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| March 1. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
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2. To answer to the petition of Capt. Wright, that the Council
finds no cause why the captain should be discharged, but will consider of it if any considerable exchange be offered for him. |
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3. The clerk of Parliament to be requested to send to Council a
list of the gratuities allowed to such as served in last year's fleet. |
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4. The clerk to the Navy Commissioners to send a copy of the
above list, in case the other cannot find it. |
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6. The papers that came from Holland concerning the ship Concord referred to the Admiralty judges, to advise whether it is a fit
case for letters of marque and reprisal. |
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8. Lord Howard, Col. Purefoy, Col. Stapley, and Mr. Scott to be
a committee to examine the accusation against Squire. |
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9. To look whether an order has not passed for the exchange of
Biat for Marriner, the one lying at Yarmouth and the other at
Jersey, both sea prisoners. |
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10. Mr. Bond, Sir Hen. Mildmay, Col. Hutchinson, Mr. Heveningham, and Col. Jones to be a committee to examine persons concerning
the preaching and praying of Mr. Jaggard, against Parliament and
for the interest of Chas. Stuart, as also to examine Mr. Jaggard
concerning the matters objected against him, and secure him if
necessary. [I. 64, pp. 52–54.] |
| March 1. |
Admiralty Committee to the Navy Commissioners. The Hopeful,
Luke, and James, merchant ships, are designed as convoys for the
fishermen going to Newfoundland, and are to attend them there
during the fishing season; in case you have not contracted with the
masters, you are to do so forthwith, and order them to rig, victual,
and fit out their ships for sea with all expedition, in regard the season
of the year is far spent. [I. 123, p. 250.] |
| March 1. |
Admiralty Committee to the Lord Lieutenant. The enclosed
petition of the owners of the Culpeper was referred to us by the
Council of State, and by our order, they have proved their title in
the Admiralty Court; but finding they have not applied to you,
who would have done them justice, we refer the petition and papers
to you. [I. 123, p. 250.] |
| March 1. |
3. List of nine members of the Committee for the Mint.
[½ page.] |
| March 2. |
Order in Parliament that the merchants who have contracted with
the Navy Commissioners for ships for this summer's guard perform
their contracts, and that their ships go under such commanders as
the State shall appoint. The Council of State to see this done.
[I. 88, p. 10.] |
| March 2. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
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2. The paper from Parliament, containing the increase of wages to
the seamen, to be sent to the Navy Committee, with the order of
the House thereon. |
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3. The Lord General to send Major Taylour's company, now at
Bolsover, to Nottingham Castle, for the better strengthening of that
place. |
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5. Declaration that in the framing of the new militia, Council
will have no Lieut.-Colonels of horse. |
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6. Such commissions as have been granted to Lieut.-Colonels of
horse to be revoked, and those for Majors given in lieu thereof. |
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7. Mr. Smith of Leicestershire to have a commission as Major of
the regiment of horse to be raised in his county, of which Sir Arthur
Hesilrigge is to be Colonel. |
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10. The matter of fact concerning Thos. Thwaites to be reported
to Parliament. |
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11. All reports from this Council to Parliament to be made by the
members of the Council, as they stand in order in the Act constituting the Council, each one for the reports of a day. |
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13. The whole Council, or any five of them, to be a committee for
trade and plantations. |
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14. The reports concerning Sutton Hospital to be heard next
Monday. |
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15. Sir Hen. Mildmay, Col. Jones, and Mr. Scott to confer with
the army officers concerning the quartering of Col. Fleetwood's regiment of horse. |
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16. Edw. Hales and Laurence Tyer to be committed to Newgate,
on suspicion of treason. |
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17. The committee for examinations to send for and examine such
persons as Edw. Hales and Laurence Tyer shall detect, and to imprison such of them as they shall think fit. |
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20. Sir Hen. Vane, Col. Wauton, Mr. Challoner, Cols. Popham,
Stapley, and Purefoy, Earl of Salisbury, and Luke Robinson to be a
committee for the Admiralty and Navy, exercising the former powers.
[Also, I. 123, pp. 12, 251.] |
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21. Commissioners Whitelock and Lisle, Lord Chief Justices Rolle
and St. John, and Lord Chief Baron Wylde to be a committee to
carry on matters of law. |
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22. The Lord General, Mr. Scott, Sir Wm. Masham, Sir Hen.
Mildmay, Col. Purefoy, and Sir Jas. Harrington to be a committee
to receive informations and take examinations, with the same powers
as before. |
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23. The Lord Lieut. of Ireland, Sir Wm. Armyne, Mr. Scott, Col.
Jones, Philip Viscount Lisle, Mr. Wallop, Mr. Gurdon, Col. Morley,
Sir Peter Wentworth, and Mr. Bond to be a committee to carry on
the affairs of Ireland, and to exercise the former powers. |
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24. Sir Gilbert Pickering, Mr. Holland, Sir Wm. Constable, Colonel
Hutchinson, Alderman Pennington, Mr. Heveningham, and Lord
Howard to be a committee for ordnance, and to exercise the same
powers as formerly. |
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25. Sir Hen. Vane, Earl of Denbigh, Lord Grey, Major-General
Skippon, Sir Arthur Hesilrigge, Colonels Stapley, Martin, Hutchinson, Popham, Wauton, Purefoy, Ludlow, and Jones, Viscount Lisle
and Sir Wm. Constable to be a committee to confer with the army
officers, and exercise the same powers as formerly. |
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27. The Admiralty judges to issue the letters of marque and
reprisal for which they have Council's warrant, the time of their continuance to be left indefinite, and to keep a just account of prizes
brought in for adjudication, that it may be known when the losses
and charges are satisfied. The judges to require the parties interested
to proceed speedily and effectually, in pursuance of the said letters.
[I. 64, pp. 55–58.] |
March 2.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Militia Commissioners, co. Devon. We
hear by Col. Desborow of your care to promote the business of the
militia, and desire you to proceed to full execution of your instructions. The commissions for the officers shall be sent down, and
we doubt not but you,—considering what advantage it will be to
the peace of your country to have it in a military posture and in
safe hands,—will with all expedition put forward that service, so as
to prevent all attempts or endeavours of the enemy to make any
disturbance. [I. 95, p. 21.] |
March 2.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to Thos. Beaumont. Thanks for yours, and the
examinations of John Buswell and Jas. Wright, on their proclaiming
Charles Stuart king, and for your care in preventing mischief
thereby. You rightly apprehend the danger of the action, therefore
we beg of you to see them safely kept in prison, and prosecutors and
witnesses bound over to appear at the next Leicester assizes, to proceed against them. [I. 95, p. 22.] |
March 2.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to Sir George Booth. You will receive the commissions for the militia, directed to yourself and others; the Council
desires that a meeting of yourselves may be speedily appointed, and
the work begun and gone on with as far as you may, according to
your instructions. When you send us the names of your intended
field officers, we will consider of them, and dispatch away their commissions, and give you further assistance for the managing of the
work, as there shall be cause. The careful dispatch hereof being of
great concern, it will be needless to press it more particularly upon
you, who have given so manifold and constant proof of your zeal and
affection to the true interest of the commonwealth, and we doubt not
of a like good concurrence in the rest of the commissioners, whose
continued fidelity and activity, in matters of so great importance as
the now sent commissions are, will be acceptable to Parliament, and
a great service and security to your country and yourselves. [I. 95,
p. 23.] |
March 2.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Lord Mayor and Recorder of London.
Owen Lloyd, now prisoner in Newgate, condemned at the sessions in
the Old Bailey, has made several discoveries of thieves and robbers,
and has been several times reprieved. We desire you to certify the
matter of fact for which he stands condemned, that it may be reported
to the House, and their pleasure known concerning him. [I. 95,
p. 24.] |
March 2.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Commissioners of Customs. We desire
you to examine the matter of the enclosed petition, and receive the
petitioners' testimony, and let them freely view the goods mentioned;
if you find cause of suspicion, then let the sugars mentioned be
put into safe custody, and certify us forthwith. [I. 95, p. 24.] |
March 2.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Generals of the Fleet. The Hart frigate
being at Harwich, and most of her officers being on shore, the company cut the cable and carried away the ship, which they are like
enough to make use of, to infest the seas and interrupt trade. We
look upon this negligence as a very great breach of duty, for which
they deserve to be proceeded against with all severity, for prevention
of like attempts. We therefore recommend you both to order all
commanders at sea to endeavour the reducing of that ship, before
there be any use made of her to the public prejudice, and to proceed against those officers speedily and effectually, that they may be
made exemplary to others. [I. 95, p. 25.] |
| March 2. |
Admiralty Committee. Day's Proceedings. |
|
Order that two of the Navy Commissioners attend on Monday
next, with reference to their letter concerning the information of
Capt. Coppin, commander of the Amity frigate, that she wants six
pieces of ordnance, with two long sakers for chasing. |
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Reference to Dr. Walker of the petition of several masters and
commanders, complaining of the loss of their trade to Holland, by
English merchants shipping their goods in strangers' bottoms, when
English ships could be had; also a clause regulating their turns in
lading. [I. 251, 252, p. 123.] |
March 2.
Chester. |
4. Rich. Bradshaw to President Bradshaw. I had hoped to give
you a numerous account of subscribers to the engagement within
this city, but there being none here specially commanded to take
subscriptions since the passing of the Act, and to give you the whole
truth, there is not one justice of peace, mayor, recorder, or other,
except Mr. Aldersey and myself, that either have taken the engagement, or given countenance to them that have; the commonalty, who
are chiefly led by the example of their governors, have not yet subscribed, but some few excise officers, and half a score of the best
affected have, before Mr. Aldersey and myself. The reason of the
people's backwardness is chiefly the frequent deterring arguments
from pulpits, whence the rigid Presbyterians shake the minds of
men, setting the engagement directly in opposition to the covenant,
charging covenant breaking and perjury upon all that have subscribed, and labouring to render them odious to the people; yet all
is woven so cunningly that the thread appears not wherewith to
bind up such zealots. I have questioned some, and their answer is,
that they, by authority of Parliament, pressed the covenant upon their
people; and now, being persuaded that the present engagement clashes
with it, they are bound to warn the people of their danger. If
under this pretence of duty they amuse the people, and some speedy
course be not taken to restrain them, in this county and Lancashire,
the prejudice may be great, if opportunity offers for the people's
appearing, according to the principles daily distilled into them from
such heights. |
|
My opinion is that two or three able ministers sent down to these
northern parts, to clear the equity of subscribing, as consistent with
the real ends of the covenant, would effectually do the work; and
such a way of countermining the adverse party would better suit
with the present condition of these parts, than any order of Parliament to silence or punish crafty incendiaries, who, being resolved to
oppose the present Government, court to be esteemed under the
notion of persecution. |
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Touching the settling of the militia here, which you gave me in
charge, I have so well felt the pulse of our leading men and the
people, in the business of the engagement, that I dare not promise
you any number, either for officers or soldiers, for such a service; but
when the spring is over, and nothing of action appears, the expectation whereof amuses many, I presume the minds of men, now stormy,
will settle in a calm submission, and then some trust may be
reposed. I am sorry I cannot give you a better character of this
city. |
|
I intend within 10 days waiting on the Council of State, to receive
their further pleasure in the service designed to me. [2 pages.] |
| March 2. |
5. Statement [by a member of the Merchant Adventurers' Company at Hamburgh] of the "Causes tending to the overthrow
and utter ruin of the drapery of England." |
|
1. The great quantities of white and coloured cloths which are
made here, and being endraped of Spanish and other sorts of
wools, are offered at cheaper rates than we can do ours, and are finer
than ours; by long continuance in the clothing trade they make
them very good and substantial, whereas ours are made thin and
faulty. In these respects they outsell ours, as also in regard of
the great imposition the States have set upon our cloths, viz., 20s.
Flemish or 12s. sterling upon all white cloths of 16l. Flemish price
and under; 40s. Flemish upon cloths of 24l. price to 16l.; and
2l. 13s. 4d. Flemish upon all cloths above the value of 24l. Flemish,
from which imposition their own cloths are free. |
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2. The liberty given in England, both to strangers and subjects, to
buy and ship what cloth they will, and to carry it where they list. |
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3. The offering of our cloth to sale in every town from shop to
shop, and retailing it by the ell to particular buyers, and leaving it
to be sold by grocers and other merchants, who care not at what
rate they sell it, so they may be satisfied for what they have given,
which tends to the undervaluing of the English drapery. |
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4. This carrying of our cloth up and down the country has given
such offence to the cloth buyers, who pay great house rent and taxes,
their former trade being taken away, that it is conceived they have
put the States to set a custom upon all cloths inwards, which was
never thought of as long as the Merchant Adventurers had the sole
transport thereof to the mart towns; if this go forward, it would yet
more bring our cloth out of request, as our Worcesters, and generally
all our fine cloth is already, to the further advancing of the inland
drapery of these countries. |
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5. The drapery here is very much furthered also by the continual
bringing over of fuller's earth in great quantities. |
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So that as this straggling and loose trade, in offering of our cloth from
door to door, and selling it in such manner as before mentioned, tends
to the undoing of the drapery of our land, and will probably soon
lose us the manufacture of our wools, and force us to return to the
stapler's trade again, in transporting wools, as it was before the reign
of Edward III., when cloth making was first brought into England;
so if, by the continual clamours of the wool grower, who thinks
himself prejudiced by a governed trade—conceiving that when trade
is at large he has a better price for his wools, wherein he is much
mistaken—he should cause our drapery to be lost by this liberty,
he must consider that if our wool be again transported before it
is endraped, there will be worse markets for it in these parts than
now at home, whilst our clothing continues, by reason of the great
quantities of Spanish, Pomeranian, and other country wools which
are brought and used in these parts, for the making of cloth.
Therefore our drapery will be utterly lost, and the commonwealth
much prejudiced by this liberty of trade, in point of custom, because
the customs of a great part of the woollen commodities which are
shipped out from outports and creeks by non-freemen, among whom
you have masters of ships, sailors, and men of little worth, are not
paid as they are by those of the Company; they find means to save
them by connivance, as they do also for their grocery wares, which are
made up in bags of 20 to 50 lbs. weight, and the like means they find
for conveying in of their other commodities without entering them. |
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If our State would look upon the thing as it is, take some counsel
to prevent this mischief, and continue us a corporation; restrain all
trade of woollen commodities to the mart towns under Government,
and use means that the great imposition laid upon cloth be taken
off, and prevent the further custom which is threatened; appoint
public places in England for the wetting and visiting of our cloth by
sworn men, after the merchant has bought it of the clothier, as they
have in these countries, and make the clothier pay for the faults
thereof, whereby our cloth might be the more truly made; and also
order that no merchant transport any cloth before it is so visited and
sealed, we might yet hope to keep up the drapery of our commonwealth, which otherwise is impossible to be done. [2⅓ pages.] |
| March 4. |
Order in Parliament that the 35,590l. 7s. 6d., payable to the reduced
officers and several other persons, formerly transferred and ordered
to be paid as the Council of State shall direct, be left to the said
Council to dispose of. [I. 88, p. 10.] |
| March 4. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
|
1. The letter from Harwich, relating to the coming of the Hart
frigate, referred to the Generals of the Fleet, and they desired to
secure her, as also the principals in the revolt in that ship, so that
they may be made an example of. |
|
2. 200l. to be allowed to the Earl of Pembroke, to provide himself
with a house, as Durham House, being his property, is made use of
for quartering soldiers. |
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3. To confer with the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal as
to continuing the quartering of the companies in Buckingham House,
Chelsea, it being very convenient to the service upon which they are
employed. |
|
5. The Admiralty Committee to consider the petition of Anne
Brooke, Mary Audrey, and others, and the Act of Parliament for
relief of mariners' widows, and report thereon. |
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6. Note that Lord Commissioner Whitelock took the oath as
member of the Council. |
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7. Major-General Lambert and Col. Harrison to attend to-morrow
evening at 6 o'clock, on business of importance. |
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8. The Council to sit to-night beyond the usual hour, to dispatch
business. |
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9. The list of persons appointed justices of the peace in Somersetshire, and of others fit to be such, referred to the Commissioners of
the Seal. |
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11. The list of officers to be employed in the militia for co. Dorset
approved, and commissions to be granted. |
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13. The Ordnance Committee to consider of the demand of 200l.
made by Col. Sydenham, for repairing the fortifications in the Isle of
Wight. |
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14. The warrant for ammunition for Mersey Island to be directed
to the petty emptions. |
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15. The Ordnance Committee to consider where the carriages
desired by Col. Sydenham for the Isle of Wight may be provided. |
|
16. The Admiralty Committee to consider whether letters of
marque may be granted to the ships bound on the Newfoundland
fishing. |
|
17. The desires of Mr. Thomson and Mr. Pennoyer, for freight due
to them for their ships employed upon the Irish coast, referred to the
Irish Committee. |
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18. The petition of Maurice Thomson, and others interested in
the Hopeful Marie, referred to the Admiralty judges, to consider
whether the case is fit for letters of reprisal. |
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19. To send for Col. Ryves. |
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20. The petition of William Pennoyer, merchant of London, referred to the Admiralty judges, to consider whether his case is fit
for letters of marque. |
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21. Col. Birch to examine the persons who raised a mutiny at
Ormskirk upon the Commissioners of the Excise, and if he finds
any guilty, to commit them, and bind over the prosecutors and witnesses to the next assizes. |
|
22. Sir Hen. Mildmay to remind the House to-morrow concerning
the Act for easing tenants oppressed by delinquent landlords. |
|
23. The letter for the sheriffs to proclaim the Act against delinquents approved, and to be sent to the sheriffs of the several counties. |
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24. The Committee for Examinations to stay the money affirmed
to belong to Dr. Hart. |
|
25. The warrant for proclaiming the Act for confining delinquents
approved, and the Serjeant of the Council directed to put it in
execution. |
|
26. The business of Bermuda to be considered on Wednesday,
when the Deputy Governor and Treasurer of the Company, Col.
