William III: August 1696 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: William III, 1696. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1913.

'William III: August 1696', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: William III, 1696, (London, 1913) pp. 315-368. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/will-mary/1696/pp315-368 [accessed 24 April 2024]

August 1696



Aug. 1. Whitehall.	Extract from a news-letter. The business now under consideration is the raising of money to supply the public occasions. Divers eminent merchants of London met together yesterday and subscribed 35,000l. to be remitted to Flanders for the immediate use of the army. There is 80,000l. paid in upon the Exchequer Bills, and four Jews have undertaken to pay in 20,000l. next Tuesday on the same credit.
	Rear-Admiral Benbow has gone out with his squadron to meet and protect the rich fleet of merchant ships that is expected with two men of war, their convoy, from Hamburgh it being apprehended that Du Bart may be looking out for them. The fleet continues in Torbay.
	Sir John Fenwick's trial is put off for three weeks longer. The sessions at the Old Bailey, which met this day, was further adjourned till Saturday the 22nd instant by reason the judges are all out of town. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 60.]
Aug. 1. Whitehall.	Sir William Trumbull to Sir James Butler. I have been informed that one Henry Crimes, who stands committed by my warrant for high treason in compassing the death of the King whereof he is not yet acquitted by due course of law, has been lately arrested and committed prisoner to the Marshalsea, and I have thought fit to give you notice he is actually the King's prisoner, in the hands of one of his messengers, and leave it to your consideration whether he can be taken from thence and committed to any other prison on any civil action, while he stands committed for the crime aforesaid. [S.P. Dom Entry Book 99. p. 287.]
Aug. 1. Whitehall.	Passes for Mr. Alexander Dunbar to go from Gravesend to Scotland; for Francis James and Mary his wife, subjects of the States General, to go to Holland [Ibid. 344, p. 546]; for Mr. John van Herrn, a subject of the States General, ditto [Ibid., p. 547]; and for Peter Ferrand. a French protestant, ditto. [Ibid. 346, p. 386.]
Aug. 1.	Statement by Castun Jacobson, master of the Sancta Maria of Stockholm, bound home from France, examined on board his Majesty's ship the Dover. On Thursday last, on which day they left Camaret, there were thirteen men of war in Brest road ready to sail, and three or four in harbour, fitting out. They were all ships of sixty guns and upwards, except two of fifty bound for the West Indies. The rest were to be commanded by Count Chäteau Renaud in the Conquérant of ninety guns, but on what service they are ordered he does not know.
	There were fifteen sail of merchantmen there, of twelve, fourteen and sixteen guns apiece, some of them laden with corn and brandy, but most of them with salt, bound to Havre de Grace, Dunkirk, etc. They were all ready to sail without convoy, but news was brought of some English men of war off the Isle of Bass, and an order came to stop them.
	Mons. Nesmond is to the westward with nine men-of-war. There is one new ship on the stocks at Brest of fifty-six guns. Copies in duplicate. [S.P. Dom. Naval 5, Nos. 25 and 26.] Appended to No. 26 is a note by H. Robinson, commander of the Hampton Court: the prisoners say that at St. Malo they are fitting out twenty sail of privateers, and all the seamen about there have gone to embark thereon. The Marquis de Nesmond is at sea with fifteen men of war; the rest of the Toulon fleet are still rigged at Brest.
Aug. 1. Dublin.	The Earl of Drogheda to [the Lords Justices of England]. Having obligations to the Lords Justices of England for the honour they have done me in their recommendations to his Majesty to be one of the chief governors of this kingdom, I hope your lordships will accept my humble thanks and at the same time I must crave leave to beg the continuance of your favour. [S.P. Ireland 358, No. 44.]
Aug. 2. Windsor.	Princess Anne of Denmark to [the same ?]. "My Lords, by the enclosed petition you will see that a serjeant in Colonel Columbine's regiment is condemned to die for unhappily killing a man; he humbly prays for a pardon or reprieve until the King's pleasure in the matter be known. I desire you, if you do not think fit to examine the case and pardon him, at least to grant him a timely reprieve, before the day of execution comes, which is appointed to be Friday next come seven night, so that the King may be informed of his misfortune, he having a good character given him by the colonel and the rest of his officers." Signed. No enclosure here preserved. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 61.]
Aug. 3. [Whitehall.]	Minutes of the proceedings of the Lords Justices. The hearing about the Post Office that was appointed this day was put off till to-morrow, because there was not a quorum of the lords.
	Captain Meese's letter, desiring a Danish ship taken at St. Martin's, to be sent to the Treasury.
	Read the petition of Mrs. Caldwell to be considered for the powder she had furnished at Inniskillen, and for the loss she was at, and the hazards she ran, in doing it. To be referred to the Lords Justices of Ireland.
	The confession of Mr. Rudge and his daughter Mrs. Bysse, condemned for clipping, to be sent to Dr. Newton, warden of the Mint, to consider what use may be made thereof, that their reprieve may be ordered accordingly. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 274, p. 251.]
Aug. 3. Whitehall.	Passes for Esaias von Luttit and Johann David Teurich to go to Holland; for Don Diomede Gambase, ditto; for Gerret Neiraat, ditto [Ibid. 344, p. 547]; for Mr. George Barrence and his servant, William Raine, ditto; for John Waddey, serjeant in Major General Stewart's regiment, ditto; for Anne Poor, Mary Poor and Mark Poor, ditto; for Christian Lodovic and Lawrence Hermense, ditto; and for Peter Burchwarts and Michael Theel, Swedes, ditto. [Ibid. 346, p. 385.]
Aug. 3. Admiralty Office.	William Bridgeman to James Vernon. I send you, by command of the Lords of the Admiralty, an extract from a letter from Captain Caldwell as to a squadron of French ships cruzing in the Straits to intercept the Turkey fleet, which you are desired to lay before the Lords Justices. [S.P. Dom., Naval 5, No. 27.] Enclosing:—
	An extract of a letter from Captain Caldwell, commander of his Majesty's ship Anglesey dated 1st August 1696. I sailed from St. Helen's Road at 4 p.m. yesterday, and at 7 p.m. saw two sail, which this morning we chased, and at 7 a.m. spoke with them. They were two Dutch privateers, who came, five weeks since, from Messina. They report there are ten sail of French men-of-war cruising in the Straits to intercept the Turkey fleet, and that they had been chased by them two or three times. [Ibid., No. 27. i.]
Aug. 4.	[Lord Godolphin] to the King. In my last of 31st July, I acquainted you the Jews had agreed with us to remit 20,000l., but that the bills would not be sent till this post, because of their Sabbath. This night those bills are sent away, and we could have more money upon the same, if we could give them any hopes of so speedy a repayment, but we have no prospect of doing that for any considerable sum.
