|
| February 1. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. |
|
Major Raymond to have 200l. of the 6,000l. for Hereford. |
|
[Interregnum 13 E., Index to Day Book of Orders, p. 127.] |
|
To report that Col. Birch's regiment be clothed. |
|
[Ibid., p. 127.] |
| February 2. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. |
|
To know Col. Birch's interest in the guns. |
|
[Interregnum 13 E., Index to Day Book of Orders, p. 11.] |
|
The guns at Bath to be sent to Hereford. |
|
[Ibid., p. 50.] |
|
Order of both Houses to communicate the King's letter of the 24th. |
|
[Ibid., p. 58.] |
|
The six men that went with the constable to have 30l. |
|
[Ibid., p. 91.] |
|
Sir Henry Vane to be added to the sub-committee for the [consideration
of the] King's letter. |
|
[Ibid., p. 149.] |
| February 3. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. |
|
Col. Fox to deliver the goods to the carrier of Beaudly [Bewdley]. |
|
[Interregnum 13 E., Index to Day Book of Orders, p. 40.] |
|
Order of both Houses. |
|
[Ibid., p. 58.] |
|
Letter to be written to Col. Birch, &c. |
|
[Ibid., p. 80.] |
|
The Committee of Northampton to put 500l. into the hands of Mr.
Gifford for [the service of] Banbury. |
|
[Ibid., p. 100.] |
|
Paper of Scots' Commissioners of 3 Feby. to be reported. |
|
[Ibid., p. 114.] |
|
Paper of the Scots' Commissioners. |
|
[Ibid., p. 114.] |
|
To report to the House [of Commons] concerning Col. Sanderson's
regiment. |
|
[Ibid., p. 127.] |
|
To pay 200l. to Col. Temple of the Hereford money. |
|
[Ibid., p. 145.] |
|
Warrant for 20 barrels of gunpowder, &c., for Warwick. |
|
[Ibid., p. 160.] |
|
Col. Whalley to go on with his design. |
|
[Ibid., p. 160.] |
|
The Committee for Warwick to send 200 men for Barbary. |
|
[Ibid., p. 160.] |
|
Col. Whalley to send his orders to the 200 men. |
|
[Ibid., p. 160.] |
February 3.
Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to Col. Fox. Complaint is
made that by virtue of our letters of the 10th of December you
stayed some goods going from London to Bewdley [in Worcestershire] without notice before given to Robt. Barrett and John
Clownham to forbear the carrying of goods to those places, you are
consequently to restore to them the goods so seized, provided that
they bring them back to some place that is not under the power of
the enemy. If they should again offend in the like kind you are
to follow our directions in seizing and certifying hither the said
goods that you may receive further direction therein. Sent by the
carriers. [Interregnum 22 E., pp. 206, 207. Copy = 2/3 p.] |
February 3.
Derby House. |
The same to Major-Genl. Skippon. There being great want at
Hereford of the two companies of foot belonging to Col. Birch's
regiment, which were left at Bath when the rest of that regiment
went upon the enterprise against Hereford, as also of the guns that
were left there by him, we desire you that these may be sent to
Hereford for the service of the garrison [there], and recommend to
you the care of keeping Bath till the works there can be slighted.
We have written to Col. Birch to send for the above, and desire
you upon his order to dismiss them. Sent by some of Col. Birch's
men. [Ibid., p. 207. Copy. ½ p.] |
February 3.
Derby House. |
The same to Col. Birch. Send order for your two companies
and the guns left at Bath to be brought to Hereford. We have
the rest of your desires under consideration, and will take a speedy
resolution in them and advertise you thereof. Sent by his agent.
[Ibid., p. 208. Copy. ½ p.] |
February 3.
Derby House. |
The same to [Capt. Wm. Ludlow] Governor of Langford House
[in co. Wilts.]. The forces of Sir Thos. Fairfax, that were at Corfe
Castle, being required for other service in the west, the siege of that
castle is like to prove unsuccessful unless forces be supplied from
some other place. You are therefore required to furnish 100 men
out of your garrison, there being no enemy near that can offend or
endanger you. To be called for. [Ibid., pp. 208, 209. Copy=
2/3 p.] |
February 3.
Derby House. |
The same to the Committee of Dorsetshire. To the same effect
as the preceding. We have written for 100 men from Langford
House to carry on the siege of Corfe Castle, and we desire you to
use your power and interest in the country to bring in so many
more as may, now that the line [of communication] is near finished,
carry on and complete that work, which being finished will wholly
clear your country of an enemy. [Ibid., p. 209. Copy. 2/3 p.] |
February 3.
Derby House. |
The same to Col. Whalley, We have received yours of the 31st
ult., with letters from Sir Wm. Brereton enclosed, and we desire
you, notwithstanding that intelligence received from him, to go on
in your former design, unless you have good assurance by certain
intelligence that such a force [of the enemy] is gone that way as
shall need your help. In that case send such a party after the
enemy as you shall judge necessary to prevent his raising the
siege of Chester, yet so as to leave such a force in these parts as
may be master of the field, and preserve the country against the
forces of the King's garrisons. We have written to the Committee
of Coventry to send 200 foot for the service against Banbury, and
we desire you to send them orders for that purpose. P.S.—Since
writing the above we have heard by Mr. Fogg, who came by way
of Stafford from Chester on Friday, that the [enemy's] forces which
were gathered together are again dispersed. That they are in
treaty at Chester, and he believes that it is by this time delivered
up [to the Parliament]. Sent by Mr. Crips. [Ibid., pp. 209, 210.
Copy = 1 p.] |
February 3.
Derby House. |
The same to the Committee of Coventry. We before wrote to
you to have 300 men ready at Warwick for the service against
Banbury; we now desire you to have at least 200 ready to march
when they shall receive orders from Col. Whalley. Sent by
Mr. Crips. [Ibid., p. 210. Copy. ⅓ p.] |
February 3.
Derby House. |
The same to the Commissioners for the Excise. There is an
Ordinance of Parliament for money to be had out of the Excise in
case Banbury should be besieged. We desire you to hand 500l. to
Alderman Gifford, of Northampton, to be by him employed for
advancing those works according to the direction of the officer in
command there, the which sum we undertake shall be repaid to
you out of the Excise. Given to Mr. Crew. [Ibid., p. 211.
Copy. ½ p.] |
February 4.
Derby House. |
32. Gualter Frost to Mr. Wm. Prynne and the rest of the Committee for Accounts. I would have returned answer to yours of
the 26th sooner, only an express order of the Committee prohibited
the giving out any papers or copies without their express order,
which the press of business has hitherto prevented me from obtaining. [Seal with device broken. 1 p.] |
| February 4. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. |
|
Mr. Browne and Mr. Trenchard to be here on Friday [touching] Sir
Richard Onslow's [business]. |
|
[Interregnum 13 E., Index to Day Book of Orders, p. 106.] |
|
Petition of Sir Marmaduke Lloyd. |
|
[Ibid., p. 114.] |
| February 6. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. |
|
Sir Wm. Brereton to go on with the treaty with Sir Richd. Lloyd. |
|
[Interregnum 13 E., Index to Day Book of Orders, p. 11.] |
|
The gentlemen of Warwickshire, Stafford, and Salop, &c., to be here
to-morrow. |
|
[Ibid., p. 50.] |
|
A messenger to go to the Half-moon to look after Mr. W. Murray, &c. |
|
[Ibid., p. 91.] |
|
The Earl of Northumberland to put in writing the matter of fact. |
|
[Ibid., p. 100.] |
|
Papers of the Scots' Commissioners of the 3rd inst. to be reported. |
|
[Ibid., p.114.] |
|
Warrant to the Treasurer at Grocers' Hall. |
|
[Ibid., p. 160.] |
|
To quicken the assessment for Ireland. |
|
[Ibid., p. 173.] |
February 6.
Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to the Committee at York.
Both the Houses of Parliament and this Committee have several
times written to you to recommend and put forward the assessment
and collection of the money upon the Ordinance of Oct. 1644 for
the relief of the British armies in Ireland. A work we conceive
of its own nature such as should need no arguments to any to
urge it, unless it should meet with those who have a greater
affection to those cruel rebels than a sense of the miseries of those
who have suffered by them. We are therefore altogether unsatisfied that after so long a time there is no further progress made
of that work in your city, other counties and cities in far worse
condition than yours having long since levied and paid in the sums
required. We desire you to proceed speedily and effectually in
this business, or else to certify us in what or in whom the neglect
has been, that the Houses may be informed thereof, and effectual
course taken to remove it. Sent by Mr. Kerle. [Interregnum
22 E., pp. 211, 212. Copy= 1 p.] |
February 6.
Derby House. |
The same to the dept. lieuts. and Commissioners of Parliament
for Essex. We are informed that your 500 foot for recruiting
Sir Thomas Fairfax's army will be ready at Waltham Abbey on
the 15th inst. In order that the officers appointed to receive them
may be better able to conduct them to their regiment, you are to
have in readiness there a troop of your county horse, to assist
those officers to conduct and convoy them to Henley[-on-Thames],
from whence your horse may return home. Sent by Captain
Browne. [Ibid., pp. 212, 213. Copy = 2/3 p.] |
February 7.