Owen Roe, is to be present. [I. 64, pp. 59–62.] |
March 4.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to Col. Syler, Governor of Boston. Council
having committed to you the work of making Tattershall Castle
untenable, which much concerns the peace and quiet of those parts,
desires to be informed of your proceedings in that work, and if it is
not wholly finished, you are to state by what time you conceive it
will be. [I. 95, p. 26.] |
March 4.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Revenue Committee. Having appointed
that the garden at Whitehall shall be trimmed up and repaired, and
the charge paid out of the revenue, we desire you to give order that
60l. be paid to such person as Sir Hen. Mildmay shall appoint, by
10l. a week. [I. 95, p. 26.] |
March 4.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to John Browne and Col. Heane. Having been
informed that Stanley Gower has lately, both in preaching and
praying, endeavoured to stir up the people against the present
Government, but not having received particulars, we desire you to
examine witnesses as to his deportment, and certify us, and if you
see cause, secure him. [I. 95, p. 27.] |
March 4.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to Mr. Caley. We are informed that Capt. Clarke,
of Westbourne, five miles from Chichester, uses to pass between
England and Holland, and holds intelligence tending to the betraying
of some ports in those parts. You are therefore to inform yourself
of the fact, observe his motions, and what company and places he
frequents, and if you find him dangerous, to secure him and certify
us. [I. 95, p. 27.] |
| March 4. |
Admiralty Committee to the Master and Wardens of Surgeons'
Hall. In pursuance of our late conference with you, touching your
subscription to the engagement, which you informed us was done by
some of you, as also other matters, we give you the following particulars: first, that the engagement be subscribed by your whole
company with speed, the names of any refusers to be certified to us,
and also the names of the subscribers. Secondly, all surgeons whom
you approve as fit men to be employed on the ships are likewise to
subscribe the engagement, before they be certified. Thirdly, you are
to send us, or the Generals of the Fleet, a list of the surgeons whom
you approve to serve upon ships, before their impress money is delivered to them, that we may be assured of their fidelity and ability,
it being a matter of much concern to mariners who hazard their
lives for the commonwealth, that able surgeons are put upon the
State's ships. [I. 123, p. 234.] |
| March 5. |
List of 46 State's ships and 20 merchant ships approved by
Parliament for the summer guard; also of the fleet of 17 ships, 2 fire
ships and ketches now before Lisbon; with the number of their guns
and men, and the names of the commanders. [I. 123, pp. 315, 316.] |
| March 5. |
6. Statement by [Sec Nicholas] of the desires of Mass., Bun.,
Alex., and Wood, Presbyterians in Holland. |
|
That His Majesty would declare himself to his people, that they
might raise a satisfaction from it to their friends, and that he would
send some encouragement to such clergy friends as yet dare to
publicly hold up his rights and titles. In both these they seem
satisfied, save they conceive they might have made an advantage of
it if His Majesty had also touched upon religion in his declaration. |
|
That they will not press for the covenant in England, and will
endeavour to moderate the Scots in their desires, but beseeching
that the King will go as far as he can, that he may have a greater
service by their conjunction. |
|
That they will rest satisfied with such a settlement in Church
and State as a future Parliament, together with such a synod as
that Parliament approves, shall make. |
|
That though many persons of their party are satisfied with the
King's intentions, yet their endeavours, without taking more of their
party along with them, will signify little; therefore, to bring them in,
those already satisfied must carry themselves more cautiously towards
the rest, in compliance with them, for fear of losing them through
factious insinuations. |
|
That amongst their party, divers wealthy persons in London
hanker so much after the Scots that the rest, not so much Scotified,
call them bigots or zealots, and labour to break off that dependency,
as the greatest impediment to their ready conjunction for His Majesty's service, in case the Scots continue unreasonable. |
|
That there is yet a fear amongst their party that the King's party
will not be reconciled to them; and till that fear can be removed, it
concerns them, in order to their own security, to move with such
circumspection and preserve such strength in themselves, as may
balance with the King's party. |
|
That for the satisfaction of their whole party in the removal
of that fear, and for their guidance in action, they desire the King
would admit into his Council the Duke of Richmond, Marquis of
Hertford, Earls Southampton and Lindsey, Lord Will. and Mr.
Hollis; this done, they will, without dispute of anything, conform
to any commands the King shall give them, for raising men, money,
arms, &c. |
|
That the Marquis of Hertford will be very acceptable as General
of the Forces. |
|
That His Majesty's friends who have compounded and their party
are much wished together in their councils. |
|
This is their meaning, and they will manifest themselves to His
Majesty accordingly, if they do not meet with any persons who
study faction to pervert them. [1¾ pp. Endorsed by Sec. Nicholas:
"Presbyterians' in Holland reasonable desires."] |
| March 6. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
|
3. The petition and papers of Nicholas Bobasyn referred to
Dr. Walker. |
|
4. 200l. to be paid to the Earl of Pembroke, in consideration of
his surrendering Durham House in the Strand for the use of the
commonwealth, for one year from 25 Dec. last; Mr. Frost to pay
it out of his imprest for service of Council. |
|
5. Mr. Frost to call upon the treasurers-at-war to repay him 3,000l.
for supplying the present occasions of Council, part of the 10,000l.
lent by him to them, by order of Council. |
|
6. The Act now read, for preventing the taking of English ships
under colour of being visited, calling home English mariners from
foreign services, and touching punishment of crimes in the Admiralty, to be reported to the House by Mr. Challoner. |
|
7. Mr. Nicholls to be committed to the Serjeant-at-arms, until he
can be examined before some justice of peace, upon the charge brought
against him by Mr. Neale, for coining. |
|
8. Mr. Fauconbridge and Mr. Manley to examine Nicholls, upon
the charge brought against him by Christopher Neale. |
|
9. Also to examine Neale upon his charges against Nicholls. |
|
10. The Irish Committee to consider how the horse formerly taken
on for the Irish service, and afterwards dismissed, may be again
taken on and sent over to Ireland; and Major Browne and —
to give an account of the money they received for recruits. |
|
11. The whole business of the post barks referred back to the
Irish Committee. |
|
12. Col. Purefoy added to that Committee. |
|
13. The letter from Paris, concerning the setting out of ships at
Toulon, to be communicated by the Admiralty Committee to the
Generals at sea, and they to order all expedition to be used in setting
out that fleet which is to go southward, to join with the ships
under Col. Blake. |
|
14. The keeper of the Gatehouse to attend Council to-morrow. |
|
16. John Marston to be committed to the Gatehouse, for executing
the warrants of Henry Phillips, under pretence of authority. [I. 64,
p. 64–66.] |
| March 6. |
Admiralty Committee. Day's Proceedings. |
|
Order, upon information of Mr. Melton against Fras. Harvey and
others, for misdemeanor at Plymouth, that he bring the parties before
them. |
|
Order to write to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, to send over the
James, and put 24 guns upon her, that she may be fitted forth for
the service here, and also to acquaint him that Capt. Penn has been
written to, to bring her over; a list of ships for the Irish seas to
be enclosed. [I. 123, p. 256.] |
| March 6. |
Admiralty Committee to the Navy Commissioners. Divers
master builders have obtained protections to secure their workmen
from being pressed into the service of the commonwealth, under
colour of being already employed about the frigates to be built this
summer for the State, by which means the fleet now preparing is
like to be much retarded. Frequent intelligence of preparations of
shipping made in foreign parts, to take our ships at sea, leads us to
quicken you to hasten the summer fleet. If you have granted any
protections to master shipwrights, ships' carpenters, or others, we
desire you to recall them forthwith, and impress workmen and
mariners, according to the power given you. You are likewise to
hasten the merchants' ships you have contracted for, and in case
you meet with obstruction from the owners, to acquaint them
with the enclosed order of Parliament, and certify the persons
who cause the obstructions to the Council of State. You are
to return us a weekly account of your proceedings, and of the
obstructions in fitting forth the fleet (if you meet with any), and we
shall employ our best endeavours to remove them. You are also to
press as many caulkers and other workmen as are requisite for
speeding forth the Hercules. [I. 123, p. 255.] |
| March 7. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
|
1. Mr. Frost to take Mr. Dugard's subscription to the engagement,
and his recognizance for "his future good abbearance according to the
sense of a paper " sent by him to Council. |
|
2. To write the Justices of Peace for Middlesex, to examine
the man apprehended by Col. Berkstead, for dispersing scandalous
pamphlets, and to proceed against him according to law. |
|
4. The petition of the company of the Mary Rose referred to the
Admiralty Committee, to give such relief as the Act of Parliament
allows. |
|
5. The informations sent from Sir Michael Livesey, concerning
the Isle of Sheppy, referred to the Admiralty Committee. |
|
8. Mr. Middleton of Fleet Bridge to be sent for, to testify against
Squire. |
|
9. Mr. Weeks, keeper of the Gatehouse, to attend Council tomorrow afternoon. |
|
10. The Act for the business of the Mint to be read to-morrow
afternoon. |
|
11. Crouch's petition referred to the Committee for examinations. |
|
12. The petition of Elizabeth Alkin recommended to the Committee for removing obstructions in the sale of the late King's lands,
to provide some small house for her habitation, either the slaughter
house belonging to the late King, or some other of equal value, she
being referred by Parliament to the care of Council, to provide her
a dwelling. |
|
14. The list of the fleet for the summer guard, and of their several
stations, to be sent to the Navy Commissioners, and they required
to send to all the officers or others by whom anything is to be done
for its setting forth, to put forward all things with all possible expedition; they are also to have special care that the fleet for the southward may be hastened out, and to give frequent notice to the Council
how they proceed, and what obstructions they meet with, that they
may be removed. [I. 64, pp. 67, 68.] |
March 7.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the mayor and aldermen of Plymouth. There
has been an order sent you for taking the engagement of all officers
within your corporation, and we expected a return of your proceedings therein. That town being a place of consequence, we again
put you in mind thereof, that having your return, we may be
satisfied in what condition the town is. [I. 95, p. 28.] |
March 7.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Militia Commissioners, county York. We
are informed by Sir Wm. Allenson that Crake Castle was ordered to
be demolished by Parliament, and that some proceedings have been
made therein, but at present there has been a stop put to them. As
what is appointed by Parliament should be speedily effected, you
are to take notice of its condition, and see the order put into
execution. [I. 95, p. 29.] |
March 7.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to Sir John Wollaston and the rest of the Army
Treasurers. Upon your request for supply of some exigencies for
the army, we gave order to Mr. Frost to lend you 10,000l. out of
money in his hands, to be repaid at the end of the month; or in
case of necessity, at three days' warning. Hitherto we have not
called for any of it, although the month ended on 6 Jan., and since
then we have given time for part of it, to supply such payments as
were to be made out of your treasure, but were recommended by us
for speedy dispatch; this we shall not expect before the time respited
be elapsed, but of the rest we have occasion to use a part presently,
and therefore desire you forthwith to pay 4,000l. to Mr. Frost. [I.
95, p. 29.] |
March 7.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Committee at Goldsmiths' Hall. By ordinance of Parliament, there was 50,000l. charged upon certain delinquents' estates, for the service of Ireland, Sir Adam Loftus was made
treasurer, and the power of disposing of that money was first in the
Irish Committee at Derby House, and since then in the Council; both
the Committee at Derby House and this Council have charged several
warrants upon that treasury, some of which have been paid, and others
are now in course and expectancy. Those moneys being now by Parliament transferred to your receipt at Goldsmiths' Hall, we desire to know
whether you will proceed to pay out those moneys, for so much as is
already charged upon the warrants called in from the parties, and
new ones made and directed to you, or to the treasurers there; so that
we may thereupon put that business into a right course to satisfy such
as have warrants upon that money, so that there may be no obstruction in their receipt. Certify how much of this money has been
received by you since the transfer into your receipt. [I. 95, p. 30.] |
March 7.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to Sir Michael Livesey. We have received your
letters and enclosure by the express, and doubt not but the enemy,
despairing to do what they would to the public, will do what they
can to particular men, which ought to put them all into a watchful
posture for their own particular safety; we shall do our part for
the general security. We have recommended the care of those
coasts to the Generals at sea, and desired them to appoint some fit
vessel to destroy those pirates, and prevent the execution of their
designs. Notwithstanding all care that can be used, we conceive it
possible that some particulars may be in danger, and we therefore
doubt not but particular men will use their best care for their own
preservation. [I. 95, p. 31.] |
| March 7. |
Order in the Admiralty Committee that the collectors for prize
goods send in an account of all tenths received for the relief of
maimed seamen, according to the Act, and what has been disposed
of, what is due and has not been received, and what is now remaining
in their hands. [I. 123, p. 256.] |
| March 8. |
Order in Parliament that the Council of State issue warrants to
the treasurers at Goldsmiths' Hall for payment of 63,000l. to the
treasurers at war, out of the remainder of 170,000l. formerly appointed out of the receipts of the treasury of Goldsmiths' Hall, for the
service of the commonwealth, and that the said treasurers pay the
same accordingly, out of such moneys as come in from sequestrations
as well as compositions; to be paid by the treasurers at war to the
forces of England and Ireland, by warrants from the Army Committee.
[I. 88, p. 11.] |
| March 8. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
|
1. The Committee for the Mint appointed last year to be revived,
and Mr. Challoner and Sir Peter Wentworth added to it. |
|
2. The account of Mr. Simmons, master and sole engraver of the
Mint, for making medals for seamen, cutting seals, and making
stamps for the coin, recommended to Alderman Allein and the rest
of the members of Parliament to whom is committed the business of
making the seals of the commonwealth, who are to report what
should be allowed him for the work. |
|
3. The petition of David Nephew referred to Dr. Walker. |
|
4. The committee that confers with the army officers to meet next
Monday, and notice to be given to them. |
|
5. The petition of Samuel Cape referred to the Admiralty Committee, who are to discharge the ship mentioned, if they see cause;
if there is any difficulty, to report it back to Council. |
|
6. Mr. Sterry to be preacher to Council this year, with the former
allowance. |
|
7. Mr. Owen approved as preacher to Council for the year to come,
with the same allowance as Mr. Sterry, to preach every Lord's
day in the afternoon, and fit lodgings to be provided for him in
Whitehall. |
|
8. The names now read for the Militia Commissioners in co.
Stafford approved. |
|
9. The petition and papers of Isaac Phillips referred to Dr.
Walker. |
|
10. The petition of Rich. Hooke referred to the Irish Committee. |
|
11. Also the petition of Anne Howard, alias Swaine. |
|
12. The prisoners taken in Bardsey Island to be committed to the
county gaol, and proceeded against according to law. |
|
15. The petition of John Gibson, Edmond Chapman, and Geo.
King referred to the Admiralty Committee. |
|
16. The report from the Irish Committee approved of, viz. As to
the reduced recruits of the Lord General's regiment of horse, formerly
shipped from Bristol for Ireland, and forced back by contrary winds,
—the information formerly given by their conductors, Major Browne
and Lieut. John Cobie, whereon the order for their disbanding was
grounded, being mistaken, and the said horse in good condition,
except six or eight, and the horsemen still willing to go, as some of
them who attended the Committee have declared; order, lest the
precedent of the said horsemen's disbanding may discourage others
from adventuring in that service. |
|
First, that the said reduced horse, or as many of them as are
willing to go, should be again taken on. |
|
Second, that Major Browne and Lieut. John Cobie, who formerly
had the charge to conduct them, be ordered to draw them to their
rendezvous at Bristol, and Dr. Staynes ordered to muster them
there. |
|
Thirdly, that Major Browne pay them their full entertainment,
from the time of their being first taken on until they ship again for
Ireland,—the month's pay in advance and the 20s. paid to each man
upon their late disbanding being accounted in part thereof,—and that
Major Browne pay the horsemen, at their shipping for Ireland, one
month's pay in advance, according to former orders, the Major
taking care that all delays of shipping the horse for Ireland may be
prevented. |
|
Fourthly, that the Army Committee issue warrants to Major
Browne, as formerly, for receiving upon assignations the entertainment due to so many of the horse as again enlist, until they be
shipped and landed in Ireland, and until Major Browne be reimbursed
the entertainment &c., already paid and to be paid. |
|
Lastly, that Mr. Powell be written to, to provide shipping to
transport the said horse, upon their coming to Bristol, with the first
wind, and to put victuals on board for the men and horses. [I. 64,
pp. 70–73.] |
| March 8. |
Admiralty Committee. Day's Proceedings. |
|
Order upon the petition of the masters and commanders of ships
trading to Holland, postponing the further hearing until next Monday, the Committee having no time to settle the regulating of the
turns in trading, and shipping in strangers' bottoms, as desired in
the petition. Maurice Thomson and others named, as also merchants
trading to Holland, Zealand, &c., are then to attend. |
|
Order upon the petition of William Sandford, and other mariners
of the Hunter of Dover—alleging that Capt. Crandly received 500l.
of the Earl of Warwick for their use, of which they only received 97l.
