Charles I - volume 512: Letters and Papers relating to the Navy and Admiralty, &c., dated between 2nd Januray and 24th July 1646

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1645-7. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1891.

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'Charles I - volume 512: Letters and Papers relating to the Navy and Admiralty, &c., dated between 2nd Januray and 24th July 1646', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1645-7, (London, 1891) pp. 506-512. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/chas1/1645-7/pp506-512 [accessed 24 March 2024]

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Letters and Papers relating to the Navy and Admiralty, &c., dated between 2nd Januray and 24th July 1646

Date. From. To. Subject. Reference.
1645–6. Vol. 512, No.
Jan. 2. Committee of the Navy. Commissioners of the Navy. The Commons having given order for the speedy setting forth of ships for guard of the coast, the Commissioners of the Navy are hereby ordered to contract with the owners of the vessel called "the Messenger" for her employment in the service of the Parliament. 1
Jan. 2. The same The same Warrant for making out bills to the owners of the ship "John," appraised at 2,400l., besides 200l. to be allowed for the profit of the voyage, for their parts in that ship; the Parliament buying her for the use of the State. The State to pay the debt of 823l. 9s. 3d. which some of the creditors, being many, desire may be paid to Rich. Heymans for their use. The Commissioners of the Navy having made out the bills to the parties named, this Committee will give order for payment, when the Commissioners are to take bills of sale from the parties for the ½ of the said ship. 2
Jan. 5. The same The same The Commissioners of the Navy to issue their warrants to the Victualer of the Navy to issue out of the stores here a proportion of six months' victuals for the ships "President," with 80 men, "Mermaid," 50 men, and "Discovery," 150 men, and to the Victualer at Portsmouth for a like proportion for the "Defiance," with 100 men, provided that ½ part of the proportion of beef and pork be of the old stores. These vessels being bound for the coast of Ireland upon letters of marque, in order to straiten the rebels in Ireland, upon the Ordinance of 30 Nov. 1643. 3
Jan. 7. The same The same Upon certificate from the Commissioners of the Navy of 3 Jany. that the ships therein mentioned remaining at Chatham may be graved, rigged, and ready to take in victuals by the times prefixed, it is hereby ordered that they do cause the ships "St. Andrew," "Rainbow," "Guardland" or "Garland," "Antelope," "Bonaventure," "Convertive," "Warwick," and "Nicodemus" to be fitted accordingly, that victuals and gunners' stores may be put aboard them. That they do also cause the other ships to be graved so as to be in readiness for such service as the Parliament shall appoint. 4
And whereas the Commissioners have further certified that the ships of the Irish squadron under Capt. Robt. Moulton may be continued out for this summer's fleet with a supply of victuals, and may be graved and fitted either at Bristol or Kinsale with as much expedition as here, and thereby a saving of time, it is ordered that the Commissioners do write to Capt. Moulton informing him of the Parliament's intentions, and that he so dispose of his affairs there, also that he certify them what supply will be wanting for graving and other necessary stores.
