|
Jan. 1,
Madrid. |
1. Hugo Sen[ne]ht to Mr. Stillington, servant to the Earl of
Antrim. The bearer is my confidant, and so with him you may
deal as with me. Fear God, love your King, take care of your
house, and "put not your hand farder nor your sleif may reike."
Pray for me as I do for you. Advertise me how all things go there,
and so farewell. [Seal with crest. ½ p.] |
Jan. 1,
Whitehall. |
2. Pass signed by the Council for Thomas Filbrick, of London,
to travel in foreign parts for three years, with proviso not to go to
Rome. [1 p.] |
Jan. 3,
Whitehall. |
3. Warrant to the Attorney-General to prepare a proclamation,
commanding a fast to be kept throughout all England, London and
Westminster only excepted, where it has already been observed, on
the 20th January, and after that a general fast to be held throughout this whole kingdom on the last Wednesday of February, and
every month on the same day during the troubles in Ireland.
[Draft. Signed by Sec. Nicholas. 2/3 p.] |
| Jan. 3. |
4. Order of the House of Lords. That this House will join with
the House of Commons in a petition to the King to desire such a
guard as himself and both Houses shall approve of, and the same to
continue so long as the King and both Houses of Parliament shall
think fit. Endorsed in the King's hand: "Messadge concerning a
Guard." [Printed in Lords' Journals, iv. 502. 2/3 p.] |
| Jan. 3. |
5. Examination of William Yateman, of Shaston, Dorset, a
witness produced by Anthony Stafford in his cause against Charles
Stafford, his Majesty's ward, and Anne Lady Farmer, guardian
and committee of the said Charles. He knew Thomas Tawyer in
the bill named. The name Thomas Tawyer subscribed to the deed
is in Tawyer's handwriting, who did seal and deliver the deed in
the presence of this deponent. [2¼ pp.] |
Jan. 3,
Whitehall. |
6. Minute of Council, the King present. This day Thomas, Earl
of Southampton, was sworn a Privy Councillor, and took his place
and signed with other of the Lords. [2/3 p.] |
| Jan. 3. |
7. Warrant of the King to the Lord Mayor of London. We
understand that the House of Commons has sent to have a guard
of the trained bands of the City; but for as much as some of our
said House are lately accused of high treason, our will and command
is that you take effectual care that none of the trained bands shall
be raised without special warrant from us; and we shall take into
our royal care that nothing shall be done to the prejudice or disturbance of our said City, which we shall be as vigilant to keep in
quietness as others are to engage and put into tumult and disorder.
But in case you shall find any great numbers of people to assemble
together in a tumultuous and disorderly manner within the City,
our will and command is that you then cause so many of our trained
bands to be raised as you shall think fit, well armed and provided;
and that you give order to suppress all such tumults and disorders,
and if they shall find resistance, and that the persons so assembled
shall refuse to retire to their houses peaceably, or to render themselves into the hands of justice, that then for the better keeping of
the peace and preventing of further mischiefs, you command the
captains, officers, and soldiers of our said trained bands, by shooting
with bullets or otherwise, to suppress those tumults, or destroy such
of them as shall persist in their tumultuous ways and disorders.
[Draft corrected by Sec. Nicholas. 1 p.] |
| Jan. 3. |
8. Order of the House of Lords. Lords Committees appointed
by the House to consider of precedents; whether this accusation
of the Attorney-General, of the Lord Kimbolton and others of high
treason and high misdemeanours be a regular proceeding according
to law; and whether there were ever any such proceedings before
in this case. Whether an accusation of treason may be brought
into this House by the King's Attorney against a peer in Parliament; and whether any person ought to be committed to custody
upon a general accusation from the King or the House of Commons
before it be reduced to particulars. [1 p.] Subjoined, |
|
List of the Lords appointed Committees to peruse and consider
of precedents and records, and report to the House.
[Printed in Lords' Journals, iv., p. 501. 1 p.] |
| Jan. 3. |
9. Message from the King for arresting the five members, viz.,
Mr. Hollis, Sir Arthur Haselrig, Messrs. Pym, Hampden, and Wm.
Strode, delivered by Mr. Francis, Sergeant-at-Arms, at the Bar of
the House of Commons to the Speaker; this is followed by a list of
the Committee appointed to attend the King with the answer that
this message from His Majesty is a matter of great consequence.
It concerns the privilege of Parliament, and therein the privilege of
all the Commons of England. That this House will take it into
serious consideration, and will attend his Majesty with an answer in
all humility and duty with as much speed as the greatness of the
business will permit, and that in the mean time this House will take
care that these gentlemen mentioned in the message shall be ready
to answer any legal charge laid against them. [Printed in Rushworth, Vol. iv., p. 475, and Commons' Journals, ii., 367. 1 p.] |
| [Jan 3.] |
10. Articles of high treason and other high misdemeanours
exhibited by the Attorney-General in the House of Commons against
Lord Kimbolton and the five members. [Printed in Lords'
Journals, iv., p. 501, and Rushworth, iv., pp. 473–4. 1 p.] |
| Jan. 3. |
11. Another copy of the above. [1 p.] |
Jan. 4.
H.M.S. the Lion in the Downs. |
12. Sir John Pennington to [Algernon, Earl of Northumberland].
The Whelp is returned from Ostend and Dunkirk, where she
received some little damage which is again repaired. Three of her
convoy were cast away going into Ostend, and himself and two
more escaped narrowly. The Captain brings an assurance from
young Mr. Skinner and Mr. Gaul, English merchants residing at
Dunkirk, that very many Irish commanders are ready to be shipped
there for Ireland, and that there is a ship laden with arms to go
along with them, and four of the King of Spain's own great frigates
to convoy them. They will be ready to set sail with the first fair
wind. They give it out they go for the Groyne in Galicia, and offered
these and other English merchants roundly to assure them; but they
are confident this was but to colour the business, for that their
design is for Ireland. I shall presently despatch the Whelp back
thither to observe their motions. In the meantime you may be
pleased to send the Bonaventure, Mary Rose, Happy Entrance, and
Providence to me, with directions what you will have me do in it.
The Greyhound is not yet come to me. [1 p.] |
Jan. 4,
Strand. |
13. John Latche to Sec. Nicholas. The clocks at Whitehall last
night went too late, the night was further spent than they showed.
The Lord Mayor was in his bed before I came thither, yet I spake
with him and delivered the letter. This morning he will call the
sheriffs to him and open it. This enclosed [See No. 4] is a copy of
the order of the House, brought to him by Alderman Penington and
Captain Venn, who did much enlarge themselves in discourse thereupon, intimating great fears, but kept themselves in such general
terms, as the order is, that their meanings were not easily to be
known. I was till one o'clock about the town, and found all places
very well guarded and the tumultuous rout dispersed. If the King
upon sight of this order shall direct anything otherwise than [as] last
night, my man shall attend to receive your commands and bring it
presently to me. In the meantime I shall this morning pursue
yesterday night's direction, and then attend you with an account of
my proceedings. [2/3 p.] |
Jan. 4,
Whitehall. |
14. Warrant of the King [to Sir Richard Gurney], Lord Mayor
of London. Whereas we are informed that six pieces of ordnance
usually belonging to the Artillery Yard have lately been brought
into the City, and placed in Leadenhall, but with what intentions
we are not yet well satisfied. Considering the distempers and
troubles of these times, our will and command therefore is that you
take special care to see those pieces so safely disposed of that they
only serve for the guard and preservation of the City. if cause
should so require. And whereas we are further informed that
several persons of mean quality have of late taken into their houses
the unusual number of 20 to 40 muskets with ammunition, our
pleasure is that you cause search to be made through the City
and liberties thereof, and where you shall find any quantities of
arms, that you examine these persons, upon what grounds and
reasons they have made such provisions, and as you shall see cause
that you take so good assurance from them that they may be
responsible for the arms and their intentions therewith, that
through the same the peace and safety of the City may not anyways
be endangered. [Draft. 1 p.] |
| Jan. 4. |
15. The King's speech to the House of Commons, demanding
that the five members accused of high treason be delivered up.
[Printed in Rushworth, Vol. iv., p. 477. Copy with corrections in
the King's hand. 1 p.] N.B.—Some curious particulars relating
to this speech in Rushworth, iv., 478. |
Jan. 4.
Whitehall. |
16. Warrant of the King to the Solicitor-General, Oliver St. John,
to draw up a bill for signature, appointing Sir John Brook, during
pleasure, keeper and captain of the two forts of Holy Island and
Fern Island, in the county palatine of Durham, in place of Robert
Rugg, at a fee of 80l. a year, and with the same powers as formerly
belonged to Rugg, viz., to name and constitute one gunner at
18l. 5s., one gunner's mate at 12l. 3s. 4d., and nine soldiers at
82l. 2s. 6d. per annum, to be always resident there. Their
allowances to be paid by the Receiver of the county of York.
Reserving to the said Rugg the fee of 80l. per annum, appointed to
Sir John Brook, until such time as we shall declare our further
pleasure to determine the same, after which the fee is to be paid
to Sir John Brook. [Copy. 2/3 p.] |
| Jan. 4. |
17. [Sir Richard Gurney], Lord Mayor of London, to [Thomas
Adams], Alderman of Portsoken Ward, communicating the new
regulations of watch and ward, appointed by advice of the
committee assigned by Common Council this day at the Guildhall.
These are to require you in the King's name to double the watch
and ward at the gates, posterns, and landing-places, and to see that
the same are put in a good state of repair, as well as the chains
and posts in the streets and the pumps; and also to see that your
ward be sufficiently furnished with hooks, ladders, buckets, spades,
shovels, pickaxes, augers, and chisels, and that certain persons be
kept in readiness at all times for quenching fire. And every
householder within your ward to be straitly charged to keep
within his house all and every his servants and apprentices, and
not permit them to wander abroad idly, as they will answer any
disorder or misdemeanour they or any of their apprentices or
servants shall commit. [1 p.] |
Jan. 5,
Whitehall. |
18. Warrant of the King to Sec. Nicholas. To prepare a
proclamation declaring the course of our proceedings upon the
accusation of high treason and other high misdemeanours, charged
against five members of the Commons, who, being struck with the
conscience of their own guilt of so heinous crimes, have made their
escape. Our will is that you thereby command all our officers,
ministers, and loving subjects, to use their diligence in the apprehending and carrying of them to our Tower of London, to be kept
in safe custody to be brought to trial according to justice. And
that you prohibit our loving subjects to harbour, relieve, and
maintain them, with any other fit clause. [Signed, but not sealed.
[2/3 p.] |
| Jan. 5. |
19. Copy of the same. [2/3 p.] |
| Jan. 5. |
20. Minutes of proceedings at a Common Council of the City of
London held this day before Sir Richd. Gurney, Lord Mayor, Sir
Thos. Gardiner, Recorder, &c. The Committee appointed at the
last Common Council having presented the draft of a petition in
the name of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council, addressed
to his Majesty [see Jan. 8, No. 42], it was twice read, and then put
to the vote here in Court whether it should be presented or no.
Whereupon it was ordered that the petition should be engrossed,
and that the Committee shall in all humble manner present it to
his Majesty. Also this Court, considering how necessary the provision of ammunition and arms is at this present for the safety of
the City and defence thereof upon all occasions in these times
of dangers and fears, and that there would be present occasions for
issuing out of money, not only for this business but also for other
needful affairs which may be thought fit by the Committee for the
service and safety of this City, an Act was made for raising four
15ths. [=2 pp.] |
Jan. 5,
York House. |
21. Thomas Smith to [Sir John Pennington]. Since the impeachment and sending of the Bishops to the Tower, the King sent the
Attorney-General to the Upper House to accuse Lord Mandeville
and the five members to be guilty of high treason. This was done
on the 3rd instant. The Houses are much displeased at this
manner of proceeding, because, say they, kings ought not to be the
accusers of their subjects, and they complain that in the manner
of managing this business the King has done many things tending
to the breach of privilege, as sealing up their studies, which the
Parliament has opened again, and imprisoned those that sealed
them, [sending] in sergeants into the House of Commons to attach
the persons of some who are supposed to be delinquents. The
Lords gave answer that if a particular charge were given in against
these delinquents they would be committed to custody, but that
till then they would not. The King, offended that they were not
restrained, came the next day himself in person, well guarded, into
the Commons' House, a thing never heard of before, and demanded
their persons, but they were at that time absent and do still absent
themselves. The King, much displeased, departed, and is this day
gone himself into London to have them proclaimed traitors. These
violent proceedings of the King give much discontent everywhere,
and we are daily in fear of uproars, yet all care is taken to prevent
mischief. [21/6 pp.] |
| Jan. 5/15. |
22. Extract of a letter or warrant of the Earl of Leicester.
Acknowledges that although the vessels, fittings, and merchandise
mentioned had been confiscated by judgment of the Council of
Marine, according to the laws of France, yet Cardinal [Richelieu],
in consideration of the King of Great Britain, has by courtesy
ordered them to be restored. [French. Copy. ½ p.] |
Jan. 5,
The Spittle, London. |
23. Ezekiel Marmet [minister of the French Church in London]
to Lawrence Squibb. As I am executor of the last will of the
late Mr. Paul Guillaumyer, I beg you to pay the 50l. which is
remaining in your hands, being parcel of the said Paul's estate, to
Mr. Florentine Peinturie, the bearer hereof, by whom I send you
an acquittance [see Feb. 17, Vol. 489, No. 43] for the same. [⅓ p.] |
Jan. 6,
Whitehall. |
24. Warrant of the King to Sec. Nicholas. To give order to
the King's printer to print the proclamation for apprehending the
five members of the Commons. [Signed. ¼ p.] |
| Jan 6. |
Copy of the same. [Written on the same paper as Jan. 5, No. 19.