—that the captain be summoned for Thursday next. [I. 123, pp. 257,
258.] |
| March 9. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
|
1. The prisoners committed to the Gatehouse, for making a revolt
in the Hart frigate, to be kept there until removed by warrant from
the Generals at sea, in order to their trial by martial law. |
|
3. The petition of William Arundel to be laid aside. |
|
6. The petition of Edith Byatt of Weymouth, co. Dorset, referred
to the Generals at sea, who are to make an exchange if they see cause. |
|
6a. Note that Lord Grey has this day taken the oath. |
|
7. The Act now read for mending the highways about London to
be reported to the House by Col. Wauton. |
|
9. Magdalen Challenor's petition referred to Dr. Walker. |
|
10. 1,400l. to be paid by Mr. Frost, for satisfying the debts or
arrears of the Committee of both kingdoms, the Committee of Derby
House, and the Council for the last year. |
|
12. The petition of Robert Garland and other proprietors of the
ship Trade, alias Samaritan, referred to the Admiralty Committee. |
|
13. The Act concerning the poor knights' allowance in Windsor
Castle, to be considered next Monday. |
|
14. The Act for a court-martial to be the first business next
Monday. |
|
15. The Governor of Windsor Castle, Col. Aldrich, and Mr. Young
to consider what timber is necessary for reparation of the bridges in
Binfield, co. Berks, and report to Lord Commissioner Whitelock,
lieutenant of the forest, that he may order it to be had out of
Windsor Forest, not to exceed 20 tons. |
|
16. Lord Commissioner Whitelock, lieutenant of the forest of
Windsor, to make a woodward of that forest, for preservation of the
woods, if he sees cause. |
|
18. The petition of the merchants of Bideford referred to the
Admiralty Committee. |
|
19. The petition and desires of Captain Daniel Thomas, on
behalf of Sir Chas. Coote, referred to the Irish Committee. |
|
20. The business of the Charter House to be considered next
Wednesday. [I. 64, pp. 74–76.] |
March 9.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to Ensign Aspinall. We understand that you
have not only secured Bardsey Island from the surprise intended for
it, and thereby prevented the mischief that might have come had
the design of the enemy succeeded, but that you have the authors,
or at least the appointed instruments of that mischief now your
prisoners. We thank you for your care and well managing of that
affair, and desire you still to continue there, for the preservation of
that place. You are to deliver your prisoners to the sheriff of the
county, to be by him safely kept in gaol in order to their trial.
[I. 95, p. 32.] |
March 9.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the sheriff of Carnarvonshire. Some prisoners
having been taken in Bardsey Island, who had a design to become
possessed of the place, we have written to the commander there to
deliver them to you, and desire you to put them in the common
gaol, and keep them there until they may be brought to trial. [I.
95, p. 32.] |
March 9.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to Colonel Mitton. We thank you for your
care in the capture of the prisoners who would have taken Bardsey
Island. We have written to the Ensign to deliver them to the
sheriff, and to the latter to keep them in the common gaol, and we
desire you to give special order that they may be safely kept, until
effectually proceeded against. [I. 95, p. 33.] |
March 9.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Generals at sea. We have caused several
persons to be committed to the Gatehouse, for running away with
the Hart frigate; as you should proceed against them, we recommend you to do so by martial law, and with all expedition. [I. 95,
p. 33.] |
March 9.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to Colonel Desborow. As Colonel Slingsby is
now a prisoner in Pendennis, which is not fit for his safe custody, we
desire you to cause him to be carried to Exeter Castle, and there
kept until his trial. [I. 95, p. 34.] |
March 9.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Navy Commissioners. Enclosed is a list of
the ships appointed for the summer guard, and particulars of their
distribution into squadrons and services. We desire you to send to
all officers or others by whom anything is to be done for the setting
forth of this fleet, so that every one may put forward whatever is under
their charge with expedition, the time for their sailing being far
elapsed, and things not as forward as we hoped. We formerly asked
you to inform us every week how things proceeded, but have not yet
received any such returns, and we therefore again require them, and
that you certify any obstructions you meet with, that we may
remove them. As the affairs of the commonwealth, both as to safety
and reputation, require that a strong fleet should be early at sea, we
shall not give way that the public suffer for any man's private
convenience, or by his negligence, which you are to signify to all
concerned, and return us the present state and readiness of the ships,
and who or what hinders the proceeding of the business. [I. 95,
p. 34.] |
| March 9. |
Admiralty Committee. Day's Proceedings. |
|
Report on the petition of the company of the Mary Rose, referred
by the Council of State,—praying for relief according to Act of
Parliament,—that the Act gives no relief in this case, but as the
Committee think, upon certificate from the Generals of the Fleet,
that the ship was cast away in chasing an enemy, 40s. per man
ought to be allowed the petitioners, for their forwardness in pursuing
the enemy, out of the tenths of prizes to be paid by the collectors of
prize goods. |
|
Order—in pursuance of an order of 31 December 1649, for relief
of widows who have lost their husbands at sea in service with
sums not exceeding 10l.—that the collectors for prize goods pay 8l.
to Katherine Greives, who lost her husband through the explosion
of gunpowder in the George, at Stokes Bay, 16 December last. |
|
Order that the hearing of the Muscovy business be postponed until
Tuesday week. |
|
Order, on information from Sir Michael Livesey concerning
Sheppy, that notice be given him that the Elizabeth prize is ordered
to ply on that coast, with two or three other vessels. [I. 123,
pp. 259, 260.] |
March 9/19.
Beauvais. |
7. Sec. Nicholas to Major Madden. His Majesty having given
order to Mons. Curvedoune and Thos. Samborne, merchants of
Morlaix, to cause 400 pistoles of the 600 in their hands, or payable
to them for His Majesty's use, to be sent by bill of exchange to Sir
Edward Walker, for His Majesty, and the other 200 to be paid as
Sir Rich. Grenville shall appoint, you will do the King service by
soliciting these gentlemen to hasten away the bill of exchange to
Sir Edw. Walker at Holland. [½ page, holograph copy.] |
| March 11. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
|
2. The articles exhibited before the Council against Col. Boothbie
referred to the judges of assize. |
|
3. That part of the charge exhibited against Col. Boothbie of
Kent, which relates to his countenancing the late insurrection in
that county, referred to the Committee of Haberdashers' Hall. |
|
4. The list from Yorkshire, of persons to be commissionated to
commands in that county, approved, and the commissions to be
issued. |
|
6. Also the list from Cornwall. |
|
7. To write the Militia Commissioners there that Council approves what they have done in raising forces, and desires them to
proceed according to instructions. |
|
8. The list of names from Lancashire, for commissions for officers
in the new militia there, approved, and the commissions to be
issued. |
|
10. To write the Commissioners of Militia for county Devon,
that the further instructions which they expect are first to be passed
by Parliament, but are prepared, and will be speedily offered; mean
time they are to proceed as far as they may without them, in carrying on the militia according to instructions already sent. |
|
11. Col. Ashton, Sir Richard Haughton, Col. Shuttleworth, Col.
Rich. Standish, and Mr. Rigbie, junior, to be dismissed from their
employment in settling the militia in Lancashire. |
|
12. The names returned out of Oxfordshire, of persons to have
commands in the new militia approved, and commissions to be
issued accordingly. |
|
15. The report brought in by Mr. Holland from the Ordnance
Committee, concerning a contract to be made for founding guns by
Mr. Browne and Mr. Pitt, approved, and the ordnance officers to
finish the contract. |
|
16. The money to be advanced to Mr. Browne and Mr. Pitt to be
paid out of the exigent money in the hands of the treasurers for
Deans and Chapters' lands. |
|
17 and 18. Orders as recommended in 25 and 26 infra. |
|
21. So much of the letter of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland as relates any of his late action to be abstracted and reported to the House. |
|
22. So much of the letter as relates to sending a strength of
shipping to the coast of Ireland to be sent to the Generals at sea. |
|
23. The letter of Col. Bennett, concerning the Mount in Cornwall,
to be considered to-morrow. |
|
24. The following reports from the Irish Committee approved, viz.: |
|
25. As it is of absolute necessity that some present course should be
taken for raising money, to pay off several contracts made with Col.
Ryves and others for Ireland, and as there is 18,000l. yet remaining
due upon the 150,000l. upon the Excise, over and above all sums
charged and contracted for, for the Irish service, that Council be
moved to give power to John Jackson to take up, upon interest, such
part of the 18,000l. as Council shall think fit. Also that the like
letter be written to Mr. Jackson, in order to the borrowing of the
money, as was written when he received warrant to take up the last
5,000l. at interest. |
|
26. That the Committee, finding no money either to pay off sums
already due for Ireland, or to carry on that war, remind Council to
consider of some speedy course for raising money, and request that
the House be moved to pass an Act for sale of the delinquents'
estates formerly set apart for raising 50,000l., or take some other
course therein. [I. 64, pp. 79–82.] |
| March 11. |
Admiralty Committee. Day's Proceedings. |
|
Order, on the petition of Samuel Cape concerning a French vessel,
referred by the Council of State, that the judges of the Admiralty
take security of Jacob Gosling and Samuel Swaysoone, who sold
the Prophet of Dieppe, by recognizances of 1,000l., that the vessel
shall not be employed to the prejudice of the commonwealth. |
|
Order, on the petition of several masters of ships trading to
Holland, Zealand, &c., concerning convoy, and regulating their turns
in lading, that Dr. Walker confer with the merchants and masters of
ships, and report to the committee thereon. |
|
Order,—on hearing the above matter between the shipmasters and
the merchants, touching the lading for Holland from the port of
London, equally in English and Dutch vessels, turn for turn and last
for last, and touching their petition for convoy, for securing that
trade to Holland,—that it be referred to Dr. Walker to confer with
the shipmasters and merchants, and prepare a draft of an order for
regulating the matter, with a clause that the Council recommend to
the Generals of the Fleet that convoys be provided for this business;
such draft to be returned by Friday next. |
|
Reference to the collectors for prize goods of the petition of Capt.
Richard Willoughby, and the rest of the officers and mariners of the
Globe and Nonsuch. |
|
Order that Henry Tiddiman's petition be read next Wednesday. |
|
Order that Dr. Walker and Solicitor Smith attend to-morrow. |
|
Order, on the petition of Ann Butcher, widow of John Butcher,
surgeon of the President frigate, who was drowned by the oversetting of a boat, that the collectors for prize goods pay her 8l. out of
the prize money in their hands. |
|
Order that a letter be sent to the master and wardens of Surgeons'
Hall, to return a list of the surgeons appointed for the summer's
fleet. [I. 123, pp. 260–262.] |
| March 11. |
8. Week's certificate of accounts from the Commissioners of Customs to the Navy Committee. Balance in hand, 4 March 1649–50,
25,981l. 10s. 10d.; collections of subsidies and customs in the
port of London, 6,824l. 4s. 9d.; the outports, 47l 19s. 7d.; total,
32,853l. 15s. 2d., with account of payments; present balance,
22,504l. 15s. 5½ d. [1 sheet.] |
| March 12. |
Order in Parliament that the Council of State confer with the
Committee of Goldsmiths' Hall, and that such members of that
Council as are members of the House bring in a bill for the sale of
all delinquents' estates, or of such as are fit to be presently sold.
[I. 88, p. 11.] |
| March 12. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
|
3. The Irish Committee to meet the Committee at Goldsmiths'
Hall, about drawing up an Act for the sale of delinquents' estates,
for carrying on the war in Ireland. |
|
4. Lord Howard to produce to the Revenue Committee Mr. Strickland's letter to Council, on behalf of Capt. Killigrew. |
|
5. No order to be given upon the desire of Sir Humphrey Tufton,
on behalf of his sister the Countess of Rutland. |
|
6. The desires of the trustees for the sale of the late Deans and
Chapters' lands, for a further sum for carrying on the survey of
those lands, to be considered to-morrow. |
|
7. The Admiralty Judges and Dr. Walker to attend next Thursday, to give their opinion as to bringing to trial such of the company
of the Hart frigate as endeavoured a revolt. |
|
8. The Generals of the fleet meantime to proceed in the examination of the matter. |
|
9. The Provost Marshal to assist with his men in such examination, according to orders from the Generals of the fleet. |
|
10. The Committee formerly appointed for examining the abuses
of Spring Gardens to bring in their report next Saturday, and Col.
Jones to take care of the business. |
|
11. The reports brought in from the Irish Committee approved,
and three warrants issued accordingly; also, |
|
15. There being a considerable proportion of cheese ready to be
shipped for the service of Ireland, that order should be given to Wm.
Dobbins, commissary, to ship the same on board the John of London,
and the Ralph and John, to be delivered at Youghall to such persons
as the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland or the Lord President of Munster
shall appoint. [I. 64, pp. 83–85.] |
March 12.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Militia Commissioners for county York
We have received your letter and list, and given order that commissions be prepared and sent down to you by next Tuesday. We
conceive the number you propose to raise disproportionable to the
greatness and ability of your county, and refer you again to your
instructions, which we desire you to prosecute. We know strength
consists not so much in numbers as in union and good affection. We
doubt not your special regard to the affection of those you intrust to
bear arms, but conceive you will be able to find a greater number so
qualified than you have yet propounded. There are further instructions for the militia ready to pass Parliament, and when passed, they
shall be sent to you. [I. 95, p. 35.] |
March 12.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Militia Commissioners, county Oxford.
We approve the names returned by you for officers, and have
appointed commissions to be delivered to them, but as James Whitlock, whom you have named for colonel of foot, is not now in the
county, we think the charge of the regiment should be upon Mr.
Worcop, the Lieut.-Colonel, until the Colonel returns. When you
have sent the names of the rest of the captains, we will send their
commissions if approved; you may nominate any of yourselves that
are willing to accept the charge. Forward this business with all
expedition, that you may have forces of your own in readiness to
preserve the peace of your county, against any disturbance that may
happen. We enclose a summons for all the commissioners to meet,
and further instructions will be speedily offered to the House, and
when passed, shall be sent to you; meanwhile you are to pursue
your former instructions, and the clause in the 4th instruction referred to by you is to be understood in the disjunctive words
or actions. [I. 95, p. 36.] |
March 12.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Commissioners for county Lancester.
We have received your list of officers for the militia, and ordered
commissions to be speedily sent down. You are to proceed with
expedition in raising those forces, so that they may be ready to
preserve the peace of the county. There are further instructions
to pass the Parliament, and when they are passed, they shall be sent
down. [I. 95, p. 37.] |
March 12.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Militia Commissioners for county Dorset.
To similar effect. [I. 95, p. 38.] |
March 12.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Militia Commissioners county Oxford.
To similar effect; the Commissioners are to meet at the Star in
Oxford, on Tuesday, 5th March (sic), for settling the business.
[I. 95, p. 38.] |
| March 13. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
|
1. Sir Hen. Mildmay, Sir Wm. Constable, and Col. Stapley to be
a committee to examine the petition of Thos. Purie, junior, and
Capt. Griffantius Phillips, concerning the wood mentioned therein. |
|
2. Also the petition of John Brayne, gentleman. |
|
3. Also the petition of William and Jacob Boeve. |
|
4. Sir Hen. Vane, Sir Hen. Mildmay, and Mr. Heveningham to
be a committee to examine the whole state of the moneys come
in upon the sale of Deans and Chapters' lands, and how the account
stands; also the state of the 15,000l. already paid to the surveyor, and
how it has been expended; and to suggest how both the 15,000l.
already paid and what they further desire for perfecting of that
work may be so paid, as not to come out of the 300,000l. disposable by this Council; and that Parliament be moved to settle
the payment in some other way, in respect of the great necessities
of the commonwealth for money. |
|
5. The treasurers of the Deans and Chapters' lands to attend a
Committee of Council on Friday, to give an account of their whole
receipts and payments. |
|
6. The petition of Capt. Haddock and others, complaining of
some merchants trading to Tituan, referred to the Admiralty Committee, who are to send for the merchants and examine them. |
|
7. The draft of the Act for erecting a [High] court of justice for
trial of offenders to be reported to the House by Viscount Lisle. |
|
9. The petition of Mr. Downes, for an increase of salary for the
agents for bringing in money upon the 20,000l. a month, referred to
the Irish Committee. |
|
10. Also the petition of Bartholomew Strong. |
|
11. The petition of Mr. Leat to be read to-morrow. [I. 64, pp. 87,
88.] |
March 13.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Army Committee. The Council, being
very sensible of the wants of the army in Ireland, by neglect of the
agents and collectors appointed to bring in the moneys due upon the
assignations for that service, desire you to meet with the Irish Committee to-morrow at six o'clock, that some speedy course may be
settled for bringing money into the Treasury, to be timely applied
for relief of the army. [I. 95, p. 39.] |
| March 13. |
Order of the Admiralty Committee,—on reading the heads of the
bill for the corporation of Mariners' Hall, which they desire to have
condensed into a charter and established by, Act of Parliament—
that the Attorney-General draw up the same, with a short Act for
presentation to the House, and such additions as he shall think fit.
