Charles I - volume 483: August 1641

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1641-3. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1887.

This premium content was digitised by double rekeying. All rights reserved.

'Charles I - volume 483: August 1641', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1641-3, (London, 1887) pp. 69-114. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/chas1/1641-3/pp69-114 [accessed 24 March 2024]

Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image

August 1641.

Aug. 1. 1. List of petitions, letters, orders, and other papers delivered over to Sir Dudley Carleton's clerks [by the outgoing clerk of the Council]; with a subjoined note of divers papers concerning Irish business not dispatched but delivered over. [1 p.]
Aug. 2,
Palace of Westminster.
2. The King to Sir Edmund Wright, Lord Mayor of London, and the rest of the Commissioners for the poll money. Whereas it hath been ordered on the last day of July last by the House of Commons that the 3,000l. lent by the City upon the public faith of the House for furnishing the Queen Mother in her journey out of this kingdom shall be forthwith paid to such person as shall be nominated under our hand: we hereby require you to pay it to Viscount Fabroni, receiving an acquittance under his hand. [½ p.]
Aug. 2/12,
The Hague.
3. Elizabeth Queen of Bohemia to Sir Thos. Roe. I am sorry [for] that error of my uncle's ambassador, and cannot but wonder at it. I wish it speedily mended, which I believe it will be, if it be not a trick to get time until they see what will become of Wolfenbuttel and the Swedes' army; for though I can easily believe the Emperor doth not care for the Duke of Bavaria, yet you know that his children are his [the Emperor's] nephews, which makes me still doubt, and not much trust to their good words. But I am as confident of you as diffident of them, and am glad to find you are so of the ambassadors of Brand[enburg], Lun[eburg], and Hessen. If they would begin with poor Rupert's liberty I should then have a better faith, but I fear they will not be so civil. I hope the King's publishing the Manifesto, and the Parliament's declaration upon it, will do no harm. They have also hindered those Irish troops that should have gone into Spain, and will suffer none to go for France either, as I am confident you hear it from Sir Richard Cave. The Parliament have represented six reasons to the King and Queen to hinder her going over to drink the Spa waters, so she has stayed her journey, which some here are very angry at, hoping she [the Queen] would have brought her daughter [Mary] with her. When I told the Prince of Orange's wife of the Parliament's good resolution for my son, she did not say that she was glad of it, but sat as if she had been struck dumb. I sent it to the Prince, but have yet no answer of how it takes. She is now here, and we shall have the Queen Mother here with the first wind. My mother-in-law writes to me, in all her letters, to take heed of giving any allowance to the alternative; which she need not do, you know; I desire it as little as she, but I hope it will not be put to question. I only tell you this of my mother-in-law that you may know the sense that the head of that house has of it. [Two black seals with arms and crown. 2 pp.]
Aug. 3,
Ratisbon.
4. Sir Thos. Rowe to [Sec. Vane]. What I have done or collected the last week you will receive by the enclosed papers; in which if you find anything worthy his Majesty's acceptance, the thanks are due to his Manifesto, which was in this Court before I had any notice of the publication, so quick are their intelligences upon us; and if they were all of this kind I should rejoice. But there are some commenters upon all our actions that pervert the sense, and destroy with malicious interpretations what I can hope to build upon his Majesty's most sincere resolutions; for such stuff is written hither, and objected to me, [as] that there is no intent of peace in England, but the King yields all with intent to undo all he grants, as Alexander did the Gordian knot; that this Manifesto is but words lent to assist my negotiation without purpose of effect; and this they gather out of the printed speeches, wherein give me leave to say that this liberty of printing everything exposes all our consultations and actions to the censure of the whole world; and it is easy to spoil the best text. I humbly move it be considered in Parliament that they make not their debates the subject of envious discourse, and that some course be taken to discover those writers who, like spiders, convert all things into poison. Nothing but experience can impress what harm it doth here, and how these publishings expose us to public scorn; and I am persuaded if it were moved it would be resented by wise men, and prevented, though almost too late, for the future. In answer of yours, I perceive the fight near Wolfenbuttle is thought in England of great consequence; and indeed so it was, that the Imperialists obtained not the victory they thought was in their hands; yet their loss was not so great but that being reinforced the Emperor hath given a new command to fight. The Swedes are retired near Wolfenbuttle, and the Imperialists have moved for want of victuals towards Halberstadt to attend refreshing from Bohemia; and I am of opinion famine will part the fray, and nothing more be done this summer, so that by this they are not much humbled. But indeed the Manifesto doth work upon them, which I hope will be printed and dispersed in Latin, for I left the translation with you, and though I have a copy here yet I cannot print it in these parts. It will be as much as I can do, when the Latin comes, to give Dutch copies in a written hand. But to give it due weight it ought to come authentically from England, directed to all princes and states as in that Latin copy in your hands, which, if you please to search your papers, you will find, and I hope is found, before this arrives; for if it come not so from you it will be despised here as a scarecrow. The noise of it hath much animated our friends, as you will see by the enclosed resolution of the Brand[enburg] ambassador to the propositions of July 29; and the ambassadors have again offered to embrace the whole cause of the Palatinate, which is more than any prince ever yet hath declared, if his Majesty will join with them, and I doubt not to make good use of everything. Yet I humbly desire his Majesty, not to expect great matters from those, who, though they may have good affections, yet are so wholly governed by the Duke of Bavaria, who is governed by his private interest only, that they are not in possession of their own wills. Somewhat I shall do, or lay them naked to the eye of the whole world, and refer it to his Majesty to take or leave. I am extremely sorry to hear the resolutions of Parliament concerning the Bishops. They may be wise for present necessities, but they see but a little way, neither in time nor place, what distractions will arise in that Church that hath no government; and what disrepute they cast upon our first Reformation, that was glorious in all the world; nor what advantage they give the public enemy to object to as so many innovations, dangerous in all estates. I will not yet doubt of their moderation when they come to the last sentence. I have only one word to say for myself; that my money imprest is almost gone, I have not above a month's bread; and I protest I have not credit in this part of the world for a grey groat but what I brought with me from Sir Paul Pindar upon assurance that his Majesty would give him some assignment to pay my bills. But that not being done, and he oppressed to pay great sums to the Parliament, he hath retracted his credit so far as to desire me not to charge him unless you will take order for ready money to pay him. So I am in an extreme ill condition unless you move his Majesty seriously to satisfy Sir P. Pindar, or to assign me other credit; for if I want here it will be the greatest scorn to our business that can happen. You may please speak to Mr. Burlamachi, for I fear before answer comes I may be in want, if you have not procured money to pay the 200l. to Sir Paul I mentioned in my last, for which my credit is deeply engaged to Count Lesley, being to be advanced to him. P.S.—The cipher left with you must be mended, being one figure mistaken, from 1160 to 1171. [Endorsed: "Received at Edinburgh and answered the 30th [Aug.]" 2 pp.]
Aug. 3,
Ripon.
5. Richard Sennett to [the same]. Thanks him for his oft good counsels; there is nothing pleasanter than to hear him speaking pleasantly and usefully. Prays him to excuse his boldness in these lines. [Latin. 1 p.]
Aug. 4. 6. Order of the House of Commons. That the Earl of Warwick shall pay 52,300l. to the Scots for their arrears, and 200l. imprest money to such as undertake to transmit the same, for which they are to be accountable to the House. [Printed in Commons' Journal, ii. p. 235. ½ p.]
Aug. 4,
York.
7. Sir John Conyers to Captain John Mennes, commanding the regiment of [Capt. Henry Wilmot], Commissary-General of the Horse. It is said the King will be at Doncaster on Tuesday night, where the Lord General intends to meet him with my regiment and the Commissary General's, which are quartered in those parts, and hath given me order to advertise you of it, praying you to give the like notice to the chief officers of all the rest of the troops of the Commissary's regiment that they may prepare to march on the next command. His Excellency remembers a very convenient place beyond Doncaster, where the two regiments may stand to receive his Majesty. Meantime bethink yourself of a fit place to assemble the regiment that with the most conveniency they may march thence to Doncaster. It will be requisite, when they do march, that every trooper carry behind him in his oat sack three or four baits of oats or bread for his horse, and provision for himself, for some of them will be more than 24 hours from their quarters; and in the meantime let them feed their horses as well as they can, and put their equipage in good order that they may not be ashamed to be seen. And when they march let them have ammunition delivered to them. Let a particular list be sent me of each troop, with what arms were left at Newcastle or Durham. If the King's journey [to Scotland] hold, you will hear from my Lord General on Saturday next more particularly. [Seal with arms broken. 1 p.]
Aug. 4,
Chelsea.
8. Sir Peter Osborne, Governor of Guernsey, to Sir John Penington. If you remember, I spake with you about a ship for the transportation of the Earl of Danby to Guernsey; but the Parliament and other particular businesses having detained him here till now the summer is almost past, so that journey of his is very likely to be deferred to some other time. Yet being within a few weeks to go thither myself, and my wife with me, in respect of her I shall renew the same suit to you that I may understand what ship to procure my Lord Admiral's warrant for. [Seal with arms. 1 p.]
Aug. 4. 9. Sir John Lambe to Matthew Leake, registrar at Aylesbury. 1. You sent me a process, which needed not, for my seal is in the country with you or Mr. Bartin, with which you seal all processes of the Court. 2. You make it viis et modis, which should be an original citation at the first. 3. You make it ad promotionem of 19 men that were not with you, and perhaps may say they gave you no warrant so to do. And all they being parties, who be the witnesses ? Therein you may perhaps do them prejudice, and know it not. 4. You wrote your process 31 July, and it is brought to me 3 August; you knew well it could not come before; so that if it be forbidden to send process after Aug. 1, you might have told them so, and saved them this trouble. If you were not able to judge, you are the less to blame, or if you doubted of the law in that point. The statute saith that after the 1st August no ecclesiastical judge shall impose any pain or penalty; but you may send out a citation against Browne or any other that the promoter or promoters will desire, and it is a respect to them that they have that warning. And if they will not or do not come I would if I were there admit that man to be churchwarden [of Marlow] that had most voices; and if the other party thought me wrong, the law alloweth him free liberty to appeal. I am as careful to obey the commands of the Parliament as any man can be, and so I wish you and all under me to be; but surely to have sent a citation was not against the Act of Parliament. [Endorsed by Lamb: My letter to Mr. Leake, 4 Aug. 1641, about " Marloe gard." sent back by him to me, 4 Sept., by Row the carrier. 1 p.]
Aug. 5,
Whitehall.
10. Sidney Bere to [Sir John Penington]. You will excuse me this boat for news, having been so hurried upon our departure that I have had no time to hearken after any, but I hope the enclosed will in part supply for me [this omission. The messenger] whom we have now despatched has passed by my hands, and I think conceives himself so well dealt with that at his return by you he will not be sparing in language to assure you as much. Poor Sir Balthasar is in a bad predicament, and must brook it the best he may. He intends his family shall creep away by degrees, and the rest stay to clear his debts as he can get in his arrears, which will be slow enough. This day my grant is to be sealed, but I fear I cannot have it time enough, seeing we are to go away this evening late, so Mr. Treasurer [Vane] says, in which case Mr. Cogan will be my friend to solicit it in my absence. Sir Abraham Williams very kindly gave me his fees for old acquaintance, so that if the patent be of little worth to me it's of no great cost. The King holds his journey [to Scotland] on Monday, and the Queen Mother [departs] the day following; she has received 3,000l., and shall have 7,000l. in letters of exchange, which is the gift of the Parliament. As yet there is no change of officers other than Sir Peter Wich, who has Sir Thos. Jermyn's staff [as Comptroller of the Household] upon paying 5,000l. A Secretary, doubtless, there will be, and for ourselves I am told from a good hand that we run no great danger at present, but that at our return the staff may happily be taken from us, but the seals not; and I believe he will not complain much, if he escape so. I have scarce seen Mr. Murray since my grant, all things being here in so hurrying a condition, but at our being in Scotland I shall have more occasion and better leisure to observe him. Mr. Cogan will in my absence send you the weekly occurrences. P.S.—This day there has been great debate in the Houses concerning the limitation of a Custos Regni, and, as I hear, not fully agreed on, but who shall be the person is not yet resolved, so that you may imagine there is yet much to do, which makes many doubt of the [King's] journey; but we go, howsoever, this night, if we be recalled afterwards. Patientia! a great distraction there is, but his Majesty is resolved to break through and go. P.S. 2.—Our going is put off till to-morrow night, and so I may chance write you again. [2½ pp.]
Aug. 5. 11. The Master and Wardens of the Stationers' Company, London, to the Lord Mayor. Sir George Whitmore and Sir Nicholas Rainton. Certificate of the names of such of the Company as have paid the poll-money assessed on them since the last certificate. [2 pp.]
Aug. 6,
Palace at Westminster.
12. The King to the Emperor of Germany. Thanks the Emperor for his favourable disposition towards his nephews of the Palatinate. Asks him to aim at a durable public peace; and, in the first place, that the Emperor would procure Prince Rupert's liberty. Has given full instructions to his Ambassador [Sir Thomas Row], to whose promises and agreements he binds himself. Prays the Emperor to consent to his requests, and so bind the King more closely to himself. [Latin. Copy. ¾ p.]
Aug. 6,
Court at Whitehall.
13. The King to Sir John Penington. Warrant to make provision for the transportation of the Queen Mother beyond the seas, according to the directions he shall receive from the Earl of Arundel and Surrey, in his own ship, and whatever he disburses shall be speedily repaid by special order. [1 p.]
Aug. 6,
Court at Whitehall.
14. The same to the same. The like to transport Lady Windebank, and such of her children and servants as she has license to take, to Dieppe in France to join her husband. [1 p.]
Aug. 6/16,
Whitehall.
15. Charles Louis, Elector Palatine, to Sir Thomas Rowe. Your express came in so busy a time, because of the King's journey for Scotland on Monday next, that you will not get a present resolution upon all your propositions; yet by Mr. Secretary [Vane's] despatch to you, you will find that if there be no hope of going on with the treaty under the King of Denmark and the Electoral College's mediation, and that the Diet be likely to dissolve, his Majesty is not against your treating with the Emperor; wherein I doubt not but you will use all circumspection not to offend the King of Denmark nor the rest of our friends, and not to exclude my cause from the general interest of the Empire by that particular negotiation. As for those things which are expected on the King [of England's] part as well towards the Empire as the King of Spain, when the particulars come to be demanded he will advise with his Parliament about it, who I believe will be well inclined to further a general peace and keep neutrality with Spain. As for me, you know how far I may with honour and profit condescend, and my ministers are fully instructed concerning it, whose advice, with others you find well affectioned to my cause, I doubt not you will take along with you. The King doth much approve of what you mean to do in the interim until this answer arrive, as also of your proposition concerning my brother Rupert's liberty, and hath bid me be confident that in your particular he will have a great care of you, which he hath at divers occasions reiterated. I wish you would also inform the Earl of Essex of my business, for you know how well he is inclined towards it, and the power he has with Parliament; besides, the Junto being disjointed, he will have a hand in foreign affairs as well as others. [Two seals with crown and arms. 3 pp.]