¼ p.] |
| Jan. 6. |
25. Patent of the King appointing Sir John Culpepper Chancellor of the Exchequer. [Latin. Draft imperfect. 1 p.] |
Jan. 6,
Whitehall. |
26. Sir Edward Nicholas to [Sir John Pennington]. I acquainted
his Majesty with your letter, and he commands you to hinder any
Irish soldiers and arms or munition to go from Dunkirk or any
other place for Ireland. But for this the King gives directions to
the Lord Admiral to send you more particular instructions. Sir H.
de Vic assures me there will be no Irish soldiers or arms or munition suffered to be sent out of Flanders for Ireland. I have
several times moved his Majesty on your behalf, and find him very
graciously inclined to effect what I desired for you, which, I doubt
not, may be compassed after a while, but for the present he will
have the Treasurer [of the Navy's] place executed by Sir Wm.
Russell alone, and so this day he willed me to advertise you. I
have dealt very plainly with him, and let him know that no man
can serve him in that place who has not experience as a merchant
or as a seaman, both which employments you have been bred up to
and been long exercised in; and besides I assured him that you
had a better estate than any treasurer that has been these many
years, except Sir Wm. Russell, and a better credit amongst merchants. I pray be confident that as soon as our distractions are
over, I will make it my own business to get you into that place
either singly or jointly. I have herewith sent you the Articles of
Treason charged against some prime Parliament men, who are fled,
and the King's speech in the Commons' House, together with a
proclamation against the rebels in Ireland, who take advantage of
the dissensions here to do horrid villanies and cruelties there. If
you knew how I am tired and oppressed with an inundation of
troublesome businesses, you would excuse my long silence. P.S.—
Sir John Culpepper is Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Lord
Falkland a Privy Councillor. [2 p.] |
Jan. 6,
London. |
27. Thomas Wiseman to [the same]. Distractions increase upon
us. Last week 12 Bishops were impeached of high treason by the
Parliament, and this week five members of the House of Commons
and Lord Mandeville by the King [see Jan. 4, No. 15], as you
may perceive by the particulars inclosed; which has bred such a
distemper, both in the City and Houses of Parliament, that we are
not free from the fears of an insurrection. The six persons keep
out of the way, and though the Commons' House promised for their
forthcoming, yet they are not coming forth. The King yesterday
came into the City and made a gracious speech to the Lord Mayor,
Aldermen, and Common Council at the Guildhall, where they were
assembled to take order for the safety of the same, and did as much
as in him lay give them all satisfaction; they crying out to his
Majesty to maintain the privileges of Parliament, to whom he most
gently replied it was his desire so to do, and would not in the least
invade upon them; but they must give him leave to distinguish
between the Parliament and some ill-affected members in it, which
have gone about by treasons to injure his person and to withdraw
his people from their allegiance; and therefore both for his own
safety and their good he must and will find them out to bring them
to justice, which should be done in a legal and parliamentary and
no other way, and if they could clear themselves he should be glad
of it; if otherwise, he held them not members fit to sit in that
assembly, which were met together to make good laws and to
reform abuses, and not to betray their King. Afterwards his
Majesty was pleased to bid himself to dinner to Sheriff Garrett's,
where he stayed till three of the clock; and then, returning to
Whitehall, the rude multitude followed him, crying again, "Privileges
of Parliament! Privileges of Parliament!" whereat the good King
was somewhat moved, and I believe was glad when he was at
home. The Committees of the House of Commons, being afraid, as
is conceived, of the King's guards which he has lately taken to his
own person at Whitehall, (where is a court of guard built, and the
trained bands of Middlesex night and day attending with at least
sixscore other officers, who have their diet at court,) have come into
the City to hold their consultations at the Guildhall, the Parliament
being adjourned till Tuesday next. What these distempers will
produce, the God of Heaven knows, but it is feared they cannot
otherwise end than in blood. The Puritan faction, with the sectaries
and schismatics, are so prevalent both in city and country, so that
no man can tell, if the King and Parliament should not agree, which
party would be strongest. On Tuesday the King went to the
House of Commons to demand the persons of those that were
accused for treason, but they were not there to be found; the House,
it seems, taking it ill the King should come in that manner to
break their privileges, for aught I can understand, resolve to
protect their members, and not to deliver them into the hands of the
King; and to take them by force, they having such a party in the
City, will cost hot water. We have three Privy Councillors wore
made, the Earl of Southampton, Lord Falkland, and Sir John Culpepper, who is likewise Chancellor of the Exchequer, and my Lord
of Southampton, likewise sworn Gentleman of the Bedchamber to the
King. Thus you see the changes of the times, wherein I pray God
preserve our gracious King, and send us peace at home, whatever, we
have abroad. [4 pp.] |
Jan. 6,
London. |
28. Captain G. Carterett to Sir John Pennington. All things are
now in so great distraction here that there is no thinking of doing
anything, but everybody are providing for their own safety, as if
everything were inclinable to ruin. This last accusation of divers
members of the House has occasioned a greater distance between
the King and the Parliament than before; and it is feared it will
breed much disturbance before all things be rightly understood, for
many would have them to be brought to their trial, and others not,
saying it is against the privileges and liberties of the Parliament.
I am not wise enough to distinguish the right of it; but of this I am
certain, that our good King is much abused. This day one Sergeant
Dandie went into London to seek the accused men to apprehend
them, where he was much abused by the worse sort of people.
[Seal with crest. 1 p.] |
[Jan. 6,]
London. |
29. Captain Robert Slyngesbie to [Sir John Pennington]. Since
my last we have been a little quitter from the tumults of the
citizens, they partly being terrified by the multitude of gentry and
soldiers who flock to the court, which I never saw so thronged as
now it is, and the rough entertainment that was like to be given
them if they came again; and partly being satisfied with the
impeachment of the 12 Bishops of high treason for their protesting.
But since that another thing has bred a greater expectation of
troubles than all those tumults did: on Monday last the King's
Attorney did impeach Lord Mandeville and the five members of
high treason in the Upper House. A summary of the articles is here
given. The next day, notwithstanding their impeachment, some of
them came and sat in the House. All parts of the Court being
thronged with gentlemen and officers of the army, in the afternoon
the King went with them all, his own Guard, and the Pensioners,
most of the gentlemen armed with swords and pistols. When we
came into Westminster Hall, which was thronged with the number,
the King commanded us all to stay there, and himself with a very
small train went into the House of Commons, where never king was (as
they say) but once,—King Henry VIII. He came very unexpectedly,
and at his first coming in he commanded the Speaker to come out of
his chair, and sat down in it himself, asking divers times whether
these traitors were there, but had no answer, but at last an excuse
that, by the Orders of the House, they might not speak when their
Speaker was out of his chair. The King then asked the Speaker,
who excused himself that he might not speak but what the House
gave order to him to say. Whereupon the King replied it was no
matter, for he knew them all if he saw them; and after he had
viewed them all, he made a speech to them very majestically,
declaring his resolution to have them, though they were then
absent; promising not to infringe any of their liberties of Parliament, but commanding them to send the traitors to him if they
came there again, and, after his coming out, gave order to the
Serjeant-at-Arms to find them out and attach them. Before the
King's coming the House was very high, and, as I am informed,
sent to the City for 4,000 men to be presently sent down to them
for their guard; but none came, all the City being terribly amazed
with that unexpected charge of those persons, shops all shut, many
of which do still continue so. They likewise sent to the trained
bands in the Corps-de-garde before Whitehall to command them
to disband, but they stayed still. After the King had been in the
House there was no more spoken, but only to adjourn till the next
day. Yesterday it was my fortune, being in a coach, to meet the
King with a small train going into the City; whereupon I followed
him to the Guildhall, where the Mayor and all the Aldermen and
Common Council were met. The King made a speech to them,
declaring his intentions to join with the Parliament in extirpation
of Popery and all schisms and sectaries, and of redressing of all
grievances of the subject, and his care to preserve the privileges of
Parliament, but [declared his intention] to question these traitors;
[then gave] the reason of his Guards for securing himself, the
Parliament, and them, from those late tumults, and [said] something
of the Irish [business], and at last had some familiar discourse with
the Aldermen, and invited himself to dinner to the Sheriff's. After
a little pause a cry was set up amongst the Common Council,
"Parliament! Privileges of Parliament!" and presently another, "God
bless the King." These two continued both at once a good while.
I know not which was loudest. After some knocking for silence
the King commanded one to speak, if they had anything to say.
One said, "It is the vote of this Court that your Majesty hear the
advice of your Parliament;" but presently another answered, "It
is not the vote of this Court; it is your own vote." The King
replied, "Who is it that says I do not take the advice of my
Parliament ? I do take their advice, and will; but I must distinguish between the Parliament and some traitors in it, and these
he would bring to legal trial." Another bold fellow in the lowest
rank stood upon a form, and cried, "The privileges of Parliament!"
Another cried out, "Observe the man; apprehend him!" The King
mildly replied, "I have and will observe all privileges of Parliament,
but no privileges can protect a traitor from a legal trial," and so
departed. In the outer hall were a multitude of the ruder people,
who, as the King went out, set up a great cry, "The privileges of
Parliament!" At the King's coming home there was a mean fellow
came into the Privy Chamber who had a paper sealed up, which he
would needs deliver to the King himself. Owing to his much
importunity it was urged he was mad or drunk, but he denied both.
The Gentleman-Usher took the paper from him, and carried it to
the King, desiring some gentlemen there to keep the man. He was
presently sent for in, and is kept a prisoner, but I know not where.
The House yesterday were very high again, and, I perceive, not
resolved to deliver the men that are impeached. They adjourned
the House till Tuesday next, before which time the King shall have
no answer; but in the meantime a Committee of the whole House
to meet in Guildhall. This day, being in the Privy Chamber, I heard
some Parliament men discoursing of it, who said they would not go
to Guildhall because the men impeached would be there, and since
the rest would not deliver them they might be all accessories. The
House is yet very thin, as I am told, about 200 of them are in the
country who cannot come up according to the Proclamation, by
reason of the great floods, and many in town forbearing to come
there. There is no other discourse but of open arms if these men
be not brought to trial. The ill-affected party, which are those
that follow the Court, do now speak very favourably of the Irish
as those whose grievances were great, their demands moderate, and
may stand the King in much stead. Many libels printed against
the King. Since I came from the Court I hear that some aldermen
and other citizens are come with a petition to the King, but the
contents I know not. Postscript in shorthand. [Dated by mistake
6 Dec. 1641. 4 pp.] |
Jan. 6,
Whitehall. |
30. Sidney Bere to the same. By my last I could only give you
advertisement of the commitment of the 12 Bishops; now you shall
receive herewith the other particulars, and the Protestation they
exhibited. The Diurnal will acquaint you with what other passages
have happened until Monday last, from which time it will be my
task to give you an account. That day the King's Attorney accused
five of the Lower House, and one of the Upper, of high treason, as
you will see by the articles of accusation herewith sent. In consequence of which a sergeant-at-arms was sent to demand them;
but the House taking time to consider of it, and having sent a
message instead of the delivery, his Majesty went the next day
himself in person to the Commons' House to demand them, as you
will see by the inclosed speech, but it seems they had made themselves out of the way, as they still also remain, which some
conceive is but done till the House shall resolve what to do with
them; others think that they are actually fled. What will be of it
time must tell. In the meantime this business filled every one
with fears what might ensue thereon, and the City remained all
that night under arms, and are not yet very well assured, every one
being possessed with strange fears and imaginations. Particulars
of the King's visit to Guildhall next day. But this time he went
not guarded, as he did the day before, to Parliament. That afternoon the Lower House sat, and have adjourned till Tuesday next;
which many conceive to be no good argument, but that as if they
might haply resolve to sit afterward in Guildhall, which argues still
a great distemper of apprehensions amongst them. I pray God
this very business do not render our condition in court the worse;
for things being now brought to a height, they cannot consist so,
but must change to the great prejudice of the one or other side; and
I pray God we find not that we have flattered ourselves with an
imaginary strength and party in the City and elsewhere, which
will fall away if need should be. A report now goes that those
persons accused are in London, and some will have it they are
sitting with the Committee which sits there. By all this you will
see the great distractions that are here, so that you may well say
we have no less storms here than you have at sea; I fear worse and
more full of danger. P.S.—I humbly thank you for your invitation abroad this Christmas, where I would willingly be, but that I
may not well be absent, my business growing still more and more,
yet we have the addition of another fellow secretary, by name
Mr. Oudart, who was secretary to Sir Wm. Boswell, so that our
labour is very easy, but dispenses not with absence. [2½ pp.] |
| Jan. 7. |
31. Petition of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council of
London to the King, concerning Ireland, the strangers at Whitehall,
and the attempted seizure of the five members. [Printed at
London by R. C., for John Bellamie and Ralph Smith, 1642.