	Lord Portland has negociated, ever since he came over, for a loan of 200,000l., but the great promises which have been constantly made him from time to time have all failed hitherto, and I am apt to fear that expectation will end in nothing at last.
	I think the Lords Justices [of England] will meet again tomorrow with his lordship and with the Treasury to consider if they shall ask a loan from the city, or resume again the intention of promoting a subscription, which was the method thought of before Lord Portland came over. I confess I am afraid the scarcity of the "species" of money will still disappoint us of finding any considerable sum by any method that can be proposed, unless parliament can find an effectual encouragement for making the money, which is now locked up, circulate in the public service, and for restoring the paper credit; but, without one or both, I doubt it will be found impossible in a little time. [S.P. Dom. King William's Chest 16, No. 27.]
Aug. 4. Whitehall.	The Duke of Shrewsbury to the King. I am very sorry to acquaint you that, after the large repeated promises of those gentlemen of the Land Bank, the most they are able to procure to be subscribed is 40,000l. That I doubt will not be lent, but upon such terms, as makes it of no use to your present occasions.
	Lord Portland, Lord Godolphin, and myself, having received this bad answer late this evening, have resolved to summon the Lords Justices [of England], to acquaint them with it to-morrow morning, and to have the Treasury ready to be consulted with, as I suppose there will be occasion. Some of my acquaintances tell me there is another set of men who will, upon this exigency, shew their good will. Anything that may produce such an effect will be welcome at this time.
	If God delivers us from these present straits, everything that has happened in the endeavouring to procure this loan does more and more convince me that our condition is no better than I laid before you some time since. [S.P. Dom. King William's Chest 16, No. 28.]
Aug. 4. Whitehall.	The Earl of Portland to the same. This evening the merchants came to offer to send to Holland within a week the sum of 40,000l., provided the Treasury would give them security for repayment. This we shall try to arrange to-morrow. The Speaker and Mr. Harley are in despair, because their enemies will have some show of reason for saying that the land bank has never been able to satisfy the terms of the act of parliament in furnishing the 2,500,000l., for at present they cannot produce 200,000l. The Lords Justices meet to-morrow morning to interview the Treasury, and they have summoned me to be present.
	There are three things which might be tried: (1) to ask a loan from the City; (2) a subscription by all those who take part in the government, or are employed in your Majesty's service; (3) to take the worth [vaillant] 200,000l. or 300,000l. from the Exchequer, which is lying there useless, because it could not be coined in less than two or three months. The last expedient is the most dangerous, because it would be most prejudicial to the credit of the Exchequer, because private people will no longer think their money safe, if we take it from there to use it in case of necessity; therefore one ought not to adopt such a measure except in the last extremity. The first is the most obvious expedient, and could, doubtless, be carried through; or the second, if the city cannot furnish the sum.
	I think also that the national bank would do something to assist the public and restore their own credit; but of this I am not certain, nor of the method by which it could be done. There are also some merchants, who offer to remit if the Treasury will be responsible for their repayment in a certain time.
	I cannot yet arrange as to my return, of which they will not even suffer me to speak; for if I say that the money you need is found, [and return ?] people will think the matter desperate, and that I have [returned because] I have no means of getting it.
	I have received no letter from you since my arrival here, except that of the 2nd of August [new style]. Lord Sunderland will remain here till the beginning of next week; whilst he is here, the three who usually have to communicate with your Majesty are arranging matters as much as possible for the next session of parliament. They seem to agree thoroughly, and there is not the slightest suspicion of any jealousy or envy, but upon this I can inform you better by word of mouth. I will only say here that both sides give every possible assurance of the suppression of all private enmities, which shall not be allowed to prejudice the public service. They are all persuaded that, without perfect unity, each of them would be ruined with the public.
	The day before yesterday I went to Windsor to visit the Princess, according to your instructions. I have also been to Kensington, where I was assured that everything would be finished in three weeks, or a month at latest. I will urge on Lord Montague with regard to the furniture; the stair case is well enough; the little bedroom is practically finished, and I think you will be satisfied with it all.
	As the wind was in the east yesterday afternoon, and in the south to-day, I hope we shall have letters from Holland to-morrow morning.
	Sir George Rooke tells me that you have not yet given any orders for the Mediterranean squadron, and that Mr Russell proposes to send only six ships there; so that if more prove to be necessary, as he is convinced will be the case, orders must be sent over as soon as possible, for the other ships which could go are not at all ready, and the merchants are very apprehensive for the Spanish fleet, which is expected from the Indies. They have advice that Nesmond's squadron, and another, have effected a junction at sea, in order to intercept this fleet, and are now more than twenty sail.
	Lady Mary Fenwick came to see me. She says that if your Majesty would pardon her husband, he would declare all he knows, and the names of all those who are betraying you in your council, your fleet and your army; but he will not be a witness. I told her I did not think your Majesty would pardon him upon any condition, and that the only means of saving him would be to make no stipulation; if he thought he could deserve a pardon, I advised him to tell everything without reserve, relying implicitly on your clemency. She seemed to me and to Lord Carlisle to be persuaded, but she has since sent to tell me that, before following my advice, she will await your Majesty's answer to a letter which the Lord Steward wrote upon the subject. [S.P. Dom. King William's Chest 16, No. 29.]
Aug. 4. [Whitehall.]	Minutes of the proceedings of the Lords Justices of England. Read her Royal Highness's letter in favour of Richard Want, a serjeant in Colonel Columbine's regiment, condemned at Wycombe for murder. Ordered that it be sent to Lord Chief Justice Treby, to report how the case appeared upon trial.
	A memorial was given in by the East India Company and the owners of the Charles, the ship that Captain Avory [Every] ran away with from the Groyne. They were told to consider what they would propose to have done, and in the mean time to speak with Dann, who is in custody.
	Dr. Newton gave an account that he saw no use in Rudge and Bysse's confession. He also gave an account of Thomas White's discoveries; he thought him sincere, because he had named three notorious coiners, Charnock, Pritchard and Jones, and the two last were often at the Horse Guards. Ordered that Dr. Newton speak with Dr. Clarke about apprehending those two, and that Gibbons be employed to find out Charnock.
	The hearing about the miscarriages in the Post Office was proceeded with; several people were sworn against Mr. Brocket, the controller, particularly about his opening some of the privy councillors' letters. He was called in, and made his defence, denying the charge and bringing witnesses to prove that no one but Pulkyn could have seen him, who never pretended to accuse him, till he was himself turned out of the office for a fraud. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book, 274, p. 252.]