[I. 123, p. 263.] |
| March 13. |
Admiralty Committee to the Navy Commissioners. We hear
that, notwithstanding the pleasure of the Parliament positively
declared to the contrary, the owners of some of the merchant ships
have fallen off from their contracts; but we can hardly credit it,
because we hear nothing from you, and because of the danger they
incur if they are charged with damage to the State for failing; in
case there are any such offenders, you are to order the serjeant of
the Admiralty to arrest their ships, until the pleasure of Parliament or the Council of State be known. [I. 123, p. 264.] |
| March 14. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
|
2. So much of Mr. Strickland's letter as concerns the coming over
of a commissioner from Holland to be reported to the House by
Sir Gilbert Pickering, who is also to make the report now in his
hands, relating to the reception of foreign ministers. |
|
3. To write Mons. Augier to give an account of the addresses
that have been made by any in the Court of France, for redress of
grievances, in consideration of ships taken by French men-of-war. |
|
5. To report to the House that there are several warrants charged
upon the 50,000l. appointed upon delinquents' estates for the service
of Ireland, and those moneys being now to be received at Goldsmiths' Hall, to desire the House to declare whether the Treasurers
at Goldsmiths' Hall shall pay the said warrants, or if not, how they
shall be paid. |
|
6. John Jackson to take up 6,000l., part of the last 18,000l. of
the 150,000l., on the excise at interest, to be employed on warrants
from the Council. |
|
7. The paper given in by the Attorney-General concerning the
posts to be reported to Parliament, with the Council's opinion that,
as affairs now stand, it is safe and fit that the office of Postmaster
shall be in the sole power and disposal of Parliament. [I. 64, pp.
89–90.] |
March 14.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Lord General. Col. Rich has received
orders to bring his regiment to this town, for the guard of the Parliament and city, and it will be difficult for him to do that duty
from five troops which is expected from six, one of his troops being
now in the Isle of Wight, for the guard of that place. We therefore leave it to you to dispose of his regiment, or any part thereof,
as you think fit, provided that some force is left for the security of
that island, in case Col. Rich's troop is withdrawn. [I. 95, p. 39.] |
| March 14. |
Admiralty Committee. Day's Proceedings. |
|
Order that Capt. Nicholas Read, Thomas Perkins, Edward
Bishop, and John Powell, be summoned to attend on Saturday next,
touching the information against Harvey and others, for misdemeanours committed at Plymouth. |
|
Reference of the petition of Robert Garland and others, referred
to this committee by the Council of State, to Thomas Smith and Jno.
Hill, the old collectors for prize goods, and to Dr. Walker, advocate
for the State. |
|
Order that the business between Thos. Anderson and the Muscovy
merchants be heard next Tuesday. |
|
Report, upon the order of Council to consider whether letters of
marque may be granted to the ships going to the Newfoundland
fishing,—that they may be granted, upon security given by the petitioners in the Admiralty Court, as usual. |
|
Note that Capt. Crandly appearing on order, informed that the
money which he received from the Earl of Warwick, being 104l., be
paid according to the Earl's direction. |
|
Order, upon the petition of Hen. Tiddiman, concerning his account
as serjeant of the Admiralty, and the report of Dr. Walker thereon,
that as Dr. Walker does not vouch his account, he is to attend tomorrow, to explain and put it in a way fit for Council. [I. 123,
pp. 264–267.] |
| March. 14. |
Admiralty Committee to the Navy Commissioners. The Council
of State having appointed a second squadron of ships to be speedily
set forth for the southward, as the time of the year is far spent, and
we do not find that that squadron, nor the rest of the ships of the
summer fleet, are as forward as we expected, we remind you to
hasten the fleet, and especially that squadron, and desire you to
confer with the Committee of the Trinity House, and consider what
provisions should be made for setting forth such squadron. [I. 123,
p. 267.] |
| March 15. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
|
2. The committee which confers with the army officers to meet on
Tuesday. |
|
3. The members of the Council who are of the committee at
Goldsmiths' Hall to meet the rest of the committee, and advise concerning the selling delinquents' estates for raising money for Ireland. |
|
4. To report to the House the Council's opinion, from intelligence
out of Lancashire and other parts, that the Act prepared for relief of
tenants against their oppressing landlords should be speedily taken
into consideration. |
|
5. Major-General Lambert to attend to-morrow afternoon, on
business of importance. |
|
8. Mr. Couzins, secretary to the Revenue Committee, to attend tomorrow, and bring any information he has concerning Mr. Purie,
junior, and Capt. Griffantius Phillips. |
|
9. The letter from Plymouth to be read to-morrow. |
|
10. A letter to be written to the treasurer at Hamburg, to offer
the engagement to all the officers and brotherhood, and to return an
account to Council. |
|
11. Mr. Frost to prepare instructions for the agent to be employed
at Hamburg. |
|
13. Captain Wright to be discharged from imprisonment. [I. 64,
pp. 91, 92.] |
March 15.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Committee of Goldsmiths' Hall. There is
150l. in your hands of the money upon delinquents' lands appointed
for Ireland, and when the money came to be transferred into your
receipt, the payment of a warrant of Col. Tothill, for transporting a
regiment of foot to Ireland, was in course. He is now in actual
service in Ireland, and had license to come over to take his money,
it being the most he has in the world, and which he engaged upon
that credit, for doing that service. We desire that such 150l. or
more, if it has come in, be paid to Col. Tothill, in part of his warrant, until we can, by report to Parliament, have the residue paid to
him, according to contract. [I. 95, p. 40.] |
March 15.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Lord General. It being necessary to consult you about some things to be done for preservation of peace, we
desire you, as speedily as your health will permit, to give your
assistance to this Council. [I. 95, p. 40.] |
March 15.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Judges of Assize for county Lancaster.
There have been very foul riots and disturbances in Preston, Ormskirk, Manchester, and Rochdale, about the Excise, by great numbers
of people resisting the sheriff and his officers, in proclaiming some
Acts of Parliament; and as these offences set a very bad example, the
authors ought to be proceeded against with all severity. We have
therefore written Col. Birch to cause the persons to be apprehended
and committed to Lancaster gaol, and if he wants power to do that,
or to bind over witnesses, we desire it may be provided, so that
these and like offenders may be effectually proceeded against. [I. 95,
p. 41.] |
March 15.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Navy Committee. We enclose a paper
containing the increase of seamen's wages, as approved by Parliament,
as also their order concerning it, and desire you to order the treasurer
of the navy that those that came in from the winter guard may be
paid off, according to the rates expressed in this paper. [I. 95,
p. 41.] |
| May 15. |
Order of the Admiralty Committee, upon Mr. Gold's information
concerning a French vessel, the Prophet of Dieppe, that the serjeant
of the Admiralty stay her until further order, and that the Navy
Commissioners send a man to survey her, and see whether she is fit
for a man of war. [I. 123, p. 267.] |
| May 15. |
Admiralty Committee to the Navy Commissioners. We have
received further information touching the Prophet of Dieppe, lately
intimated by Major Thomson to be at Gravesend, and manned by
Englishmen; but before we discharge her, we desire you to appoint
some skilful shipwright to take a survey, and report whether she is
fit for a man-of-war. [I. 123, p. 268.] |
March 15.
London. |
Levant Company to Sir Thos. Bendish, Ambassador at Constantinople. We write so seldom because we receive so few letters from
you, your last being 12 April 1649. To the several points therein we
shall not now give answer, since this is hastened upon some special
occasions, the chief being that unexpected breach between yourself
and many of that factory, extending to the making of public
declarations against each other, to the scandal of our nation, and
the imminent hazard of our trade. These differences would not
have arrived to that height had you not selected some few only of
that factory to steer the public affairs by their advice, provoking the
rest by your neglect. The party opposing you do not want a pretence of reason, since they know that none of that factory are so
guilty of short returns to their principals as most of these disgusted (sic) by these persons, of whom their principals here make
very great laments. |
|
Another objection they have is a suspicion that Mr. Gough the
treasurer's accounts have only had a superficial examination; by
that alone we perceive there are many extravagant charges which we
must not allow, and therefore desire that his estate there may be
sequestered, to answer our just demands. |
|
We only receive one letter from you in a year, and yet have notice of
sundry copies you intended us, which are dispersed abroad to sundry
hands, whilst ourselves are without copies or originals,—a thing which
may foment those divisions we seek to suppress. Although we shall
be far from giving countenance to any affront offered you, yet it
may much more conduce to the advantage of our interest, and to
your own content, that you pass by what errors and misbehaviours
you have found in some there; and for the future, manage our affairs
so much at public courts, and with the general consent of the nation,
that none may have further clamours against you, which is very
displeasing to us, as also is their misdemeanor towards you, whereof
we have sharply reproved them, and required their better obedience.
We have informed them of our request to you to forget all by-past
distaste, and fall into mutual correspondence in acting together, as
was the former and laudable course, and as becomes Christians and
persons of the same interest. |
|
In relation thereto, we commend to you the estate of Marm. Pecket,
sent prisoner to Smyrna, to be transported to England, from whom
we have received a relation of his hard usage, and that upon a very
slight occasion, and of which we are not able to judge, nor will
believe until we hear from you. However, considering of what consequence so sudden a sequestration from his business may be, as well
to his principals as himself, we have advised him to submit to you,
upon which we desire he may be restored to his employment, and
encouraged therein, if he demean himself with respect; and we
desire for prevention of the hazard our estate in the hands of any
factors may be liable to, by their being sent home to England,
that punishment be not inflicted upon any factor, without consent of
the major part at a general court. |
|
We are sorry to observe how frequently we are subject to the
insolency of those people, as in their late inforcement of our ships
to carry soldiers to Candia; but we hope you had not the least hand
in that business, and desire you will be very careful to hinder any
such design, whether voluntary or compulsive, so scandalous to the
Christian profession, and so distasteful to the State of Venice, to
whom we have promised to give full satisfaction of our innocency in
this point. To this end we have consented that no more than one,
two, or three English ships at a time shall be licensed to go up,
and all others hindered to follow until the former be returned, by
which means no considerable force can be added to the Turks, in
case they should compel the ships to their service; and you are to
give order to the masters of our ships accordingly. |
|
Lastly, we must acquaint you with our election of Hen. Ryley for
consul at Aleppo, and Spencer Bretton for Smyrna, persons of credit,
both ready to depart hence. Pray procure and send them commands,
as usual, for their establishment, furnishing them also with what they
shall desire for the benefit of trade. We have ordered Mr. Bretton
to advise with you touching our debts in the country, which we
well hoped would have been long ago extinguished, and entreat that
some effectual course be taken for clearing those at Turkish interest
with all expedition, and the rest within a year, by an equal leviation,
viz., such bills as we formerly charged upon the treasurer at Smyrna
for moneys here taken up, which bills, by neglect of the former
consul and treasurer, remain yet unpaid. Pray put a helping hand
to this, and be wary of engaging the company's money for particular
men's occasions, as done in the case of Geffry Keble, whose bill of
100l. on his uncle, Jos. Keble, we defalk out of his credit, rather than
send back the bill protested. |
|
The Council of State here, upon some services done by Thomas
Brown at Tunis, in reference to the redemption of captives, desired
you to commissionate him for consul at that place, which you refused
without our order, and which we have hitherto feared to order, from
danger of Avanias; but having now satisfaction from his friends
here that the company shall not suffer, either by the charge of his
establishment which he is to bear, or by any Avania, which is to
be undergone by the particular persons trading thither, we have
consented that Mr. Brown may have the place of consul at Tunis,
and desire you to send him commands for his establishment at his
own charge. [Levant papers, Vol. 4, pp. 118–121.] |
March 15.
London. |
Levant Company to the Factors at Constantinople. By our last
of 15 April '49, we let you know the grounds of our discouragement
from following that trade, which we thought would have wrought
that effect as to have invited our addresses thither again. Every
letter from thence and from Smyrna reminds us of the sad factions
and divisions among yourselves with his Lordship, and more particularly a declaration of some of you to his Lordship; but not
having heard one word from him since 12 April '49, we forbear to
give our judgment until further satisfaction. Meantime we cannot
but consider the effect of those distempers to our trade, which has
too much distraction by several foreign causes, and needed not a
further aggravation by your civil dissention, some of you suggesting
to his Lordship insinuations of greater power and more severity
than needs, and thereby alienating his affection from a great part of
the nation; others giving him affronts in public courts, and that
with so much pertinence and scorn as have provoked him to such
rigid courses as tends both to his own trouble and yours; by which
misdemeanours and insolent carriage, if any have exasperated him to
extremity, they may thank themselves, and shall not be countenanced by us in contempt against the authority set over them, the
virtue of which notwithstanding we would not have extend so far
as to give you the least injury or injustice. |
|
To prevent those distractions in future, we advise you all to lay
aside all animosity and discontent, and to fall into a course of better
union amongst yourselves, remembering the respect due to his Lordship, who no doubt will, upon our desire now made to him, comply
with you in a friendly manner; and we shall expect that none of you
be backward to a reconciliation, but hereafter perform all mutual
offices of love and respect to each other. |
|
We have received Mr. Gough's accounts at last, and also his
answer to the queries thereupon; and we observe therein many
particulars besides his extraordinary provision, which we shall by
no means allow, and therefore have desired his Lordship that his
estate in the country may be sequestered, to answer our just demands. [Levant papers, vol. 4, pp. 122–3.] |
March 15.
London. |
Levant Company to Capt. Wild, Consul at Smyrna. This comes
to satisfy your request so long made for dismission from that employment. We have appointed Spencer Bretton to succeed you, and
hope he will answer our expectation. You will therefore deliver
him what may be in your hands belonging to the Company, and
assist him with your best directions for his introduction to that
place, and future management thereof. [Levant papers, vol. 4,
p. 123.] |
March 15.
London. |
Levant Company to Marm. Pecket. We observe with much grief
the distractions among those of our nation at Constantinople, and are
very sorry for the occasions fomenting them; your own letter intimates your rash and intemperate speeches, and unadvised behaviour
towards his Lordship in open court. We are endeavouring a reconciliation, and advise you freely to submit to his Lordship, whom we
have desired thereupon to restore you to your business, and encourage
you and the rest therein. [Levant papers, vol. 4, p. 124.] |
March 15.
London. |
Levant Company to Samuel Barnardiston. Thanks for your
pains in our service. You will receive this letter by Spencer Bretton,
whom we have designed for consul at Smyrna, at a salary of 2,000
dollars a year, and 200 for his journey. He will acquaint you with
our resolution to extinguish our just debts, although with the burden
of a heavy leviation, for which, according to your advice, we shall
not hereafter expect bills of exchange to be charged upon us, but only
lists of each man's proportion, which shall be placed to their credit
here; we recommend to you, for speedy satisfaction, a bill due to the
governor of our company, and one to our deputy, with others to
Mich. Evans and Thos. Heatly, being for salary long since due.
[Levant papers, vol. 4, pp. 124–5.] |
March 15.
London. |
Levant Company to Edw. Barnard. Thanks for the trouble you
have had, both at Aleppo in your contest with the Tefterdar, about
the 7,000 dollars unjustly demanded, and in your journey to Constantinople, and pains there taken; we have at last taken course
for releasing you from that employment. We have designed
Hen. Ryley to be your successor, to whom we desire you to resign
the charge, and afford him assistance and advice for his future.
Thanks for your disbursement of the 1,000 dollars upon bills of exchange; Mr. Ryley and our treasurers will see you speedily satisfied,
either out of the consulage, or by a leviation. [Levant papers, vol. 4,
p. 125.] |
March 15.
London. |
Levant Company to the Treasurer and [English] Nation at Aleppo.
Thanks for the trouble you underwent in contesting with the
Tefterdar, about the 7,000 dollars demanded by him contrary to the
Hattecheriff; we are content with the success it produced. We also
thank Philip Michel and Abr. Halsted, formerly treasurer, for their
pains; but not knowing who supplies that charge now, we desire your
assistance to Henry Ryley, whom we have appointed to succeed
Mr. Barnard as consul, and desire those who are treasurers there to
pay him his salary, &c., and Mr. Barnard 1,000 dollars, which he
disbursed upon your refusing to accept our bill of exchange, which
you should not have done. If, as we are informed, an allowance has
been made to former consuls on resigning their charge, to the value
of 300, 400, or 500 dollars, let Mr. Barnard be satisfied the full
of what has been allowed to any of his predecessors. There being
250 dollars owing to Thomas Hodges, for duty received by Barnard
in 1646, see that he has his due. [Levant papers, vol. 4, p. 126.] |
| March 16. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
|
3. The Admiralty Committee, upon conference with the Generals
at sea, to take such course as they shall think fit, to send the prisoners who were of the company of the Hart frigate to Chatham, to
receive their punishment, according to the sentence of the Council of
War. |
|
4. To write Major Mayres to continue, with the three troops under
his command, in Lancashire, till further orders, and to take care to
preserve the peace of the county, and assist the sheriff and Col.