Reprinted in Rushworth, iv. p. 480; Nalson Coll., vol. ii.; and
Maitland's Hist. London, p. 225. 1 p.] |
| Jan. 7. |
32. Warrant of the King to the Earl of Newport. In order to
take away all occasions of fright and jealousies from our good
people, you are to cause the ship laden with ordnance and ammunition, at present near the Tower, to fall down the river as far as
Woolwich or Gravesend. [Draft. ½ p.] |
Jan. 7,
Whitehall. |
33. Sec. Nicholas to the Lord Admiral. The King has received
information from Dunkirk that there are at present very many Irish
commanders ready to be shipped thence for Ireland, also a ship
laden with arms to go along with them, and four of the King of
Spain's own great frigates to convoy them with the first fair wind.
They give out that they are bound for the Groyn in Galicia, but it
is suspected that they are for Ireland. I am, by the King's command,
to pray you to give order to his Majesty's ships in the Narrow seas
to have an eye to these ships in Dunkirk and to visit them; and if
they shall find on board any commanders, soldiers, arms, or
ammunition for Ireland, they are to seize the same, and bring them
safely into some harbour of his Majesty's dominions, and to give
information thereof. [Draft. 1 p.] |
Jan. 7/17,
Paris. |
34. Sir Francis Windebank to his son Thomas. Delay of the
posts. According to your desire I send you a letter to Sir Henry
Vane. The business of the East India merchants Mr. Burlamachi
understands best of any, and can best direct you. If my business
in Parliament be proceeded in, I know not whether the paper
I sent you last summer will fit the present occasion. I believe, if
anything be to be done, that paper must be altered. But, howsoever, you must neither make use of that, nor otherwise move in it
than by his Majesty's knowledge. P.S.—I have since considered of
the paper, and do not find it will require alteration. |
|
I thank you for the account you have given me of my domestic
affairs, and for your pains in them. I have not yet heard from
Mr. Aubert concerning a house in Angers, but I continue my
purpose of removing hence at the end of March. [1½ p.] |
Jan. 7/17,
Paris. |
35. The same to the same. This is only to let you know that
you are to receive other letters from me by this ordinary, and that
yours of the 23rd Dec. are come to my hands. [Seal with arms.
1 p.] |
Jan. 7/17,
Paris. |
36. Robert Reade to the same. The business of Ireland makes
a great noise here. I pray God some timely course may be taken
for quenching that fire, otherwise it may chance not only to consume that kingdom but to endanger others. I understand Sir
Thomas Meautys was in very great danger when these letters were
written, so that it is thought here that he is dead ere this. [Seal
with crest. 1 p.] |
Jan. 7,
York House. |
37. Thomas Smith to [Sir John Pennington]. The six delinquents continue in the City, and are there protected against the
King's mind. This breeds displeasure in him, fear in all. Some
have persuaded the King to raise force to fetch them out. This
made the City last night to be all in arms, and the gates and portcullis to be shut, and, for aught I hear, are so yet. The City delivered a petition yesterday, humbly beseeching his Majesty that
those men might be proceeded against in a parliamentary way.
No answer yet. 'Tis believed the City is resolved to protect them.
Some well-affected nobles to both sides labour to pacify the King;
some ill-affected labour as much to bring all to confusion with
false tales. We know both; God help us. [Endorsed by Pennington. 1 p.] |
| Jan 8. |
38. His Majesty's Declaration touching the Order published by
order from the Committee of the House of Commons at Guildhall,
Jan. 6th. |
|
We shall not need make profession how unwillingly, and with
what grief of heart, we are urged to express anything of resentment
or dislike which may reflect upon our House of Commons now
assembled, since the constant tenor of our actions ever since the
beginning of this Parliament sufficiently expresses to all our loyal
subjects that it has been our principal care and endeavour to
entertain and cherish all good correspondence and mutual satisfaction between us. The same affections and desires of union
remain still firm and unalterable with us, wherein we hope there
shall be no breach made by this ensuing declaration, whereunto the
proceedings of the Committee of the House of Commons within the
City do necessitate us, for the preservation, as we apprehend them,
not only for our honour, but even for the safety of our royal person
and Crown. |
|
Be it therefore known to all our loving subjects that we, having
received very undoubted assurances of many traitorous practises
formerly undertaken and still pursued by John Pym, John
Hampden, Denzil Holles, Wm. Strode, and Sir Arthur Hazlerigg,
members of the House of Commons, against not only our royal
person, but even against the very being of Parliaments and fundamental government of this kingdom, we were, notwithstanding, so
careful that no action of ours might carry the least show of violence,
that we forebore to seal up their papers, to seize or demand the
persons of those men, which, in case of treason, we might justifiably
and legally have done, before such time as our Attorney-General
had declared in the House of Peers the several heinous crimes
which we lay to their charge. Whereupon we demanded them, first
by sergeant-at-arms, and afterwards in our own royal person, as
justly we might do, since in case of high treason there is no
privilege of Parliament, as has been manifested by the constant
practise of all Parliaments, and in all the most general impeachments this Parliament, and in the express words of an order
of the House of Commons for the seizing of Sir George Ratcliffe by
a serjeant-at-arms, viz., that no privilege of Parliament extends
to such a case; notwithstanding that the said Sir George Ratcliffe
was not at all impeached at that time, but only some private verbal
information given against him in the House of Commons. Such
having been the wariness and tenderness of our proceedings. So far
have we been, notwithstanding, from receiving that justice and
satisfaction touching the making safe the persons of those men
which we have ever afforded in the case of those who have been
nearest in place to us, that instead thereof we have seen in print,
by direction from the Committee at Guildhall, an order of the
6th January, not only in defence and protection of the persons of
those men, but also declaring those public enemies to the commonwealth that shall execute our lawful and just commands for their
apprehension, and further so scandalous and defamatory to our
actions as no sovereign can or ought to suffer from subjects. |
|
We have therefore thought fit hereby to declare our just resentment and displeasure against those proceedings of the said Committee; and we do further declare that we do expect right and
justice from the House of Commons against them, who, by publishing declarations, and so scandalous, have so far exceeded both
the bounds of a Committee's power, and the limits of their duty and
regard to their Sovereign. We make no doubt of the justice of our
House of Commons unto us against the said Committee, and against
those persons whom we have had good grounds to charge with
crimes of so high a nature. And we do here protest to all our
loving subjects that we intend not the least proceeding against
them other than according to the exact rule of law and justice.
And so far are we from the least imagination of questioning, as is
maliciously sown abroad, any more of the members of either House,
that we desire not the punishment of these, how criminal soever,
further than shall be necessary to the safety of us and our Crown
against their traitorous practices, which we have reason to apprehend will daily increase whilst they are at liberty; for the
prevention whereof we do hereby warn all our loyal and wellaffected subjects to be in the best readiness they lawfully may to
defend us and our Crown from such traitorous attempts as the
desperate condition of those persons may excite; assuring all our
loving subjects that neither our Crown nor our life shall be more
dear to us than the constant preservation of all the just liberties
of our people and Parliament. [Endorsed by Sec. Nicholas: 8 Jan.
1641–2. 4 pp.] |
| [Jan. 8.] |
39. Three propositions considered by the Committee of Parliament sitting at Guildhall:—1. To know by what authority the City
may raise arms for defence of the kingdom and Parliament if there be
occasion. Answer: That according to the votes of the Committees
a strong guard is necessary for the safety of the King, kingdom,
and Parliament, and the Sheriff ought by law to raise the posse
comitatus for that purpose; and that in case they fail in their
duties herein, which they are to answer for to God, the King, and
Parliament; that then we are of opinion that every good subject
may and ought, in their duty to God, the King, and their country,
and by the solemn oath of their late protestation, to maintain and
defend, to the utmost of their power, the person of the King and
of every member of either House of Parliament from all force and
violence whatsoever, being the persons whom they have intrusted
with their lives, liberties, and fortunes. |
|
2. To know by what authority they may go with any such force
out of the limits of their City and liberties. Answer: That it is
the opinion of the aforesaid Committees that the Sheriffs of the
City of London have the power of the whole county of Middlesex,
as well within the City as without. That the commission of the
Lord Mayor being but a commission of lieutenancy and illegal, the
Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council, or the greater number,
ought to make use of the trained bands or any other forces of the
City for the preservation of the peace of the kingdom, and the
person of the King and all the members of the Parliament from
violence or danger, whether within their limits or without. |
|
3. To be satisfied how they may choose their officers for their
trained bands or any other forces of the City. Answer: There
being yet no declarative law for the regulating of the militia, though
in agitation in Parliament, the Committee declares that in this
pressing and extraordinary occasion the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and
Common Council, or the greater number of them, ought to appoint
such officers that the necessary guards and forces aforesaid may be
governed in a due and orderly manner, and that the officers aforesaid may beat up their drums and raise the said forces for the
safety of his Majesty, the kingdom, and Parliament. Resolution
upon it, all these to be so ordered. Resolved: This Committee have
power to treat with the Committee of the Common Council of such
other propositions to be added as they shall think fit.—John Wylde.
[Endorsed by Nicholas: Received 9 Jany. 1641–2. 1½ pp.] |
| Jan. 8. |
40. At the Committee of the Commons sitting at Guildhall.
Resolved upon the question, That this Committee concurs with the
opinion of the Lords and Commons appointed to consider of the
affairs of Ireland; that it is necessary that there should be strong
and sufficient guards from the City of London and the adjacent
parts that both Houses may sit in safety. Resolved: That it is a
legal way to require the Sheriffs of Middlesex and London to attend
for that purpose with the posse comitatus. Resolved: That these
votes shall be likewise communicated to the Common Council of
the City.—John Wylde. |
|
The lieutenants and their deputies through the kingdom, their
authority and power voted by Parliament to be void, and the power
now in the sheriffs of the shires to suppress tumults, riots, &c. |
|
Captain Skippon, his power for directions, and to follow his
order, &c. in repairing to the colours. [2/3 p.] |
Jan. 8,
Guildhall. |
41. At a Common Council of the City of London held this day
before the Lord Mayor, Sir Richd. Gurney, a Committee of gentlemen
of the Commons' House presented several orders from the Committee
of that House being sent by the Grand Committee of Parliament;
which being read, it was agreed that the Committee of the
Common Council lately appointed by this Court for the safety and
preservation of the City, or any three or more aldermen and any
six commoners of the said Committee, shall have power to confer
with the Committee of the House of Commons, nominated in
these orders, for the safety of the King, Parliament, and City of
London, and to meet as often as occasion shall require; their first
meeting to be on Monday next at 8 a.m., and they are to acquaint
this Court of their proceedings therein from time to time. [1 p.] |
| Jan. 8. |
42. Minutes of proceedings at the Common Council of the City
of London held this day before Sir Richd. Gurney, Lord Mayor.
His Majesty's answer to their petition was read, [the incipit of
which only is here given, but the whole is printed in Maitland's
London, pp. 225–6]. After the reading the Court, in all dutiful
manner, acknowledged his Majesty's royal favour and goodness
showed to the City in returning his gracious answer to their
petition, for which petitioners render their most humble thanks
and acknowledgment. Upon the motion of the Committee lately
appointed by this Court for the serious affairs of this City on behalf
of Capt. Philip Skippon, captain of the Artillery Garden, for to be
made a freeman of the City, it was ordered by this Court that he
be made free by redemption of such Company as he shall choose
without any payment. [1 p.] |
Jan. 8,
Whitehall. |
43. The Council to the Lord Mayor of London and the rest.
Whereas his Majesty has taken notice of a great disorder within
the City, where many thousands of men, as well of the trained
bands as others, were in arms last Thursday night, without any
lawful authority, to the great disturbance and affright of the inhabitants, for which neither the King nor this Board know of any
cause given nor danger threatened to the City by any person whatsoever; which being of too dangerous consequence to be connived at,
it is requisite that the authors of the alarm should be enquired
after, examined, and punished according to law. And whereas his
Majesty has been informed that before the alarm divers persons
were earnest with your Lordship to put the trained bands of the
City in arms; which you refusing to do, because, as you said, you
knew no cause of fear, yet the same was afterwards done without
your command and against your will, and without any authority.
