|
Aug. 23.
Letter Office, London. |
1. James Hickes to Williamson. Did not receive the note, &c.,
named by him to obtain 10l. from Sir Rob. Vyner, but will attend
to his wishes. |
Aug. 23.
Cockpit. |
2. Duke of Albemarle to the Navy Comrs. Wants cordage,
hemp, and Gottenburg masts for Comr. Pett. [Adm. Paper.]
Encloses, |
2. i. Comr. Peter Pett to the Duke of Albemarle. The Sapphire
is ordered in for repairs. Arrival of the Happy Entrance. Great want of hemp, cordage, and Gottenburg
masts.
Chatham, August 21, 1665. |
| Aug. 23. |
3. Warrant by Rear-Admiral Jo. Harman, authorizing the
masters of the Anne and East India Merchant to survey the defective beer on board the Resolution. Endorsed with certificate,
by Roger Granger and John Cholmeley, the said masters, that they
have found seven butts of stinking beer. [Adm. Paper.] |
Aug. 23.
Custom House. |
4. Sir John Wostenholme and J. Harrison, farmers of customs, to
the Navy Comrs. Request orders for the discharge of John Earle,
lately pressed, though in their service. [Adm. Paper.] |
Aug. 24.
Portsmouth. |
5. Thos. Eastwood to the Navy Comrs. Particulars of timber in
the New Forest ready to be transported for Portsmouth; the whole
charge for felling, converting, and land and water carriage amounts
to 800l. Requests a bill of imprest for part of the amount. [Adm.
Paper.] |
Aug. 24.
Cockpit. |
6. Sir Wm. Clarke to Sam. Pepys. Capt. Hubbard and the rest
that were in the Gunfleet have joined the fleet in Southwold Bay.
[Adm. Paper.] |
Aug. 24.
Chatham. |
7. Comr. Peter Pett to Sam. Pepys. If the Happy Entrance be
converted into a fire-ship, it would be well to discharge the surgeon
and other unnecessary persons. The captain of the Galley frigate
wishes to have Bartholomew Taylor as master. Demand for provisions from Mr. Barrow. Fears the sickness will spread in Chatham,
for two houses are shut up. [Adm. Paper.] Encloses, |
|
7. i. Certificate, by Capt. Thos. Blackman, of the fitness of Bart.
Taylor to go as master in the Galley frigate. |
Aug. 24.
The Elizabeth. |
8. Capt. Robt. Robinson to the Navy Comrs. Has captured a
French frigate laden with oil, wool, &c. The Turks have taken a
West India galleon worth 20 millions of dollars. Repairs of ships.
[Adm. Paper.] |
Aug. 24.
Portsmouth. |
9. Constance Pley to the Navy Comrs. Presents her 5th bill
in part of the goods brought by the Lizard and Coventry; desires
favorable usage as to abatements; asks what can be allowed
for the hemp and yarn, and what further quantities of cloth, hemp,
&c., are required. [Adm. Paper.] |
Aug. 24.
Portsmouth. |
10. Comr. Thos. Middleton to Sam. Pepys. Has bought two tons
of English hemp at 37s. per cwt.; more is offered at the same price,
but dares not venture to buy it without an order; arrival of the
Lizard at Spithead; has ordered Capt. Andrews to St. Malo, to
convoy the merchant ships, owing to the disaster befallen the
Coventry. [Adm. Paper.] |
Aug. 24.
Salisbury. |
The King to the [Earl of Suffolk], Lord Lieutenant [of Suffolk],
and the Deputy Lieutenants of Suffolk and Essex. Sir William
Doyley having represented the necessities of the sick and wounded
and Dutch prisoners in those counties, and being disappointed of
payments for their relief, they are to pay to him for the said persons
part of the sum raised upon a single month's assessment on the
Militia Act, leaving a proportionable sum in their own hands for
the expense of the militia. [Ent. Book 17, p. 132.] |
Aug. 24.
London. |
11. Capt. George Cock to Williamson. There has been some
fault at Bergen, if the Exchange or coffee houses are to be believed.
Begs Lord Arlington to remember the sick and wounded, or he will
be reproached next Parliament for his neglect. |
Aug. 25.
Mortlake. |
12. Dr. Hugh Chamberlain to Williamson. Thinks the great mortality might have been prevented, had his proposals been accepted.
The author of navigating with all winds has sent a draught of his
invention, to be shown to none except by the King's command; he
has 20 ways of performing it, and can make a ship, by help of
the wind, sail within two points, if not full against the wind; he is
very anxious for a patent before it be discovered, lest there be
delays and objections; he objects to a wording in the declaration
which might oblige him to build a large trial vessel at his own charge,
whereas he only wishes to make a model or to alter a ship at the
King's charge; if approved, he will alter as many as His Majesty
thinks fit. Is authorized to offer Williamson and Lord Arlington a
present from the first fruits. [2 pages.] |
Aug. 25.
Rotherfield. |
13. Sir H. Bennet to Lord Arlington. Entreats him to beg the
King not to be offended that Dr. Hinton stays at his house to attend
his wife in a desperate disease; he can be with him in a few hours
if needed. Is anxious to serve His Majesty. Is sending a warrant
to examine two saddlers—who are making more saddles than they
have done these seven years,—as to whom they are for. |
Aug. 25.