Aug. 6,
Whitehall.
16. Sec. Vane to [the same]. His Majesty being upon Monday next to begin his journey towards Scotland, and myself this evening, I have scarce time to do more than acknowledge the receipt of your despatch by Sadler. His Majesty and his Electoral Highness have had communication of all therein contained this morning, which being of importance your Lordship cannot expect his Majesty's resolutions to your weighty and so well digested proposals by this ordinary [post]; but no time shall be lost, and therefore I have thought fit to keep your extraordinary to return a full despatch by him, which his Majesty purposes shall be sent on Wednesday next from Raby Castle, where his Majesty and his Highness purpose to rest that night. Meantime he signifies his pleasure to you touching that point of the treaty which concerns the Danish Ambassador; that if the mistake betwixt the Emperor and him about the letters of credence still continue, which his Majesty conceives is a punctilio that will be quickly removed if there be not more in it than appears, then you are to pursue your first instructions, being settled by his Elect[oral] Highn[ess's] negotiation with that King, after which his Majesty with advice of Parliament pursued that resolution; but if it should hold and be like to draw into length to the prejudice of your negotiation, which you upon the place are best able to judge, then you are to treat with the Emperor in the first place, as you have advised hitherto his Majesty, and as your commission under the great seal imports; yet so as you do not neglect the Electors and those other Princes of Germany, for all will be little enough to effect your errand. But your Lordship's experience and knowledge in these affairs is such that the way and rules are left to yourself. His Majesty's letter concerning Prince Rupert you shall receive by Sadler. I have this morning spoken with Sir Paul Pindar in presence of your Lady, who will give you account that I have settled that business. The treaty with the Scots is ready for ratification in Parliament, and the money all ready to pay them, so I hope my next shall tell you that both armies are disbanded, and the Scots gone over the Tweed. P.S.—Since I made this despatch I got time to have his Majesty sign a letter to Prince Rupert, which you shall receive herewith. It is only credential to the Emperor; the particular engagements you shall make in his Majesty's name you are to take care of. His Majesty approves well the way you proposed upon the particulars contained in your propositions, and so he leaves it to your wisdom to be managed. [2½ pp.]
Aug. 6,
York House.
17. Thomas Smith to [Sir John Pennington]. I perceive by yours of the 30th ult. to his Lordship [Algernon Earl of Northumberland] what six ships you have appointed for transporting the Queen Mother, and what remain in the Downs; wherewith his Lordship was very well contented. But now one of them must be altered, for yesterday morning his Majesty called me to him, and told me it was his pleasure the "Bonaventure," whereof Captain Murray is captain, and one pinnace, be forthwith commanded to the Firth in Scotland, there to remain during his Majesty's stay in those parts. Of this my Lord Admiral desires you to take notice, and give present order accordingly. For the pinnace he leaves it to your choice, but thinks the "Greyhound" will be the fittest, as it can take most victuals; which victuals he would have supplied out of some ship of the fleet that can best spare them, and the Victualer has already order to restore it. Concerning the Queen Mother's coming down, it is uncertain, and, in regard of her many weaknesses, a doubt whether [she will come] at all. Nevertheless Monday is appointed for her journey. The Lord Steward [of the Household] told me you should have order to provide lodging and diet for her Majesty and thirty persons more, during the time of their being aboard, and that it should be allowed you on account; but of this you will have more particular discourse with him at Canterbury, where they intend to stay eight days, and where his Lordship expects to see you either on the night of their arrival or the next morning betimes; and then you shall also have a list of her Majesty's retinue. P.S.—His Majesty being pleased that the Standard of England shall be borne on your ship during the time the Queen Mother shall be on board, the Lord Admiral has ordered the principal Officers of the Navy to send the same to you, whereof he would have you make use accordingly. My Lord Steward has made choice of the "Victory" to go in, and therefore it were fit Captain Povey had notice thereof. This should have come away last night, but was hindered by an accident. Mr. Treasurer Vane went northward last night at 5 o'clock. [2 pp.]
Aug. 6,
York House.
18. The same to [the same]. Copy of the above, from "concerning the Queen Mother's coming down" to " make use accordingly." [Endorsed: " The Standard to be borne by the 'Bonaventure,' the ship appointed for the Queen [Mother's] transportation, during her Majesty's being aboard." 1 p.]
Aug. 6,
York House.
19. The same to [the same]. At Court they have it for certain the King begins his journey to Scotland next Monday, though most men doubt it, and he means to be in Edinburgh by Thursday next, at 10 in the morning. The Queen removes to Oatlands on the same Monday. Divers courtiers are gone toward Scotland, among them your friend Nicholas Pay, and therefore [I am] sure the King resolves it. The King has been much pressed by the Parliament for a Viceroy, or a commission [to be appointed during his absence] to that effect, but 'tis thought he will yield to neither, there being so many difficulties depending to settle that great affair, and so little time to resolve them in. The Scotch army disbands infallibly within 48 hours after their money is paid, and the Parliament will have those moneys ready before Monday next. Five regiments of ours are already disbanded, and money is preparing to cashier the rest as fast as may be. The poll-money comes in cheerfully, and so fast in Guildhall that they want tellers to receive it; and though some are so base [as] to undervalue themselves and their friends, yet some are much offended they pay no more; and if the assessors look not better to it, a writ ad melius inquirendum will be issued out of Parliament against them; and certainly they will deserve it, for they are very partial in most places. Some are of opinion that Henry Percy, Jermyn, &c., will be banished, but most that they will be censured as guilty of high treason, and that at Court those who love them would have the last; for banishment cannot be repealed but by Act of Parliament, whereas treason may be pardoned by the King, and so we may have the company of our friends here once again. Here has been much heat in the Houses about the Protestation, some of the Lords taking, others refusing it; whereupon came forth the enclosed printed papers by order of the House of Commons, which much troubled some of the Peers, but I hope 'twill be appeased, otherwise much mischief may arise about it. New officers in Court we have none since the Lord Chamberlain; only Sir Peter Wiche is made Comptroller of the House[hold] in place of Sir Thos. Jermyn, who had 7,000l. for it, and thinks himself well appaid. P.S.—Pray remember my service to Father Murray, and tell him when I told the King he had done him a very pleasing [service] in nominating him for the voyage, he laughed and said he knew it very well. [3 pp.]
Aug. 6,
Chester.
20. T[homas] Moreton to Sir Thomas Smith. As soon as your letter came yesternight, I went to Ned Williams' house, but he was gone from home and not yet returned, so that till next post and that I see him I cannot address myself to that service. As soon as he comes home, if there be cause, I will presently ride down to Burton and Denwall, and examine the business so far as to advertise you of my poor judgment. Howbeit for the present I cannot believe any will refuse to pay their tithes there; nor do I, that am a little farmer of tithes, hear of any in this country that deny payment. If they should, I conceive by the statute there is remedy for the double value as well at the common law as in the consistory, and do not conceive they will deny payment upon that ground, there being yet no derogation from the consistories in matters which belong to their proper jurisdiction. But I crave your respite herein till the next post. It can be no news to you to hear of the death of young Warburton, of Arley, whose body was yesternight brought to his sad mother at Sutton. The greatest news we have is that all our country churches are full of exercises for thanksgiving (this is the word of art), but all these sermons are against the Bishops and their government. Last week there was one at Little Budworth, this week at Barrow and Thornton, next week at Tarvin, &c. The New England Mr. Eaton and Mr. Holford preached at Barrow this week, but Eaton was modest in comparison of Holford, who railed most damnably against all church government as it is established. [Seal with arms and crest broken. 3 pp.]
Aug. 6/16,
Paris.
21. Sir Francis Windebank to his son Thomas Windebank. Yours of July 29 are very well come to me, together with the two bills of exchange. I perceive mine of this day fortnight and of the 2nd inst. were not come to you when you wrote these last. With them I sent you a petition to the House of Commons in my name, but referred the proceeding in it to his Majesty's pleasure, and to such advice as you might take from some discreet trusty friend, it being perhaps of as ill consequence to stir in it as to do nothing. If the presenting it should retard your mother's and your coming, I should much repent me of the design; otherwise it is very indifferent to me how you dispose of it. I have not sent you any duplicate of it, because I hope it came well to you at last, and that there was no other but the general impediment which fell upon all the letters of that ordinary. Yet it is strange the ill weather should hinder the passage of the post, considering how fair and dry it hath continued near three months together in these parts. Besides, if the first petition be not come to your hands, I think any other would now come too late. I wish some care be taken that, the Secretary's place being disposed of,—which, if his Majesty be not good to me, must be mine utter ruin,—I may not be excluded from the general pardon, which it is likely will be granted at the end of this session. I hope you will put both their Majesties in mind hereof with some earnestness. I am exceeding sensible of my Lord of Pembroke's disaster, because I ever found him full of nobleness, and in mine own particular I took him to be my special patron. The putting of Sedan into this King's hands was but a report, but the accommodation with the Duc de Bouillon is very true. The return of the Spaniards before Air gives them here very great trouble and diverts them from Lorraine, whither this King was going with all his forces. Your next, I hope, will give me some assurance of the time of your coming. [1¾ pp.]
Aug. 6/16,
Paris.
22. Robert Reade to the same. It is likely those offices that are void will be supplied before his Majesty's going northward. I am of opinion that the naming a new Secretary will not hinder our business, but rather further it, being confident there is no man in England but will be satisfied in his conscience that nine months' banishment and the loss of the Secretary's place is a far greater punishment than anything my uncle has done can deserve, considering all has been done upon command. I hope by your next to hear of somewhat done by means of the instructions formerly sent you; certainly the time is now as good as can be expected, and longer delay cannot produce any benefit to countervail the trouble of my Lady's journey hither, and the charge of living here, so far beyond what it would be in England; besides the misery of a banished life. I should think it were very fit to get that paper signed before the King's going, which I sent you about March last. I believe there will be no difficulty made of it, and, being done, it may be of great use, and the want of it as great prejudice as well to my uncle as myself. I am ashamed I must be a debtor to you for the stuff, which I intended should have been bought with part of the money made over; but, God willing, I shall be a just paymaster. If we cannot be so fortunate as by our return to hinder my Lady's journey, my uncle desires an English Bible with the Apocrypha may be brought, for one without it we have already here. P.S.— Requests him to send this letter to his brother, who may perhaps be at Haynes Hill. [2 pp.]
Aug. 7. 23. The four reasons to dissuade the King from his journey into Scotland for 14 days longer. Delivered by Mr. [Denzil] Hollis from the Commons to the Lords at a conference. [Printed in the Lords' Journal, iv. p. 349, and Rushworth, v. p. 361. See also Commons' Journal, ii. p. 243. Broadside.]
[Aug. 7.] 24. The Scots' demands. 1. That all the incendiaries of both nations which are stated [to be] here in England shall be delivered up. 2. That all the Scotch ships shall be restored. 3. That all the castles shall be restored and made fit to defend the kingdom 4. That satisfaction be made for the charges of the war hitherto and what shall be hereafter. 5. That the Acts of the Assembly and Parliament in Scotland be confirmed by his Majesty's assent. 6. That both Bishops and Lords of Scotland shall be tried by Parliament here in Scotland, and the delinquents in England by Parliament there. 7. That all may be ratified by a Parliament in England, and an Act of Oblivion to be made, and to knit the two kingdoms in love and peace for the future. [½ p.]
Aug. 7,
Chester.
25. The Committee at Chester to Sir Thos. Smith. We have received yours of the 27th of last month in the business of Sir Tho. Aston, wherein we perceive your care both in the sudden preferring of the petition, and the speedy getting of the same committed, deserves a grateful acknowledgment; which we hereby tender you. Next week Mr. Thos. Mottershed, a merchant, and one of our Society, intends his journey for London, where he will wait on you in the prosecution of that and the calf-skins' business, both of great concernment to us of this place. We earnestly desire your favourable assistance to him, and a continuance of your care to us and our business. [Seal with arms. 1 p.]
Aug. 7,
Hatherton.
26. Robert Maykin to the same. Has sent his rents for Audlem and Hatherton due at Midsummer, 19l. Gives an account of his tithes in Audlem parish, and his other property. Would be very glad for his daughter Ann to attend her Ladyship. [Seal with device broken. 1 p.]
Aug. 7,
Cliff.
27. Lawrence Bressie to the same. I perceive by your letter you are not resolved for Mrs. Lettice's stay or coming; however, as long as she stays here she shall want nothing. I shall pray acquittance for the 50l. I sent by bill, and for the 50l. I now send. I have conferred with Richard Flecher, and find him more willing than able to give content. I have conferred with some of the tenants of Wybunbury, and have taken them off their petitioning against you; and now they are resolved to come to you and make their grievances known, and appeal to you for redress of them. If they find the relief from you they expect, they have no more to say, but if not they hope you will not take it ill if they seek for relief elsewhere. I know Sir Thomas Delves will be willing to ease both himself and you in the charges of the chancel, but now it is pulled down it must be rebuilt. [Seal with arms broken. 1½ pp.]
Aug. 8. 28. Declaration of both Houses of Parliament. That though they found it fit to sit in Parliament on the Lord's Day, August 8, they think it meet to declare they would not have done this but upon inevitable necessity, the peace and safety both of Church and State being so deeply concerned; to the end no inferior court or council or any person make it an example to neglect the due observation of the Lord's Day. Printed in Lords' Journal, iv. p. 352; Commons' Journal, ii. p. 246; and Rushworth, v. p. 362. [Broadside.]
Aug. 9–16. 29. Diurnal Occurrences, or the Heads of the Proceedings in Parliament, from August 9 to 16. Most of the events and proceedings mentioned will be found in the Lords' and Commons' Journals under date. [This paper is somewhat fuller than the summary given in the Diurnal Occurrences printed in 1641, pp. 334–340.] [3 pp.]
Aug. 9,
Westminster.
The King to Edward Lord Littleton, Lord Keeper, Henry Earl of Manchester, Keeper of the Privy Seal, Robert Earl of Lindsey, Lord High Chamberlain, William Marquis of Hertford, Thomas Earl of Arundel and Surrey, Earl Marshal, Robert Earl of Essex, Lord Chamberlain of the Household, and the rest of the Lords and others of the Council not attending his Majesty into Scotland, Commission for ordering affairs during his Majesty's absence in Scotland. You are also from time to time, according to emergent occasions, to give directions to the Earl of Essex, Lord General, for his due proceedings in execution of our commission to him. [½ sheet of parchment. See case F. No. 2.]