His Majesty therefore has thought fit, by advice of this Board, to
pray and require you, with the Aldermen and Recorder of the City,
to meet, and investigate by what means and by whose endeavour
so great a disorder happened, who were the authors of the alarm,
by what and whose order the trained bands were raised, and that
you see that they may be forthcoming when required. You are
further to certify this Board with speed of your proceedings herein,
as also the names of those who at first importuned you to put the
trained bands in arms; to the end some further course may be
directed for settling the peace and quietness of the City, and for
punishment of the offenders. Underwritten, |
|
This day his Majesty was present in Council, and by his
royal command Viscount Falkland was sworn one of
the Principal Secretaries of State. [Draft. 1½ pp.] |
| [Jan. 8.] |
44. Prince William of Nassau and Orange to the King. Sire,
though Ambassador Joachimi promised to give your Majesty again
assurances of my humble service, I cannot but add these lines,
by which I humbly beg your Majesty always to continue to me
the honour of your kindness, and particularly to show it in what
Joachimi has orders to represent to you on the subject of the
transportation of the Princess [Mary], which I desire with such
impatience. I pray God inspire you soon with that good intention,
and me with the power to testify to you how much I am your
humble and obedient servant. Addressed: "Au Roy." And
endorsed: "Received 8th Jany. 1641–2." [Seal with crown and
monogram. French. 1 p.] |
| Jan. 10. |
45. The Vice-Chancellor and Senate of Cambridge to Sir Edward
Nicholas. The bright sparks of your virtues cannot be unknown;
they are in the mouths of all, and flash forth before the eyes of all.
But a man of intellect, of culture, and confirmed in the daily
direction of affairs, should not pass his life in retirement, when by
his lofty station and aptitude for public affairs he can be of
conspicuous use and ornament to his country. If you admit this,
we shall be relieved from the fear of boldness in addressing in an
unexpected manner a man who has deserved excellently well. If
you do not admit it, that is due to your modesty. We would
rather by this hasty intimation incur the imputation of boldness,
than by an awkward and ineffective silence resign the hopes we
have placed in you; which both your refined rectitude and our
constant service to you will make to be not in vain. [Seal with
arms. Latin. 2/3 p.] |
Jan. 10/20,
The Hague. |
46. Henry of Nassau, Prince of Orange, to the King. I am
delighted to hear that you have given your consent to the Princess
[Mary's] crossing over into this country next spring. I cannot
give your Majesty too great thanks for this honour. I beg you
to believe that you could not have obliged any one who would
be so grateful as I, who will testify to your Majesty that there is
no one in the world over whom you have a more absolute power.
You may be assured also that the Princess will be received and
entertained in this country with all the honour and respect which
belongs to a Princess of such high and eminent birth. Your
Majesty will believe then that I desire nothing in the world so
passionately as to be able to testify by my obedience that I am
yours. [Endorsed: "Received 4th Feb. 1641–2." French. 2 pp.] |
Jan. 10,
Whitehall. |
47. Warrant to pay to the bearer, Mr. Robert Addemson, agent
of Sir Thos. Roe, the sum of 105l. for the charge of sending two
couriers, Dunkin and Sadeler, from Ratisbone, upon his Majesty's
express service. [Endorsed: "Secr. Nicholas' warrants to Witherings for payment of expresses disbursed by Sir Thos. Roe." [Draft.
½ p.] |
Jan. 10,
Whitehall. |
48. The like to pay to Thos. Dunkin, employed this last summer
to carry his Majesty's packets to Sir Thos. Roe, Extraordinary
Ambassador at Ratisbone, the remainder of the 50l. certified and
allowed by Sir Thos. Roe as the expense of the journey thither
in these difficult times, Dunkin having received but 30l. for the
voyage. [Draft. ½ p.] |
| [Jan. 11.] |
49. Answer of the King to the Parliament's petition for a guard.
We having considered the petition of both Houses of Parliament
concerning a guard, do give this answer: that we will, to secure
their fears, command the Lord Mayor of London to appoint 200 men
out of the trained bands of the City, such as he will be answerable
for to us, to wait on the Houses of Parliament, that is to say, a
hundred on each House, and to be commanded by [Robert] Earl
of Lindsey; it being most proper to him as being Lord Great
Chamberlain, [inserted by Sec. Nicholas, "who by his place hath
a particular charge of the House of Parliament,"] and of whose
integrity, courage, and sufficiency none can doubt. [Printed in
Lords' Journals, iv. 504. Draft in the King's hand. ½ p.] |
Jan. 11,
Hampton Court. |
50. The King's warrant to Sec. Nicholas not to have entered at
the Signet Office our letters of the 11th to the Earl of Newcastle,
nor our warrant of that date to Capt. Wm. Legge. [Signed, but not
sealed. ½ p.] |
Jan. 11,
H.M.S. The Lion, in the Downs. |
51. Sir John Pennington to the King. Your several commands
of the 9th are this instant brought me by Mr. Killigrew, which I
shall punctually and diligently observe and execute with all possible
speed, as well for the sending one of your Majesty's vessels to
Portsmouth, there to attend your further royal pleasure, as soon as
any of them come to me, I being at present here all alone, and
ready to have set sail for the coast of Flanders to have attended the
coming out of those vessels from Dunkirk which they report are to
transport from thence Irish officers and arms for that kingdom;
which now I shall forbear to do, till I shall receive your Majesty's
further pleasure therein, and only attend such commands as I shall
from time to time receive from you, which I shall, according to
your special directions only, obey and execute, and no others, whatsoever becomes of me. I have under my command for the winter
guard only four of your vessels besides the ship I am in myself;
vizt., the Mary Rose, which has been at Chatham this long time for
repairing some defects, and not yet come back to me; the Greyhound, which has attended the Earl of Traquair this six months,
and not yet returned to me; the Expedition, that is at Helvoetsluice,
in Holland, for bringing over Prince Robert [Rupert] to you; and
the [Lion's] Whelp, that is at Dunkirk to observe the motions of
those vessels that are supposed to transport men and arms for
Ireland, which I expect back with the first slack of wind, and will
instantly send it away for Portsmouth, wherein I hope there will
be no time lost. Thus having given you a true accompt where
your vessels are, and the present case I am in, I shall, with all
obedience, attend your further commands. [Seal with arms.
1¼ pp.] |
| [Jan. 12.] |
52. Mr. Glynn's report to the House of Commons this day, on the
proceedings of the Committee at Guildhall, 6 Jan. 1641–2, entitled,
"The Declaration agreed upon by the Committee of the House of
Commons appointed to sit in the Guildhall, London," Sergeant Wilde
in the chair, to consider of the safety of the Kingdom and City,
and of preserving the Privileges of Parliament, threatened by the
seizing of the Members' papers, and the King's demand for Arrest
of the Five Members." [Printed in Commons' Journals, ii. p. 373;
and Rushworth, iv. p. 484. Broadside, printed at London for
Joseph Hunscott, 1642.] |
Jan. 13,
at 4 p.m., Windsor. |
53. Sec. Nicholas to Sir John Pennington. Yours of the
11th instant I received yesterday, and presented it to his Majesty,
who takes very well your affectionate care of his commands. His
Majesty has commanded me to advertise you that, notwithstanding
his command sent by Mr. Killegrew, he would have you not to
neglect to look after the ships of Dunkirk, bound from thence with
soldiers and ammunition for Ireland, which you may so do, as you
may still once in two or three days come into the Downs or Dover
Road to hear what letters come thither, or what are his Majesty's
commands; and by this means you may also the better conceal
what his Majesty commanded you by Mr. Killegrew. If you shall
receive any commands for any other employment than that you
have already concerning those ships of Dunkirk, you are to hear
his Majesty's pleasure before you put anything in execution. However he would have you to carry it so as not to refuse to obey, but
to defer it till you may receive his pleasure. I took opportunity
[to mention your business] when I presented your letter. [Draft
in Nicholas's shorthand. ½ p.] |
Jan. 13,
Whitehall. |
54. Sidney Bere to the same. The last week I told you but the
beginning of those bad ensuing news we must now daily expect,
unless it please God to give a strange if not miraculous change
whereby to settle the distraction of affairs. The Committees sitting
all last week in the City returned again to Parliament on Tuesday,
and the persons accused with them, for whom both City and
country have shown so much affection that they came accompanied
with such multitudes as had as much [the appearance] of a triumph
as [for] guard, and by water the seamen made a kind of fleet of
boats, all armed with muskets and murdering pieces, which gave
volleys all the way they went. The King and Queen took the day
before a resolution to leave this town, which was also so sudden
that they could not have that accommodation as befitted their
Majesties. They went to Hampton Court that night, next day to
Windsor, whence it is conceived they will also depart this day,
but whither is uncertain. Prince [Charles] and the Prince Elector
are with them, but few Lords, Essex and Holland being here, who
offered up their places before his Majesty's going, but he would
not accept the surrender. Secretary Nicholas has likewise gone,
and has left me here to attend such services as shall occur, which,
if the King shall persist in his resolution to retire, will not be
much. Howsoever, I will expect the issue, and if I be not sent
for, think myself not unhappy in my stay to be freed from an
expensive and troublesome journey. My Lady Nicholas is much
afflicted, and, I believe, as well as he, would for a good round sum
he had never had the seals. The Lord Keeper, refusing to put the
Great Seal to the King's proclamation against the persons accused
did also make tender of his charge, but howsoever remains still
with it; and thus you see to what height of distemper things are
come. The public voice runs much against [the Earl of] Bristol
and his son [Lord Danby] as great instruments of these misunderstandings. In the meantime they are united in the Houses, and
the accord between the Upper House and the Commons grows daily
more easy, so that it is hoped some good and moderate resolutions
will be taken for procuring his Majesty's return with his contentment, which I pray God may be, for otherwise there can be
expected nothing but confusion. I send you herewith divers
printed books of several styles, all which I leave for your entertainment at spare hours. Sir John Byron, Lieutenant of the Tower,
it is thought, will yet be displaced, the Parliament not being
satisfied with his carriage, and having, as I am told, voted him a
delinquent. By yours of this week I perceive you are ready to set
sail upon some service, wherein I pray God to bless you with good
success. The Parliament, it seems, have taken into consideration
the small guard that is at present at sea, and so have voted 30 sail
to be set out forthwith. This is all I shall trouble you with at
present, in a time so distracted, and wherein is so little assurance
into what hands letters may fall. P.S.—I understand even now
that the King has remained this day at Windsor, and it is hoped
will not go further; the French Ambassador having been there, and
offering to interpose for an accommodation between the King and
Parliament in the King [of France], his master's, name, whence it
is hoped may ensue some good effect. This day divers Lords are
gone to Court with a message from the Houses. I had almost
forgot to tell you of a new Secretary of State made last Saturday
[Jan. 8], to wit, Lord Falkland, and he has the [Secretary's] diet
[assigned to him]. [2½ pp.] |
Jan. 14,
Hull. |
55. Captain William Legge to [Sec. Nicholas]. My first address
in these parts was to Sir Thomas Metham with the King's directions; but I found him altogether incapable of any power to secure
the magazine or town of Hull, as being neither deputy-lieutenant
nor colonel of the train bands. When that hope was taken from
me, I conceived the best means I had was to prevail with the
burgesses of this town by themselves to secure the place for his
Majesty's service, and that work is very well brought to pass; for
last night here arrived an express from Sir John Hotham with an
order from the Parliament for him to be governor, and a power to
draw in such forces as he thought fit; likewise a letter from him to
the magistrates for preparing lodging and billet for his regiment.
