|
| Dec. 2. |
85. Petition of Thomas Coo to John, Earl of Bridgewater.
Compliments him on his noble nature and "cleronomial patrimony."
Appeals to him to get his petition, exhibited yesterday, read at
the Council Table, as Sir William Beecher has proved himself an
inveterate enemy to petitioner. He desires no mercy, but justice.
The six petitions before presented by him have been all embezzled.
Endorsed, "Received 2 Dec. 1630." [1 p.] |
| [Dec. 4.] |
86. Petition of James Jeffreys, Marshal to Sir Francis Willoughby's
regiment in the voyage to Rochelle, to the Council of War. That
he is unpaid 4l. 4s. for service at Portsmouth before his going to
Rochelle, and has due to him from Lieutenant Thomas Stanhope,
who was Lieutenant to Lieutenant-Colonel Norton, for meat, drink,
and lodging, 5l. odd. Having been a year and upwards prisoner in
the Fleet, this sum is much needed by him. Prays that order
may be taken for payment of these sums due to him. [½ p.] |
| [Dec. 4.] |
[The Council of War to Sir William Courteney.] They refer to
his consideration a petition presented at a Committee of the Council
of War by Colonel [Robert] Farrer, containing several allegations
against Gilbert Ware. Should you find Colonel Farrer's complaints
to be true and just, you are to require Ware in our names to give
satisfaction, which if he shall refuse to do, you are to will him to
appear at this Board to receive further order therein. [Written on
the same paper as the preceding. Draft. 1 p.] |
| [Dec. 4.] |
87. Petition of Richard Hill to the Council of War. That there
being due to John Price, Provost-Marshal under Sir Thomas Morton,
16l. for pay for his service at the Isle of Rhé, petitioner (after the
proclamation for payment of those who should trust soldiers and
receive pay of the Commissioners) trusted Price 12l. 6s. for diet
and money lent. He then got his name entered before the Commissioners and was promised payment. But coming for his money
with Price to Sir Thomas Morton, he would not pay petitioner all
his debt, but said if he would not take part he should choose, which
petitioner refusing and desiring to be paid according to the
proclamation, Sir Thomas laid 16l. down in the window and
signalled to Price, who seized on it and would not pay petitioner
one penny. Upon his remonstrating Sir Thomas said he could not
help it, and instead of payment in money he was cruelly paid with
blows by Sir Thomas's men, while Price made off with the money.
Being a poor man he is unable to contest with so great a man as
Sir Thomas Morton unless relieved by your Honours. Prays the
Lords to cause Sir Thomas to make satisfaction in regard he hath
abused the proclamation to the undoing of petitioner. [1 p.] |
Dec. 9.
Jersey. |
88. Sir Philip Carteret to Edward Nicholas. During this winter
season the Biscay pirates had left those seas, but they expected
their return in the spring unless some ships were sent to guard
their coasts. The seas were at present kept by pataches, called
Guard des Costes, with commission from the French, but they
were in effect no better friends than the Biscayers. Reminds him
of the preferment promised to his nephew Mr. George Carteret.
[Seal with device, 1 p.] |
| Dec. 10. |
89. Considerations concerning the Navy and the reduction of its
cost. The charge of the Narrow Seas to be reduced to these four
ships, viz., the "Bonaventure," "Garland," "St. Claude," and one
of the Whelps, to be manned with 450 men, and to serve for
10 months, which will come by estimate to 9,643l. 5s. 4d. Whereto
adding the ordinary in harbour 12,151l. 3s. 4d.; the whole estimate
for the next year's charge of the Navy will be reduced from
39,671l. 10s. to 21,799l. 8s. 4d., and so there will be saved towards
provisions of cordage and other materials 17,871l. 12s. 9d.
Measures to be taken for supply of the magazine. Endorsed by
Nicholas, "Received 10 Dec. 1630." [1¼ pp.] |
| Dec. 14. |
90. List of Petitions to be answered, viz., Lieutenant-Colonel
[Peter] Hone, Lieutenant Stephen Hussey, Provost-Marshals
Andrew Grandie, [John] Brooke, and Richard Penny, Captains
John Powell, Henry Ashley, Alexander Lindsey, Walter Fooke,
Deacon Bull, Quartermaster Robert Leigh, besides 14 others,
sergeants and civilians. [1 p.] |
| Dec. 14. |
91. Proceedings taken in the Court of Admiralty on the petition
of Thomas White and Company. This paper being an extract
from the Register of the Court of Royal Delegates. Endorsed,
"Received 6 Sept. 1631. This business upon a Commission of
appeal to special delegates was remitted by the Court of Delegates."
Subjoined, |
|
91. i. Invoice of merchandise claimed by John Bremontier,
with the deposition of John Roberts and Robert Lownes
made in the presence of John Baker, public notary of the
Supreme Court of Admiralty, 14th December 1630.
[Latin, 4¼ pages.] |
| Dec. 15. |
92. Notes by Edward Nicholas, relative to money owing by the
late Sir Allen Apsley, [Lieutenant of the Tower and Surveyor of
Victuals for the Navy], and of the preceeds expected to accrue
from the sale of lands in Galtres Forest, co. York. That there may
be an order from the Council Board requiring the feoffees of Sir
Allen, to whom the land granted for satisfaction of the debt owing
to him by His Majesty was passed, that they shall not sell any
more of that land until the state of his account be known, and shall
deliver to the Council Board an account stating what they have
sold, to whom, and for how much, and what is left unsold.