Aug. 9. 30. Copy of the same. [2⅓ pp.]
Aug. 9,
Our Court at Whitehall.
31. The same to Richard Johnson, keeper of Newgate gaol. Warrant to release Tho. Brewer, servant to Ulick Earl of St. Alban's and Clanrickard, who has been imprisoned two months for refusing the oath of allegiance, the said gaol being said to be infected with the pestilence. [Copy. 1 p.] Annexed,
31. i. Comparison of the cases of Tho. Brewer and Tho. Lannyng, also imprisoned for refusing the oath of allegiance; shows the reasons why Brewer was enlarged, and why Lannyng should the rather be released, the latter being her Majesty's servant, and therein sworn allegiance. Lannyng has been in the same prison four months, and is so poor that his wife and family must perish if he cannot support them by his industry. [1 p.]
Aug. 9. 32. Order of the House of Commons. Of the 80,000l. brotherly assistance to be now paid them, the Scotch Commissioners admit 38,888l. to be due to the counties of Northumberland and Durham and the town of Newcastle. Ordered that the residue shall be forthwith paid by Henry Earl of Warwick to the Scotch Commissioners in full discharge of the 80,000l., being the first payment of the brotherly assistance. [Printed in Commons' Journal, ii. p. 248. 1 p.]
Aug. 9,
Fetcham.
33. Margaret Turner to her brother Thomas Windebank. Is sorry to hear he was not in very good health last week. Wishes to know when her mother will honour them with her company. Hears that the Queen Mother is hindered from her journey by a fit of apoplexy. [Seal with arms and crest. 1 p.]
Aug. 10. 34. [Thomas Smith to Algernon Earl of Northumberland, Lord High Admiral.] Since my last to you of the 6th inst., I have received these enclosed from Sir John Pennington and Captain Carterett, and have given order in your name both to the Principal Officers and Victualer in all things as is desired. His Majesty, with much importunity of both Houses, has at last been persuaded to leave behind him a Commission for Custos Regni to seven in number, viz., [Lords] Keeper, Privy Seal, Hertford, Lindsey, Essex, Bath, and Dorset. The Earl of Bristol, finding his credit much impaired in both Houses, has endeavoured much to supply that defect by strengthening himself with friends at Court, and to that effect doth labour to bring all into favour with the King whose pulses he finds to beat like his own; and among the rest he has found means to get the Earl of Bath, Viscount Tunbridge, and the Earl of Dunmore sworn Privy Councillors. He has likewise prevailed with the King to promise Sir Henry Vane's staff to Viscount Saville at his return from Scotland. He has endeared himself with the Duke of Lennox, and, as I am informed, was the promoter of his now being made Duke of Richmond; and in requital the Duke last Sunday night swore him a Gentleman of the Bedchamber to the King. The House of Commons do [not] much stomach those new Privy Councillors, and have won the Lords to join with them this day in a petition to the King against them, as also against Lord Digby's going as ambassador into France, there being passed unto him the other day a Privy Seal for 6l. a day to commence from Midsummer last, and his commission of embassy sealed. The Earl Marshal is to have 20l. a day during his being abroad with the Queen Mother, and they intend to petition his Majesty that his staff of Stewardship may be left with the Earl of Pembroke; and that the Lord Treasurer's place, intended, as is thought, for the Earl of Bath, may be conferred upon the Earl of Salisbury. They are much displeased with the many restrictions in the Commission, and not contented with divers of the Commissioners, so that their petition will reach to the rectifying of that also. The King made account to be gone this morning by 4 o'clock, but divers things in the House not being ready for his signature they prevailed with him to stay this day; but his Majesty was so intent upon his journey that he went not to bed all night and came into the House about 10 o'clock in the morning, and before 11 was in the coach and gone. But his Majesty, before his going, passed six Bills:—1. For the pacification. 2. For mutual assistance. 3. For something of my Lord Marquis Hamilton's. 4. For putting down the restraint of making gunpowder. 5. For establishing Durham House to the Earl of Pembroke. 6. For regulating the clerks of the market. [See Lords' Journal, iv. p. 357, where these six Bills are given rather differently.] He gave them many gracious words at parting; they returned him not one. The Queen Mother begins her journey on Thursday next. The Queen went this day to Oatlands. Mr. [Arthur] Capel, of [Hadham], Herts, is made a lord; Mr. De Vic is knighted, and goes as agent to Brussels suddenly. Capt. Shipman, who went to Edinburgh last year, is also knighted by mischance; for the King being moved by some friend of his in the Bedchamber to grant him the making of a knight, his Majesty coming forth, and his head, as it seems, troubled with business, Shipman knelt down to kiss the King's hands, the King drew out his sword and knighted [him]; whereat the poor man was not a little troubled, and his lady since [is] more among her musk melons. [Endorsed by Sir John Pennington: "News from Mr. Smith of the 10th of August 1641." Copy. 3¼ pp.]
[Aug. 10],
Whitehall.
35. Warrant of Edward Nicholas, Clerk of the Council, appointed by his Majesty to sign and send post-warrants and packets for his Highness's affairs, to the deputy lieutenants, justices of peace and others of co. Middlesex. Whereas extraordinary occasions are daily offered oftener and in greater number for lords, gentlemen, and others to ride post about the King's service, especially during this time of his Majesty's progress into Scotland, and to and from the Queen's court wheresoever residing. These are to require you to bring in to the postmaster at Charing Cross, when he sends for them, si[xteen] horses, mares, or geldings, from your several divisions, with sufficient furniture, to be kept by him one day and night in readiness, and if used the owners to receive his Majesty's pay for their hire; if not used, to be returned, paying for their keep. The high and petty constables are to be charged to send in their horses in better manner than formerly, as you tender the good of the State; making a return of such as wilfully refuse. [Damaged. 1 p.]
Aug. 11,
Whitehall.
36. Notes by Nicholas of the proceedings of the Council. Resolved that a letter be presently sent to Judge Reeves to Northampton, and the like to the rest of the Judges of Assize, to notify at the Assizes in each county what Acts of Parliament have been passed by his Majesty this Parliament, that the country may take notice of his Majesty's great grace and favour to his subjects. In the same letter the Judges are to command the Justices of Peace to cause the constables to see that watch and ward be duly kept in all places for apprehending and punishing wandering soldiers and vagabonds. I am to write letters to the Lords Justices of Ireland, signifying the King hath given order for only 4,000 of those soldiers which were raised for the new army in that kingdom, and are now lately disbanded, to be shipped and transported by Geo. Porter, John Barrey, Garret Barrey, and Theobold Taaffe, colonels designed for that service. That as concerning the Act of Parliament for repeal of certain Acts restraining the exportation of native commodities of that kingdom, your Lordships will perceive by the former answer given touching that Act, that it is only stayed until the Parliament there shall have settled the King's revenue there. I am to send the same Lords [Justices] the papers delivered me by Lord Saye concerning some differences betwixt the two Houses of Parliament there, and to advertise them that the Committees of the two Houses of Parliament of that kingdom which were here did desire that that business might be referred back to the Parliament Houses in that kingdom, and they would there end those differences themselves or certify the same hither again; and accordingly the Lords here have thought good to transmit the said papers to your Lordships, who are prayed to signify so much to the Parliament there. [1¼ pp.] Underwritten,
36. i. [Nicholas to the Lords Justices of Ireland.] His Majesty having commanded me to attend here for despatch of his affairs in the absence of Sec. Vane, and left order that I should attend the Lords of the Council here with three letters which came in a despatch from you, dated the 3rd inst., directed to Mr. Secretary, who was gone northwards some days before his Majesty, I am by their Lordships' directions to advertise you that, concerning the soldiers to be transported for Spain, you will understand his Majesty's pleasure by a letter under his own hand, prepared and sent to you by Sir P. Mainwaring, Secretary for Ireland. As touching the Act of Parliament . . . [Draft, incomplete. ½ p.]
Aug. 11. 37. Order of the House of Commons. That the old Customers shall forthwith pay to the Lord Mayor of London and the rest of the Commissioners for the Poll-money the sum of 10,489l. 18s. 4d., being the remainder of the 150,000l. which the House of Commons accepted of the Customers for their delinquency to the Commonwealth: 8,000l. whereof is upon the account of Sir Thos. Dawes, [for which he] is to deliver the tallies for securing the said money. [Endorsed: "Order of the 11th August; to receive of Sir Paul Pindar 10,489l. 18s. 4d." Printed in Commons' Journal, ii. p. 251. Draft. ½ p.]
Aug. 11,
p.m.
38. The like. That the Lord Mayor and the rest of the Commissioners for the Poll-money shall forthwith pay to the Earl of Warwick 12,750l., to be paid to the Scotts' Commissioners in full discharge of all money payable to them for arrears, and the remainder of the 80,000l. part of their Brotherly Assistance. [Printed in Commons' Journal, ii. p. 252. ½ p.]
Aug. 11/21,
Lintz.
39. Prince Rupert to Sir Thomas Row. A little journey I had toward the Comte of Kevenhieler was the cause that thus long you were without an answer; but I could not let pass this occasion without giving you very great thanks for your pains, and the affection you show in my business. I leave all the conditions to your disposing, for I know you are my friend, and so am assured you will do nothing against my honour. [Seal with arms. 1 p.]
Aug. 11. 40. Philip Burlamachi to Thomas Windebank, Gentleman of the Bedchamber. I have received the trunks. I wish they had come a day sooner, for to-morrow the carriage starts for Dover, and they must be examined first. The officers of the Customs were yesterday in a dilemma, for the Tonnage Bill was not passed. It has been agreed to, and I think will be published to day or to-morrow. I will do my best to get the trunks examined and sealed this afternoon, that they may go off to-morrow. The ordinary has arrived, and I have letters from your father and Mr. Read [see Aug. 6]. They have received their letters of exchange, and without doubt have received payment of them before this. [French. ½ p.]
Aug. 13. 41. Notes by Nicholas, headed, "Au R[oi]," of matters to be communicated to the King and Sec. Vane.—K[ing]. The Lords of the Treasury say they have given order for despatch of all that concerns the Queen Mother's journey.—V[ane]. An account of the Lords' directions in answer to the letters from Ireland. The Lords have written to all the Judges of Assize to publish all the Acts of Parliament passed, &c.—K. That the Lords think not fit to tender his Majesty's general pardon until they shall find by some of their friends in both Houses that it will be accepted, for that it will not be for his Majesty's honour to have it rejected.—V. Send copies of the letters to the Judges, and of the list.—K. The Lords have resolved to attend the Queen as soon as her Majesty shall be settled at Oatlands. The four Committees in the Commons' House have been named but they are not so fixed upon as yet but that they may be altered; the Upper House hath not as yet named any. These are, as 'tis said, to be no better than spies on the proceedings in Scotland. The Upper House inclines to meet but once a week, and then only to adjourn unless there shall be occasion. I pray God to bless your Majesty in your journey for that steadiness that you have held in that your resolution. If some, too easily scorned, have prevailed to know your Majesty's resolutions and the Council's or no.—[Thr. Vane.] That I understand the agreement and treaty with the Scotts' Commissioners is fully finished, and all their moneys and payment ascertained, as well of the brotherly assistance as for their arrears and the time of their stay here, even to the day of their passing the Tweed, which is agreed to be about the 25th of this month, to the contentment of all sides; which agreement being reported to the Lords' House is approved of.—K. That if the King shall settle and establish a perfect quietness with the Scots there it will open a way for a happy and good conclusion of all differences here.—Threr. [Vane.] Ordered at a conference of both Houses that a public thanksgiving should be for this good agreement the 7th of September next. Letter to Mr. Treasurer for the Earl Marshal to procure the King's letter to the Prince of Orange, on behalf of the Earl of Oxford, for the command of a troop of horse in the Low Countries, one of the first that shall fall, in contemplation of his father's and ancestors' merits. Mr. Treasurer to get the King's hand to a bill of the office of Coroner and Attorney in the King's Bench at the request of Sir Thos. Jermyn, and to return it as soon as may be. The impeachment against the 13 Bishops was this 13th of August presented by the House of Commons to the Lords in Parliament; it is, as I hear, the same in effect as you formerly heard, but something more particular. The House of Commons has sent to all sheriffs to require all the members of that House to repair hither to give their attendance in Parliament: that of all that divers are gone. The Houses are both very empty.— K. It has been debated at a conference of both Houses that 'tis not fit to permit any of the Irish soldiers to serve either the French King, for that he is so near a neighbour, or the Spanish King, because of your Majesty's and both Houses' declaration on behalf of the Prince Elector, against whom that King has been a principal agent; but there is no resolution as yet, neither is it as yet reported to the Lords' House. There is a purpose to bring all the Bishops within a præmunire, for suspending the Bishop of Gloucester, for refusing to join in giving the King an aid by an Act of Convocation; and as many of them as shall be convicted and found to be in a præmunire will be disabled to have votes in Parliament.— Threr. [Vane.] The Earl of Rothes continuing still very weak and in great danger is for his health removed to Richmond. [In Nicholas's shorthand. 3 pp.]
Aug. 13. 42. Sir John Lamb to Lord [Chief Justice] Banks. I know that King James granted to Queen Anne that Court which she by her Chancellor and others held; and so did King Charles to his now Queen [Henrietta Maria]. But we suppose the Queens of this realm have had their Court by prescription from one age to another ever since the Conquest. Mr. [Wm.] Noy [Attorney-General, deceased] was confident of it. Now the Queen's jointure cometh to be confirmed, there is some doubt made of it. If out of your own notes or observation you can help her Majesty to make good this point, the Queen will thank you and rest beholden to your pains. In the time of Queen Katherine, first wife to King Henry the 8th, bills and answers were delivered to the Queen's Auditor Ewins, and his hand testifieth the receipt of them out of the Augmentation Office, which showeth the Court in use then; but we seek for more ancient times. The Queen's service makes me the rather presume upon your favour. [Endorsed: Co[py] to my Lo. Bankes of the Q[ueen's] Court [at Denmark House]. Draft. ½ p.]
Aug. 13. 43. Sir John Lamb to W. Hakwell. I am sorry you made no more search for the ancient right of the Queen's Court; wherein as I conceived you knew more than other men, so I presumed to assure her Majesty of your pains to do her service therein. For requital I had good warrant from her Majesty, but she would herself have been more gracious to you. Mr. Attorney came to me in your name for your books, and I believed him, as I well might; I will never leave him till they be restored. Mr. Hodgekin tells me you showed him many things of the privileges of the Queen's Chancellor for venison and otherwise, which if you please to acquaint me with I shall be ever ready to requite your favour. But for this other matter for the Queen's service I would advise you not to be slack in it. P.S.—I have my fee deer in many of the Queen's parks, but I know not so good warrant for my warrants as by your means perhaps I may. [Draft. 1 p.]