Aug. 4. Whitehall.	Passes for Peter le Tudois, a poor French protestant, to go to Holland; for Andrew Zieher and John Mauriz Wenzel, German protestants, ditto [Ibid. 344, p. 548]; and for Alexander and Antonius de Lunebourg, with Henry Schaube, their governor ditto [Ibid. 346, p. 386.]
Aug. 4. Whitehall.	Warrant to the keeper of Newgate to permit Martha Leeson to have access to her husband, Robert Leeson. [Ibid., p. 385.]
Aug. 4. The Berwick in Torbay.	Captain Robert Sincock to the Duke of Shrewsbury, reporting the safety of the King's presents for Algiers and Tripoli on board the Berwick. [S.P. Dom. Naval 5, No. 28.]
Aug. 4. Whitehall.	Extract from a news-letter. The council met again yesterday in the afternoon to proceed in the examination of the lists of deputy lieutenants and justices of the peace, who did not sign the Voluntary Association, which have been returned out of the several counties. The gentlemen that refused the same are put out of commission. Mr. Agosta Medina and two other Jews have paid in 20,000l. upon the Exchequer Bills. Some others have likewise paid in money upon the same fund, and in all probability further sums will be brought in daily. The merchants of London have subscribed 36,000l.
	Lord Murray went away on Friday last to hold the parliament in Scotland which is now going to meet.
	The fleet continues in Torbay, from whence several of the bomb vessels have come to Spithead to be refitted. They write from the Downs yesterday that Rear-Admiral Benbow was going to sail to meet the fleet of merchant ships expected from Hamburg. He lay with his topsails loose, when these letters came away.
	Some days ago a man was seized at Rochester and brought up to town last night, who upon examination appears to have been with Every and his crew, against whom a proclamation was published not long since in the East Indies, where they committed divers piracies, and particularly took a rich ship belonging to the Indians. After this they sailed to the Island of Providence in the West Indies, and there left their ships and dispersed, and he believes Every and several others have come home.
	Lord Berkeley has sent a squadron from the fleet to cruise in the Soundings under the command of a flag. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 62.]
Aug. 5. [Whitehall.]	Minutes of the proceedings of the Lords Justices of England. Read a letter from Mr. Taylor of Nottinghamshire, inclosing one he had intercepted of Mr. Burdyn. Ordered that it be put into Sir William Trumbull's hand, to whom the rest of the informations against Burdyn have been sent, and that Mr. Taylor be acquainted therewith.
	A letter from Baron Turton read, about Arthur Mangy, condemned at York. Ordered that the Baron be written to, saying that, since the man is condemned, their Excellencies refer it to him whether he should be further reprieved or not, since he can best judge what his discoveries amounted to, and what use may be made of them.
	The petition of Fawell, a prisoner at Durham for clipping, to be sent to the Lord Chief Baron, to do therein as he shall think fit.
	Directed that the Lords Justices of Ireland be written to for their opinion in relation to the sitting of the parliament, whether it should be upon a prorogation or an adjournment; likewise as to what probable assurances they had of the parliament giving the necessary supplies, what should be done here to bring the members into that temper, and in what time the session may be over.
	The Earl of Portland sent for.
	The Lords of the Treasury, viz. Mr. Montagu, Mr. Smith and Sir Thomas Littleton, called in. They declared that the expectations from the Land Bank were over, their subscription not amounting to above 36,000l., and none of that like to be paid, since it was upon conditions to be yet agreed upon; that their demands amounted to above 30 per cent., viz. 12 by way of discount, the exporting of 200,000l., as the law allows, which is worth 10 per cent., and the interest upon the tallies they were to have, being 6 per cent. more. So that the matter stood just where it was ten days before, when Lord Portland arrived, only they had found remittances for 30,000l., and they would have been in a worse condition had they not been able to satisfy these at the time of repayment.
	Considerations had whether they should propose a loan to the City. Great difficulties foreseen in it. The matter would be much worse in case of a refusal or a mean subscription, and they had no fund to propose to them but the credit of the Exchequer in general. Discourses were had about a general subscription. The difficulty foreseen that some would subscribe without any premium only in consideration of the public, others would expect a recompense for the advance of any considerable sum, and it was questioned how that could be adjusted.
	Resolved that some of the Bank of England be spoken to, and that it be seen what assistance they can give, and that the governor, deputy governor, and some of the directors have notice to attend their Excellencies to-morrow.
	Peter Cooke's reprieve signed to the 6th of November. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 274, p. 254.]
Aug. 5. Whitehall.	Passes for John Stockhausen and Albert Hartman, German protestants, to go to Holland; for Philip Doughty, esq., and his wife, Brownlow Doughty his son, and Elizabeth his daughter, with Stephen Tookey, a man servant, and Elizabeth, a black maid, to go to Holland or Flanders, upon his own note [Ibid. 344, p. 548]; for Catherine de Ville, ditto; and for Stephen Jourdinier and his wife, Henry Beddin and Anne his wife, with a small child, ditto. [Ibid. 346, p. 386.]
Aug. 5. Whitehall.	Warrant to James Kitson and Samuel Chapman to apprehend — Napper on a charge of coming out of France without his Majesty's leave. [Ibid.]
Aug. 5. Whitehall.	Warrant to the keeper of Newgate to receive into custody Maurice Trant, for high treason in voluntarily repairing to the coast of Kent, there to embark with intent to go to France. [Ibid. 345, p. 437.]
Aug. 5. Dublin.	News-letter addressed to Sir Joseph Williamson, London. On Monday last the militia were drawn out to St. Stephen's Green, who made a very fine show, being two regiments of foot and three troops of dragoons. They were drawn out to be viewed by the Lords Justices. Yesterday our parliament met according to their adjournment, and did little more than adjourn themselves to the 8th September next, when it is thought they will do business.
	Letters from Kinsale, of the 31st of July, say that last Thursday, in the evening, Captain William Townsend, commander of a small snow of eight guns, in his passage hither from Cadiz, took two small prizes, and that evening off the Seven Heads met three privateers, one of 40, another of 20, and the other of 10 guns, who gave him chase, firing at him till he got from them into Cork harbour with one of his prizes. The other was taken by the privateers, who stood off to sea. On Wednesday in the evening arrived here a small Spaniard from Bilboa, with wine and brandy. The Ann galley of Dublin is arrived at Ballymore from the Canaries. Off the Cape she met a French privateer of ten guns, whom she engaged, but came off with the loss of one man.
	Letters from Carrickfergus, of the 3rd of August, say that the last night his Majesty's ship Crown brought into this harbour a French privateer called the Goodwin of St. Malo, John Boyne, commander, about 90 tons, 12 guns, 73 men. She was taken about ten yesterday morning off Elsey. She threw all her guns but one overboard, and, with most of her small arms, and any other thing of value, the men came ashore this morning, and are committed to our prison. [S.P. Ireland, 358, No. 45.]