His admission was quite denied, and a letter to the Parliament
dispatched under the hands of the chief burgesses to excuse themselves from receiving any garrison, they on the town being able to
secure the place for his Majesty's service. |
|
This afternoon arrived here the Earl of Newcastle with the
King's commission for the government,—to which I shall, for my
own part, be ever obedient; but I perceive not the townsmen so
willing to receive him unto their command, but insist upon their
own affections and readiness to serve his Majesty with all faithfulness. Now the means of a present strength from Sir Thomas
Metham, or any near hand, being taken away, there is no means for
us but to assure the people of this town to his Majesty by holding
off any other from the power of the place; and if ever his Majesty
appear in person all will absolutely be at his disposing. When I
received his Majesty's command, he told me his directions should
be derived by you, and therefore I humbly beseech you to give him
this account of me, and I shall to my uttermost power labour
nothing but for the King's service. [Endorsed: Received 18th
Jan. 2 p.] |
Jan. 14,
London. |
56. Captain Robert Slyngesbie to Sir John Pennington. Since I
wrote my last the King's manner of going to the House of Commons has been so fully scanned, that it is declared a high breach of
their privileges,—all those that went with him esteemed criminals,—
the gentlemen that were accused of treason so vindicated in print,
that, with greater honour and applause than ever, they now sit in
the House again, the City and seamen magnificently guarding them
by land and water to the Parliament House at Westminster. The
King, the day before, with the Queen and all their children, went
away discontentedly, attended not with many Lords or old courtiers, but with the officers of the late army in good numbers. He
went first to Hampton Court, then to Windsor, and this day
removed thence whither I know not; but some say to Portsmouth,
others to Woodstock, and from thence to York. Two days since
about 1,000 horse came to town out of Buckinghamshire to offer
their service to the Parliament. There was yesterday a great fear
in the City, by reason it was reported that Colonel Lunsford had
made proclamation in Kingston for all of the King's party to come
to him. If any such thing were, I believe it was but some drunken
flourish of those soldiers that followed the King; yet the House
has sent order to the sheriffs to suppress them, and have, as I hear,
sent likewise to Portsmouth to forbid the admittance of any such
into the town as may breed any tumult there. All things go now
currently on in the Parliament without any apparent opposition,
the malignant party having all left the town, only the Tower yet
breeds some jealousies. The Lieutenant refusing to come to the
House being sent for, and, refusing to take the protestation which
was sent to him, some victuals going to the Tower were stopped,
and this day I hear it is absolutely blocked up. The seamen have
offered their service to batter it. A day or two since it was so
dangerous saying anything, that a man could not be assured of his
life in speaking anything,—factions were so hot,—but now the
language of the Parliament is only current. I pray God send us
better unity; but I can hardly expect it, though I think there are
twice as many plots discovered and printed as there are really
contrived. [Seal broken. 1 p.] |
Jan. 14,
London. |
57. Thomas Wiseman to Sir John Pennington. I shall not dare
to advise you what misery the end of these distractions will expose
us to if not timely prevented by a happy agreement of the King
with the Parliament, which as yet is far from us, for no longer than
yesterday they voted Sir John Byron no lieutenant of the Tower,
but desire to place Sir John Conyers there. The King is gone to
Windsor with the Queen and Princes. By the next post you may
expect to hear of great changes, either for the better or worse. The
times are dangerous to discourse what I might; only, if God do not
speedily look upon us, we are like to perish. The liberty of the
press, the liberty of factious preaching of ill-affected ministers to
the present Government of the Church and State, and the liberty
that tumultuous persons have taken to themselves by their unlawful
meetings in the City, has poisoned the obedience of too many of
his Majesty's subjects. I suppose the ships from Dunkirk, freighted
with arms for Ireland, if there be any such, you may meet with,
and I hope you may. [Seal with arms and crest. 2 pp.] |
Jan. 14/24,
Paris. |
58. Robert Reade to Thomas Windebank. Miscarriage of letters.
Personal concerns. P.S.—I shall be glad to salute Monsieur Pym
here, though I had rather he would stay amongst you, for then I
hope he would have his desert, and I am persuaded he cannot well
escape. [Seal with crest. 1½ pp.] |
| [Jan. 14.] |
59. The petition and declaration of the case of Robert Long, Esq.,
as it has relation to the estate of Sir Abraham Dawes, deceased, and
Sir Thomas Dawes. That in the year 1636 the petitioner, Robert
Long, being to join in a purchase with Sir Abraham Dawes, in
equal moieties, of certain of the late disafforested lands of Galtres,
co. York they did, to supply that occasion, take up at interest of
Stephen Alcock 3,200l., payable at six months, which was also
their equal debt. For the security thereof there was a lease made
for 15 years of the said whole lands before any assurance of the
inheritance made to the petitioner Robert Long and Sir Abraham
Dawes, and then was the inheritance purchased by them charged
with the said lease. The petitioner has since paid his whole moiety
of the debt to Mr. Alcock, and in justice ought, as against Sir
Abraham and Sir Thomas Dawes, or any claiming under them, to
have his moiety of the said lands freed, albeit the same be still, as
to Alcock, subject to that incumbrance. Prays, therefore, that in
any Bill that may be thought fit to pass against Sir Thomas Dawes,
the estate of petitioner, Robert Long's moiety, which is in equity
disengaged as aforesaid, and the estate of Stephen Alcock, which
was his real security, and really conveyed to him before Sir Abraham
Dawes became owner of the moiety of the said lands wherein your
petitioner's moiety is involved as aforesaid, may not be prejudiced
but saved by the said Act. [1 p.] |
Jan. 14,
York. |
60. William Couse to Robert Long. I have, according to your
desire, perfected the work with as much care and judgment as I can.
Particulars concerning some plans and calculations with regard
to the lands [in Galtres] mentioned in the case above stated.
[Seal broken. 1 p.] |
Jan. 14,
Windsor. |
61. Endymion Porter to his wife Olive. As for monies, I wonder
you can imagine that I should help you; but you always look for
impossibilities from me, and I wish it were a time of miracles,
for then we might hope for a good success in everything. Whither
we go, and what we are to do, I know not, for I am none of the
Council. My duty and loyalty have taught me to follow my King
and master, and by the grace of God nothing shall divert me from
it. I could wish you and your children in a safe place: but why
Woodhall should not be so, I cannot yet tell. I could likewise wish
my cabinets and all my other things were at Mr. Courteen's; but
if a very discreet man be not there, and take the advice of the
joiner to convey them thither, they will be as much spoiled in the
carriage as by the rabble. Dearest love, to serve God well is the
way in everything that will lead us to a happy end, for then He
will bless us and deliver us out of all troubles. I pray you, have
a care of yourself, and make much of your children, and I presume
we shall be merry and enjoy one another long. I wrote to you,
and sent the letters by Nick on Tuesday, but that rogue is drunk,
and I hear not of him. Remember my service to Mrs. Eure. I
will give you leave to kiss Mrs. Marie for me. I wish sweet Tom
with me, for the King and Queen are forced to lie with their
children now, and I envy their happiness. I pray you let this
bearer come to me again when you hear where we rest. And so
good night, sweet Noll. [Seal with arms and crest. 1½ pp.] |
Jan. 15,
Hull. |
62. William Earl of Newcastle to the King. I am here at Hull
according to your commands, but the town will by no means admit
me, so I am very flat and out of countenance here, but will stay
until I know your further pleasure. [1 p.] |
Jan. 15,
Windsor. |
63. The King to Sec. Nicholas. Our command is that you
forbear to cause to be entered in our Signet Office our letter of the
15th of this month to the Earl of Newcastle. [Signed. ½ p.] |
| Jan. 15. |
64. Order of the House of Commons. For payment to Sir John
Nulls of 1,000l. by the treasurers of the poll-money, London, in
full of the 7,000l. advanced by him for the service of the Queen
Mother. [Printed in the Commons' Journals, ii. 381. ½ p.]
Underwritten, |
|
64. i. Receipt by Sir John Nulls for 1,000l. received from the
Commissioners for the receipt of poll-money in London,
March 9, 1641 [–2]. [6 lines.] |
Jan. 17/27,
The Hague. |
65. Elizabeth Queen of Bohemia to Sir Thomas Rowe. Though
I can write you but little news, yet I believe that you will not be
sorry to know that after I had had as ill news as could be by the
last ordinary out of England, as I am confident you have the same,
of the King's being in the Lower House, and accusing six of the
Parliament of treason, with all the other disorders; but yesternight
came hither one from Rotterdam, who spoke with a man that came
only on Saturday from London, who said, "My brother, the King
was on Wednesday all the day in both the Houses, and that all is
very well accommodated, and there is great joy in London." I
cannot think he lies, because all that came in the ship say the same.
I am sure you will not be sorry to hear it. I have answer from the
Prince Elector Palatine of that I wrote to him concerning you. He
knows not whether he shall or not obtain my desire concerning
[your wish] of being Treasurer, but at least he hopes to get the
Secretary's place [for you]. I long to hear how you proceed in
your treaty. I fear that the troubles in England and Ireland will
make it have but an ill proceeding, though Lamboys' utter defeat
by the Weimar and Hessen army may put some water in their
wine; but I am so confident of your proceedings that I fear not
that they will gain any advantage of you. I see by my son's
letters that he is desirous you should precipitate nothing, neither in
giving way nor in breaking off the treaty; but I need say nothing
of it to you, because I know you will not fail in it. Rupert stays
but for the wind to go for England. The Spanish horse are on
foot to aid Hatzfeldt, which makes the States to have theirs in
readiness to do the same to the Weimars if the others do come
with them. My poor cousin of Nassau died last week at Arnhem.
You know how well we loved, and may by that guess at my
affliction. [Two seals with arms and crown. 12/3 pp.] |
| Jan. 17. |
66. Declaration of the House of Commons touching a late breach
of their privileges, and for the vindication thereof, and of divers
members of their House. This declaration was agreed upon at
Grocers' Hall, but passed not the House till this day, when it was
ordered to be published in print. [Reprinted in Rushworth, iv.
p. 484. Broadside; printed at London for Joseph Hunscott,
1642.] |
Jan. 17,
York House. |
67. Thomas Smith to [Sir John Pennington]. I am sorry I
cannot give you such a relation of our affairs here as might comfort
your languishing spirits, turmoiled and almost tired, as you say,
in those tumultuous seas; for what you suffer on the waters we fear
on the land,—his Majesty's absence, and the evil counsellors about
him, causing much discontent and doubts in all men touching the
issue. And the desires and endeavours of men, especially of such as
rule, are so divers that we seem to be now in this kingdom like to
the pregnant womb of Rebecca, whence twins of discourses and
affections,—some labouring to bring forth the honest Jacobs of order,
tranquillity, and peace, others the rough Esaus of discord and ruin.
The papers enclosed will give you some light how things stand
here, whereby you may see signs of distempers. I would you could
as well order a happy conclusion; yet we are not altogether out of
hope of a good period in regard those that rule in Parliament are
both honest and able men. If distractions and confusions come, it
will be from some factious firebrands that trouble the Court, abuse
his Majesty, and seek to fish in troubled waters; and, through fear
of being rewarded according to their merit, do labour to bring all
things to ruin with themselves. But our good God will not suffer
them long thus to divide betwixt our good King and his people,
whom they traduce with false reports of rebellion; whereas, indeed,
they are the greatest and only rebels I know in England, and go
about the kingdom raising tumults and false reports, to put the
land into an uproar if they can, and scandalize the honourable and
just proceedings of the Parliament with lying and unjust imputations. I had thought to have enlarged myself to you, but this
pacquet is sent away in great haste. [2 pp.] |
Jan. 17,
Oxford. |
68. Bishop Prideaux, of Worcester, Vice-Chancellor of Oxford, to
Sec. Nicholas. According to his Majesty's command I convented
this day all the Heads of Colleges and Halls, and acquainted them
with his royal intentions concerning maintaining the liberties of
Parliament as the preservation of his own just prerogative, together
with the proceeding against some Parliament men in an unquestionable way. I found a most ready and hearty concurrence in all for
the King's service, and everyone resolved forthwith to acquaint
their several companies with the King's resolutions, that nothing
might be misconstrued by sinister suggestions otherwise than it is
intended. We account it our special duty to be exemplary unto
others in all religious loyalty and faithful observance to our
Sovereign, as we have constantly taught, and resolve ever to practise.
Here has been a rumour concerning a design of Papists upon us.