Aug. 13,
York House.
44. Thos. Smith to Sir John Pennington. The Queen Mother is now for certain gone, and lay last night at Greenwich; this night she lies at Cobham, to-morow at Sittingbourne, the next night at Canterbury, the next to Sandwich or Deal. The Earl Marshal promised me to advertise you of his approach; but, for fear he should forget it, the Lord Admiral would have you be at Canterbury, or somebody from you, to know the Earl Marshal's pleasure, for by him you must be governed in this business. You will be expected to victual and lodge her Majesty and 30 persons, for which you shall have allowance; but I conceive it very necessary that you have a warrant for so doing under the Earl Marshal's hand. His Lordship desires that before the Queen's coming on board, all your shot may be withdrawn, and the like order he will give to all the forts, for fear of doing any mischief. My Lord Admiral has received as much benefit from the bath as he could hope for; it has taken away his gouty pains and strengthened his joints. Next Monday he leaves that place and goes to Petworth, where he means to stay the rest of the summer. Our Parliament yet sits; they do nothing new but fall upon old businesses, especially the Bishops; 'tis thought that so soon as the King is past both armies, they will break up for a month or two. [1¾ pp.]
Aug. 13/23,
"In the ship Amelia in Dunkirk Road."
45. Marten Harpentson [Van] Tromp, Admiral of the Holland fleet, to the same. On the 12th inst. one of his Majesty's yachts came from sea with seven merchantmen, whereof four went into the [harbour], and the yacht with the remaining three passed between Dunkirk Road and our watch, discharging some guns at us, which caused us to do the like, yet we hope without damage to them. I pray you to charge the captains under your command that they do not so lightly affront our ships lying here before Dunkirk on the watch with shooting, and not to come by night or unseasonable times among our watch, seeing a mischance might thereby soon happen, being obliged to take those for our enemies who come among our watch at night or such times. [English translation. 1 p.]
Aug. 13/23,
Paris.
46. Sir Francis Windebank to his son Thomas Windebank. I return you the petition altered, though not altogether in those words that his Majesty directed, being of opinion, with submission nevertheless to better judgment, that the House will never be a means for my pardon or abolition; but if they will give way to it, I can expect no more, and I have reason to believe there will be no impediment. And for what was formerly inserted, that I desired it of them, it could not well bear other sense than that I craved their consents or what was in them to grant, without which I know it could not be, and with which there would probably be no difficulty; it being likewise to be presumed I could not be so ignorant, in so public and obvious a business, as to think the power of abolition could rest only in them, but only that their liking was necessarily to precede others. However, I am exceeding glad the petition was not presented, and do hold his Majesty's opinion full of wisdom and favour to me in stirring the business as little as may be, and therefore though I send back the petition, I wish it laid by and not made use of till express order from me. For the motion you intended to make for a ship, I wish it had been forborne; such a favour from his Majesty, if he should have granted it, being likely to have raised more noise and brought more prejudice upon his Majesty and my business than the accommodation could be worth. You will perceive by my last week's that the first bills of exchange came very well, and therefore the second sent now may be laid aside. I shall long for your next, hoping it will give me occasion to put myself in order for a journey towards the seaside, where my heart will be till it meet you there. God bring us happily together in these parts, seeing our own native country denies us that comfort. P.S.—Bring the Bishop of Winchester's sermons with you. [2 pp.]
Aug. 13/23,
Paris.
47. Robert Read to the same. Since this opportunity of setting our business on foot is elapsed, there is no more to be done, but to hope it will not be called upon till the King's return. Meantime it is a great comfort to my uncle to see the continuance of his Majesty's favour to him. I wish with all my heart the paper I sent you about March last had been despatched before his Majesty's departure, for I apprehend there may be a great want of it if anything be done in his Majesty's absence. Before your coming away address Mr. Baseley to some person near the Queen, to whom he may have recourse upon any occasion. I fear Sir Thos. Jermyn will not be so constant a Par[liamen]t man now as when he had the white staff [as Comptroller of the Household]; therefore I wish some others had been joined with him in the business, but now it is too late. Yet methinks the Queen might think of some to trust with the care thereof. Requests him to bring his silver sword, an English Bible, and a common prayer book. Mr. Browne arrived here this day sevennight; he purposes to go to the King when my Lord Ambassador [the Earl of Essex] takes his leave, which will be as soon as the King settles in any place. They are here very busy about Air, which the Spaniards are in a very good way to retake. [Seal with crest. 2 pp.]
Aug 13,
Haynes Hill.
48. Thos. Windebank to Mr. Baseley. Requests him to present the enclosed petition, lately received from his father, to the House of Commons, as soon as they fall upon his poor father's businesses, for then he would hold it most seasonable. Would attend the House himself could he know soon enough of their proceeding against his father, which is impossible, it being so uncertain where he will be. [1 p.] Enclosed,
48. i. Petition of Sir Francis Windebank to the House of Commons. Petitioner is charged with causing to be enlarged and delivered out of prison sundry Romish priests, besides other things concerning the Roman party, of which none better understands how far he is guilty than the King's Majesty. Among his many grievous sufferings, none afflicts him so much as that this House hath taken offence at this or anything else that passed in his ministry, while he had the honour to be near his Majesty. He beseeches this House, in regard that his late father and himself have served the Crown of England near fourscore years, and had the honour to be employed by the late Queen Elizabeth, King James, and his now Majesty in businesses of great trust, they will make the most favourable construction of his services, seeing he had no ill intention, nor hath offended willingly or maliciously; and so take him and his family into their commiseration, that he may not consume in foreign parts the little fortune left him by his father, to which he hath made so small an addition that he and they must perish if he continue to languish in exile. And further, he most humbly desires this House would be a means that he may have an abolition and pardon for whatever is past, and permission to return in safety to England, to pass that little time of his life which remains, privately, in peace, and in the Church of England, whereof he will in life and death continue a true member, and in which he desires to bestow the rest of his time in devotion for the prosperity thereof, the good of the State, and for happiness to attend the counsels and resolutions of this House. [1 p.]
Aug. 13. 49. Account by the Earl of Warwick of all moneys received by him for relief of the Northern counties by order of Parliament, and disbursed by him to the Scots' Commissioners from Dec. 28, 1640, to August 13, 1641. Total received and disbursed, 291, 361l. 19s. 4d.
Underwritten: This account was delivered in upon oath 2 March 1646[–7]. Wm. Prynne, Fenton Parsons. [2 pp.]
Aug. 14. 50. Certificate by Robert Earl of Warwick. That he has received from the Commissioners for the poll-money the sum of 45,951l. for relief of the Northern counties, by virtue of four Orders of the House of Commons for the following sums:—10,000l., 7,803l., 15,398l., and 12,750l. Annexed,
i. Order of the House of Commons. For the Commissioners for the poll-money to pay so much to the Earl of Warwick as will make up the sum he is to pay towards the satisfying of the Brotherly Assistance; with a note that the sum the Earl of Warwick is to have is 15,398l. 4s. 8d. Aug. 10, 1641. [Printed in Commons' Journal, ii., p. 249. ½ p.]
ii. The like order for 12,750l. to be paid to the Earl of Warwick for the Scots' Commissioners, in full discharge of the arrears of their pay, and the remainder of the 8,000l. part of their Brotherly Assistance. Aug 11, 1641. [Printed in Commons' Journal, ii., p. 252. ½ p.]
Aug. 14,
Holdenby.
51. Francis Mewce to Nathaniel Tomkyns. The poll-money is now amongst us; every churchman who has a living of 100l. per annum is to pay 5l. In this parish of Holdenby, nothing doubting but that Mr. Hill had so much, we assessed him at 5l., which has put him to a great deal of choler, and brought out somewhat which I hope may advantage me. Describes Mr. Hill's revenues, and how he makes his living under 100l. per annum. Not long since I wrote somewhat to you of this man, with which you made Sir John Lamb acquainted, and he promised to reprove him; if he did, he has lost his labour. You are not ignorant, and Sir John Lamb is most knowing, how I was driven by most violent means to compound with Sir John, who undertook his nephew's business with me for tithe of the land I hold here [at Holdenby in Northamptonshire]; for which, at 12s. the acre, I pay 85l. 10s. per ann. rent, 17l. 10s. per ann. is exacted from me for tithe, besides a horse's grass for his Majesty's park. Mr. Manly at the same rate pays 264l. per ann. rent, and pays but 9l. 3s. 4d. more for tithe than I do, who hold not a third part of what he has. Papillio's ground, which is more than double the worth of mine, pays but 13l. 6s. 8d. Mr. Furnace that pays 100l. per ann. will now come off for 10l. per ann., and I only must be devoured by this ignorant unjust fellow in a cassock, if my friends help not. My suit is, you would talk with Sir John Lamb about it; his heavy hand and great power, which he used for the most unthankful of all men, brought on me much trouble, and drew me to yield to unreasonable terms. If he reflect on what hath passed, he cannot in justice do less than force his cousin to take of me according to the rates he hath of all the other tenants here for tithe; which if he do, it will be some testimony to me he is not minded still to continue my terrible adversary. Sure, if he would believe what a turncoat his nephew is, he would at last leave off to support him. I have long since told him of his doctrine; do me the favour to tell him in my name that his cousin Hill, the great conformist to the Church discipline a year since, that would more than threaten with the High Commission any man who, but out of inadvertence, neglected to stand at the Creed, Gloria Patri, Gospel, &c., or bow at the name of Jesus, who would not be seen in a pulpit without a surplice, who was diligent as well as his untoward body would give him leave to bow to the Altar, who among his libellous, scandalous, and base articles in the High Commission against me, accused me of speaking against the jurisdiction of Bishops, is now come to that pass that he reproves his fellow minister for standing at the Te Deum, and the times appointed for standing; will not endure to see the surplice in the Church, but asks what it doth there? is so indifferent that he cares not if the communion table stand in the belfry; and upon a report that the Bishops were voted down in the Lords House, and that the Church was to be governed by nine laymen in every diocese, he said he was very glad of it, for now the church would be better governed than ever it was! For God's love, Sir, ask if this be not a fit man to be supplied with church livings and to have care of souls? whither shall it be imagined he will turn next? God deliver all Christians from such blind guides, and give you the patience not to be offended with me for being thus tedious. [2 pp.]
Aug. 15,
Sittingbourne.
52. Thomas Earl of Arundel and Surrey, Earl Marshal, to [Sir John Penington]. Good Sir John, I thought fit to accompany his Majesty's letter enclosed with the signification that the Queen Mother is thus far advanced on her journey, and, if her health permit, will be to-morrow night at Canterbury, and the day following advance to Deal or Sandwich, as I receive intimation from you, which of those places may best suit for her conveniency of repose, until fresh victuals and other necessaries may be provided fit for her embarking the day following. If your affairs will permit, I should gladly see you at Canterbury. P.S.—I desire you would give notice to the commander of the Victory, where I intend to embark myself, with my wife and son Stafford, that our goods may be received there when they come. [Endorsed by Pennington. 1 p.]
Aug. 15,
Haworth.
53. Francis Lord Cottington to Nicholas. Sir Robert Carr has been long sick, and is advised by his physicians to go to the Spa, and has therefore desired me to be a means he may have a pass. The bearer has shown me a certificate of many physicians, which he will also show you. Therefore pray procure him the pass he desires. [Seal with arms, broken. ½ p.] Enclosed,
i. The above-mentioned certificate, signed by John Gifford, John Clerk, and two others. [1 p.]
Aug. 16. 54. Diurnal occurrences, or the heads of the proceedings in Parliament from August 16–23. Most of the events and proceedings mentioned will be found in the Lords' and Commons' Journals under date. [This paper is similar to the summary given in the Diurnal Occurrences printed in 1641, 340–343. 3 pp.]
Aug. 16/26,
The Hague.
55. Elizabeth Queen of Bohemia to Sir Thomas Row. I am glad my uncle's Ambassador is so well affected to it. I pray continue it. Sir William Boswell has showed me what you have written to him. I see no reason that the Duke of Bavaria should demand any money of us for keeping our country from us, he having enjoyed the profit all this time. As for the proposition of the match I confess freely that I see by experience too near me the evil that matching with Papists brings with it; besides, I do not think it very well done in matter of conscience, if the Prince Elector hath a mind to it, but I can never like it. As for the alternative, you know already my aversion from it, so I need not say much; only I received but two days ago a letter from my mother-in-law, where she tells me the Prince Elector has written for her opinion concerning it; but because she thought not herself wise enough to send her own only opinion she has asked others, both wise and friends to us, who are all jointly of opinion that the Prince Elector must not do it, and only to yield that the Duke of Bavaria may hold the name of Elector as well as the Prince Elector during his life, and then [that title] to die with him; but [the Prince] not to agree to this without having all his countries restored to him. This is her and others' opinion, of which I believe the Elector of Brandenburgh and his Council are of the number; and I believe the Dukes of Luneburg and Hessen are of the same, because it would be very prejudicial for the Protestants to have a Papist voice amongst the Electors at any time. Let me know what you think of it. If Rupert be set freely now at liberty I shall have the better opinion of their good intentions, but else I confess I am still St. Thomas, and believe nothing. I have let the Electors of Brandenburgh and Hessen know how well you are satisfied with the carriage of their ambassadors towards you. My last out of England say little but that the King held his purpose to go on Monday last for Scotland, and my son with him. I cannot [with]hold telling you of an odd ungrateful trick that he hath done who carries the name of Vanely [Sec. Vane], which I pray let him keep in our cipher. In the Parliament's Declaration given to the King in writing, I was called, as you and all other of my friends do, Queen of—you know what—[Bohemia]; but when Vanely gave it to be printed, with his own hand he scraped out "Queen," and put in what you see in the printed copy. He did this of himself before the King knew it, but persuaded the King to like it because else it might hinder your negotiation. My son told some of the Parliament of it, so that they are all very angry at it, and questioned the printer, who laid all upon Vanely; and he stayed himself upon the King, who said it was now too late to mend it; but it is most sure he scraped it out before the King saw it. Though this be but a slight thing, yet I may see how ungrateful he is; he shows his good will though in a small matter, if it had been greater I should have had it. I pray take no notice of this from me, for I do not now mean to do it myself, but I cannot forget it. Thursday next I go for Rheine. I wish I may see you there before my return hither, that we may come together again to this town. P.S.—The Earl of Essex is Lord Chamberlain. There will be more places void, I mean to remember my son to remind the King of you. The Queen Mother is come into Zeeland, and goes up the river by water to Cologne. [Partly in cipher. Two black seals with arms and crown. 3 pp.]
Aug. 16/26,
The Hague.