Mr. Lewis saith that there is due to him for his entertainment from
Sir Allen 200l., and also for a legacy given to him 160l. If he
could have either of these sums he would proceed. That Sir Allen
passed the Forest of Galtres by way of mortgage for 9,000l. debt
and 6,000l. lent. Queries [for] Mr. Alcock. Why in the account
given he saith that 10,000l. was paid in part for the forest of
Galtres; whereas in the grant made of that forest it is expressed
that it is passed in consideration of 20,000l.? Why Sir Allen
passed away for 15,000l. that for which he paid 20,000l.? That it
is offered to take the remainder of Galtres Forest, over and above
the 15,000l. which Peter Leonard [paid], for 10,000l. debt. Query;
[what] paid of Sir Allen's debt [to] Secretary Dorchester, date
14th May 1629? [2 pp.] |
Dec. [20].
Cardigan. |
93. Certificate in favour of Rees Gwynn, eldest son and heir to
Lewes Gwynn of co. Cardigan, from the justices of the peace of the
county whose names are subscribed. Prefer a statement to the
Lords that he has served the late and present Earls of Oxford for
the space of 18 years, with good credit to himself, yet his father,
for some cause unknown, has disinherited him of all (a proceeding,
in their opinion, both unnatural and ungodly), so that he has no
means of maintenance but what he can get by service [Sheet of
paper, with signatures.] |
Dec. 30.
Norwich. |
94. William Browne, Mayor, and the Aldermen of Norwich, to
the Council. We have endeavoured to enforce the King's
proclamation, and your orders for preventing the scarcity and
dearth of corn, but are frustrated by the maltsters and brewers,
who continue to make use of barley which is required to be used
for bread-corn. We had suppressed all the maltsters in this city
who used brewing of beer from making of malt, but although they
desisted themselves, they have suffered their malting-houses to be
used by others, whom we cannot suppress but by order in Sessions,
which is too tedious a process to be available. We have ordered
the prices of beer, viz., strong at 6s. the barrel, and small at 4s.;
but the brewers withstand our orders, fixing prices, and continue
to brew and deliver beer of great and unnecessary prices, at the
inns, taverns, and alehouses in this city by night, so that we can
have no proof at law to convict them of that offence. Upon
further search into the occasions of this scarcity we have noticed
that great quantities of wheat are bought weekly by the starchmakers. We desire that we may be authorised by an Order of
Council to bind over all such delinquents who violate the law by
continuing malting and starchmaking. [Seal gone. 1 p.] |
|
95. Warrant, signed by the King, to Attorney-General Heath,
to prepare a bill for signature containing a grant to Thomas
Viscount Wentworth, President of the Council in the North, of
the offices of Bailiff of the Franchise of Richmond and Steward
of the same, Chief Forester of the Forest and Keeper of the Castle
of Richmond and Middleham in co. York, now void by decease
of Emanuel, Earl of Sunderland. [1 p.] |
|
96. Petition of Dudley, Lord North, to the King. The King's
late servant Sir John North having departed this life, a course of
administration was entered upon, and afterwards a will was found,
made in 1622 on his journey to Spain in the King's service, whereupon Sir Dudley, the petitioner's eldest son, claiming the residue, a
great dissension had arisen. The petitioner prays His Majesty to
interpose and settle the dispute. [1 p.] |
|
97. Petition of Sir Dudley North to the King. Having been
informed that the King intends to determine on Sunday next the
cause touching the estate of Sir John North, the petitioner prays
the King either to take it for granted that it was Sir John's intention to give him the residue of his personal estate, or to enjoin
the registrar of the prerogative Court to attend His Majesty on
Sunday with the depositions. [1 p.] |
|
98. Petition of Dr. Matthew Lister, Physician in Ordinary, to
the King. Samuel Waddington of Horsforth, co. York, yeoman,
is committed to gaol for clipping of gold [coin], and when convicted
his estate will escheat to your Majesty. In consideration of his
long and faithful service petitioner prays a grant of the forfeiture
of Waddington's estate upon his conviction. [½ p.] |
|
99. Petition of Henry Jaye, executor to the will of Alderman
Henry Jaye, deceased, to the King. About 12 years since his
father lent to the Lord Mayor and Corporation of London 1,000l.
towards furnishing the late King James, the day for repayment
being long since past, but neither he nor his father have received any
part of that sum. Your Majesty hath since conveyed and assured
to the City divers lands, tenements, and hereditaments of great value
for satisfying both principal and interest of the debts and money
borrowed by the late King of the City, whereof petitioner's debt is
part. For payment of the debts and legacies of his late father,
petitioner has been obliged to borrow money for which he has long
paid interest. He has been a suitor to the Mayor and Commonalty
for the money lent by him, with some reasonable interest for
forbearance, or that they would assure to him a part of the lands so
granted by your Majesty, which demand they have refused contrary
to all equity. Prays leave to sue the said obligation and recover
by due course of law. Underwritten by Edward Nicholas, |
|
99. i. Notes explanatory of the conditions and amount of
money advanced by the City to King James. That
petitioner's father had only a general obligation of 1,000l.