Aug. 5. Dublin Castle.	W. Palmer to Mr. Vernon. Since my last we have received no letters from England, but, according to what I then wrote you, I laid your letter and Mr. Yard's, about your allowance as agents for the council, before the Lords Justices, who were extremely well satisfied therewith, and directed me to assure you they should be ready to comply with anything (during their continuance in the government) that may prove of service to either of you. At the same time I had directions to signify to you that as you used to furnish the government with news as it came constantly, so they desire the continuance thereof, and withal that you would let your clerk make two copies thereof, and enclose to each of them one; because, if it come directed to them in general, if they happen not to be together, it cannot be opened till they meet the next day. On Friday last the vice-provost, fellows, etc. of the college of Dublin attended the Lords Justices to make their compliment on their lordships' accession to the government, and, Mr. Floyd, one of the senior fellows, spoke the enclosed speech in Latin, to which the Lord Chancellor made a very suitable return.
	I am also commanded by their lordships to inform you that they hear nothing of the St. Malo prize that was ordered hither. The enclosed association of the county of Caterlow [Carlow] I was directed to enclose to you, to have the same delivered to the Lords Justices [of England].
	The enclosed memorial of Lord Blessington and Brigadier Wolsley being presented to the Lords Justices, and their lordships not being able to do anything in it without directions from England, Lord Blessington and the Brigadier desired me to enclose it to you, and to pray that you would lay it before the Lords of the Treasury, in order to have a warrant for the same. But there must be inquiry made whether or no Lady Capell does not demand it, lest the King pay it twice. The Earl of Drogheda sent me the enclosed to the Duke of Shrewsbury. No enclosures preserved. [Ibid., No. 46.]
Aug. 6. Whitehall.	Sir William Trumbull to the Mayor of Nottingham. I have received your letter enclosing another signed Nelthrop, apparently written to you to misrepresent the state of public affairs and to create in you a dissatisfaction for the government; you have therefore done well in communicating it only to one of his Majesty's judges, and sending it to me. I wish you would let me know what you know about this Nelthrop, that I may speak with him upon the occasion of this letter. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 99, p. 289.]
Aug. 6. Whitehall.	The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Lord Chamberlain. The Abbé Scarlatte has waited on the King in Flanders, and had his audience of leave, as envoy extraordinary from the Elector of Bavaria. His Majesty is pleased that he should have the usual present, and that it be equal in value to that lately given to the envoy from the Grand Duke of Tuscany. You are therefore to give directions for providing and delivering the said present to Sir Charles Cotterell, who will take care to transmit it to him, and I recommend dispatch in this matter, seeing he is appointed by the Elector to go in the quality of his envoy to Poland, and will doubtless expect to receive his Majesty's present before he begins his journey. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 100, p. 264.]
Aug. 6. Whitehall.	The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Earl of Mountrath. I am glad the King has reposed so great a trust in one he may so entirely depend upon as yourself. [S.P. Ireland, King's Letters 2, p. 128.]
Aug. 6. [Whitehall.]	Minutes of the proceedings of the Lords Justices of England. The East India Company attended with an account they had received from the governor of Bombay concerning Captain Avory's piracies.
	Read the draft of the letter to the Lords Justices of Ireland. Inserted therein that the parliament there be adjourned to the 22nd of September, unless directions be sent in the mean time.
	Read letters from Mr. Blathwayt of the 6th and 9th inst., new style; and from Lord Villiers of the 8th and 11th.
	Thomas White's reprieve signed to the 28th inst.
	The Lords of the Treasury called in. They gave an account of what discourses they had had with some of the Bank. They find a good disposition in them, but complain of their disability. They were made acquainted with what White had confessed about dies taken out of the Tower, and directed to send for Dr. Newton, and resolve how the coining engines may be safer kept for the future.
	The governor and directors of the Bank called in, and acquainted with the necessity of supplying the army, and the acceptable service it would be to his Majesty and the nation if they could assist in it. The governor represented what they had done for the service of the public, and what returns they had met with; that they had strained their credit by furnishing 200,000l. in Flanders this summer, and that the Treasury were like to break it by not repaying them any part of that sum, though it was very solemnly promised; that, to put them into any capacity, they ought to have that money. Moreover, it ought to be considered what they lost by the remittances of last year, amounting to 80,000l. and more; and persons of quality, who impaired their credit by deserting them, ought to help to repair it by buying that stock again. They could do nothing without a general court, and they must know from their Excellencies if they had a proposal to make to them that they thought was like to be accepted of.
	Neither side being ready to propose, it was left to be considered by each party, and recommended to them to prepare to attend the lords in a short time. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 274, p. 257.]
Aug. 6. Whitehall.	Passes for Pedro Cruger, a German protestant, to go to Falmouth and Spain [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 344, p. 549]; for John Cordier, a French protestant, to go to Holland; and for Gerard Beelaerts and Theunis Steur, officers of the States General, and one servant, ditto. [Ibid. 346, p. 387.]
Aug. 6. Whitehall.	Warrant to Thomas Davis and Richard Hopkins to apprehend — Courtney, on suspicion of treason, and to bring him before the Duke of Shrewsbury to be examined. [Ibid. 345, p. 437.]
Aug. 6. Whitehall.	R. Yard to Sir John Williamson. Little of moment has passed here since you went out of town, except what relates to the money business. This brought Lord Portland from Flanders. The gentleman of the Land Bank subscribed only 36,000l., and the jews have remitted 20,000l.
	In Flanders there is nothing to be done this summer. The design upon Dunkirk is found impracticable. Thoughts are now turned towards Germany, where the siege of Philipsburg will be undertaken. It is late in the year; but Prince Louis of Baden is full of hopes to succeed in it. This is yet only an intention, and is not publicly spoken of. Since they have no hopes of keeping the Duke of Savoy in the alliance, they seem at least resolved to continue the war on that side, which will certainly make him very uneasy. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 63.]
Aug. 6. Whitehall.	Extract from a news-letter. Yesterday in the evening we received two mails from Holland. The latest letters from the King's camp are of this day se'nnight, when the armies continued in the same posts of which our former gave an account, only the Prince of Vaudemont had sent a detachment from his army to the Meuse, which is to remain in the neighbourhood of Namur to observe the enemy's motions on that side, while the Landgrave of Hesse marches back to Germany with all the diligence he can. He is to join Prince Louis on the upper Rhine in order, it is believed, to some considerable undertaking yet before the end of the campaign. It is taken for granted on all hands that the Duke of Savoy is so far engaged with the French, that he is not to be brought off again, though in all probability he may have cause to regret what he has done, if the war be continued in Italy.
