Charles II - volume 155: May 1-11, 1666

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles II, 1665-6. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1864.

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'Charles II - volume 155: May 1-11, 1666', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles II, 1665-6, (London, 1864) pp. 374-393. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/chas2/1665-6/pp374-393 [accessed 24 March 2024]

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May 1-11, 1666

May 1. 1. Note by [James Hickes] of the addresses of four letters sent franked with Mr. Muddiman's, April 26 and May 1, but not of his writing nor seal, Mr. Cook ordering the packet of Muddiman's letters to go free as formerly.
May 1. 2. Report by Sir Edw. Turner,—on the petition of Sir Hen. Wroth, as lord of the manors of Loughton and Chigwell, Essex, belonging to Waltham Forest, for leave to improve and enclose, by consent of the tenants, 1,500 out of the 4,000 acres of common thereabouts,— that the King having no revenue there, his interest is in the herbage for the feed and covert of the deer, which will not be injured by enclosing the ground with hedges from the rest of the common, the enclosures being made according to the forest laws.
May 1.
Whitehall.
Sec. Morice to Col. Richard Norton, at Southwick, near Portsmouth. The King, fearing the evils that may ensue upon the spreading of the plague at Portsmouth, and wishing to provide that none perish for want of relief, orders that if it should so increase as that the inhabitants are unable to maintain the poor infected persons, rates should be laid on the neighbouring country, and all other good courses taken that may alleviate the misery of the sufferers, and hinder the contagion from spreading. [Ent. Book 14, p. 89.]
May 1. The King to [the Fellows of Exeter College, Oxford]. Recommends them especially to admit Arthur Bury, M.A., as rector, Dr. Joseph Maynard having resigned, on account of his infirm condition and of the great distance from his benefice. [Ent. Book14, p. 90.]
May 1.
Portsmouth.
3. Comr. Thos. Middleton to Sam. Pepys. Hasno malignity against the master of the Henrietta; only informed against him from a sense of duty; a great complaint is made of the new sails in Sir Jeremy Smith's squadron; the sickness is at Farham, but decreases in Portsmouth. [Adm. Paper.]
May 1
The Fairfax, Buoy of the Nore.
4. Sir John Mennes to the Navy Comrs. Acknowledges 15,000l. received; has paid off seven ships named; can neither get books nor hear of the pursers of many of the smaller ships; pursers in general are very negligent of their duties, and will continue so if some severe course be not taken to chase them from their conclave at London. Encloses,
4. i. Capt. Peter Bowen to Sir John Mennes. Thos. Salmon, purser of the Matthias, resolves not to come near the ship any more, by reason of his great debts to the men; he has not left so much as a sea book behind him, whereby to prove the discharge, death, or runaway of any of the crew.
The Matthias, [April] 30, 1666.
May 1.
Tower.
5. Sir John Robinson to the Navy Comrs. Recommends Wm. Pattison, late master of the Abraham prize, about to be discharged, for employment according to his merit. [Adm. Paper.]
May 2.
Royal Charles, Buoy of the Nore.
6. Jas. Hayes, secretary to Prince Rupert, to Sam. Pepys. Is commanded to enquire what ships have been sheathed, belonging to the fleet; account of ships now at the Nore; the Revenge and four others, sent to cruise about the Texel, have returned, bringing a Dutch pink and dogger-boat as prizes; a great fleet of Dutch merchants are returning home by Ireland, for whose convoy twelve menof-war are sent. [Adm. Paper.]
May 2. 7. Capt. George Erwin to the Navy Comrs. Gives an account of the state of readiness of seven Gottenburg ships in or near Longreach, three prize ships at Deptford, two vessels in Limehouse reach, and two vessels at Limehouse. [Adm. Paper.]
May 2.
Victualling Office Tower Hill.
8. Denis Gauden to the Navy Comrs. For want of victualling vessels at Ipswich and Harwich, is obliged to load provisions for the fleet at the Nore in any fitting ships that can be taken up; the Olive Branch and Rose so laden refuse to sail, pretending they want men, though they were manned when taken up; begs that they may be ordered to proceed forthwith to the fleet. [Adm. Paper.]
May 2.
Victualling Office, Tower Hill.
9. Denis Gauden to the Navy Comrs. Complains of the loss of time, demurrage, and damage sustained by ships refusing to receive the proportion of beer they are given in for; has been obliged to appoint beer to some of the water ships. [Adm. Paper.]
May 2. 10. Account of stores demanded for the Tiger, by Thos. Smith, boatswain. [Adm. Paper.]
May 2. 11. Report by Ben. Matthews, carpenter, of damage incurred to the said ship, by great shot. [Adm. Paper.]
May 2.
Whitehall.
12. Petition of Lawrence Clarke, prisoner in Hertford, to the King, for pardon and leave to devote his life to His Majesty's service. Was accused as an offender of the laws, and found guilty last Hertford summer assizes, but reprieved, because Lord Chief Justice Bridgeman deemed him innocent; still suffers cruel imprisonment, in double irons, though capable to serve in any honourable employment. With reference thereon to Lord Chief Justice Bridgeman, and his report, May 7, in favour of the petitioner, as he has certificates of good character, and the offence,—that of robbing a carrier,— was probably committed by a notorious robber of the same name, who, on his execution, cleared the petitioner.
May 2. Warrant to the Comrs. of Prizes to order payment of 400l. each to Sir Hum. Bennet and three other [Sub-Comrs.] during the continuance of their employment in the port of Portsmouth. [Ent. Book 23, p. 83.]
May 2.
Royal Charles, Buoy of the Nore.
13. Sir Wm. Clarke to Williamson. The Duke thanks him for his letters; sends a list of 82 ships now under the Admirals' direction, 59 of which are there or at Chatham and Sheerness, and with Capt. Elliott in Ouseley Bay; seven that were with Sir Jeremiah Smith have gone to Sheerness to clear.
May 2.
Royal Charles, Buoy of the Nore.
14. Jas. Hayes to Williamson. Details of their ships and those of Sir Jeremy Smith. All things are well with them, the admirals vigilant, officers and soldiers cheerful, the fleet healthy, and nobody disheartened, though the Danes are adding twenty of their best men-of-war to the Dutch navy. English courage encreases with danger; thinks they will not change their station till more ships are come up. [1½ pages.]