under the City seal. Conceiving his case to be different
from any others who lent money for furnishing the late
King, and that he has been hardly dealt with by the City,
[his prayer deserves some consideration]. [1 p.] |
|
100. Petition of Edward, Earl of Sussex, to the King. Sheweth
that Sir John Ratcliff, knt., great grandfather to petitioner, was
seised of the honours and baronies of Fitzwalter, Egremont, Bullitort,
and Burnells, which did by diverse mean descents descend to
Robert, late Earl of Sussex, as heir to Sir John, who dying without
issue, they passed to petitioner, being his cousin and next heir,
according to the genealogy here stated, who has ever since enjoyed
the same until now, when Sir Henry Mildmay claims them as
belonging to him, as by his petition to your Majesty appears. Prays
reference of the dispute concerning the pretended title of Sir Henry
Mildmay to such honourable persons as your Majesty shall choose
in order to a speedy determination. [1 p.] |
|
101. Petition of Edmond, Earl of Mulgrave, to the King. That
he having presented to you an overture for enabling your Majesty
with a certain means to set on the mines royal, to store you
plentifully with brass ordnance, and to stock the soap works, prays
you to bestow on him and his partners, who have expended both
money and pains in discovering and working these mines and
manufactures and must still manage the same, the profit which
shall be raised by the coinage of the 100,000l. of copper moneys,
and so recompense them for the money hitherto laid out on these
works and enable them to clear their engagements and start the
works expressed in the overture, for which your Majesty shall have
the advantages herein enumerated. Prays that Commissioners may
be appointed to see that no more copper money be coined than the
amount above expressed, and that after the arrears due by you to
petitioner are satisfied, together with the money disbursed by the
others on the copper and soap businesses, the remainder [profit] be
wholly employed to erect and stock the works aforesaid. [1 p.] |
|
102. An overture made by Edmond, Earl of Mulgrave, to the
King. Advocating the working of copper mines, the perfecting of
the manufacture of soap, and coinage of 100,000l. of copper money.
You were pleased to allow of the coinage of farthings of copper,
which although at first much disliked and opposed, are now found
to be of much use. Now if you would appoint the coining of so
much copper moneys under petitioner's direction, and make it
current by proclamation, no one being required to take in any
payment above a 20th part of that coin, be it in greater or
smaller payments, you may have the works herein suggested
effected, and gain a large profit, as is expressed in the petition
annexed. [1 p.] |
|
103. Propositions made by the Earl of Mulgrave to the King,
explaining more fully the nature and advantages of the schemes
advocated in his overture as above. Many mines of copper have
been discovered, out of which sundry manufactures may be started,
and the kingdom provided with brass ordnance. The soap now
made here is of materials imported, whereas there is discovered to
be materials sufficient within the kingdom. But for want of
money the setting forward of these works is neglected, which
might be remedied, with much profit to your Majesty, by the
coining of 100,000l. of copper moneys in pence, half-pence, and
farthings, to circulate within England and Ireland, such small coins
of silver being but the loss of so much bullion, and the experience
of farthing tokens showing how necessary the employment of such
coins is. In payments no man need to be enjoined to accept
above the 20th part in those moneys, and no greater sum to be
coined. The Earl and his partners to have the profit of such
coinage to satisfy the money already expended by them upon
these works, to clear their engagements, and to stock and set
forward the works. His Majesty shall have profit hereby yearly
for 31 years, 500 tons of copper delivered at the works for 80l.
a ton, which is now worth 140l., so gaining 20,000l. a year, and
more as the proportion of copper increases, possibly in a few years
to 30,000l. or 40,000l. a year. Upon the soap he will have 40s.
per ton, of which 4,000 tons in the year being rented he will have
8,000l. a year. These revenues to commence within two years
after the date of the grant, a year being required for coining the
money and settling the works. The Earl having for many years
allowed 200l. a year to His Majesty for the mines will also release
10,000l. due to him out of the alum, when he shall have received
so much out of the profit of the coinage. [Prays] that this business
may receive expedition, and Commissioners be appointed to see
that the sum to be coined be not exceeded. [1 p.] |
|
104. Petition of four of the principal officers of the Ordnance
to the King. [Already calendared, being a copy of Vol. CLXXIX.,
No. 51. ½ p.] |
|
105. Petition of Thomas Pilkington and Company, of London,
merchants, to the King. That they were interested in the ship,
the "Falcon" of London, Thomas Nelmes, master, which being on
her voyage from Brazil to Lisbon was overpowered by two capers
of Middelburg and Flushing, who agreed that the ship and that
part of the lading which belonged to the English should be
delivered in safety to the proprietors, and only what belonged to
the Portuguese should be made prize. The ship having been carried
by the capers to Flushing has been there detained these three
months. Pray the King's letters to the Lords of the Admiralty of
Middelburg, desiring that their cause may be speedily determined
according to justice. [1 p.] |
|
106. Petition of Sir John Wentworth, knight and baronet, to the
King. That upon petitioning for the money due to him in arrear
for his service in the wars, a Privy Seal was by your direction
awarded him for payment thereof, but he never received any
benefit thereby. Upon his further suit you were pleased, by an
order of 16th February last made at the Council Board, to lend
him a French prize ship, the "Notre Dame," of 160 tons, and a
pinnace, the "St. Peter," of 60 tons, with their furniture and
equipage for a time specified. That the peace now accorded between
your Majesty and the French King, and the like daily expected
with the King of Spain, has caused petitioner's victuallers to use
such delays as have been a great hindrance and charge to him,
by reason of the new fitting of the ship and pinnace, and maintaining them. As the vessels will be little worth at the end of the
time for which they are lent, he prays your Majesty to confer
them upon him as a free gift, so that he may dispose of them
about a foreign plantation, or otherwise as may be more advantageous to him. [1 p.] |
|
107. Petition of the same to the same. That upon his former
petition for the gift of the French prize, the "Notre Dame" and
the pinnace the "St. Peter," you were pleased to refer him to the
Lords Commissioners for the Admiralty, to whom he addressed
himself, but they without your express pleasure signified cannot
dispose of these vessels. Prays that your Majesty would so signify
your royal pleasure to the Commissioners that they may be transferred to him, with all their ordnance, ammunition, and equipage,
as your Majesty's free gift, to be by him disposed of to his best
advantage. [½ p.] |
|
108. Petition of the same to the Council. That he being lately
at sea with letters of marque, took a ship in the service of the
King of Spain, laden with prohibited goods consigned to be landed
within his territories, and brought it to England, and, after long
process in the Court of Admiralty, had her adjudged to him as
lawful prize. But that upon instance made to your Honours by
the Hamburgh Agent [Dr. Peter Volcker] on behalf of the
pretended proprietors, who are Flandrians born though sheltering
themselves at Hamburgh in these times of war, you were induced
to make stay of the execution of that sentence. Prays the Lords
to take his cause into consideration, and give order, so that he may
enjoy his prize according to His Majesty's proclamation, and the
sentence given in his favour against her in the Admiralty Court.
