Charles II: May 1684

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles II, 1684-5. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1938.

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'Charles II: May 1684', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles II, 1684-5, (London, 1938) pp. 1-40. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/chas2/1684-5/pp1-40 [accessed 24 March 2024]

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May 1684

May 1.
Whitehall.
Reference to the Lords of the Treasury of the petition of the Countess Dowager of Yarmouth praying that such a grant may be passed to her as was passed to the present Earl of Lindsey of one moiety of the ancient duty of heriots and reliefs for collecting and paying the other moiety to his Majesty, being very chargeable to collect, his lordship having resigned his interest therein to her. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, p. 350.]
May 1.
Windsor.
Commissions to William Smith to be lieutenant and to John Foster to be ensign to Capt. Charles Middleton in the first regiment of Foot Guards. Minutes. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 164, p. 110.]
May 1.
Windsor.
Commission to James Man to be ensign to Capt. George Littleton's company in the Duke of York's regiment. Minute. [Ibid. p. 111.]
May 1. List of the officers in the Royal regiment of foot. (Printed in Dalton, English Army Lists, Vol. I, p. 318, where "Gawen" should be "Gaven," "Ball" "Bell" and "Robert Car" "Henry Car.") [1½ pages. Ibid. p. 118.]
May 1–9. List of the officers of the Queen's regiment of foot. (Printed in Dalton, Vol. I, p. 320.) (The commissions of this and the next regiment are of various dates from 1 to 9 May.) [Ibid. p. 120.]
May 1–9. List of the officers in the Duchess of York's regiment. (Printed in Dalton, Vol. I, p. 323.) [Ibid. p. 121.]
May 1.
Windsor Castle.
Commissions to George, Lord Livingstoun, to be captain in place of James, Marquess of Montrose, lately deceased, of the lifeguard of Horse and to David Hay, second son to the Earl of Tweeddale, to be lieutenant of Lord Livingstoun's troop. [S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 8, pp. 354, 355.]
May 1.
Windsor Castle.
Warrant for a protection in the new form to Henry Murray of Lochlan for two years. [Docquet. Ibid. p. 356.]
[May ?] Edward Hughes, commissary of the musters in the late garrison of Tangier, to the King. Petition stating that about three years ago, being defamed by Sir John Mordaunt, he brought an action against him at Tangier and recovered 50l. damages, from which Sir John appealed and 4 Nov., 1681, obtained an order in Council that the Attorney General's report and papers therewith should be transmitted to the Recorder of Tangier and proceedings be stayed in the mean time, who within three weeks after sight returned his answer, which 25 Aug., 1683, was presented to his Majesty in Council and it was then referred to the Commissioners for Tangier, where it has rested ever since, and, inasmuch as Sir John had but eight months granted him to make his appeal and it is now above two years, praying an order to the late Mayor, Recorder and Town Clerk of Tangier to pay to the petitioner the 50l. in Court and that Sir John be ordered to pay the petitioner the charges he has been unreasonably put to since the said appeal. On the back,
May 2.
Hampton Court.
Reference thereof to the Committee for Trade. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 437, No. 128.]
May 2.
Hampton Court.
The King to Sir Henry Palmer, Sir John Tufton, Sir Anthony Aucher, Sir Francis Clark, John Boys and William Rooke. After reciting that by the death of Anthony Woolrich the vicarage of East Church in the Isle of Sheppey is void and in their disposal, by virtue of letters patent dated 26 July, 1677, granting the trust of the said vicarage to twelve persons, of whom they are the surviving trustees, especially recommending James Jeffreys, D.D., chaplain to the Duke of York, to be by them presented to the said vicarage. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 53, p. 142.] Annexed,
Opinion of Henry Pollexfen. 1. The advowson is jointly granted and does not by the death of any of the grantees descend to their heirs, nor have the heirs any right or interest but the interest and right is in the survivors. 2. If there be six survivors in them is the right of patronage and estate jointly but, if these six will not agree in the presentment, but one present one clerk and the others another, the Ordinary may elect and give institution to which clerk he pleases, and the clerk so elected, instituted and inducted is rightful incumbent, though presented by only one of the joint patrons, as if by all, for, the presentment being to be free without profit, the act of one is as the act of the rest and does not displace or disturb the church or the right of presentation. April 29, 1684. [Ibid. p. 143.]
May 3.
Windsor.
Commission to David Clark to be first lieutenant to Capt. Robert Dowglas. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 164, p. 125.]
May 3.
Windsor.
Warrant to the Treasurer of the Chamber for payment to Isaac Cotton, appointed one of the messengers on the surrender of Charles Mansell, of his salary from Lady Day, 1680, in the same terms mutatis mutandis as in George Collins' warrant. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 335, p. 118.]
May 3.
Windsor.
The King to the Lord Lieutenant and the Lord Deputy. Warrant after reciting the petition of Lady Frances Keightley and Thomas Keightley and the reports of the Lords of the Treasury (both calendared in the Calendar of Treasury Books, Vol. VII, p. 1110) for a grant to them of an additional pension of 200l. per annum so that their present pension of 200l. per annum may be made up to 400l. per annum, to take effect only on the first vacancy in the list of pensions by death or otherwise, with a proviso that the value of any pensions not amounting to 200l. which may fall void before there shall be a vacancy for the whole sum be applied to them in part till the whole 200l. per annum be completed. [Nearly 2 pages. S.P. Dom., Signet Office, Vol. 11, p. 288.]
May 4.
Windsor.
Reference to the Lords of the Treasury of the petition of Dr. Thomas Laurence praying that, having been these 22 years physician to the garrison of Tangier, he may share proportionably with the rest of the Tangier officers his Majesty's grace and bounty, his Majesty retaining a gracious sense of his good services. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55. p. 350.]
May 4.
Windsor.
Approval by his Majesty of the prefixed report of the Lords of the Treasury on the petition of Letitia Kennedy and Katherine Holdenby, daughters of William Knollys of Rotherfield Park (which report is calendared in the Calendar of Treasury Papers, Vol. VII, p. 1109), and direction that the same be transmitted back to the Lords of the Treasury to give order for such a grant as is desired. [3½ pages. Ibid. p. 351.]
May 4.
Windsor.
Warrant to Sir Thomas Chicheley, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, for forthwith delivering to William Harbord, Surveyor General, or such as he shall appoint, all surveys and other writings in his custody or that of the under officers of the Duchy concerning the Forest or Chase of Needwood and the honour and manor of Tudbury and the entries or copies of all grants or leases now in being of any part of the premises with the late warrant in order to a grant to be made of the said honour and manor and the proposal, petition, reference and report relating to that matter and the particulars he has caused to be made with the rates thereon touching the same, to the end that the said Surveyor General may be enabled to give his opinion of the true valuation of the whole as commanded by warrants of February and March last. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 70, p. 20.]
May 4.
Windsor.
The King to the Aldermen and Corporation of Denbigh. Requiring them to swear and admit to be their Recorder Sir Richard Myddelton, whom the King has appointed in the place of Sir John Salusbury, deceased. [Ibid. p. 21.]
May 4.
Windsor.
Commissions to Capt. Rupert Dudley to be captain of the company whereof Capt. Street was captain, to — Huet to be lieutenant and to Henry Winde to be ensign in Capt. Charles Cotton's company and to George With to be ensign in the Earl of Craven's own company, all in the Coldstream regiment of Guards commanded by the Earl of Craven. Minutes. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 164, p. 109.]
[May ?] Jane Oborne to the King. Petition for a pardon to her husband Edward Oborne of Mells, Somerset, who about ten years ago fell into the company of some clippers who were lately discovered by two informers, who accused him as one of their confederates, whereupon he fled beyond the seas, leaving the petitioner with six small children in a helpless condition. He was never before accused of any crime, but always behaved like a good subject and in Sir George Booth's rising gave early marks of his loyalty. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 437, No. 129.] Annexed,
Certificate by Lord Fitz-Hardinge, Sir George Horner and others to [? Sir Leoline Jenkins] in favour of Oborne. In Sir G. Booth's rising he showed his readiness to serve his Majesty, for which he was threatened with death and suffered the punishment of being tied neck and heels with lighted matches between his fingers, which could not force from him a discovery of the loyal youths then engaged with him. During the late Fanatic rage he was always a frequenter of the church and a zealous asserter of its public liturgy and government. They request him to introduce his wife to his Majesty's presence and to implore his favour for her. With note by the Bishop of Bath and Wells that he has heard very much of this person's loyalty. [Ibid. No. 129 I.]
May 5.
Windsor.
Reference of the above to the Attorney or Solicitor General. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, p. 351.]
May 5. The Bishop of Oxford to Sir Leoline Jenkins. After I saw you in London I by chance met Sir George Pudsey in Fleet Street, who, I presume, will be intent to get out the city of Oxford's new charter and may not much regard the late decree of the Council if by any means he can gain his point. It would therefore be well that Mr. Attorney were reminded of his promise that, before the charter were engrossed, you and our friends should have a sight of it. I have also lately received a letter from Lord Abingdon, expressing a great concern that something should be done for the town, he having pawned his honour to them that he would get some accession in the new charter. He will be content with the two particulars of having eight Aldermen without any pretence to their being Justices and having four fairs for so many days in the year to be held not before the theatre but in Broken Haies and Thames Street near High Bridge. Whether he should be gratified in these points or made our perpetual enemy, be pleased to determine. What I am concerned for in the University's behalf is that the clause for securing the night walk and the salvo for all our privileges drawn up by Dr. Wallis may be inserted in the charter. Not knowing whether you have the draft by you, I enclose it. When I waited on the Lord Keeper with Mr. Justice Holloway, I endeavoured to lay before him the great importance of the University's having the peaceable exercise of the night walk and proposed the expedient of having the regulation of it as stated in the decree of 10 Jac. entered into the city's new charter. He seemed to like the proposal and I think the words are so drawn that no just exception can be taken at them. The University to-day seal in convocation their answer to the King's printers' bill. All we desire is to come to a fair trial at law and shall sit down by it. I heartily wish you all the satisfactions of your retirement and advantage of health. [2 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 437, No. 130.] Enclosed,
The said salvo of the privileges of the University and the clause about the night watches. [Latin. Ibid. No. 130 I.]
A draft of the above clause. [Ibid. No. 131.]
May 5.
Windsor.
Reference to the Attorney General of the petition of the Cordwainers' Company of London for a pardon of what is past and for the acceptance of their submission and for a grant of their former privileges and immunities with such regulations for the government of their company as his Majesty shall think fit. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, p. 349.]
May 5. Like references of the like petitions of the Company of Tilers and Bricklayers of London and of the Company of Framework Knitters of London. Minutes. [Ibid.]
May 5.
Windsor.
The Earl of Sunderland to Sir Charles Holt. His Majesty commands me to send you the enclosed and would have you take the first opportunity to pursue the directions sent you and return an account of it as soon as you can. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 56, p. 96.]
May 5.
Windsor.
Warrant for the denization of John Clyat of Ipswich. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 70, p. 22.]
May 5.
Windsor.