Birch, and the justices of the peace, in execution of the commands of
Parliament. |
|
5. Three commissions to be sent to Cornwall, for Capts. Hunt
Greenwood, William Hickes, and George Beare, to be in the militia,
and the Commissioners to be written to, to approve what they have
done with the commissions sent them, and that they may lay by
such as they think fit. |
|
6. The Ordnance Committee to consider what arms and ammunition are necessary for the garrisons of Wales, under Col. Harrison. |
|
7. To write Col. Bennett that his petition to Council, and his
printed one to Parliament, have been read; that Council has no cog
nizance of the matter, but that if God shall be pleased to take him
hence before the matter be determined, and there should be any legal
obstruction, Council doubts not but Parliament will do him all just
favour. |
|
9. The letter of the Navy Commissioners of the 13th inst. referred
to the Admiralty Committee. |
|
10. The propositions of Col. Ryves, concerning the carrying over
of recruits to Ireland beyond his number, approved, and the Irish
Committee to take order for their transportation. |
|
11. The said committee to have power to receive any other propositions, and to treat with any fit person, for transportation of other
recruits. |
|
12. M. Augier to be ordered to return to give an account of the
state of things in France, leaving a secretary to take care of merchants' affairs. |
|
13. 300l. to be charged upon the revenue, and paid to Mons. Augier. |
|
15. The petition of Rich. Bradshaw, now appointed resident at
Hamburg, referred to the Irish Committee. |
|
17. The two letters of Sir Chas. Coote from Belfast referred to the
Irish Committee. |
|
18. Order—upon report of the committee to whom the business
of Thos. Pury and Griffantius Phillips was referred, that the matter
of fact in the said petition was true,—that the restraint laid by
order of Council be taken off, as to what remains of the twothirds of those 5,900 cords of wood sold by the Revenue Committee
to Col. King (or Kirle), and by him assigned to the petitioners, which
were long since paid for; and that a warrant be issued to the preservators of the forest [of Dean], to permit the petitioners to dispose of
what yet remains there of such two parts. |
|
20. Report of the Admiralty Committee—on an order of the Council
of State of the 4th inst., referring it to them to consider whether
letters of marque might not be granted to the ships now going to
the Newfoundland fishing—that upon security being given by the
petitioners, letters of marque may be granted to the Hercules and
the George. [I. 64, pp. 94–97.] |
March 16.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Mayor and Justices of Coventry. As you
have committed Mr. Salmon, Mr. Wike, and Mr. Wallis to prison
for foul miscarriages, and the business deserves thorough consideration, we desire you to take examinations as to their speeches, and
send them up, and keep the persons in custody until further order.
[I. 95, p. 42.] |
| March 16. |
Admiralty Committee. Day's Proceedings. |
|
Order to report to the Council of State the opinion of the Committee, that warrants sent by the Generals of the fleet for committing sea prisoners to the custody of Hen. Tiddiman, during his
holding the place of serjeant of the Admiralty, should be stated in
his account, and allowed by Dr. Walker, as if the warrants had been
sent from the Council of State, in whom the power of the Lord
Warden is placed. |
|
Order—in pursuance of an order of the Council of State, referring
it to this committee, upon conference with the Generals of the fleet,
to take such course with the prisoners that were of the company of
the Hart frigate as should be thought fit, and to send them to
Chatham to receive their punishment according to the sentence of
the Council of War—that warrants be drawn for the Council to sign,
to the marshal, to take them into custody, and convey them to
Upnor Castle; and to Major Browne, the governor there, to receive
them. [I. 123, p. 269.] |
| March 18. |
Order in Parliament—upon report by Sir Gilbert Pickering from
the Council of State, touching the reception of a commissioner from
Holland, and other ministers of [foreign] States, that they find that,
besides the preparation of barges and watermen for their passage by
water, which is already made, coaches and horses are wanting, as also
a settled provision for their maintenance, and also an allowance for
liveries, which must bear the badges of the commonwealth, and a
constant pay for those who are to wear such liveries, which things
are used by other states for the reception of ambassadors, and requesting the House to refer the providing of those things to such as
they shall think fit—that the House agrees with the Council of State
herein, and refers it to them to see the particulars aforesaid provided.
[I. 88, p. 12.] |
| March 18. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
|
2. The petition of the Governor of Weymouth, with the survey
enclosed, referred to the Ordnance Committee. |
|
2a. The letters from Ireland referred to the Irish Committee, to
prepare an answer to be signed by Council. |
|
3. The letter from Barnstaple, with the bill of exchange enclosed,
referred to the Irish Committee. |
|
4. Sir Gilbert Pickering and Mr. Scott to be a committee to examine the business of Col. Stamford, and his endeavouring to pass
beyond seas without leave, and his company with him; and a warrant
to be issued for bringing them up in safe custody. |
|
5. The Commissioners for the Great Seal to draw up an Act to
be presented to the House, for selling such delinquents' estates as
have been returned in a list from the Committee for Goldsmiths'
Hall. |
|
7. Mrs. Huncks' petition referred to the Irish Committee, to consider how relief may be granted her. |
|
8. The order of Parliament of the 18th inst., relating to the report
of Council concerning preparations for the reception of foreign
ministers, referred to the former committee. |
|
9. Commissions to be granted to the persons whose names have
been certified by the Militia commissioners of Lancashire. |
|
11. Council to be summoned to meet to-morrow afternoon. |
|
12. The reports from the Irish Committee approved, and warrants
issued accordingly. [I. 64, pp. 99, 100.] |
| March 18/28. |
9. Memorial by Col. Keane. Sir Nich. Crispe, Sir Paul Pindar,
Sir Geo. Stroud, Sir Charles Dallison, and many other of their friends,
the King's faithful and loyal subjects, tender their allegiance and offer
their service. They will advance his business with the hazard of their
lives and fortunes, and they approve of his choice and constancy to
the Marquis of Montrose. They prefer a union with him, rather
than with the contrary faction, if they must be divided; they
beseech His Majesty to have a care whom he trusts, and fear he has
some ill ministers about him, though they do not name any. They
urge all possible dispatch in his affairs, while the affections of the
whole kingdom are so well inclined to him, and ask whether they
may trust John Ashburnham, who insinuates himself much into
their business. They propose some able and honest agent in London, authorised by His Majesty, to agitate his business with them
and others, which may be a means to procure much money. |
|
They ask what he is to do with his Catholic subjects, conceiving
it very necessary to have some private assurance from him of future
liberty of conscience, if God shall restore him, and the like to some
Catholic Prince in their behalf. They proposed that some connivance be allowed for taking the engagement, but that will be now
answered too late, the day being passed as to the banishment,
though the last day given is the 14th April, after which all are
outlawed who shall not take it. If the King orders anything
herein, he should give some assurance of it under his hand, for
their better satisfaction who must necessarily take it, for their preservation in order to his service. |
|
Sir John Arundel of Lanherne, and Col. Rich. Arundel, desire
that Sir Rich. Greenfield may be sent with all speed, with 1,000
foot and arms for them, and 300 horse, 40 barrels of powder, and
other ammunition proportionably, and a fortnight's pay, to the Isle
of Scilly; and they undertake—no army of the enemy lying upon or
near to them, and the King or any army for him appearing in any
part of England—to effect his landing with these men, &c., in Cornwall; to raise and arm 3,000 foot; to seize some places of strength in
their county; in one month's time after his landing, to settle and
secure it for the King; and then to march with 3,000 foot and 200
horse wheresoever required, and to pay them out of the contributions of their own county. They cannot undertake this without
Sir Rich. Greenfield, and conceive him worthy of the Lieutenant
General's place, under the Marquis of Hertford, whom they desire
for their general; for themselves they only each desire the command
of a regiment. |
|
Mr. Huntingdon Corney undertakes 200 horse, and promises
a speedy account of all the enemy's forces in England, and their
several quarters; he hopes to bring in the levelling party, but desires
as great concealment as possible. He had notice of 1,000 horse in
Hampshire, of 2,000 foot in Dorset, and as many listed for him in
Somerset and Devon. |
|
In all these Western parts, they disobey all orders and commands
of the Parliament, and generally preach and cry up His Majesty's
interest, and name themselves the Royal party. Lords Shrewsbury,
Montague, and all other Catholic nobility and gentry, assure the King
of their faithful allegiance, and desire a mitigation of the severity of
the laws against them, if God shall restore him, for which they will
hazard their lives and fortunes. Endorsed [by Sec. Nicholas]: "To
induce the levellers to declare speedily against the present Government and Council of State, and the Parliament as now constituted.
To proclayme the King as they thinke best." [1 page.] |
| March 19. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
|
la. Major-General Skippon to meet a committee of this Council,
of which he has been appointed one, to-morrow. |
|
2. The committee for the militia of London, Westminster, the
Hamlets, and Southwark, to send some of their number to Council
next Thursday. |
|
3. The committee who are to confer with the officers of the army
to meet to-morrow at 8 a.m. in the Admiralty Chamber, and the
votes of Council passed this afternoon to be sent to them. |
|
4. A competent number of horse and foot for a marching body of
an army, with a suitable train of artillery, to be provided with all
expedition, to be in readiness to march for the service of the commonwealth, as they shall be directed. The number of the army to
be 12,000 horse and foot, besides convenient guards for the safety of
the Parliament and city, and for the security of the West; the
horse and garrisons belonging to the four northern counties, and
other necessary garrisons to be excepted out of this number. |
|
4a. The three troops now in Lancashire, formerly belonging to
Col. Hacker, to be employed in England this summer, and paid as
part of his regiment, and the Army Committee to order their
payments accordingly. |
|
4e. Mr. Frost to confer with Sir Wm. Constable, as to writing to
some fit persons to certify what prejudice the inheritance of Lord
Chandos suffered by making Sudeley Castle untenable, that the
Council may consider what has further to be done upon his petition.
[I. 64, pp. 102, 103.] |
March 19.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Militia Commissioners for county Lancaster.
We will send the officers' commissions next week, and desire you to
proceed with expedition in raising the men, so that they may be
seasonably on foot, to prevent the designs which the enemies of the
commonwealth have against the peace thereof, and which they hope
to effect in that county; but the number you propose to raise will
be very disproportionable to the greatness of the county, and though
we know it is not so much the number of the forces as their union
and good affection which gives security and strength, yet we doubt
not but you will be able to find a greater number of men in that
county fitly qualified for this service than you have mentioned.
[I. 95, p. 42.] |
March 19.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Militia Commissioners for county Cornwall. We approved your letter, and sent the three commissions
for those you mention, and desire you to proceed in raising and settling those companies, that you may pursue your instructions, pre
serve your county in peace, and disappoint the hopes and break the
designs which the enemies of the commonwealth have on foot.
[I. 95, p. 43.] |
March 19.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. There was an
order of the House, and a letter from the Speaker sent by Dr.
Carteret, desiring your attendance in Parliament, and as we doubt
their receipt, we have sent copies by express, and desire to know
your resolution, and when we may expect you. [I. 95, p. 43.] |
March 19.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to Col. Birch. Some troops of horse are already
appointed for your parts, and upon their arrival, you are to cause
strict inquiry to be made touching the riots and contempts mentioned by you, that the offenders and their abettors may be committed to the county gaol, and prosecuted. We have written to
remind the sheriff and justices of peace of your county of their
duty herein, and desire you to assist them, the honour of Government and peace of the commonwealth being so much concerned in
these affairs. If your justices of peace do their duty, you cannot want
constables, though they be not presented and sworn in [court] leets,
touching which courts and officers thereof, if you give us information, we will put it in a way that the offenders may be punished,
and abuses reformed. Meantime your justices of peace and judges
of assize have large power to give remedy in these cases, and it
would be well to apply to them, and for Parliament and ourselves to
be informed where defaults rest. |
|
You write that you cannot get any positive matter of charge
against your troublesome ministers, and we could wish they were
innocent of such flagrant and high offences, tending to mutiny and
sedition; but we hear of their usual language and practice, and suppose, were care taken by others as is by yourself to vindicate the
government, these incendiaries could not easily escape the stroke of
justice. |
|
You have orders relating to sequestration, and the Acts declaring
what offences shall be adjudged treason, which, well applied, would
cure the seditious itch of those insolent offenders, who ought no
longer to remain unquestioned or unpunished. The inclosed information was delivered to us by a gentleman who will nominate more
witnesses for proof thereof, and we desire you to cause inquiry to be
made into it, and the party to be proceeded against. [I. 95, pp. 43, 44.]. |
March 19.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Sheriff of Lancashire. Col. Birch informs
us of the affronts done to those sent by you to proclaim the late Act,
and we expect you to cause strict inquiry to be made into the matter,
and the authors to be sent to the county prison, and proceeded
against. We hope you understand your duty and power in that
respect, and for your further encouragement, we have given direction for forces to be aiding to you, as there shall be occasion, whereof
you will hear further from us or Col. Birch. You are to inform us
where any default exists, and apply to the justices of peace and
judges of assize, for punishing such offenders as fall within their
cognizance. [I. 95, pp. 44, 45.] |
March 19.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Militia Commissioners of county Lancaster.
Several riots and outrages have been committed in your county of
late, and particularly about the excise, and the proclaiming of some
late Acts of Parliament, touching which we have written to your
sheriff and Col. Birch. Full inquiry should be made into those offences,
and the offenders dealt with, that impunity may not encourage them,
and other like ill-minded persons, to occasion worse mischiefs. It is
your duty at all times to watch over the peace and safety of your
county, and you have more occasion now than formerly to do it,
when your pulpit incendiaries make such work amongst you, touching whom we should not need to give you any other directions for
justice to be done upon them, than contained in the orders and Acts
of Parliament, declaring who are traitors and sequestrable persons;
the execution of which, and other laws relating to your safety in the
places where you are, besides the obligations of your oath and duty,
we specially recommend to you. [I. 95, p. 45.] |
March 19.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Militia Commissioners, county Chester.
You write that you had a meeting for settling the militia, but had
not succeeded in effecting anything, and adjourned until the first week
in April. We are sorry you adjourned for so long, as the state of
our affairs will not bear such a delay. The enemies have designs on
foot to disturb the public peace, and there is no want in their diligence to promote them. It is necessary that we should prevent the
effects thereof, and therefore we desire you, notwithstanding that
adjournment, to meet speedily, and proceed effectually to the settling
of your militia, which may be a means to assure the peace of your
county. [I. 95, p. 46.] |
March 19.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to Col. Whichcot, Governor of Windsor, Wm.
Trumball, and six others. Some persons in or near Windsor have
committed spoils upon the timber there, and have, without authority,
cut down and sold much timber, without accounting for the same;
we desire you to examine what spoils have been committed, and what
timber felled in Windsor Forest, and by whom, and return the names
of the persons, with particulars of the spoils, that the offenders may
be proceeded against. [I. 95, p. 46.] |
March 19.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. We find it
necessary to keep on foot in a marching posture a considerable army
of horse and foot, to be ready against any attempts that may be made
upon this nation, and therefore have thought fit that the three troops
of horse that were of Col. Hacker's regiment in the north, and appointed to be a part of Col. Henry Cromwell's regiment, should be
continued here this summer, and employed under Col. Hacker. For
making up the regiment of Col. Hen. Cromwell, we conceive you
will have means to do it there, either out of the horse recruits now
sent over, or otherwise; the regiments so made up to be put on the
Irish establishment, and the three troops continuing here paid upon
the English account. If it cannot be done there, the Council will
take it into further consideration, so that the numbers appointed for
that place are not diminished. [I. 95, p. 47.] |
March 19.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Commissioners for Assessing Money upon
the Ordinance of Parliament in county Devon, for Ireland. It is now
more than two years since the ordinance was passed of 20,000l. a
month for six months for Ireland, and notwithstanding all the necessity of the service, and many letters for expedition, it is but very
lately that any assessment thereof has been made, and but three
months thereof to be collected at once, and the other after, which
will much hinder the business. We have given warrants for payment for goods long since delivered on contract for the Irish service,
the time for payment of which is passed. The commonwealth
suffers much that payment is not punctually made, and the rates of
all things will be much heightened thereby in future contracts, and
great loss comes to the public treasury by that which is no advantage to any particular man, unless in forbearance for a time of their
particular inconsiderable assessment. We therefore desire you to
issue your warrants forthwith for the present collection of the whole
of the six months, that it may be immediately brought in to satisfy
the engagements that are upon it, for the better encouragement of
contractors for the future. [I. 95, pp. 47, 48.] |
March 19.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to John Jackson. There is a warrant issued to you
for payment of some money to Col. Ryves out of the last 18,000l. of
the 150,000l., and as there is necessity for his speedy dispatch, many
of his men being already raised and a charge upon the country, we
desire you to take up at interest money for that purpose, if you cannot otherwise furnish it out of any intervals that may fall out in the
payments upon the 60,000l., of which money we would have you
make what use you can, keeping to all contractors the right of their
course; but you are to take up no more at interest than you cannot
otherwise supply. [I. 95, p. 48.] |
March 19.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Lord General. There are certain sums to
be sent to Bristol and Chester, and thence to the forces in Ireland;
when the army treasurers apply to you for convoy, let them have
what is necessary for bringing such money from the several parts
where it has been raised to the ports aforesaid. [I. 95, p. 48.] |
| March 19. |
Admiralty Committee. Day's Proceedings. |
|
Order that the Muscovy Company's business, represented by Rich.
Gatonbe, be postponed until Thursday week, when all parties are
to attend. |
|
Order—upon an order of the Council of State of 31 December,
authorising the committee to receive the petitions of such widows as
have lost their husbands at sea in the service, and to give them rewards not exceeding 10l., and on consideration of the petition of
Eliz. Wilson, widow, with a certificate from the committee of the
Trinity House that Nicholas Wilson, late boatswain of the Mary
Rose, her husband, served 22 years, and was boatswain of the said
ship 14 years, until the late disaster befel the ship in which he was
cast away, leaving petitioner with five small children in a very sad
and distressed condition—that the collectors for prize goods pay her
10l. out of prize money in their hands, and like sums to Ann
Mathew, Susan Netley, and Margaret Green, who also lost their
husbands in the Mary Rose. |
|
Order—on the petition of Eliz. Wright, on behalf of herself and
divers poor mariners and their widows lately belonging to the Hunter
of Dover,—that Wm. Jessop attend this committee next Tuesday
and bring with him all acquittances and letters of attorney in his
hands, concerning money received from Capt. Crandley belonging to
petitioners. [I. 123, pp. 271–273.] |
| March 19. |
Admiralty Committee to [the Ordnance officers]. Having received
information that the guns lately cast away in the Mary Rose are
recoverable by care and industry, we desire you to use all means for
recovering them accordingly. [I. 123, p. 271.] |
| March 19. |
Admiralty Committee to the Treasurers of the Chest at Chatham.