[2/3 p.] |
|
109. Memorial of Monsieur d'Espagne to Secretary Dorchester.
To accomplish a work so laborious he ought to have not only a mass
of books but the means to maintain many amanuenses. His small
means will not suffice unless aided by some supplementary allowance. This might be readily found if His Majesty would bestow on
him a little benefice or prebend of moderate revenue. To this end
if Secretary Dorchester would procure for him the honour of an
introduction to His Majesty and favour his request he would for
ever be under obligation to him. [French. ½ p.] |
|
110. Petition of the tenants of the manor of Stoke Newington,
co. Middlesex, to the Lord High Steward and other officers of the
Green Cloth. Represent that this manor time out of mind has been
a parcel of the possessions of the Dean and Canons of St. Paul's
Cathedral, London, who, with their tenants as well resident as not
resident, by grant of King John, whose Letters Patent have been
confirmed and amplified by succeeding kings and queens, and
lastly by the late King James, have been acquitted and freed from
all taxes, tallages, carriages, and provision for the King or his household to be yielded, paid or done. Nevertheless, about eight years
since a rate towards the provision of King James' household was
assessed and demanded of petitioners, which they refusing to pay,
were summoned to appear before the Green Cloth and some were
committed to prison under protest of their counsel, and for regaining
of their enlargement were obliged to give security for payment of
the rate. And so ever since, more for fear of greatness than of
right, they have paid and done the service whereof they were and are
acquitted [by letters patents]. Pray your Honours for your better
satisfaction to see and peruse these letters patent yourselves, or refer
the doing thereof to His Majesty's Counsel learned in the law, and
to appoint a time when they may attend before you with the
letters patents, and thereupon may be discharged of and from these
aforesaid impositions. [1 p.] |
|
111. Petition of Sarah Nethersall to the Council. That the five
barrels of gunpowder found at her house marked with the King's
mark were delivered there by Thomas Horsall, as directed by a
letter of her husband's which she has to show. The Lieutenant
of the Ordnance having seized the powder as belonging to His
Majesty's stores, she demanded repayment from Horsall which he
refuses, he being now in the keeping of a messenger. Prays that
upon the examination and before the discharge of Horsall you would
be pleased to receive information touching the clearness of her
husband Robert Nethersall, late boatswain in the yard at Deptford,
in this matter, and give order for the return of the money to her,
the sum being 23l. [1 p.] |
|
112. Petition of George Evelyn to the Council. Understanding
from his servant that there was some profitable trading to be had
in the West Indies, and not finding shipping here, he went into
Flushing, and there he engaged for himself and party a passage in
the ship of Abraham Van-Pier, binding the ship to stay for him till
the 13th of this August. Fearing the ship might have started on
her voyage before he could arrive at Flushing, he contracted with
Mr. Reid, Ensign to Sir John Vere, to enter himself and his men in
his company, intending to remain there till the next spring in case
the ship should have started on her voyage, for saving of his charges.