	The last letters from Madrid, which are of the 25th ult., say an express had arrived there from Piedmont with an account of what has passed between the Duke of Savoy and the French, whereupon the council of state met several times, but deferred taking a resolution till they heard from the King. In the mean time there appeared a great disposition in that court to reject the neutrality proposed for Italy. The Queen's being with child is a piece of news of very great consequence, and will unite the factions at that court and make them more vigorous in their councils for the future.
	It is written from very good hands that the Imperialists were going to besiege Temesvar, though it seems a pretty bold undertaking when the Grand Seignior was so near them with his army. In Piedmont things continue in the same posture.
	The fleet from Hamburg, which is said to be very rich, has arrived in the river with the two men of war, their convoy, which will save Rear-Admiral Benbow this voyage. The Lords Justices have signed a further reprieve for Peter Cooke till the 6th of November next. We hear that two men who have been pirating with Every have been taken in Ireland. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 64.]
Aug. 6. Admiralty Office.	Josiah Burchett to James Vernon. The Lords of the Admiralty have received from Lord Berkeley copies of letters from the lieutenant-governor of Guernsey and Captain Atkins, touching differences between them, and have commanded me to send these for the Lords Justices' information. I am also to send you for their excellencies' consideration an account from the commander-in-chief in the Mediterranean as to the length of time his provisions will hold out; the Victualling Commissioners are unable to replenish these as the "credits" they hold at Cadiz are withdrawn. [S.P. Dom. Naval 5. No. 29.] Enclosing copies of:—
	(1) Letter from Captain James Atkins to Lord Berkeley, dated at Guernsey 26 July 1696. His Majesty's ship Greyhound, under my command, was so leaky, I feared we must have several shot [holes] under water. This my carpenter confirmed. So I desired leave of Captain Robinson to go to Guernsey to have her searched, and her leaks stopped. He allowed me leave accordingly for two days.
	On the 23rd inst., before my arrival in this road, I met with a fishing boat having five men on board. Being in extreme want of men, I took three of them out of her. After anchoring here, I went ashore and acquainted the governor with the good success you had had whilst in the Bay. He seemed very pleased therewith. I told him I had great occasion for men, but would not attempt pressing any on shore without his leave, but what I had done as abovementioned. He told me that was well enough. But the next day he sent an officer to me, requiring me immediately to quit, and send these three men on shore; if not he would detain my boat's crew. My answer was, if he would do so, I could not help it; when I sailed, I might be in action the first hour, and lose the King's ship for want of men; by no means would I release any men, unless he could produce such a protection as I was bound to obey.
	As I was going on board, on passing the main guard, I was seized, and told I was the governor's prisoner, and must leave my sword at the guard. By reason I would not (nor should I know how to answer the discharging of those three men) I was confined in the guardhouse, with my cloak and the boards to lie on.
	There are more than three hundred English seamen here at present, many of them deserters from the King's service, and hidden out of sight for the moment. I am informed that as soon as a King's ship sails out of the roads, they issue forth in their private men-of-war. Several such are now fitting for sea here with all expedition.
	About six months since three men left me at Portsmouth, who have families here, and there is about twenty-six months' pay due to them. I gave their names to the governer about a month since; he told me he would secure them. Nothing has yet been done, although their neighbours tell me that, in my absence, they see them daily.
	When I was here about six months past, a transport came in from St. Malo, bringing between thirty and forty English seamen; the fleet was then in Torbay, a little before you joined it. The governor sent for me, and asked if I would carry them to the fleet. I told him I would with all my heart, and he promised they should be brought to the guard, and I should take them on board. I gave attendance for two days, but they were all let go, or so sent away that I had not one of them; nor can I hear of one man that has been sent hence to the fleet this war, though many have been brought here by transport vessels. [S.P. Dom. Naval 5, No. 29. i.]
	(2) Joseph Johnson to Lord [Berkeley] dated Guernsey, 26th July 1696. Some days since Captain Atkins, commander of the Greyhound frigate, pressed three men out of one of our fishing boats. On receiving complaint thereof, I sent an officer to acquaint him it was contrary to the privileges granted by several princes, and confirmed by his Majesty to the island, desiring him to send the men on shore. He refused. Being sworn to maintain the privileges of the island, I secured the captain, supposing thereby I should get the men again. But he continued obstinate, and would not send for one, though I told him that one of them was a drummer to the militia. I sent the King's solicitor to inform him of the breach of privilege, and his error. If the captains of men-of-war will do as this captain has done, the island in a very short time will not be able to subsist, fish being their chief support, nor will any officer be in a position to command.
	I have myself been to Captain Atkins since writing the above, and desired him to go to his ship, but he refused. [Ibid., No. 29. ii.]
	(3) The same to — Townsend, dated Guernsey, 27 July 1696, on the same subject. [Ibid.]
	(4) An account of the remains of provisions in store, 29 June 1696, and of the time it will last at whole allowance for 1313 men, being the number victualled. [Ibid., No. 29. iii.]
Aug. 6. Dublin.	Sir Charles Porter to Mr. Vernon. I have yours of the 28th and 30th past and the 1st instant. By the first I find the Lord Steward wrote to the lord you mentioned. He shewed me the letter, and expressed himself so fully upon that occasion, that I have reason to believe I shall have no difference with him. Brigadier Wolsley goes for England this afternoon in Captain Wright's yacht. If he would have stayed till Sunday morning he might have had the benefit of the convoy with the packet, but he seems to be in too much haste. I know not what his business is, though I believe it may have something of revenge for his disappointment. We have it under consideration what bills may be proper to transmit before the meeting of the parliament, and which of those formerly sent and not returned are most desired, and by the next packet I believe we shall give an account thereof to the Lords Justices.
	This country, and the Channel too, is pretty free from robbers. We have taken care that the soldiers shall be posted in the most dangerous places for securing the country against tories. Thirty ships, appointed for our guard, are constantly either cruising or employed as convoys, and already we begin to find the good effect of both. Though we, as well as you in England, have had much unseasonable weather, yet of late ours has so much mended that our harvest has come in beyond expectation, and there will be great plenty of all sorts of grain. [S.P. Ireland 358, No. 47.]
Aug. 7. On board the Assistance at the Nore.	Captain John Robinson to Sir William Trumbull. Pursuant to an order from the Lords of the Admiralty, I have received on board Captain Thomas Vaughan from Sir Paul Rycaut, the King's envoy at Hamburg, with orders from Sir Paul to advise you of it on my arrival in England, and to have your warrant for the further disposal of the said Captain Vaughan, which I expect. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 65.]