May 2. 15. W. H[aglet to Chris. Sanderson]. Wm. Langstaffe boasts much of his intimacy with Justice Robinson, and says the justice is as favourable to fanatics as he dares be, and blames [Sanderson] for putting the laws into execution against friends. He says Robinson is sure to join any plot for deliverance, as he offered his best horse against the cavaliers, when, in 1648, Sir Marmaduke Langdale came in with Duke Hamilton; he would be dangerous in a rebellion, but loves the pot and pipe too well for a soldier; he never disturbs the quakers' assemblies in his division. John Cock, of Raby Castle, is a subtle, dangerous person, and courts the fanatics; he has the disposal of Lady Vane's estate, is her steward, keeps her courts, and holds courts at Barnard Castle and Staindrop. He says he would hold the candle to the devil to gain his own ends. The fanatics think him a great politician, and in case of rising or invasion, the only leading man in those parts. Chris. Eyon says it must soon be a King and no state, or a state and no King, for there will be an invasion before August. He corresponds with Holland, and also with Leonard Robinson, of London, brother of Justice Robinson, which Leonard is a great fanatic. Thinks they knew of the plot of 1663. Particulars of Eyon's sending goods to Jas. Ward, of Amsterdam, which were seized, but re-delivered on attestation of Justice Robinson. Rob. Bolton, of Darlington, John and Fras. Percival, and John Loadman, of Bowes, are dangerous persons. Hears of no intention of action at present; his cousin Gower is out from gaol on a 500l. bond. Wm. Hubord, alias Lowden, a plotter in Westmoreland in 1663, has been privately kept there ever since; hopes soon to gain more acquaintance with him. Endorsed "Intelligence from Durham." [3 pages.] Annexing,
15. i. List of 36 dangerous persons in the north of England, including those mentioned in the preceding letters, and notes relating to several of them. [3 pages.]
May 2. 16. Copy of the above letter, with marginal notes [by Williamson]. [2 pages.]
May 3.
London.
17. Gilbert Thomas, marshal, to Lord Arlington. Finds that Padshall in the Gatehouse is guilty of most of the charge; if he be kept close prisoner, he may, by means of his wife, discover where Allen, alias Blood, lodges, or Joannes, alias Mene Tekel. Met with Col. Parsons, belonging to Daniel's regiment in the rebellion; asks if he is to be secured. Hopes to light on Major Hierome Carew.
May 3. 18. Thos. Bedford to Williamson. Wants Lord Arlington's seal to inhibitions touching the St. Anne of St. Sebastian, and the Friendship.
May 3/13.
Brussels.
19. Nic. Arthur to Lord Arlington. Asks instructions how to treat with parties. Is pressed to confer with Ludlow. Asks how he should act as to overtures made by some of his countrymen to the French King. Thinks it must be busy prelates, a generation whom it is resolved to avoid, or other uncommissioned persons, who have sounded how he may be disposed if further addresses were made. Mr. Sylvas has reported their transactions at the Hague. Came to Brussels to receive and send his letters safely, dreading Nipho. Asks whether the Duke employed Neville, an ejected Jesuit, to attempt some prejudice to the Dutch; if so, will execute it himself, if possible, the man being discovered and thus disabled. Is going to Holland. Wants money, having been at great charges. The gentlemen sent with him must be strictly warned not to blab; will be undone if they do. Will so act that Lord Ossory and Mr. Hamilton need not be ashamed of their countryman. Relies on his lordship to free him from suffering long, in case a misfortune happens. [3 pages.]
May 3. The King to the Duke of York. Being resolved to resent the many wrongs received from the King of Denmark, and to issue shortly a declaration of war against him, directs him to order all ships of war to send into English ports all ships and vessels belonging to Denmark, and all Danish ships in the ports of England and Ireland to be detained. [Ent. Book 17, p. 185.]
May 3. Warrant to the Lord Chamberlain to swear in George Tomlins to the office of King's writer, flourisher, and embellisher. [Ent. Book 23, p. 82.]
May 3. Warrant to the Commissioners of Ordnance to deliver to John Flavel [Fowell], governor of Dartmouth Castle, four barrels of powder. Minute. [Ent. Book 22, p. 83.]
May 3.
Whitehall.
20. Warrant to Lord Ashley, treasurer of prize goods, to pay to John Fowell, governor of Dartmouth Castle and Blockhouse, 280l. 10s. as pay for himself and soldiers, and other necessary provisions for the castle.
May 3.
London.
Levant Company to Capt. Chamblet and others, at Messina. On their complaints of great expenses, and their bills for 400l. charged thither, have decided that an extra demurrage of one fifth more than before allowed shall be paid by the laders of goods, and any bills they have drawn or may draw shall be paid by the owners, not the company. This demurrage is only granted in case they comply with orders to wait for a convoy or further direction. [Levant Papers, Vol. v., p. 137.]
May 3.
London.
Levant Company to Consul Cave. Order the 342 dollars deposited in Cancellaria on account of damage done by Capt. Rand to Rich. Peckett's cloth, to be paid to Rich. Uvedale, Peckett's correspondent, on security to save the Company harmless, Rand not having moved therein. [Levant Papers, Vol. v., p. 138.]
May 3. Papers relating to the Desire smack; [Adm. Papers], viz:—
21. Capt. Wm. Badiley to the Navy Comrs. Reports his survey of the Desire of Barking, and three other ships.
Nov. 10, 1664.
22. Certificate by Sir Thos. Allin of the discharge of John Anderson, master of the Desire, transferred to the Royal Katherine. Royal James, Dec. 31, 1665.
23. Sea-book of John Anderson, master, with affidavit by John Andrews, mariner of Barking, of the correctness of the entries. April 26, 1666.
24. Edw. Sherburne and Fras. Nicholls to Sir Geo. Carteret. John Anderson has delivered his remaining gunner's stores and given account of the expenditure.
Ordnance Office, May 3, 1666.
May 3.
Ordnance Office.
25. Edw. Sherburne and Fras. Nicholls to Sir Geo. Carteret. James Wardell, master of the Sea Venture smack, has delivered his remaining gunner's stores, and given account of his expenditure. [Adm. Paper.]
May 3.
Chatham.
26. Capt. Charles O'Bryen to Sam. Pepys. Requests payment of 4l. 10s. charges, and also of press money and victualling money, whilst in the dock at Woolwich. [Adm. Paper.]