56. Lady Elizabeth Palatine to the same. I have ever thought the Diet but a comedy, where the chief actors, the Electors and Princes of Germany, think themselves great and powerful men upon the stage, but off will find they are all servants to the House of Austria; and you as a judicious spectator, able to carry away all the good it affords, if it be capable of any, if not truly to discern the bad. It seems the King of Denmark has the last opinion of it, and shuts himself out of the mediation by refusing a title that is due, not to be put upon the dishonesty of deceiving us, or the trouble of revenging the deceit of others by arms. Yet many here suspect a further intelligence between him and our enemies. For my brother Rupert's liberty I must confess to dissent from you, believing they will keep him for a condition of the treaty if they intend to finish any with our House; but desiring only to gain time they will release him to amuse our hopes and your patience. However, I wish we might have him any way, being certain they will miss their ends upon you. I dare not undertake to examine the King of Sweden's maxims, but I think his habitual wisdom and experience in war got a better success for his great and rash enterprises than the Emperor's elaborate counsels to his generals. Both these qualities in you make me confident of the same happiness of your negotiations to give us more light in our business, if not more fortune; with either you will show us that we cannot be miserable with such a friend. [Two seals with arms and coronet. 2 pp.]
Aug. 17. 57. The King's speech to the Parliament of Scotland at Edinburgh. [Printed in Rushworth's Hist. Collec., iv. p. 382. 1 p.]
Aug. 17. 58. Letters Patent granting to William Lanier a fee of 20d. per diem as the King's musician, and 16l. 2s. 6d. per annum, vice John Adson, deceased. [Parchment.]
Aug. 17. 59. Order of the House of Lords. Upon report from the Lords Committees for petitions that John Ekins hath been fined in the High Commission by several Commissioners who had no power in that Court to fine, having no cognizance of this cause, contrary to the laws of the land and the liberty of the subject,—It is ordered by the Lords in Parliament that the said Commissioners, viz., the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishop of London, Sir Henry Marten, Sir John Lamb, Dr. Balcanqual, then Dean of Rochester, and Drs. Gwynn, Wood, and Aylett, shall forthwith pay by way of damages to John Ekins, or his assigns, the sum of 120l.; Ekins having spent 800l. in this cause, which sum of 120l. is to be proportionably born by the said Commissioners, viz., 15l. apiece. [Endorsed by Sir John Lamb: Order for 120l. to Ekins against eight Commissioners, 15l. apiece, beneath which is written, "120l. to be paid the clean contrary way. 1 p.]
Aug. 17. 60. Order of the House of Commons. That the sheriff of Hants shall pay Colonel Goring 3,000l. of the poll-money in Hants for the use of the garrison of Portsmouth. [Endorsed: "Order of the House of Commons. Mr. Speaker's letter to the High Sheriff of Southampton. Colonel Goring's receipt of 3,000l." [Printed in Commons' Journal, ii. p. 200. ½ p.] Enclosed,
60. i. Receipt by Colonel George Goring for 3,000l. from Sir Hugh Stewkeley, sheriff of Southampton, for the use of Portsmouth garrison, attested by six witnesses. [1 p.]
Aug. 17,
York.
61. Henry Earl of Holland, Captain-General of the Army, to Capt. John Mennes, commanding Commissary Wilmot's regiment of horse. I have received orders from the King and Parliament for the speedy disbanding of the army of the North, as well horse as foot, which cannot be effected according to the directions given me in that behalf until the accounts of the billet money be examined and settled between the army and the country. For that purpose gentlemen of the several counties wherein the army has been quartered have been nominated by the House of Commons to join with the officers for the speedy adjusting of the accounts. You are hereby required to repair to your quarters, and to give present notice to the gentlemen appointed that you are ready to join with them for examining what moneys are due to the inhabitants of that county for the billet of the troopers and officers of that regiment, together with their horses and waggons, from the 14th June last, or the day on which the last account was closed, to the 28th August, being the day appointed for cashiering that regiment. You and the said gentlemen are to make up a true and perfect account, and to certify the same in two parts, one to be transmitted to the House of Commons, and the other to myself, that so the billet money may be deducted out of the pay of the regiment, according to the orders of the House of Commons; all which is to be perfected by the 20th of this month, or so soon as it is possible, the Parliament having in especial manner recommended to me the speedy dispatch of this work. Likewise all moneys due to the inhabitants by the officers of that regiment, that the sums may be defalked out of their respective entertainments. Also you are to enquire whether more waggons and horses than are allowed, or persons not belonging to the regiment, have been billetted upon the country. [Paper seal with arms, &c. 12/3 p.]
Aug. 17,
York House.
62. Thomas Smith to [Sir John Penington]. I had sooner answered yours of 13th inst., but that it went to the Bath before it came to me by what accident I know not; unless you directed it to that place, which should not be, because 'tis of more necessity that your letters come hither first, in regard I am left here expressly by the Lord Admiral to acquaint the State with anything that comes from sea worthy their knowledge; and this letter of yours was very requisite to clear a suspicion bred in the Parliament by an information that the whole fleet was gone to Scotland; but when they saw your letter they were satisfied that only two ships were gone thither. A letter of Lord Holland's from the army to the Earl of Essex, relating his fear of some storm likely to fall suddenly upon this kingdom, hath increased the jealousy, and put both Houses into a distemper; but we hope there is no cause; yet the Parliament begin to bethink themselves how to provide for the worst. The convoy money which we have received here by bills of exchange doth not amount to 400l.; it were well Mr. Turner were quickened to make up the rest as fast as he can. It will be very necessary that you give notice hither of the Queen Mother's being on board as soon as she is shipped. Parliament have sent to Scotland three Commissioners, viz., the Earl of Bedford from the House of Peers, and Sir Philip Stapleton and Mr. Hampden from the House of Commons, by whom we shall understand from time to time how things go. [2 pp.]
Aug. 17. 63. Note of the days appointed for disbanding the several regiments composing the English army, beginning Aug. 17 and ending Sept. 11. [Endorsed: "Reed. at Edinburgh, 17th of Aug. 1641." 1 p.]
Aug. 18. 64. Order of the House of Lords. That Sir Henry Martin and William Langhorn, merchant, shall choose by Thursday week whether they will give security in 600l. to stand by the order of this House, upon rehearing of their cause against the Earl of Warwick, or pay the Earl of Warwick 2,400 presently. [Printed in the Lords' Journals, iv. p. 369.] Underwritten,
64. i. Remonstrance of William Langhorn to the House of Lords. 1. Whereas the above order is made in the Earl of Warwick's name, all former orders in this cause before your Lordships were in the name of Robert Harris and others. 2. The plaintiffs had no commission to take the ship in question. 3. Being taken there was no cause why she should be a prize. 4. The sentence of the Delegates was not given till they had gained a promise from the Earl of Warwick to make no further use of them than they should think fit; and this appears by an order of the Lords present,—amongst others, the Lord Privy Seal and Earl Danby, two of the four Delegates that would only be present at the giving of that sentence, from which also there is a commission of review. 5. The Earl of Danby when he subscribed that sentence said, so that all present might hear him, "If I thought my Lord of Warwick would take above 40l. in virtue of this sentence, I would never set my hand to it;" and for the truth hereof he appeals to the Earl of Danby himself, who is now in town. 6. That the ship and goods or part of them belonged to him is a mere supposition, for letters of advice and depositions prove the contrary; also the entry of the argal and fruit in this custom house being brought up to London, the said entry being made in the name of Massola the Genoese, who being a stranger pays a fourth part more custom than, as a native, he [Langhorn] should have done; so it had been gross foolery, if the goods had been his, to have done so; and hereof is a certificate from this custom house. 7. The Judges Delegates refused to make him [Langhorn] a party, neither was there sentence against him, but against Massola. 8. The ship and goods cost Francis Massola by his advice 12,8232/3 reals of Spain, which at 4s. 6d. each sterling is 3,012l. 16s. 6d.; and by the ship's taking and detaining at that time of year the fruit so perished, the wine so leaked out and decayed, that only 670l. was made of the ship and goods, so that Massola lost all his principal, besides his hoped-for profit 2,344l., a lamentable loss causeless. 9. The ship need not have been taken at sea, for she was coming up to London, as by bills of lading, so might have been met with at London Bridge, 10. The plaintiffs, who ought to prove their allegations, prove none; but the defendant proves all that he says. 11. Massola owes him 155l. spent in the suit before the Delegates, which he will not repay, but exclaims about injustice, and will not believe that he defended his cause as an honest factor ought to; and now also he hath spent during this suit before your Lordships 26l., though the cause has been heard but twice,—which he is also like to lose, as well as what he shall spend more, besides the damage his own business sustains, which he is fain to neglect to wait upon your commands. 12. At the first hearing were present the Earls of Bristol and Bath, Viscount Saye, Lords Mandeville, Robartes, Brooke, and Wharton, and others; who, he conceived, were satisfied that he was nothing concerned in this cause; wherefore he prays the cause may be put off till Michaelmas term, that the same Lords may be present, and Sir Henry Martin himself, who can give the best account of his own actions. 13. His counsel having waited many days were out of town at the last hearing, and cannot be in town again till the term. For these reasons he prays you not to be offended that he, being free, refuses to be bound, or pay money where he owes none, being also unable to give security for such a sum. This very order also, if it be divulged, is like to be his undoing; for if his creditors, who usually start at their own shadows, should call in their money, he would not be able to pay without being ruined. He prays you to let the cause proceed as hitherto without giving any security, and to put it off till next Michaelmas term. P.S.—He has since heard it is reported to your Lordships he cannot make it appear there is such a man as Massola in rerum naturâ. Wherefore he has brought a competent testimony, subscribed by many merchants and masters of ships, no man being more known to our nation than he; and if you will give him competent time he will procure certificate from the Senate of Genoa that he is a citizen there, and that the ship and goods were his; which he could have done at pleasure, but this was never questioned, no, not by the Delegates. [2 pp.]
Aug. 18. 65. [Sir John Lamb] to John Lord Finch at the Hague. At the Committee of the House of Commons for confirmation of the Queen's jointure, some questions arose concerning her Majesty's Court at Westminster, which being a Court of equity, it is doubted that his Majesty cannot by letters patents erect without consent of Parliament; and they profess themselves averse to all such Courts which are held, as they call it, in an arbitrary way. I have heard that Mr. Noy was confident that the Queens of England had in all times, and ought to have a Court by prescription; and I make no doubt you well know what may be said on that point. The Queen has lately commanded my best endeavours therein [in Mr. Attorney's absence in the country; since when I have spoken with some reverend Judges thereabout, and hear also that some of the most eminent lawyers in the Commons are of the same opinion with those Judges;] and I find many of Mr. Noy's opinion, viz., that the Queens of England have anciently had their Courts for the government of the tenants of their jointure lands, and decision of controversies betwixt them, and may claim the same by prescription; but they all think it ought rather to be a Court of law than of equity, although Courts of revenue have used to take cognisance of matters referring both to law and equity. By search I find some bills and answers and other such proceedings in the reigns of Hen. VII. and Hen. VIII.; besides, Queen Anne [wife of James I.] had her Court confirmed by Act of Parliament. I understand that her Majesty is minded rather to let her jointure rest unconfirmed than go [with] less than her predecessors. I have spoken with your brother Sir Nathaniel Finch; he told me that you upon some occasion heretofore at the Council Board vouched three records to the effect we now enquire after, viz., of Queen Eleanor, Queen Philippa, and Queen Katherine, wives respectively of Edw. I., Edw. III., and Hen. V., showing that they and other Queens of this realm have had a Court of equity as well as of revenue by ancient usage and prescription, but the particulars so vouched for he could not tell me. Your Lordship so held the Court all the time you were Chancellor, and Lord Savage before you, and myself insisting in your steps have so held it for my short term of office. I humbly desire your help herein by your notes. With corrections by Sir John Lamb. [Endorsed: "Copy of my letter to my Lord Finch at the Hague." Seal with arms and crest. 2½ pp.]
Aug. 18. 66. Modern copy of the same. [3 pp.]
Aug. 18,
Canterbury.
67. Thomas Earl of Arundel and Surrey to Sir John Pennington. The Queen [Mother] will not depart hence till Saturday, so, if provision be made for her embarking on Monday, it will be time enough. Any alteration in the interim I will give you notice of. I am sorry to hear of Captain Povey's death, but seeing it is so, I am absolutely resolved to go in Captain Stradling's ship, the Lion, which, I pray, let him know, I having already given order for my provision to be laid in her. [Seal with device. 2/3 p.]
Aug. 18,
Edinburgh.
68. Sidney Bere to the same. What I wrote to you from Newcastle was in such haste that I fear much it was not intelligible. We arrived here the Tuesday following, taking easy journeys, for until that time the Court here was busied in ceremonies. His Majesty went then first to Parliament, and made a very gracious speech, as you will see by the enclosed copy. The Scotch Lords that came from London were denied admittance into Parliament till they had taken the oath, which was proposed them, and they took it. This day his Majesty was again in the House and gave great satisfaction, but what will be the issue of all is yet hard to judge, being early days; but I pray God it may be answerable to that gracious proceeding of his Majesty in their regard and the confidence he puts in them, which we hope will operate for the best, and produce easy and reasonable demands. The army, we say, shall be removing some time next week, but such antedated news carries little certainty in so doubtful an age. The entertainment we have here is for the quantity very good. The Chaplains' places are supplied by Mr. Henderson and another, who say grace, but I cannot say read prayers, they being likewise extemporary; one [prayer] in the beginning, then a chapter or two, after that another prayer, then a psalm and the benediction. This [service] is [held] in the Chamber of Presence at the usual hours. The sermons have been hitherto in the parish church, though the chapel here be fitted, but after their fashion, without altar or organ. Forasmuch as I can learn, the Scotch Lords imprisoned here will find a round proceeding, unless they can clear themselves or submit,—which is a hard lesson to him that thinks himself innocent. Captain Murray has arrived here with his ship; he came this day to Court, and desired me to let you understand so much, and that he had delivered all your commands. [2 pp.] Enclosed,
68. i. The King's speech to the Parliament of Scotland, 17 Aug. 1641. [Copy. 1 p.]
[Aug. 18,]
York.
69. Henry Earl of Holland, Lord General of the army, to Captain John Mennes. Instructions for carrying out the disbanding of the regiment of horse he is commanding, whereof Commissary General Wilmot is Colonel. Amongst other things, on the cashiering of that regiment [which is fixed for the 28th August] the troopers are to be dispersed in small companies not exceeding eight or ten at most. Care is to be taken that all the debts due by the officers to the country are discharged out of their respective entertainments, and that debts contracted by the troopers be deducted out of their pays. [Paper seal with arms, crest, &c. 1½ pp.]