Oxford. |
The King, countersigned by his Secy. Nicholas, to Jacob Lord
Astley, Lieut.-Genl. of cos. Worcester and Stafford, and to our
Commissioners in co. Stafford, or either of them. By our warrant
of 30 January last to Col. Henry Washington and Sergeant-Major
Edmund Broad, or either of them, we authorized them to cause
all such timber trees, and underwood as belong to Sir Edwd.
Seabright, who is in rebellion against us, now growing within the
manor of Prestwood in Staffordshire, to be seized, cut down, and
sold by them to our best advantage, of which they are to render
an account to us. You are hereby required to permit them or
either of them to perform that service according to our signed
warrant, and to give them aid and furtherance therein. For so
doing these our letters shall be your warrant. Dorso, |
|
At the Committee for Advance of Money, Thos. Yorke, of Besford,
Worcestershire, deposed that the above letter or order of
the late King to Lord Astley and others was a true copy
of the original sent. 17 Nov. 1649. [Interregnum 116 G.,
pp. 617, 618. Copy. 1⅓ pp.] |
| February 7. |
33. Ordinance of both Houses of Parliament. Whereas there is
occasion as well at present as hereafter will be of impressing
mariners for the service of the fleet, it is hereby ordained,—That
the Committee of Lords and Commons for the Admiralty, or the
Lord High Admiral for the time being appointed by both Houses,
may from the date hereof unto 1 Jan. 1846[–7] by their commissioner or officers raise, levy, and impress as many mariners, sailors,
watermen, surgeons, gunners, ship carpenters, caukers, and hoymen,
as also carmen, as shall be required for this service, or for any
further defence of the King's dominions. The persons so levied
shall receive each when impressed for conduct money 1d. per mile
from the place where he shall be so impressed to the ship, and the
like sum from the place of discharge to his place of abode, and
shall be allowed for this service the same wages and entertainments
as were allowed by the Parliament this last year. If any such
persons shall wilfully refuse to be impressed, or shall hide or
absent themselves at the time of such press, or having received
their conduct money do not appear at such places and times as by
the ticket are appointed, they shall suffer imprisonment for the
space of three months without bail or mainprize. No money or
other reward shall be taken by any persons authorized by this
Ordinance for the pressing, changing, sparing, or discharging of
any as they will answer for such offence in Parliament. All
deputy lieutenants, mayors, and others are hereby required to be
aiding and assisting in carrying out this Ordinance. [Black letter
broadside. Printed for Laurence Blaiklock, near Temple Bar,
1645–6.] |
| February 7. |
34. Relation by the Earl of Northumberland of the circumstances attending the visit of Monsr. Montereul to his chambers at
St. James's, and the taking up by him of a sealed packet lying there,
and breaking open the seals, Montereul putting the letters enclosed
hastily into his pockets. The Earl writes:—"I spoke to him to
let alone those letters, the packet being directed to the Committee of both kingdoms. He said they were the French King's
letters to Monsr. de Sabran and himself; showing me the outside of
2 or 3 of them, he complained of the affront done unto the King
his master in detaining his courier and letters, and with that
rushed out of my chamber. I caused the gates to be locked, purposing not to let him carry away the letters; at this instant Monsr.
de Sabran came to St. James's in a sedan, and met Montereul as he
was going towards the stairs, and brought him back again into
my chamber. Sabran likewise, though with more temper, seemed
much troubled at the indignity offered to the French King his
master, in staying his messenger and letters at Rochester, contrary,
as he said, to the practice of all other States and the law of nations.
This courier, as he affirmed, had a pass with the French King's
seal to it, which he showed me, and also an attestation from the
Mayor of Dover. I pressed the restitution of the letters, for as yet
we knew not unto whom those within the packet were addressed.
He replied that they were the King his master's letters to his
ministers here, and he could not part with them; after some expostulation in this manner Monsr. Sabran, demanding justice
against those who had stopped their courier and letters, took his
leave and went out of my chamber. In this strait I began
the best I could upon a sudden to recollect my thoughts, and considered that in a business of so high and tender a nature, wherein
the interests of the Parliament and kingdom were much concerned,
my own particular ought not to be regarded, therefore I was
unwilling that any act of violence should be done to Montereul,
which had been a very easy work, he not having so much as a
sword to defend himself, and I had at that time many of my
servants in and about my chamber ready to execute what I should
command, but conceiving myself unfit to be the sole judge in a
matter of that importance to the whole kingdom, I concluded that
to acquaint the Committee of both kingdoms with what had passed
would be the least inconvenient course I could take for the public,
and then I gave order to open the gates again." [This statement
is signed "A. Northumberland," and was probably that read by
the Earl on the 9th inst. in the Upper House, when he acquainted that House with the carriage of M. de Montreuil, in taking
away the letters out of his chamber. See Lords' Journals viii.,
p. 152. 2½ pp.] |
| February 7. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. |
|
Letters to be written to the Committees at Warwick and Eversholme
[Evesham] and to Col. Morgan. |
|
[Interregnum 13 E., Index to Day Book of Orders, p. 80.] |
|
Order of the House [of Commons] concerning Mons. Montreuil to be
considered. |
|
[Ibid., p. 91.] |
|
The Committee at Northampton to furnish Col. Whalley with ammunition. |
|
[Ibid., p. 100.] |
|
Ditto to furnish to Col. Whalley what ammunition he shall desire. |
|
[Ibid., p. 100.] |
|
Capt. Phipps' troop to be reduced into Major Shelborne's. |
|
[Ibid., p. 114.] |
|
Two full companies to be commanded out of Abingdon for the service of
Banbury. |
|
[Ibid., p. 127.] |
|
To let Col. Whalley know of the [order given for] ammunition, &c. |
|
[Ibid., p. 161.] |
February 7.
Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to Col. Whalley. The Committee at Northampton will furnish you with ammunition to the
value of 200l., for the service against Banbury, so you may take
order for bringing it up. Sent by Mr. Priestley. [Interregnum
22 E., p. 213. Copy. ⅓ p.] |
February 7.
Derby House. |
The same to Col. Morgan. The number of forces before Banbury
being no ways sufficient for carrying on that service, we desire
you to make up your foot to 400, wherein you will do a very good
service to the public. [Ibid. Copy. ⅓ p.] |
| February 7. |
The like to the Committee at Evesham. [Ibid. Minute.] |
February 7.
Derby House. |
The same to Sir Wm. Brereton. We have had the business
communicated to us about which you wrote to Mr. Ashurst. We
desire you to proceed with your treaty with Sir Richd. Lloyd about
the delivery of Holt Castle, and you are hereby empowered to
promise him, in case he shall deliver up that place to the Parliament within a month, that this Committee will do their best to
procure his reconciliation with the Parliament, and the security of
his life and estate. Sent by his own post in cipher. [Ibid., p. 214.
Copy. ½ p.] |
February 10.
Coventry. |
35. The Committee of the Militia at Coventry to the Committee for
taking the Accounts of the whole kingdom. We not long since
wrote to you touching the rigid and troublesome vexations of your
sub-committee to the great obstruction of the Parliament's affairs,
acquainting you with strange imprisonings of some of our commanders to the hazard of our garrisons, and endangering them by
their warrants [to the officers] to appear upon peremptory days,
which have been made known to the enemy, and they waylaid by
occasion thereof. To which we hoped to have received such an
answer as might have moderated their proceedings and put them
upon finding out the party offending in so high a degree of
delinquency; but instead we have received one of a far other
nature, dated 29th January, questioning us for making Mr. Bentley,
collector of the moneys for Ireland and Sir Thos. Fairfax's army,
who you say is one of the Committee of Accounts and in actual
service therein. Whatever our liberty is in choosing collectors, yet
we would not intentionally have been guilty of such incivility or
given occasion of difference by putting any one in that post who
was known to be an acting sub-committee man, but as touching
Mr. Bentley we never saw either Commission or Ordinance for putting
him into that employment. Although his selection were defensible,
yet no doubt he must answer for his retarding the collection in his
division, and his manner of declining this service, he being loth to
serve the Parliament in a way unpleasing to the people. When
the State is acquainted with any neglect of duty it lies in them to
judge of the offence, to whom we shall never refuse to answer any
of our actions, including what we have done to Mr. Leeving.
[1 p.] |
| February 10. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. |
|
1. Col. Birch's business to be considered, &c. |
|
[Interregnum 13 E., Index to Day Book of Orders, p. 11.] |
|
To take notice of Col. Jephson's assistance to Col. Cooke. |
|
[Ibid., p. 65.] |
|
Letters to be written for the commanding of the several forces to come
to Wolverhampton. |
|
[Ibid., p. 81.] |
|
Col. Rainsborough to command the foot at Banbury. |
|
[Ibid., p. 127.] |
|
Col. Whalley to have 200l. for intelligence. |
|
[Ibid., p. 161.] |
February 10.
Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to the counties under-named.