May 3.
Royal Charles, Buoy of the Nore.
27. Sir Wm. Clarke to the Navy Comrs. The Duke of Albemarle has appointed a convoy for the Maybolt hoy, but desires them in future to apply to Sir Wm. Coventry, who has ships that may better be spared than those under the admirals. Wants more of the Articles of War. [Adm. Paper.]
May 4. 28. Note, by Denis Gauden, of 121 tons of provisions, ready at Milford to be sent by Capt. Rich. Teate in the Friezland. [Adm. Paper.]
May 4.
Edwinstow, Sherwood.
29. John Russell to the Navy Comrs. Asks an order for removing the Adam and Eve hoy to Stockwith, and whether she is to be repaired; wants money for her weighing and land carriage; the last 125l. sent was due to the workmen. [Adm. Paper.]
May 4.
Plymouth.
30. Thos. Waltham to the Navy Comrs. Particulars of ships despatched and in readiness. The Nightingale has taken a Dutch caper and French frigate off Scilly. [Adm. Paper.]
May 4.
Yarmouth.
31. Thos. Stollard, of the Milkmaid, to the Navy Comrs. The cables ordered from Harwich have not arrived; asks for two small guns to defend the ship, and some muskets to give notice to convoys by night. [Adm. Paper.]
May 4.
Royal Charles, Buoy of the Nore.
32. Duke of Albemarle to Sir Wm. Penn. Of the three tierce and one hogshead of wine sent from the Governor of Guernsey in the Elizabeth pink, part has been drunk out, and the rest spoiled with putting in salt water. Desires the master's payment for freight to be stopped until satisfaction be given. [Adm. Paper.]
May 4. 33. Petition of Anne Desborough to the King, for release of her husband, and compensation for his sufferings in His Majesty's service. He cannot get a hearing, in spite of an order from King and Council, that he should be examined by the Duke of Albemarle and Lord Arlington.
May 4.
Pembroke.
34. Fras. Malory to Jas. Hickes. Details of the capture of a Dutch and a French prize, by Capt. Young, of the Adventure; they were intended for Plymouth, but brought into Milford. Will write every week; no letters are sent by post to or from the captains. With note [by Hickes] that Sir Phil. Frowde has called Capt. Lloyd to account for the late defective delivery of Carmarthen and Pembroke letters; that a person should be fixed upon for receipt and delivery of letters, as they are longer in coming from Pembroke than in going to and coming from Plymouth.
May 4. 35. Note [by Jas. Hickes] of the addresses of nine letters directed to John Cooke, secretary to Sir Wm. Morice, Principal Secretary of State, by direction of Mr. Muddiman, April 30 and May 2 and 4.
May 4.
Royal Charles, Buoy of the Nore.
36. Duke of Albemarle to Lord Arlington. Thanks for his letter, and Mr. Williamson's care to send all the news. Hears that the Dutch fleet will not be ready for a month, and theirs will be ready in three weeks. Is glad that Lord Holles is sent for home. Will send a frigate from the Downs to convey the ship with Lady Arlington's baggage; but the master must have an order, when a frigate lies before the harbour and shoots three guns, to join her. There are now 54 ships in the Nore, 5 in the Downs, and 13 at Sheerness and Chatham.
May 4.
Royal Charles, Buoy of the Nore.
37. Sir Wm. Clarke to Williamson. The King and Duke of York are gone to-day to-day to Chatham; sends a list of the ships there, and how the others are disposed of. At a court martial on board the Royal Charles, Wm. Fyler, late gunner of the Matthias, was cashiered that ship, and sent foremast-man on board the Helverson, for coming in drunk, and firing his cabin by making trial of some fireworks. Encloses,
37. i. List of ships in the buoy of the Nore, at Chatham, and Sheerness, in the Thames, in the Downs, and other ports, &c. May 4, 1666.
May 5.
Buoy of the Nore.
38. Prince Rupert to Lord Arlington. Having only a moment, will assure him of his service by Lord Ossory.
May 5.
Whitehall.
39. Warrant to the Board of Greencloth to admit Rob. Nutt as serjeant of the pantry, in place of Fras. Cobb, anything in the late book to the contrary notwithstanding.
May 5. 40. Roger L'Estrange to Williamson. Is satisfied that his proofs against Page and Johnson are short as ground for an indictment, so that to avoid clamour, they should be discharged on bail. Hopes such aid from one of them as will countervail the grant of his liberty. The wretches are under Wickham's charge, and they would be glad for Lord Arlington, who approves this notion, to be reminded of the business.
May 5.
Ipswich.
41. Andrew Crawley to Sam. Pepys. Sends an account of the receipts and issues for April; the provisions ordered for the buoy of the Nore are nearly all shipped. Will soon want casks; expects some when the Flamborough fleet arrives. Has six sail of frigates at Harwich to victual. [Adm. Paper.] Encloses,
41. i. Schedule of letters of credit for provisions, granted by Andrew Crawley to ten ships in the port of Ipswich, in April.
May 5. 42. Bill of lading of the Love hoy with timber from Stockwith; total, 51 loads. [Adm. Paper.]
May 5. 43. Account of Capt. John Proud's expenses in surveying 24 merchant ships employed in the King's service; total, 3l. [Adm. Paper.]
May 5. 44. John Ruffhead to the Navy Comrs. Entreats a warrant to Mr. Bradly, to deliver the two great anchors for the Victory at Deptford, and receive his bill there for them, instead of at Chatham, according to contract. [Adm. Paper.]
May 5.
London.
45. Josiah Child to the Navy Comrs. Entreats a convoy for his ship Lady, freighted to fetch the New England masts contracted for, now cleared from the Custom House, and waiting at Gravesend to depart. [Adm. Paper.]
May 5.
Dover.
46. Thos. White to the Navy Comrs. Has to pay the same price for freight of ballast as the victuallers pay, 3s. per ton; it is hard to get a vessel for the purpose, all being employed to carry victuals; Has to deliver 58 tons to the Guildde Ruiter; writes the captain that his own boat must fetch it; he answers that his men are not to be trusted on land, or he should lose boat and men; will not furnish it without orders; the Cygnet is come into port to victual and clean. [Adm. Paper.]
May 5.