Aug. 18. 70. Wm. Lenthall, Speaker of the House of Commons, to Sir Hugh Stucley, sheriff of co. Southampton. The House of Commons has commanded me to require you to pay 3,000l. of the poll-money collected in co. Southampton to Colonel Goring, for the use of Portsmouth garrison; and that a receipt under Mr. Goring's hand to you for it shall be admitted by the treasurers of the poll-money in London as if so much had been paid by you unto them. [Seal with crest defaced. 2/3 p.]
Aug. 19. Notes by Nicholas of information to be communicated to the King. The City is not satisfied with the Parliament about their protecting of their debtors, and of some of their servants that are run away with their moneys. Like to be here a disturbance about the choice of the sheriffs. There wants 140,000l., but if there were money they could not be disbanded till the 15th of September. Order is given by the Parliament to [the Earl of] Holl[and] presently, and in the first place to pay off and discharge the horse. The Parliament begins to be jealous that his Lordship keeps them together without disbanding for some design. Rumours that there are 12,000 soldiers ready in Ireland, which increases jealousy. The Earl of Holland's letter is printed, which caused jealousies, and the Parliament are upon the enquiry who printed it, and say they will punish it. [On same paper as Aug. 13: see No. 41. Nicholas's shorthand. ¾ p.]
Aug. 19. 71. Note of how the [Tower] Hamlets should be divided for a small watch [to be kept] in the Tower, with the number of soldiers supplied by each Hamlet, and their several nights. Total, 551. Endorsed: "Division of the Hamlets for a ninth night's watch, delivered by Captain Hudson." [1 p.]
Aug. 20. 72. An Ordinance of Parliament concerning Committees to be sent to attend the King in Scotland, made and assented to by the Lords and Commons. [Printed, with slight verbal differences, in Lords' Journal, iv. p. 372; Commons' Journal, ii. p. 265.] This copy contains the following additions:—These Committees from both Houses to the Parliament of Scotland are to be also Commissioners to his Majesty. The Committees are to stay at York, and are authorised to let my Lord General know how earnestly the Houses expect the performance of the order sent to him yesterday concerning the disbanding of the horse, and they are forthwith to return his answer to both Houses. [1 p.]
Aug. 20. 73. Order of the House of Commons. That the 20,000l. ordered by the House to be sent down for disbanding the army should be made 30,000l., and paid to John Paye, deputed by Sir William Uvedale to receive it. [Printed in the Commons' Journal, ii. p. 266. 1 p.]
Aug. 20,
Covent Garden.
74. Sir Richard Cave to Sir Thomas Row. The Parliament made an order yesterday late that the Lord General should forthwith disband all the horse, as he would answer the contrary. Our Commissioners for Scotland go forward to-morrow morning at three o'clock I send herewith a copy of the Prince Elector's letter from Edinburgh to the Queen his mother. The Scots have no opinion of any good to be done by the treaty; many, indeed almost all, English are of the same opinion. The Emperor, they say, will not believe that we are in earnest, except he first see or hear that the Prince Elector is at the head of a royal army of his Majesty's subjects. They continue resolute to part with no troops to anybody, till they understand from you how the Prince Elector's affairs go at Ratisbon, for they study to manage all things here to his advantage. Many letters, I know, speak doubtfully to you of great jealousies and suspicions; I believe it is all false fire, though faces are much changed of late. Seriously I see no ground for it; yet I am not so blind or confident that I do not both perceive and distrust that some attempts may be made to disturb such as will be frighted with pot-guns. I have in two several letters very earnestly entreated the Prince Elector to procure a general despatch of those particulars you desired by your express. I have particularly entreated him to follow the King for that which concerns his brother Prince Rupert; and there is somewhat which concerns your Lordship mentioned in my former letter of removals, which is often remembered. The Lord Chamberlain promises to do his part, but till the weather be better settled we shall hardly know which way safely to steer our course. Sir William Barclay goes Governor for Virginia; he has quitted his design and interest for Constantinople, and encouraged me to fall upon it. I have written earnestly to the Prince Elector about it, who, I presume, will do his best. I take that Court course by advice of Sir Paul Pindar to anticipate other pretenders. Though Sir Henry Garwaie be cracked, yet the Turkey Company comes to his house, and gives him still the due respect of Governor. Sir Paul Pindar has prepared him. Besides the Queen of Bohemia's and Prince Elector's letters to the Governor and merchants, the Governor's counsel was that I should entreat your letter to the same purpose, which he said would prevail very much. Therefore please afford me that favour by the first convenience. [Two seals with arms. 1½ pp.]
Aug. 20,
York.
75. Thomas Fairfax to Edward Viscount Conway. Thanks for past favours and for a horse. [Modern copy. All that remains of the orignal letter is the cover, addressed to Viscount Conway in Queen Street, London. Seal with arms. ½ p.]
Aug. 20/30,
Paris.
76. Sir Francis Windebank to his son Thomas Windebank. Is very sorry his mother and he have chosen to come by one of the King's ships, that passage being uncertain and full of hazard. Besides, it will raise a great deal of noise; and the malice of the time is so heavy upon me that some impediment will be cast in your way, rather than so public an honour and mark of his Majesty's favour shall be conferred on those so near to me. A little ordinary vessel at Rye would have been as safe and more convenient for landing upon the French shore, which the King's ships cannot come near by some leagues. If not too late, I hope you will still take that way, and not expose yourself to the other hazards. If you take this course, then I hope to meet you at the seaside as I had intended, otherwise I must remain here, at Paris, till I hear of your arrival in France, when I will meet you at Rouen. [2 pp.]
Aug. 20/30,
Paris.
77. Robert Read to the same. Urges him to come presently by Rye, and take such passage as he may find there. Meantime the apprehension of your being stayed [in England] being well grounded has put us into disorder. For whereas my uncle [Sir F. Windebank] intended, in his going to Dieppe, to provide a house offered him in a town not far from Rouen, and to fit it against your coming; he now resolves to remain here till he has certain notice of your embarking or landing. And in truth so many things depend on our removal hence that it is not to be undertaken on uncertainties; as the leaving a good lodging, and the difficulty of finding a like in case you do not come; the making up our trunks to be sent after us, which, as things stand now in France, must be viewed and sealed by the officers of the "sous pour livre," and cannot be done without trouble and charge. My uncle resolves to stay here till he receive certain news of your coming. He is weary of Paris, yet if he have not the comfort of his family he will not leave it yet; but if you come he resolves not to remain here, from the excessive dearness of the place and other inconveniences. [Seal with arms and crest. 2 pp.]
Aug. 21. 78. Order of the House of Lords. In the cause depending between the commons and citizens and the Lord Mayor about nominating and electing one of the sheriffs for the City for the ensuing year. The Lords considering that this election should have been dispatched on Midsummer Day last, and finding that upon the omission devolutions have ensued, pro tali vice, to the commonalty, the Lords order that for this time the commonalty shall proceed to the nomination and election of both their sheriffs for the ensuing year, hoping that for the first of the two sheriffs they will make choice of that party who was nominated by the Lord Mayor. [Printed in Lords' Journal, iv. p. 373. 1 p.]
Aug. 21. The like order. That those Lords of Parliament who are to go into Scotland with some of the members of the House of Commons shall go to the Lord General in their passage to Scotland, to desire that the orders of both Houses may be put in speedy execution, and they are to give account of the Lord General's answer. [Written on the same paper as the preceding. ⅓ p.]
Aug. 21. Parliamentary proceedings. Upon a message to the Upper House by Mr. Stroude and others concerning the disarming of Recusants in cos. York, Chester, Stafford, Southampton, Lancaster, and Sussex, and that Committees or Commissioners might be appointed out of the Houses to see the execution thereof; it was agreed that the Lords would join them therein, and for the manner left it to the Lower House. And upon a conference since about that business, it was expressed by the Commons that there should be taken from Recusants warlike weapons and no other, and that the justices of the peace and other officers adjoining should have command to take special care that no violence should be offered to them. [See Lords' Journal, iv. p. 373, and Commons' Journal, ii. p. 267, where the proceedings differ slightly from the above account; co. Southampton being omitted, and Notts, Derby, and Lincoln introduced, while the method of disarming is not mentioned. Written on the same paper. ½ p.]
Aug. 21,
Berwick.
79. Sir Michael Ernle to Sec. Vane. Captain Tillier is just returned from General Leslie, who intends to march out of England the same way he came in, and will not put us to the trouble of making any bridge. Part of the army is this night within three miles of Belford, but some regiments cannot yet get out of Newcastle by reason the carriages came not out of the country as directed. There was a great disorder upon their marching out of Durham. I hear a major with some others was killed; the General went himself to appease the business. Money was the cause of the disorder; it seems the Highlanders, who were the men that made the dispute, had not such satisfaction as they expected. [Copy. ¾ p.]
Aug. 22,
Edinburgh.
80. Charles Louis, Elector Palatine, to Sir Thomas Row. By Mr. Secretary you will understand what passed since our coming from London, which, I doubt not, will give you great contentment, and stop the mouths of those that proclaimed and augmented the news of these kingdoms' troubles. Concerning my own business, we long to hear what offers and demands will be made you when the treaty doth begin, wherein his Majesty will take his Parliament's advice along with his own determination. Meantime, I think my affairs in a very fair way, and my interests in great safety since they are under your care, and the King's and his kingdom's protection. [Two seals, with arms, crown, and motto. 1¾ pp.]
Aug. 22,
Edinburgh.
81. Sec. Vane to the same. His Majesty, according to his resolution, began his journey for this place on the 10th present, having that morning passed in Parliament the Act of Pacification between both nations, whereby they are again united in a firm peace. At Newcastle he took a gracious view of the Scotch army, being drawn forth in a body to present themselves unto him, which they did in a posture full of obedience and zeal to his person. On the 14th his Majesty arrived here, and was received with an incredible joy and acclamation of all this people. On the 17th he sat first in Parlialiament, where he made the enclosed speech; which beginning hath been since seconded with no less satisfaction on his Majesty's behalf, who, by his great wisdom and goodness, doth so temper the disposition of the times that he daily overcomes difficulties as they occur, leaving his people with a present contentment and infallible hope of a speedy final conclusion of all their troubles. The moneys are now come to Newcastle for disbanding the Scotch army, and the day is prefixed by the Parliament in England for their passing the Tweed, the 25th present, to which end they are on their march since yesterday. Upon their arrival in Scotland they all disband, except 4,000 foot and 300 horse, which are to keep together about this town until the fully settling of the affairs of this State, which will be before his Majesty leaves. The English army continues disbanding by degrees to prevent disorders in their return home, and by the 10th of next month will be dissolved. His Majesty's stay here is somewhat uncertain, but we hope the latter end of next month will be the longest; for his Majesty's care and diligence to despatch is such that no time is lost, being every morning in Parliament, and the rest of the day in continual agitation, directing and disposing himself all his affairs. He is also pleased to take the prayers and preaching according to the form of the Scottish Church, so that I assure myself by next spring he will be found in such a posture with his subjects, that he will be useful to his friends abroad, to the comfort of all the Reformed Churches. Concerning your despatch by Sadeler, his Majesty had no leisure at Raby, but since his arrival here hath considered the several papers you sent, and particularly that in cipher, marked B, which being only a discourse from Count Leslie to you to prepare his Majesty with what they will ask in compensation of the Palatinate, he conceives you will do well to press them to more direct language; and then upon your further despatches, he will, with the advice of his Parliament, take a resolution befitting his honour and his nephew's restitution, when it shall appear by a formal proceeding and particular demands and offers on their side that they have a real intention to give his Majesty satisfaction therein. Meantime his Majesty has used diligence with the Parliament of this kingdom for their concurrence with the Parliament of England, according to the Manifesto; which they intend to do in all things that shall be jointly resolved concerning the same. Thus his Majesty thinks not necessary at present to declare himself further on the propositions you sent, until more direct matter be offered, but that you should continue to press them to the point all you can. His Majesty, at his coming away, left the Signet, Mr. Secretary Windebank used to have, with Mr. Nicholas, Clerk of the Council, who, during our absence, is to despatch the affairs at London and correspond with me. [3½ pp.]
Aug. 22,
Edinburgh.
82. Sidney Bere to Sir John Penington. The Scotch army were last night at Alnwick in Northumberland. A motion was made by them to pass through Berwick, but his Majesty would not give way unless for the artillery only, so they pass the Tweed in several places as they can. His Majesty is neither wanting in pains nor affection, going every morning to their Parliament; and this Sunday was in two of their churches, and daily takes the prayers and preaching according to their form, which gains much on the people. In a word, his Majesty is wholly disposed to settle Church and State before he leaves. [Seal with arms and crest. 1 p.]
Aug. 23. 83. [Report of the Officers of Ordnance to the Committee of the Lords], transmitted to Mountjoy Earl of Newport, Master of the Ordnance. Upon inspection into the proceedings for provision of saltpetre and gunpowder in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, it appears to us that such yearly quantities of both, as by the industry of merchants and all other negotiations abroad could be procured falling short of the proportion requisite for those active times, upon the proposition and by the direction of certain foreigners well versed in the production of saltpetre, it was ordered that trial should be made whether the English soil would produce good saltpetre, and in what proportion; to which end the then Officers of the Ordnance, by order of the Board, were to furnish one of the said foreigners with all necessary implements for digging and proving of grounds in several parts of the kingdom. It being found that with requisite industry, the kingdom in time might afford sufficient English saltpetre, and reason of State not admitting of any uncertainty in the necessary provision of what so nearly concerns the safety of the whole kingdom, the general digging of all pigeon houses, ox stalls, and other out-houses was ordered by Acts of State and Proclamation; which we are confident was not effected without consent of Parliament. But for your Lordships' better information, in the whole business of raising the former competency and a requisite proportion of saltpetre for the future, it is humbly propounded that you will command all Acts of the [Council] Board and Records of Parliament in the times of Queen Elizabeth and Kings James and Charles concerning the digging for saltpetre and making of gunpowder to be perused, that his Majesty's counsel may the better draw up grounds fit to be presented to your determination. In the interim, upon conference with the saltpetre men,—there being but one now resident in this town that is inclined to continue his works, whose answer goes herewith,—we will cause them to set down what course, in their opinion, with most advantage to the service and least prejudice to the subject, is fitted to be pursued for producing a yearly competent magazine of saltpetre for defence of the kingdom; which we will return you, with the terms they require, the ways they propound, and the respective quantities they will undertake; which being as much as concerns our particulars—until the saltpetre men repair to us—we pray that all further grounds of the intended Bill may be drawn up by his Majesty's counsel, it being proper to them only. Then follow the most material heads of the orders and commissions, from the time of Elizabeth, remaining in the office [of Ordnance]:—1. Concerning power given to search, dig for, and make saltpetre. 2. The repairing of every place by the saltpetre men so digged or defaced; to dig but once in four years in any house or place. 3. To pay for carriages 4d. and 8d. per mile, to take up carts and carriages, to take up stalls and outhouses for their horses; no carts to carry above 2,000 lbs. weight, nor go above nine miles from their dwelling place; carts to be taken up by direction from one or more justices of the peace, in the most convenient places nearest to the work. [Endorsed: "A copy of what was sent by Cox, the messenger, to the Earl of Newport." 2½ pp.]