Chester being at length reduced, after a long siege, to the obedience
of the Parliament, and those parts delivered from the enemy, we
have thought to employ the forces which were engaged in that
siege in the reducing of North Wales and of Lichfield and the other
garrisons in those parts. By this means the ways will be cleared
and opened again for a free and mutual commerce between those
parts and the north-west. The forces of those counties next to
Lichfield are to be employed in this service ; we therefore desire
you that the numbers of horse and foot of your county [specified
below] may be ready at Wolverhampton on the 18th inst. to join
with those that are to come from other counties to besiege that
place. You are to do this with all possible expedition in order to
prevent the supply and furnishing thereof in expectation of a siege.
Underwritten, |
|
To Warwick for 200 horse and 200 foot, to Stafford for 300
horse and 700 foot, to Derby for 300 horse, to Cheshire
for 600 foot, to Worcester for 200 horse, and to Salop for
200 horse and 300 foot. Total, 1,200 horse and 1,800 foot.
Sent by Mr. Pidcock. [Interregnum 22 E. pp. 214, 215.
Copy. 1½ pp.] |
February 10.
Derby House. |
The same to Col. Jephson. The service for which your forces
were lately joined with those of Col. Cooke no longer requiring
their aid, we desire you to expedite the shipping away of your
horse into Ireland, where they are very requisite as the state of
affairs there stands. [Ibid., p. 216. Copy. 2/3 p.] |
February 11.
Court at Oxford. |
36. The King's warrant to the Exchequer for payment to Anthony
Browne of 2,000l., or such lesser sum as shall be thought fit, for
arms and ammunition by him delivered into our magazine at
Exeter. [Not signed by the King, but noted as enrolled in the office
of Clerk of the Pells, 23 Feb. Strip of parchment.] |
February 11.
Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to Col. [Thos.] Rainsborough.
Having drawn together the foot forces from cos. Gloucester, Warwick,
and Northampton, with those from the garrisons of Evesham and
Newport, which together with the horse of Col. Whalley, already
come thither, we have appointed to block up and besiege Banbury,
we thought fit to appoint you to command all those foot in that
service. We have ordered your Lieut.-Col. with 200 of your foot
now at Abingdon to march also thither, and intend when your
recruits are come up and you come to them to employ your whole
regiment there. You are, as soon as your health and other
occasions will permit, to repair thither for that service which being
of very great consequence we desire may be carried on with all
effect and expedition. Sent by Mr Craven. [Interregnum 22 E.,
pp. 216, 217. Copy = 1 p.] |
February 11.
Derby House. |
The same to the Committee for the Army. We having employed
Col. Whalley with some forces for the besieging of Banbury, are
informed that he has no money for intelligence and other incident
charges. We desire you that he may be furnished out of the money
belonging to the army with 200l. for that purpose. [Ibid., pp. 217,
218. Copy = 2/3 p.] |
| February 12. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. |
|
Col. Fitz-James's regiment to be ordered to stay about Corfe Castle. |
|
[Interregnum 13 E., Index to Day Book of Orders, p. 40.] |
|
Col. Thos. Mitton with his forces to reduce North Wales. |
|
[Ibid., p. 91.] |
|
To send an answer to Col. Needham concerning Ashby. |
|
[Ibid., p. 100.] |
|
To report concerning the 3,000 appointed to reduce North Wales. |
|
[Ibid., p. 127.] |
|
To report for pay for soldiers in the Isle of Ely. |
|
[Ibid., p. 127.] |
|
Staffordshire paper to be reported. |
|
[Ibid., p. 137.] |
February 12.
Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to Sir Thos. Fairfax. Owing to
an incursion of the enemy into Dorsetshire, Wareham was put in
danger, and some disaffection discovered to exist in that country.
We have, therefore, thought fit that Col. Fitz-James's regiment of
horse should continue in that county, for its better security and for
the reducing of Corfe Castle, till forces can be brought there from
other parts to supply its place. This we have notified to you lest
he should be called off to any other service. Sent by the gent.
of Dorsetshire. [Interregnum 22 E., p. 218. Copy. ½ p.] |
| February 13. |
Proceedings of the Committee of both kingdoms this day. |
|
Col. Birch's desires to be reported. |
|
[Interregnum 13 E., Index to Day Book of Orders, p. 11.] |
|
Letter from the Committee at Bury [St. Edmunds] and petition to be
recommended to the Committee of the Admiralty. |
|
[Ibid.] |
|
This Committee to meet in the afternoon about the report for Ireland. |
|
[Ibid., p. 19.] |
|
Earl of Essex brought in a letter from the enemy's quarters. |
|
[Ibid., p. 33.] |
|
A letter for passing Mr. Bellasis into England to be sent. |
|
[Ibid., p. 81.] |
|
Letters and papers from the Commissioners in Ireland to be reported. |
|
[Ibid., p. 81.] |
|
The letters now read to be sent to Sir Wm. Brereton, &c. |
|
[Ibid., p. 81.] |
|
Wm. Viscount Say and Sele to write to Col. Fleetwood. |
|
[Ibid., p. 137.] |
|
Capt. Smith to have a copy of the Earl of Leven's letter. |
|
[Ibid., p. 137.] |
|
Col. Whalley to follow former orders. |
|
[Ibid., p. 161.] |
February 13.
Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to Col. Cooke. In regard of
the late accident at Wareham and the increase of the [enemy's]
garrison in Corfe Castle, we conceive it would be very dangerous
to leave that county without some convenient force, especially as
there hath been discovered some disaffection upon that late incursion. You are, therefore, until you shall be called away out of
those parts by the General [Sir Thos. Fairfax], to take care for the
security of Dorsetshire and the town of Wareham, and also assist
in the reducing of Corfe Castle. If you should be called away
thence, Col. Fitz-James's regiment [of horse] is to be left in that
county, for which you are to give order to Col. Fitz-James. Sent
by the Dorsetshire gent. [Interregnum 22 E., p. 219. Copy.
2/3 p] |
February 13.
Derby House. |
The same to Col. Whalley. We understand by yours of the 9th
from Cropredy that most of the foot designed for the blocking up
of Banbury are come up, and that you have a design to fortify some
houses and make a quarter at Islip, which we conceive to be very
dangerous for so small a force to undertake, and much to the prejudice of the service against Banbury. In order to strengthen you
for that service we have ordered 200 of Col. Rainsborough's foot
to march up to you, and himself to come thither to command the
foot so soon as his health and occasions will permit him. We
desire you, therefore, according to our former order, to proceed
effectually with that design against Banbury, and to make a strong
quarter with your foot in Banbury town, whereby your forces will
be kept together and in more security than if they were parted
Sent by Mr. Jennings. [Ibid., pp. 219, 220. Copy. 1¼ pp.] |
February 13.
Derby House. |
The same to Col. [Thos.] Mytton. After a long siege, Chester
having been reduced, those forces are to be employed for the taking
of Lichfield, and the other garrisons [of the enemy] in those parts.
The forces with you belonging to those parts are appointed for
reducing North Wales, to which are to be added the regiment of
Reformadoes, 500 horse and 1,000 foot from Lancashire, and 400
horse from Cheshire. These we have ordered to come to such
rendezvous as you may appoint, and to obey and follow your
orders. We have made report to the Commons' House that provision may be made for their pay, in order that they may not
burden the country and alienate the inhabitants from the Parliament, and so hinder their submission. We recommend it to your
special care to improve to the best advantage those forces in the
expediting of that work, which being effected would so much discourage all attempts by the Irish. Sent by Mr. Hanbury. [Ibid.,
pp. 221,222. Copy=1 p.] |
February 13.
Derby House. |
The same to the regiment of Reformadoes. The city of Chester
being now reduced, the forces that were there employed are designed for other services. Amongst the rest, your regiment is
appointed for the reducing of North Wales under Col. Mytton,
whose orders for that service you are to follow. We have reported
to the Commons for money to be provided for the forces that shall
be employed in that service, so we trust the work may be carried
on expeditiously and without discouragement. Sent by Mr. Hanbury.
[Ibid., p. 221. Copy. 2/3 p.] |
February 13.
Derby House. |
The same to Sir Wm. Brereton. Chester having surrendered to
the Parliament, we would employ the forces thus liberated to the
best advantage in finishing the work that remains. For this purpose we have written for 600 foot from Cheshire, 200 horse and
300 foot from Salop, 300 horse and 700 foot from Staffordshire,
300 horse from Derbyshire, 200 horse and 200 foot from Warwickshire, and 200 horse from Worcestershire, to be at Wolverhampton
on the 18th inst., to be employed against Lichfield and the other
garrisons of the enemy in those parts. We have besides designed
Col. Mytton with his own forces, the regiment of Reformadoes,
400 horse of Cheshire, and 500 horse and 1,000 foot of Lancashire,
to undertake the reducing of North Wales. He is to appoint a
rendezvous for those forces and to command them in that service.
We desire you to promote the march of all those forces as much
as you can, that the work may be carried on with effect and expedition. Sent by Mr. Hanbury. [Ibid., pp. 222, 223. Copy=
1¼ pp.] |
February 13.