Aug. 7. Whitehall.	Sir William Trumbull to Sir Charles Hedges. Captain Robinson, of his Majesty's ship Assistance, has on board one Vaughan, who formerly made his escape out of prison, to which he was committed for high treason, The crime was committed upon the high seas, and I therefore suppose he ought to be committed anew by your warrant. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 99, p. 288.]
Aug. 7. Whitehall.	The same to Mr. Hough at Margate. I have received your letter stating you have stopped one Francis Charteris, a Scotchman, for coming from Ostend without a pass, wherein your care is much to be commended. Looking upon him as a suspicious person, I have sent one of his Majesty's messengers with a warrant to bring him hither. [Ibid.]
Aug. 7. Whitehall.	Minutes of the proceedings of the Lords Justices of England. Sir William Trumbull brought a copy of Mr. Blathwayt's letter of the 6th inst., new style, with the examination of Tilly taken by Mr. Stepney, and the deposition of Robert Shelmerdine against him. Ordered that the said papers be sent to Mr. Attorney for his opinion, whether there be any ground upon this evidence to prosecute Tilly in England, or that it be advisable he be sent over.
	The hearing about the Post Office to be on Monday at five o'clock, and all concerned to have notice.
	The Lord Steward acquainted with the King's directions about Sir John Fenwick's trial. He told their Excellencies the King had written to him, that what Sir John had to say should be sent over. His grace therefore intended to go to the Tower on Monday next, which their Excellencies approved of.
	Mr. Blathwayt took notice in his letter of the 9th how late the Lord Steward's letter to the King arrived in the camp. It was ordered to be enquired into; Mr. Brocket, the controller of the Foreign [Post] Office, having owned the receipt of the letter under his hand the same night it was written.
	The governor of the East India Company desired a proclamation to issue for apprehending the pirates. Ordered that the council be summoned to meet on Monday morning.
	Read Lord Chief Justice Treby's report about Sergeant Want. Her Royal Highness desired in her letter that, if more were not done for him, he might be reprieved till this case were laid before the King; it was therefore ordered that the princess's letter, the soldier's petition, and the judge's report be sent to Mr. Blathwayt.
	Mr. Cooke's petition granted, for his aunts and relations to have leave to see him from time to time.
	A petition of Major Carroll read on behalf of two soldiers condemned at Maidstone; ordered to be sent to Mr. Justice Eyre to report how the fact appeared upon the trial.
	A letter sent over from the Earl of Essex to the Countess of Ailesbury ordered to be sealed and delivered.
	Read a petition of the clothiers of Worcester, that the Bank bills may be received in the excise. To be answered that their Excellencies would recommend it to the Treasury, and do all in their power for their relief.
	The Lords of the Admiralty, viz., Sir George Rooke and Col. Kendall, called in. They moved for a proclamation concerning the registering of seamen-pursuant to the act. Ordered that Mr. Attorney or Mr. Solicitor be written to, to prepare the draft thereof. They were told a report was expected in writing to Admiral Killigrew's petition. They delivered in the report of the Commissioners of the Customs, that their officers might be employed in the registering business in the ports, and desired the Treasury might be directed to give orders accordingly.
	They were informed of the desires of the owners of the ship Charles [the Second], left by Captain Avory [Every] in the Island of Providence, that a man-of-war might be ordered to bring her thence. Resolved that the memorial shall be considered at council, with Governor Trott's behaviour, and that the papers and examinations relating to that piracy be then brought.
	Mr. Blathwayt's letter of the 6th inst., new style, read to them, directing that the winter and Mediterranean squadrons consist of eighty ships, English and Dutch, of the line of battle. They answered that the greatest difficulty will be in the provisions and credits, the Victuallers not being able to furnish either without money being speedily ordered them. Sir Joseph Hearne and Sir Stephen Evance had lately withdrawn the credits they furnished them in Spain. The ships here were not able to go to sea for want of pursers' stores, which the Victuallers cannot give money to be supplied with. The Victuallers had got provisions ready for 7,000 men for two months, which were lying ready at Portsmouth and Plymouth. A greater quantity being now necessary, money must be ordered for it. Directed that Mr. Papillion have notice to attend the lords on Monday.
	Ordered that an extract of Mr. Blathwayt's letter be sent to the Admiralty, as well relating to the two squadrons, as to the governor of Portsmouth's boat, that it be continued till the King's return.
	An account given that Rear-Admiral Benbow had sailed, not knowing of the Hamburg fleet's arrival; he has seven men-ofwar with him, and two fireships, but very ill-manned, and he did not stay for the men they had provided for him. If he met with Captain Foulkes, he was ordered to strengthen himself with two of his ships. His next station was the Broad Fourteens; if he were joined there by three Dutch ships, he might wait for Du Bart's return; but it was not thought advisable to be directed, unless he could be assured of being immediately joined by the Dutch, lest otherwise Du Bart be too strong for him, and the rather since it was reported that two more French men-of-war would join Du Bart. It was considered preferable that Benbow should come to his station at Yarmouth, where provisions lie ready for him, and then Mons. de Wilde may be written to, that, if their ships will join him, he shall be ordered to wait for Du Bart.
	The Admiralty told their Excellencies they would draw out a list of ships pursaunt to the King's intentions, and assign them to their several services. They were cautioned that, if there must be a want or failure in one part, it should be rather abroad than at home.
	Ordered that Mr. Blathwayt's letters be answered, and that he be told their Excellencies hope to lay a scheme before the King by next post, as to how the services directed may be complied with.
	A warrant signed for Mr. Cottington's pardon, pursuant to the order of council and the King's directions. The gaoler of Ilchester's warrant laid aside upon the advertisement in the gazette that he had broken prison.
	The letter from Mr. York about removing a company from Richmond to be sent to Mr. Clarke. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 274, p. 259.]
Aug. 7. Whitehall.	Passes for William Thomas, esquire, and Mr. Samuel Alston, to go to Falmouth for Spain; for Henry Schlichting, a subject of the Elector of Brandenburg, to go to Holland [Ibid. 344, p. 549]; for Moses Saportar, Simon bar Jacob and Lazaro Levi, jews, ditto [Ibid., p. 550]; for James Moor, Robert Stewart, Thomas Lambert and Margaret Stewart to go to Flanders; for John Godfroy Colbius to go to Holland; and for Nicholas Stark and Piternel de Wit, ditto. [Ibid. 346, p. 357.]
Aug. 7. Whitehall.	Warrant to Henry Allen to apprehend Francis Charteris for coming out of France without his Majesty's leave. [Ibid.]
Aug. 7. Whitehall.	Warrant for the payment of the extraordinary expenses of Edward, Lord Villiers, envoy extraordinary to the States General and plenipotentiary at the congress, from 28th March to 28th June 1696. [Ibid., p. 412.]