Some old armour, with 24 barrels of powder, have been found at
the sign of the Star in the City, which is in the safe custody of the
Mayor. Upon examination the armour was found to be pawned
long since by Sir Wm. Spencer to Mr. Williams, the party with
whom it was found; and the powder belonged to the county, for
whose use it was long since there laid up, which I thought fit to
give [you] a hint of, that jealousies might not grow where there is
no cause, which I desire you to acquaint his Majesty with, as you
think fit, with tender of my most humble service. [Endorsed:
"Received 18 Jan. 1641–2." 1 p.] |
Jan. 17,
Cornbury. |
69. Henry Earl of Danby to the same. Although I well know
that the directions sent to me from the Council table concerning
the prevention of any supply to Ireland with arms and munition
were important, yet, for want of health to pass the seas in this
winter season, I was fain to direct Sir Peter Osborne, now there at
Guernsey, to observe that command, which cannot possibly be well
done without some small ship of the King's to lie thereabouts
But greater matters are now in consideration; and my best abilities
being so much decayed, I dare tender nothing more than my wishes
and prayers for his Majesty's prosperity, unless the Earl of Roxburgh
and your Honour, as friends of trust, may think fit to invite me
further. [Seal with arms, coronet, and motto. ½ p.] |
Jan. 18,
York House. |
70. Algernon Earl of Northumberland to [Sir John Pennington.]
By the enclosed copy of an order from the Lords Committees for
Irish affairs you will see the cause of their sending for you hither
in observance whereof you are to make your speedy repair to this
place to give their Lordships satisfaction; and I doubt not but in
two or three days you shall have liberty to return back again to
your present charge. [½ p.] Enclosed, |
|
70. i. Order from the Lords Committees for Irish affairs to the
Lord High Admiral. You are to send for Sir John
Pennington forthwith to come and attend the Committees
to be examined concerning Lord Digby. 18 Jan. 1641–2.
[½ p.] |
Jan. 18,
Windsor. |
71. Sec. Nicholas to Mr. Brown, the King's agent in France.
During the time of the Earl of Leicester's being extraordinary
ambassador in France there was a business in agitation in that
Court concerning an English ship called the Pearl, surprised by
three of the French King's upon the coast of Barbary, which cause
his Lordship brought to a composition; that the ship, with the
merchandises and all her furniture and tackling according to an
inventory made by that King's officers at Brest, remaining, as I am
informed, in your hands, should be restored to the proprietors. But
this agreement was so far from being observed, that, contrary to the
same, divers particulars of the merchandises and munition, besides
the body of the ship, were taken away, and applied to the use and
service of that King; whereof the proprietors, having made their
complaint to his Majesty, I am now commanded to recommend to
your care the further pursuit of this business, requiring you, in his
name, to use all necessary instances and endeavours with the King
and State of France, for their just and full satisfaction according to
the said agreement; the which having been punctually observed
on behalf of his Majesty's subjects by his ambassador then present,
his Majesty expects the like observance on their part, which you
now are to urge and press for. The particulars I shall not need to
insist upon, the several papers and instruments remaining, as I
understand, with you. [Draft. 1 p.] |
Jan. 18,
Beaconsfield. |
72. Nathaniel Tomkyns, Prebendary of Worcester, to [Sir John
Lamb]. We expected you here, thinking the Visitation would have
held this day, not knowing till this morning that it was diswarned.
If any business concerning the Queen requires my attendance I
will wait upon you immediately upon notice thereof. Here is
to-morrow a meeting in this town of the justices and of the trained
bands, with their supplies, from several hundreds in these Chiltern
parts, by order from the two Houses of Parliament, which is not
only readily obeyed, but officiously, though it be the first, I think,
that has so come in many ages not issuing from his Majesty nor
his Privy Council. That both Houses should thus agree in these
new ways I cannot but marvel, and do conceive one reason thereof
to be the late preferring of one member of the Lords' House, which
might alienate 20, and two members of the Commons' House, which
might alienate 40, that hold their merits nothing inferior to theirs,
but found their hopes cut off when the places were filled; the
plotters and negotiators as much valuing their deserts as the
speaking men. My brother often advised, upon that and other
grounds, that they would not confer any office [during the] sitting
of Parliament, save what should be extremely necessary, which is
now remembered in vain. Of the authors of that and some other
unsuccessful counsel, and their wrong grounds, I have heard something which I shall acquaint you with when I wait on you. We
hear that the House of Commons has lately voted that they intend
nothing but the honour and safety of both their Majesties, and yet
that in their ensuing votes they declare that the access and interest
which some of the Popish party have in the Queen, and her
Majesty's interest in the King, has been a great occasion of the
present evils, which, being a general, in quo versetur dolus, they
give no particular instance, and yet they demand of his Majesty
that the particulars of the charge against the five gentlemen shall
be brought in by Thursday next, or else to be concluded that they
are innocent. They have likewise much busied themselves, and
are like to be more busied, about the militia of the kingdom, to
bring it within the jurisdiction of the Houses of Parliament, and
yet they pretend no lessening or dishonour to the King. Out of
these and such like materials they are preparing another Declaration
or Remonstrance ad faciendum populum. Mr. Attorney-General
is said to be much in their disfavour, and likely to suffer confinement if not deprivation of his place. Every countryman's mouth
almost is full of the breach of the privilege of Parliament; and if
those passages had been done in a legal manner and form, which
might in probability have better sorted to his Majesty's end, yet
might another staff have been found; but 'tis pity such ansa should
be given as might in appearance give just cause of raging to the
sea, and madness to the people. [2 pp.] |
| Jan. 18. |
Henry Earl of Holland, Chief Justice and Justice-in-Eyre of the
forests on this side Trent, to the officers and ministers of the said
forests. You are to take notice that I have licensed the Baron de
Vieville [Vienville], second son of the Marquis Vie[n]ville, a French
nobleman, to hunt and kill with his hounds or beagles the game of
hares within any of the said forests, &c., and you are to suffer him
so to do at seasonable times, and in convenient places where herds
of deer do not lie. [Copy. 1 p. See Vol. ccclxxxiv. p. 115.] |
| Jan. 19. |
Lease, dated 20 Dec. 1641, to Ferdinando Lord Fairfax of liberty,
license, and authority to search for copper and other minerals
within the Forest of Knaresborough, co. York, and of all such
mines and quarries there found, and profits thereof, for 21 years, to
commence after the expiration of six years lease in being, rendering
the fifth part of all profits of the same; and is done by virtue of
her Majesty's pleasure, signified by her Secretary Sir John Wintour,
to her Attorney Peter Ball, 21 Dec. 1641, but not sealed till 19 Jan.
1641–2, and is for the fine of 20l. Docquet. |
| Jan. 19. |
The like of all profits happening of the goods, &c. of felons,
felons-de-se, fugitives, clerks convicted, outlaws, deodans, waifs,
strays, and wrecks of sea, within the honor of Knaresborough, for
21 years after the expiration of the lease of six years in being,
reserving the ancient yearly rent of 5l. 13s. 4d. Authorised ut in
precedente, and is for the fine of 10l. Docquet. |
| Jan. 19. |
The like, dated 16 Dec. 1641, to Richard Wheatly, of three acres
of land and houses thereon lying in Chertsey, parcel of the manor
of Chertsey, co. Surrey, for 60 years, if the said Richard, his wife
Sarah, or his son John, so long live; reserving the ancient yearly
rent of 3s. 4d., and is for the fine of 20l. Authorised as above,
8 Dec. 1641, and sealed 19 Jan. 1641–2. Docquet. |
| Jan. 19. |
The like, dated 17 Dec. 1641, to Sir Gregory Fenner, her
Majesty's servant, of a messuage called the Close of Itonfield, within
the forest of Inglewood and honor of Penrith, co. Cumberland, for
19 years, to commence after the expiration of 11 years' lease in
being; reserving the ancient yearly rent of 5l., and is for the fine
of 140l. Authorised as above, 7 Aug. 1641, and sealed 19 Jan.
1641–2. Docquet. |
| Jan. 19. |
The like, dated 20 Dec. 1641, to John Earl of Clare, of the office
of the bailiwick of Barsetlow, with all rents, farms, perquisites of
courts, &c., parcel of the honor of Tickhill, cos. Notts, Derby, and
York, for 60 years, if the Earl or his son Gilbert Lord Houghton
so long live; reserving the ancient yearly rent of 27l. 12s., and is
of Her Majesty's grace without any fine. Authorised as above,
10 Dec. 1641, and sealed 19 Jan. 1641–2. Docquet. |
| Jan. 19. |
The like to John Earl of Clare, of liberty to fish and hunt in all
the rivers, waters, and commons within the honor of Tickhill, cos.
York and Notts, for 60 years, if the Earl or his son Gilbert so long
live; reserving the ancient rent of 6s. 8d., and is of her Majesty's
grace without any fine. Authorised as in the preceding. Docquet. |
Jan. 20,
Windsor. |
73. Warrant of the King to the Commissioners of the Treasury
and others. Whereas it was ordered by the Council of War that
in the list of entertainments for the garrison of Berwick it should
be directed that the pay of horse and foot should begin the 1st of
July 1640, but for the time they were in our service previous to
that date the horse should be paid according to the rates expressed
in the list by special warrant to be procured from us. And whereas
George Payler, our paymaster of that garrison, has made payment
to the four troops of horse, viz., Sir John Conyer's, Lord Thos.
Wentworth's, Sir Wm. Brouncker's, and Sir John Byron's, for all
the time they were in our service up to the 1st July. Our will is
that Payler be allowed upon his accompts to be rendered to us
all payments made to the four troops of horse up to that date.
[Copy. 1 p.] |
| Jan. 20. |
74. His Majesty's message sent to both Houses of Parliament.
In order that no time should be lost for preventing those threatening
evils which cannot admit the delays of the ordinary proceedings in
Parliament, his Majesty thinks fit to make this ensuing proposition to both Houses: that they should with all speed fall into
a serious consideration of all those particulars which they shall
hold necessary, as well for upholding and maintaining of his just
and regal authority, and for the settling of his revenue, as for the
present and future establishment of their privileges, the free and
quiet enjoying of their estates and fortunes, the liberties of their
persons, the security of the true religion now professed in the
Church of England, and the settling of ceremonies in such a
manner as may take away all just offence; which when they shall
have digested and composed into one body that so his Majesty and
themselves may be able to form a clearer judgment of them, it
shall then appear, by what he will do, how far he has been from
intending or designing any of those things which the too great
fears and jealousies of some persons seemed to apprehend, and how
ready he will be to equal and exceed the greatest examples of the
most indulgent princes in their acts of grace and favour to their
people. [Broadside. Printed at London by Robt. Barker and the
assigns of John Bill, 1641–2. Reprinted in Rushworth, iv.
p. 516.] |
Jan. 20,
London. |
75. Thomas Wiseman to [Sir John Pennington]. I see small
hope of amendment for these distracted times, unless the King
and Parliament would run one way, and that speedily, or else
we are all undone. What differences there are between them you
will partly perceive by the printed papers herewith sent. Some
other passages there are, which I hold not safe to be committed
to writing, for fear of being intercepted, as I hear divers letters
of late have been. The Parliament have resolved to take upon
them the maintenance of the Irish wars, which, since the arrival
of Sir Simon Harcourt there, have been somewhat prosperous, divers
of the rebels being slain, and 10,000 routed, with the loss of only
three of the King's party, whereof Lorenzo Carey, Lord Falkland's
brother, was one. I pray God send the poor Protestants more
speedy succours from hence; for if those arms come to the rebels
from Dunkirk, it will cost more blood in suppressing them. What
have been the proceedings in Parliament the last week, until the
17th present, you will see from the papers bound up, which though
they may differ in some circumstances, yet in the truth they do not.
The King has been pleased to write this day to the House of Lords
from Windsor, to put himself in all things upon the Parliament,
which I beseech God may not prove too good news to be true.
[1¼ pp.] |
Jan. 20/30,
The Hague. |
76. Sir William Boswell to [Sir Thomas Rowe]. Upon Monday
last I sent you a piece of good news, too good to be true, though
told and vouched here by a merchant of our Company in Rotterdam,
Mr. Rylvart, at court, and to myself. For by letters and a barge
express from the States' Ambassador, come yesterday was sevennight,
from Gravesend, it is advised, that upon Monday before the King
went from Whitehall to Hampton Court, and the day following
with the Queen, the two eldest Princes, and the Princess Maria,
towards Portsmouth, which has much troubled both Parliament
and people, though I presume it was only to conduct [them] to
some place of privacy and better safety, with purpose to return
himself forthwith. The same letters also relate how the parties
accused by the King came guarded to the Parliament,—the Lord
Kimbolton by three companies of the City bands and many others;
the Commons by water with boats armed; that all men's shops,
of any worth, were shut up, and double guards at the gates and
principal passages in, to, and from the City,—with many other such
things, arguments of distraction and trouble; for remedy whereof
only this comes with other news, which the Ambassador writes for
certain, that the King has left full commission with the Lords
Keeper, Hertford, Pembroke, Essex, Holland, and Saye, to dispose
of all on his part: whereby, with God's good blessing, an accommodation of all may follow, things being risen so high as they cannot
be worse, except the worst of all should befall in the superlative
degree. [2 pp.] |
Jan. 20,
Brussels. |
77. George Shawe to Richard Harvey, at Endymion Porter's
house in the Strand. Concerning his commercial speculation with
[John] Lanyon. As yet the merchandise remained unsold. Question
as to the division of profits. [1 p.] |
Jan. 21,
[Westminster.] |
78. Special Commission to inquire concerning the Royal revenues
and expenses. The Commissioners named by the King are, the
Lord Keeper Littleton, the Earl of Manchester, Keeper of the Privy
Seal, Duke of Richmond and Lennox, Steward of the Household,
Marquises of Hertford and Hamilton, Earls of Essex, Dorset,
Denbigh, and Bristol, Viscounts Saye and Sele, and Savile, and
Lords Goring and Newburgh, with Sir Peter Wych, Comptroller
of the Household, Secretary Nicholas, Sir John Culpepper, Under
Treasurer and Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Lord Chief Justice
Bankes. You are hereby commanded and authorised to take into
consideration the present state and condition of all our revenues,
except that part usually granted by Bill of tonnage and poundage;
also all our expenses, both ordinary and extraordinary, for ourself,
the Queen, the Prince, and the rest of the Royal children. We give
you full authority to call before you such of our officers, ministers,
servants, and others, as you shall think fitting for your better
information and performance of this service, and thereupon to frame
and prepare a balance of all our revenues and expenses, and upon
view and consideration thereof to frame and prepare such a reglement and retrenchment of all our said expenses, as well household
as otherwise, as may be answerable to such balance; so that we
may be better able to support ourselves, though below our kingly
dignity, upon our own revenue in case the payments of tunnage and
poundage shall be refused to be granted to us, as they have been to
our royal predecessors. [Printed in Rymer, xx. p. 509. Draft.