9 P.M. |
14. Earl of Sandwich to [the Duke of Albemarle]. Has received
250 recruits; those from Hull are good men, but the new-raised men
or rather boys are so unserviceable that he put them to shore
again, rather than pester and increase the sickness of the fleet; it
would be a waste of the King's money to receive them into any
regiment. There are sharp diseases among the men; many are put
ashore sick daily, and the fleet is very badly manned. Has sent a
yacht for the Sovereign. Has dry provisions for six weeks, but
liquor only for three. Hopes care will be taken to provide for such
ships as continue in service, and to pay off the great ships, to save
charge. [2 pages.] |
Aug. 25.
Surrenden. |
15. Sir Heneage Finch to Lord Conway. Is anxious about his
lordship's [wife] and his sister [Lady Conway's] health, in this
melancholy time of dispersion. Begs him to apologize to Lord Orrery
for his not taking leave of him. [Damaged.] |
| Aug. 25. |
Warrant to apprehend George Webb. Minute. [Ent. Book 22,
p. 256.] |
| Aug. 25. |
Privy seal for 10,000l. to the privy purse. Minute. [Ent. Book 22,
p. 257.] |
| Aug. 25. |
Warrant for all forfeitures, &c., to be paid to B. May, keeper of
the privy purse. Minute. [Ent. Book 22, p. 257.] |
| [Aug. 25.] |
Pass for Howard of Arundel, with four horses, to Germany.
Minute. [Ent. Book 22, p. 257.] |
| Aug. 25. |
Warrant for exchange of 14 Dutch prisoners in the garrison of
Plymouth for as many English, who are to be released, with a list
of both annexed. [Ent. Book 22, p. 257.] |
Aug. 25.
Deptford. |
16. Elizabeth Russell to the Navy Comrs. Her husband cannot
get exchange for his money in the north; begs them to send it
by the hoys now ready to sail; the country is fearful of receiving
anything from London. [Adm. Paper.] |
Aug. 25.
Clapham. |
17. Thos. Lewis to Thos. Hayter. Sends sea-books of the Prosperous, Sea Venture, and Fortune; their bills for freight should not
be delivered until their victualling accounts are settled. [Adm.
Paper.] |
Aug. 25.
Bethnal Green. |
18. Sam. Heron, servant of Sir Wm. Rider, to Sam. Pepys. Account of pitch, tar, hemp, &c., received. Asks directions where to
deliver them. [Adm. Paper.] |
Aug. 25.
Chatham. |
19. Comr. Peter Pett to Sam. Pepys. Has stopped the progress
of the works at Sheerness, to prevent the King's paying the same
thing twice, it not being concluded whether to go on by the day or
by the great; promises a plan of Sheerness, and his own thoughts
in the business. [Adm. Paper.] |
Aug. 25.
Blackwall. |
20. Wm. Cooper to Sam. Pepys. Progress of the ships building
by Mr. Johnson and Mr. Castell; desires a survey of them. [Adm.
Paper.] |
Aug. 25.
Plymouth. |
21. John Lanyon to the Navy Comrs. Repairs of ships.
Damage sustained by the Sorlings in chasing three French vessels.
[Adm. Paper.] |
Aug. 26.
Pethnal Green. |
22. Sam Heron to Sam. Pepys. Sir Wm. Rider is willing to
make over a third of the wire in the warehouse at the Hall to
Sir Geo. Carteret. [Adm. Paper.] |
Aug. 26.
Bristol. |
23. Dan. Furzer to Thos. Hayter. Is much disappointed at
receiving no bill from the Farmers of Customs; is resolved not to
go near the labourers until furnished with money to satisfy them;
never received any command to appoint a surveyor for Mr. Bayly's
ship; was obliged to put Iseburn Holland on the business for his
own credit's sake. [Adm. Paper, 1¼
pages.] |
Aug. 26.
Harwich. |
24. Sir Wm. Batten to the Navy Comrs. The greatest obstacle
in the dispatch of the fleet is want of drink. Sir Thos. Allin is
dangerously ill at Lowestoft. Ships are sent into dock, others ready
to sail; tickets wanted. [Adm. Paper.] |
Aug. 26.
Portsmouth. |
25. Thos. Warren to Sam. Pepys. Requests five weeks' provision
for the soldiers; the Zebulon is too much broken to proceed on her
voyage; has bought two new ships of 200 tons burthen. [Adm.
Paper.] |
Aug. 26.
Loyal Subject, Downs. |
26. Capt. John Fortescue to Sam. Pepys. Is ordered to join the
fleet at Southwold Bay. Entreats attention to his request for a
surgeon and surgeon's mate. [Adm. Paper.] |
| Aug. 26. |
27. Capt. Val. Tatnell to Lord Brouncker. Lieut. Peter Edwards
refused to obey the Commissioners' orders to come ashore at Greenwich, and put his men on board the Vine ketch. Compelled him to
go on board the ketch, and he now complains to the Duke of Albemarle about it. Fearing his Grace is offended, prays that he may
be informed of the truth of the matter. The command of the
Constant Warwick, formally promised him by the Duke, is ordered
to another. [Adm. Paper.] |
Aug. 26.
Hull. |
28. Wm. Blaydes to the Navy Comrs. Can find no one having
occasion for money in London. Asks payment of his disbursements
for ballasting and repairs of ships; total, 27l. 12s. 4d. Cordage can
be supplied for ready money. The Governor, Col. Gilby, has prize
money in hand, if he had but orders to pay it. Arrival of the
Little Lion. With postscript, August 28, that Sir Wm. Coventry has
written to order her cleansing. [Adm. Paper.] |
| Aug. 26. |
29. Account by Mr. Stephens of money disbursed, giving the Navy
Comrs.' orders for the distribution of the same. [Adm. Paper,
4 pages.] Annexing, |
|
29. i. Another paper of accounts relative to Mr. Stephens'
payments of money. [3 pages.] |
Aug. 26.