On consideration of the petition of Eliz. Wilson, widow, the truth
being confirmed by a certificate from the Trinity House, we ordered her 10l. for her present relief out of the prize money; for
her future subsistence we recommend her to your care, for the
settling of a yearly pension upon her, and desire you to certify us
what pension you conceive fit. [I. 123, p. 272.] |
March 19/29.
Breda. |
10. Warrant by Charles II. to Secretary Sir Edw. Nicholas to prepare a commission for his signature, appointing Lord Eythin Lieutenant General under James, Marquis of Montrose, and when signed,
to affix the privy signet thereto. [¾ page.] |
| March 20. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
|
1. Note that Col. Morley this day took the engagement. |
|
2. To inform Lord Robartes that the Council think fit he should
not repair to his residence in the West for eight months, unless
Parliament or Council of State give order in the meantime to the
contrary. |
|
3. Lord Robartes allowed to make his choice of a residence, so that
it is not in the West, or within the late lines of communication,
during the said time. |
|
4. Lord Robartes to give security, with two sureties in 20,000l.,
not to remove out of that county where he shall choose his residence
for the said eight months, nor hold any correspondence with the
enemy, nor do ought to the prejudice of the commonwealth. |
|
5. Lord Robartes, between this and Monday next, to signify to
Council the place he shall choose for his residence, and enter into
recognizances before directed. |
|
6. The petition of Mr. Leat to be read to-morrow. |
|
7. Also the report of the Admiralty judges, concerning the ship
Unity. |
|
8. The petition of the East India Company, for a warrant for
keeping the men from pressing that are ready to go with two of
their ships to the East Indies. |
|
9. Commissions to be issued to the officers named in a letter from
Kettering of the 11th inst. to command in Northamptonshire, in the
new militia. [I. 64, p. 105.] |
March 20.
Whitehall. |
11. Council of State to the Treasurers-at-war. We have before
written you for repayment of 4,000l. of the 10,000l. lent you last
December, which was to be repaid in a month, or sooner if needed. |
|
We have forborne it as long as those other affairs of the commonwealth could bear, but must now make use of that money, and
therefore desire you to pay back such 4,000l. to Mr. Frost. [Also
I. 95, p. 49.] |
| March 20. |
Note in the Admiralty Committee that the Navy Commissioners
have returned a survey of the Prophet of Dieppe, a French vessel,
and find that she carries eight guns, but may be made to bear 10 or
12; that she is 120 tons' burden, and with some charge, may be made
fit for a man-of-war. [I. 123, p. 274.] |
March 20/30.
Breda. |
12. Warrant by Charles II. to Sir Edward Nicholas to prepare a commission constituting James, Lord Eythin, Lieutenant General under
James, Marquis of Montrose, of the armies and forces under the
command of the said marquis, with authority to put in execution
all the powers granted to the marquis, according to his orders.
[½ page.] |
| March 21. |
Order in Parliament that the offices of postmasters, inland and
foreign, ought to be in the sole power and disposal of the Parliament.
That it be referred to the Council of State to consider of the
offices of postmasters, and of all the interests of those persons who
claim any, how the same may be settled for the advantage and safety
of the commonwealth, and to take order for the present management thereof. [I. 88, p. 13, Vol. II., Nos. 13, 14.] |
| March 21. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
|
1. The Acts drawn concerning Windsor Castle and lands to be
considered to-morrow. |
|
3. The petition of Michael Smalley referred to the Admiralty
Committee, who are to confer with the Generals of the fleet. |
|
4. Mr. Frost to look up the papers relating to Mrs. Puckering, and
prepare a letter from Council to the Archduke, on her behalf. |
|
5. Mr. Frost to pay the bill of the guard who brought Kop prisoner. |
|
6. The Act prepared for the militia to be read to-morrow. |
|
9. Capt. Digby, late from Ireland, with his commission from the
Lord Lieutenant, referred to the Irish Committee. [I. 64, pp. 107, 108.] |
March 21.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to Sylvanus Wood, Wm. Strafford and Rich.
Ayleworth. Order has been heretofore given, from the late Committee at Derby House, and by this Council, to make Sudely Castle
untenable, lest being possessed by the enemy, it should be made use
of to the prejudice of the peace and safety of the commonwealth.
It is suggested that the making it untenable has been very preju
dicial to the State and to the inheritance of Lord Chandos; we
desire you to inquire into it, and report thereon. [I. 95, pp. 49, 50.] |
March 21.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the judges of the circuit for South Wales.
We enclose a petition from four soldiers, now prisoners at Presteign,
in Radnorshire, and as we cannot know the truth of the matter, by
reason of the great distance, we desire you, if it be true, not to let
them be oppressed by the jury, or the malicious combination of
witnesses. [I. 95, p. 50.] |
March 21.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to Col. Harrison to the same effect. [I. 95, p. 50.] |
| March 22. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
|
1. The report given in by the Admiralty Judges to the House,
concerning the case of Huet Leat, to be sent for. |
|
3. The business of the search of Lady Carlisle to be examined
before a Committee next Monday, the Lieutenant of the Tower to
attend; Sir Hen. Mildmay, Col. Wauton, Col. Morley, Mr. Bond,
Earl of Denbigh, and Sir Wm. Armyne, to form such committee. |
|
4. Col. James Whitelock and Lieut.-Col. Warcup to be added to
the Militia Committee for county Oxford. |
|
5. The desire of Col. Pride for 50l., in part payment of money
expended by him in raising recruits for Ireland, referred to the Irish
Committee. |
|
6. The business of settling the inland post to be considered tomorrow, in pursuance of the order of Parliament, and Mr. Prideaux
to confer with Council thereon. |
|
7. The Bill for the militia to be considered to-morrow. |
|
8. The information against Sir Christopher Hatton to be looked
up, and sent to Sir Arthur Hesilrigge, that he may report it to the
House. |
|
9. Mr. Frost to pay the Governor of Warwick Castle 10l. for
keeping Col. Eyres, according to order of Council. |
|
10. The petition of the town of Faversham referred to the
Admiralty Committee, and especially to the care of Col. Wauton. |
|
11. Mr. Kinnersley to have a warrant to send to York for the
removing Wardrobe there, belonging to the late King, and out of it
to accommodate the lodgings of Sir Wm. Masham in Whitehall. |
|
14. The letter to the Archduke Leopold, on behalf of Mrs. Puckering, now in Flanders, approved. |
|
15. To send to the Governor of Carmarthen, enclosing the letter
from Christopher Rogers, and desire him to inquire whether there is
such a person, and to examine the business. |
|
16. Mr. Frost to inquire whether Mrs. Bashfield, mentioned in the
above letter, resides at or near the Golden Lion, near the Savoy,
Strand. |
|
17. The proposals made by Lieut.-Col. Barrow, on behalf of Sir
Chas. Coote, referred to the Irish Committee. |
|
18. Sir Hen. Mildmay to move the Lord General to order Col.
Desborow to take care that the soldiers who are in the West, for
transportation to Ireland, be kept from oppressing the country, and
that their officers take care that they pay their quarters. |
|
19. Col. Ryves to take special care that the soldiers of his regiment, now marching for Ireland, pay their quarters, and do not
oppress the country in their march; the captains and officers to
march with their companies. |
|
20. To write the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. |
|
21. Squire to be committed prisoner to Newgate, for having been
in arms against Parliament, and for other contempts and misdemeanors. |
|
22. Squire and likewise Middleton, and the witnesses against him,
to be taken before the Recorder of London, who is to bind over
both prosecutor and witnesses to appear against him at the next
sessions. |
|
23. Mr. Serjeant to give a return in writing of what is done upon
all warrants directed to him from Council. |
|
24. The committee for examinations, or any other committee to
whom the examination of any person is committed, to have power,
if they find the accusation be trivial, to release them. |
|
25. Sir Ralph Maddison and Mr. Robinson to be sent for. |
|
26. The business moved by Mr. Scott referred to Col. Purefoy and
himself. |
|
27. Lady Carlisle's business to be considered next Thursday. |
|
28. Widow Evans, relict of Rice Evans, who was slain in Aldersgate Street, by Marston, upon the execution of a warrant of council,
to be paid 60l. by Mr. Frost, for relief of herself and two children. |
|
29. The reports from the Irish Committee, on proposals presented
to them by Lieut.-Col. Barrow, on behalf of the forces under the
command of Sir Chas. Coote, Lord President of Connaught, approved,
[See warrants. I. 64, pp. 109–112.] |
March 22.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to Mr. Strickland. Having been informed that
the Scotch King, in his journey to Breda, had many English in his
company, and divers of them persons of quality, we desire you to
ascertain what English they are that came with him from France, or
that are with him at Breda, and especially such as are persons of
quality, and send us notice of it with all expedition. [I. 95, p. 51.] |
March 22.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to Wm. Atwood, Treasurer of the Company of
Merchant Adventurers at Hamburg, Robert Parker, and four others.
We formerly wrote your deputy, in pursuance of an order of Parliament, to propound the engagement to the merchants of the English
nation residing there, but on account of his coming from thence,
it was not done; we have therefore again sent instructions to you
for that service, and authorise you to propound the same, and make
a return to us with all expedition. [I. 95, p. 51.] |
| March 22. |
Order of the Admiralty Committee that the collectors for prize
goods pay 8l. to Ann, widow of Benjamin Brooke, who was cast
away in the Mary Rose; 10l. to Eliz. Parsons, and 8l. to Diana
Jones, whose husbands were also cast away in the Mary Rose.
[I. 123, p. 275.] |
March 22.
Broadhall. |
Charles II. to the Marquis of Montrose. The necessity of my affairs
has obliged me to renew the former trusts and commissions concerning
Scotland; the more to encourage you in my service, and to renew your
confidence in my resolutions, both touching myself and you, I have
thought fit by this to signify to you that I will not do anything
concerning the affairs of that kingdom without having your advice,
and will not do anything that shall be prejudicial to your commission. [Copy, ¼ page, Vol. II., No. 109.] |
| March 23. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
|
1. Petitions to be read and dispatched on Mondays and Thursdays,
from 6 to 7. |
|
2. Every day, when any three members have met, before the Council
be full, they shall consider petitions, and give their opinion thereon. |
|
3. Col. Morley, Col. Stapley, and Mr. Challoner to be a committee
to examine Woodman, a prisoner. |
|
4. The report concerning Guernsey to be received on Wednesday,
and the Committee before whom the business is, to dispatch it by
that time. |
|
5. In pursuance of a former order, to declare to Lord Robartes that
the Council leaves it to him to take his election of the four counties
offered by himself, viz., Suffolk, Cambridge, Essex, and Surrey. |
|
6. Note that Lord Robartes made choice of the county of Essex for
his habitation. |
|
7. Lord Robartes to have until next Wednesday to bring in the
names of his sureties. |
|
8. The letter from Wiltshire, offering the names of persons to be
commissionated in the militia, to be considered on the return of Col.
Ludlow. |
|
9. Mr. Prideaux, Attorney-General, to manage the business of the
inland post, and be accountable to the commonwealth for the profits
quarterly. |
|
10. Sir Wm. Armyne, Col. Stapley, Mr. Bond, Mr. Challoner, Mr.
Holland, Mr. Scott, and Col. Morley, to be a committee to confer
with Mr. Attorney how the posts may be best managed. |
|
12. The Ordnance Committee to make all possible dispatch in
preparing the ordnance for the train of artillery for the marching
army. |
|
13. Warrant to be issued for payment of 755l. for transporting provisions to Ireland, to John Payne, Wm. Clarke, Fras. Appleby, and
Thos. Harringham of Yarmouth, when the Irish Committee shall be
satisfied of the service done, and the account of the debt. |
|
14. Sir Wm. Masham and Mr. Scott to release Richard Woodman
upon bail. |
|
15. Also to release Laurence Tawyer and Edw. Hales, prisoners in
Newgate. |
|
16. The letter from Sir Charles Coote from Belfast, concerning a
post bark, referred to the Admiralty Committee. |
|
18. The petitions of Mr. Kinnersley and Mr. Legg, wardrobe
keepers, referred to the committee for Whitehall. |
|
20. The petition of George Phillips, Walter Keeble, and three
other ship masters, colliers employed in transporting forces for the
last year to Ireland, referred to the Irish Committee, who are to
examine the certificates of the time of their being in that service,
and what has been paid them in advance, &c. [I. 64, pp. 114–116.] |
| March 23. |
Admiralty Committee. Day's Proceedings. |
|
Order upon the survey of Jonas Shish, &c., of the Prophet of
Dieppe, that the Navy Commissioners take information of the first
purchase of her, and the charge the owners have been at since they
bought her, and return the same with their opinions to the committee. |
|
Order—upon a letter from the Navy Commissioners of the 22nd
inst., with the contracts and answers of several owners of merchant
ships taken up for this summer's expedition, as also upon the petition
of Michael Smalley, owner of the Nicholas, referred to them by the
Council of State—that Smalley, Hopton, and the rest of the owners
of the said ships,—viz., Capt. William Jacob of the Trade's Increase,
and Capt. Stanton of the Elizabeth,—attend this committee next
Monday. |
|
Order on the answer of Mr. Smyth, part owner of the Crescent,
that the Navy Committee imprest 300l. to Mr. Smyth, for speedily
setting forth the said ship according to contract, to be abated out of
the first four months' pay. |
|
Order that Dr. Walker attend to confer with the committee on the
following proposals of the Generals of the fleet, viz.: |
|
That if any enemy take any prize belonging to any friend of the
commonwealth, and sell it before adjudication in the Admiralty Court
established within the territories of him from whom they pretend
their commission, such enemy, being apprehended, be punished as a
pirate. |
|
That an order be granted that every governor of any fort, garrison,
&c. near the sea coast, receive into custody and allow maintenance to
any prisoner taken at sea, and committed by the Admirals; and that
the said governor re-deliver such prisoners when required by the
Generals, or exchange them for any other prisoners of war, as the
Generals shall think fit. |
|
Order referring the petition of the East India Company, for a warrant to keep their men (220 in number) from being pressed, to the
Generals of the fleet, to do as they conceive most advantageous for
the service. |
|
Orders on petitions, that the collectors for prize goods pay 8l.
to Mary, widow of Jonathan Cason; 7l. to Mary, widow of Daniel
Awdry, armourer; and 6l. to Mary, widow of Henry Walton; all
cast away in the Mary Rose. [I. 123, pp. 275–277.] |
| March 25. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
|
2. To write Col. Pyne to give an account of the matters referred to
in his letter to the Generals, and to take care the acts and ordinances
of Parliament are observed. |
|
3. To request the House that the Act prepared by Council, and
reported by Lord Commissioner Whitelock, for publishing Acts of
Parliament by the sheriffs of the several counties, may be speedily
considered, as for want of it, many commands of Parliament are not
so soon dispersed as the service requires. |
|
4. 60l. to be paid to Col. Syler, governor of Boston, by Mr. Frost,
to make Tattershall Castle untenable. |
|
5. Mr. Gurdon added to the Committee for Examinations, and
they to further examine the business of the discovery now made,
and report to Council, if sitting; but if not, to secure the persons
engaged therein, in such manner and place as they think fit, till the
former order of Council be declared. |
|
7. All the back-doors opening into Spring Gardens to be shut up. |
|
8. That part of the letter of Lieut.-Col. Reed, Governor of Poole,
relating to the non-signing of the engagement by . . . . . . .