Now being committed by order from this Board to the custody of
a messenger, he is in imminent danger of losing his voyage and so of
being undone. Hopes that his design will appear to be no way
offensive to His Majesty or the State. Prays that he may come
speedily to his full answer and be permitted to proceed in his
intended voyage. [1 p.] |
|
113. Petition of the merchants of Newcastle to the Council.
That whereas in this late time of war they have sustained divers
heavy losses at sea, the enemy having taken and sunk most of their
best appointed ships, by occasion whereof, as the shipping of our
port is much decayed, so the merchants, who are mostly young men,
are exceedingly discouraged in the course of their trade, and are
altogether unable to freight whole ships furnished for defence
against such powerful enemies, especially in their Hamburgh and
Netherlands' trade, wherein they seldom adventure above 10 tons
in any [one] bottom; which, being favourably taken into your
Lordships' consideration upon their former petition, they obtained
liberty by order from your Board to export and import small
quantities of goods in strangers' bottoms under the convoy of the
States of [Holland], as opportunity should serve, which they have
ever since enjoyed, till of late the officers of their Port, under
pretence of His Majesty's Proclamation [of 7th March 1629–30],
renewed in behalf of the Eastland merchants, have refused their
entries, though they suppose you neither intended to recall their
former license nor doth this liberty any way impeach or concern
the privileges of the Eastland Company. Entreat your Lordships'
favourable construction of the forenamed proclamation and directions
to the customers of their port both for discharge of their goods in
that respect questioned, and for their future freedom to ship and
land such small parcels of goods as formerly they have done. [½ p.] |
|
114. Petition of John Ashton, Francis Rawlinson, and Nicholas
Marshall in behalf of themselves and the Company of Armourers, to
the Council. That His Majesty having signified his pleasure through
[Conway,] Lord President [of the Council,] that petitioners should
make present preparation of arms for his service, which they are
most ready and willing to perform, desire your Lordships to
express by your order what arms, how many, and what time limited;
likewise how and from whom they shall receive rate and payment,
that so they may set their plate mills on the work for that service.
[⅓ p.] |
|
115. Petition of John Brockwell to the Council. That before the
issuing of the Proclamation and Book of Orders [28th September
1630] for restraint of transportation of corn, petitioner had bought
in Sussex for his own use and supply of his customers, he being a
brewer in Lenham, co. Kent, 115 qrs. of barley. Complains that the
Justices of the County prohibited his bringing the barley to Lenham,
but ordered him to vent the same at Lewes market, co. Sussex, being
far remote from Lenham. Prays order that he may transport the
barley to Lenham where he lives. [2/3 p.] |
|
116. Petition of John Bill and Christopher Barker, the King's
Printers, to the Council. Upon their former petition to your Board
representing that several bibles and books of divinity were daily
being printed in holes and corners to the mischief of the public, they
received a reference from you to the Attorney and Solicitor Generals,
on whom they attended, but as yet can obtain no report, by reason
of their preoccupation on other important occasions. Beg that until
the report can be made they may have an order of Council for
stopping the said impressions. [1 p.] |
|
117. Petition of John Jacob, Clerk Extraordinary to the Council
and one of the Farmers of Customs, to the Council. His father was
long since Collector of the Composition of Grocery in trust sometimes
for the King and sometimes for the Lords Stewards, but was never
able to give satisfaction to Alderman Smyth for the 503l. because
the accompt would not produce so much. Offers to submit entirely
to their Lordships' order provided he may be safely and fully
discharged. [1 p.] Annexed, |
|
117. i. Composition by sundry merchants for oils for two years
and three quarters ending at Midsummer 1625. Total,
481l. [1 p.] |
|
117. ii. Debts owing by sundry merchants for the composition of
grocery wares. Total, 187l. 15s. 10d. [2/3 p.] |
|
117. iii. Money due for composition of grocery wares detained
in the hands of sundry merchants for commodities taken
of them by John Clerke for the use of Mr. Thomas Barrett.
Total, 173l. 7s. 9d. [½ p.] |
|
118. Petition of the English merchants for discovery of new
trades, called the Muscovia Company, to the Council. That in March
1626 they petitioned you against Nathaniel Edwards, Andrew
Hawes, one Horth, and others of Yarmouth, who, under pretence of
a void Scottish patent, were then setting forth ships for Greenland,
in contravention of the right and privilege of this company and
hinderance of their voyage. Whereupon, after hearing the cause
before your Lordships, it was ordered, 4th April 1627, that they
should not proceed in their intended fishing voyage for Greenland,
and you directed your letters to the Bailiffs of Yarmouth for stay
of their ships, as by the said order and letters doth appear. Nevertheless, Edwards and Horth, with their partners, proceeded contemptuously that year and have taken boldness every year since
to do the like, both against the said order and your order of April
1629 in confirmation thereof, whereby petitioners have suffered very
great losses and damages in the proceeding of their voyages for the
whole [whale ?] fishing. That Edwards and Horth boldly assert
their intention to set forth ships to those parts this present year,
which may not only occasion the loss of that trade but even the
trade with Russia also, which is of very great importance to this
realm. Now, in respect the government and maintenance of those
trades was committed to petitioners, they, out of their duties and
in care for the public good and preservation of the honour and
commerce of this Kingdom, besides their own particular interest, do
offer to your grave considerations the evil consequences and dangers
like to ensue thereby, lest if it should happen that the said country
and trade be lost [by us] to the Dutch by means of such intruders,
petitioners may be blameless and innocent of so great an evil; for
by the example [of these intruders] others will attempt to do the
like, so that petitioners must either desert the trade, or in defence
of it spill the blood of their countrymen or employ their ships and
forces to preserve that country only for other men's benefits with
assured loss to themselves, the ships and forces set out by these
intruders being not able to defend the country from the Dutch and
other nations as petitioners' ships have done, except His Majesty
will undertake it. And if the trade be not maintained with great
strength of ships and men, the country will soon fall into the hands
of the Dutch, a thing so long sought by them. The consideration
whereof petitioners refer to your grave wisdoms, and pray that
Edwards and Horth may [be sent for] to answer their contempts
before your Lordships and give good security not to attempt the
like hereafter. [1 p.] |
|
119. Petition of Sir John Wake, bart., to the Council. That
being left deeply indebted by his late father, Sir Baldwine Wake,
he was constrained to petition His Majesty the last year for a
royal protection for himself and others who stand engaged for his
father's debts until money could be raised to satisfy them by
sale of his mother's jointure, which she had consented to out
of her good desire to have her husband's debts paid; which
protection His Majesty was pleased to grant for one whole year
The sale of such quantity of land lying in remote parts, and the
vexatious suits of creditors, had delayed the satisfaction of these
debts within the limited time; but now the land is contracted for
and the money is to be received as soon as the assurances can be
made, and all belonging to his portion he is contented shall go
towards the payment of these debts. Prays the Lords to move
His Majesty for an extension of his royal protection until the end
of Michaelmas term next. He is the more encouraged to become a
suitor for this favour in that the land is not liable to these debts,
nor he engaged for a great part of them. [1 p.] |
|
120. Petition of Richard Alport to the Commissioners of the
Admiralty. That for 16 years he has been employed in serving
His Majesty's Navy with flags and ensigns. The principal officers
of the Navy know how efficiently he has performed this service
even when money for the same was not so duly paid as now.
