lands in Culworth, co. Northampton. [½ p.]
July 13. 94. Deputy-Lieutenants of Middlesex to [the Council]. Upon our warrants issued to the petty constables of Hayes, Hanwell, Heston, Isleworth, Twickenham, Ealing, New and Old Brentford, we received 61l. 2s. arrears of coat and conduct-money which with the former sum of 82l. 13s. 11d. is left with John Pearce, high constable, to be disposed of as you shall direct. We enclose the names of those whose assessments, amounting to 35l. 16s. 6d., remain yet unpaid. [½ p.] Enclosed,
94. i. List of defaulters mentioned above. [3¾ pp.]
July 13.
Rushbrooke.
95. Sir Thomas Jermyn to [the Lords of the Council]. I gave orders to the officers of the regiment quartered at Bungay and Beccles to command their soldiers to be ready to march on Thursday the 9th of this present, which they did. On Tuesday I appointed with Lieutenant Colonel Fielding to go myself to Beccles; and Bungay being in the way, I desired as I passed to see the companies quartered there, who had formerly a greater inclination to mutiny than the rest of the regiment, as, if they were not purged of that leaven, I thought it fitter to have time before their going to apply the best remedies we had in our power than to leave it in such uncertainty; being very unwilling either to trouble the country with the marching of any of the train bands or fill it with the rumour thereof, unless necessity enforced. On Tuesday at Bungay I found the soldiers drawn out, and asked them if they would cheerfully follow their commanders. They answered that no men were more willing to serve their King, but except they were provided with necessaries they would not stir. I told them I would make an example of those who spoke so; that I knew his Majesty had been very careful to provide all necessaries, far above the rate of any other prince both for equipping them and for largeness of pay; but if they could charge any constables or officers who had kept back any part of their due, on just proof they should be assured of redress. And so descending to some particulars of their wants, as hose and shoes, &c., after a particular examination of their wants and promise of relief in them, they grew into a very good disposition and a resolution of obedience, and marching at the time appointed; the next morning I sent Sir William Plater, one of the deputylieutenants, to them with some money, who, furnishing them with what they could not well go without, they were very well pleased and prepared to march with all cheerfulness; but I not willing they should mingle with their fellows at Beccles, in whom I had observed a more settled obedience, I propounded to Colonel Fielding to cause those of Bungay to advance a day's march before the others stirred, which he did. That night I went to Beccles, and the next day being the general fast, knowing the bells and drums could not agree well together, we gave that day to devotion, and on Thursday drew the soldiers out of the town, supplied their defects, and on Friday saw them very cheerfully begin their march. I am returned to my house to order a new levy to supply those by whose sickness or disbanding the full number is diminished, whereat though the country will a little repine, I doubt not we shall very speedily effect it. On Saturday I received from the Earl of Suffolk your letter of the 8th, wherein we are commanded to send 20 of the horses for the train of ordnance to be delivered at Yarmouth to Sir Nicholas Byron before the end of the month which shall be performed; the other 40 very strong and in good flesh, with 13 carters went from Bury towards Newcastle the 7th of this month with their conductor. [3½ pp.]
July 13.
Streatham.
96. Sir John Howland to Nicholas. Complains that Mr. Ward whom he had appointed collector of the ship-money in the parish of Bagshot, and then dismissed from that service at the entreaty of a friend, appointing Henry Lee and Thomas Gibson in his stead, had detained his warrant authorising him to collect the money from the 17th of February 1639-40 till 8th July 1640, instead of forwarding it to the said Gibson and Lee. Ward desires to answer the misdemeanour before Nicholas, to whom Sir John sends him. [Seal with arms and crest. ⅓ p.] Enclosed,
96. i. The above-mentioned warrant, printed, and bearing date February 17th, 1639-40. Endorsed,
96. ii. This warrant was not delivered to Thomas Gibson and Henry Lee before the 8th of July 1640. [1 p.]
July 13.
Sion.
97. Algernon Earl of Northumberland to Edward Viscount Conway. The apprehensions of the Scots coming into England were as great here as at Carlisle, but our late advertisements give hopes they are not so well provided to invade us as their countrymen in this Court report; yet to satisfy those on the west borders I have commanded to Carlisle the three troops of Sir Thos. Lucas' regiment which are to go with the Lord Lieutenant [of Ireland]. This with the strength of the adjacent counties will, I trust, be sufficient to prevent anything likely to be attempted on that side. If Sir William Howard will both raise and pay his troop on his own charge there is some hope he may be a captain; otherwise I much fear that within a few days we shall neither have money to raise the troops wanting nor to pay those already raised; notwithstanding our confidence and great undertakings, the keeping disorderly and new raised men without pay, and the coining of copper money are shrewd signs money is not so plentiful as it ought to be at the beginning of a war. I could have wished this direction which I here send you for payment of the army had been forborne till the men were in better obedience than yet they are, I pray God those that were the advisers of it do not approve themselves more ignorant in the ways of governing an army than they would seem to be. Mr. Wilmot writes that you desire to draw the troops now in Cleveland to Durham and on this side of it. I think they may be well quartered there and be near at hand to serve you on all occasions. The Commissary General, Leonard Pinkney, is coming to you with all his train and you must give order for their entertainments according to the allowances I gave them last month, of which he will present unto you a list. Our other commissary, Gibbons, a favourite of Lord Cottington's, has this year cheated the King of 2,000l., and is now in the Fleet for 30,000l. debt. I hope before long we shall meet, either in the North or at the good garrison of London. [2½ pp.]