Derby House. |
The same to Col. [John] Needham, Governor of Leicester. We
have received yours with the Articles enclosed, and do approve
your conference with the Earl of Huntingdon's brother [Henry
Hastings, Lord Loughborough]. We are content with the articles
concerning the marching out of the [Royalist garrison], with their
arms and ammunition, bag and baggage. And for what concerns the Earl of Huntingdon or his brother, according as they
shall deserve in the surrendering of the place [Ashby-de-laZouch], so this Committee will endeavour that consideration shall
be had thereof with the Parliament for restoring them to their
estates. And for those gentlemen, officers, and soldiers spoken of
in the penultimate article, they shall have liberty to lay down
their arms and live at home, if they please, and have their persons
protected, submitting themselves to all Ordinances of the Parliament. Those officers and gentlemen whereof you have sent up a
list may come off from their sequestrations, as others have done
who have been in the like degree of delinquency. Sent by Sir
Arthur Haselrig's care. [Ibid., p. 224. Copy. 1 p.] |
February 13.
Derby House. |
The same to the deputy lieuts. and Committees of co. Lancaster.
The first part to the same effect as the above letter to Sir Wm.
Brereton. We desire you that 500 of your horse and 1,000 foot
may march to the service against Lichfield and the adjacent
garrisons of the enemy, and may be at such rendezvous as Col.
Mytton shall appoint, whose orders they are to obey and follow.
We have made report to the Commons for supply of money for
payment of the forces which shall be so employed. You are to see
that these forces be duly at the appointed rendezvous, that the
work may be effectually and expeditiously carried on, which being
effected will discourage all attempts into those parts by the Irish.
Sent by Mr. Hanbury. [Ibid., pp. 225, 226. Copy = 1½ pp.] |
| February 13. |
The like to Cheshire, mutatis mutandis, for 400 horse. [Ibid.
Minute.] |
| February 14. |
37. Notes of the state of the Earl of Denbigh's accounts to be
reported to the House [of Commons]. On the 20th July 1643 the
Earl had an Ordinance to receive 6,000l. with interest from the
Treasurers at Guildhall. On 9 Dec. 1645 the House ordered that
the certificates of the Committee for Accounts should be referred to
the Committee appointed to take his Lordship's services into consideration, who are to find out some way to free him from his
engagements for the State and the debt due to him; and to present the same to the House with all convenient speed. On the
14th Feb. 1645–6, that Committee taking the same into consideration have ordered that out of the 5,577l. due for the Earl's
arrears of pay he should forthwith receive 3,000l., the one moiety
thereof out of Goldsmith's Hall in course, and the other out of the
Excise in course. That the remainder of his pay, being 2,577l.,
shall be paid out of some Papists' and delinquents' estates. [1 p.] |
| February 14. |
38. Order made at the Committee for wounded and maimed
soldiers. That Dr. Aaron Gourden having, since the beginning of
these wars, by directions of this Committee, attended as physician
on the sick and wounded soldiers brought from the parts of the
country belonging to the Parliament into the Savoy Hospital, as
also those lying at their own or friends' houses within the City of
London, it is this day ordered that the Treasurers for the wounded
and maimed soldiers shall pay to Dr. Gourden, for his pains and
care in this service, 6s. 8d. per diem, as well for the time past as
for the future. [Copy. ½ p.] |
| February 14. |
39. Examinations relative to the printing and publishing of the
pamphlet called "Truth's Manifest," also the papers given in by
the Scots' Commissioners. Robert Bostock, stationer, saith that, in
July or August last, Mr. Buchanan brought to him a book containing the proceedings of the Scots of about 4 or 5 sheets licensed
under Mr. Cranford's hand, and gave it to him that it might be
entered in the Stationers' Hall. [2 pp.] |
| February 14. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. |
|
Order of the Committee of both Houses. |
|
[Interregnum 13 E., Index to Day Book of Orders, p. 58.] |
|
A letter to be written to Mr. Tate's Committee for copies of Dr. Goffe's
and [Lord] Jermyn's letters. |
|
[Ibid., p. 81.] |
|
The letters intercepted near Evesholme [Evesham] to be reported, and a
reward voted for the man who took them. |
|
[Ibid., p. 81.] |
| February 16. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. |
|
The business of Beaumaris to be considered. |
|
[Interregnum 13 E., Index to Day Book of Orders, p. 11.] |
|
Col. Birch to have 200l. paid him for his guns.
Ibid.] |
|
Mr. Erle to represent the business of Wareham. |
|
[Ibid., p. 33.] |
|
The gentlemen of Hertfordshire to be here in the afternoon. |
|
[Ibid., p. 58.] |
|
The Committee of Herts. to press but 167 men. |
|
[Ibid., p. 58.] |
|
Letters to be sent to Col. Whalley, Major Sadascue, and others. |
|
[Ibid., p. 81.] |
|
To report for a pass for the Earl of Northampton. |
|
[Ibid., p. 100.] |
|
Pass for Lieut.-Col. Pitman. |
|
[Ibid., p. 114.] |
|
Copy of a letter from the Committee at York to be sent to the Scots'
Commissioners. |
|
[Ibid., p. 173.] |
February 16.
Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to Mr. [Zouch] Tate, M.P.
We conceive it necessary that those letters which contain the
negotiations between Dr. Goffe and Lord Jermyn should be
transcribed and sent to Mr. [Walter] Strickland to be made use of
as there shall be occasion. We desire you that we may have those
letters to transcribe, that they may be sent over [into Holland] on
Friday next by the post. [Interregnum 22 E., p. 226. Copy.
½ p.] |
February 16.
Derby House. |
The same to Col. Whalley. We have received yours, and do
approve of your sending the horse you mention into the west. We
have written to Commissary Ireton's horse to join with those sent
from you according to your directions, and if you should see cause
send such other horse after them towards the west as you may
judge necessary. If you find cause to send more horse westward,
then the horse of Newport [Pagnell], Northampton, and the other
garrisons may be commanded to stay with the foot about Banbury.
Sent by Mr. Butler. [Ibid., p. 227. Copy. 2/3 p.] |
February 16.
Derby House. |
The same to Major Sadascue. We have heard from Col. Whalley
that he had given you order to march toward the regiments sent
from him into the west, and to join with them against the enemy's
horse. Do not fail to march forthwith according to his orders, this
being a service of very great consequence. Sent by Mr. Faukeard.
[Ibid., pp. 227, 228. Copy=½ p.] |
| February 16 |
40. Resolution of the House of Commons and order made thereon.
That it be referred to the Committee of both kingdoms, notwithstanding any former order made by them, to consider of the disposing of the remainder of the forces which were before Chester,
and are not employed for the reducing of North Wales, &c. That
for the present 6,000l. be charged upon the receipt of the Excise in
course for these forces, and paid to the Committee of both kingdoms
to be employed by their direction. It is further ordered that the
Committee do consider what other money will be necessary for
those forces, and to report it together with the proposed establishment for them. [Printed in Commons' Journals iv., p. 443.
Copy. 2/3 p.] |
| February 16. |
41. Paper entitled "Lichfield Accounts," being a statement of the
accounts of the expenditure of 6,000l. appointed for the forces under
Sir Wm. Brereton, which were employed against Chester, and then
in following the enemy under Sir Jacob [Lord] Astley in the field,
and fought with him at Stowe; as also of the 3,000l., part of the
6,000l. employed for the forces gathered together for the siege of
Lichfield, charged upon the Excise by order of both Houses,
21 March 1645–6. These accounts extend from the above date to
December 1646, and are followed by Richd. Stelfox's accounts
giving fuller particulars of the expenditure of some part of this
money, commencing from 3 March 1645–6, and will be found under
that date. [8 pp. and 31 pp.] |
| February 16. |
42. The substance of the report [of the Commissioners for
Cheshire] touching money charged upon the receipts of the Excise
and how it was disbursed. By the Commons' order of 16 Feb.
1645–6, 6,000l. was so charged for keeping together of the forces
which were before Chester for hindering the King's levies and
recruits. On the 6th March following an Ordinance was appointed
to be brought in for 6,000l. out of the Excise, to be employed for
the forces under Sir Wm. Brereton, which were to follow Sir Jacob
Lord Astley in the field. Of this sum 3,000l. only was appointed
for the forces before Lichfield. That this siege continued at least
20 weeks, during which time the greatest burden of that work lay
upon the Cheshire foot, for the most part whereof there was no
provision of pay. There were also there foot from Hereford,
Worcester, Gloucester, and Salop, which would not continue upon
duty without pay, and these partook thereof. Several other sums
were raised in Cheshire to pay those soldiers, or else that leaguer
could not have been maintained. That the said money was all
borrowed and advanced beforehand, the greater part passing
through the hands of Richd. Stelfox, deceased, who tendered an
account thereof. And so much as came to the hands of Sir Wm.
Brereton, which was not much, is mentioned in his own particular
account. [1 p.] |
| February 16. |
43. Attestation by the Assessors of the parish of Stone before
the Committee of Accounts. That the whole assessment of that
parish ammounted to no more than 20l. This is underwritten to a
warrant of Wm. Fisher, constable to the Borsholders of Stone, dated
4 March 1642[–3], wherein they are required to assess that parish
in the sum of 20l., to be collected in accordance with the Act of
Parliament for levying money for the necessary defence and great
affairs of England and Ireland, and for the payment of debts undertaken by the Parliament. [1 p.] |
February 16.