Warrant to the Mayor and Sheriffs of Bristol for causing the head and quarters of James Holloway, lately executed for high treason, which have been directed to be carried thither and delivered to them, to be affixed on poles on the gates of the said city. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 335, p. 116.]
May 5.
Windsor.
Warrant to the Sheriffs of London and the Keeper of Newgate for forthwith giving order for carrying the head and quarters of James Holloway to Bristol to be delivered to the Mayor or Sheriffs there. [Ibid.]
May 5.
Windsor.
The King to the Lord Lieutenant and the Lord Deputy. Warrant, after reciting the report of the Lords of the Treasury dated 22 April, 1684, and the documents prefixed thereto (all calendared in the Calendar of Treasury Books, Vol. VII, p. 1102), for a grant to John Browne and his heirs of the fishings of the river of Galway, of the water or river in or near Wine Island and of the rivers of Killf[r]ee alias Gulamore, Mayne, Sligo and Darrus in Connaught formerly granted to Sir George Preston and his heirs (saving to him and them the right to the fishings granted him) and purchased by the said Browne from the said Sir George Preston's assignees, and also of the salmon fishing in the river of Ashleale in the barony of Baryishoole, Mayo, and the salmon fishing of Cahernemart Park and Carhowbegg in the barony of Murisk in the same county and the salmon fishing of Bundoragh alias Duarty in the same barony and county and the fishing of the river of Escagh, co. Sligo, under the rent of 5l. per annum over and above all yearly rents now payable thereout. [5 pages. S.P. Dom., Signet Office, Vol. 11, p. 283.]
May 6.
Whitehall.
Newsletter to John Squire, Newcastle. Some days since arrived here Lord Lansdowne from Holland, where he will return again speedily if there be not a peace, the King having given him leave to spend this campaign in the Prince of Orange's army, who has been kind to him and given him hopes of the first regiment of the King's subjects in the service of the States. He applied for the late Earl of Ossory's regiment, but was told that Col. Sidney had a commission for it.
The quarters of Holloway, that was executed last Wednesday, are ordered to be carried down to Bristol and put on the gates there.
The Countess of Ossory was brought to bed at Hampton Court of a daughter, where she now lies in.
Sir Gabriel Silvius, that came from Holland, was last Sunday in private conference with his Majesty for some time. Many are of opinion that the business of Luxemburg will bring the Hollanders into a war, the Spaniards resolving not to part [with it] but by force, as you may see by the heads of the Spanish Ambassador's memorial delivered to the States the 7th instant in answer to one of the French Ambassador's.
Her Royal Highness has been indisposed and, 'tis feared, may have miscarried. The Duke came yesterday morning from Windsor on purpose to see her.
Flanders letters of the 9th advise that the Duke of Monmouth arrived at Brussels the 3rd instant with three or four servants, was received publicly by the Marquis de Grana with a great deal of respect and brought to Court in his coach and complimented by all the gentlemen and presented with two Spanish horses by his Excellency and, till his own coach and furniture be ready, the Marquis lends him his and six footmen to wait on him. He has taken a house for a twelvemonth and is furnishing it very richly.
The 8th the French opened their trenches before Luxemburg and played on it from a battery of 36 guns.
Letters from Windsor of the 5th say that several Companies have come and surrendered their charters, among others the Framework Knitters.
Yesterday the Duchess of Monmouth waited on the Queen, who received her very kindly.
New commissions are issuing for re-establishing and continuing in the King's service the three regiments that came from Tangier. Col. Kirke's is to be called the Queen's, Lord Dumbarton's the King's and Col. Trelawney's the Duchess'.
Capt. Street being turned out of Lord Craven's regiment for making false musters, his Majesty has given that company to Dudley Bart, natural son to Prince Rupert.
His Majesty has given the estate of Nelthorpe, one of the conspirators, in the bishopric of Durham, to Mr. Arden.
The French Ambassador having acquainted the States that the King, his master, could not make good those offers made by him 17 Feb., but, since they are more desirous of a truce than a peace, he leaves it to their choice to accept either on those terms he offered 29 April, viz., the giving up of Luxemburg, etc., to which he requires their speedy answer, they being the terms he cannot recede from—to this memorial the Spanish Envoy made a very sharp memorial, in which he is very angry with the States and demands whether the French makes war on them or the Spanish Netherlands and whether they have power from Spain to agree with France, since he gives them the choice of peace or war, and in plain terms tells them they use not his master like an ally but like a pupil, then presses them to make good their treaties, answering them that his master will never comply with France on the terms proposed.
Mr. Cawdron moved this day for an arrest of judgment and, being called into court, he came two hours after and was committed to the Marshal's custody. Mr. Kid by a former motion having obtained proceedings to stop against him [in] the spiritual court, the Attorney General moved against him this day and the court declared their intention that proceedings as to the bond Kid gave should be stopped, but that any other proceedings against him should [go on]. [3 pages. Damaged. Admiralty 77 (Greenwich Hospital), 2, No. 81.]
May 8.
Windsor.
Warrant to Lord Dartmouth, Master General of the Ordnance, for the delivery to Capt. Wren, commander of the Centurion, of 100 barrels of powder, to be paid to the Alcayde Ali Ben Abdallah in consideration of the redemption of—McDonnell and — Chiver and five other captives belonging to the Greyhound, who were taken off Sallee at the burning of a Sallee man-of-war, and likewise of 242 muskets, barrels and locks of the size usually sent to the Moors, being the remaining part of a present to the King of Morocco according to former treaties. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 164, p. 109.]
May 9.
Windsor.
The Earl of Sunderland to the Lord Chief Justice. The King, having been acquainted with the enclosed paper relating to the East India Company, has commanded me to transmit it to you, and he would have you show them all the favour you can so far as may be consistent with the law and the practice of the Court and, if you think fit, you may send for the Attorney General to attend you in it as proposed in the said paper. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 56, p. 96.]
May 10.
Windsor.
Warrant for a grant to Richard Thompson, Chaplain in Ordinary to the King and a prebendary of Bristol cathedral, of the deanery thereof void by the death of Samuel Crosman, the late Dean. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 53, p. 144.]
May 10.
Windsor.
Warrant to Sir Thomas Jenner, Recorder of London, after reciting that Daniel Macartie, William Napier, Charles Parry, William March and John Attwood, having been convicted of high treason for being Popish priests, have lain in Newgate for many years and have lately besought a pardon with condition of transportation, and that the continuance of such persons in the said prison is very inconvenient to other prisoners and to persons resorting to the said prison; for inserting the said priests in the next general pardon for poor convicts of Newgate with condition that they shall within six months depart out of the King's dominions and never return, with a proviso that they be not set at liberty during the said six months but conveyed beyond seas by one of the messengers appointed for that purpose. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 54, p. 281.]
May 10.
Windsor.
Reference to the Attorney General of the petition of the Curriers' Company of London for accepting the submission of their charter and for the continuance thereof with such regulations as his Majesty shall think fit. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, p. 357.]
May 10. Reference to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and the Lords of the Treasury of the petition of Wentworth, Earl of Roscommon, for a grant of the estate of Capt. Thomas Walcot, lately executed, notwithstanding the late commission for quieting possessions in Ireland. [Ibid. p. 358.]
May 10.
Windsor.
Reference to the Lords of the Treasury of the petition of John Savile of Methley, Yorkshire, for permission to the tenants quietly to enjoy their farms mortgaged to him by Ford, Lord Grey, who is since outlawed for high treason and his estate thereby forfeited and in his Majesty's gift, till they have reimbursed him the said debt with interest and charges. [Ibid. p. 359.]
May 10.
Windsor.
Reference to the Lords of the Treasury of the report of the Solicitor General of Ireland on the reference to him of the petition of the Duke of Richmond and Lenox by the Lord Deputy, to whom there was a reference thereof calendared in the last volume of the Calendar, p. 60, with the petition and papers annexed, which report was as follows, that he had considered the said petition and the report of the Lord Lieutenant thereon and the reference to the Lord Deputy and finds that the Duke desires a grant of all chief rents and rentcharges in Ireland, which by the Acts of Settlement and Explanation are vested in his Majesty and are in his disposal and have been kept concealed, so that neither his Majesty nor any farmers of the revenue have received any benefit thereout, that it does not appear what the particular rents are whereof such a grant is desired nor out of what lands they are issuing nor what title his Majesty has thereto, and that there may be some inconvenience in making such a general grant of all forfeited concealed chief rents and rentcharges throughout the kingdom without expressing the particular rents intended to be granted and before his Majesty's title thereto be made to appear, but, in case any of the petitioner's agents shall legally bring any such forfeited, concealed rents in charge in the Court of Exchequer, his Majesty may, if he think fit, direct grants to be from time to time passed to the petitioner and his heirs of such of them as at the prosecution of the petitioner or his agents shall be so brought in charge and adjudged by the Court of Exchequer to be due to his Majesty, so as in such grants the particular rents intended to be granted and the lands whereout the same are issuing may be expressed and 18d. yearly of every such rent be reserved to the Crown according to the petitioner's offer. [2 pages. Ibid. p. 360.]
May 10.
Windsor.
Commissions to William Wakefield to be ensign to Lieut.Colonel Edward Sackville's company in the Coldstream regiment of Guards and to William Parsons to be captain of the company whereof Capt. Francis Russell was captain in the first regiment of Foot Guards. Minutes. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 164, p. 110.]
May 10.
Windsor.
Commissions to John Livingston to be second lieutenant to Capt. James Moncrief in the King's Royal regiment of foot and to Capt. James Moncrief to be captain in the same regiment. Minutes. [Ibid. p. 125.]
May 10.
London.
Newsletter to John Squire, Newcastle. Yesterday being the last paper day of the term little passed, save that Mr. Noseworthy appeared and pleaded to an information that, whereas Edward Fitzharris was tried and convicted for high treason, the said Edward Noseworthy, 3 Sept., 1681, with other persons that were speaking concerning the trial and execution of the said Fitzharris and concerning Sir Francis Pemberton and the rest of the judges that tried him said, he hoped the next parliament would hang all the judges that gave it for law for the trying of Fitzharris. He would have evaded pleading to the information, alleging that it was three years ago that the words were pretended to be spoken, but he could not get off, so he has pleaded Not guilty.
The Spanish Ambassador here presented to his Majesty the copy of the Marquis Delcasté Moncayos' memorial at the Hague, accompanying it with one of his own, wherein he endeavoured to persuade his Majesty that the King, his master, would never accept of the French proposals.
Her Royal Highness miscarried on Thursday, but she was so small a time gone with child that the sex could not be distinguished. The Duke, who came to town on notice of her being ill, returned for Windsor yesterday morning, leaving her pretty well again.
Holland letters of the 16th say that the French Ambassador there having given in another memorial to the States, in which he declares that, if the propositions offered by his master be not agreed to by the time limited (the 20th instant), then he has no further power to treat nor will his master stand to any of the offers he has made, therefore presses their final answer. On this they have had great debates but are come to no resolution. Most of the cities seemed to comply with the proposals of France, which some will have to be the reason of the Prince's departure from the Hague to Brussels to view his troops, sending word only to the States General that he would be back in a few days, but his leaving orders with his officers at the Hague that they should not stir but be in readiness, for he should have occasion for their service, makes many believe he will attempt the relief of Luxemburg, let the consequence be what it will.