The Rupert. Buoy of the Nore.
47. James Phillipps, steward, to Robt. Smith, Navy Office, Tower Hill. The captain is "wrathfully angry" with Mr. Cowley about the pork and butter provided; both must be exchanged at London; he is also offended that a sea book was not provided; the 336 men are on board; expects others. Hopes Mr. Cowley will hasten to the Nore, lest there be "friends made against him there," and that he will not be long detained at Harwich. [Adm. Paper.]
May 6.
Plymouth.
48. Thos. Waltham to the Navy Comrs. The Tiger has arrived with a French prize, laden with brandy and wines; on the 1st of May, she met a Dutch man-of-war of 40 guns, who endeavoured to board her, but after two or three broadsides, fell off and ran; Capt. Pett and four others are slain, and 18 wounded; the ship is much torn. Men are wanted for the Constant Warwick. Cannot obtain a perfect book of entries and discharges from the pursers of the Elizabeth and Sorlings. [Adm. Paper.]
May 6.
Portsmouth Dockyard.
49. Comr. Thos. Middleton to [Sam. Pepys]. Will not discharge the carpenters until after the spring tide, so as to hasten the dispatch of ships in port; the poor men are willing to stay, even if they quarter in a sawpit in the yard. Has promised to lend brimstone from the stores, for the present use of the Golden Lion. The Essex sails from Spithead, to convoy vessels to the Nore. The plague decreases; there are not above three or four deaths in a week. Many have the distemper and recover. "In Farham it is hot, four in one house well, sick, and dead in four hours." At Gosport, it has broken out afresh; the people now make tents out of town, or lie in any barns or hovels they can get. [Adm. Paper, 2½ pages.] Encloses,
49. i. Certificate by Sir Jer. Smith, of the defective state of the sails in his squadron. The Mary, May 2, 1666.
49. ii. Certificate by Sir Jer. Smith and Wm. Noble, of the failure of three new sails, used by the boatswain of the Mary, during the expedition to the Straits.
The Mary, May 2, 1666.
May 6.
Plymouth.
50. John Lanyon to the Navy Comrs. Sends his accounts of disbursements upon the Elizabeth and Sorlings. The Giles ketch is now in hand. The Tiger is arrived, with a prize of 200 tons burden. Particulars of her engagement with a Dutch caper, the lieutenant of which wanted his men to board, thinking those on the Tiger would be drunk with wines taken from their prize, but the men dared not board; Capt. Pett was the first man slain; he is much lamented; the ship has received 52 shot in the hull, and lost many of her small masts. May 5 and 6. [Adm. Paper.]
May 6. 51. Robt. Smith to Sam. Pepys. Thinks Thos. Salisbury and Wm. Heeley sufficient securities for 300l. in behalf of Fras. Mortimer, purser of the Royal Charles hired ship. [Adm. Paper.]
May 7. 52. Request for a messenger's warrant to bring up Thos. Teeton, of Denton, co. Northampton, a convicted deer stealer in Saulcy Forest. The Earl of Northampton, as deputy keeper of the hawks for the Earl of Carnarvon, had ordered his gun to be taken away by Wm. James and Rob. Draper, and Teeton, in contempt of prerogative, sues James and Draper at common law.
May 7. 53. Leonard Williams to Lord Arlington. There is a design in agitation in the persons formerly mentioned; they meet once or twice a week in Southwark, but act so closely and cunningly that time and place cannot be ascertained. With money to live on and pay the charges of two men, will watch for them, but cannot continue there without money.
May 7. 54. Petition of James Buck to the King for relief; served in the rising of the West, in Sir George Booth's action, &c.; a lease of Kennington manor, Lambeth, was promised him at the earnest request of the Duke of Ormond, but it had been given before to Lord Arundel; he was then promised a place as groom of the privy chamber to the Queen, and provided clothes, &c., but others were put in instead.
May 7. 55. Petition of Elinor Carnaby, widow, on behalf of herself and daughters Grace and Elinor, to the King, for a pension from the customs at Newcastle, or other relief. Her first husband, Ralph Carnaby of Halton, Northumberland, raised and maintained two troops of horse for the late King, and was twice forced to compound for his estate; her second husband, Sir Thos. Carnaby, was murdered by a soldier at York, leaving his family destitute.
May 7.
Royal Charles, Buoy of the Nore.
56. Certificate by Prince Rupert and the Duke of Albemarle, that on trial of Capt. Rich. Minors, lieutenant of the Old James under the late Earl of Marlborough, at a court martial, May 3, he was not found guilty of want of courage or non-performance of duty, in his engagement with the Dutch on 3rd June 1665, but that Opdam was blown up before the Earl of Marlborough was killed. [Copy.]
May 7.
Whitehall.
Reference to the Attorney General on the petition of Catherine Boynton, for a grant of the money due on a bond of 1,000l., forfeited by Mr. Collins of Norwich, for delinquency, His Majesty having promised to grant her a sum to that value, when she could find an occasion to present her request. [Ent. Book 18, p. 204.]
May 7.
Whitehall.
Warrant to Sir Edw. Walker for Eleanor, daughter of the late Sir Edward Villiers, to have the same precedence as though her father had lived, to succeed Sir Oliver St. John, his near kinsman, as Viscount Grandison. [Ent. Book 17, p. 186.]
May 7. Warrant to the keeper of New Prison to deliver Dixy Paige and Thomas Johnson to the custody of John Wickham, messenger. Minute. [Ent. Book 23, p. 83.]
May 7. Warrant for the Earl of Northampton to be gamekeeper within 12 miles of Castle Ashby. Minute. [Ent. Book 23, p. 83.]
May 7. Warrant to [John] Bradley to apprehend Whitebread for treasonable practices. Minute. [Ent. Book 23, p. 84.]
May 7. Warrant to pay to George Cartwright 800l. for the use of the Commissioners employed for the visitation of the colonies in New England. [Docquet.]
May 7. Nomination of Percival Stanney to be carrier of the King's letters, with allowance of 10s. a day, from the profits of the post office. [Docquet.]
May 7, 57. Memoranda, [by Williamson], from advices received during the week:—
Plymouth, May 4: A French sloop took two vessels before Dartmouth, but boats were manned out which retook them. The Sorlings is gone to fetch in a ship from Jamaica, having 50,000l. worth of gold and plate for the King and Duke of York's tenths and fifteenths of prizes taken about those islands; she was chased by two pickeroons, but being mistaken for a frigate, was left.