York. |
30. Sir Wm. Coventry to Lord Arlington. Hopes not to need the
blank commissions sent, as the most intelligent men say that there
will be no great danger of risings, now that the most dangerous
men are secured. It is clear from Sir George Downing's letter that
Beuningen may go into Holland, to concert some matters not fit to
be written. Quotes a passage in cypher sent him by Downing which
cannot be read by his key. [Decyphered by Lord Arlington, "I
pray that an eye be on Van Gogh, that he slip not away privately,
till I be hence."] In the pocket of Hen. Darley, who was secured,
was found a scheme of a seditious book, which he tore, but it has
been put together again. On Thursday their Royal Highnesses had
a fine entertainment at Lord Fauconberg's, and to-day are to be
feasted at Sir Thos. Slingsby's. The guards are doubled, and all
fitting precautions taken there, and at Hull and Scarborough, for
these two days, but "if London do not lead the dance in this distracted time, the country will not stir." The Duke has received
the King's letter, and is dispatching orders for securing dangerous
people in the Cinque Ports. The Duke of Buckingham is expected
next week; the Duchess is at her father's [Lord Fairfax], six miles
off. [3 pages.] |
| Aug. 26. |
31. H[en.] M[uddiman] to Williamson. All is quiet in Scotland.
The forts in Shetland progress. Major-General Monroe is sent
prisoner to Edinburgh Castle. The fleet is now judged to be 100
sail, and will be ready for sea in a few days. Adm. Allin is ill at
Lowestoft. Several persons have been seized in London, and
Col. Duckenfield is sent to the Tower; 22 ships from the East
country, laden with hemp, pitch, &c., have arrived lately. A fort
is building at Queenborough, for security of the river. The Duke
of Ormond, lord lieutenant, is settling the militia at Bristol, the
city entertaining him at their own charge. The Danish resident
does not come to Court, pretending to have no account of the affair
at Bergen, but to think it an affront offered. The Lord Chancellor
has been at Christchurch, to view the rivers making navigable.
[2½
pages.] |
| [Aug. 27.] |
32. Petition of Erasmus De Brewer, subject of Spain, to the
King, for release of his ship, the St. Francis, seized on when driven
by weather into Fowey Bay, Cornwall, and there detained by the
Vice Admiral's deputies, in spite of orders by the High Court of
Admiralty, &c., for its release, and for restoration of all the goods
embezzled therefrom. |
Aug. 27.
Salisbury. |
Proclamation forbidding the holding of Holden or Howden fair,
near York, lest the infection should be carried into those parts of
the country which are yet free, and especially forbidding any
inhabitants of London or Westminster to repair thither, or to any
fairs in Yorkshire, till the infection ceases. [Printed. Proc. Coll.,
Charles II., p. 198.] |
Aug. 27.
Salisbury. |
The King to Thomas Woodall, surgeon. The public service requiring the residence of one of the King's surgeons in Westminster,
during this time of infection, he is to repair thither, for so long as
the Duke of Albemarle thinks fit, but shall not in his absence be
prejudiced as to his place of surgeon of the Guards. [Ent. Book 22,
p. 256.] |
Aug. 27.
Salisbury. |
33. Jo. Swaddell to [Williamson]. Particulars of letters. All
are in good health, and no talk of removing. The Exchequer is
ordered to pay 17,500l. to Mr. Pepys for Tangiers. Lord Carlingford
has his final dispatch, and Mr. Loving goes as his secretary.
Mr. Chiffinch cannot send Williamson a buck, the King having
refused them to Lord Craven, Col. Legg, and others. Sir Thos.
Clifford is to go for Denmark. [2 pages.] |
| Aug. 27. |
34. Jo. Swaddell to Hen. Muddiman. Similar to the preceding
letter, adding the following paragraphs from letters:—
Eggleston: Capt. Gower, coming to consult the Bishop of
Durham on some lawsuits, was sent to gaol.
Rotterdam, August 18: there is great rejoicing for the success
at Bergen. They have given the Governor 30,000 dollars for
the service done the Dutch fleet.
Portsmouth, August 22: Major Holmes saw a great fleet pass
east of Sandham Fort, Isle of Wight.
Hamburg: Amb. Boreel is returned to give an account of his
negotiations at Moscow. A fast was kept by order of the
States General at the Texel on the 2/12.
The Hague: the Dutch fleet went out, 90 sail, 12 fire-ships,
and 6 frigates; it waited for De Ruyter till the 7/17.
Isle of Wight: several frigates have been blown back by the
storm, and the fanatics are very confident.
The King will send to know the intentions of the King of
Denmark about Bergen, to see whether he may be persuaded
to make himself richer by keeping what he has in charge. |
Aug. 27.
Salisbury. |
35. Robt. Lye to Williamson. Lord Arlington promises to let
him know when he must return. Cannot find the grant of Fitz
gerald's lands, but his lordship keeps his humour about it. Sir
Thos. Clifford, who was at Bergen, says Sir Gilbert Talbot's advice
came five days after the attack; the Governor then desired another
attempt, but the wind did not serve. Sir Thomas is returning, and
wants the Governor to take all the things to himself, but fears the
Dutch fleet will have been before him and brought them off.