Jan. 8. Westminster. Committee for the Admiralty. The same Warrant to re-establish Richd. Dermott, purser of the "Swan" frigate, in his former place. 5
Jan. 8. Committee of the Navy. The same Ordered that the Commissioners of the Navy do peruse the propositions made to this Committee by John Browne, senr., gunfounder, for the furnishing of ordnance for the three frigates intended to be built by an order of the Commons of 17 Dec. 1645, and do confer with him about the same, and certify this Committee their opinion whether the prices he proposed or what other are fit to be given for these pieces. 6
Jan. 9. Committee of the Navy. Commissioners of the Navy. For making out a bill to Mr. Hutchins according to contract, for the moiety of the rates of the stages for post-horses between London and Taunton, at 14s. per diem, from 29 Sept. to 24 Dec., both inclusive. 7
Jan. 10. Committee for the Admiralty. The same Much time was this day spent in debate about the next summer's fleet, in presence of the Commissioners of the Navy, who are ordered to present to this Committee at their next sitting the names, burdens, and force of 20 merchants' ships, not now employed, being good sailers, and likely to be obtainable for the next summer's service, with the names of such captains as they and the owners can recommend. 8
Jan. 15. Wm. Jessop The same My Lord [Earl of Warwick] would be very glad to see a copy of those merchants' ships' names which you intend to present to the Committee [of the Admiralty] this day. I enclose a copy of the order drawn at the time when the direction for the 20 ships was given, not knowing but you may have occasion to use it, though I suppose not, the desire being delivered to yourselves. 9
Jan. 17. Westminster. Committee for the Admiralty. The same You are to give order to Capt. John Crowther, Vice-Admiral of Ireland, and Captain of H.M.S. "Happy Entrance," to grave and fit to sea for the next summer's service the said ship, either at Bristol. Youghal, or some other port thereabouts, which may be most convenient for that service. 10
Jan. 17. The same The same You are to contract with Francis Ceely, owner of the "Hopewell" of Rye, being of 130 tons, for its employment by the Parliament in the next summer's fleet upon the usual terms. 11
Jan. 10. Petition of Capt. Samuel Chappell. Committee of the Navy. That there remaining due to petitioner some 4 months and odd wages for his services as late commander of the "Providence" of [Ilfra]combe, but having lost his papers in his imprisonment by the enemy has not been able to procure redress from the Commissioners of the Navy, although he has obtained Captain Swanley's certificate under whom he served. Prays order that upon just proof of his service he may be forthwith satisfied the arrears of his wages. Underwritten, 12
i. Ordered by the Committee of the Navy, that if it shall appear to the Commissioners of the Navy that petitioner did perform his service as is suggested in his petition, that then they give order to the Paymaster of the Navy for his satisfaction, or otherwise that they certify their reasons to the contrary.
Jan. 31. Westminster. Committee for the Admiralty. Commissioners of the Navy. We are informed that the addition of 10 men apiece upon the "Welcome" and "Dove" pinks will enable them to perform some special service at Guernsey, where their attendance is commanded, by manning of shallops, whereby the relieving of Castle Cornet will be more easily prevented. You are to consider this, and if you find it serviceable for that purpose you are then to give warrant for bearing 10 men extraordinary in each of these vessels. 13
Feb. 3. Westminster. The same The same You are to issue your warrants for the speedy sending down of the proportion of victuals appointed for H.M. ships "Garland," "Bonaventure," and "Antelope," being part of the next summer's fleet, which are reported to be ready; and as any other of the State's ships appointed for the summer guard shall be fitted to return to sea, you are to cause their supply of victuals to be sent down, that no time may be lost by their remaining in harbour above what is necessary. 14
Feb. 3. Committee for the Admiralty. Commissioners of the Navy. That Lord Inchiquin has moved this Committee, on behalf of himself and Lord Broghill, for the hire of the frigates "Charles" and "Green" belonging to them, and employed in the Parliament's service. The Commissioners of the Navy are hereby required to examine and certify this Committee how long these frigates have been so employed, what the hulls may be valued at per mensem, and how the accompt for these vessels stands, that order may be taken for satisfaction of their Lordships. 15
Feb. 7. Petition of Henry Dolling and Wm. Howard. Committee of the Navy. That petitioners, being part owners of the "Ark" now employed in the service of the State, having petitioned the House of Commons for the freight of that ship whilst lying before Poole, for safeguarding thereof, were referred to this Committee for satisfaction. At that time, they having only a certificate from the Governor for three months of the seven during which the ship was so employed, could only obtain payment from the Commissioners of the Navy for so long, with promise for the other 4 months when they should bring a certificate from the Governor, which certificate they do herewith present, and pray this Committee to give order to the Commissioners for making up the account and satisfying petitioners. Underwritten, 16
i. Order of the Committee of the Navy as desired. That they do make out a bill of freight for the same to petitioners, in prosecution of the order of the House of Commons. 7 Feb. 1645–6.