Bridgewater, May 5: French capers have taken two small vessels off Land's End.
Newcastle, May 4: The colliers from Lynn have arrived, and 20 more are expected.
Weymouth, May 5: The Nonsuch saved a Swedish ship, bringing wines from Bourdeaux to London, which ran upon a rock.
Minehead, May 3: 11 or 12 barks, with the Fox frigate, have sailed for Ireland.
Bristol, May 5: The Sapphire brought four prizes into Castlehaven, and did much hurt to a Dutch man-of-war; 123 Dutch prisoners are sent from Bristol to Chepstow Castle.
Barnstaple, May 4: 40 or 50 Dutch capers are waiting the Virginia fleet; one of them took a vessel laden with masts from New England.
Pembroke, April 26: The Adventure has brought in two prizes and sent two to Plymouth.
Lynn, May 3: 40 or 50 sail, some say 100 or 150, were discovered, seemingly bound for the Straits. [1¼ pages.]
May 7. 58. Thos. Perrin to the Navy Comrs. The bowsprit of Mr. Johnson's new ship at Blackwall is too small. Asks whether another is to be provided, or a fish is to serve. Mr. Johnson will not garnish the upper tier of ports with carved work, according to contract. [Adm. Paper.]
May 7. 59. Robt. Smith to Sam. Pepys. Wm. Miller, of Colchester, and James Lane, of St. Clement's Inn, are sufficient securities for 300l., in behalf of Samuel Martin, purser of the London. [Adm. Paper.]
May 7. 60. Geo. Solby to [Pepys]. Begs payment of freight money due since August 1664, to Nath. Doggett of the Reserve. [Adm. Paper.]
May 7.
Tower.
61. Jonas Moore to Sam. Pepys. The crane at Chatham cost in all 150l.; does not approve of it; advises if it be re-built, that it be made like that on the Tower wharf. [Adm. Paper.]
May 7.
Dover.
62. Fr. Hosier to Sam. Pepys. The victualling agents were in debt for provisions at his first coming to Dover. The people were then fearful lest Mr. Gauden should die, and the agents not be able to pay their creditors. Has hitherto waived his instructions to enquire the amount of these debts. If Mr. Gauden were ordered his money monthly, as it grows due, for victuals in each port, it would oblige him to let the surveyors overlook his ledgers more carefully. If he be in debt to his contractors, the money could be stopped; the knowledge of his contracts would give some light as to his profits. The victualler's agent giving no accounts of provisions issued, the surveyor cannot prevent pursers from taking provisions for more men than are on board. To prevent victuallers buying such stores, no indents nor letters of credit should be accepted, without the surveyor's hand to certify the same. Asks an order to muster the ships in the Downs, in order to ascertain the number of men borne upon each. [Adm. Paper, 2 pages.]
May 7.
Dover.
63. Fr. Hosier to Sam. Pepys. Proposes plans for ascertaining the exact debtor and creditor account of each victualler and purser, every time each ship victuals. [Adm. Paper, 1½ pages.]
May 7. 64. Account of money due for the hire of labourers to lade the Golden Falcon, a victualler, with beer; total, 6l. [Adm. Paper.]
May 7.
Edwinstow.
65. John Russell to the Navy Comrs. The Love hoy and Black Dog are laden with timber from Stockwith. Will try this spring tide to turn the Adam and Eve; the delay is for want of blocks and hawsers to make tackle with. Lord Byron refuses to fell any more trees, having so much timber and plank still lying at Gunthorp, which he knows not how to get to Stockwith. [Adm. Paper.]
May 8.
Dieppe.
66. Peter Crucifix to the Navy Comrs. Advises the arrival of goods at Ostend; begs that Thos. White may have orders to receive the same at the hands of Adrian Vanderhague, merchant. [Adm. Paper.]
May 8.
The Guernsey, Harwich.
67. Capt. T. Fisher to Sir Wm. Coventry. Has been hindered nearly two tides for want of a pilot from Deal; they shifted it off from one to another, saying the allowance of 30s. would be spent in returning by land; asks directions about his victualling; in the expectance of approaching action, hopes not to be retarded for want of necessary provisions. The officers and poor men again beg the advancement of at least part of their arrears; is ashamed to reiterate the request; "instead of a young commander, is rendered an old beggar." [Adm. Paper.]
May 8.
Portsmouth Dockyard.
68. Comr. Thos. Middleton to Sam. Pepys. Does not know the name of the master of the Henrietta, his face, qualifications, nor anything more or less of him, except his miscarriage in laying the ship aground; if he is not a drunkard, his captain, who more than once or twice has complained of his drunkenness, has done him an injury; believes the captain is as much in fault as the master; had the ship been aground at high water, or with half the wind that sometimes blows, she had been lost; whether she was there half an hour, or two, or six hours, cannot lessen or increase the error. The Mary Rose is arrived, with ten vessels in convoy, bringing a Dutch prize, laden with wines. Augur-bits and hack saws are much wanted. [Adm. Paper, 3 pages.] Encloses,
68. i. Certificate, by Capt. John Tinker, of his never having seen the master of the Henrietta except on board the ship, but being told by Capt. Wood that he was a drunkard.
May 8, 1666.
May 8.
Plymouth.
69. John Lanyon to the Navy Comrs. Has caused a survey to be made of the damage sustained by the Tiger. [Adm. Paper.] Encloses,
69. i. Report, by John Garratt, boatswain of the hulk, and three others, of the defects occasioned the Tiger, in her late dispute with a Dutch caper; the ship is so much disabled that she cannot be made fit for sea under 18 working days. May 8, 1666.
May 8. The King to the Vice-Chancellor and Senate of Cambridge. Requires them to admit William Bayley and William Walker to their degrees as Bachelors in Divinity, which they forbore to take during the late disorders, without their performance of the usual exercises. [Ent. Book 14, p. 90.]
May 8.
Whitehall.
Warrant to the Navy Comrs. to order the same salary to Anthony Choqueux, appointed surgeon to Prince Rupert as to Doctor Jo. Troutbeck, for his attendance in the fleet. [Ent. Book 14, p. 91.]
May 8.
Whitehall.