[2 pages.] |
Aug. 27.
[Conway.] |
36. W. Milward to Lord Conway. Has been at Sir Heneage
Conway's. Has tried to settle the dispute between his lordship and
Sir Rob. Williams. Proceedings in taking down Conway Castle.
Thinks it would be better to sell the lead there at 12l. or 13l. a ton,
than send it over to Ireland. Has been questioned as to the right to
pull down the castle. [3 pages, damaged.] |
Aug. 27.
Portsmouth. |
37. Constance Pley to the Navy Comrs. Entreats attention to
her request for some person to be appointed to correspond with
them. Encloses the 6th bill for part of the goods lately brought
by the Coventry and Lizard from St. Malo. [Adm. Paper.] |
Aug. 27.
Loyal Subject, The Downs. |
38. Capt. John Fortescue to Sam. Pepys. Has been to Dover
about the victualling of his own and other ships. Will hasten to
Southwold Bay to join the fleet. Begs that a surgeon and his mate
may be provided immediately; has much sickness on board. [Adm.
Paper.] |
Aug. 27.
The Bendish. |
39. Capt. Abraham Houlditch to Sir Wm. Clarke. Has arrived
at the Hope in the hired ship Bendish, much disabled in a late
engagement at Bergen; requests speedy orders for her repairs; by
order of Comr. Taylor, delivered into the Royal Sovereign what men
they liked to take. [Adm. Paper.] |
Aug. 27.
Portsmouth. |
40. Comr. Thos. Middleton to Sam. Pepys. Has bought a parcel
of oak timber, on condition of its approval by the Board. Sends the
purveyor's report of it. Requests speedy directions, that orders may
be given for marking such as shall be reserved for special purposes.
[Adm. Paper.] Encloses, |
|
40. i. Purveyor's report of the fitness and good quality of
Mr. John Pemble's parcel of oak timber. August 15, 1665. |
40. ii. Contract between John Pemble and Comr. Thos. Middleton
for 1,500 loads of oak timber, at 42s. per load. With note
of its approval by the Navy Comrs., August 29. [2 pages.]
Portsmouth, August 17, 1665. |
Aug. 27.
Portsmouth. |
41. Comr. Thos. Middleton to Sam. Pepys. The Dutch prisoners
confined in Porchester Castle refuse to work, on the plea that they
are servants of the States of Holland, and their wives would get no
relief from their masters if they worked for the King of England;
there is much sickness in the town, but few deaths. The Coventry
is new rigged. The vessel that brought the rosin came direct from
France, and was never near Southampton. Particulars of stores, in
purchasing, ready money must be paid. Report of ships in dock.
Has been obliged to hire men out of the Henrietta pleasure boat to
help to rig the Portsmouth and Warwick; had much to do to
persuade them to work for 5s. a week; would have put two or three
of them in prison but for consideration of their necessities and hard
living. [Adm. Paper, 2 pages.] |
Aug. 28.
Prince Royal, Southwold Bay. |
42. Wm. Howe to Sam. Pepys. Is ordered to pay 10l. to the
boatswain of the Dolphin; Sir George Carteret has put the contingencies of the fleet into his hands; all warrants must therefore be
directed to him. [Adm. Paper.] |
Aug. 28.
Kinsale. |
43. Capt. Wm. Crispin to the Navy Comrs. Begs a supply of
money by imprest, until his accounts can be settled; the money to be
paid to Lady Penn, on his account. [Adm. Paper.] |
Aug. 28.
Portsmouth. |
44. Comr. Thos. Middleton to Sam. Pepys. Begs advice upon
a troublesome business concerning a bond for 300l., entered into
with Sir James Draper, six years ago, for two men, Lutton and
Wetherdon; had, in security, a parcel of goods of greater value;
part of the goods were afterwards sold for 272l., leaving 28l., still
due, besides interest. Upon Lutton's death, a bill in Chancery was
filed for 500l., for goods said to have been received; got clear of that;
another subpoena was sent after six months' time; had Wetherdon
to prove that Lutton had no part nor interest in the goods; had
another subpoena at Portsmouth; took off the order at considerable
cost, and has spent much money in the business; cannot manage his
defence at so great a distance; thinks of petitioning the Duke of
York about it, or writing to Sir Wm. Coventry, that no proceedings
may be taken until he can come to London. [Adm. Paper, 3 pages.] |
Aug. 28.
Unicorn, Southwold Bay. |
45. Capt. Henry Teddeman to the Navy Comrs. Complains of
the negligence of the master of the Amity ketch, sent out to wait
upon the Unicorn; he took 12 days to go and return to and from
London with the Earl of Peterborough's things, and to fetch water,
after the engagement in Southwold Bay of 14 June; is now fain to
send ashore for candles, which this master is to bring. An anchor
and cable were lost by the ketch off the coast of Holland. [Adm.
Paper.] |
Aug. 28.
York. |
46. Sir Wm. Coventry to Lord Arlington. Is confident Lord
Sandwich will do what he can to get out to sea, the King and Duke
having both pressed it. All is quiet, and order is taken for being
in readiness without burdening the country, except to keep together
for a few days the troops drawn together to receive the Duke of
York in the North Riding. Thinks his lordship's kinsman had
better not press his suit, the Duke being engaged for the place, in
case Mr. Montague should succeed. Thinks the French court is
playing fine and disguising its intentions, in order to prevent the
resolutions which might be taken thereon. Ravens, an able shipwright bred under Chris. Pett, went into Holland for nonconformity,
and the Dutch offered him the building of two ships; he has
hitherto declined, and desires to return to England if he might have
liberty of conscience. Requests to know the King's pleasure therein.