Mr. Orpe being in a hopeful way of recovery, the Board of Green Cloth have discharged Mr. Trelawny, taking his bond to appear the 29th instant.
Flanders letters say that the French advanced the first night after the opening of the trenches 35 rods without any considerable loss. Count Valsasine, brother to the Prince of Taxis, with four or five hundred choice men, many reformed officers, and several persons of quality have for some time been gone towards Luxemburg with design to get in, but as yet there is no attempt of him. Last Saturday the guns were heard very furiously playing all day in the Park at Brussels, which is 34 leagues from Luxemburg.
Dr. Oates was this day arrested at the suit of his Royal Highness in an action of Scandalum magnatum and carried to the Compter.
A motion was this day at Westminster for having the fines set on the rioters of Nottingham, fifteen of whom appeared, but the court, not being informed of their respective qualities, have deferred setting their fines till next term, and have taken each man's recognizance for 1,000l. and two others of 500l. to appear next term.
From Lisle of the 17th they write that the Marquis d'Humieres, son to the Marshal, is killed before Luxemburg, as are also many other considerable officers, among whom are the Marquis de Sell and Monsr. Montall. The place makes a stout defence, the garrison being reinforced with the 400 men above-mentioned. French letters add that they are masters of the counterscarp. [3 pages. Admiralty 77 (Greenwich Hospital), 2, No. 82.]
May 11.
Windsor.
Reference to the Attorney General of the petitions of the Masons' Company of London, the Founders' Company of London and the Butchers' Company of London for pardon and acceptance of the submission of their charters and for a continuance of their former charters with such regulations as his Majesty shall think fit. Minutes. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, pp. 357, 358.]
May 11. Like reference to the Attorney General of the petition of the Tallow Chandlers' Company of London, taking notice of a Quo warranto commanding their appearance in the Court of King's Bench this term and submitting themselves to his Majesty's pleasure. [Ibid. p. 358.]
May 11.
Windsor.
Reference to the Attorney General of the petition, with the annexed paper of heads, of the Bayliffs, Aldermen, Burgesses, Commonalty and loyal inhabitants of Great Yarmouth for a new charter. [Ibid. p. 359.]
May 11.
Windsor.
Warrant for a charter of incorporation of the city of Canterbury on the surrender of the former charter with the alterations and additions in the annexed paper. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 70, p. 35.] Annexed,
The said paper with the proposed additions and alterations and the names of the first members and officers of the corporation. [Over 2 pages. Ibid.]
Memorandum that a new warrant was writ and a new paper of heads and signed by the King at Newmarket Oct. 10, 1684. [Ibid.]
Memorandum that his Majesty, having been moved that Col. William Rooke should be present Mayor of Canterbury and that Squier Beverton, junior, now named to continue Mayor till Michaelmas next, should be the youngest Alderman, consented thereto and has directed the Attorney General to put down the said two persons' names in the new charter accordingly. July 13, 1684, Windsor. [Ibid. p. 37.]
May 11. Commission to Capt. Robert Hodges to be captain. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 164, p. 125.]
May 11.
Windsor.
Warrant for the revocation of the commission of 14 April last (calendared in previous volume, p. 383) appointing the persons therein mentioned Commissioners of the Admiralty. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 335, p. 118.]
May 12.
Lavington.
The Earl of Abingdon to [? Sir L. Jenkins]. I received your letter this morning. I should not have troubled you in that business, had I not understood by my Lord of Oxon's letter that you had power from the University to agree the matter with the city and believed you would think it reasonable to do it on those easy terms I mentioned. As you say those two privileges of eight Aldermen and four fairs are most likely to be yielded by the University, and I cannot see the least colour of reason why they should not, so, if you consent to them, I shall not only readily endeavour to persuade the city to acquiesce therein but also to admit a salvo in their new charter for the preservation of the just and legal privileges of the University, having no more design to take away any such from the University than to give away any from the city, but the wording of these things must be left to counsel, so I have written to Sir George Pudsey to attend you about it and receive such directions as may put a speedy issue to it. As for the salvo for the night watch, if the University intends thereby, as you say, only to be continued as they are or to enjoy quietly what the law at present gives them, I shall never oppose them, but, if they desire to gain anything more in this point by this new charter, I never can nor will consent to it, my word and honour being engaged to the contrary, and, as I doubt not this will be enough preserved with the rest of the privileges under a general salvo, so I hope you will not insist any otherways on it, for the reasons mentioned in my last. As I believe you heartily desire to settle a good understanding betwixt those two bodies, so I hope you will think fit for that purpose to put a speedy end to this business, which has already bred too much ill blood betwixt them, and will do more the longer it continues. I the more press for this despatch, because I must suddenly have a general muster in that city and shall be ashamed to appear without the charter, which I gave them reason to expect long since.
I must return my thanks for your good opinion of my hearty intentions for his Majesty's service, which only engaged me in this business, wherein I have had more trouble than in any other in all my ten years' service in that county, but, as I hope that will by your means be speedily at an end, so I desire you to pardon all the trouble I have given you in it. [4 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 437, No. 132.]
May 12.
Windsor.
Royal assent to the election by the Dean and Chapter of Carlisle of Thomas Smith, D.D., Dean of the said cathedral, to be bishop of that see. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 53, p. 145.]
May 12.
Windsor.
Warrant for a congé d'élire to the Dean and Chapter of Bristol for the election of a bishop of that see void by the death of Dr. William Gulston, the late bishop, with a letter recommending Dr. John Lake, now Bishop of Man and Sodor, for election. [Ibid. p. 146.]
May 12.
Windsor.
Warrant for a pardon to John, Lord Berkeley, and John Berkeley, John Cowper, the Coroner for Middlesex, having certified that the jury impanelled by him to inquire touching the death of Ralph Tonycliffe have presented that the said Lord Berkeley and John Berkeley are guilty of the manslaughter of the said Tonycliffe. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 54, p. 282.]
May 12.
Windsor.
Reference to the Lord Lieutenant of the petition of Sir Samuel Foxon, praying to be authorized to inspect the proceedings of the several courts of justice and sheriffs of Ireland for 31 years and by all lawful means to increase the branch of the revenue arising by forfeited recognizances and fines issuing by green wax, now almost totally lost by the neglect of sheriffs and corruption of their bailiffs, with the allowance of — per pound of all that shall arise thereby. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, p. 360.]
May 12.
Windsor.
Reference to the Lords of the Treasury of the petition of Caroline Wyndham, daughter of Sir Edmund Wyndham, late Knight Marshal, and Mary Elyott, daughter of Thomas Elyott, late a Groom of the Bedchamber, for a grant of the estate of Edward Norton, forfeited for high treason, his Majesty retaining a gracious sense of the loyalty and services of their fathers. [Ibid. p. 362.]
May 12.
Windsor.
Reference to the Attorney General of the petition of the inhabitants of Lowestoft praying that, a suit about the admeasurement of seven miles between them and the town of Great Yarmouth having been determined in the House of Peers, his Majesty will order that in the new charter to Yarmouth either seven English miles may be inserted instead of seven leagues or a proviso for preserving the benefit of the said judgment to the petitioners. [Ibid. p. 363.]
May 12.
Windsor.
Reference to the Attorney General of the petition of the Waxchandlers' Company of London submitting themselves to such regulations for the government of the Company as his Majesty shall think fit. [Ibid.]
May 12.
Windsor.
On the petition of Jane Oborne (calendared ante, p. 4) and the report of the Attorney General that he is induced by the certificate of so many worthy gentlemen to be of opinion that the petitioner is a fit object of his Majesty's grace, but, the Lords of the Treasury having given directions for the prosecution of several coiners and clippers, he conceives it fit that they be acquainted with the case before the warrant pass for a pardon, further reference thereof to the Lords of the Treasury. [Ibid. p. 364.]
May 12.
Windsor.
Reference to the Lords of the Treasury of the petition of Anne Erington of Denton, Northumberland, widow, for liberty to make a watercourse through a field called Eastfield near Denton for the convenience of a colliery in her own land, for which she pays a rent to his Majesty. [Ibid.]
May 12.
Windsor.
The Earl of Sunderland to Lord Alington. I have acquainted his Majesty with your letters of the 8th and 10th, who very well approves of what you have done in the matter of the perambulation within the liberties of the Tower, and as to the information against the soldier, he would have him forthwith cashiered without any further proceeding. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 56, p. 97.]
May 12.
Windsor.
The Earl of Sunderland to Sir John Lanier. Sending his Majesty's orders for his coming over to England. [Ibid.]
May 12.
Windsor.
The Earl of Sunderland to the Deputy Lieutenants of Warwickshire. Signifying his Majesty's pleasure that the halberts and horns seized at Coventry and now in the custody of some of them be forthwith delivered to the Mayor of Coventry that they may be made use of on fair days and other occasions as formerly. [Ibid.]
May 12.
Windsor.
The Earl of Sunderland to Lord Alington. I have writ to the Attorney General by the King's command to acquaint him that he thinks it requisite that the boundaries and limits of the Tower liberties should be ascertained, which he would have him take care of accordingly. I have sent him your letter giving an account of the perambulation and told him, if requisite, you would give him further information. [Ibid. p. 98.]
May 12.
Windsor.
The Earl of Sunderland to the Attorney General. His Majesty thinks it requisite that the boundaries and limits of the Tower liberties be ascertained, which he would have you take care of. I enclose a letter from the Constable of the Tower. If requisite, he will give you more particular information. [Ibid.]
May 12.
Windsor.
Commission to Capt. Charles Barclay to be captain in the Royal regiment of foot. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 164, p. 125.]
May 13.
Windsor.
Reference to the Lords of the Treasury of the petition of Edward Wigg praying that, the rent of the Excise having been advanced by his discovery 20,000l. per annum, yet the money not being effectually paid till the end of the farm to George Dashwood, Peter Calvert, etc., before which time the petitioner went for Ireland employed by the farmers and, though the whole 60,000l. is now fully paid, yet he has not had any compensation, his Majesty will give him such a compensation as in such cases of discovery has been usually done, his Majesty retaining a gracious sense of the petitioner's good services. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, p. 365.]
May 13.
Windsor.
Reference to the Lords of the Treasury of the petition of Robert Doughty, late collector of customs at Yarmouth, praying that, being charged with a debt of 5,194l. by the Comptroller General of the accounts of Customs and taken into custody and all his personal estate seized and having paid 2,000l. of that debt, being all he was able to raise and more than his sureties were bound for, he might be pardoned the rest. [Ibid. p. 379.]
May 13.
Windsor.
The Earl of Sunderland to Mr. Joddrell. His Majesty would have you let Mr. L'Estrange have the use of the Journal and papers above-mentioned for some time, after which they shall be restored to you. With memorandum that the papers were the Journal of the House of Commons about the Popish plot and the informations and examinations which had been taken and were lodged in the hands of the Clerk of the House of Commons. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 56, p. 112.]