Prays them to give order that he may have the sole employment
for this service, which he will duly execute. [½ p.] |
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121. Petition of Edmond Berryman, mariner, to Sir John Lambe,
Sir N. Brent, and others. That he had late a suit in the Admiralty
Court against Richard Baple and William Palmer, merchants, and
others, Defendants, concerning wages and freight to him for a
voyage with them, the which suit was depending for four years,
and finally sentence given in his side. The Defendants, being very
potent rich men, have appealed to the Court of Delegates, intending
to weary out petitioner. Having almost consumed his poor estate
in prosecuting this suit, prays respite of time for payment of the
fees to your worships until this suit shall be finally ended. [2/3 p.] |
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122. Memorandum by William, Marquis of Northampton, for
the Council. Desiring the Lords to write their letters to the
Deputy-Lieutenants of Denbighshire, commanding them to bind
over some of the most refractory in refusing payment of assessments for supplying the deficiencies in magazine for powder and
shot, the names of whom they have certified, to appear before
their Lordships to answer it, which if the defaulters neglect to do,
he thinks their Lordships will see fit to send a pursuivant for them.
[¾ p.] |
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123. Sir Francis Willoughby, Sir Thomas Morton, and Sir
James Scott, to the Council. Recommending the case of Captain
Robert Smith, who had experienced great losses and sufferings in
the late Cadiz voyage, and was shot in the thigh at the Isle of
Rhé. Enclosing, |
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123. i. Copies of certificates and testimonies under the hands
of the Earls of Essex and Newport. [Copy. 1 p.] |
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124. Report made by William Boswell, Clerk Extraordinary, to
the Council. That he has considered of the quarter books of the
Office of the Ordnance, and particularly examined the exceptions
exhibited against the same by Sir John Heydon, Lieutenant of
that office. Finds that the quarter books for divers preceding
years, and those which are at present made out in discompt of
the yearly allowance or ordinary of 6,000l. per annum assigned to
that office, in their title, form, subject, and end, are repugnant to
His Majesty's Seal Dormant and the instructions of the Commis
sioners for that office, which prohibit the officers to exceed the said
sum in any one year. The various sums surcharged, often amounting
to many thousand pounds, appear to have been employed neither
according to His Majesty's Privy Seal nor the Instructions of the
Commissioners. Provisions are charged upon His Majesty's
payment without warrant, and great sums contrary to the express
order of the Lord Treasurer and Chancellor of the Exchequer.
The accompts of weight, measure, and price very confusedly kept.
Prices of provisions generally very excessive. Provisions proper
to one Privy Seal have been charged and paid for upon other
several Privy Seals. Some payments upon the ordinary have
been put off for years for others which had no right claim upon
the ordinary. These points he conceives very worthy of the
Lords' consideration, for His Majesty's honour and service.
Underwritten, |
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124. i. After the return of this report the officers were convented before the Lord Cottington and the AttorneyGeneral, and so far convinced as themselves became
suitors that they might be permitted to rectify the
Quarter Books then in question, which upon promise
of reformation was granted, but in lieu of correcting
the errors the officers retracted their promise, and without
the subscription, approbation, or privity of the Lieutenant,
to whom it properly and solely belongs, they caused
the same books surreptitiously to be delivered into His
Majesty's Receipt [of the Exchequer] without any alteration.
In which perverse disposition they professed themselves
resolved to persist until the Lords shall expressly order
the contrary. [1 p.] |
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125. An Act for reformation of abuses committed in the Court
of Marshalsea and for limitation of the same [5 Jac. 1. See Lords
Journals ii., 508, 516.] It is described in the margin as "The true
copy of the Bill depending in the Higher House of Parliament
against the Marshalsea." Subjoined, |
|
125. i. Objections to the preamble of the Bill. |
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125. ii. Objections to the law. |
|
125. iii. These are the benefits, amongst many others, which the
Commonwealth receiveth by the Court of Marshalsea.