The King to the Master and Fellows of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. Requests them to suffer William Rawley still to enjoy his fellowship there, notwithstanding that by a pretended interpretation of the statute of the college, he might forfeit it for not having taken deacon's orders before 25th Feb. last. [Ent. Book 14, p. 91.]
May 8. Commission to Robert Lord Willoughby of Eresby to be Captain of the troop of horse whereof Sir William Blakeston was appointed captain, in the regiment of Montagu Earl of Lindsey. Minute. [Ent. Book 14, p. 97.]
May 8. Blank commissions for lieutenant, cornet, and quartermaster of the same troop. Minutes. [Ent. Book 14, p. 97.]
May 8. Like commission to Martin Forster to have Captain Henshaw's troop in the same regiment, with like blank warrant. Minute. [Ent. Book 14, p. 79.]
May 8. Like commission to Adam Claypole to be Captain-lieutenant of the Earl's own troop, with cornet and quartermaster's commissions in blank. Minute. [Ent. Book 14. p. 97.]
May 8. Warrant to Lewis Dormay, messenger, to seize and apprehend Samuel Speed for dispersing seditious and unlawful books. Minute. [Ent. Book 23, p. 84.]
May 8. 70. Bond of Thos. Johnson, printer of St. Dunstan's-in-the-East, and two others, in 500l. for his good behaviour, and not composing, printing, nor publishing any seditious or unlicensed book, nor otherwise acting against government, and for his appearance before a Secretary of State when required.
May 8. 71. Like bond for Dixy Page, of St. Dunstan's-in-the-East, stationer, and two others, in 500l.
May 8. 72. Petition of Robt. Swanley to the Duke of York, for a ship of war for defence of Newfoundland against De Ruyter and his fleet, or for leave to provide such a ship himself, having received much damage there.
May 8.
The Fleet.
73. Bold Boughey, warden of the Fleet, to —. His predecessors, from the time of Richard I., have been keepers of Westminster Palace and Hall, and by virtue of his office, he has power to arrest within Westminster Palace, which is daily done by Exchequer writs; he has also the charge of keeping the courts there, and of erecting new ones, consulting with the surveyor and gentlemen of the works, or if they are not to be found, providing other workmen, he being liable to fine and censure in case of neglect. To provide for the expense of this, he has always had the benefit of letting shops, scaffolds, stalls, and standings, and has had the old scaffolds and timber when the courts are at an end; but as during the late times, the wardens have been accounted delinquents, and have not for a long time enjoyed the benefit of their places, sends notes of the patents by which their privileges were granted. On the trial of Lord Morley, waited on the Lord Chamberlain with the gentlemen of the works, to arrange the court, and set many workmen to work, but was opposed by Capt. Christian, a servant of Lord Lindsey's, who pretended a right to build the scaffold, but the Lord High Steward publicly rebuked him, and threatened to lay him by the heels if he meddled any more, whence arose the jest that he was the first arraigned and condemned in that court. Describes the manner in which he and his 20 assistants waited upon the Lord Steward and the King at the trial, marshalling those present to their seats, and afterwards taking down and removing the scaffold. [4 pages.]
May 9. 74. Ro. Benson, clerk of assizes at York, to Williamson. Simon Pawson was committed to Newgate for coining, and thence sent to York, but having made a discovery against others, the Judge of Assize has ordered him to be enlarged on bail; the like order is given about Wm. Craven, long a prisoner for coining in Ireland. Has detained them, though very importunate for discharge, to know whether Lord Arlington approves what is done.
May 9.
Worcester House.
75. Order in Council that a bill be prepared, empowering the Duke of York to grant letters of marque and reprisal against the King of Denmark and his subjects, as before granted against the states of the United Netherlands.
May 9. 76. Certificate by Sir Thos. Clarges, commissary general of musters, that the establishment for Plymouth, as now entered in the great establishment, was to commence 25 November, from which time the privy seal for payment must commence, but it need not be inserted in the book, which bears date 20 January following. Annexing,
76. i. The King to the Officers of the Exchequer. Seeing the great disadvantages attendant on the slender provisions made for the garrison of Plymouth, and wishing to enlarge them, has appointed two companies for it at the monthly pay of 267l. 3s. 4d. Wishes all governors of garrisons to keep up their full numbers of able-bodied men attending only to the service, and in good discipline, and therefore will pay them regularly, and assigns the charge of Plymouth on customs or excise duties of the county of Devon, authorizing payment of the same to John Earl of Bath, governor of Plymouth. [Copy, 3 pages; certified Jan. 8, 1666.] Westminster, July 25, 1661.
May 9.
Royal Charles, Buoy of the Nore.
77. Duke of Albemarle to Lord Arlington. Has ordered the Mary Rose to Ostend, to convoy thence his lordship's goods and the 100 Englishmen spoken of there. Agrees with him that a sailing frigate should be appointed to ply before Ostend, but the Duke of York must give the order; no ships can be spared from the fleet, lest it should have to remove speedily, therefore it should be one of the coastguard ships. The Dutch fleet will not be ready yet a while. If the victualler does his part, hopes to be ready to do the work upon their own coasts. Encloses,
77. i. List of 50 ships in the buoy of the Nore, 11 at Chatham and Sheerness, and 3 in the Downs. May 9, 1666.
May 9. 78. Petition of Henry Thomas to the King, for present supply. Served the late King, the Queen of Bohemia, His Majesty, and all the Royal family. During the late vicissitudes, lost many thousand pounds; has been imprisoned, banished, &c., and is now in his old age reduced to great penury.
May 9.
Whitehall.
The King to the Governors of Bartholomew's Hospital. It was enjoined formerly on the hospital to pay 40l. a year to five singing men officiating in Christ Church, London, but this has been lately discontinued. Approves their having expended 50l. out of the arrears of the said 40l. in beautifying their church, and authorizes them to apply it in future, with the arrears, to the relief of sick and wounded soldiers and seamen resident in that hospital, till the singing men are again required, rendering an account of the expenditure thereof, as they do or ought to do of all their revenues. [Ent. Book 14, p. 92.]
May 9.
Whitehall.
The King to the Keepers of the Dutch prisoners in Bristol. The States of Zealand having liberated two English prisoners, William Geerts and François Swindegeate, two Zealand prisoners, are forth with to be set at liberty. [Ent. Book 14, p. 273.]