May 13.
Windsor.
Warrant to the Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench and the Recorder of London for inserting in the next general pardon for poor convicts of Newgate without any condition of transportation James Shaw convicted some time ago at the Old Bailey for clipping and counterfeiting but reprieved, he having made an ample discovery of several persons guilty of the said crime. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 335, p. 119.]
May 13.
Windsor.
Instructions for the Commissioners for remedy of defective titles in Ireland. Considering that all the lands, tenements and hereditaments in Ireland may be reduced under these three heads, viz., 1. Such as are possessed by the former proprietors who had them before 23 Oct., 1641, or claim under those then in possession; 2. Such as are now held by new titles under the Acts of Settlement and Explanation or by letters patent since the restoration; 3. Such as are held without any title that the present proprietors can make out—you shall observe the following instructions:
As to the First Head.
1. Persons in possession of lands, etc., as the old proprietors thereof, whereof they or those under whom they claim were returned proprietors in 1641 by any survey, or where, there being no other proprietor returned by any survey, they or those under whom they claim were in possession in 1641 before the rebellion and have also been in possession thereof for the greater part of the time since the restoration, be admitted to pass new letters patent thereof according to their present estates or reputed estates therein under the rents now payable thereout to the Crown and that the fine to be demanded for passing such letters patent do not exceed one sixth of the yearly value thereof (provisions for ascertaining the yearly value).
2. Persons in possession of such lands, etc., as the old proprietors thereof in 1641 which are neither by the Civil Survey, Gross Survey or Down Survey returned to have belonged in 1641 either to them or to those under whom they claim and who shall not be able to make out a good title thereto shall pay no more for a fine than two years' value.
3. Persons so in possession of lands, etc., as the old proprietors thereof, who shall desire to have any misnomers in their former patents rectified or to be discharged of any conditions therein that may tend to the forfeiture or incumbrance of their estates shall pay a greater or less fine according as you shall find the incumbrances to be more or less considerable.
4. As to those of the clergy who shall pass any letters patent of lands, etc., belonging to them in their politic capacity, you shall admit them thereto on easier terms than others in regard of the personal charge on them, they holding their estates only for their own lives.
As to the Second Head.
Persons in possession of lands, etc., under any new interest or estate granted them or to those under whom they claim by letters patent since the restoration or decreed to them or to those under whom they claim by any certificate of the Commissioners for executing the late Acts of Settlement and Explanation or of the Commissioners for settling transplanted persons or by the Commissioners for settling the remaining part of the '49 security be admitted to pass new letters patent of their lands, etc., according to their present estates or reputed estates therein under the rents now payable, in case they desire the same, paying also no more than one sixth of the yearly value thereof in case they shall pass the same under the denominations in their former patents or certificates contained, but, in case they desire to have any misnomers or uncertainties or other mistakes or defects in their former certificates or letters patent rectified, then to pay not above one half year's value of the lands, etc., wherein such defects are desired to be rectified according to the above-mentioned valuation.
As to the Third Head.
1. Persons who are in possession of lands, etc., and hold the same as the reputed proprietors thereof but have no decree or certificate for the same nor were in possession thereof before 23 Oct., 1641, nor shall make out any good title thereto, shall on passing a new patent for such lands, etc., pay no more for a fine than four years' value thereof according to the above-mentioned valuation, and you are not to take less than four years' value without first acquainting us and having received our directions by the Lords of the Treasury here.
2. As to lands that have been seized and sequestered and are held in custodium whereof the inheritance has not yet passed out of us, we authorize you to make grants thereof to such as you shall adjudge to have the best pretence thereto, who are to pay such sums as you shall think reasonable, but you are not to pass away any reversion or remainder belonging to us depending on any estate tail without first acquainting us and having received our directions by the Lords of the Treasury here.
You are not to grant manors and other privileges usually granted, where there have not been formerly manors, unless the lands, etc., designed to be created into a manor either contain 2,000 acres of profitable land or are of the clear yearly value of 300l. per annum, and on the creating of a new manor not above 20l. is to be paid for a fine and 5s. per annum rent at least is to be reserved out of every fair or market to be granted, in case the same be either a new fair or market or that the former fairs or markets, which shall be new granted, do not pay so much rent.
On the renewing of charters of corporations and in all other cases not hereinbefore provided for, such moderate fines as you think reasonable shall be paid on passing any new letters patent.
Where any lands, etc., shall be desired to be passed that now pay no rent, you are to reserve such reasonable rent as may be had without discouragement of plantation and improvement to those who would desire to pass letters patent.
You are to take particular care that no arrears of rent now in charge be discharged, for which any of the late Farmers or Undertakers of the revenue may be entitled to defalcations, nor that any rent now in charge be lessened without acquainting the Lords of the Treasury here with the reasons for discharging such arrears or lessening such rent and having received our or their directions.
Whereas in your letters of 29 April last to the Lord Lieutenant you say you shall take care that a table of fees be forthwith made before any letters patent pass on this commission, we, approving of your intention, require you to cause the same to be expedited accordingly. [7 pages. S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 340, p. 23.]
May 13.
Windsor.
The Earl of Sunderland to the Lord Deputy. The letter which you and the Commissioners for Defective Titles wrote to the Lord Lieutenant with the draft of instructions therewith having been read to his Majesty and communicated to the Lords of the Treasury, his Majesty has commanded me to prepare the enclosed instructions and transmit them to you.
The King has revoked the commission for executing the office of Lord High Admiral of England and has given his Royal Highness the charge of those affairs. [Ibid. p. 30.]
May 14. Col. J. Romsey to the Duke of York. I crave your favour to make this my just vindication as to what Holloway spitefully says of me. I resolved to lay before his Majesty the very worst of my own part of that horrid crime and the whole truth both of the murder and the insurrection. The first time I appeared before the Cabinet, they told me they believed I had fully charged myself and none could say more of me. I never spoke with the man six times in my life. The first was about the linen design. The next was with him and Wade and not a word passed of the murder, but they gave me the same account of Bristol as he does in his narrative. One thing he omits, which was that he had got two pieces of ordnance into his house, under pretence to fit them for sea, for clearing the streets if occasion, with ropes ready tied to them to draw them and powder and case shot laid by them. That meeting he mentions to me was very accidental, because I came to see Mr. West about law business. I met those he names, where it was proposed to go to the tavern, where Holloway very briskly charged us with carelessness in London, saying that, if the same industry had been used here as at Bristol, the controversy had been decided, and then he related into what posture they had put Bristol and said, except a better were proposed, he thought that should presently be put forward here. All agreed to the form they had used and thought them the fittest to manage it here that had performed so well there. They undertook it and bought a map of London and reduced the city into twenty parts. Wade could not attend, having other business, so Holloway made the division as I understood by himself.
Holloway very maliciously says I offered to command the murderers of the King and yourself. I wish I were as innocent of the part I have confessed I had (which is rather more than less than any can truly charge me with) as of what he says I am guilty of. Whatever others can do, I cannot so easily absolve myself of the ingratitude, much less of the horrid fault. I need not the aggravation of more than my share nor the displeasure of the King and yourself, under which I am so unfortunately fallen, without any new offence or cause on the most strict examination of myself. I implore you to mediate with his Majesty not to believe more against me than I am guilty of and also that you will not entertain a worse opinion than you seemed to have the first month or two after I surrendered myself, when you spoke very favourably of me. I have acquainted the King and yourself not only of all I knew of the plot, but of every thing else I could recollect. I beg you to remove his Majesty's displeasure and your own. I had once designed by your Royal Highness to present the King with a proposition for regulating some things amongst the forces, but I cannot think of doing any thing else till I am re-instated in the King's good opinion and yours.
Postscript.—I beg you will not let me be under the King's disfavour and yours any longer without my knowing my new crime and hearing what I can say. To-day I read Holloway's narrative, where I find myself loaded with more than I am guilty of. I wish I could have been face to face with him to make my defence. I would not, now he is dead, say more than were he alive, but his spite against me may easily be perceived and I hope that the King, yourself and all the Cabinet will believe my candour, for I will not excuse my guilt nor lay any more to any man's charge than I know he was guilty of. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 437, No. 133.]
May 14. Reference to the Lord Lieutenant of the petition of Helen Dempsey alias Macarty for an order that a pension of 88l. per annum granted her may be put on the present establishment of Ireland. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, p. 366.]
May 14.
Windsor.
The King to the Lord Lieutenant and the Lord Deputy. Warrant for the continuance to Margaret, Viscountess Dowager of Iveagh, of the pension of 300l. per annum granted to her late husband, Arthur, Viscount Iveagh, and, if it appears that his pension has not been paid up as far as the other pensioners on the establishment wherein his name is inserted, for payment to her of so much as will make her equal with others. [Nearly 2 pages. S.P. Dom., Signet Office, Vol. 11, p. 289.]
[May.] John Sprat of Deal to the King and the Privy Council. Petition stating that an order having been granted the petitioner on behalf of his wife Anne, daughter of Jacob Jones, lieutenant of the Loyal George, who was killed on board her during the first Dutch war, for summoning James Thurbarne of Sandwich to give an account of the pay due to Jones and also of the royal bounty of 105l. for the relief of his widow and children, both of which were received by him in 1668, Thurbarne in his late answer acknowledges the receipt thereof in 1677 a mistake of nine years; and praying an order to Thurbarne to appear personally before his Majesty and this Board to give an account of the said pay and bounty. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 437, No. 134.] Annexed,
May 15.
Whitehall.
Reference thereof to the Committee for Trade [Ibid. No. 134 I] and their order that a copy of the above petition be delivered to Thurbarne, who is to attend this Board with his answer within ten days after the receipt thereof. May 27, 1684. [Ibid. No. 134 II.]
May 15.
Whitehall.
References to the Attorney General of the petitions of the Blacksmiths' Company and the Carpenters' Company similar to that of the Wax Chandlers' Company calendared ante, p. 11. Minutes. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, p. 363.]
May 15.
Whitehall.
Reference to the Lord Keeper and the Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench of the petition of the Surgeons of the City of London, praying that, in regard it is found by experience that the union of the Surgeons with persons altogether ignorant of the science or faculty of surgery (as the Barbers are, who were heretofore a different Company from the Surgeons) hinders and does not promote the ends for which they were united, his Majesty would make them and all surgeons within seven miles distance thereof a body politic under such regulations as his Majesty shall think fit. [Ibid. p. 365.]
May 15.
Whitehall.
The Earl of Sunderland to the Mayor of Gravesend. The King, having received an account that Henry Cole, master of the Jeremiah, Nicholas Davison, master of the Speedwell, John Mar and Thomas Fry, masters of two other passage boats, bring great numbers of passengers from Holland to Gravesend and from there to Holland, and finding the said transport of passengers very prejudicial, in regard that dangerous persons may be thereby carried out of or into this kingdom, commands me to signify his pleasure that you forthwith lay an embargo on the said passage boats, if they be then at Gravesend, and, if not, as soon as they arrive, and you are not to permit them to go off or discharge them from the embargo without his Majesty's permission. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 56, p. 100.]
May 15.
Windsor.