It is therefore prayed the jurisdiction of this Court may
still continue as it hath been used time out of mind,
and not be altered by this new Bill. |
|
[These copies probably have reference to the alterations made
in that Court in the sixth year of Charles I., when the Curia
Palatii was erected by Letters Patent and made a Court of Record,
with power to try all personal actions, its jurisdiction extending
12 miles about Whitehall.] |
|
126. Memorandum of public business, found among the Conway
Papers. To entreat Lord President [Conway] to send for Sir Henry
Martin and to deal with him either for a present sum or a yearly
portion out of the Prerogative Court towards the planting of wood
and timber trees in church lands and in His Majesty's particular
lands, according to that trust and charge which is committed to
the petitioner, R[ichard] D[aye] [see Vol. CLIX., No. 23] by letters
under the Signet. These are pious uses, and Sir Henry Martin,
as Judge of that Court, usually gives forth money to such uses out
of receipts for letters of administration. He gave lately towards
the mending of the highway at Lambeth and towards paving of
their streets in Windsor. At the hearing of the cause of the
impropriations lately at the Council Table it was agreed by the
Lords that a certain yearly portion of money might be issuing out
of that Court toward the purchasing of impropriations. And
though the general collection for that purpose be not yet ordered,
nevertheless the petitioner intends to collect privately for it, and
therewith also to travail for the plantation of woods, the only stay
whereof is the want of maintenance, and if His Majesty were
rich it would be better for him to give 10,000l. than to lose any one
year in the work of plantation. Sir H. Martin, in furthering this
request, would do a work pleasing to God and pleasing and
profitable to the King and State, both to the Church and Commonwealth. [Richard] Amherst, Serjeant-at-Law, is of opinion that
the Prerogative Court may well afford 2,000l. yearly toward the
purchasing of impropriations. And if so toward the work, then
somewhat to him that travails therein, to the end that nothing may
be deducted out of the collections for allowance of fees. [1 p.] |
|
127. Articles to be administered to Sir Thomas Jay, [Master of
the Armoury,] by the Commissioners of the King's Armouries.
Touching [a grant lately obtained by him of all the old armour
in the Tower]. You are required to certify the number and value
of the old armours at the time of your entry into the office of
His Majesty's Armoury, and how many you have since sold.
Whether did you find more than 1,000 armours, which were
returned from the expedition to the Isle of Rhé and never employed
in service ? What number of armours were there bought in the
Low Countries and never employed ? Did you command any
serviceable armours to be brought out of the King's armoury to
the house of Oliver Duncombe, to be conveyed out of the Tower ?
Did you know that Sir Allen Apsley took bonds or recognizances
in his lifetime for John Cowper's appearance at the Middlesex
Sessions House, there to answer his felonious taking of the King's
armours out of the armoury in the Tower ? Did you undertake to
suppress Cowper's recognizance taken as aforesaid, upon condition
that Cowper should surrender his patent of Surveyor's place of
the armoury; as also to clear a debt of 60l. which you then owed
to him ? Did you, after Cowper's surrender of that place, receive
160l. of Joseph Butler to obtain for him the Surveyor's place; and
did you not know before such agreement with Butler that one
Rawlinson had the reversion of the fee belonging to that place ?
[2/3 p.] |
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128. Articles [propounded by Roger Falkener] to be administered
on His Majesty's behalf by the Commissioners of the King's
Armouries to the following persons:— |
|
To John Cowper, late Surveyor of His Majesty's Armoury
in the Tower: Have you been an officer in the armoury at
the Tower from 1607 to 1628, and have you not as well had the
charge of all armours coming in as going out of that armoury ?
Have you not lent or sold out of the armoury to divers persons the
following, viz., 19 horsemen's armours, 306 corselets, and 122
"curates" for footmen, and if so, to whom ? Have you not sold
207 pair of "powldrons" for footmen's armour, and if so, to whom ? |
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To John Rowdon: Whether have you a patent to enjoy the
clerk's place of His Majesty's Armoury, and if so of what date ?
What horse or footmen's armours have you borrowed out of the
Tower ? |
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To William Crouch, Thomas Stephens, Rowland Foster, and
Thomas Curson: Whether have you received any armours being
newly translated out of the armoury, and who gave you warrant
or leave so to do ? Have you not received and retained any old
backs and breast pieces of old armour out of the Tower ? |
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To Abraham Sissers [Sizers], Miles Sara, Augustine Crips, and
Richard Alison: Do you know Robert Thurby, a late workman
in the armoury at the Tower, to make choice of certain "vambraces
and powldrons" for horsemen's armours in the armoury ? |
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To William Crouch: Have you received to your own use any
"close head pieces, powldrons, and vambraces" for horsemen's
armours out of the armoury ? [1 p.] |
|
129. Interrogatories similar to the preceding, but with some
slight alterations, endorsed by Secretary Coke, "Falkener's interrogatories." [2 pp.] |
|
130. Articles similar in most respects to the preceding and for
the same persons. Those to be addressed to John Cowper differ
considerably, e.g., Have you continued an officer in the Tower
from 1626; if so, have you had the charge and keeping of all
armours coming in and going out of the armoury ? What number
of footmen's armours do you know translated by John Piwell,
armourer, for King James's use in the lifetime of Sir Henry Lee,
Master of the King's Armoury ? To examine Abraham Sizers as
to what he knows of the master armourers of London, for he has
said great words in company and he knows much of them. [2 pp.] |
|
131. Notes [by Secretary Coke in reference to the case of
Dr. Jerome Beale, Master of Pembroke Hall, Cambridge, and the
complaints against him]. That where a certain number of Fellows
is fixed by statute, their præ-elections are utterly forbidden.