Aug. 8. Dublin.	The voluntary confession and discovery of William Philips, concerning the ship Charles the Second, giving an account of the said ship's proceedings from her first going out to this time. Between August 1693 and August 1694 she touched at Corunna, May and Princes Islands, Annaba, Madagascar, and the West Indies, and was run ashore at the West Indies. The paper concludes with a list of persons brought home by the captain in two sloops from the West Indies:—Hollingsworth, master, who is now at Galway. The list is as follows:—
	Robert Richee, master of the Fancy.
	Robert Ogilby, Patrick Lawson, Thomas Johnson, James Stevenson, who have gone for Scotland;
	Edward Foresight was seized and dismissed; if gone to England, lives near Newcastle-on-Tyne;
	Trumble, "who is only a passenger from Providence and did not belong to us";
	Thomas Castleton, who lives in York and is gone thither;
	William Bishop, gone to England, and lives about Plymouth or Bideford;
	Jacob Game, a Dutchman here in town;
	Richard Chope, married here, but gone to England, being married in Wapping;
	Dennis Merrick, gone to Bristol;
	John King, who, if in England, is near Oxford, his wife lives near Windsor;
	Edward Sevill, here in town;
	John Miller, here in town;
	In the ship that came to Dunfanaghy were Ferrar, captain, gone with the sloop to Bristol;
	Captain Every, who goes by the name of Captain Henry Bridgman, whose wife lives in Ratcliffe Highway and sells periwigs; he has probably gone to England, his mother living near Plymouth, where he had formerly some estate;
	Henry Adams, quartermaster to the Fancy, believed to be still in Ireland; his friends are in Deptford;
	Thomas Johnson, cook to the Charles the Second, believed to be in Ireland; his wife lives in East Smithfield, London;
	Joseph Dawson, gone to Yarmouth in Suffolk; Samuel Dawson, here upon bail;
	John Donne, here, his friends are in Essex; James Craggett, here, lodged in Castle Street; his wife lives in Ratcliffe Highway near Captain Every's;
	Nathaniel Pyke, in town, his wife lives at Chatham;
	John Strousier, in the country, born in Yarmouth;
	Robert Silly, with Strousier, his father is a chimney sweep near St. James's Market;
	James Lewis, in town, a weaver, his friends are in London;
	Mr. Gause, in prison here, one of Ferrar's men;
	James Murray, whose father lives about Armagh, he is married to Rea's niece near Derry;
	Sommerton, whose friends are at Chatham.
	Prince the boatswain and Chinton went to Carolina with others.
	Signed by William Philips. [S.P. Ireland 358, No. 48.] Appended is a certificate, dated August 9th 1696, signed by J. South, certifying that William Philips served as a trooper in Lord Devonshire's, now the Duke of Schomberg's, regiment of horse, in England, at Dundalk, the Boyne and afterwards, and behaved himself well. About October 1690, the regiment being then in England, at his own request he was discharged by reason of sickness. [Ibid. 48. i.]
Aug. 8. Whitehall.	Extract from a news-letter. Upon the application of the East India company I am told a proclamation will be published for apprehending Every and several of his gang, who came to Ireland in a sloop from the West Indies, and have since dispersed themselves. The company have received letters overland from Surat, giving an account that upon the news they had there of the said piracies the people were very much enraged against the English Factory, and that the governor sent a guard to seize them and put them in irons, and in the disorder one of the factors was killed. The English general, who has his residence at Bombay, has sent an express to the Mogul to acquaint him with the truth of the matter, and we hope when the court is rightly informed of the fact, the business will be made up.
	The Dutch mail has not yet come in, but an express arrived this evening which was dispatched from the King's camp at Attre last Tuesday, on some private business. All the news it brings is that Mons. Dickvelt and Count Auersberg, the Emperor's minister, arrived in the camp the Saturday before with Mr. Schuylemburg. The former, having had several audiences with the King, returned on Tuesday morning to Holland, and Mons. Schuylemberg with him. An advance party of our troops met on Monday with a strong party of the enemy's horse, and killed several of them, taking prisoners a captain, a cornet and about sixty troopers, with their horses.
	A French partisan of the garrison of La Roche, having formed a design to plunder and burn the town of Huy, came some time since, in the night, and lay with 200 men in ambush under the walls. At the opening of the gates, they sent in two waggons covered with hay, under which were several soldiers in peasants' habits, who overthrew one of the waggons in the gate. The guard coming to their assistance was seized and killed by the soldiers, who came out of the waggons. Whereupon the partisan advancing with his men, forced the next guard, and having posted a guard of their own at the gates they advanced into the town and began to plunder. But the burghers, with the assistance of an independent company, which happened to be there, soon obliged them to retire, several of their number being killed and many taken prisoners. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 66.]
Aug. 8. Whitehall.	Sir William Trumbull to the Mayor of Norwich. I send you a copy of a letter I have received from an unknown hand, pretended to be written from Norwich, concerning one John Trusdick, a journeyman weaver in St. Augustine's parish there, and desire you to enquire after him and to examine him strictly concerning his knowledge of any matters relating to the late horrid conspiracy against his Majesty and his government, and to give me speedily an account thereof. If you find there is occasion to secure him, I desire you commit him to prison. Enclosure not entered. [S.P. Dom. Entry Rook 99, p. 289.]
Aug. 8. Whitehall.	Passes and post-warrant for Jacob van der Beeck to go to Holland [Ibid. 344, p. 551.]; for Christina van Hella, a Dutchwoman, ditto; and for John Leak to go to Broadway in Gloucestershire. [Ibid. 346, p. 388.]
Aug. 8. Five leagues from Cape Henry.	Captain Charles Wager, commander of his Majesty's ship Greenwich, to [the Lords of the Admiralty]. On the 6th inst. I met with a fly-boat called the Ruth and Mary of London at anchor ten leagues to the southward of Cape Henry. She had lost all (sic) her masts but the fore mast, and her rudder; the men had left her, and gone on shore. I sent my boat on shore, and found five of the men that were in her, being one Englishman, one Frenchman and three Spaniards.
	She had been taken coming from Jamaica, as were four others with her, on the 13th of July by Mons. Renaut, who was cruizing off the west end of Cuba, near the Havannah, with a squadron of seven men of war, viz., the Interprète, Phénix, Hope, Mérite, Ponshertresse, Renau and Conu [sic]. Their design, as the Frenchman informed us, is to meet with the Spanish flota. The French sailed on the 26th of February from Rochfort, and were two months on their passage to Hispaniola, where they stayed eight days. Then they sailed to their station off the Havannah on Cuba, where they arrived about the 20th of May.