Commission to Robert Car to be first lieutenant to Capt. John Whyte. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 164, p. 125.]
May 15.
Whitehall.
Warrant after reciting the grant dated 7 July, 1679, to Henry Sidney of the office of Master of the Robes, with a direction for the payment of 4,500l. per annum to him for finding the robes and other things incident to the said office, and that he has made up his accounts of the said 4,500l. a year for two years ending at Lady Day, 1681, and that, after all tradesmen's and artificers' bills and other incident charges have been paid, there is remaining in his hands 1,890l. 6s. 5d., which having been saved by his care and management he has prayed to be granted to him; for a grant of the said sum of 1,890l. 6s. 5d. remaining on the said account to the said Henry Sidney as a free gift without account. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 335, p. 119.]
May 15.
Whitehall.
Recommendation by the King, after reciting that Capt. Greevile Collins, the King's Hydrographer, has undertaken to make a survey of the sea coasts of Great Britain, which will be of great use for the safety of navigation, and has proceeded therein for the last three years, to all noblemen, privy councillors, judges, the universities, magistrates and gentry and particularly the officers of the Navy and traders and navigators to encourage the said undertaking by their subscriptions and to give the said Capt. Collins all assistance to enable him to finish his said work. [Ibid. p. 120.]
May 15.
Whitehall.
Warrant to the Justices of Assize for the Western circuit and the Keeper of the county gaol at Winchester revoking the reprieve to Richard Eyres alias Wheeller alias Thomas Eyres alias Wheeller (calendared in previous volume, p. 316) that so the sentence of death passed upon him may be executed. [Ibid. p. 121.]
May 15.
London.
Newsletter to John Squire, Newcastle. Holland letters of the 20th say that the French Ambassador there presents them with memorials daily, pressing them to give a final answer, notwithstanding which they have suffered the time to elapse, by reason the Prince of Orange was not there, whom they had sent for express and who was expected at the Hague the 21st instant. Several of the cities are for the proposals of France and most believe that the States will agree to them, the French King assuring them that, as soon as he is master of Luxemburg, he will return to Paris and not meddle with any of the Barrier towns. In the meantime letters from the camp before Luxemburg of the 16th say that since their being masters of the counterscarp they have pressed hard on the besieged and taken from them two redoubts and reduced them to the last extremity, for, unless they have speedy relief, 'tis certain that within ten days they will be forced to surrender, and letters from the French camp say they shall be masters of it before these letters come to us. The French King is at Valenciennes, where he will stay till the business of Luxemburg be over and then for Paris.
The Prince of Orange, having taken a view of his troops in Flanders, parted thence for the Hague the 21st instant.
Yesterday the Horse and Foot Guards mustered in Hyde Park. To-day his Majesty came to town and was at St. James', where was held an extraordinary Council. His Royal Highness was there also.
The several independent companies will be formed into regiments of which Lord Dartmouth will command one.
The States of Venice having declared war against the Turks have sent to most of the Christian princes to acquaint them with it and also to their secretary at Constantinople, commanding him to acquaint the Grand Signior with it and then to get away as well as he can.
From Falmouth of the 8th they write that six of the eight companies that came from Tangier are to be filled up and lie in garrison in Pendennis Castle and two of them, Capt. Chantrell's and Capt. Burgess's, are to go for Ireland and that Lord Arundell, Governor of Pendennis, was expected there every day from London.
At the Old Bailey sessions proclamation was this day made for summoning all Dissenters to appear against whom Capiases are issued out of the Prerogative Court for not conforming, but none of them appeared.
'Tis said that Lord Gerard of Brandon and several others are going for Flanders into the Spanish army.
We have a discourse about town of a new conspiracy; but what ground there is for it or the report I cannot learn. [3 pages. Admiralty 77 (Greenwich Hospital), 2, No. 83.]
May 16.
Windsor.
The Earl of Sunderland to the Earl of Craven. His Majesty being informed that plate and some other goods of value are lodged in the Duchess of Portsmouth's kitchen at Whitehall, for the better security thereof directs you to order that the Captain of the Guard appoint a sentinel to stand before the kitchen door. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 56, p. 100.]
May 17.
Windsor.
The Earl of Sunderland to the Duke of Norfolk. The King, having lately received information of several reports in the City and country that he intends very speedily to summon a parliament, whereon some gentlemen have put themselves to expenses in preparing for elections, has commanded me to acquaint you among several others that those reports are altogether groundless and untrue, he having as yet no such intention. As he will not be wanting to call a parliament when it shall be requisite for his own service and the public good, so I am commanded to assure you that you shall have notice when any such resolution is taken, wherefore if any reports concerning this matter be hereafter raised, you will not give any credit to them till the same be signified to you by his Majesty's command. In the mean time he recommends it to you by all proper ways and means to disabuse his good subjects that they may not be misled by any such false representations.
The King has likewise been informed of some designs to promote a tumultuous petition for the meeting of a parliament, whereon he has commanded me to let you know that he cannot but utterly dislike and condemn any such attempt and would therefore have you use your best endeavours to discourage such seditious practices, inconsistent with the peace and quiet of the kingdom. [Nearly 2 pages. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 56, p. 101.]
Memorandum that like letters were sent to the Dukes of Newcastle and Albemarle, the Archbishop of York, the Earls of Peterborough, Gainsborough, Bristol, Bath and Ailesbury, the Bishops of Durham, Bath and Wells and Exeter, Lord Stawell, Sir William Portman, Sir Roger Norris (Norwich), Sir Peter Shakerley, Dr. Brady, Master of Caius College, Cambridge, and the Lord Great Chamberlain, and to the Duke of Beaufort on the 26th. [Ibid. p. 102.]
May 17.
Windsor.
Commission to Samuel Oldfield to be cornet of Capt. Edwin Sandys' troop in the Earl of Oxford's regiment. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 164, p. 110.]
May 17.
London.
Newsletter to John Squire, Newcastle. Letters from Flanders of the 23rd say that the French are very cautious in their attacks before Luxemburg, being loth to hazard their men. The 14th they gained the first counterscarp and since that the redoubt on the point of the second counterscarp was warmly attacked and as bravely defended, but after a sharp dispute the French carried it, but were soon beaten out. They attacked it a second time and regained it. The besieged since sprang a mine with good effect, after which the French with their cannon razed the redoubt to the ground. 'Tis said many officers of quality are killed and that Marshal de Créqui was retired to Thionville either sick or wounded, that the besieged made a vigorous defence and that there was no appearance of their being reduced to extremity this month. They add that a sergeant was arrived at Brussels with letters to the Marquis de Grana, who came out of Luxemburg the 18th and says that the French were advanced no farther than the point of the second counterscarp, but that in four days they will be so near as to press them hard. The courier from Spain is arrived at Brussels with the final answer of the King, which, 'tis said, is that he will not accept of the French proposals, but bids the war to be continued, on which the Marquis de Grana has despatched the Viador General to the States to acquaint them and the Prince of Orange with the answer. Before the Prince went from Brussels, the Marquis de Grana made him a present of eight Neapolitan horses. All the Dutch horse are gone to encamp near Aerschot, where there is a good store of forage.
Letters from Holland of the 23rd advise that on the Prince of Orange's return to the Hague he had a long conference with the ministers of the allies and the States' deputies for foreign affairs. They had not then given the French Ambassador any answer to his repeated memorials, nor is it believed they will be able to agree on that point by reason of the great divisions among them, some being for complying with France and others against it.
The Imperialists have quitted Zateschin in Hungary after having set it on fire, which they did with so much precipitation, on advice that the Turks were coming to besiege it, that they burnt all their forage, provisions and nine pieces of cannon with the goods of the inhabitants, about 6,000 of all ages and sexes, who retired with great lamentation to Karpen and Shemnitz.
From Deal they write that the Dartmouth, Capt. St. Loe commander, is gone convoy to Calais and Dunkirk with some vessels from Hamburg.
Lord Arundell is arrived at Falmouth, where he was received with a great deal of honour, the soldiers being all in arms and the guns discharged.
Advice coming to Portsmouth that his Royal Highness was made Lord Admiral, the guns were fired, bonfires made and the bells rung with all demonstrations of joy.
Their Majesties having been to visit the Lady Anne returned for Windsor on Tuesday and the Duke yesterday morning. [3 pages. Admiralty 77 (Greenwich Hospital), 2, No. 84.]
Another copy of the above newsletter. [Ibid. No. 85.]
May 18.
Whitehall.
References to the Attorney General of the petitions of the Joiners' Company, the Upholders' Company and the Glovers' Company, London, all to the effects of the petitions of the other Companies. Minutes. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, p. 366.]
Monday, May 19.
Aldeburgh.
Gilbert Wise (?) to his master Bernard Howard. About a horse of his sold to Sir Joseph Williamson for 20 guineas. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 437, No. 135.]
May 19.
Windsor.
Warrant for a patent for 14 years of his inventions to John Dwight, who has set up at Fulham several new manufactures of earthen ware called white gorges, marble porcelain vessels, statues and figures and fine stone gorges and has discovered the mystery of transparent porcelain and opaceous red and dark coloured porcelain on China and Persian wares and the mystery of the Cologne or stone wares and is endeavouring to settle the manufactures of all the said wares in England. [2 pages. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 70, p. 23.]
May 19.
Windsor.
Warrant for a charter re-incorporating the borough of Plymouth on their surrender of their charter with a regrant of all the lands, etc., and other things belonging to the late Mayor and commonalty with the additions, alterations and clauses in the schedule annexed, with a reservation to the Crown of power to displace any Mayor, Recorder, etc. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 335, p. 122.] Annexed,
The said schedule. [3 pages. Ibid. p. 123.]
May 19.
Windsor.
Warrant for a charter re-incorporating the borough of Bury St. Edmunds on their surrender of their charter with a regrant of all the lands, etc., and other things belonging to their predecessors and for appointing the persons named in the paper annexed the first members and officers of the corporation, with power to the Crown to displace any Mayor, Recorder, etc. [Ibid. p. 126.] Annexed,
The said paper. [Ibid. p. 127.]
May 19.
Windsor.
Warrant for a charter re-incorporating the borough of Great Yarmouth and for regranting to them the ancient privileges and lands that were held by their former charters and all other things mentioned in their late surrender with the regulations, alterations and additions contained in the annexed paper. [Ibid. p. 128.] Annexed,
The heads of regulations, alterations and additions to be inserted in the new charter of Great Yarmouth. [4 pages. Ibid. p. 129.]
May 19.
Windsor.