Authorities quoted in proof of this. [½ p.] |
|
132. Account of money paid to John Phillips, late soldier in
Guernsey, and what remains due to him. Total received,
21l. 1s. 1d.; remaining due to him, 1l. 11s. 7d. So he has received
his whole pay, less 31s. 7d., though the King has paid but for ten
months. [1 p.] |
|
133. List of the names of Lieutenants of the Tower from the
reign of Henry VIII. till Charles I., both inclusive. [1¼ pp.] |
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134. Notes endorsed in Laud's hand, "The feofment of
Norwich." Names of the 12 trustees for [advancement of] the
religion in Norwich and Norfolk. These trustees in their orders
which they have framed, have set down divers qualifications for
the men [preachers] whom they intend to provide for, as that they
must be graduates, conformable to the orders of the Church, &c.,
but this only to the eye of the world. They have gathered up
among good people 200l., which they have sent up to "our prototrustees in London," who will pay to one Bridges, an absurd and
turbulent fellow, by the way of Christian usury, 20l. per cent.
yearly. That which they call at London spiritual preaching he calls
preaching by expressions. [2 pp.] |
|
135. Regulations and instructions by the Bishop of Peterborough
with reference to a lecture established at the church of Kettering,
co. Northampton. I am content that a lecture shall be preached
as heretofore by the divines herein named. [In margin]: Except
there be an order, that every Friday shall be supplied by one of
the lecture, all will be to little purpose, for by a new trick,
Christmas, Easter, Whitsuntide, and the Long Vacation are made
non-le[cture]. And then inconformable factious strangers supply
the place and mar all that is made at other times. Some of the
names of the clergymen are annotated in the margin, e.g., "He is
idle and will not hold." [Sheet of paper.] |
|
136. List in Secretary Dorchester's hand specifying the several
orders of monks and friars; when and from whom they had their
origin or commencement. [Latin. 5 pp.] |
|
137. Report representing the present state of matters connected
with the management and arrangement of the office of the Great
Wardrobe. That there is wanting of the ordinary assignment for
this year since 15th April last, 4,100l., whereof 3,000l. was received
by the Master [Earl of Denbigh] of the Wardrobe or his deputy
during the time of the delaying of the establishment of the orders;
and 1,100l. has been issued since by Sir Bevis Thelwall, [Clerk of
the Wardrobe,] contrary to the orders, for things due in the
preceding year, whereby the tradesmen, who have delivered in their
wares in this year (which has been a time of great charges, by
reason of the provisions made for the Queen's lying-in and for the
nursery, and for want of other provisions, which should have been
furnished in former years but have only been supplied since 15th
April) are very much prejudiced and almost discouraged from
further service. Besides, the clerks of the [several] wardrobes
and stables do much suffer in their credit, who upon taking these
wares for His Majesty's service do subscribe the tradesmen's bills
and books to see them satisfied for the same. That by the joining
of the clerks of the wardrobes and stables with the Master of the
Wardrobe and his deputy in the prizing of the tradesmen's bills,
there has been much saved to the King of what was formerly
allowed, and no man justly discontented. The tradesmen now,
seeing the money otherwise disposed of that should give them
satisfaction, do much complain that their bills were abated and
that they have no certainty of their money. That by reason of the
differences between the Deputies of the Wardrobe and Sir Bevis
Thelwall, 2,000l., part of the assignment payable out of the Court
of Wards, which should have been paid in at All-Hallowtide, is
not yet received; the receipt of other money due to the Wardrobe
is much neglected. That the increase of liveries consumes a great
part of the assignment, and much prejudices the King's service for
emptions. That whereas Sir Bevis Thelwall pretends a weariness
of being joined with the Deputy of the Wardrobe for the receipt
and issuing of money, and labours to bring in Mr. Grimsditch in
his stead, who, if admitted, would not undertake that charge without
an allowance from the King for it, and so bring a charge upon the
King to no purpose. If Sir Bevis should relinquish the office it
would be well to confer it upon the clerks of the wardrobes and
stable, both or either of whom would perform it faithfully without
additional charge. This I say that His Majesty may be pleased
to trust his own servant before a stranger, not out of any desire I
have of the employment to gain by it, but for the advancement of
the King's service. [1½ pp.] |
|
138. Particulars of the case of Edward Prince, Plaintiff, versus
Thomas and Ellinor Woodward and George Helliar, Defendants, in
the Court of Star Chamber. The Bill is for supposed selling of
iron by the Defendants, being ironmongers, with false weights, in
order to undersell the Plaintiff and others of that trade, charging
14l. per ton, whereas the Plaintiff and others selling good weight
could not afford it under 14l. 5s. the ton. And the Bill contains
three particular charges, besides a general charge since August,
4 Car. The substance of the Plaintiff's proofs. The substance of
the proofs for the Defendants. [1 p.] |
|
139. Copies of three letters, with name of writer or date. One
is addressed to Mr. Hulbert, and another to William Noy. In the
letter to Hulbert the writer desires him to cause the letters he
sends by this bearer to be delivered to his cousin Noy; also entreats
him to sue out the writer's patent for the shrievalty of Cornwall,
and to procure a warrant to discharge the present Sheriff from
his office, and cause it to be delivered to him. [1½ pp.] |
|
140. Fragment bearing this endorsement: "Richard Preston's
petition to the Governors of the Charterhouse." [See Vol. CLXVI.,
No. 46.] |