to be sent to the committee for plundered ministers, who are to take
such course that he may not prejudice the public peace, or the safety
of that place where he now is. |
|
9. To request the House to appoint some further penalty upon
those having places of trust who refuse to take the engagement, and
yet presume to act, as mayors, &c. |
|
10. To consider next Wednesday what is fit to be offered to the
House, for repressing licentious and seditious preaching by many
ministers, against the present Government. |
|
11. The Act for the Militia to be considered to-morrow. [I. 64,
pp. 117, 118.] |
March 25.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Hon. Charles Howard, High Sheriff of
Cumberland. We received yours on the publishing the Acts of Parliament sent you, and the observance of the fast, and are glad to find
that place in so good a temper, and doubt not but you will have a
watchful eye to preserve the county in peace, and to prevent all
endeavours of enemies and disaffected persons. [I. 95,p. 51.] |
March 25.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Revenue Committee. Mr. Thelwall, agent
at Brussells, states that his salary has been unpaid for a year, which
we are very sorry to hear, it being impossible for him comfortably to
do service when he is so far neglected, and put to such difficulties for
subsistence; we therefore desire you to ascertain how much he is in
arrear, and give order that he may be speedily paid. [I. 95, p. 52.] |
March 25.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Army Treasurers. Upon the transportation
of the forces to Guernsey under Col. Cox, there was five months' pay
advanced to them, which is now out, and if they should come to live
upon the island, being very poor, it would both ruin and disaffect
those who are now well affected, and the island. Three months' pay
should be forthwith advanced for those forces, so as to prevent such
inconveniences. [I. 95,p. 53.] |
March 25.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Army Committee, to similar effect, requesting them to give direction to the Treasurers-at-War to send
away the three months' pay. [I. 95,p. 53.] |
March 25.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to Col. Birch. Your letter, as to exempting certain parishes in raising a regiment of militia for the assistance of
your garrison, is still under consideration, but meantime you are to
use your power in the charging and levying of men, without any
exemption, which might occasion some exception; you may have
allotted to your share such part of the county towards Liverpool as
may be convenient for the purpose you write of. If your fellow
commissioners present you for one of the colonels, you are to take
care that the enclosed order is executed, and that in such a way that
no affront be put upon you in the doing of it. We shall look to have
a speedy account of your militia, and that your fellow commissioners
are intent upon that work, and the instructions sent them. [I. 95,
p. 54.] |
| March 25. |
Admiralty Committee. Day's Proceedings. |
|
Order—on the petition of Thos. Page for release out of Peterhouse,
being willing to take the engagement, and serve the State,—for a
report to the Council of State, that he may be set at liberty, upon his
taking the engagement, and giving security never to act prejudicially
to the commonwealth, by sea or land. |
|
Order on the petitions and certificates of Elinor Fowler and
Prudence Allen, who lost their husbands in the Mary Rose, that the
collectors for prize goods pay each of them 6l. |
|
Order that Capt. Wm. Jacob give the owners of the Increase
notice to attend the Committee to-morrow. |
|
Order—on debate of the business between the shipmasters and the
merchants, touching the lading for Holland from the port of London
in English and Dutch vessels, turn for turn, and last for last, and
touching their petition for convoys for securing that trade to Holland,—that the governors and assistants and society of the Merchant
Adventurers of England, and all other merchants trading to Holland
and Zealand, with the shipmasters, meet and confer with Dr. Walker,
and prepare a draft of an order, according to the debate of this
Committee of the 11th instant, with consent of both parties, to
be offered to the Council of State for regulating this matter, for
the present, with all requisite clauses, one of which is to be that the
Council recommends it to the Generals of the fleet to provide convoys
for this business, unless otherwise directed; and that Dr. Walker
make a return with all expedition. [I. 123, pp. 278, 279.] |
| March 25. |
15. Account of the receipts from tonnage and poundage and petty
customs in London for the past quarter; total 51,071l. 9s. 5d. [2
pages.] |
| March 26. |
Order in Parliament that power be given to the Council of State
to send away from London and Westminster, and any place within
20 miles of the same, all persons prejudicial to the safety of Parliament, and all persons so ordered to remove are to conform thereto,
on pain of the penalties in the Act for removing Papists, &c., from
London and Westminster. |
| March 26. |
Order in Parliament,—the Act for establishing the High Court of
Justice being read and passed,—that the Council of State take care
that it is published. [I. 88, p. 14.] |
| March 26. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
|
3. John Caithness, lately come from Scotland, to be summoned to
attend. |
|
4. Sir Henry Vane, Sir Wm. Armyne, Sir Arthur Hesilrigge, Sir
Hen. Mildmay, and Sir Wm. Constable, to be a committee to confer
with the Lord General about the present state of affairs, and to let
him know what informations are received from Scotland, and of
their readiness to invade England, and what resolutions have been
taken for a force to be ready to take the field; and to consider with
him at what place he may best be, with his forces, in order to look
to the safety of the commonwealth against all impressions from
any place, and to acquaint him with all the intelligence received
concerning these affairs. |
|
5. The Ordnance Committee to consider the return of the survey
of Tilbury Fort, and report what is fit to be done for its reparation. |
|
6. The petition of Thomas Hooke recommended back to the Lord
Lieutenant of Ireland. |
|
7. To refer back to the Irish Committee to consider of the best
and most expeditious way of raising and sending over recruits to
Ulster. |
|
8. The proposition of Capt. St. George, for raising recruits for the
north of Ireland, referred to the Irish Committee. |
|
8a. The new fort at Dartmouth to be slighted. |
|
9. The Committee which confers with the army officers to consider
whether Dunster and Taunton castles are fit to be demolished. |
|
10. Colonel Bennett to examine Thornborough, who was taken
prisoner with Slingsby, under the disguise of his servant, and
return the examinations. |
|
11. Mr. Frost to prepare instructions, upon the report of Dr.
Exton, in the case of the ship Concord. |
|
15. The Act for sale of delinquents' estates to be brought in
to-morrow. [I. 64, pp. 119, 120.] |
| March 26. |
Admiralty Committee. Day's Proceedings. |
|
Order—on information by the Navy Commissioners of the dearness
of beef and pork at this season, and that they have to provide more
at this time of the year than was intended, by reason of fitting
forth more ships than were at first appointed, and upon conference
with the generals of the fleet,—that this Committee, finding that
the Irish squadron may have provisions cheaper and as good in
Ireland, recommend to the Council of State, by Col. Wauton, that
all the ships of the Irish squadron be victualled by the Navy
Commissioners with beef and pork for three months, and the rest
of the provisions be supplied in Ireland, either by appointing some
man of that squadron for the service, or else indenting with the
several pursers. |
|
Order that the three contracts, and the answers of the owners of
the Nicholas, Trade's Increase, and Elizabeth, taken up by the Navy
Commissioners, be presented to the Council of State by Col. Wauton,
with the opinion of the Committee that such vessels should not be
employed, but the owners proceeded against for their abuse to the
State; and that the Generals of the fleet be desired to consider how
three ships may be had to supply their room, and to be set forth to
sea with all expedition. [See also I. 64, pp. 125, 126.] |
|
Note that Mr. Langhorne attended according to order, and informed
that he paid Capt. Crandley 500l. for the use of the Earl of Warwick. |
|
Mr. Jessop also appeared, with the papers he was desired to bring
concerning mariners of the Hunter of Dover, and stated that the
papers were his Lord's discharge, and therefore he could not leave
them; whereupon he was ordered to make a schedule of all the
writings in his hands about that business, and certify the state
thereof. |
|
The consideration of Sir Chas. Coote's letter from Belfast of
16 Feb. concerning a post bark,—referred to the Admiralty Committee by the Council of State,—is thought proper for the consideration of the Committee for Irish affairs. [I. 123, pp. 280, 281.] |
March 26.
Kirkwall in Orkney. |
16. Marquis of Montrose to the King. I received yours of 12 Jan.,
with that mark of your favour wherewith you have honoured me,
and for which I can make no other acknowledgement but with the
more alacrity to abandon my life for your interests, with that integrity that you and all the world shall see that it is not your
fortunes, but you, in whatsoever fortune, that I make sacred to serve. |
|
I will not trouble you with particulars, but in a very few days,
send some eminent persons to render you a full account of all.
Meantime, if I may make so bold, I wish you would, from all former
experiences, have a serious eye upon the too open crafts used against
you in this conjuncture, and would be so just to yourself as, ere you
make a resolve upon your affairs or your person, you may be wisely
pleased to hear the zealous opinions of your faithful servants, who
have nothing in their hearts nor before their eyes but the joy of your
prosperity and greatness, which shall ever be my only passion and
study. [2pages.] |
| March 27. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
|
1. The petition of John Williamson & Co., owners of the Hope
of Delft's Haven, to be sent to the advocate and proctor, and they
required to appear before the Admiralty Court, that the matter may
be brought to a re-hearing, according to the order of 11 Feb. last, and
the Admiralty judges to proceed therein according to law with all
expedition, that justice may be done to them, they being strangers. |
|
2. Sir John Gell to be committed to the Tower on suspicion of
treason, and kept close prisoner until his examination is perfected,
and the Committee to perfect the examinations with all expedition. |
|
3. The rest of the prisoners in this business to be committed to such
prisons as Council thinks fit, until their examinations are perfected. |
|
4. The members of the House for Kent, Sussex, and Surrey, and
Mr. Heveningham, to confer with the Council to-morrow, about some
public business. |
|
6. The desire of Sir Chas. Coote, for a post bark between England
and the north of Ireland, referred to the Irish Committee. |
|
7. The business of the militia to be considered to-morrow, and
the members of the Council who are in town to be present. |
|
9. A letter to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland read and approved. |
|
10. Wm. Rowe, Scoutmaster-General, to be a special messenger to
carry it over. |
|
11. To consider next Thursday what is fit to be offered to the
House, for the suppression of such ministers as declaim openly in
the pulpit against the proceedings of the present government. |
|
12. The prisoners taken at sea by Capt. Wyan, and now at Ipswich, to be committed to the common gaol in order to trial. |
|
13. In pursuance of an order of the House this day, the Act constituting the High Court of Justice to be proclaimed by the Serjeantat-Arms, in the Palace Yard, Westminster, and at the Exchange in
Exchange time, by beat of drum and sound of trumpet. |
|
18, 19. Reports from the Admiralty Committee as on pp. 60, 61.
[I. 64, pp. 123–126.] |
March 27.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. There was an
order of Parliament, and a letter from the Speaker sent you long
since, concerning your coming to Parliament, but as we do not know
whether the same have come to your hands, or in what condition
your affairs are in order to your coming over, or of your resolution
therein, we have sent an express messenger with this, to let you
know that our affairs here are very urgent, and that we desire your
presence and assistance. [I. 95, p. 55.] |
March 27.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to James Powell at Bristol. By the enclosed
agreement you will perceive that Col. Ryves is to raise, march, and
ship at Bristol 600 men, in six companies, besides officers, and that
the quarters upon mustering, during stay at the waterside, victuals
on board, and the shipping not only of such men, but of any supernumerary recruits raised, with a month's pay, being 18s. 4d. to be
paid to the colonel, are to be provided and paid by the State. |
|
In order thereto, the Council have given warrant to the Treasurersat-War to transmit 1,000l. to you upon account, which you are to issue
carefully, and return an account of. If the colonel and his officers
shall raise and ship so many supernumerary men that the money will
not defray the whole charge, you are to take up what you want, not
exceeding 500l., and charge it by bill of exchange upon the Council,
at 10 days' sight. |
|
Col. Ryves has ordered all his officers to rendezvous with their
companies at Bristol, by 9 April next; and you will therefore do
well to provide shipping for them, and if you cannot get so many
ships as will ship them all at one time, you are to ship as many off
as you have shipping for, as soon as the wind serves, so that the men
may not be kept here, to be a burden to the county, or an unnecessary charge to the State. |
|
You are to direct them to land at Youghall, if the wind serves,
otherwise at Cork or Kinsale; and upon mustering, to allow 8d. a
day to every soldier, to pay quarters during their stay for a wind,
and to take care that no free quarter be taken, or other misdemeanors
committed by them during their stay. |
|
The Council notices that the rates paid by you last winter, for
transportation of foot and horse to Munster, are excessively dear,
considering what is paid from Chester to Dublin, which is about the
same distance Bristol is from Youghall, the State paying but 2s. 6d.
for every footman and 10s. for every horseman from Chester; let them
speedily understand the lowest rates for the transportation of each
foot and horse soldier to Munster, advising with the governor and
mayor of Bristol, and such others as you shall think fit; and upon
return of the rates, you shall receive orders to press any vessel for
the service that refuses to go upon these terms. [I. 95, pp. 56–58.] |
| March 27. |
Admiralty Committee. Day's Proceedings. |
|
Order that the charge against Capt. Swanley, jun., exhibited by
Rich. Hacktree, be further considered, and the party examined on
Friday, when Hacktree is to bring his witnesses. |
|
The business between the Muscovy Company and Thomas
Anderson adjourned until to-morrow week, at request of the said
company, their counsel not being able to attend to-morrow. The
letter of the Navy Commissioners, concerning the fleet that is to go
southward, to be considered to-morrow. [I. 123, pp. 281, 282.] |
| March 27. |
Admiralty Committee to the Navy Committee. Charles Walley of
Chester, who manages the affairs of Ireland there, has disbursed
150l. to Capt. Pacey, for victualling the Mary frigate, ordered upon
special service for the north of Ireland, and has returned a bill of
exchange for the 150l. upon the Navy Commissioners, signed by
Capt. Pacey and Mr. Walley; the bill being refused acceptance, we
acquaint you that the said money was disbursed by Walley, by order
of the Council of State, and recommend you to issue an order to the
Navy Commissioners to accept the said bill, and sign a warrant for
payment thereof accordingly. [I. 123, p. 283.] |
| [March 27.] |
17. Note of the proportion of powder and other ordnance stores
required for the supply of Portsmouth. [1 page.] |
| March 28. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
|
1. The relation made by Giles Barrow, of the refusing of a Dutch
man-of-war, now in the Thames, to be searched, referred to the
Admiralty Committee, to take care that such assistance may be
given to the searchers as may enable them to do their office without
affront. |
|
2. The security tendered by Lord Robartes being conceived insufficient, the business to be considered to-morrow. |
|
3. Capt. Jones to be discharged from imprisonment, taking the
engagement, and giving security to be forthcoming when sent for,
and not doing anything prejudicial to the commonwealth. |
|
5. Mr. Robinson to attend next Monday. |
|
6. Two chaldrons of coals to be allowed to the guards for firing. |
|
7. The petition of John Barton, for a warrant to carry 500 quarters
of malt to Ireland from Southampton, referred to the Irish Committee. |
|
9. The instructions for the militia of London approved. |
|
10. The Irish Committee to consider where the moneys shall be
had out of which the said reports shall be satisfied. |
|
10a. The petition of Capt. Ingle referred to the Admiralty Committee. |
|
11. Mr. Frost to pay 100l. to such person as the Committee for
considering what is necessary for entertaining ambassadors shall
appoint, for a coach and crimson velvet by them bought for the use
of the State. |
|
12. Mr. Frost to pay such moneys as the said Committee shall give
him bills for. |
|
13. Mary Hulme, according to her petition, to have liberty to take
her legal course against Peter Gifford, formerly committed by Council,
provided he be not discharged of his imprisonment without further
direction of Council. [I. 64, pp. 127, 128.] |
March 28.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to Mr. Bacon at Ipswich. The prisoners brought
to Ipswich by Capt. Wyan, whom he took about Helvoet, are to remain in the common gaol, in order to their trial. [I. 95, p. 62.] |
March 28.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to Col. Sydenham. The Council, considering your
desire for trees for repairing the fortifications of the Isle of Wight,
have granted a warrant to Mr. Hildesley, steward of the New Forest,
to furnish 50 such as are not useful for the navy. You are therefore
to take care they are employed for the purposes intended. [I. 95,
p. 62.] |
March 28.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to Col. Sydney [Governor of Dover Castle]. The
prisoners in your custody taken for piracy are to be sent to the
common gaol of the county for trial. We enclose a warrant to the
sheriff, which you are to send him, with your directions where to
receive the prisoners. [I. 95, p. 63.] |
March 28.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Treasurers-at-War. There was a warrant
directed to you to transmit to Mr. Powell at Bristol 1,000l. of the
money that was to be paid you from Goldsmiths' Hall, for the transportation of Col. Ryves' regiment to Ireland; but as the money is
not ready, and the transportation cannot be delayed, we desire you to
supply it out of the 6,000l. remaining to be paid to Mr. Frost, lent
by him to you, which we shall forbear to call for, for one month.