May 9. Like warrant to the Marshal of Sudbury, Suffolk, to release five Dutch prisoners named. Minute. [Ent. Book 14, p. 273.]
May 9. Warrants to the Keeper of Newgate to deliver Capt. John Grice, John Beech, and William Goldby, to be sent to the Tower; to the Lieutenant of the Tower to receive them; and to—to convey them safely thither. Minutes. [Ent. Book 23 p. 84.]
May 9. Warrant to pay to Sir Thos. Clifford, sen., late envoy to the court of Sweden and Denmark, 1,000l., for his entertainment and expenses. [Docquet.]
May 9. Warrant to pay to Major Edw. Wood 300l., of the King's free gift. [Docquet.]
May 9.
Yarmouth.
79. James Johnson to the Navy Comrs. Has received three cables from Harwich for the Milkmaid. Provisions are on board, and she is ready to sail as soon as convoy is appointed. The Sweepstakes is also ready. [Adm. Paper.]
May 9.
Bristol.
80. Nich. Danzie and Abraham Robins, gunner and carpenter of the St. Patrick, to Sir Wm. Penn. The new ship is launched; have about 50 men on board. Ask orders about their victuals and entrance. [Adm. Paper.]
May 9.
Bristol.
81. Fras. Baylie to the Navy Comrs. The new frigate St. Patrick is safely launched. [Adm. Paper.]
May 9.
Bristol.
82. Dan. Furzer to the Navy Comrs. Mr. Baylie's ship is safely launched; the boatswain, carpenter, and cook want materials for present use. Begs that some person may be appointed to order the providing of such things as come not within the builder's contract. Mr. Jones's charge for assisting in the sale of provisions at Lydney may amount to 6l. Requests a bill for 400l. [Adm. Paper, 1½ pages.]
May 9.
Yarmouth.
83. Capt. Fras. Saunders to the Navy Comrs. Has, after more than ordinary trouble, brought the Sweepstakes into the road. Waits for provisions. Hopes in five days to sail to the fleet. [Adm. Paper.]
May 9.
Trinity House.
84. Masters and Wardens of Trinity House to the Navy Comrs. After conference with Capt. John Cox, Capt. John Pybus of Greenwich is appointed master of the Sovereign. [Adm. Paper.]
May 10. 85. Jonas Shish to the Navy Comrs. Has measured the London Merchant; her burden is 385 tons. [Adm. Paper.]
May 10.
Portsmouth.
86. John Tippetts to Sam. Pepys. Many ships having been sheathed in other places, can give no account of the time when it was done. The Mary and Newcastle have been sheathed a long time. With a list of 24 ships, and note how long some have had their sheathing. [Adm. Paper.] Encloses,
86. i. List of 25 other ships which have been sheathed.
May 10.
The Lion, in the Swale.
87. Capt. John Hubbard to the Navy Comrs. If provisions be not soon sent, must hasten to the fleet without any. [Adm. Paper.]
May 10.
Portsmouth Dockyard.
88. Comr. Thos. Middleton to Sam. Pepys. The plague decreases; only four deaths last week; it is reported that the people in the town are wicked enough "to take the plaisters from their sores, and in the night throw them into the windows of fresh houses." Cannot understand the reasons for throwing the defective provisions on board the Mars overboard, especially the butter, which at the worst is useful for something. The defect in the sails is owing to the use of French yarn for bolt ropes. Particulars of ships in dock. [Adm Paper, 2 pages.] Encloses,
88. i. Certificate by Bart. Capell, and two other officers of the Mars, that in a storm on the 13th of August, the steep-tub was washed overboard, and 110 pieces of pork lost.
Aug. 20, 1665.
88. ii. Warrant from Comr. Thos. Middleton to Henry Avis, boatswain of the Galloon hulk, and Edw. Hill, boatswain of the Constant Warwick, to survey the damaged provisions on board the Mars. Portsmouth, Nov. 20, 1665.
88. iii. Certificate by Henry Avis and Edw. Hill of having made the said survey, and caused the provisions to be thrown overboard as unfit for use. Nov. 22, 1665.
May 10.
Blackwall.
89. Capt. Robt. Robinson, of the Warspite, to the Navy Comrs. The mastmaker requires 14 days to make a bowsprit; asks if a different sort of mast may be supplied. [Adm. Paper.]
May 10.
Whitehall.
90. J. Sotherne to Sam. Pepys. The victuals provided at Milford are judged not fit for the service of that place. His master proposes that Capt. Rich. Teate should fetch them to Bristol, for furnishing the new ship there. [Adm. Paper.]
May 10. 91. Jonas Shish to the Navy Comrs. Gives the dimensions of the Two Pilgrims, the Mary, and the St. Jacob. [Adm. Paper.]
May 10.
Custom House.
92. Sir John Wolstenholme and Sir John Shaw, farmers of customs, to the Navy Comrs. Claim tonnage, as per agreement, upon the hired ship Red Fortune, with 60l. extra charge for three weeks' demurrage at Portsmouth. [Adm. Paper.]
May 10.
Chatham Dock.
93. Phin. Pett, Nath. Holt, and Jas. Norman to the Navy Comrs. Account of goods delivered to the Loyal Subject and Loyal George, for repairs. [Adm. Paper.] Enclose,
93. i. Account of provisions supplied from Chatham to merchantmen, ketches, and some of the Royal Company's ships, 11 in all, March 30, 1665 – Jan. 18, 1666. [2 pages.]
93. ii. Account of loans to the Loyal Subject from Chatham, from Nov. 14, 1665, to April 23, 1666; with note that the long boat was, left with Mr. Culmer of Deal, by one of the great ships, and by him delivered to the Hampshire, and afterwards lent to the Loyal Subject.
May 10. 94. Petition of Jeremiah Goerrie [Jerom or Jeremy Gohory], and Andrew Gallwey, grooms of the Queen's privy chamber, to the King, for livery and board wages; have received neither during their three years' attendance, as the rest of the grooms have.
May 10 ? 95. Petition of the former to the King. To the same effect.