Sends a paper found in Mr. Darley's pocket, and asks how far it
makes him liable to law. [2 pages.] |
Aug. 28.
York. |
47. Dr. Will. Quatremaine to Williamson. Begs a line to know
how he is. They are all in good health. |
Aug. 28.
Salisbury. |
48. Proclamation forbidding the holding of Wayhill fair, co. Hants,
for fear of spreading the infection to parts of the land which are still
free. |
| Aug. 29. |
Warrant to pay to Geoffry Banister, musician in ordinary for
the violin, 46l. 12s. 8d. quarterly for life, from Michaelmas 1663.
[Docquet.] |
| Aug. 29. |
49. H. M[uddiman] to Williamson. Sir Thos. Allin has been
ill, but is past danger. Hopes the fleet will sail on Monday,
they desire nothing more than another engagement. Major Hollis,
who took the Dutch ship, is to have the command of the Breda.
At Deal it is feared that the plague has crept into the Loyal Subject.
Capt. Fortescue, the commander, and six men have died suddenly.
The King of Bantam has sent His Majesty a silver tobacco box, worth
1,000l. A lady from the Indies, married to Mr. Chambers, has come
over in the fleet, and is to have a portion of 500,000l. The French
ambassadors, at least M. Courtin, are daily in conference with the
Lord Chancellor and Lord Arlington. The Elector of Brandenburg
is discontented, because his ships are liable to be condemned by the
Admiralty Court for carrying Dutchmen. A public prohibition is
made to hinder any coming to the King to be touched for the evil,
unless presented by the peculiar officers. Sweden has made four
new field marshals. Holland is in great joy for their preservation at
Bergen, and the Governor there has been presented with 3,000
rixdollars. The States met only to declare some propositions made
to them by the French. [2 pages.] |
Aug. 29.
Letter Office, London. |
50. James Hickes to Williamson. The Lord General has sent two
men to the Gatehouse and also two to the Tower, viz., Major Butler,
who exercised all imaginable afflictions on the King's subjects in
Northamptonshire, and Major Nich. Kelk, of Burchin Lane, London,
formerly an officer in Scotland. |
Aug. 29.
Salisbury. |
51. Jo. Swaddell to Williamson. Wants notice of his return, to
prepare his room. The King talks of removing in a fortnight. The
place is cold and moist, and he does not sleep well there. He will
go to Marlborough for three or four weeks. Lady Anderson is dead,
and supposed to be of the sickness. |
Aug. 29.
Salisbury. |
52. T. Rosse to Williamson. The English were very brave
at Bergen, though shrewdly beaten. The fleet is in Sole Bay.
Hears that their quick return was because the provisions are bad.
Those sick who are put on shore are not well accommodated, so
that complaints are universal from sea and land. The fanatics are
very busy and in high hopes. Sir Wm. Armorer surprised a waggon
with 20 barrels of powder, going through Reading to Malmsbury,
and is following up the scent. A conventicle of 60 was broken up at
Camberwell, and several substantial citizens taken. Dr. Hen.
Wilkinson, M.A. of Oxford, was holding forth to them. There are
several candidates for the place of Mr. Montague [master of the
horse to the Queen], who after behaving very bravely, was shot at
Bergen, but his good-faced brother will carry it, being recommended
by the Queen, on whom the King says he will impose nobody: his
deserts are such that no man could express them, and though the
ladies may not be in love with his face, he will be in love with it
himself. Hopes Williamson will not stay long in that rheumatic
country, for Hannibal lost an eye among fens. [2 pages.] |
| Aug. 29. |
53. Examination of Wm. Andrews of Bulford, before Lord
Arlington. Called George Webb a knave for fighting against the
King, on which Webb said he would do it again to-morrow.
Knows little of Spineage and Pleadwell. |
| Aug. 29. |
54. Examination of George Webb, servant of Mr. Poore, before
Lord Arlington. Served in Col. Norton's regiment in the late
rebellion. Is a kinsman of Andrews, but was a witness in a trial
against him. Had no dispute with any of the King's Guards, but
when they were fishing in the ponds of his master, proffered them
a dish of fish to be quiet, which they refused, and said they would
have their sport. Formerly served Spineage, but has had no
communication with him lately. |
| Aug. 29. |
55. Sir Wm. Clarke to Sir John Mennes. Begs an order for the
release of his groom and coachman, Wm. Falkner, lately pressed
into the service upon his arrival from the East Indies. [Adm.
Paper, 2 pages.] |
| Aug. 29. |
56. Thos. Lewis to the Navy Comrs. One month's extra supply
of dry provision was sent to the fleet during May and June last, to
prevent want through the extraordinary expense made by supernumeraries borne upon several ships. Mr. Gauden requests a warrant
for the said provisions and further orders. [Adm. Paper.] |
Aug. 29.
Deptford. |
57. Chris. Pett and seven other members of the Shipwrights
Company to the Navy Comrs. Report that the two third-rate
frigates, building by Wm. Castell at Deptford and Henry Johnson at
Blackwall, are answerable to contract. [Adm. Paper.] |
Aug. 29.