You are to pay the 1,000l. according to the direction of the warrant
of the 27th inst. [I. 95, p. 63.] |
| March 28. |
Statement in the Admiralty Committee that Mr. Jessop, according
to the order of the 26th inst., returned a note of what papers he has,
concerning the mariners of the Hunter of Dover. [I. 123, p. 283.] |
| March 29. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
|
1. The 60l. formerly ordered to be paid to Col. Syler, for demolishing Tattershall Castle, is to be paid for his use to John Wincop, a
person well known to Sir Wm. Armyne. |
|
5. Mr. Attorney to attend next Monday. |
|
6. The commission given to Capt. John Pennifather by the Lord
Lieutenant of Ireland, for command of a company of foot, referred to
the Irish Committee. |
|
7. The 16 regiments of foot to be filled up to 1,200 in a regiment,
in order to have 8,000 foot for a field army this summer. |
|
8. A regiment of foot of 1,200, and a regiment of horse of 600, to
be appointed for the guard of the Parliament and city, when the rest
of the forces of the army shall be drawn out to action in the field. |
|
9. The debate on the sailing of the fleet southward to be taken up
again this day fortnight. |
|
11. The draft of the Act for setting to sale some delinquents'
estates to be considered next Monday. |
|
12. Mr. Scott and Sir James Harrington added to the committee
on the business of Sir Peter Richaut. |
|
13. Report of the committee appointed to consider where the
moneys due to seamen for carrying horse and other provisions to
Ireland should be satisfied, that—not finding any money set apart
for this or like purposes except 17,000l., being the last moneys due
upon the 150,000l. ordinance upon the Excise; and finding not only
occasion of present money to pay the seamen, bills of exchange,
and other disbursements for Ireland, and to provide arms and
ammunition, and to raise recruits for the north of Ireland,—they
think Council should consider how the said 17,000l. due upon the
Excise may be immediately advanced for the aforesaid purposes, and
how money may be had to defray the future incident charges of
Ireland. They suggest,— |
|
First, that there being 80,000l. due upon the old ordinances for
Ireland, over and above all charges thereon, and the Irish Committee
sitting at the Star Chamber not bringing it in, the House should
be moved to invest the Council, to whom the affairs of Ireland
are committed, with the powers of the said Committee of the Star
Chamber, for bringing in the said moneys. |
|
Secondly, whereas the House has ordered certain delinquents'
estates, formerly set apart for raising 50,000l. for Ireland, to be
sold, and the money employed for Ireland, Council be moved to
endeavour the speedy passing of that Bill. |
|
The State of the Forces of the Commonwealth in England. |
|
14. Twelve regiments of horse, consisting, besides officers, of
4,340; one regiment of dragoons under Col. Okey, of six troops, 60
in a troop. |
|
Sixteen regiments of foot, some of a 1,000, and some of 800,
besides the single companies in the several garrisons. |
|
That seven regiments of foot of the standing army be set apart
for the field force, and these to consist of 1,200 in a regiment, to
make up 8,000 foot for the field. |
|
That one regiment of 1,200 foot to be for the ordinary guard of
the Parliament and City. |
|
Also one regiment of 600 horse. |
|
For the Security of the West. |
|
15. That a regiment of foot and of horse, and a troop of dragoons,
besides the single companies in the western garrisons, be for the
ordinary guard of the West. |
|
For the Security of Wales and the Counties adjacent beyond the
Severn. |
|
16. That there be one regiment of horse and one troop of dragoons,
besides the foot at Gloucester, and other garrisons in those parts. |
|
For the Security of the Eastern Association, and Kent, Sussex,
and Hampshire. |
|
17. That there be one regiment of the standing army, besides the
garrisons in those parts, three troops for the one, and three for the
other. |
|
That seven regiments of horse be set apart for the marching force,
to be filled up when Council shall think seasonable, into 100 in a
troop. |
|
The regiment of horse to be appointed for the guard of Parliament
and City to be filled up to 600. |
|
The two regiments of horse for Wales and the East to be filled
to 80 in a troop. The regiment for the West to remain 80 in a
troop. |
|
Of the 16 regiments of foot of the standing army, not only the
seven set apart for the field force, but the nine intended for the
garrisons to be filled up forthwith to 1,200 in a regiment. |
|
An additional estimate of the pay of the army to be made
according to the aforesaid votes. |
|
18. To report to Parliament that for the preservation of public
peace, and to be in a posture to prevent, suppress, and break all
insurrections or invasions, there should be an army in the field of
12,000 horse and foot, disengaged from other service. In order
whereto, they have resolved that the 16 regiments of foot of the
standing army, which are besides the single companies in garrisons.
be made up 1,200 in a regiment, and that the horse, consisting of
12 regiments, be filled up when they judge seasonable, viz., eight of
them to 600 in a regiment, and four of them to 480, being now 360
in a regiment, together with a suitable train of artillery. An estimate of the increase of charge is herewith presented for approbation.
[I. 64, pp. 100–134.] |
| March 29. |
Admiralty Committee. Day's Proceedings. |
|
Order, on the deposition of Rich. Hacktree against Geo. Swanley,
and his answer, that Col. Wauton submit to the Council of State
whether Swanley is fit to be employed in the service of the State. |
|
Order—upon certificate from the Navy Commissioners, of the
unfitness of the Prophet of Dieppe for the State's use, and upon
security formerly given in the Admiralty Court, that the vessel
should not be employed to the prejudice of the commonwealth,—
that that ship be forthwith discharged, provided she carries no English
mariners, and that what goods have been taken out of her be restored.
[I. 123, p. 285.] |
| March 30. |
Order in Parliament that the House do not intend the trustees
and contractors in the Act [for sale of the goods of the late King,
Queen, and Prince] should meddle with any of the horses or deer,
and that the Council of State take care for the preservation of the
race and breed, and present their opinions to the House. |
|
Also consider what goods belonging to the late King, Queen, and
Prince, should be preserved for the use of the commonwealth, and
report an inventory thereof. |
| March 30. |
Order in Parliament that the Council of State consider how
sufficient supplies may be made for the army and navy, and of the
forces of each of them, and how that business may be carried on out
of the public treasury. |
| March 30. |
Order in Parliament that the Council of State take care that the
trustees and contractors for sale of the fee-farm rents expedite the
sale thereof. [I. 88, pp. 15, 16.] |
| March 30. |
Council of State. Day's Proceedings. |
|
1. The instructions for Richard Bradshaw, as resident at Hamburg,
to be fair written and delivered to him. |
|
2. The Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal to prepare his
commission. |
|
3. Mr. Milton to prepare his credential letter. |
|
7. Sir William Constable, Sir Wm. Masham, Sir Hen. Mildmay,
Mr. Bond, and Viscount Lisle added to the Committee for Guernsey,
to sit on Monday, when the gentlemen who were sent over as
commissioners, and all parties concerned are to have notice. |
|
10. Mr. Heveningham, Mr. Holland, Lord Howard, Viscount Lisle,
Sir Gilbert Pickering, Mr. Bond, and Col. Hutchinson to be a committee to consider what should be reserved out of the late King's
goods for the use of the commonwealth, and to prepare an inventory
thereof, and report next Wednesday. |
|
12. Mr. Scott to prepare some questions to be put to Rebecca
Jermyn. |
|
13. Earl of Salisbury, Lords Howard, Lisle, and Grey, Sir Wm.
Armyne, Sir Art. Hesilrigge, Mr. Bond, Col. Morley, Sir H. Mildmay,
Sir W. Constable, and Mr. Scott, to consider how the horses and
mares in Tutbury race may be so disposed that the breed be not
lost. |
|
14. The House to be moved by Sir Hen. Mildmay that a day and
place may be appointed for the meeting of the Commissioners of the
High Court of Justice. |
|
15. To consider on Wednesday what to offer to the House, for
repressing seditious preaching and invectives of ministers. |
|
17. Commissions to be issued for the militia officers for Northamptonshire, nominated in a letter from Sir John Dryden and others, on
the 27th inst. |
|
18. Mr. Bond and Mr. Scott to be a committee to examine the
arrest of Col. Stamford. |
|
20. Sir Hen. Mildmay to make a report to the House concerning
Thomas Thwaites, a prisoner, within 10 days. |
|
21. The Generals of the fleet to put one of those men approved
for whom no command was fixed, or some other person of trust, into
command of the Providence of London, George Swanley being
thought unfit. |
|
23. Sir Wm. Masham, Sir Hen. Mildmay, Col. Wauton, Lord Lisle,
and Mr. Challoner, to be a committee to examine the business of
Crouch, a prisoner. |
|
24. Order, on petition of Harman Barne, that on paying the
charges of his apprehension and imprisonment, and giving security
to depart within five days from London, and within 20 miles of the
late lines of communication, he be discharged, and have a pass to go
beyond sea if he desires. |
|
Instructions for Richard Bradshaw. resident to the Senate of
Hamburg. |
|
1. You are to depart in one of the ships of the Merchant Adventurers' Company or otherwise, for Hamburg, with all expedition,
and signify your arrival there to the magistrates or other officers. |
|
2. In a convenient time after, you are to demand audience in
quality of resident from the commonwealth of England, and in the
manner heretofore accustomed by the resident of the late King; to
deliver your credentials, and let them know that, whereas there has
been a long and ancient alliance between this nation and that city, and
mutual trade and commerce, this commonwealth desires that the
same be still continued, and that our merchants and people trading
or resident there may enjoy what has been formerly enjoyed by them,
and especially may be under the protection of that State. |
|
3. You are to demand that justice may be done upon those
offenders that assaulted and attempted to assassinate the minister of
the company of English merchants residing there, and also upon
those pirates who took away the deputy of that company, and
some other merchants, against whom there have been no proceedings;
of the particulars you will be informed by the merchants there
resident. |
|
4. Upon any application to you by the Deputy and Company of
the Merchant Adventurers residing there, to make your address on
their behalf to the senate and magistrates, in case of any infringe-
ment of privilege, or injustice, or justice delayed, you are, in the name
of the commonwealth of England, to demand that right may be done,
and give them all assistance in your power. |
|
5. You are to give notice to Council of all occurrences fit to come
to our knowledge, and for that purpose inform yourself what designs
are on foot, and what transactions are made in Germany, Poland,
Sweden, and Denmark. [I. 64, pp. 137–141.] |
March 30.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Lord General. The isle of Guernsey being
in danger, we gave order that some forces should be transported
there, which were accordingly sent under Col. Cox, to whom the care
of that island was committed. After Col. Cox had continued there a
short time, he returned to England without our consent, which being
a very dangerous precedent, we refer the matter to you, to proceed as
you judge the business deserves, and also to inform yourself in what
safety that place is left by the Colonel's absence. [I. 95, p. 65.] |
March 30.
Whitehall. |
Council of State to the Navy Commissioners. We have seen your
letter to the Admiralty Committee, concerning the provisions to be
made for the fleet going southward, and desire you to proceed therein
with all expedition, in case resolutions shall be taken for disposing
of that fleet to any other service. [I. 95, p. 66.] |
March 30.
Orkney. |
18. Hen. May to Secretary Nicholas. As my Lord Montrose intends
suddenly to send some extraordinary persons to His Majesty from
Scotland, I shall not be so particular with you, but in the general, all
things proceed with much expectation. His Excellency marches with
2,000 men, besides those behind that are to secure the landing of
General King, who has been detained longer than was expected.
The importunity of the country has been very extraordinary for our
entering, and within two or three days, we shall march into Scotland.
Lords Huntley and Middleton are in a house of my Lord Marshal's,
attending His Majesty's commission; 'tis conceived my Lord Huntley will be very right; but if he should prove only a superficial
friend, his name will certainly follow His Majesty's interest. |
|
I hope you have good news from Lord Ormond, that you may
oblige us here with as good news as we hope to send you suddenly.
Present my service to Lord Hopton. My Lord desires you to assist
the bearer with your advice, and is much your servant, though he
has not sufficient acquaintance with you to write. [1 page.] |
| March. |
19. Opinions of Col. H. Price. That His Majesty should well
weigh upon what assurance he depends for his army in Ireland,
because we here suppose it to be an army united of several interests;
that the Generals have had particular animosities one towards another,
and the greatest design is by money to continue those jealousies,
and at last to secure one party, to the betraying of the rest of Scotland. We thus judge Argyle and his confederates are close linked
with the prevailing party in England, and Hamilton and the Presbyterians wholly looking on the rigid Presbyterian party here. From
the first, nothing can be expected but absolute opposition; from the
other, advantage may be made thus;—an agreement being made with
them, upon terms of safety for His Majesty's person, it brings the
rigid Presbyterians in England to engage. What His Majesty's own
party in Scotland is we refer to himself, only we are sure that the
true Royalists look on them as on themselves. |
|
As for England, the Independent possessed of all the forts, towns,
navy, and treasure, the Presbyterian yet holds a silent power, by
means of the divines, and the interest of some gentry and nobility,
especially in London and the great towns. Their fortunes are yet
unshaken, though threatened. Besides (by former use when they
held the power) they continue intelligence, which the King's party
cannot do, and which may make them considerable, when they shall
be fit for His Majesty's reception. Some are rigid for the jus divinum of Presbytery, but the greatest part,—weary of trouble, and
the rod that now hangs over them,—would repent and serve His
Majesty; some purely without fraud, others being assured to be freed
from their past facts, their livings and offices preserved to them, and
their money laid out in church lands, &c. repaid. |
|
The principal heads look at government, and manage all these
under people's interests to their own, which all that love His Majesty
should give way to, and, laying aside all expectations of their own, if
these men can do the work, let them receive the thanks of it. |
|
His Majesty's party in England is so poor, so disjointed, so severely
watched by both the other factions, that it is impossible for them to
do anything on their own score; but if he could beget a good understanding between his party and the Presbyterians, they might, under
their shadow, rise again; otherwise nothing but a foreign force can
begin the work. We propose, first for Ireland, whether His Majesty
can with safety go thither; first by reason of the jealousies before
mentioned; next, if he goes with no force, he will appear too little
to his friends, and discourage them. If he draws a considerable power
thither, he is sure to encounter all the power that these people can
throw on him, and engage so far off, and, perhaps, so long a time,
that all his friends will be ruined here, and the present government
become acknowledged and habitual. Whether if it be not possible
for His Majesty with safety to [go to Scotland and deal] so with
the Presbyterians there as to engage [them to join] presently the
Presbyterians in England with just. . . . . |
|
Whether if His Majesty yields to their amb[assadors], it is not probable that his power will soon rise again, if once he appear acknowledged by his three kingdoms, and his people have liberty to repair
to his service. In case the Scots will not comply upon terms of
safety for His Majesty and his friends there, to resolve them enemies,
and then consider whether to begin the war there or in England,
with such forces as he has. |
|
He should first begin the head of a council here, to prepare men's
affections, in the closest and most sober way; to raise money for his
present support and future service; to direct all men's endeavours
and judge who are most fit to be trusted; to settle intelligence
between His Majesty and this kingdom, that neither he nor his
friends may be liable to the falsehood which is too frequent amongst
those who pretend to serve him; nor when he comes, come upon
other measures than what appear clear before hand. |
|
To desire His Majesty to attempt nothing but by such a solid
council as he shall choose here, and not to depend on undertakings
of those who, though meaning well, assume more than they
can perform, and walking singly, often cross each other, and sometimes discover what they would effect, by passing it through too
many, and those not the best chosen hands. [2 pages imperfect,
endorsed by Nicholas; "Copy of the paper brought by Col. H. Price ?
to Beauvais." The passages in brackets are conjectural to supply
blanks in the original.] |
| March ? |
20. — to —. I shall clear some things that at first
sight you might scruple at in our declaration. And, first, shall desire
you to consider that the Earl of Lanerick made it with such art
that there is not any passage in it for which there is not an evasion;
for instance, it is declared that we shall not make any association or
conjunction of forces with any that shall refuse to subscribe the
solemn league and covenant. Now this seems to oppose the King's
party, but indeed it does not; for first, it is not yet agreed what
an association and conjunction of forces signify, and that being in
their power to interpret who shall have the command of the army,
and are our friends, the interpretation would be to our advantage.
Next, if the covenant be not offered to the King's party, of which
there is nothing said in the declaration, then they cannot properly be
said to deny to take it. |
|
It is also said that no such power shall be put into the King's
hands as shall be dangerous to religion. Now the weight of this
is in the word such, which is of large and ambiguous extent;
and I confess, if the Marquis of Argyle and the clergy were to interpret it, I should not like it; but as it is, we may say that if the
King were restored to all the regal power he formerly had, or to a
greater, yet is not that dangerous to religion. And so much may
be said for all the other passages that seem to be most severe;
with so much cunning is that declaration made. [1 page.] |
| March ? |
21. Answer of the Levant Company to the question of the Committee of the Council of State for Trade, as to the best mode of
trading to Turkey, whether by a company as now adopted, or by a
free trade. It is 74 years since the trade into those seas was first
discovered, at which time all the commodities were carried by
strangers in Ragusa vessels. Subsequently, certain London merchants, at great hazard, sent woollen cloth and other English commodities overland to Constantinople, and prevailed to be admitted
into the dominions of the Grand Seignior, upon whose request they
obtained a charter for seven years or longer, if it should be found
beneficial; thereupon the merchants freighted a ship of 200 tons,
and sent a present of great value to the Seignior, in the Queen's
name; and thus they both discovered and settled that trade in those
dominions, which has ever since continued; the benefits whereof
appearing, the Queen granted them the sole trade to the Seignory
and that of Ragusa. They have since united the Venice and Turkey
companies, and not as a monopoly, but charging merchants small
fines for maintenance. |
|
About 20,000 dyed and dressed cloths, besides other English
manufactures, are yearly sent into those parts, for which there are
returns in raw silks, cotton, wools, mohair, yarn, and goats' wool, by
which thousands of poor are daily set on work; and not only have
sufficient quantities of these foreign commodities been imported to
serve England, but they have also supplied the Netherlands, France,
Portugal, and Germany, with the overplus. |
|
Notwithstanding insupportable accidents and interruptions, such
as the loss of 20 great ships, taken of late years by the French
fleet in the Straits; the extreme hazard of our estates and trade;
our damage, estimated by Sir Sackville Crow and Hen. Hyde, at
above 100,000l.; the annual charge of 10,000l. which this trade is
unavoidably liable to, and the casual burdens of Avanias, which has
brought us thus considerably into debt; and notwithstanding the
emulation and practices of the French, Venetians, and Dutch, for
undermining the trade in Turkey, there is not any eminent decay
thereof. We ask whether it is probable so vast a trade could have
been either at first settled, or since continued and supported, under
so many difficulties, among so barbarous a people, and at so remote a
distance, without the united counsels and endeavours of this society,
which has ever been the means to advance and perpetuate trade. |
|
The certainty will be more evident by observing the contrary
effects which want of government has produced in the trade of the
Dutch and French, the former having been several times beaten out
of the trade, and forced to put themselves under the protection of
the English, their country meantime being supplied with Turkish
commodities from hence. The French, for want of government
and directions from home, and consequently by ill-management of
their trade abroad,—everyone regarding his own particular interest
only, and not being accountable to a body at home,—have run themselves into great debt, and dare not trust any of their estate on
shore in Turkey. Whereas we, on the other side, keep a constant
magazine of many thousand cloths there, which could not be done
with security, unless managed by a company; and we have become
so considerable abroad as to be preferred before other nations. |
|
We hope that this plain narrative will be accounted sufficient
for the continuance of that which has been so successful and beneficial, and has never before been questioned, but by an ordinance of
7 March 1643—4; and that if any rational objections can be urged
against our company, we may be informed thereof, and doubt not
but to be able to give every satisfaction therein. [2½ pages,
damaged.] |