May 10. 96. Petition of Sir Thos. Clarges to the King. His claim to five little houses, called the Forbury, built during the usurpation, and used since by the Duke of Albemarle for the servants of His Majesty's stables, as being part of his lease of the Abbey of Reading and its appurtenances, has been proved good, on reference to the Attorney General; requests payment of 160l., which was decided to be due to him as arrears of rent for the same in time past. Annexing,
96. i. Report by Attorney General Palmer, on examination of records quoted, that the Forbury was really included in the grant made to Sir Thos. Clarges, of the site of Reading Monastery, with only an exception, as to the stables and barns, of free egress and ingress for the King's officers and servants. May 29, 1666.
May 10. 97. Note for Lord [Arlington] to send for Mr. Dartiguenan, one of the Lifeguards lately come from Flanders, and to speak to the King about Goddard Nelthorpe, Bart., who served His Majesty on several occasions, and relieved many cavaliers in the late rebellion.
May 10. 98. M. De Marainville to M. De la Fabvollière. Requests him either to return to M. De Samborne the alarum clock which he, the writer, lent him, or if it suit him, and he wishes to keep it, to pay for it 7 pieces, the price the clockmaker at Charing Cross offers for it. [French.]
May 10.
Royal Charles, Buoy of the Nore.
99. Sir Wm. Clarke to Williamson. Has given his letters to the Prince and Duke, but has nothing in return. Has had nothing from Capt. Clarke and the party that went with him towards the coasts of Holland.
May 10.
Royal Charles, Buoy of the Nore.
100. Jas. Hayes to Williamson. They can neither tell what is done elsewhere nor do anything worth writing themselves. Presents a petition in behalf of Capt. Minors, captain of the Old James when the Earl of Marlborough fell; he was reproached for not doing his duty in the last year's engagement, and was tried some days since, and justified on full evidence before a court-martial. As his dishonour was public, he wants a line in the Gazette for his public vindication.
May 11.
Royal Charles, Buoy of the Nore.
101. Prince Rupert and the Duke of Albemarle to Lord Arlington. Send up Sir Edw. Spragg, who has settled a way to obtain information out of France. Sir Edward hears that Vendosme, the admiral, lies at Belle Isle, with a small frigate or two to scout, and supposes that the fleet which is come from the Straits will rendezvous there. He has managed the business very discreetly. The party who comes with him should be well gratified, having taken much pains in the business.
May 11.
Whitehall.
Proclamation permitting free export of leather, hides, corn, butter and cheese, the present war having reduced the prices very low [Printed. Proc. Coll., Charles II., p. 220.]
[May 11.] 102. Rules and orders to be observed by all justices of peace, &c., for prevention of the spreading of the plague; e.g. to prevent communication with persons and things infected; to have fires in pans with fumes in churches or chapels; to erect pest-houses near every town, where the sick can be carried; to mark each infected house with a red cross, and "Lord have mercy upon us," though none have died there, and after 40 days, with a white cross for 20 days more, &c. [2 sheets, printed.]
[May 11.] Duplicate of the above. [Printed. Proc. Coll., Charles II., p. 220a.]
May 11.
Custom House.
103. Sir Jo. Wolstenholme, Sir John Shaw, and J. Harrison, farmers of customs, to Sir Phil. Warwick. The captain of a New England vessel laden with Virginia tobacco, arriving at Weymouth, refused to enter the ship and land the goods, and is gone for Jersey. This being a new and strange proceeding, beg that the Lord Treasurer would procure a warrant to the Governor of Jersey to stop the vessel and goods till further directions. If this little gap were tolerated, it would let open a dangerous gap into the law, and the revenue of the plantation trade. Cannot tell the reason of their running so near the enemy's coast with goods safely brought into the kingdom.
[May 11.] 104. Minute of a grant to Sir Roger Langley, Bart., of 733l. for secret service, to be taken out of the arrears for 1664 of the hearthmoney for Yorkshire, remaining in his hands.
May 11.
Whitehall.
The King to the Lord Treasurer. He is to allow Sir Roger Langley to retain in his own hands until Easter 767l., balance due on his account for chimney money, &c., in Yorkshire, where he was high sheriff, he having occasion to spend several sums for secret service. [Ent. Book 17, p. 187.]
[May 11.] 105. Draft of the above.
May 11. Warrant to pay to Sir Allan Apsley for the use of the Duke of York, 120,902l. 15s. 8d., being a month's assessment voted to him by the Parliament at Oxford, as an expression of thanks for the danger to which he exposed himself in defence of the country against the Dutch. [Ent. Book 23, pp. 90–1.]
[May 11.] 106. Draft of the above.
May [11]. Warrant appointing the Earls of Clarendon and Southampton, and Lords Arlington and Ashley, to have a particular survey made of Audley End House and Park, co. Essex, to which the King has taken a liking, and wishes to purchase it for a royal residence, many of the ancient houses of the Crown having been demolished during the late usurpation; they are to have full particulars taken of the boundaries, to have a contract drawn with James Earl of Suffolk for passing the assurance thereof, and for payment of 50,000l. purchase money. [Ent. Book 23, p. 91.]
May [11]. 107. Draft of the above. [2 pages.]
May 11. Order for a warrant to pay to Sir George Carteret, out of the 1,250,000l. additional aid, 76,500l. already advanced and disposed of by him according to the King's private directions. [Ent. Book 23, p. 92.]
May 11.
Peckham.
108. Sir John Hebdon to the Navy Comrs. Proposes to supply hemp, tar, and masts from Russia, in the event of a rupture with Denmark, which would obstruct the trade in the east seas; Russian hemp is the same as that brought from Riga; the tar is of the cleanest and finest sort, and the masts of all dimensions as good as can be procured from any other part of the world; offers all at moderate prices; for the first year ready money will be expected; calculates the average value of each ship's lading [Adm. Paper, 2 pages.]
May 11.
Dover.
109. Thos. White to the Navy Comrs. The Cygnet and Martin have set sail. The Martin, having lost her boat, had that of the Cygnet, which was supplied with one of more fitting size. [Adm. Paper.]
May 11. 110. Capt. Geo. Erwin to the Navy Comrs. Survey of the St. Jacob and three other ships hired for the Gottenburg voyage. [Adm. Paper.]
May 11.
Plymouth.
111. Thos. Waltham to the Navy Comrs. The victualler refuses warrants for harbour victuals, without an order from Mr. Gauden; the Sorlings and Nightingale have arrived, the latter much shattered and torn, through an encounter with a Dutch man-of-war. [Adm. Paper.]