Feb. 12. Westminster. Committee for the Admiralty. Commissioners of the Navy. Whereas by order of both Houses a considerable fleet is to be speedily prepared against the next summer for the service of the Parliament and securing of trade, there will be occasion for impressing of mariners to serve in the same, these are to authorize and require you, in accordance with the Ordinance of Parliament annexed, to issue your warrants to such pressmasters and officers as you may think fit, to raise, levy, and impress such and so many mariners, sailors, watermen, surgeons, gunners, ship-carpenters, calkers, and hoymen, as also carmen for carriage of victuals, &c., as you shall find to be requisite for the service of the fleet, whether in the River Thames or any other port, as may be done with most advantage. In execution of this order the pressmasters are to proceed as to the allowance of conduct money, punishment of such as refuse, decline, or desert the service, and in all other matters, according to the tenor of the said Ordinance, and not otherwise. 17
Feb. 12. The same The same Warrant for the Commissioners to sign a bill to the Treasurer of the Navy for payment to Capt. Wm. Batten, as Vice-Admiral of the fleet, after the proportion of 40s. per diem, during his attendance in this service the last summer and part of this winter in H.M.S. the "St. Andrew. Underwritten, 18
i. 240 days at 40s. per diem=480l.
Feb. 12. The same The same Ordered that H.M.S. the "St. Andrew" be hastened to sea to replace the "Leopard," which has but a fortnight's victuals aboard, as Capt. Batten, who is in chief command of the fleet, is assigned to the "St. Andrew" for the next summer, in place of the "Leopard," which is to come in. 19
Feb. 12. The same The same You are to issue your warrant for the docking of the "Swallow" with the first opportunity, that she may be timely despatched to sea, as suggested in your letter. 20
Feb. 12. Committee for the Admiralty. Commissioners of the Navy. This Committee doth direct that the Commissioners of the Navy do inform themselves and certify us by the first opportunity what ships [of malignants], iron, or other provisions were found at the storming of Bristol, and were delivered up to any of the Parliament's captains or other officers of the Admiralty or Navy for the Parliament's use; that upon the knowledge of their quantity and value course may be taken for giving the soldiers employed in the taking of Bristol a fit encouragement and reward as is expected. 21
Feb. 12. The same The same As the ships for the next summer's fleet shall be ready you are to send them into the Downs, except only the four additional second rate ships, and certify this Committee from time to time what ships are sent, and if anything should hinder their speedy setting forth. 22
Feb. 18. The owners of the ships "Defiance" and "President." Committee of the Navy. The ships "Defiance" and "President" being fitted in warlike equipage to go out upon letters of marque upon the coast of Ireland for straitening the rebels there, had order to be supplied by the Victualers with six months' victuals. These ships are since entertained into the immediate service of the Parliament, and designed with others upon special service upon the north coast in pursuit of men-of-war and for security of trade. The "Defiance" according to the order has received her proportion of victual at Portsmouth, but the "President," though ready to go to sea, is detained for want of her victuals. Pray that she may receive, according to the order of 5 Jany., her proportion of victuals for 82 men for 6 months, the same, together with the "Defiance's " victual, to be deducted out of their respective freights, petitioners having therefor not received any imprest as is usual at 20s. per ton. Underwritten, 23
i. Order of the Committee of the Navy to the Commissioners. The Commissioners to issue their warrants to the Victualers of the Navy for a proportion of 6 months' victuals for the "President," and is to be abated upon the said ship's freight and present impost. 18 Feb. 1645–6.
Feb. 18. Petition of Capt. Reeve Williams. The same Petitioner having fitted the "Mermaid" to serve as a privateer upon the coast of Ireland for repelling the rebels there, procured your order for 6 months' victuals, but as the stowage of his ship will only take 4 months' victuals for his company of 50 men, prays order to the Treasurer of the Navy for so much money as will provide the provisions for the remaining 2 months, so that he may proceed on the Parliament's service as he intends. Underwritten, 24
i. Order of the Committee of the Navy as is desired. 18 Feb. 1645–6.