Reference to Col. John Strode, Governor of Dover Castle, and to the Commissioners of the Peace for the town and port of Dover of the petition of Alice, widow of William Wellard of Dover. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 359, p. 184.] Prefixed,
The said petition stating that the petitioner's late husband was a constant promoter of the late King's interest, which he several times manifested to the hazard of his life and fortune, as appears by the annexed certificate, and was in actual service in the rising in Kent; that all true loyalists could never have any justice in Dover since the late King's death till now, for William Stokes, the late Mayor, and his factious party always by threats and other contrivances kept them under hatches; that this Stokes was a member for Dover and said, If the parliament would be for the Devil, he would be for them; that he by contrivance and large rewards during the petitioner's unjust imprisonment prevailed with the late Harbour Commissioners of Dover for a lease of her house and brewhouse, notwithstanding that they are limited by their patent not to grant any harbour lease but to the ancient tenants, to her ruin, she being the ancient tenant, for which cause she has been forced to forsake her habitation and abscond in London for her preservation; that she has by letters and several persons desired Stokes to come to an account and is willing to pay any thing that may be justly due; and that, he having unjustly possessed himself of all her estate, she is unable to sue for her just rights: and therefore praying an order to the present Commissioners of Dover to command the said Stokes to an account and to rehear the petitioner's cause and also an order to the Harbour Commissioners to call in their said lease to Stokes, so that the petitioner may be re-invested in her just rights. [Nearly 2 pages. Ibid. p. 183.]
May 20.
Windsor.
Reference to the Lords of the Treasury of the petition of Sir William Kingsmill for a remission of the penalties and forfeitures whereto he is liable for the manslaughter of William Haslewood, his kinsman. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, p. 367.]
May 20.
Windsor.
Reference to the Attorney General of the petition of the barristers and gentlemen students of the Middle Temple concerned in the last Christmas revels, praying that all suits now or hereafter to be commenced in his Majesty's name against them for a riot, while they collected their rents last revels according to ancient custom, and all proceedings [may be] stopped by a Nolle prosequi, they being ready to answer all private actions at law on that account. [Ibid. p. 368.]
May 20.
Windsor.
The Earl of Sunderland to the Earl of Bath. His Majesty, having received an account concerning the arms seized from dangerous and disaffected persons in Cornwall, would have you give order to your Deputy Lieutenants that such of them as are useful for arming the militia be deposited for that purpose in such place as you shall think most convenient and that the rest be sent to Pendennis and delivered to the keeper of the magazine there. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 56, p. 99.]
Memorandum that like letters were sent to the following Lords Lieutenant.
County. Lord Lieutenant. Towns where arms are to be left.
Chester Earl of Derby Chester.
Cumberland Earl of Carlisle Carlisle.
Devon Duke of Albemarle Plymouth.
Durham Bishop of Durham Tynemouth.
Kent Earl of Winchilsea Chatham.
Northumberland Duke of Newcastle Berwick.
Monmouth Duke of Beaufort Chepstow.
Southampton Earl of Gainsborough Portsmouth.
Westmorland Earl of Carlisle Carlisle.
York East Riding Duke of Somerset Hull.
North Riding Viscount Fauconberg Scarborough
North Wales Chester.
South Wales Chepstow.
[Ibid.]
May 20.
Windsor.
The Earl of Sunderland to the Earl of Bridgwater. Similar letter to the last concerning the arms seized in Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire, directing that those of Buckinghamshire be sent to Eton and those of Hertfordshire to Ware to be delivered to the persons appointed by the Master General of Ordnance to receive them. [Ibid. p. 103.]
Memorandum that the like letters were sent to:—
County. Lord Lieutenant. Places for the arms.
Berkshire Duke of Norfolk Henley.
Norfolk Yarmouth.
Surrey Kingston.
Bedford Earl of Ailesbury Bedford.
Cambridge Lord Alington Cambridge.
Chester Earl of Derby Chester.
Lancaster Liverpool.
Devon Duke of Albemarle Plymouth.
Dorset Earl of Bristol Weymouth.
Derby Earl of Devon Derby.
Essex Duke of Albemarle and Earl of Oxford Colchester.
Gloucester Duke of Beaufort Gloucester.
Hereford Hereford.
Monmouth Chepstow.
North Wales Chester.
South Wales Chepstow.
Bristol Bristol.
Huntingdon Earl of Ailesbury Huntingdon.
Lincoln Earl of Lindsey Boston.
Leicester Earl of Rutland Leicester.
Middlesex Earl of Craven Brentford.
London Lieutenancy Tower.
Northumberland Duke of Newcastle Berwick.
Nottingham Newark.
Oxford Earl of Abingdon Oxford.
Rutland Earl of Gainsborough Stamford.
Southampton Portsmouth.
Somerset Duke of Somerset Bristol.
East Riding of Yorkshire Hull.
Salop Lord Newport Shrewsbury.
Sussex Earl of Dorset Chichester.
Stafford Deputy Lieutenants Newcastle under Lyme.
Suffolk Earl of Arlington Ipswich.
Wiltshire Earl of Pembroke Bradford.
Worcester Earl of Plymouth Worcester.
Warwick Deputy Lieutenants Warwick.
York West Riding Earl of Burlington Doncaster.
[Ibid.]
May 20.
Windsor.
Commission to Capt. Alexander Cunningham to be captain in the Royal Regiment of foot and to Alexander Pearson to be his first lieutenant. Minutes. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 164, p. 125.]
May 20.
Windsor.
The Duke of York to the Prince of Orange. (Printed in Dalrymple, Vol. II, Appendix, Part I, p. 56.) [3 pages. Holograph. S.P. Dom., King William's Chest 3, No. 101.]
May 21. Warrant to Henry Evans, messenger, to search for and apprehend Edward Norton, William Rumbold, John Row, Samuel Gibbs, Francis Goodenough and Stephen Lobb, mentioned in his Majesty's declaration, and bring them before Mr. Secretary to answer to such treasonable matters as shall be objected against them. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 54, p. 283.]
May 21.
Windsor.
Reference to the Lords of the Treasury of the petition of Charles Orby for a grant to him and his heirs of the manor of Crowland with its appurtenances under the yearly rent of 193l. odd money, his father and mother releasing to his Majesty all demands of allowances for the reparations they have made therein and likewise a pension of 300l. per annum granted to his mother with the arrears thereof. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, p. 368.]
May 21. Affidavit by John Parnell of London, chirurgeon, that the 9th and 10th instant he was told by the chirurgeon's mate of the Pelican,—Varlett commander, that she was bound for the East Indies on a trading voyage and would be out two years or thereabouts. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 359, p. 180.]
May 21. Affidavit by Bartholomew Vicary of London, distiller, to the same effect. [Ibid.]
May 21.
Windsor Castle.
Warrant for a charter to George, Marquess of Huntly, of the lands, etc., therein mentioned. (The purport appears by the ratification printed in the Acts of the Parliament of Scotland, Vol. VIII, p. 499, from which and from the next document it appears that the date thereof was 21 May, not 2 May as entered in the Warrant Book.) [Nearly 5 pages. Docquet. S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 8, p. 357.]
May 21.
Windsor Castle.
The King to the Marquess of Queensberry, Treasurer Principal, John Drummond of Lundin, Treasurer Deput, and the remanent lords of the Exchequer. Understanding that the haill writs and evidents, which belong to the family of Huntly, on the death of George, late Marquess of Huntly, grandfather to the now Marquess, who suffered for his loyalty to our and our father's interest, were seized by the late Marquess of Argyle and by him so secretly secured that hitherto this Marquess of Huntly has never been able to recover them, only some few he has recovered of some particular men's hands and others he has extracted from our registers, and, having now passed a signature of even date herewith, containing several lands, etc., which we have erected in a full and free regality and have likewise changed the holding of such as were formerly holden ward from simpleward to taxtward, and being informed that the said Marquess and his predecessors enjoyed the lands and others without any question moved against them by our officers or any of our subjects, lest you should put any stop or hindrance to the passing of the said signature, which contains a new gift, because the Marquess by reason of the concealment and loss of the said writs and evidents occasioned by the disorders in that kingdom is not able to instruct every particular point of that signature by the production of the writs and documents granted by our ancestors, therefore, that he may not sustain any prejudice through the loss of the writs and evidents, we hereby will and require you with all diligence to pass the said signature and to put no stop or impediment thereto for want of instructions of the lands and others therein mentioned or by reason of the new gift, right and privilege of regality or change of holding therein specified or any constabularies, etc., therein contained. And, though it is our will and pleasure that no stop or impediment be made thereto under any pretence of law or other cause, for which we might impugn the same, yet being unwilling that any of our subjects should be prejudged in their rights by anything in the said signature, we appoint the same to be passed in the common form by public affixing thereof, to the end that our subjects may give in their lawful objections, if any, against the passing thereof and that none of them be prejudged thereby. [Over 2 pages. Ibid. p. 362.]
May 21.
Windsor Castle.
Commissions to George Home to be cornet of Lord Livingstoun's troop of Lifeguard of Horse and to Alexander Urquhart to be captain of the company of grenadiers lately added to the regiment of Guard. [Ibid. pp. 364, 365.]
May 22.
Windsor.
Reference to the Attorney General of the petition of the Poulterers' Company, London, to the same effect as the petitions of other Companies. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, p. 369.]
May 22.
London.
Newsletter to John Squire, Newcastle. The King of Poland was to be at the head of his army the 20th instant, which with the Cossacks amounts to near 100,000 men. His first enterprise will be the siege of Caminiec, the loss of which the Turks will not be wanting in their endeavours to prevent.
The last French letters of the 27th say that the French King was at Valenciennes expecting the fate of Luxemburg, which the French have pressed so hard that they are masters of all the outworks and lodged themselves in the town ditch. The impossibility of hopes of relief and the weakness of the garrison make the French believe that in a few days they shall be masters of it. All the English lords and gentlemen in the camp are extreme kindly used by the Marshal de Créqui, who will not suffer any to expose themselves to danger but those that have command.
The 17th came into Plymouth Road three Spanish men-of-war, two Dutch ships and a small French prize. The Deptford ketch is also come in there from Tangier having several women on board from that place, and the Two Lyons, a small man-of-war lately taken from Sallee, is arrived there, Capt. Frowd commander.
The 20th Sir William Bishop's company of Grenadiers marched out of Portsmouth and are going for York.
The French fleet of several men-of-war under the command of Monsr. du Quesne instead of besieging Valencia as was expected is come before Genoa and fired several bombs and guns into it. As soon as they began to fire the Little and Great Council met immediately to give the necessary orders and passed an Act that a certain number chosen out of both Councils should determine of peace or war, a thing never known, nothing of that nature being ever done before but by consent of the whole. They have ordered ambassadors to be sent to all their neighbouring princes to acquaint them with the danger they are in and pray their speedy assistance. 'Tis reported here that the Duke of Savoy is come down with his army by land, but how he will pass through the territories of the Duke of Milan I cannot learn, so that little credit is given to the report.
His Royal Highness came here from Windsor yesterday and, 'tis said, returns not till Saturday next.
The Turks and Tartars are fallen into Wallachia and deposed the prince set up by the King of Poland and placed one of their own choosing in his stead.
One article of peace between France and Argier is, his Most Christian Majesty shall give those corsairs 400,000 crowns, in consideration of which they are to deliver up the rest of the French slaves.
Some persons coming into the King's Bench prison and affront ing Mr. Oates, blows ensued, for which they were bound over. [3 pages. Admiralty 77 (Greenwich Hospital), 2, No. 86.]
May 23.
Windsor.