9 pp.] |
Jan. 21,
Middelburg, at the Golden Fleece, up the Gronen-Market. |
79. George Lord Digby to Secretary Nicholas. My sudden
coming out of England, I believe, will have caused various discourses
little to my advantage; but my comfort is that my enemies were
before so rancorous that I can neither gain nor lose with them by
anything I do. And my friends, among whom truly I rely upon
you in a prime place, I hope are so settled in their good opinion
of me, that they will not easily entertain vulgar prejudices of me.
I shall not adventure in this ordinary way of the post any of the
particular reasons of my action; but do conjure you to let this
truth possess you, and to impress it on those with whom you
converse, that no fear for myself, severed from the King's service,
has contributed the least thought towards this absence of mine.
I beseech of you that these inclosed may be safely delivered, and
that you will favour me henceforward both with your advertisements and advices concerning affairs, so far forth as you may do
it with safety. [1 p.] |
Jan. 21,
Court at Windsor. |
80. Sec. Nicholas to Sir Thomas Rowe, Ambassador Extraordinary
at Vienna. Your last letters I have duly showed to the King and the
Prince Elector, who, as they approve your prudent and wary proceedings in a business so knotty, and of so heterogeneous pieces,
so they cannot but encourage you in your own way to go therein
forward in such sort as his Majesty and his Highness, if they obtain
not their purposes, yet may not be losers in honour and reputation
by the backsliding of the Spanish or other parties engaged in this
Treaty. The distastes between Spain and Bavaria may happily
yield you good lights to walk by; and that Duke's least inclinations,
together with the Emperor's, are to be fomented, that at least we
may draw them into use when ourselves are in better posture. For
the present our affairs are yet in crisis here, but we hope that the
King's gracious messages lately sent to the Parliament, and well
received there, will produce some happy accommodation of our
disorders, towards which no labour or industry is spared. Before
the remove of the Court from Whitehall the King caused Viscount
Falkland to be sworn one of his Principal Secretaries of State and
Sir John Cuplepper, Chancellor of the Exchequer and of the Privy
Council. The Earl of Newcastle is Governor of Kingston-uponHull, whereof the townsmen have manifested great affections to the
King, and excused their not receiving of Sir John Hotham commended to that charge by the Parliament. The rebels of Ireland
continue to do great mischief and outrages. But I have two days
since received a good letter from thence, that Sir Simon Harcourt
and Sir Charles Coote, observing that the rebels with a body of
8,000 began to intrench themselves at a place called Swords, within
six miles of Dublin, to prevent the mischief they might do if once
laid under any strong works, resolved to set upon them with about
2,000 well appointed men, all they could gather on the sudden, and
so did with that courage and success that they put the whole flock
of them to rout, and slew 300 or 400 of them, with the loss only of
three men on our part, one whereof was Lord Falkland's brother.
This and other good advantages lately had against them, and the
supplies daily sending with the approaching good season for action,
we trust will reduce that kingdom to quietness and obedience.
[Endorsed by Rowe: "25 Jan. 1641–2." 2 pp.] |
Jan. 21/31,
Paris. |
81. Mr. Browne, English agent in Paris, to Sec. Nicholas. Yesterday, after the arrival of the last week's packet out of England, came to
my house divers French merchants of good note to show me several
letters they had received from their factors in London, full of loud
complaints against the common people of London, and the injuries
they had received from them—some of them being dragged along the
streets to the justices of the peace, others having had their houses
broken open at midnight under pretence of searching for arms and
gunpowder, and divers other insolencies they have endured, for no
other reason but for being Papists. I told them those were the
acts of the meaner sort of people, neither commanded nor avowed by
any magistracy, and that in the distemper of these times it was
scarce possible to prevent such disorders. I assured them I would
write of it into England, and that the best care should be taken to
prevent the like another time. Give me leave to tell you that I
find them here very much incensed, and if speedy course be not
taken to redress the like insolences, I have just cause to fear our
Protestant English merchants here may run hazard of the like or
worse usage. [Extract of a letter, the original of which is in French
correspondence. 1¼ pp.] |
Jan. 22,
Tower. |
82. Sir John Byron to the same. Yesterday the Sheriffs of
London were with me in the Tower to acquaint me with an order
from the House of Commons, whereby Captain [Philip] Skippon,
now made Sergeant Major-General of the City forces [trained bands],
is authorised to keep a guard about the Tower, to hinder the importation or exportation of any ammunition but such as shall be
warranted by Parliament, and also that no victuals be brought in
more than ordinary. There are likewise ships ordered, as the
Sheriffs told me, to lie at Tower Wharf to keep a guard by water
as the others do by land, so that, if other means fail to remove me,
they will attempt it by force. I told the Sheriffs I considered this
to be a great violation of the privileges of the Tower, which I was
sworn to preserve, and very needless, since there was no cause for
any such jealousy or suspicion. By that order likewise I am commanded to cashier all the new warders. To which I answered that
this increase of warders was made whilst the Earl of Newport was
Constable, and that by the approbation of the Parliament in regard
the former number was not sufficient to do the duty, and that upon
the same reason his Majesty had commanded me to retain them,
and therefore without his order I could not discharge them. I
desired them to leave a copy of this order with me, but their
wisdoms would by no means consent to it. By this, Sir, you may
see that though I carry myself never so fairly, they are resolved to
pick quarrels with me. I shall be very careful, according to his
Majesty's command, to give no just cause of offence; but truly if
they go about to starve me, or offer any other violence, though I
cannot promise to keep this place long in the condition I am in,
yet I will sell both it and my life at as dear a rate as I can. The
Committee is now at Grocers' Hall; the House sits not till Monday,
at which time I am to expect new alarms. I shall humbly expect
his Majesty's further commands upon these particulars. [Seal with
arms and motto. 1 p.] |
| Jan. 22. |
83. Receipt of Colonel Thomas Lunsford for 36l. 5s. of the
Treasurer-at-Wars upon accompt to be defalked out of my personal
entertainment, as colonel of a regiment of foot, left is arrears.
[1 p.] |
Jan. 22/Feb. 1,
Paris. |
84. Robert Read to Endymion Porter. Complaining of his forlorn
condition, being fallen from the extremity of business to that of
idleness. On behalf of his brother in Oxford [University]. I have
lately received a very kind letter from Mr. Jermyn, expressing the
Queen's grace and his own goodness to me, and I doubt [not] of his
favour in joining with you, in my behalf, as occasion shall be presented. [Seal with arms. 1 p.] |
Jan. 24,/Feb. 3,
The Hague. |
85. Elizabeth Queen of Bohemia to Sir Thomas Rowe. Yours
of the 14/24 Jan., and what you have sent Sir William Boswell, assure
me that neither you nor I were deceived in our opinion of the
treaty; neither have I any faith in what the Duke of Bavaria as
Chancellor has proposed to you. I long to know what it is. Our
distractions in England are the cause of all their dealings, or at the
least encourage them in them. Dingley is returned from thence.
The Queen is at Dover, ready to embark hither with the first wind,
which now is contrary. She brings my niece hither to her little
husband. Rupert is now there. My son [the Elector Palatine]
writes to me that, considering the troubles in England, he does not
wish your treaty yet at an end; but that is left to you, for better
end than receive an affront, which in this conjunction they will be
bold enough to put upon the King. But you cannot tell how to
deal with such people. Lord Digby is now here; he came the last
night. There is great preparations to receive the Queen [of England],
who comes to Goree. The King is with her at Dover. I have in
all my letters forgot to ask you what Melandre has done at Vienna,
and if he has often visited you, and what opinion you have of him.
I pray let me know this; I will say no more. But, let the treaty
[go on] as it will, I am still confident of your endeavour, and nothing
shall change me from that, nor from being ever your most constant
friend. [Endorsed by Rowe. Partly in cipher. Two seals with
arms and crown. 1 p.] |
Jan. 24,
Fonthill. |
86. Francis Lord Cottington to the King. I beseech you cast an
eye on this enclosed letter, which I have received from those that
were the Farmers of the Customs, wherein they call upon me for their
indemnity concerning the money for the Pepper which was bought
of the East India Company. You will remember the great service
that was therein done, and how seasonably, and therefore I am very
confident you will command that great care be had that the mischief
with such eminent ruin fall not upon me; and that your Commissioners of the Treasury so take it to heart as the East India Company be either satisfied or at least persuaded not to press the
payment with speed and rigour, until they can find means to give
them satisfaction. I should advise that you command some of your
Commissioners, especially Sir John Bankes, the Lord Chief Justice,
and Sec. Nicholas, in the first place to call to them those that have
written this enclosed letter, and fairly to consider with them what
cource may be taken with the East India Company, either for time
or payment, and then to deal with the Governor and Company
accordingly; and by this means I do not doubt but some way may
be found for a happy issue. I beseech you that this business be
taken much to heart, as that which may else crush me, more than
any enemy I have could wish; and I am sure it would much trouble
you to see me ruined by the doing of so great and opportune a
service. [1⅓ pp.] |
Jan. 24,
Fonthill. |
87. The same to Sec. Nicholas. You will perceive by what
Mr. Squibb will show you how much it concerns me that the King
has a gracious care of me. I pray direct how the enclosed letter
may be delivered to the King, and how the business [it contains]
may be followed to some effect. [Copy. 2/3 p.] |
| Jan. 24. |
88. Lieutenant Anthony Slingesby to Sir John Pennington.
Since your departure we have sent aboard all the ships in the
Downs, but cannot hear of the ship that is going to Ireland. There
is great need of the Grayhound, which we have been daily expecting,
for a great convoy is ready to go to Dunkirk. [Damaged by mice.
1 p.] |
| Jan. 24. |
89. List of the King's ships to be set forth for guarding the seas
in the year 1642, estimated for 224 days service. Of these eight
are second-rate, viz., St. George with a crew of 260 men; Victory,
260; Rainbow, 240; James, 260; Reformation, 250; Henrietta
Maria, 250; Unicorn, 250; Charles, 250: four are third-rate, viz.,
Convertive, 200; Garland, 170; Lion, 170; Antelope, 160: two
are fourth-rate, viz., Mary Rose, 100; Expedition, 100: and one
fifth-rate, viz., Grayhound, 50. Total 15 ships and 2,970 men,
whereof 500 at Portsmouth and 2,470 at London. [1 p.] Annexed,
Supplementary list of merchant vessels to be employed in the
service, with the names of their captains, number of crews,
and armament. [¾ p.] |
| Jan. 25. |
90. Warrant of Archdale Palmer, Sheriff of co. Leicester, to the
Bailiff of the hundred of Guthlaxton, or his deputy. In accordance
with an order of Parliament commanding him to assemble the
justices of the peace and trained bands for the purpose of suppressing unlawful assemblies and securing of magazines in the
county of Leicester; for the delivery of which magazines into his
hands the Earl of Huntingdon, Lord Lieutenant of the county, has
given order; he requires the bailiff to assemble the justices of the
peace of his hundred to meet the writer at the Crane in Leicester,
that he may have their assistance for the due performance of the
said order; also to assemble the chief and petty constables that they
may receive his directions and orders. [1 p.] |
| [Jan. 26.] |
91. Protest by 24 members of the House of Lords, whose names
are given. That in respect the words spoken by the Duke of Richmond, "Let us put the question whether we shall adjourn for six
months," tend much to the prejudice of the King and kingdom,
I do protest against the vote as not a sufficient punishment for
words of that dangerous consequence. [Endorsed by Pennington:
"The Lords that opposed the Duke of Richmond." Copy. ¾ p.] |
| [Jan. 26.] |
92. Articles headed "Satisfactory reasons to all Nations why the
Parliament have ordered letters of Reprisal against the Dutch
declared by the House of Parliament." Robert Powlett, late of
Minehead, co. Somerset, and his partners, in the year 1630, suffered
damage to the extent of 20,970l., their ships and goods having been
despoiled by Michael Te Kint and Co., all Hollanders. In spite of
repeated applications for redress made by the King through his
Ambassadors in Holland, restitution has not been made, wherefore
letters of reprisal have been granted to Anne, relict of Robert
Powlett. [Copy. 1 p.] Annexed, |
|
92. i. Ordered by the Lords in Parliament, that the Earl of
Stamford and Thos. Lord Howard of Charleton shall
once more go to the States' Ambassadors in the name of
the House, to desire a definitive answer, and make a report
thereof to the Lords, who will then give further direction
therein, 26th Jany. 1641–42. [Printed in Lords' Journal,
iv. p. 543. Endorsed: Anne Powlet, widow. 1 Apr. 1664."