Feb. 18. Committee of the Navy. The Commissioners of the Navy. Certify this Committee how many of the King's ships were respectively employed in 1642, 1643, and 1644, and which of them and how many during those years were kept in harbour, and which of them and for what reason; also what charge every man employed in the King's ships did stand the State in, and what is the charge of every man in the merchants' ships employed in the service of the Parliament. 25
Feb. 20. The same The same You are to consider how the abuses committed by the gunners, boatswains, pursers, carpenters, and other standing officers belonging to H.M. ships in embezzling the stores, &c., may be prevented, and what rules are necessary to be prescribed and observed by these officers for that purpose for the future, whereby the State may be more faithfully served. Mr, Alexander and Mr. Squire Bruce, two members of this Committee, are desired to confer with the said Commissioners about this business. 26
Feb. 24. Committee of the Navy. Commissioners of the Navy. Whereas John Waterton has informed this Committee of several barrels of gunpowder, shot, cables, and other provisions belonging to the navy stores by him seized on. It is ordered that you do make a true valuation of the same and return certificate thereof to this Committee, that satisfaction may be given Waterton for his and his men's care and pains in this business; and they are to dispose of these provisions for the use of the navy. 27
Feb 26. Committee for the Admiralty. The same That the "President," under Capt. Whitty, being nominated for one of this summer's guard, carries but 65 men according to the proportion of her tonnage, though she bears 26 pieces of ordnance, being an equivalent force to a ship of 300 tons and carrying 90 men, whereupon and for that she is appointed to a special service on the north coast, this Committee doth direct that her captain's desire be granted for an additional 15 men at 40s. per mensem for wages and diet, so that she may be enabled to do the better service. 28
Feb. 26. The same The same You are to issue your warrant to Mr. Holt, the Victualer at Portsmouth, for his putting aboard the "Expedition" two months victuals, she being designed for some special service in the west. 29
Feb. 26. Westminster. The same The same Warrant for placing Peter Curwen as purser in the "Prince Royal" in place of Thomas Turner, general clerk to your Commission, who is desirous to surrender his purser's place by reason of his continual attendance upon the service of the navy. 30
Feb. 26. Westminster. The same The same Whereas a considerable fleet is to be prepared and put to sea for the next summer's expedition for the better defence of the Parliament and his Majesty's dominions, and for the encouragement of trade, part whereof is to consist of vessels belonging to several merchants, for your contract with whom we have this day issued our warrant, and partly of several of H.M.'s ships and vessels, the names of which are underwritten. This is therefore to require you, after your contract for the merchants' ships, to hasten them forth to sea, also to issue your warrant for the speedy furnishing of the under-mentioned vessels belonging to the State as they shall return from sea, both with victuals and stores as may be necessary for the summer's service. In this you are to use your best endeavour for hastening the despatch of these ships, and to endeavour to prevent their lying in harbour for the future, that so the service at sea may be attended with all possible advantage. Underwritten, 31
i. List of ships. "St. Andrew," "Rainbow," "Victory," "Unicorn," "Tamer," "Charles," "Leopard," "Convertive," "Lion," "Garland," "Bonaventure," "Entrance," "Antilope," "Swallow," "Expedition," "Providence," "John," "Fellowship," "Globe," "Mary Rose," "Warwick" frigate, "Hector," "Cygnet," "Sampson," "Hind," "Star," "Greyhound," "Roebuck," "Crescent," "Dove," "10th Whelp," "Kentish" frigate, "Robert," "Welcome," "Increase," "Trial," "Royalist," "Charles" frigate, "Green" frigate," Weymouth" frigate, "Lily," "Swan," "Nichodemus," "Margett" galiot.
Feb. 26. Westminster. Committee for the Admiralty. Commissioners of the Navy. To the same effect as the above. The Parlialiament has approved of certain merchants' ships, presented by yourselves to this Committee, and has recommended us to consider of continuing the "Rebecca" under command of Stephen Rich in the service, where she is now employed. You are hereby required to call to you [the owners] of these merchants' ships so approved of or their assigns, and upon the usual terms to agree for their employment in this summer's expedition, as you shall find most advantageous for the State. In lieu of the ships nearest in size to the "Rebecca," you are to agree with the owners for her service of the State in this summer's expedition according to the purport of the order of the House of Commons. Underwritten, 32
I. [List of merchants' ships to be employed for this summer's expedition.] "Constant Warwick," "True Love," "President," "Harry," "Ark," "Magdalene," "Defiance," "Thomas and Lucy," "Moorcock," "Samuel," "Jostyn," "Lucy," "Messenger," "Hopewell." "Hector," "Blessing," "Rebecca," "Sampson."