Cantes, Essex. |
58. Sir Wm. Rider to Sam. Pepys. Though still lame, was
yesterday at Woolwich, on board the Coronation, lately arrived from
India. Met Sir John Mennes there. Dispatched a supply of hemp
to Chatham. Six ships at Stockholm laden with pitch and tar
await convoy from the Sound. If Sir Geo. Carteret will appoint a
person to receive his share of the wine, will remove his own to
another place. It is hardly a time to remove goods of value within
the city of London, when people drop down dead at the scale.
[Adm. Paper, 1½
pages.] |
Aug. 29.
The Bendish. |
59. Capt. Abraham Houlditch to the Navy Comrs. Repairs
needed for the Bendish; 39 of her choicest men were taken up by
the Sovereign, according to order, and 32 soldiers put on board in
their room; has now 125 men on board, and 16 sick on shore.
[Adm. Paper.] |
Aug. 29.
Custom House. |
60. Sir John Wostenholme to Sam. Pepys. Desires an order for
release of Robt. Mott, a boatman employed by the Farmers of Customs,
lately pressed while in the execution of his duties; caution should
be given to the press-masters not to attempt to disturb so great a
branch of the King's revenue by a similar proceeding. [Adm.
Paper.] |
Aug. 29.
Portsmouth. |
61. Comr. Thos. Middleton to Sam. Pepys. The payment of
board wages to the poor workmen will revive their drooping spirits
and do good service. Cannot procure hemp and yarn without
ready money. Particulars of ships. Complains of the London
shipwrights doing their business at a strange rate. Not one of their
ships but is out of order when it comes to Portsmouth. Repairs of
the Merlin and Fox. [Adm. Paper.] |
Aug. 29.
Portsmouth. |
62. St. J. Steventon to Sam. Pepys. Sends account of money
disbursed, with blank bill of imprest, to be filled in at pleasure, for
board wages; the weekly charge amounts to 34l. for 136 men;
requests immediate payment. Encloses, |
62. i. Account by St. J. Steventon of disbursements on an imprest
of 800l. for board wages, contracts, timber, &c.; total,
778l. 15s. 10s.; also of money still owing; total, 431l. 3s. 9d.
29 Aug., 1665. |
Aug. 29.
Portsmouth. |
63. St. J. Steventon to Sir John Mennes. Sends account of
his disbursements. Has forwarded a blank bill of imprest to
Mr. Pepys to be filled; hopes to get it paid by the Treasurer, who
is now at Salisbury, out of the royal aid of the county. [Adm.
Paper.] Encloses, |
63. i. Account of disbursements on an imprest of 800l., as above.
29 Aug., 1665. |
Aug. 30.
Cockpit. |
64. Duke of Albemarle to the Navy Comrs. Hears of a mast at
Plymouth which will serve the Sorlings; desires their order for it.
[Adm. Paper.] |
Aug. 30.
Wanstead. |
65. Joshua Child to the Navy Comrs. Hears that his English
masts are accepted, except a few of the largest; urges the acceptance
of the whole parcel; ordered them solely for the King's service;
large masts are difficult to obtain; cannot without detriment leave
out any of them. The number of those disliked is but five; begs
they may be all taken, lest he suffer too severely for buying before
contracting. [Adm. Paper, 1½
pages.] |
Aug. 30.
Chatham Dock. |
66. Phin. Pett to the Navy Comrs. The Assistance is launched,
and the Diamond docked for repairs; sheathing nails wanted. [Adm
Paper.] |
Aug. 30.
London. |
67. J. Bence, secretary to the Royal Company, to Sam. Pepys.
Complains that no watermen can be found to go down the river on
board the company's ships, for fear of being pressed; requests a
warrant for protection of them. [Adm. Paper.] |
Aug. 30.
Woolwich. |
68. Wm. Cooper to the Navy Comrs. Mr. Castell has removed
the defective timber from his new ship building at Deptford, and no
fault is found by the surveyors in the performance of the work.
[Adm. Paper.] |
Aug. 30.
Surgeons' Hall. |
69. Thos. Hollier, warden, to the Navy Comrs. Has received a
demand from Hugh Rider, master surgeon of the Loyal Katherine,
for a speedy supply of necessary medicaments for 260 sick and
wounded discharged at Harwich. [Adm. Paper.] |
Aug. 30.
Portsmouth. |
70. Comr. Thos. Middleton to Sam. Pepys. Expects the purveyor
shortly, to mark out such timber in the New Forest as is ready for
service. Is sorry the Maybell is sent for timber; she was intended
for St. Malo. "There is a remedy for all things but death." She
shall have quick dispatch in unloading, and still go under convoy of
the Fox or Merlin. Will consider with Mr. Tippetts about the
business of the mast-maker. The ketch will be launched in about
14 days, and may well carry 12 guns. Employs the men out of the
Henrietta pleasure boat, at 5s. a day, in re-fitting the Warwick;
promises she shall be a pattern for all the King's officers to look
upon. Has appointed a boatswain for the ketch. The company of
the Fox swear they will not go beyond the Land's End in her, for
she will drown them all; defective state of the vessel. [Adm.
Paper, 3 pages.] |
Aug. 30.
Portsmouth. |
71. Comr. Thos. Middleton to Sam. Pepys. Cannot imagine that
his present house was built only for himself; is content with a good bed
to lie on, a hammock to sleep in, two or three stools and chairs, and
a few platters for meat. Supposes accommodation will be expected
for any of the Commissioners, when they come down; if not, begs
that no further expense may be incurred. [Adm. Paper.] |
Aug. 30.