Hereford. |
44. Col. John Birch to Joseph Boulcott. You having been
aiding to the war against Parliament have brought your estate
under sequestration, and yourself (this city being taken without
any composition) are a lawful prisoner, yet your estate has not
been sequestered, nor your person imprisoned, as done to all others
found here who had done no more than yourself against Parliament,
my desire being to favour you what I may; yet the necessity of
subsistence for the horse and foot under my command, and the
trust reposed in me, calls on me to take such course for raising
money as is allowed by both Houses, and as I am loth your estate
should be sequestered, I have rather chosen to charge you with a
sum far below what in rigour you are to pay. I therefore desire
you to pay to Androsse Tovy 30l. within six days, and in case you
fail you may expect the same which is inflicted upon others for the
like offence. Underwritten, |
|
44. I. Receipts by Androsse Tovy for 15l. in part of the above
written sum of 30l., 2 Mar. 1645–6, and for 10l. allowed
for the carriage of timber to the castle by Boulcott,
May 23, 1646. [Copy. 1 p.] |
| February 17. |
45. Order of the Commons. That the intercepted letters from
Ireland inclosed in Capt. Robt. Moulton's of the 23rd Jany. here
specified, and which were read together with the several treaties
made by Lord Herbert of Ragland, styled Earl of Glamorgan, with
the rebels of Ireland, be referred to Sir Walter Erle's Committee,
who are to make what use they can of them, and to take care that
they be printed with other letters and papers referred to the
care of that Committee to be printed. [Printed in Commons'
Journals iv., p. 446. Copy. 1 p.] |
| February 17. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. |
|
The gentlemen from Derbyshire to be desired to be here. |
|
[Interregnum 13 E., Index to Day Book of Orders, p. 28.] |
|
The Committee of Examinations to issue a warrant for apprehending
of 80. |
|
[Ibid., p. 33.] |
|
A messenger to be sent to the Isle of Wight to Col. Carne.
[Ibid., p. 91.] |
February 17.
Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to Major-Genl. Skippon, and
Cols. Morgan and Birch. Some forces have risen in Glamorganshire and are besieging Cardiff. We desire you, as we have also
done the Governors of Gloucester and Hereford, to confer [on] your
advices, and to send what forces you can spare for the raising of
that siege and resettling that country. [Interregnum 22 E., p. 228.
Copy. 2/3 p.] |
February 18.
York. |
46. The Committee at York to the Committee of Accounts for
the whole kingdom. We have often required of the several Committees of this Association a copy of their Control Books, according
to the Ordinance of Parliament for the Northern Association, but
have only been able to procure those for the city and ainsty
of York, which we sent up to you. We thought fit to give
you this account that it may appear no failing hath been in us.
[¾ p.] |
| February 18. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. |
|
The Governor of Chichester is [required] to spare 100 foot [for the siege
of] Corfe Castle. |
|
[Interregnum 13 E., Index to Day Book of Orders, p. 19.] |
|
This Committee to meet to-morrow afternoon. |
|
[Ibid.] |
|
Letters and instructions [prepared for Col. Whalley and Major Sadascue]
approved of. |
|
[Ibid., p. 81.] |
|
Letters to be sent to Cheshire and Lancashire [for their forces] to march
to a rendezvous. |
|
[Ibid., p. 81.] |
|
That a messenger be sent to Dover and one to Rye to make search. |
|
[Ibid., p. 91.] |
|
Papers delivered in by the Scots' Commissioners. |
|
[Ibid., p. 114.] |
February 18.
Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to [Major John Boyce, Lieutenant] Governor of Dover [Castle]. You will see by the enclosed
what intelligence we have received from France, whereupon we
have sent one of our messengers, John Crips, to apprehend these
persons and seize their letters, papers, and money, and bring them
before this Committee. Assist him all you can in what is committed to him, the business being of very great consequence. If
these persons should be apprehended you are to furnish him
with such guard as may be necessary for bringing them up
hither. Sent by Mr. Crips. [Interregnum 22 E., p. 229. Copy.
2/3 p.] |
| February 18. |
The like to the Governor of Rye. [Ibid. Minute.] |
February 18.
Derby House. |
The same to [Col. Algernon Sydney] Governor of Chichester.
We desire you to send forthwith 100 foot [from your garrison] to
the siege of Corfe Castle, the town of Wareham having lately been
endangered by the absence of their forces at that siege. These
forces are to be paid by the Committee of Dorsetshire for the
time of their service there. Sent by Mr. Potter. [Ibid., p. 254.
Copy. ½ p.] |
February 18.
Derby House. |
The same to the Governor of Wareham. We have written to
the Governor of Chichester to send 100 foot to the siege of
Corfe Castle, and upon their coming up you are to draw off 100 of
your own foot for the security of your garrison. Delivered to
Mr. Erle. [Ibid., p. 253. Copy. ½ p.] |
February 19.
Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to Sir Wm. Brereton. We
wrote to you on the 13th inst. for some of those forces, which had
been at the siege of Chester, to be employed in the reducing of
North Wales, but we are informed that they are marched home
before the receipt of our letters appointing them to come to such
rendezvous as Col. Mytton should select for that service. The particulars of those forces you had in our last. We desire you to
employ your interest in getting those forces speedily to a rendezvous.
You well know the consequence of the service, and how much it
would contribute to the security of all those parts if that place
were in the possession of the Parliament, whereby all attempts from
Ireland would be discouraged, and in a manner prevented, that
being the last hope the enemy now hath. We need not use other
argument to you to urge it forward with all the effect you can.
The Commons have charged 10,000l. upon the Excise for this
service, and care shall be had for the present taking of it up, that
those forces may want no encouragement the House can give them
for the ready and cheerful undertaking of that service, which is of
so great concernment to the whole kingdom. Sent by Mr. Bulmer.
[Interregnum 22 E., pp. 229, 230. Copy. 1¼ pp.] |
February 19.
Derby House. |
The same to Col. Mytton. In ours of the 13th we appointed
you with the forces therein named to endeavour the reduction of
North Wales, and directed you to appoint a rendezvous and give
them directions. We are now informed that those forces are
marched home before the receipt of our letter, and have consequently written to them again to observe your directions. You
are to appoint them a rendezvous so as that work may be carried
on with all expedition and effect. The Commons have charged
10,000l. upon the Excise for this service. This we have likewise
signified to those forces that they may undertake the service with
more readiness and cheerfulness. We doubt not but you will be
careful for the best improvement of them. Sent as above. [Ibid.,
p. 231. Copy. 1 p.] |
February 19.
Derby House. |
The same to the regiment of Reformadoes, late serving at the
siege of Chester. Upon the reducing of Chester, in which your
regiment did so good service and for which we desire to thank you,
we wrote to you, as also to other forces, to march to Col. Mytton's
rendezvous for carrying on the work in North Wales. We believe
our letters have come to your hands before this, yet for that the
service is of very great concernment we have renewed our directions
for you to obey Col. Mytton's orders. We do this the rather upon
the informations we have that the enemy intend to bring the Irish
rebels into those parts, which attempt of theirs will be wholly
discouraged if those parts can be first reduced. For the better
carrying on of this work the Commons have charged 10,000l. upon
the Excise. Sent as above. [Ibid., pp. 232, 233. Copy. 1¼ pp.] |
February 19.
Derby House. |
The same to the deputy lieuts. and Committees of co. Lancaster.
The first part to the same effect as the preceding. We wrote to
you for 500 horse and 1,000 foot to be sent to such rendezvous as
Col. Mytton should appoint for the reducing of North Wales, but
before the receipt of our letters your forces [before Chester] had
returned home. Considering the general concernment to the whole
kingdom and the security of those parts in particular, we again
urge this service on your attention, that being the way by which
the enemy intends to bring in the Irish rebels so as to lengthen
out and continue these unhappy troubles, but if that place be once
in the power of the Parliament such attempts will be discouraged.
We therefore recommend it to you, that those forces may not fail
to observe such directions as Col. Mytton shall give them for that
service. For their better encouragement all care shall be used [by
us], and we doubt not but out of your good affections you will be
willing to contribute your utmost for the carrying on of this service. Sent as above. [Ibid., pp. 233, 234. Copy=1¼ pp.] |
February 19.
Derby House. |
The same to the deputy lieuts. and Committees of Cheshire.
On the 13th we wrote to you for 400 of your horse to come to Col.
Mytton's rendezvous for carrying on the work against North Wales,
which forces we hope are ready according to our directions. Yet
considering the importance of this service we again urge you to
have those forces ready, and for their better encouragement we are
able to inform you that the Commons have charged 10,000l. upon
the Excise for this service. We desire you to contribute all you
can for the furtherance and promotion thereof. Sent as above.
[Ibid., pp. 234, 235. Copy = 1 p.] |
February 20.
Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to the Commissioners of Excise.