Feb. 28. Westminster. The same The same The "Defiance" [Capt. Whitty] having been appointed one of the northern squadron to be employed for suppression of those men-of-war of the enemy's which infest the northern coast, and carrying more guns than is usually assigned to vessels of her tonnage, the Commissioners of the Navy are hereby directed to supply 10 men extraordinary to be borne upon her [roll], upon payment of wages and victuals only. 33
Feb. 28. Westminster. The same The same For that it will be convenient for us to know the present state of the fleet appointed for the next summer's guard and where the ships now are, that we may the better be enabled to regulate our proceedings and inform the Parliament thereof as there may be cause. These are to require you to certify us by the first opportunity where the ships are at present, when they will be severally ready, and for how long they will be victualed. 34
Feb. 28. Committee of the Navy. The same Certify us in what readiness both the King's and merchants' ships now are which are appointed for this summer's fleet, which of them are now at sea, and on what coast and when the others will set sail. 35
March 4. Peter Cornelius, Capt. of the "Peter," of Weymouth. Committee for the Admiralty. Petitioner has been in actual service for the Parliament ever since the beginning of the wars, and distinguished himself at the recovery of Weymouth after that town had been lost. He has fitted out the "Peter" as a private man-of-war under letters of marque, and in regard the State is not charged with any wages for the ship or men, prays order that she be supplied with four months' provisions in hand, and the other two months' provisions at the six months' end, on return of the said ship. Underwritten, 36
i. Reference from the Committee of the Admiralty to the Committee of the Navy, recommending that they would allow petitioner victuals as is desired. 4 March 1645–6.
ii. The Committee of the Navy to the Commissioners of the Navy. Having perused the above petition and reference you are to make out to the petitioner bills for the victualing of his ship according to the order of Parliament. 6 March 1645–6.
March 6. Committee of the Navy. Commissioners of the Navy. You are to give order to any ship going westward as far as Plymouth to take on board Alex. Stevens, with some trunks and furniture belonging to Richd. Erisey, M.P., who is going down into the west about special affairs of Parliament, and to land them at Plymouth. 37
March 20. Peter Cornelius, Captain of the "Peter," of Weymouth. Committee for the Admiralty. Petitioner having received commission to go out with his frigate under letters of marque to the coast of Ireland, where the " Irish " and "Dunkirk," small frigates, have always 100 men on board, against whom petitioner will not be able to stand without a sufficient number of men; he prays you to give order to the Commissioners of the Navy to give their warrant to him for four months' victualing in money for 60 men, which number he hath already shipped upon her, and he desires this the rather for that the State is not charged with wages for ship or men, and Captain Williams being allowed the like number of men. Underwritten, 38
i. Ordered that the Commissioners of the Navy do make out to petitioner bills for to complete the six months' victuals with the proportion of two months formerly allowed him according to the order of Parliament. 20 March 1645–6.
March 21. Committee for the Admiralty. Commissioners of the Navy. The said Commissioners to be permitted to answer in writing to so much of the charge exhibited by Andrew Burrell as concerns them, and that Mr. Jessop do furnish them with a copy of the charge and particulars last exhibited, which they are to answer on Saturday, the 28th inst., in writing. 39
March 21. Westminster. The same The same You are to consider of the demands of Captain Clarke, commander of the "Swan" frigate, and cause to be supplied such things as you shall find to be necessary, or else certify us of what you conceive to be needful, that we may issue out our warrants for the same. 40
March 21. Westminster. The same The same Warrant to enter Wm. Jackson purser in the "Greyhound" frigate, vice his father John Jackson, resigned. 41
March 23. Committee of the Navy. The same The ship "Discovery," Capt. Thos. Plunkett, commander, employed on the Irish coast under the Ordinance of 30 Nov. 1643. Being set out by way of reprisal, had, at her going forth, only victuals for 105 men for 4 months, whereas according to her dimensions she ought to be allowed victuals for 137 men, as appears by your certificate; you are therefore to make out to Capt. Plunkett a bill for so much more as will complete to her 6 months' victuals at the rate allowed for 137 men. 42
March 24. Westminster. Committee for the Admiralty. The same Warrant to re-enter Thos. Trippett as boatswain of H.M.S. the "Providence," having been suspended about some matters in difference with Capt. John Ellison. 43
July 24. Petition of John Waterton. Committee of the Navy, Petitioner having lately seized a cable which the boatswain of the " Warwick " frigate had stolen thence and sold to a ropemaker in Woolwich, you are prayed to give order for disposing of the said cable and satisfying the parties who seized it. Underwritten, 44
i. Reference to the Commissioners of the Navy to consider of this petition and give order to whom the cable shall be delivered, and what reward is to be given to those who seized it.