Aug. 23,
"The Amelia before Dunkirk."
84. Marten Harpentson Tromp, Admiral of the Holland Fleet, to Sir John Penington. Returning to my watch, I understood from the commander who commanded here in my absence that one of his Majesty's ships with seven merchantmen were here chased, whereof four were run into a little creek, and the ferry-boat [convoy pinnace] with the remaining three, are between the haven of Dunkirk and our watch, having run through the blockade. [Seal with arms and crest. Dutch. 1 p.]
Aug. 24. Ordinance of the Lords and Commons in Parliament. Concerning the more speedy transporting of the poll-money to York, for disbanding of his Majesty's army. [Printed in Lords' Journal, iv. p. 375, and Rushworth, v. p. 378. See also Commons' Journal, ii. pp. 269, 270. Engrossed on parchment, but cancelled by being torn down the middle. See case F., No. 2 A.]
Aug. 24. 85. Order of the House of Commons for payment of 30,000l. to John Pay to be sent down to the army, 21,000l. by the Commissioners for the poll-money, and 9,000l. by the Commissioners for the four subsidies, out of what remains of those subsidies. [Printed in the Commons' Journal, ii. p. 269. 2/3 p.] Underwritten,
i. Receipt by John Pay for 13,000l. received from Sir Edmund Wright, Lord Mayor, and the rest of the Commissioners for poll-money. Aug. 25, 1641.
ii. The like receipt for 5,000l. received as above, Aug. 28, 1641. [1 p.]
Aug. 24,
Aylesbury.
86. Matthew Leake to [Sir John Lamb]. I have received yours, and read over this enclosed of the Marlow business, which I have sent back as you desire. I hear nothing of them. I sent your letter to Mr. Hackwill, who dwells at the Hall in Wendover parish. The copies of the accounts are ready written; I will bring them when I have the next opportunity to wait upon you. [½ p.]
Aug. 24. 87. A paper left at the Minories by Mr. Bassano, setting forth the reasons why the office of the Ordnance should be settled by some constant assignment, and the arrears paid. Points out the advantages that would accrue to the King and country if a fixed amount were assigned to that office, such as the 6,000l. per annum by Privy Seal dormant, anciently allowed, which was revived in the year 1624 by his Majesty that now is, and the Lords Committees of the Upper House. [Endorsed: "A paper brought and left at the Minorites by Mr. Bassano, being reasons for settling of the Ordnance." [6½ pp.]
Aug. 25,
Petworth.
88. Algernon Earl of Northumberland to Sir Thomas Row. Has been all the summer seeking to recover his health, or would have acknowledged his letters of July 7 and 24 before. We never were fuller of jealousies than we are at present, nor less hopeful of avoiding a confusion. By the use of the Bath I find myself in an indifferently good state of health, and intend to return soon to London. [1½ pp.]
Aug. 25,
Charing Cross.
89. Henry Cogan to [Sir John Penington]. The enclosed journal of the passages of the Parliament here, and the other out of the North, from Mr. Bere, will fully inform you how the world goes there and with us. We already speak of a recess, so it is thought the Houses will speedily adjourn for a time; and I believe it the rather in regard the Scots' army is before this returned into Scotland, for it marched in a body from Newcastle last Friday, having before sent away their cannon and carriages with some regiments of foot for a convoy. Ours will also be totally disbanded as soon as 120,000l., yet wanting for it, shall arrive there; wherein the House of Commons are using all the means and haste they may, by borrowing 40,000l. of the City, and giving order that the pollmoney collected in eight or nine of the nearest counties to York shall be paid in presently there. [1 p.]
Aug. [25]. 90. John Pay to [Sir Wm. Uvedale]. Has received 27,000l., of which he sent down 24,350l. Here is little hope of any more money from hence. P.S.—To-day at 12 o'clock Mr. Goldborough went hence. The chest marked B. contains 2,350l., all the rest 2,000l. apiece. [Torn. ½ p.]
Aug. 26,
London.
91. Thomas Wiseman to [Sir John Penington]. The general report is the King is exceeding gracious with the Parliament at Edinburgh, and the Parliament with him, and that the Duke of Lennox and Marquis Hamilton have sworn to the Covenant, which they say is no more in effect than the Protestation lately set forth by our Parliament. Lord Montrose, who, the voice went, should have been executed, is acquitted, and the acrimony of the covenanting Scots much sweetened by the presence of the King in their parliamentary proceedings. By this time the Scottish army is got over the Tweed, for through Berwick they were not suffered to go; of whom though many have a good opinion, and chiefly for their quiet departing, yet that they should march that way, the Parliament did not hold it fit to trust them. For my part, all that I shall say of them is, they have carried away our money, and left us a disjointed and distempered kingdom; and whether the remedy they have given it be not worse than the disease they found it in, I am yet to be satisfied. I had almost forgot to certify you what gallant entertainment Leslie gave the King, as he passed by the Scottish army, at dinner in Newcastle; and that after the King departed thence the works and other fortifications of the town were all demolished instantly. The great statesman and Scottish Covenanter, Lord Rothes, died last Tuesday of a consumption at Richmond; who, if he had lived should have married the Countess of Devon. The House of Commons were mistaken in their reckoning, for upon review of what is due to the army, it is found they want yet 14,000l., which will be satisfied as soon as the poll money comes in; but it is feared that will fall much short of what the Parliament expects. Both Houses grow very thin by reason of the small-pox and plague that is in the town; 131 dying here this week of the pest, and 118 of the smallpox, and 610 in the whole of all diseases; so it is thought within a day or two order will be given for a recess, six weeks or two months. In my last I begged you to recommend the ship of a friend of mine, Mr. Throgmorton, the Elizabeth, now bound for Sanlucar[-de-Barrameda], to take in some piece-goods at Dover, if these are to be had from the merchants of your acquaintance. [4 pp.]
Aug. 27,
Dover.
92. Thomas Earl of Arundel and Surrey, Earl Marshal, to Sir John Penington. Just now Count Fabroni and President Cognewe [Coigne] are come to me from the Queen Mother, entreating earnestly that the gentleman, Don Martino Dugaldi, coming with this may instantly pass to Dunkirk for her Majesty's especial service. Her Majesty is resolved to embark for Dunkirk; therefore I entreat take the best order you may for his transportation suddenly; in what ship is not important, so it may be safe and speedy. They desire he should return with the same convenience. [The seal of the Earl Marshal. 1 p.]
Aug. 27. 93. Philip Burlamachi to Thomas Windebank. Sends two letters for Dover and Dieppe. In Scotland all is going well. P.S.—There is a new order, very rigorous, for the poll-money; I advise you to pay without waiting for your return. [Seal with arms and crest broken. French. 2/3 p.]
Aug. 28,
Sherborne.
94. John Earl of Bristol to [Sir Thomas Row]. Not long after your departure I delivered divers papers of my negotiation to the Secretary of the Prince Elector by his appointment; but those affairs since have received so many alterations by the several ways of negotiation, that the remembrances of the former passages may be but of little use. I am very glad to see the whole kingdom take that business so much to heart, as you will have seen by his Majesty's Manifesto made by advice of both Houses of Parliament; and truly I am now very confident that if your negotiation take not a wished effect, we shall pass further than single treaty, and the ways and means are already under serious consideration. The Prince Elector is now in person gone with the King into Scotland, and I doubt not will season that nation with the same desires to serve him, and the same readiness for his assistance, which he has found here; and it may be God hath reserved this business to unite both nations in one common cause and against one common adversary. This one thing I dare write to you with some confidence, that so soon as our own domestic distractions shall be settled,—which I am likewise hopeful grow near a period,—this will be the first business seriously taken into consideration in a far different way than it has hitherto been. It has pleased the King, after many years, totally to remove from me the marks of his former displeasure by commanding me to wait on him as a Gentleman in Ordinary of his Bedchamber, as I did in times past when he was Prince. I have now obtained leave from the King and Parliament to visit my house at Sherborne, having been absent from it a whole year; but my stay will not be long; it will be necessary for me to return to my service at Court. [2½ pp.]
Aug. 28,
Westminster.
95. Edward Nicholas to [Sir John Penington]. I write by command of the Lords of the Parliament to convey to you their order for stay of some ships; I pray let me hear what you shall do upon it. All things go well in the Parliament in Scotland. The Scots army was marched over the Tweed last Wednesday, and are gone away in as friendly a manner as could be desired. [1 p.]
Aug. 28,
Edinburgh.
96. Sidney Bere to the same. The Scotch army came over the Tweed rather before than after the day prefixed, which was the 25th present, and the next day began to disband, giving to every common soldier 20s.:—4,000 foot and 500 horse arrived yesternight about this town, and are lodged in Leith and the other villages hereabouts, where they expect the total disbanding of the English army and the garrisons of Berwick and Carlisle; to which end an express was sent yesterday with his Majesty's letters to the Earl of Holland to hasten the same, and this Parliament sends a Lord to be present to see it effected, and then this remainder of the army is to disband likewise. General Leslie is arrived here, and was this morning with his Majesty; and thus we see, thanks be to God, an end of these wars, contrary to the belief of most men. General Leslie, it is said, shall be made an Earl, and other chief officers receive honours. The Lords Commissioners from the Parliament of England are not yet arrived, but daily expected. The death of the Earl of Rothes is much lamented here, for from him his Majesty expected much service in this present conjuncture, he having given many assurances thereof. We cannot yet speak with any certainty of our return till the arrival of the English Commissioners, but it is thought a month will be the longest. The 6th present his Majesty in full Parliament here laid the sceptre to the Act of Pacification between both nations, so that the only care is to see all things contained in the treaty performed, in which his Majesty is very precise. Meantime, he continues to go every morning to Parliament, omitting not the least time to despatch his affairs, so that we hope to make as speedy as happy an end. P.S.—A main business in debate with this Parliament is the disposal of the offices of State here, wherein the Parliament would have a hand at least so far as to present, and the King to choose. [Seal with arms and crest. 2 pp.]
Aug. 29,
Edinburgh.
97. Charles Louis, Elector Palatine to Sir Thos. Row. By yours of the 3rd present to Mr. Secretary [Vane] and myself, I joy to find you so full of hope of a good expedition. You knew our mind so well when you went from England upon those points wherein you require further instructions, that I may believe you have anticipated those particular orders his Majesty sends you by this bearer. I am confident you will manage them as the advice of our friends there and your own dexterity will best direct you. His Majesty is very hearty in it, and his kingdoms are not only joined in affections and will, but now also in power, to assist the King in so just and pious a work as the obtaining a general peace in the Empire. How much I desire it you will see by what at this time I condescend unto, which no other consideration could force me to do. I could wish you were more careful of your own particular when you write your judgment to the Secretary [Vane] of the Parliament's actions; you do not know whether he may not make use of it to your prejudice. P.S.—The King and the two Parliaments will not suffer any men to go out of these dominions until they know whether I may have use of them. [Seal with arms, &c. 2 pp.]
Aug. 29,
Dover.
98. Thomas Earl of Arundel and Surrey to [the same]. My attendance upon the Queen Mother occasioned my remove from London last Thursday fortnight; and after many halts by the way, by reason of her Majesty's indisposition, I arrived here last Saturday week; where, with a great deal of patience, I lie expecting her resolutions for her embarking. At her coming from London she pretended for Holland, where, according to the information I received, the Prince of Orange had taken a great care for her reception either in Holland or Zeeland, and for her accommodation in the passage up the Rhine to Cologne. Notwithstanding that great respect of his, she has waved that resolution, and now intends to pass for Flanders, the distrust which Fabroni has conceived of his own security having put her upon this issue. She now expects the return of a gentleman of the Spanish Ambassador's, despatched hence at her instance on Friday last, in one of the King's ships, with a safe-conduct under my hands, for Dunkirk, at whose return she is resolved to move hence. But my opinion is that though he come provided with passes and safe-conducts from the Prince Cardinal, both for her reception at Dunkirk and passage through Flanders, yet the difficulties will be very great, the French army being about Lisle, and said to besiege it. The country here begins both to be weary of her longer abode, and also to grow jealous that she intends not to leave it soon; but I am very confident she will not retard [her journey] long after a despatch from Dunkirk. My wife set sail last Thursday for Holland, and, passing by the Hague, may perhaps expect the Queen Mother at Cologne. Affairs between the King and his Scottish subjects proceed very fairly. It is conceived the Parliament there will render Montrose and his followers to the King's disposition; the King's speech to them, with an oath taken by both Houses there, I have enclosed. Our Houses have agreed upon a recess from Sept. 8 to Oct. 20, except some important occasion shall require their meeting sooner, which clause makes many believe there will hardly be any recess at all. [1¾ pp.]
Aug. 30. to Sept. 5. 99. Diurnal occurrences, or the heads of proceedings in Parliament, from August 30 to Sept 5, 1641. In continuation of similar papers calendared above under their respective dates. These notes are nearly identical with the printed version in "Diurnal Occurrences, ed. 1641." At the conclusion of the Parliamentary notices are the following notes:—The latter end of this week there came letters of intelligence from Scotland of the happy going on of that Parliament, certifying that they received the report of the final concluding of the peace with great joy, and that the general thanksgiving will be observed by them on the 7th of September next. That there was great opposition against the Duke of Richmond and Marquis Hamilton sitting in the Parliament until they had sworn to the Covenant. That all their army is come home and disbanded, save only 4,500 foot and 500 horse, which remain in a body, but it is expected every day they shall be disbanded. Montrose's business, it is conceived, will be well composed if he submit to the Parliament, as is expected. He petitioned the House with great submission, and thereupon was sent for; but his answer was so obscure in the main part that it gave little satisfaction, wherefore he was again sent to the Castle. Sir John Hay and Sir Robert Spottiswoode seem to recant from their former confidence in yielding themselves up to the Parliament for their trial. Traquair's charge is drawn up, containing 25 sheets of paper close written, and sent to the press to be printed.
The King was feasted on Tuesday last, the 31st of August, by the Provost of Edinburgh in the Parliament House with great triumph. Mr. Henderson is in great favour with the King, and stands next to his chair in sermon time. His Majesty duely hears two sermons every Sunday beside week-day lectures, but there is no service at all read, but only a Psalm before sermon. The King hastens his preparation for departure to England, which, as is expected, will be very suddenly. [6 pp.]