Copy. ½ p.] |
| [Jan. 26.] |
93. Substance of a Protest by 19 members of the House of Lords.
That they conceived by the Protestation of the House of Commons
that the King, Kingdom, and City of London were in great danger;
and for that they had been overruled by the vote of the House;
they did protest, therefore, that if any hurt or prejudice came
thereby, they were innocent thereof.[1p.] |
Jan. 26,
New College, Oxford. |
94. Dr. Thomas Reade to Thomas Windebank. These are to bid
you welcome from Haines Hill and Windsor, where you saw your
distressed master. God comfort him and all his loyal subjects. We
are yet quiet here and free from all noise but the sound of a sowgelder's horn, which summons our zealots to their nightly devotions
of psalms and repetitions, and to that religious exercise of copulation. But the horn has grown so notorious that the fraternity have
resolved to change it into a warning piece; which the last night I
heard discharged about 9 o'clock, and I doubt not but this will be
very shortly as infamous as the horn. I have a great desire to be
admitted into their congregation, but the sisters are so deformed
that I have small encouragement to be reconciled to their church.
I hope to meet with as loving women in Maryland, if, upon your
recommendation of me to my Lord Baltimore, I may live there as
his servant or subject, but you know my inclination is to be his
chief cup-bearer. I could wish that some good occasion would draw
his Majesty to Woodstock, that I might enjoy you some time in
Oxford. [Seal with arms and crest. 1 p.] |
Jan. 28,/Feb. 7,
Paris. |
95. Sir Francis Windebank to his son Thomas. Mr. Aubert
writes that he is in treaty for a house for me at Angers, and that
I may live at a much easier rate there than here. Your mother
has a fit of the tertian ague, otherwise we are all well. [1¾ pp.] |
Jan. 28,
The Tower. |
96. Sir John Byron to [Sir Edward Nicholas]. This noble
gentleman's journey to Windsor affords me a convenience to
acquaint you with such things as have happened here since I
received your last letter. There has not anything been done in
pursuance of that order which the Sheriffs of London showed me
from the House of Commons, to set a guard upon the Tower, both
by land and by water, so that I have not yet had occasion to petition the Lords according to his Majesty's command. But a great
conspiracy to surprise the Tower has lately come to my knowledge,
which, though, as the times are, it will not perhaps be fit to take
notice of, yet I thought it my duty to acquaint you with it, that
hereafter his Majesty, as occasion shall serve, may make use of it.
And this it was. The same day that his Majesty by his warrant
gave me leave to attend the Parliament, Captain Skippon towards
the evening marched very privately when it was dark to the backside of the Tower, and stayed at the iron gate with his men, which
were about 500, where having continued a while with great silence,
he sent one into the Tower to the Serjeant, who commanded the
Hamleters that night, that he should march out of the Tower with
his men and come to him. But the Serjeant desired to be excused,
because, coming thither by my command, he durst not depart without it. Upon this answer Skippon sent him a second message, that
those terms were vain, for he was sure I should never come into the
Tower again as Lieutenant; but since he scrupled to come out of
the Tower, he desired him to draw his men up to the iron gate, and
upon the shooting of a musket to be ready to assist him. Whilst
these things were in agitation I returned from the Parliament, it
being almost 10 o'clock at night before I had my dismission; and so
the plot was spoiled, but certainly the design was, in case I had
been detained, to have surprised the Tower, and to have put in a
Lieutenant of their own. All this will be proved upon oath, when
occasion shall serve; and certainly were it in a time when the laws
might be impartially executed, Captain Skippon might be questioned
for his life for this attempt. The jealousies of the City concerning
the Tower are reasonable well appeased, and great quantities of
bullion are daily brought into the Mint by those merchants that
petitioned against me; and very shortly there will be little cause to
stand in awe of the Tower, for almost all the arms are already
issued out for Ireland, and none are brought in to replenish the
magazine, The powder likewise decreases apace, and by that time
the navy, which the Parliament is to set forth this year, is furnished,
there will be little or none left. Endorsed by Nicholas: " Received
28 Jan. 1641–2." [12/3 pp.] |
Jan. 28,
Bilbao. |
97. Prestwick Eaton to his brother[-in-law] George Wellingham.
We have had very tempestuous weather this long time, and hear of
store of ships lost, the more the pity. I hope by this Mr. Valey is
got back from the Canaries. If he be, I pray if you can sell my
part in that ship, for she is old, and to repair her will cost more
than she is worth. If in Mr. Stone's ship you have not sent me my
steel back which Mr. Valey delivered you, I pray send it in
Mr. Jeames', who, we understand, is bound for this place, or in any
other ship, for now steel is risen to 66 reals the cwt. I wrote you
in my last to send me a parcel of English cloths, in half pieces, of
the colour and prices of those Mr. Dixon sent me. [2 pp. Seal
with arms and crest.] |
Jan. 28,
Broadway. |
98. Walter Savage to his partner, Nicholas Porter. His intended
journey to London prevents his coming to see him. Appoints
a meeting with him and his neighbours at the Shepherd's House, on
Wollesey Hill, where he will meet him with the band. [1 p.] |
| Jan. 31. |
99. Warrant of the Earl of Manchester and three others to the
Collectors of his Majesty's Customs to pay to Richard Fanshaw,
Remembrancer of the Court of Exchequer, 200l. 4s. 2d. Underwritten: "Another bill of 18l. 0s. 8d. of the same date, with the
same directions." [2/3 p.] |
Jan. 31,
Anglesey. |
100. Certificate returned by William Bold and two others, of
co. Anglesey, to the Lords of the Council. In pursuance of your
Lordship's pleasure signified to us, we have desired an account of
Thomas Bulkeley and Thomas Chedle concerning the advertisement
given to the earl of Dorset concerning a plot or conspiracy to surprise the town and castle of Conway. And we find the ground of
all these reports to be in the fears entertained in these parts
contiguous to Ireland, it being conceived the Papists generally
made the revolt in Ireland their cause. These apprehensions,
multiplying fears, began to turn to confidence and belief; insomuch
as the Deputy Vice-Admiral Griffith Williams certified the ViceAdmiral John Griffiths thereof, who advertised the Lord High
Admiral; but with this judgment, as he avers, that there was no
great cause of these fears, yet that in these perilous times he would
not be secure. Mr. Bulkeley, apprehending the danger to approach
the town of Beaumaris, where he lives, signified it to Mr. Chedle,
who commands the Castle there under the Earl of Dorset, and he,
upon this admonition, acquainted his Lordship therewith. This is
all the ground that we can find of all these panic fears, which, upon
the disarming of the Papists by the care of the Vice-Admiral, are
wholly removed. We hold it our duty to acquaint you how contiguous these counties of Anglesey and Carnarvon are to Ireland,
being within eight hours' sail, and that these are weak, unprovided
of powder, shot, and other ammunition, and the men of late
altogether unexercised, and no man to exercise them, nor allowance
for any such officer. [12/3 pp.] |
| [Jan. ?] |
101. Petition of the Searchers of Gravesend to the King. Your
Majesty and your progenitors have, time out of mind, had searchers
of Gravesend, who, after searches made at London by the London
searchers, have again searched at Gravesend, and continually seized
uncustomed goods let pass by the London searchers. But the
present searchers of London pretend that petitioners are not so much
as your Majesty's searchers, but their deputies; and a suit concerning the same is depending in the Exchequer Chamber between
them ready for hearing. The searchers of London, having intelligence of certain gold shipped to be transported, would not seize it
at London, but followed it to Gravesend, and there, before petitioners
had made their search, seized it, and preferred an information into
the Exchequer to have it adjudged forfeit, and that they might
have a moiety; whereas in truth the whole appertained to your
Majesty. Describe the course of this suit in the Exchequer, whereby
the London searchers are endeavouring to bring Gravesend within
their jurisdiction that they might enjoy your Majesty's benefit of
the seizure of gold, and have no controlment over them, but be at
liberty to connive at what they please. As the difference is between
the searchers of London and petitioners touching the extent of their
patents, the matter is ready for hearing, and petitioners have
endeavoured to maintain your right to all the gold; they pray you
will order no prosecution to be had against them in your own
behalf till the hearing be fully determined. [1 p.] |
| [Jan.] |
102. Demands of the Governor of Portsmouth [George Goring].
In consideration of the importance of this haven, its stores and
magazine, including 100 pieces of cannon, and of the danger it is
exposed to, especially at this present time, of being seized not only
by his Majesty's enemies, but by his own subjects during these
disorders, if his Majesty will add 200 foot on the same pay as
they have in the North, and a proviso to keep them on when the
war is at an end, upon the same footing that the Companies are in
Berwick and Carlisle, the Governor will undertake upon that
assurance to make these new soldiers perfect the fortification without any further charge to the King, more than of
materials, of which there is now a good quantity in the town,
according to a survey taken by Captain Rudd last year by order
from the Council, and estimated to cost near 5,000l.; besides the
addition of a battery near the mouth of the haven within pistolshot of the ships that come in, and a chain to go across it, as has
formerly been there, and a stone redoubt to command the great
platform which lies most subject to a surprisal; all which works
are very necessary for the defence of the town, as will appear by
any engineer sent to survey the defect of it. And the town being
thus fortified, this garrison will be sufficient to defend the place
against assault or surprise; and, besides, there will always be a body
of 300 men, well exercised and trained to the use of their arms
upon any occasion the King may have of them in this part of his
kingdom. [2/3 p.] |
| [Jan.] |
Warrant of the Earl of Holland to Richard Willis and Thos.
Beale, Esqrs., wood-wards of co. Northampton. Having received
certificate from the Earl of Northampton, master of the game
within the forest of Whittlewood, and from yourselves, the woodwards, that the several coppices mentioned in this warrant are fit
for his Majesty's profit to be felled and sold this year, being saleable
woods, parcel of the casual revenue charged and accompted for
before the auditor in the ministers' accompt for that county, for
making of which sales we have chosen you to whom these presents
are directed to see the same faithfully performed. Subjoined, |
|
List of the coppices in Whittlewood forest to be inclosed and
felled. [Vol. ccclxxxiv. pp. 116–119. Copy=3 pp.] |
| Jan. |
103. MS. book of the Officers of the Court of Exchequer, together
with the names of the present officers, in whose gift, and how
admitted, with a brief collection of what is done by each officer
according to the state of the Exchequer at this day. The Chief
Usher of the Exchequer is Mr. Walker, who has his place by inheritance from Edward II.'s time. [15 pp.] |
| Jan. |
104. Fair copy of four pages of the above. [4 pp.] |
| Jan. |
105. A list of the Officers of the Court of Exchequer, and in
whose gift their places are. Arranged in tabular form. [7 pp.] |
| Jan. |
106. Note of "things to be begged." The herbage of Blandesby Park, Yorkshire, was demised to Ralph Bowes, 28 July,
37 Queen Eliz., for 31 years in reversion. There will be nine years in
at Michaelmas, 1641. The annual rent is 11l. 3s. 4d. The royalties,
goods, and cattle of felons were demised to John Levingston, 5 Jan.
12 James, for 31 years, at 26s. per annum, of which lease five years
were in being in Jan. 1641–2. [½ p.] |
| [Jan.] |
107. Petition of Sir Wm. Russell to the King. That on Thursday
last you most justly caused a commitment of your sorrowful subject,
who, ever since he had the honour of place and power to do you
service, has performed the same most willingly and faithfully, and
now for this your displeasure he is, and no subject living more,
sorrowful. Humbly begs the remission of his offence, and beseeches
you for his release. [½ p.] |