Salisbury. |
Proclamation proroguing the Parliament summoned for Westminster for Oct. 3, to meet at Oxford on Oct. 9, on weighty and
urgent affairs; the increase of the plague being so dreadful, and
the infection so generally dispersed in London and Westminster that
they cannot meet there. [Printed. Proc. Coll. Charles II., p. 200.] |
Aug. 30.
York. |
72. Sir Wm. Coventry to Lord [Arlington]. No one who knows
what has passed in the fleet can deny that the victualling has not
been as it ought to be, either as to time or quantity. This caused
the loss of the Hamburg fleet, and the meeting of De Witt may
depend upon it. It is a matter which should be considered of now,
since at Michaelmas, provision of victuals begins. Had Mr. Gauden
died, all would have stood still; where he was in person, he usually
gave good dispatch, but he could not be in all places. Proposes that
other contractors be joined with him, whose skill, activity, and
credit may keep the stores full. It would be a saving if contractors
undertook the several ports. The Yorkshire gentlemen offer to
supply for 5d. what now costs 6d. The victualling was at a cheaper
rate when the King first returned than it now is. The victualler's
agents had not in store the victuals which they pretended to have.
The quantity required to be in store the last reign, when fleets were
small, will not suffice now that the fleet consists of near 30,000 men.
[3 pages.] |
Aug. 30.
York. |
73. Sir Wm. Coventry to Lord [Arlington]. Capt. Strode, of
Dover, has written of the folly of a man calling himself Sir Wm.
Lloyd, who seems to be mad; but none should play with kings in
matters of such moment, without exemplary punishment, to frighten
other fools from talking of the King. Wants an answer about
Howden fair, and tidings of his brother Henry. Mr. Darley owns a
paper sent to be his own, but says it was written in Cromwell's
time, which is very improbable; he has always been an ill-principled
man. Sir Wm. Doyley complains of want of money, and the
business under his care is of consequence. |
Aug. 30.
Deal. |
74. Earl of Carlingford to Lord Arlington. Is ready to start.
Mr. Solicitor [General] with his wife and family have come to
recommend their son, who will accompany him to Vienna. Will send
his eldest son to receive the King's commands for Ireland. Kent is
exposed to danger, by the militia being in the hands of unskilful
persons. Dover might be burnt without opposition. Recommends
Sir Arthur Slingsby, an active and loyal man, for employment
therein. |
Aug. 30.
Salisbury. |
The King to the Sheriff of Leicestershire. Danvers, long since
charged with high treason, and summoned by proclamation for trial,
was lately apprehended, but has escaped. He is to enquire about a
good estate which Danvers is said to have, in manors, lands, &c., in
the county, inventory his goods, and put them into responsible hands
till Danvers' prosecution; meanwhile the farmers and tenants are
to retain the rents. [Ent. Book 17, pp. 133–4.] |
| Aug. 30. |
Warrant to Baptist May, keeper of the privy purse, to pay to
Capt. Fras. Berkeley 100l. out of every 1,000l. paid in as fines and
forfeitures on prohibited goods. [Ent. Book 22, p. 266.] |
| Aug. 30. |
75. Earl of Sandwich to Lord [Arlington]. Is sailing with the
fleet, all in good condition, and hopes success; has but little liquor.
His brother, Sir George Carteret, will inform of what things are
needed against their return. |
Aug. 30.
Cheam. |
76. Jo. Corrance to Lord Conway. Note of courtesy. |
Aug. 30.
Letter Office, London. |
77. James Hickes to [Williamson]. There is some doubt of the
sickness at Hull and Newcastle. The fleet in Sole Bay was to put to
sea last night; 117 died at Yarmouth last week, 96 of whom were
of plague. Major Swallow, Mr. Money, a minister, and others have
been secured at Norwich. |
| Aug. 31. |
78. James Hickes to Williamson, at the Earl of Peterborough's,
Drayton, Northamptonshire. An express came from the Earl of
Sandwich, on board the Prince, to the Duke of Albemarle. The
fleet numbers 112 brave ships; the Royal Sovereign is with them.
Has paid the 5l. to the Churchwardens of St. Martin's parish. |
| Aug. 31. |
79. H. M[uddiman] to Williamson. Mr. Reid supposes that the
reason of Sir Bern. Gascoigne's receiving no letters in three weeks
is that Italy fears infection from letters from England. Items from
letters;—
Dover, August 28: five ships are brought in, but it is
thought four will prove French.
Deal, August 28: two houses are shut up on suspicion of the
plague. Those who died in the Loyal Subject died from
calenture.
Yarmouth, August 28: three vessels have been taken near.
Two Dutch vessels will damage the colliers who venture
without convoy, unless the Little Mary can prevent.
Sir Thos. Clifford will go to Sweden as well as Denmark. A
plot is discovered in Holland to surprise Arnheim for the
Bishop of Munster, and severely punished; they are dismayed there at the removal of Sir George Downing,
without whom they have small hopes of accommodation.
[2 pages.] |
Aug. 31.
Salisbury. |
80. Robt. Lye to Williamson. Lord [Arlington] wishes his return
as soon as convenient, since the Court will not remove to Oxford for
a month yet. His lordship thanks him for his care about an apartment for him at Oxford. |
Aug. 31.