Aug. 30. 100. Order of the Lords and Commons. That on the day appointed for a public thanksgiving, Sept. 7, the loyalty and faithfulness of his Majesty's subjects of Scotland should be made known in all parish churches throughout this kingdom, by the minister or curate reading this order in each church, as was desired by the Commissioners of Scotland at the ratification of the treaty of pacification. Headed and endorsed, "An addition to the Declaration of the House of Commons for a public thanksgiving." [Printed in Lords' Journal, iv. p. 383; and Commons' Journal, ii. p. 276. 2/3 p.]
Aug. 30. 101. Order of the House of Commons. Concerning the payment to the Reformado officers of his Majesty's army of one month's pay out of the receipt of Sir Robert Pye and Mr. Wheeler, who are to receive money for it from the treasurers of the poll-money for London, and are to pay the officers according to the list delivered into this House, and subscribed by Sir John Hotham. [Printed in Commons' Journal, ii. p. 276. ¾ p.] Underwritten,
101. i. Receipt by John Pay for 1,000l. from the Commissioners for poll-money according to the above order. August 31, 1641. [¼ p.]
Aug. 30. 102. The Officers of the Ordnance to the Lords Committees appointed by Parliament for supplying the kingdom with munition. We have held it our duties to represent to you the necessity of supporting that office whence the whole kingdom must of necessity be "munited," and the rather that we understand the Parliament has already taken into consideration the condition of his Majesty's navy, and provided for the payment of arrears and the future subsistence thereof; since the office of the Ordnance, the only magazine royal, being defective, though the navy, troops, and forts in all other respects were never so plentifully provided for, they can be of no real advantage or service to the kingdom. We present to your consideration the seasonable ordering of a competent and unalterable assignment, both for the satisfaction of the arrears and the necessary support of that office for the future, by the want whereof his Majesty by some of the late expeditions has been put to more than 500l. per diem unnecessary charge for divers weeks, that might have been spared, and oftentimes 40 per cent. saved, if, according to the inviolable precedents of other countries, his Majesty's stores had been sufficiently and seasonably replenished, and the ordinary [charge] of that office as duly paid as in the time of Queen Elizabeth. Lastly, we humbly pray you effectually to recommend the satisfaction of the great and pressing arrears due to this office, the burden whereof lies so heavy on most of the creditors that they are many of them ready to perish for want of relief, and others to be cast into prison; an account of which arrears was lately presented to the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty's Treasury. Subjoined,
102. i. Account of arrears due to the Office of the Ordnance, amounting to 40,959l. Endorsed,
102. ii. The remonstrance somewhat altered to what was delivered to the Parliament, 28 August 1641, at the suggestion of Mr. March, but never since presented, 30 Aug. 1641. [2½ pp.]
Aug. 30,
Dover.
103. Thomas Earl of Arundel and Surrey, Earl Marshal, to Sir John Pennington. I am glad to hear that yours and the rest of his Majesty's ships have escaped the danger, and are safely come to an anchor in the Downs. I have given the Queen Mother an account of the hazard you run, and of the necessity for prevention of leaving this road, and shall, as soon as I receive her further resolutions for her embarking, which now depend upon the return of that gentleman of the Spanish Ambassador's, give you timely notice. I hear from London that the Scots having offered up Montrose, and those that were in that action with him, to the King's disposition, he, standing upon his justification, refused. [¾ p.]
Aug. 30,
Edinburgh.
104. Sidney Bere to the same. Relates a feast made by this town to the King and the Lords in the great hall of the Parliament this day. The King and the Prince Elector sat at one table, the Lords at another, but both in one room; the Duke of Richmond on one side, General Leslie over against, and next him the Marquis Hamilton, who gives him precedence ordinarily, in respect, I take it, that his commission of general is not yet delivered up. The mayor of the town, like a plain Dutch host, bestirred himself bravely, drunk a health to the King, the Queen and the royal children, and afterwards insisted with his Majesty to pledge; and so in this Scotch familiar way, but with a great deal of cordiality, bid the King and Lords welcome with such hearty expressions as served but for mirth and satisfaction. The glasses went liberally about, and the entertainment was great; indeed, in the whole town was nothing but joy and revelling like a day of jubilee,—and this in token of the union; which doubtless is more firm than ever from the happy intervention of the unity in form of religion, at least for the present, and in the King's own practice, which wins much upon this people. Yesterday his Majesty was again at the great church at sermon, where the Bishops were not spared, but such downright language [used] as would a year ago [have] been at the least a Star Chamber business, imputing all that was amiss to ill counsellors; and so ingratiated his Majesty with his people, who indeed show a zeal and affection beyond all expression. The English Commissioners are now first arrived, whence we hope shortly to learn some certainty of our return. We say here General Leslie is to be made an Earl with precedence of all the Earls of this kingdom during his life, and then his son to follow the rank of his creation. Poor Mr. Pay has been struck with a sudden sickness much like a "litargie" [lethargy], and has lain three days in it; the disease works much on his understanding. The physicians fear an apoplexy; he complains of no pain, and therefore is in the more danger. [Seal with arms and crest. 2 pp.]
Aug. 30. 105. [Sir John Lamb] to Sir Edward Henden, Baron of the Exchequer. According to your direction I have searched the Augmentation Office and in the Treasury, and have found divers bills, answers, replications, &c., both in the time of Hen. 7. and Hen. 8., to have been in the Queen's court; and, as I remember, you said that to prove the usage so long would presume the former times, and be a good prescription. Walter Hillary may perhaps have found many both of those and the former times, for many of the Queens' records after the death of Hen. 8. were carried into the Remembrancer's Office, and are now in the Long House at Westminster and elsewhere; and some [were] carried thither by Mr. Hillary himself in his time. I have entreated Mr. Tomkins, clerk of the Council to the Queen, to attend you; I pray return me your best direction by him, or if he be out of town write me a word or two by this bearer, who will send it me presently. It is the Queen's service, and I know you will do all you can in it, and I shall give that account of it to her Majesty, [Draft. 2/3 p.]
Aug. 31,
Dover.
106. Thomas Earl of Arundel and Surrey to [Sir John Penington]. The Queen Mother has received such orders from Flanders by the packet-boat from Dunkirk this day, that she intends not to expect the return of the Spanish Ambassador's gentleman, though she may hope for a fuller return by him, and therefore is resolved to embark for Dunkirk with all possible expedition. I acquainted her Majesty that during this tempestuous weather there was no possibility of bringing his Majesty's ships again into this road without great hazard; therefore, as soon as it proves calm, use all diligence in the business that the Queen Mother may receive all satisfaction in our power. P.S.—The Queen Mother resolves to carry with her no more goods but what shall be necessary for her person, and to send all the rest directly for Cologne by way of Holland, and so, I conceive, expects a convoy to go with them. I find her resolved not to embark in any other place than this. [1 p.]
[Aug.]
[Paris.]
107. [Sir Francis Windebank to the King]. Protests his sufferings, which are only rendered tolerable by the opinion that they are but temporary. The large report my son has made of your Majesty's gracious inclinations to me and mine, confirmed by a princely demonstration of your goodness to us all in vouchsafing not only your royal safe conduct, but the honour of one of your own ships for their passage hither, has let me into this presumption. I cannot but be confident that your Majesty, who has been pleased thus to begin my restitution by restoring my poor family to me, will perfect it in due time. For my present estate I most humbly beseech your Majesty to give my son leave to represent it to you, it being so low that unless my wife had raised money by sale of my plate, she must have wanted means to have come into these parts; and now that we are together we subsist merely by it, as long as it will last, and must otherwise fall into great want. I most humbly beseech you to take this to heart, and to vouchsafe me some relief by giving order that such moneys as are due, and I have disbursed for your Majesty's service and by your own express command, may be no longer detained from me, that the apprehension of perishing in a strange country through want of livelihood may not be added to my other calamities and break my heart. And withal preserve me from perishing in my posterity, and look upon this bearer as an object of your princely compassion, and the son of him that hath no other ambitions than to be able to redress your Majesty's affairs with the loss of his heart's blood. [Draft. 1⅓ pp.]
[Aug.] [The same to Queen Henrietta Maria.] To the same effect as the above. Prays for some money due for board wages, likewise some disbursed by his Majesty's commandment for use of the Queen Mother. I have hitherto lived here in great retiredness, and have not appeared before the King your Majesty's brother, nor the Queen, though I know it has been expected, and it was most fit I should have performed that duty. If your Majesty think me worthy of that honour, though I have no ambition to see the face of any King but my royal master, vouchsafe me some address by your letters to be delivered to both their Majesties by myself. Otherwise, in the condition I now am, I have not reason to pretend to any respect from them but by your Majesty's recommendation. [Written on the same paper as the preceding. Draft. 12/3 pp.]
[Aug. ?] 108. Thomas Windebank [to some lady]. My father's affliction is the reason I have not all this time had the honour to kiss your hand. I must satisfy myself to honour you at a distance. [Draft. 1½ pp.]
[Aug.] 109. Petition of the Reformed Officers under the command of the Marquis Hamilton to the King. Your Majesty graciously gave your royal promise to petitioners that we should continue in pay so long as the army should stand. The Marquis Hamilton also assured us so much in your name, which your Majesty was pleased to ratify before all the Lords at York. Petitioners therefore most humbly desire your Highness's royal attestation herein to the House of Parliament, or the Committee of War appointed for the army. [1 p.]
[Aug.] 110. Petition of John Hopgood, of Southampton, merchant, to the House of Commons. Has long ago provided 250 dozen of small calves' skins to be transported to Spain, being informed they were frequently shipped from London, Bristol, and other ports; but the officers of Southampton will not suffer them to pass without special warrant, which he prays you to grant. [½ p.]
[Aug. ?] 111. Petition of Gerard Malynes, of London, merchant, to the same. Experience points out that the coins of other nations are over-valued in exchange, and that thereby our own coins are undervalued and continually transported, consequently the price of our commodities is abated, and that of foreign commodities increased. Proposes to remedy the exportation of money, and to import bullion, by the passing of an Act of Parliament to the effect that no person shall make any exchange for money by bills of exchange to be paid in foreign parts or re-changed towards this realm under the true value of our money, the price whereof in exchange shall be declared from time to time in a pair of tables upon the Royal Exchange according to ancient custom; whereby all men shall be permitted to make their exchanges, provided they make them at or above the said price, but never under. Thus England's wealth will be restored, money and bullion imported, home commodities advanced in price, and foreign commodities abated. That 32 methods had been tried to prevent the exportation of money and to import bullion, but had all failed. [1 p.] Subjoined,
List of 32 measures which had been tried to prevent the transportation of money and to import bullion. [¾ p.]
[Aug. ?] 112. Facetious questions, entitled "Queries to be decided by a Committee of the House of Commons." 1. Whether it be treason to be for or against the King ? 2. Whether a divine may without danger preach upon Rom. 13. 1. ? 3. Whether it be not dangerous to suffer the ministry of God's Word in the State, seeing it is jure divino ? 4. Whether the subjects must rule the King, or the King the subjects ? 5. Whether any laws, divine or human, allow subjects to keep an army of Strangers to master their King ? 6. Whether statutes enforced upon the King with the awe of an army will be of any force hereafter ? 7. Whether we would let the Scots go if they would go ? 8. Whether the Scots may be entreated to be our reapers in the North this harvest for the good of the rich ? 9. Whether our Parliament makes use of the Scots, or they of our Parliament ? 10. Whether Scripture may be obeyed, commanding not to do evil that good may ensue ? 11. Whether there be any readier way to strengthen Popery than to divide the Protestant party by the independent government of particular churches? 12. Whether the Church be like a watch, that may be taken to pieces and set together again ? 13. Whether the Protestation be clearer than the Oath of the 6th Canon? 14. Whether subjects may impose an oath upon their fellow subjects without the King ? 15. Whether it may not be expected that the Protestation will raise a sedition in pure zeal ? 16. Whether we go not about to pull down Church and State in the fear of God ? 17. Whether we have as much skill in building up as pulling down ? [1 p.]
[Aug.] 113. Act for preservation of the fry of sea-fish, and for restraining unlawful fishing with trawls,—headed, "This Act is an humble petition to restrain unlawful fishing at unseasonable times, viz., from Michaelmas till the 13th of March. And to restrain fishing with any other nets than trammels, whereof the meshes to be five inches broad." This Act not to extend to herrings, pilchards, sprats, or mackerel, nor to any fresh waters, or further than the mouth of the Thames, but only to the Narrow Seas and the coasts of Essex, Kent, and Sussex. Reasons for the Act given, and penalties for the breach of it stated. [Draft. 1 p.]
[Aug. ?] 114. Deposition on oath of James Harben. Being sent by Lawrence Squibb to Thos. Revett, clerk of the Fleet, to warn him for a witness at Guildhall in July last [1641] in the cause between Wm. Shaw, plaintiff, and Law. Squibb and others, defendants, Revett answered he had received a command from the Lords in Parliament to attend them at the same time, and therefore could not come to Guildhall; but at the same time he showed this deponent a warrant, signed by some of the Lords of the Council, dated March 24, 1637, by virtue of which Wm. Shaw was committed prisoner to the Fleet. And for want of Revett's testimony to prove the commitment, the jury gave such great damages against the defendants, as he verily believeth. This deponent further saith that he has heard Thos. Webb say that Shaw had spoken scandalous words against the Lords of the Council, [and had] been at his, Webb's, lodging some four or five days before the trial, and there spoke threatening words against Humanitas Mayo and Webb, and that he would be the utter undoing of them both if it lay in his power, or words to this effect. [½ sheet.]
[Aug. ?] 115. Sir John Lenthall, William Clerk, and John Combes, justices of peace for Surrey, to the Council. Strong watches are kept in their division and in the borough of Southwark for sending away loose and disorderly persons, and disposing of the soldiers of his Majesty's late disbanded army. We have likewise taken care to shut up all houses in Southwark and places adjacent infected with the plague, and made assessments and collections for provision for the people restrained in them according to his Majesty's laws in that case provided. All the officers have been very careful in these services, except John Gother, a constable, who neglected to set a careful watchman upon a house and people near him visited of the plague, and William Bonnick of Lambeth, a yeoman, who, being appointed collector of the assessments upon the inhabitants of Lambeth Dean for relief of the visited poor of the said parish, most obstinately refuses to collect. [1 sheet.]
[Aug.] 116. Book of fees payable to the King's servants upon creation of peers; specifies the fees due to Garter King at Arms, the Heralds, Ushers, &c., upon various creations from the installation of the Earl of Danby 1634 to the creation of Sir Conyers Darcy, Baron Darcy; including the creations of the Earl of Strafford, Duke of Richmond, &c. [Paper book in parchment cover. 72 pp.]