July 13.
Norton.
98. Sir William Belasys to the same. I am by this bearer to present you with a buck from Lord Lumley, who wishes your health and that the buck were as good as any he has in Sussex. If there be any defect I beseech you supply it in thinking you are at Newcastle within 55 degrees of North latitude and near Scotland. Omne malum ab Aquilone and such like. [1 p.]
July 13. Modern copy of the preceding. [Written on the same paper as June 14. See vol. cccclvii., No. 19.]
July 13.
Coventry.
99. William Jesson to Thomas Earl of Berkshire. On Sunday last the 12th of this July I was served with a warrant by Mr. Holbrook, to appear at the Board, to answer what might be objected against me. I know nothing that might lie against me, except a certificate by me to my Lord of Northampton, by the persuasion of his deputylieutenants here in Coventry, about coat and conduct-money, the copy of which is enclosed; which I had hoped my Lord of Northampton would have taken in the same sense it was written, and have given myself and others satisfaction from the Board, whether we in Coventry were to be charged or not. But hearing he was displeased at it, and fearing some ill office had been done in the delivery, I paid the money charged for me to pay in Coventry as soon as I heard from my Lord it was due for Coventry to pay; and that it is paid the messenger that served the warrant will wait upon you to make affidavit, if need be, that the collector of coat and conductmoney did acknowledge that he had received it of me above a week before I was served with the warrant. Therefore seeing the money is paid and the messenger satisfied, and no just cause of offence given to any, let me entreat you to move the Board that I may be released and excused for not coming in person; the rather for that our assizes are next Wednesday, where I am to be in the King's service. [Seal with skull and crossbones, and motto "Memento mori." ¾ p.] Enclosed,
99. i. The above-mentioned certificate to the Earl of Northampton that the reason why he and others of Coventry have not paid the ship-money is that they have seen no warrant from the King or Council for charging Coventry, which is a distinct city and county by itself; not that he opposes the ship-money, for in the counties of Warwick and Northampton he pays in six several places, where he is charged by warrant from the King and Board. [⅓ p.]
July 13. 100. Petition of Luke Pepper, John Ford, Nicholas Eaton, and others, maltsters of Dover, to Bishop Juxon, Lord Treasurer. That the price of the best malt at Dover is only 13s. or 14s. the quarter, which is under the price limited by statute, malt being so plentiful there, pray warrant to transport 3,000 or 4,000 quarters into foreign parts, by which they hope to get a quicker market, there being no sale at Dover in spite of the low price. [1 p.] Annexed,
100. i. Certificate by the Mayor of Dover, under the seal of the mayoralty, that the price of malt in those parts is 13s or 14s. a quarter, and that being a perishable commodity, some other course ought to be permitted to the maltsters for selling it. [2/3 p.]
July 13. 101. Note of agreement between John Ashburnham and Nicholas, by which the former agrees to assign over to the latter all his right, title, and interest in the parsonage of Wherwell, co. Hants., for 3,850l., of which 3,200l. has been already paid. [⅓ p.]
July 13. 102. Examination of Thomas Tapping, servant to James Evett, vintner, at the "Three Cranes," in Chancery-lane. That on Friday or Saturday seven-night there were in his master's house a party of five gentlemen of Lincoln's Inn drinking, and some persons in the next room, amongst whom was a picture drawer, who had relation to the Earl of Northumberland, between whom a dispute arising, the gentlemen of Lincoln's Inn answered they believed his Lordship would not keep any such servants, but more than this he heard them not say concerning the Earl of Northumberland. After this the gentlemen called for a pottle of sack, and one of them began a health to the Archbishop of Canterbury, and they forced the picturedrawer to drink it, but whether the health went round or no he knoweth not, neither did he hear any word spoken of the confusion or destruction of the Archbishop. He never told any that the gentlemen of Lincoln's Inn had had a meeting to the number of 40 or 50, neither does he know that such a number of them ever met together. [2 pp.]
July 13. 103. Lists of the names of soldiers levied in co. Berks., who disbanded this day without permission at Brackley, co. Northampton. Names of the men of the Reading division belonging to Colonel Sir Jacob Astley's company. Names of those of the Newbury division. [2 pp.]
[July 13.] 104. Brief in a suit touching the right of common, &c. in West Moor, in Galtres Forest, co. York, in which the Attorney General is plaintiff and Sir John Bourchier defendant. [This copy appears to have been used for Sir Thomas Dawes' suit. 7 pp.]
[July 13.] 105. The heads of the evidence for Sir John Bourchier's title to the waste lands called West Moss, alias West Moor, in Galtres Forest, co. York. [2 pp.]
July 13. 106. Notes in support of the title of Sir Thomas Dawes and Robert Long, Esq., to the forest of Galtres, co. York. In 13th July 1640, Sir Thomas Glenham, Arthur and Anthony Samuel, for a very great consideration in money, sold their claim to Sir Abraham and Sir Thomas Dawes. Then follows a statement of the claims of Sir John Bourchier. The answer of Sir Thomas Dawes and Robert Long, Esq., to the suggestions in Sir John Bourchier's petition. The West Moor in Galtres Forest is said in the petition to be 320 acres, and that 140 acres thereof are inclosed in the park, so there remains to Sir Thomas Dawes and Mr. Long but 180 acres, whereof 95 acres are decreed to Sir John Bourchier, and they have always been ready to set it out to him as they should. [2 pp.]