There being an Ordinance for payment out of the Excise of 25,000l.
to the regiment of Reformadoes under Col. Sanderson, which regiment has done good service about Chester, and is now to go again
upon a service of great concernment, we desire you to advance them
the money, without which they are not able to march upon the
service they are now designed unto. We conceive it will be no
inconvenience to you to furnish the money presently, it being to be
repaid at intervals with interest, and is due in June next. [Interregnum 22 E., p. 235. Copy. 2/3 p.] |
| February 21. |
47. [Commissioners of Sequestration for Kent] to the Committee
for Kent sitting at Maidstone. We desire to clear ourselves to this
Committee of some mistake that has been brought to you against
some of us, as appears by yours of the 13th present, wherein you
complain of our disturbing the tenants by sequestration, &c. We
have not questioned any one but John Ambrose, of Thanet, which
we did on the ground that Sir John Williams having brought in
his account to us upon oath, it appeared that Ambrose was indebted
to the State in above 500l., and the party being laden with other
engagements we thought fit to demand the money, it being an
arrear of Sir John Williams's account. Concerning the Collectors
of Sequestration we are very well satisfied that they first perfect
their accounts before yourselves, only we must quicken them sometimes in this business, wherein they are slow enough of themselves.
[1 p.] |
February 23.
Nantwich. |
48. The Committee for Sequestrations in the hundred of Nantwich, co. Chester, to Sergeant John Wilde, M.P. That John
Kelsall, minister of Audley, co. Stafford, hath proposed to us an
order from the Committee of Lords and Commons for Sequestration
upon the report of Mr. Bradshaw, grounded only upon a certificate
of the Committee of Stafford, whereby he demands some debts of
his in Cheshire, long since sequestered by us and received and
disposed of to the use of the Commonwealth according to the
Ordinances. We well know that Mr. John Kelsall has been of a
malignant spirit against the Parliament's proceedings from the
beginning, and has taken the enemy's oath. [Seal with crest. 2/3 p.]
Enclose, |
|
48. I. Copies of the depositions of divers witnesses relative to the
delinquency of John Kelsall, minister. [2 pp.] |
|
48. II. Copy of the protestation or oath taken by John Kelsall,
entitled "A Protestation to be tendered to all his Majesty's
faithful and loyal subjects." [1½ pp.] |
| February 23. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. |
|
The Committee of the Army to send to Banbury 40 barrels of gunpowder. |
|
[Interregnum 13 E., Index to Day Book of Orders, p. 19.] |
|
Directions to be sent to Col. Fleetwood's forces to wait upon the
enemy's. |
|
[Ibid., p. 40.] |
|
Sir Wm. Waller to be desired to speak about the three pieces of ordnance
for Gloucestershire. |
|
[Ibid., p. 50.] |
|
The Committee at Goldsmiths' Hall to certify what money is in
readiness. |
|
[Ibid., p. 50.] |
|
Letters to be written to the Committee of Hants, &c. |
|
[Ibid., p. 81.] |
|
Lady Mannocke to be discharged. |
|
[Ibid., p. 91.] |
|
Col. Needham's letter to be reported. |
|
[Ibid., p. 100.] |
|
To report to the House [of Commons] that the Commissioners of the
Excise cannot furnish that money. |
|
[Ibid., p. 127.] |
|
The Scottish Commissioners' answer to the House of Commons of the
17th to be reported. |
|
[Ibid., p. 137.] |
February 23.
Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to [Capt. St. Barbe] Governor
of Southampton and the Committee of Hants. Send up to this
Committee in safe custody Zouch Carterett, taken coming out of
the King's quarters, and in whose army he had long continued.
Sent by Mr. Binding. [Interregnum 22 E., p. 236. Copy. ⅓ p.] |
February 23.
Derby House. |
The same to Cols. Fleetwood and Whalley. Both Houses have
received letters from Sir Thos. Fairfax, desiring that the forces
with you may be so employed as that the army and forces in the
west with him might not be alarmed by the horse of Oxford and
the garrisons in those parts, which the House of Commons have
given order in accordingly, as you will see by the enclosed. You
are therefore to be so observant of the motions of the [Royalist]
forces about Oxford that the designs of our army in the west may
not be interrupted by any alarms [of the Royalists] marching into
any of the parts westward. This being taken special care of we
leave it to you, being upon the spot, to make the best use of those
forces with you for the preservation of the [Eastern] Association,
the blocking up of Banbury, and straitening of Oxford; as we also
do to call Commissary Ireton's regiment to your assistance or otherwise as you shall see cause. We have just received Col. Fleetwood's
letter, and leave it to you to select those places as quarters mentioned
by him or such others as you may judge fit, provided there be regard
had to our directions herein formerly given. And for that we are
informed that it is a constant order of Sir Thos. Fairfax that when
brigades are abroad from the army they are to be commanded by
the eldest Colonel, we doubt not but that order will be observed
by you when the regiments shall have occasion to join. Sent by
Priestley. [Ibid., pp. 236, 237. Copy = 1¼ pp.] |
| February 24. |
Col. John Needham, Governor of Leicester, to the Committee of
both kingdoms. Upon my second meeting with General Hastings I
found him stiffly to prosecute his first demands, and utterly unsatisfied
with what your Lordships had granted, affirming that the benefit
would very little accrue to him by taking off his sequestration, his
estate being little or nothing worth, and so he should part with such
a considerable garrison upon so poor and inconsiderable terms; and
therefore would have those listed officers and gentlemen, whose
[names] he had given in, to have their sequestrations taken off, or
else no further speech to be had upon the business. But at last the
conclusion of the business came to this,—That the sequestrations of
his own, of his brother's, the Earl of Huntingdon, and of Col.
Perkins', the Governor [of Ashby House], their estates [were] to
be taken off; and that if the Parliament will grant a power to Sir
Richd. Skeffington of Coventry and myself to compound with them
for their delinquency; and then upon such a grant, they have
absolutely engaged themselves to slight their garrison without any
further excuse or delay. I shall humbly beseech your Honours that
if your wisdom and grave consideration shall think this fit, and us
so faithful as shall incline you to it, that Sir Arthur Haselrig may
be added in the Commission, for I doubt not I shall get General
Hastings to consent to it, and that the business might be despatched
with all expedition; for besides the great concernment of this
county, it will prove of great consequence to our leaguer at Newark;
for Ashby [de-la-Zouch] being reduced, their horse after once [they
have] broke out [of Newark], which shortly is expected, must of
necessity march so far away as they are not likely to annoy them
[the beseigers] any more, which otherwise is extremely feared;
besides, if once [their horse be] come thither [to Ashby] it is much
to be questioned how the Lord of Loughborough shall be master
of his own intention in this business. [Printed in Lords' Journals
viii., p. 184.] Subjoined, |
|
i. The paper containing the Lords' sense upon the said letter
was read [in the Commons], and was in hæc verba,—"The
Lords agree that those three [persons] mentioned in the
Governor of Leicester's letter shall have their sequestrations
taken off, and that the composition for the estates of the
rest shall be referred to Sir Richd. Skeffington and the
Governor of Leicester;" and upon the question [this was]
assented unto. Copy examined on the original by Richd.
Bourne, 11 July 1651. [Printed in Commons' Journals,
vol. iv., p. 453. Interregnum 65 G., pp. 420–422. Copy.
2¼ pp.] |
| February 24. |
List of such officers and gentlemen as were in the garrison of
Ashby-de-la-Zouch at its surrender. These were mentioned in a
list sent up and presented to both Houses by Sir Richd. Skeffington
and Col. John Needham, then Governor of Leicester, for their
admittance to composition, which was accordingly assented to
by order of the Houses of the 24th February. The names comprise
9 colonels, 2 lieut.-cols. 9 majors, 24 captains, 12 lieutenants, and
1 cornet, besides 16 gentlemen of quality not listed, amongst the
latter being Mr. Vere Cromwell. Dorso, |
|
The Lords and Commons do agree that those three mentioned in
the Governor of Leicester's letter shall have their sequestrations taken off, and that the composition for the estates
of all the rest shall be referred to Sir Richd. Skeffington
and the Governor of Leicester. H. Elsinge, Clerk of Parliaments. [Interregnum 227 G., pp. 599, 600. Copy.
1¼ pp.] |
| February 24. |
49. Declaration of debtor and creditor account of Philip Viscount
Lisle, specifying all moneys for horse, arms, &c., received and issued
forth by him for the service of the Commonwealth between
11 Dec. 1641 and 10 August 1643. Totals, 5,287l. 0s. 0½d.
Underwritten, |
|
49. i. Mem. by the Committee of Accounts. That as yet we have not
received all the accounts from the several Treasurers nor
counties whereby to charge his Lordship with more than
is set down in this account; neither have we any musterrolls, whereby it might appear that his regiment, troop, and
foot company with waggons were ever mustered. [2 pp.] |
February 24.
Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to Col. [John] Needham.
We have received yours without date, and have reported it to the
[Commons'] House, who have thereupon resolved what you desired
therein [as Governor of Leicester] as you will see by the enclosed
order. We desire you accordingly to proceed therein to the finishing
of that work. [Interregnum 22 E., p. 237. Copy. ⅓ p.] |
February 24.
Derby House. |
The same to the Committee of the Army. We hear from the
forces blocking up Banbury that they are disabled to proceed for
want of ammunition. Send them 40 barrels of gunpowder, with
match proportionable, that their endeavours may not be ineffectual
for the reducing of that place. Sent by Mr. Butler. [Ibid., p. 238.