Harwich. |
81. Comr. John Taylor to the Navy Comrs. The Unity ketch is
unfit to be continued in the service; has ordered her delivery to
the owners. [Adm. Paper.] |
Aug. 31.
Purford. |
82. Robt. Parkhurst to Sir Wm. Batten. Represents the opposition
met with by Henry Prescot from Radcliffe, a bargemaster, in
reference to the carriage of timber. [Duplicate of his letter to
Pepys of August 21. Adm. Paper, 2 pages.] Encloses, |
|
82. i. Petition of Francis Lucas, deputy to Capt. John Taylor,
employed in building the London frigate, to the Navy
Comrs., to prevent the great inconvenience caused through
the bargemen's refusing to carry timber, by empowering
Henry Prescot to impress vessels for the carriage of
timber; has 80 loads upon Woodbridge wharf, ready for
the building of the London frigate, but can get no
conveyance for it. |
|
82. ii. Form of a warrant from the Navy Comrs. authorizing Henry
Prescot to take up all barges, boats, &c., necessary for
transporting from Woodbridge Wharf, Guildford River,
to Deptford, 80 loads of timber for the London frigate. |
Aug. 31.
Chatham Dock. |
83. Jos. Lawrence to the Navy Comrs. Capt. Blackman is
appointed commander of the fifth-rate frigate now building.
Sends the dimensions and number of guns required. [Adm.
Paper.] |
Aug. 31.
Harwich. |
84. Sir Wm. Batten to the Navy Comrs. Departure of the
fleet; the Sovereign, Bull, and other ships in company make
it a much gallanter show than formerly. The Prudent Mary and
Guernsey are left behind for repairs. The ketches are all gone;
500l. is wanted to pay the shipwrights. Small pox is prevalent in
the town. [Adm. Paper.] |
Aug.
Salisbury. |
85. Pass for the St. Mary Magdalene, bound for Ostend, brought
into Portsmouth by the Katherine, but restored as belonging to
subjects of the King of France. |
| Aug. |
Minute of the above. [Ent. Book 22, p. 279.] |
| Aug. |
Memoranda [by Williamson from the Signet books] of warrants,
&c., passed during the month; viz.:—
Grant to Sir Lionel Tollemache of the Rangership of the new
park, near Richmond.
Grant to the King's trumpeters of 20l. a year out of the
Treasury chamber. [Domestic Corresp., July 1665, No. 132.] |
| Aug ? |
86. Warrant for alteration of the commissions drawn up for
captains and other officers of foot, wherein instead of their being
assigned to regiments to be appointed, the particular regiment in
which they are to serve shall be mentioned. [Draft.] |
Aug.
Portsmouth. |
87. Comr. Thos. Middleton to [Sam. Pepys]. Has bought 12
tons of rosin lately brought into port by a French vessel, at 9l. 10s.
per ton; has promised ready money for it; begs it may be paid, so
as not to lose credit with the people. The French yarn proves
better than any yet sent to Portsmouth. A cable is wanted for the
Lizard. [Adm. Paper.] |
Aug.
Sarum. |
88. "Declaration of a person who is seemingly of this confede
racie, on purpose to do His Majesty and country service." Major
Dale, alias White, formerly escaped from the Tower, came to New
Sarum six weeks ago, and told Mr. Parker, a baker, of a great plot
in hand, which Buffet was promoting in the west. Their design is to
seize the Tower and magazine, and the King's Guards at Whitehall;
2,000 are to attack the Tower, with help of the prisoners and such
of their attendants as are of that party; 10,000 are ready at an
hour's call in the West; they will seize the King's Guards if he be
there, and use their arms. Major Dale visits Bristol, Taunton,
Glastonbury, and Cornwall; Buffet is usually in Cornwall. Account
of other plotters; Rich. Edwards, formerly accused of treason but
released on bail, has forfeited his recognizance, and gone to Ireland
to promote the design there. |
| Aug. ? |
89. Case of John Davis, late of Acton. He spent 20,000l. for
the King's service in his peregrinations; on 20 Dec. 1662, he was
sent to the Tower, by warrant of Sec. Bennet, his papers searched,
but being only on private business, they were restored; his imprisonment was very close. He was compelled to pay 3l. weekly
to [Sir John Robinson], the lieutenant of the Tower, who converted
to his own use the 3l. allowed for him by the King, and other contributions of Sir Hen. Bennet. Davis threatened to take the
benefit of the law, and sue the lieutenant for false imprisonment;
after 54 weeks' restraint, Sir John told him he had the King's orders
to send him away, but would not tell him where; Davis replied
that this was acting contrary to law, which he was sure the King
would not do if he knew it, and threatened to make him answer to
Parliament; a file of musketeers forced him out of the Tower; he was
conveyed by Ensign Boddiley, on the Katherine yacht, to the Essex
frigate, to be sent to Tangiers, on purpose that if there he whistled
a discontented note, or sung a melancholy tune, a court martial
might dispatch him as a mutineer. He is treated with great inhumanity in the voyage, being in a cabin too narrow to hold him, and
without sheets or clothes to keep him warm. With marginal notes,
aggravating the conduct of Sir John Robinson, and of the King,
who himself signed the warrants and went on board the yacht to
give directions about him. Endorsed, "John Davis's case; found
by Mr. L'Estrange with Bagshaw, then prisoner in the Tower, upon
the 30th of January, 1665." [2 pages.] |