Reference to the Lords of the Treasury of the petition of Sir John Bunce, eldest son and heir of Sir John Bunce and grandchild of Sir James Bunce, deceased, for relief, his grandfather having contracted great debts in his Majesty's service and several of the sums expended in it being yet unpaid, he being utterly destitute of means to maintain himself. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, p. 369.]
May 23.
Windsor Castle.
Warrant for a presentation to the bishopric of Dumblane in favour of Robert, late Bishop of Brechin, now Bishop of Dumblane. [Docquet. S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 8, p. 366.]
May 23.
Windsor Castle.
Warrant for a letter empowering Alexander, Archbishop of St. Andrews, to translate Robert, late Bishop of Brechin, now elect Bishop of Dumblane, and to install him bishop in the bishopric of Dumblane. [Ibid. p. 367.]
May 24.
Windsor.
On the petition of Arthur Rawdon, nephew and heir at law to the late Earl of Conway, complaining that in a cause between him and Mr. Seymour about the estate of the said Earl, Mr. Seymour and his proceedings are publicly espoused by some of the Commissioners of the Revenue there, whereby sheriffs, jurors and other officers, who in their respective employments have a dependence on the said Commissioners, are manifestly influenced in his disfavour, and therefore praying an order to the said Commissioners not to intermeddle, his Majesty, out of his constant resolution that justice be impartially administered to all his subjects, directs that the Lords of the Treasury give order to the Commissioners of the Revenue in Ireland that they do not either by themselves or any acting under them in any wise intermeddle in any suit or cause depending between the petitioner and Mr. Seymour. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, p. 370.]
May 24.
Windsor.
Reference to the Attorney General in the same terms as the reference of the petition of the corporation of Bury St. Edmunds calendared in previous volume, p. 393, of the petition of the corporation of Richmond, Yorkshire, in the same terms as the said petition. [Ibid. p. 372.]
May 24.
Windsor.
Reference to the Lords of the Treasury of the petition of Capt. Dennis German for a yearly allowance either in England or Ireland in consideration of his constant loyalty and for his maintenance in his old age, he having spent all his estate in his Majesty's service, his Majesty retaining a gracious sense of the petitioner's services. [Ibid.]
May 24.
Windsor.
Pass to Edward Randolph, collector of the customs in New England, on his return there. (Calendared in S.P. Col., America, etc., 1681–85, p. 641.) [S.P. Entry Book 335, p. 133.]
May 24.
Windsor.
Allowance by the Earl of Sunderland of the bill of extraordinaries from 30 Sept., 1683, to 31 March, 1684, of Viscount Preston, Envoyé Extraordinary in the Court of France, amounting to 4,554 livres 6 sols or in English money to 370l. 5s. 5d. Among the items are 289 livres for sending one express to Alencon to fetch Bomeni, valet-de-chambre to the late Earl of Essex, and given him to carry him to England, and 282 livres for bonfires, wine, etc., on the birth of the Duc d'Anjou.—For new black liveries for the voyage, which would otherwise have been wholly needless, having by me coloured liveries quite new, which is submitted to your consideration whether to be allowed or no. [Ibid. p. 134.]
May 25.
Windsor.
Approval by his Majesty of the Attorney General's report dated 16 May on the reference to him of the petition of the inhabitants of Lowestoft calendared ante, p. 13, which was that he had heard what those of Yarmouth had to object to it and that they do not object that the word Leucas should be explained by the word Milliaria, which he conceives sufficient to take away all occasion of difference, and direction to the Attorney General to take care that the alteration and explanation above mentioned be accordingly made in the new charter of Yarmouth. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, p. 371.]
May 25.
Windsor.
Reference to the Attorney or Solicitor General of the petition with the paper of heads annexed of the Commissioners of the Peace for the present government of the town and port of Dover and of the inhabitants thereof praying that, judgment having been entered against the corporation of that town and they appointed Commissioners as aforesaid, who find it absolutely necessary for his Majesty's service that the port should be reincorporated, his Majesty would grant the town a new charter with the alterations in a paper annexed. [Ibid.]
May 25.
Windsor.
Reference to the Attorney General of the petition of the Armourers' Company of London submitting to such regulations in their charter as may conduce most to the peace and security of the government and the welfare of their company. [Ibid. p. 372.]
May 25. Like reference on the petition of the Broderers' Company, London. Minute. [Ibid.]
May 25. The Earl of Sunderland to the Mayor of Bristol. The Duke of Beaufort having sent me your letter of the 21st to the Town Clerk with an enclosed information concerning one Harris or Harrison, I acquainted his Majesty, who is well satisfied with your care and doubts not you will continue it. As to the information he leaves it to your discretion to make such further inquiry as you shall think fit and, if you find it of moment and such as may require further directions, you may let me know. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 56, p. 105.]
May 26.
Windsor.
Reference to the Lords of the Treasury of the petition of Capt. John Neuell, late Consul at Algiers, for an order for his salary for the time of his service there, being a year and a half, in the same proportion as the present Consul is allowed, with his expenses in his Majesty's service as per the annexed bill. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, p. 373.]
May 26.
Windsor.
The Earl of Sunderland to the Earl of Bridgwater. I have acquainted the King with your letter of the 23rd, desiring directions whether you may return to those who are assessed for the militia such arms as they are appointed to send. His intention is that such arms as were seized and belonged to the militia should be kept for the use of the militia and should not be returned to the persons they were taken from, but be employed for arming the persons who appear on the trainings without arms by reason those who send them had their arms taken from them. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 56, p. 105.]
May 26.
Windsor.
The Earl of Sunderland to Sir Joseph Cradock. His Majesty, having been informed of your proceedings against John Whitton of Crake-Hall in the North Riding of Yorkshire for speaking disloyally of him, is very well satisfied with what you have done as also with the affection and zeal you bear towards him and the government on all occasions. [Ibid. p. 106.]
[May 26.] Commissions to Sir Stephen Thompson to be Lord Mayor of York and to him and eleven others to be Aldermen and to William Wyvell and Anthony Lister to be Swordbearer and Macebearer and to Thomas Harrison to be Recorder of York, all during pleasure. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 70, p. 28.]
May 26.
Windsor.
Appointment of Marmaduke Butler and Leonard Robinson to be Sheriffs of the city of York during pleasure. [Ibid. pp. 25, 28.]
May 26.
Windsor.
Pass for two servants belonging to Sir Charles Wal[de]grave with four horses and a coach to pass from Rye to Dieppe and to return. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 335, p. 132.]
May 26.
Windsor.
Warrant to the Recorder of London for inserting in the next general pardon for poor convicts of Newgate without any con dition of transportation George Keith and — Monroy, Scotchmen and Quakers, committed by the Court of Aldermen of London to Newgate for refusing to take the oaths of supremacy and allegiance. [Ibid. p. 134.]
May 27.
Whitehall.
[W. Blathwayt ?] to Samuel Pepys. The convoys for Newfoundland being now near their departure, I am commanded by the Committee for Trade to send you the enclosed heads of inquiry, to which the captains of the convoys are to return an answer, and, because their letters received for the last three years give a very insufficient account of the state of the fishery and inhabitants there, the Committee desire that orders may be given for a more satisfactory return for the future. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 437, No. 136.]
May 27.
Windsor Castle.
The King to the Marquess of Queensberry, Treasurer Principal, John Drummond of Lundin, Treasurer Deput, and the remanent lords of the Exchequer. Warrant for, at the passing of the signature of the 21st instant in favour of the Marquess of Huntly, filling up the taxt duties in the blanks therein according to the retoured duties of those his ward lands, notwithstanding any former orders or instructions to the contrary. [S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 8, p. 368.]
May 27.
Windsor Castle.
Warrant for a charter of new infeftment to George, Earl of Aberdeen, his heirs and assigns, of the town and lands of Braco and the town and lands of Pitmuckstoune with the heretable office of mair of fie of the shirefdome of Aberdeen and also of one net salmond fishing on the water of Dee commonly called the King's Net in the Raike, all in the shirefdome of Aberdeen, on the resignations of Charles Gordon of Braco, the said Earl of Aberdeen and Isobell Douglas, spouse to Arthur Udney, merchant burgess of Edinburgh, with a new gift and a change of the holding from simpleward to taxtward. [Over 1 page. Docquet. Ibid. p. 369.]
May 27.
Windsor Castle.
The King to the Marquess of Queensberry, Treasurer Principal, John Drummond of Lundin, Treasurer Deput, and the remanent lords of the Exchequer. Warrant for filling up the taxt duties in the blanks in the preceding signature according to the retoured duties of the lands therein mentioned. [Ibid. p. 371.]
May 27.
Windsor Castle.
Warrant for a charter of new infeftment to Sir Andrew Ramsay of Abbotshall in liferent and to Sir Andrew Ramsay of Waughton, his oy, and the heirs male of his body with remainders over of the lands and barony of Abbotshall with the right of patronage of the parish of Abbotshall on the resignation of the said Sir Andrew Ramsay of Abbotshall as tutor to the said Sir Andrew Ramsay of Waughton and taking burden on him for his said oy and also for himself as liferenter, with a change of the name of the said barony to the barony of Westounhall and of the name of the manorplace of Abbotshall to Westounhall, and of the name of the burgh of barony of Lynktoun to Westoun and with a change of the weekly market formerly held on Thursday to — within the burgh of barony of Westoun and a change of the fair formerly held 10 June yearly to 10 July in the said burgh of barony, with power to both the said Sir Andrew Ramsays to build and have ferry-boats for passing from the said burgh of Westoun to Leith or any other place of the south shores and fishing-boats and ships and to sail the same to any seas outward and to return and to trade freely. [Nearly 2 pages. Docquet. Ibid. p. 372.]
May 29. Receipt for 5l. 6s. 8d. to Sir John Tippetts for two years' rent due to the Mercers' Company, Midsummer, 1683, for the house on Tower Hill late Sir Richard Ford's. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 437, No. 137.]
May 29.
Windsor.
The Earl of Sunderland to Sir John Farrington. I have acquainted his Majesty with the letter of the 16th from you and Mr. Edmonds with an information against Benjamin Hoffman concerning dangerous words spoken by him. He approves of your proceedings and would have the party, when taken, bound over to appear at the next assizes and in the meantime to find sureties for good behaviour. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 56, p. 106.]
May 29.
London.
Newsletter to John Squire, Newcastle. Last Tuesday his Royal Highness came here from Windsor and yesterday went for Hampton Court to meet his Majesty and returned hither. The King from thence went for Windsor to be there at the solemnization of his birthday, when all the Court will be in a great deal of splendour.
The 26th we have letters from Lynn saying that at a common hall there that day their charter was voted to be laid at his Majesty's feet and ten of that corporation are appointed to wait on the Duke of Norfolk, Lord Lieutenant of that county, to desire him to introduce them into his Majesty's presence. The militia of the said town and county are to be mustered next Thursday, when his Grace will be there to see they make no false musters.
The Stationers' Company, having received their charter from his Majesty, who has restored it with more privileges than formerly, have ordered an address of thanks to be returned to him and the Master, Wardens and some of the Court of Assistants are gone to Windsor to present it.