Copy. 2/3 p.] |
| February 26. |
50. Muster roll of Capt. Phipp's company. [1 p.] |
| Feb. 26–27. |
51. Certificate by Ferdinando Lord Fairfax, that Major John
Gyfford, late Major-General in the north under his command, was
always there in actual service from Nov. 1642 until 3 Oct. 1643,
as expressed in his debenture; and that upon his being removed
from his commands his regiment and troop were disposed of by Lord
Fairfax, as Lord General of the North. Subjoined, |
|
51. i. Particular of the arrears of pay due to John Gyfford, late
Sergeant Major-General under the command of Lord
Fairfax. Total, 1,280l., whereof received by Gyfford
108l. 16s., leaving due to him 1,171l. 4s., except what the
country can charge on him for billet or otherwise. I
refer this to the consideration of the Parliament. Fer.
Fairfax. |
|
51. II. Copy of Gyfford's receipt for 100l., received of Col. William
White. 1 Jany. 1644[–5.] |
|
51. III. Order of Parliament upon the petition of Major Gyfford
That he being presently to go over to Ireland with Col.
[Norris] Jephson's regiment raised for that service, he
will not be able personally to attend the payment of his
arrears, or certify the veracity of his debenture. It is
therefore ordered that the Committee of Accounts do swear
him upon his debenture before his departure for Ireland,
he being commanded to his charge by Lord Inchiquin.
[Printed in Lords' Journals viii., p. 187.] |
|
51. iv. State of the account of pay due as certified by John
Gyfford. Total, 1,262l., whereof he hath received at
several times 108l. 16s., leaving due to him 1,153l. 4s.
He was in actual service in the north, he raised his troop
at his own charges, he never received either horses or arms
from the State, nor ever had any free quarter, for which
the State is to be charged. John Gyfford. [Copies. 4 pp.] |
| February 26. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. |
|
The Committee for the Admiralty to have a ship ride near Weymouth. |
|
[Interregnum 13 E., Index to Day Book of Orders, p. 1.] |
|
Ordered, that the letter from Bolton of the 7th Feb. be read. |
|
[Ibid., p. 11.] |
|
Mr. Cawley to deliver such Dutch letters as have come from Brazil. |
|
[Ibid., p. 19.] |
|
Extract to be made of Cols. Norton's and Sydenham's desires, which are
to be reported to the House [of Commons]. |
|
[Ibid., p. 33.] |
|
Col. Fleetwood and Col. Whalley to send 200 horse to Highworth. |
|
[Ibid., p. 40.] |
|
The order of both Houses for Tickhill [in Yorkshire]. |
|
[Ibid., p. 58] |
|
The letters taken out of the Paris packet to be returned. |
|
[Ibid., p. 81.] |
|
To send what engineer Col. Norton shall think fit. |
|
[Ibid., p. 100.] |
|
Petition of Col. Stockdale. |
|
[Ibid., p. 114.] |
|
Col. Rainsborough's regiment to march from Abingdon to Banbury. |
|
[Ibid., p. 127.] |
|
To report the letter of Lieut.-General Leslie. |
|
[Ibid., p. 127.] |
|
To report the proceedings at Tickhill. |
|
[Ibid., p. 127.] |
|
To report concerning the movements of Col. Fleetwood. |
|
[Ibid., p. 127.] |
|
Col. Sidney to send 100 men to Corfe [Castle]. |
|
[Ibid., p. 137.] |
|
The gentlemen of Sussex to be spoken with about Cowdray House [near
Midhurst]. |
|
[Ibid., p. 137.] |
| February 27. |
52. Proceedings at a meeting at Gainsborough this day, for
hearing the grievances of the inhabitants of Tickhill, co. York, and
others, alleged against some officers and soldiers of the Scottish
army. Names of the Commissioners from the Parliament and also
of the Commissioners and officers of the Scottish army who were
present. Articles exhibited by the inhabitants of Tickhill against
Col. Sibbott, and divers Reformadoes pretending themselves to
belong to the Scottish army, with annotations in the margin of the
strictures on each Article made by Lieut.-Genl. David Leslie and
others. These 41 Articles were of grievances suffered from the
Reformadoes before they were set at liberty from Pontefract Castle,
and before Col. Fraser's regiment of horse came to Tickhill, the
24th Jany. 1645[–6]. After the coming of that regiment of horse
and the enlargement of the Reformadoes, according to the desire of
Lieut.-Genl. David Leslie, the grievances following were complained
of by the inhabitants of Tickhill. After hearing the grievances
contained in the two papers delivered to the Commissioners of
Parliament, 24 Jany. and 2 Feb., another paper of articles presented
on the 20 Feb. was produced, entitled a report from Mr. John
Garfield, minister of Tickhill, &c. At the same meeting at Gainsborough, the 27th Feb., the examination and testimony concerning
false musters in the Scottish army were heard, as also the business
of Captain Haynes. [31 pp.] |
| February 27. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. |
|
To send four companies from Abbington [Abingdon] to the service of
Banbury. |
|
[Interregnum 13 E., Index to Day Book of Orders, p. 1.] |
|
Order of both Houses concerning Lord Inchiquin. |
|
[Ibid., p. 58.] |
|
Mrs. Jermin referred to the Committee of Examinations. |
|
[Ibid., p. 65.] |
|
Letters to the Committee of Shrewsbury about Oswaldstree [Oswestry]. |
|
[Ibid., p. 81.] |
|
Letters to be written to Col. Mitton. |
|
[Ibid., p. 81.] |
|
Letters to Henley and Abingdon for a convoy. |
|
[Ibid., p. 81.] |
|
A messenger to provide lodgings for Mrs. Jermyn. |
|
[Ibid., p. 91.] |
|
The oath of secrecy concerning Mrs. Jermyn to be taken off. |
|
[Ibid., p. 106.] |
|
Letters from Col. Mitton and [the Committee in] Salop to be reported. |
|
[Ibid., p. 127.] |
|
Lieut.-Col. Raymond to have 50l. paid him. |
|
[Ibid., p. 127.] |
|
Sub-committee to examine the business of several castles in Kent. |
|
[Ibid., p. 137.] |
|
Col. Temple to be desired to be here to-morrow. |
|
[Ibid., p. 145.] |
|
Warrant for 40 barrels of gunpowder, &c., for Dover Castle. |
|
[Ibid., p. 161.] |
| February 28. |
53. Collection of petitions, reports, and accounts from various
places in co. Derby, submitted for the consideration of the Committee of Lords and Commons residing with the English and Scotch
armies in leaguer before Newark, chiefly relative to free quarter, impositions, and other grievances to which the inhabitants have been
subjected by the officers in command of the Scots' army whilst
quartered in that county. Of various dates during Feby. 1645–6. |
| February 28. |
54. A similar collection, chiefly relating to co. York, of various
dates in January and February. |
| February 28. |
55. Articles of Agreement for slighting the works and fortifications
of the garrison and town of Ashby-de-la-Zouch, made between
Colonel-General Hastings on the King's part and Colonel John
Needham, Governor of Leicester, for the Parliament. |
|
1. That all officers and soldiers now at Ashby[-de-la-Zouch] and
under the command of Col.-Genl. Hastings, and who are over and
above the number hereafter specified, shall upon the 2nd March
quit that garrison and march away. |
|
2. On the 3rd March the Colonel-General shall begin to slight
the works and fortifications of the garrison and town of Ashby,
accepting the aid of all who shall come for that purpose, till that
work be effected, and then at the end of three months he shall deliver up Ashby House, being now a garrison of the King, into the
hands of his brother, the Earl of Huntingdon. |
|
3. That upon the signing of these Articles all prisoners of this
county are to be liberated and to go home. |
|
4. That hostages shall be given for the safe return of any convoy
granted by Col. Needham. |
|
5. That Col.-Genl. Hastings, his officers, soldiers, and gentlemen,
shall have liberty to march away to Bridgnorth or Worcester, with
their horses, arms, and ammunition, bag and baggage, trumpets
sounding, having six days allowed for their passing. |
|
6. That all persons now belonging to that garrison shall have
liberty to lay down their arms, and have protections to live at
home, submitting themselves to all Ordinances of the Parliament. |
|
7. That the sequestrations of the estates of Col.-General Hastings,
Henry Earl of Huntingdon, and Col. Perkins, Governor of Ashby
House, are to be taken off upon the slighting of Ashby garrison. |
|
8. That Sir Richd. Skeffington and Col. Needham shall have
liberty to compound for the estates of such officers and gentlemen
as are expressed in this list given in, whether of Leicester, Derby,
Stafford, Notts., or Warwick, or so many of them as shall think fit
to compound with them for their estates. |
|
9. That the Col.-General, with those gents. and their servants
who desire to stay with him, not exceeding 100, may have free
liberty to stay at Ashby for three months after the signing of these
Articles, they doing nothing prejudicial to the Parliament. |
|
10. That [Henry] Lord Loughborough and those gent., with their
servants and horses, not exceeding 150, shall have a sufficient pass
and convoy either to Hull or Bristol, and they by order of Parliament to have a ship provided to transport them either to France
or Holland, whither they shall please. [Certified copy. 3 pp.] |
| February 28. |
Another copy of the Articles for slighting the works at Ashbyde-la-Zouch. [Interregnum G. 65, pp. 114–116. 3 pp.] |
| February 28. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. |
|
Major-General Browne to certify whether Hyworth [Highworth] be a
safe quarter. |
|
[Interregnum 13 E., Index to Day Book of Orders, p. 11.] |
|
Mr. Hobby's propositions to be received. |
|
[Ibid., p. 58.] |
|
Orders of the Committee of both Houses about report for Lord
Inchiquin. |
|
[Ibid., p. 58.] |
|
Col. Ireton's regiment to convoy the recruits. |
|
[Ibid., p. 65.] |
|
Letters to be written to the several garrisons for forces to fight Sir Jacob
Ashley [Lord Astley]. |
|
[Ibid., p. 81.] |
|
Mem.—That the Earl of Lauderdale produced a letter from the Duke of
Hamilton. |
|
[Ibid., p. 81.] |
|
The letters drafted yesterday were read and approved. |
|
[Ibid., p. 81.] |
|
To report the letters to the Emperor of Russia. |
|
[Ibid., p. 81.] |
|
The letter to the Consul in Russia approved of. |
|
[Ibid., p. 81. |
|
The messenger who intercepted the letters from Ireland to have 20l. |
|
[Ibid., p. 91.] |
|
The business of Monsr. Montereul to be considered on Monday. |
|
[Ibid., p. 91.] |
|
Paper of the Scots' Commissioners to be reported. |
|
[Ibid., p. 114.] |
|
To give Col. Whalley notice of their march. |
|
[Ibid., p. 161.] |
February 28.
Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to the Governors of Abingdon
and Henley-on-Thames. You are to send a party of horse to be at
Reading on the 3rd of March, to conduct the recruits going from
thence for Col. Rainsborough's regiment of foot at Abingdon.
Underwritten, |
|
Abingdon to send 120 horse and Henley 80 horse. [Interregnum 22 E., pp. 238, 239. Copy = 2 p.] |
February 28.
Derby House. |
The same to the Committee of Salop. We have received yours
of the 15th inst., and are sorry to hear the differences are grown
so high amongst you, as that they are like to prove dangerous to
yourselves and may give the enemy an advantage against you.
We know that very great service was rendered to the public by
your Committee, and that they principally contributed to the reducement of that country. What you have so well begun is now
so far advanced that what remains would neither be long nor
difficult to accomplish if these unhappy differences and animosities
did not divide your forces against each other. Such exorbitancies
of the garrison of Oswestry may like enough be true, and are only
too usual amongst soldiers, and a better regulation were a thing
desirable; but want of pay and means to subsist will be pleaded
as an excuse, which, if it does not make soldiers at first disorderly,
always heightens their excesses when they are such. Indeed it
cannot be expected that where there is no pay there should be
regularity. We before wrote several letters in their behalf, urging
that they might be paid equally with the rest of your garrisons, but
of which they complain that they have received no fruit. Whatever reasons there are why they should not be so paid, yet there
can be none to balance this danger of raising a division in the
country. And therefore, although the affronts you complain of are
great and insufferable, and concerning which we have written to
Col. Mytton, yet we doubt not but your temper and great affection
to the public will enable you to bear them till they can be reformed, and the rather by provision of some pay for the soldiers make
them serviceable to you in expediting the rest of your work, than
by lengthening it out by divisions put your country to a far
greater charge. Meantime we desire you they may have pay the
same as your other garrisons have, and we have written to him
[Col. Mytton] that you may gather those contributions without any
molestation, We have likewise received letters concerning this
difference from Col. Mytton, and have reported both his and yours
to the Houses, that they may consider of an expedient to determine and settle those differences. Sent by Mr. Butler. [Ibid.,
pp. 239–241. Copy=2⅓ pp.] |
February 28.
Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to Col. Mytton. We have
received yours of the 18th from Ruthin relating the differences
between the forces at Oswestry and the Committee of Salop, which
we look upon as like to prove very dangerous if not presently
composed. We thank you for your endeavour to keep them
together till some course can be taken for the further effecting
thereof. We have reported both your letters and theirs to the
House, that an expedient may be found to determine and settle
the difference. We desire you in the meantime to improve your
power with them that no further inconvenience may happen. We
have received many complaints of the disorders [of those at
Oswestry], which in regard of your absence from them you can
neither take notice of nor prevent, and also of very great and insufferable insolencies toward the Committee, who we know have
done very good service to, and deserved very well of, the public.
We are informed by the Committee that, upon the receipt of our
letter to pay [those at Oswestry], they sent thither the Mustermaster of the county [Salop] to muster the garrison that they
might know what their pay would amount to, but he was received
with reproachful language and an absolute denial [by them] to be
mustered. It behoves the Committee to be as careful as they can
for regular issuing the collections and contributions of an impoverished county. We shall be ready to take notice of any good
service these [forces] have done to the public, but their merit
therein may be much lessened by their own disorders. We hope
the Houses will do that which shall end the difference, and doubt
not but you will add this to the rest of your own good services, to
prevent all further inconveniences till the Houses shall have taken
a resolution therein. We have written to them [Committee of
Salop] again to pay your men as [their] other garrisons are paid,
and we desire you to give order to your men that they molest not
the Committee in gathering the contributions of the country. Sent
by Mr. Butler. [Ibid., pp. 241–243. Copy=2 pp.] |
February 28.
Derby House. |
The same to the Committee of the Militia of Hertford. Send a
sufficient convoy of horse and dragoons to St. Albans to conduct
the recruits assembling there for Sir Thos. Fairfax's army, so soon
as you shall receive direction for it from Col. Venn. Sent by
Mr. Butler. [Ibid., p. 243. Copy. ½ p.] |
February 28.
Derby House. |
The same to the city of Chester. Your city having been all
this time in the enemy's hands, this Ordinance for the relief of the
British armies in Ireland could not before this time be sent unto
you to be put in execution. We therefore desire you forthwith to
cause it now to be put in execution, so that the assessments and
collections upon that Ordinance may be proceeded with and the
money immediately paid in upon the collection thereof. Certify us
if any obstruction be offered herein, that we may certify the
Houses, who will take course to remove it. Delivered to Mr.
Gaudon. [Ibid., p. 244. Copy. 1 p.] |
February 28.
Derby House. |
The same to cos. Cheshire, Salop, and Stafford. We have before
written to you about the expediting of the collections and assessments under the Ordinance of October 1844, for the relief of the
British armies in Ireland, wherein, although something hath been
done by you, yet there is much remaining behind whereby the
service is very much prejudiced, and the State disabled to perform
its engagements with the contractors who have furnished provisions
for the subsistence of our forces there, and the rebels encouraged
to attempt against us here in this kingdom, for want of an active
and vigorous prosecution of them there in Ireland. This service
is only retarded by the want of that money which has been
appointed for that purpose, and much of which is detained in
collectors' hands, who make use of it for their particular occasions,
also much of it remains uncollected through their negligence. The
assessment of itself is very light and easy, but we conceive even if
it were heavier, no man should be unwilling to contribute all in
his power to so good a work, considering it is for the chastising of
so horrid a rebellion, for the punishment of those who are imbrued
in so much innocent blood, for the reducing of a revolted kingdom,
and for the diversion of those forces which not being employed there in
Ireland will most certainly invade us at home. We therefore desire
you to put forward with all effect the bringing in of the moneys
which remain [unpaid] upon that Ordinance, and certify us who they
are that obstruct it, so that the Parliament may be informed thereof,
and may take such course as their demerits shall deserve. [Ibid.,
pp. 245, 246. Copy. 1½ pp.] |
| February 28. |
The like to Lancashire, except this clause, "wherein, although
something hath been done by you, yet there is much remaining
behind whereby the service is very much prejudiced," instead of
which read, "and, although you have already done that which is
considerable, and have therein been before other counties and exemplary unto them, yet for that there is an arrear behind, though not
so great as with others, by the want whereof the State is disabled
to perform with those, &c." [Ibid., p. 246. Minute.] |
February 28.
Derby House. |
The like to cos. Somerset, Dorset, Gloucester, and Bristol. The
Ordinances of October 1644, for the assessment and collecting of
the money appointed for the relief of the British armies in Ireland,
have now for some time been dispersed among you. Arguments in
support of the urgency for supplies to be sent to Ireland, the State
being unable to perform its promises with the undertakers according
to contract. Neither hath the war been so effectually prosecuted
there as was necessary, but the rebels have been able to send forces
into this kingdom to infest us here for want of a vigorous prosecution [of the rebellion] at home. We desire you therefore, upon
consideration of the great weight of affairs that depend upon your
care, to proceed in the most expeditious way in collecting and
bringing in the money, Because there may be difficulty in transmitting the money so collected to London you may pay the same to
Mr. John Davies, who will account for it to the Treasurers at Grocers'
Hall. [Ibid., pp. 247, 248. Copy = 2 pp.] |
February 28.
Derby House. |
The same to Col. Rainsborough. We have written to the
Governors of Abingdon and Henley-on-Thames to supply a sufficient convoy for your recruits to be sent to Abingdon, and when
these be come, your officers are to draw out four companies of your
regiment to go to the siege of Banbury. [Ibid., pp. 248, 249. Copy
= ½ p.] |
| February. |
56. Informations and examinations touching the false musters in
the Scottish army. Certificate of two false musters in Lord Livingstone's regiment, variously dated in Jan. and Feb. |