To-morrow their Royal Highnesses go for Windsor. His Majesty has declared that for the convenience of his affairs, 'tis necessary for his Royal Highness to come to the Council.
French letters say that, after they had possessed themselves of the horn-work mentioned in the Gazette, the Prince de Chimay beat a parley, on which the Marshal de Créqui after some time sent him a blank paper to write his own conditions. Mr. Howard, the Earl of Carlisle's second son, was killed in the trenches by a musket shot. The French were to take possession of the place last Saturday. The French King parts from Valenciennes in order to be at Versailles 8 June, leaving the command of the army to Marshal de Schomberg, who is to act as he shall receive orders from the Court. 'Tis believed he will not meddle with anything more this campaign, though 'tis said here he designs the taking of Mons in his way home.
The Sieur du Quesne, as I told you in my last, having refused the three days time to the deputies of the Genoese and demanding that they should send ambassadors to France to beg pardon for the injuries and affronts by that state to France, to recall their galleys, which he prohibited them to build, and join them with his fleet, to renounce their obedience and protection of the Spaniards and permit him a free passage—these being told the Senate, they immediately ordered 100 great guns to be fired at the fleet for answer, to which they had 1,600 bombs fired into the town, which destroyed a great many of their fine churches and palaces, and then they quitted Genoa and went to Gerona, which is now besieged by the French.
In storming the horn-work the French lost ten captains of grenadiers, ten engineers and several persons of note, besides 400 common soldiers. With note: This is to let your worship know it was after 12 before the footman came out of Newcastle. [3 pages. Admiralty 77 (Greenwich Hospital), 2, No. 87.]
[May ?] Barbara, Duchess of Cleveland, to the King. Petition for relief. His Majesty granted to the Earl of Arlington ground, a parcel of St. James' Park, with licence to build so many houses as he or his assigns should think fit, so that none of the said houses extend westward farther than the East corner of Cleveland Garden and so that no walks (cf. p. 37) or mounts in the ground for gardens to the said houses be so made as to look into Cleveland Garden, notwithstanding which Mr. Frith, the said Earl's assignee, built many houses which extend westward much further than the East corner of Cleveland Garden and has made walks and mounts which look into Cleveland Garden to the petitioner's great prejudice. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 437, No. 138.]
May 30.
Windsor.
Reference to the Attorney or Solicitor General of the petition of John Clignet of Limerick for a patent for 14 years of a new device or engine much like a calash with two or more wheels to be drawn by one or more horses, with the annexed report of the Lord Deputy. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, p. 373.]
May 30.
Windsor.
Reference to the Lords of the Treasury of the petition of John Prescot of Preston, Lancashire, fustian maker, showing that Edward Jackson, lately executed for clipping, was indebted 950l. to him, for which after a long solicitation he was obliged to take a bond of 450l., and praying, in regard that sum is his whole subsistence, a grant of so much of the said Jackson's personal estate as will satisfy that debt. [Ibid.]
May 30.
Windsor.
Warrant for a new charter incorporating the town of Dover and granting them all their ancient privileges and immunities formerly enjoyed by them till a judgment was lately entered against them whereby their former charters and all their privileges and immunities became forfeited, with the limitations, reservations, alterations and additions contained in the annexed paper of heads. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 335, p. 135.] Annexed,
The said paper of heads. [Over 2 pages. Ibid. p. 136.]
May 30.
Windsor.
Warrant after reciting a grant dated 7 Feb., 1682, to the Earl of Arlington and his heirs of parts of St. James' Park therein particularly described with licence to build thereon so many houses of brick as he or they should think fit, so that none of the said houses should extend westward farther than the East corner of Cleveland Garden and that no walls (cf. p. 36) or mounts in the ground designed for gardens to the said houses should be made so as to look into Cleveland Garden, and that the said Earl and Isabella, his wife, afterwards by fine and other assurances conveyed the said ground to Johnshall Crosse and William Pym and their heirs, who have conveyed several parts of the said ground to or in trust for Anne Charlotte, Dowager Lady Frescheville, Baroness Dowager Musard of Staveley, Sir Thomas Bond, Sir Caesar Wood, lately Cranmer, Martin Folkes, Christopher Davenport, James Whitehall, James Supple and Andrew Card and their heirs and have demised the same or other parts of the same ground to Robert and John Rossington and Richard Fryth, citizen and bricklayer of London, or others in trust for them, and to Joshua Beriffe, carpenter, and several others, builders on the same ground, for long terms of years, and that several houses have been built on the said ground by the said parties or their lessees and that the same extend westward farther than the East corner of Cleveland Garden contrary to the condition in the said grant, and that the King has been petitioned to pardon the said offence of building beyond the said East corner and to confirm all the houses and buildings built on the said ground as they now are and to release the said proviso for restraining the said building on the same ground and all forfeiture and damage which has or might accrue thereby to any of the builders thereon by reason of the building thereof; for a pardon and release to the Dowager Lady Frescheville and the other persons hereinbefore mentioned and all other the lessees or builders on any part of the said ground of the said offence by them or some of them committed in extending the said houses and buildings farther westward than the East corner of Cleveland Garden and also for a grant and confirmation of all the houses and buildings erected on the same piece of ground to the above named parties according to their respective estates and interests and also a full discharge to the said Dowager Lady Frescheville and all other the above named persons of the said proviso for not extending the houses to be erected on the said ground farther westward than the East corner of Cleveland Garden and for not making any walls or mounts in the ground designed for gardens to the houses to be erected in the same ground which may look into Cleveland Garden and of all other provisoes or conditions in the said grant whereby the houses and buildings to be erected on the said ground or the manner thereof are appointed or restrained and all forfeitures and penalties already incurred or to be incurred by reason thereof. [Over 3 pages. Ibid. p. 138.]
May 30.
Windsor.
Warrant to Henry Howard, Commissary General of the Musters, after reciting that the King has thought fit to employ in service at sea Piercy Roche, cornet of Lord Cornbury's troop in the King's own regiment of dragoons commanded by Lord Churchill, for passing him as cornet of the said troop with one servant in the musters during such his absence. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 164, p. 111.]
May 30.
London.
The Duke of York to the Prince of Orange. (Printed in Dalrymple, Vol. II, Appendix, Part I, p. 47.) [2 pages. Holograph. S.P. Dom., King William's Chest 3, No. 102.]
May 31.
Windsor.
Reference to the Attorney General of the petition of the Cooks' Company of London for a pardon of all their past miscarriages and that they may be continued a corporation with such limitations and regulations as his Majesty shall think fit. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, p. 374.]
May 31. Reference in the same terms of the similar petition of the Pewterers' Company. Minute. [Ibid.]
May 31.
Windsor.
Reference to the Lords of the Treasury of the petition of John Green, Keeper of the Great Mews, for payment forthwith of his arrears, amounting to 246l. [Ibid. p. 393.]
May 31.
Windsor.
Dispensation for Sir Robert Dashwood, High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, to be out of his county. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 70, p. 26.]
May 31.
London.
Newsletter to John Squire, Newcastle. Yesterday being the first day of term, the Attorney General moved for final judgment on the Quo warranto against the charter of Chester and 'tis ordered to be so, unless they appear within a week. The like motion was made against the city of York and the same rule made. Walter Williams, a barrister, having written a book entitled Jus Appellandi ad Regem ipsum, in which there are reflections on the present Lord Keeper and the late Lord Chancellor, appeared on his recognizances and the Court advised him to wait on the Lord Keeper and make his peace, which would be much the better for him, and then attend the Court again. Counsel for Sir William Cooper moved for his discharge, he having stood bound twelve months, but the Court deferred it to the last day of term. Mr. Winn, who stands committed for saying they were a loggerhead jury that tried Col. Sidney, appeared and continued on bail. Mr. Sacheverell and the rest of the Nottingham rioters appeared and continued on bail.
A false report having been spread that his Majesty designed speedily to call a parliament and that thereon many gentlemen had made interest in order to their being elected, his Majesty has commanded circular letters to be sent to all the Lords Lieutenant to inform them that he has at present no such intention but that when he thinks it convenient to call a parliament they shall have timely notice and in the interim commands them to suppress all such false reports and to punish the authors, and his Majesty, having notice that some persons were busy in promoting a petition for the sitting of a parliament, has also commanded the Lieutenants to inquire after the promoters of such seditious practices and to put a stop to the same.
Yesterday arrived our Holland letters, which advise that the Prince of Orange, after some hours conference with the Sieur Hopps, one of the deputies of the States of Amsterdam, on an express he received from the Marquis de Grana parted for Vilvorde to his army there. In the mean time the States General met and have declared that, unless the French King will assure them that he will not meddle with the Barrier, they will hazard all to defend it. The French Ambassador at the Hague has given in another memorial letting them know that, though his master is not bound to the conditions of his former memorial, the time being elapsed, yet for the quiet of Europe he is content to stand by his memorial and allow them twelve days longer reckoning from the taking of Luxemburg, in which time if they agree not, he will act according as God shall bless him in the success of his arms.
This day Mr. Goodchild exhibited some articles against the Duke of Buckingham, for that he and several others came with blunderbusses breaking open his doors, etc. The Court ordered that they shall show cause why a Supplicavit shall not be granted. Robert Inham was this day brought up to the King's Bench bar for publishing a scandalous libel entitled Old Simon the King, to which he pleaded not guilty and was remanded to prison. [3 pages. Admiralty 77 (Greenwich Hospital), 2, No. 88.]
[May ?] Paper by Mr. West. As he represents it, for I knew not the place nor was concerned in the design, but he has omitted one passage, which was to his honour, viz., that they intended to plant at the heads of the principal streets some small ordnance to scour the streets, not to shed blood, which he, being a merchant, had taken or would take out of some ships into his own yard without administering any suspicion. I recollected my thoughts much sooner than Mr. Holloway did his, and therefore I am as likely to declare the truth as he, and I affirm what I have said here is true. But besides this, his character of Ferguson, who, as he knew, was by far the most guilty man in every part of the conspiracy, his acquitting Capt. Walcot from the design of the assassination, who confessed all but his acting in it, and his behaviour at the place of execution are sufficient to convince every man not resolved not be convinced that Holloway has not been ingenuous in his confession and that his angry reflections on Col. Romsey and me were made in hopes either of preventing our pardons and getting one for himself or else in revenge that we had accused him. Men who will believe only what they have a mind to may be of what opinion they please. [Imperfect, being paged 5, the preceding 4 pages being missing. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 437, No. 139.]
[May ?] Zachariah Bourne to the King. Being released on bail (29 Sept., 1683) and a great deal being demanded of me by the messenger for fees, which I am informed by some of the messengers your Majesty pays, I desire to know your pleasure whether I must pay him. (See Privy Council Register, Vol. 70, p. 180, under 28 May, 1684.) [Ibid. No. 140.]
[May ?] "The names of such as teach school in and about London that are unlicensed by the Ordinary ", being 67 in all, mostly being in the parishes of St. Botolph without Bishopsgate and St. Giles, Cripplegate, with notes against some of them such as, "a very poor old man who teacheth English ", " poor and lame," "lame in both arms." [2¼ pages. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 53, p. 147.]