	The fly-boat, with four other English merchant-ships from Jamaica, were sent away for France under her convoy; she carried ten guns. They were separated in a storm in latitude 32° on the 25th of July last, lost their masts, and were driven upon this coast. The French had also taken a Spaniard of thirtysix guns bound from the Havannah to Laver de Cruize to the fleet, laden with oil and brandy. These three Spaniards, who belonged to her, say she had two millions of pieces of eight on board, which they took in at Cartagena.
	I judge that all our fleet has got within the capes, except the Prince of Orange, which is with me. The Loyal Merchant and Hawke fireship lost company in a storm on the 28th of July. Copy. [S.P. Dom. Naval 5, No. 30.]
Aug. 9. Admiralty Office.	Josiah Burchett to James Vernon. The Lords of the Admiralty have received this morning a letter from Lord Berkeley, touching the squadron he is sending to the Soundings and the fleet's want of provisions, and I am commanded to send you copies thereof for the information of the Lords Justices. I also send you some intelligence, which Lord Berkeley has met with, of the enemy. [Ibid., No. 31.] Enclosing:—
	(1) Extract of a letter from Lord Berkeley to [the Lords of the Admiralty] dated 5 August 1696. I send this by express to put you again in mind of the necessary-money for the pursers; the want of it, I fear, will stop this squadron, though I have threatened to turn out any purser who has not necessaries for his ship; but they plead want of money, without which it is impossible to procure them. [S.P. Dom. Naval 5, No. 31. i.]
	(2) Extract of a letter from Lord Berkeley to [the Lords of the Admiralty] dated in Torbay, 7th August 1696. I enclose a list of the ships I am sending with Vice-Admiral Mitchell, whom I have provided with beer for two months out of the fleet here. They will be ready to sail to-morrow, but must go without butter and cheese, and use beef and pork instead of it.
	We have but a week's beer left with the ships here, so that if the wind does not come easterly to bring our ships from Portsmouth, that have beer on board, orders for us to sail thither must not be be delayed. The wind now blows hard westerly, and seems to be set in that quarter.
	The Dutch are sending out twenty two good ships, three of them three-decked, with their merchant ships.
	I expect every hour to hear complaints of want of necessaries on board the ships now going with the vice-admiral. If they come, I know not what to do, but again press you for your orders about it. Copy. [Ibid., No. 31. ii.]
	(3) A list of the squadron going into the Soundings with ViceAdmiral Mitchell, viz., the Torbay, Edgar, Mary, Captain, Foresight, Sunderland, Boyne, Restoration, Devonshire, Hampton Court, Expedition and Royal Oak, with the St. Vincent and Fortune fireships. [Ibid., No. 31. iii.]
Aug. 9. The Camp at Attre.	Warrant for a grant to Hannah MacDonnell of 300l. a year for her life to commence from the attainder or outlawry of her husband Randall MacDonnell.
	By a deed dated, before her marriage, 8th January 1686–7, in consideration of a considerable marriage portion which she brought him, her said husband settled upon her a separate maintenance of 300l. yearly out of his estate. Most of her husband's estate was laid out in land security in Ireland, and likewise a great part of her own portion. Several of the mortgages have been seized into the hands of the crown by reason of the attainder of their several owners.
	The said Hannah has had seven children by the said marriage, and they are all reduced to great necessity. [S.P. Dom. Signet Office 13, p. 341.]
Aug. 10. King's Camp at Attre.	Commissions for Mr. Dawkins Wilmot to be ensign to Colonel Farrington; for Mr. Marston to be ensign in Sir George St. George's regiment; and for Mr. Arthur Horneby to be ensign to Captain Thomas Carney in Sir Bevill Granville's regiment. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 167, p. 268.]
Aug. 10. Whitehall.	Minutes of the proceedings of the Lords Justices of England. There not being a quorum, the hearing about the Post Office was put off till Wednesday at ten in the morning.
	Read Mr. Blathwayt's letter of the 14th August, new style.
	Mr. Justice Eyre gave an account of some trials at Maidstone and Kingston. Nothing altered upon Major Carroll's petition. Joan Martin, condemned for killing her bastard child, to be set aside for transportation. The coroner's inquest "reprimended" for appearing against the verdict of the two juries. No reprieve ordered for Beaumair, convicted of robbing the Lady Monins (sic). The execution of Branton for robbing on the highway stopped till the credit of Wheeler, the witness, be enquired into.
	Mr. Papillion called in, and spoken to about the provisions for the Mediterranean squadron; the number of men not mentioned; he was told to speak with one of the Lords of the Admiralty about it. He said he had provisions of flesh for 7,000 men for two months, and could furnish double the quantity; but butter and cheese they could not have, without supplying the cheesemongers with money to support their credit; they had received but 10,000l. in money this year, which had most of it gone to the fleet for supplying the pursers, and to the ports for fitting out cruisers. The tallies they had could not be turned into money under 25 or 30 per cent. discount. He proposed that, if the law would allow it, they might have Exchequer Bills, and be obliged not to issue them for six months. He was told the Treasury should be acquainted with it. For furnishing credits in Spain, it was proposed that the men-of-war should carry lead or tin as ballast; if carried to Leghorn or Messina, this would yield a great return in ready money, with advantage of the freight being saved.
	Ordered that the Bank of England attend to-morrow at 12, and that the Treasury be here at 11. Lord Portland to have notice of it, and Sir William Scawen to be written to to-night, and the Bank to-morrow.
	The Lords of the Admiralty called in, viz., Sir George Rooke, the Lord Mayor [Sir John Houblon] and Colonel Kendall. They brought a list of 35 ships for the winter squadron, 15 for the Mediterranean, and the ships that it will be necessary to call in for repairs. They stated the Mediterranean service would require 11,500 men. They mentioned that Lord Berkeley had sent a detachment to the Soundings, under the command of Vice-Admiral Mitchell, and delivered in a list of them, consisting of twelve men-of-war and two fireships. They had been furnished with two months' provisions; whereby there was so little remaining with the fleet, especially beer, that Lord Berkeley thought it necessary, if the wind continued westerly, and kept the victuallers from coming to them, that orders should be sent them forthwith to come to Spithead. The Admiralty approved thereof, though they were to stay there but a fortnight. The Lords would propose it tomorrow, when the Board was fuller.
	A memorial was delivered in from the Commissioners for Registering, about their letters going free, and that the Custom House officers should not clear any ship, till they had given in the number of their men. Directed that the Treasury be spoken to about it to-morrow.
	Considerations had about Rear-Admiral Benbow, whether he should have orders sent him to come back, the reasons for it being that he wanted stores, was ill-manned, and not strong enough for Du Bart, besides two of the ships now with him are part of the Mediterranean squadron, viz., the Pembroke and Chatham. Their Excellencies inclined rather to his being recalled. It was intended he should come to the Gun Fleet, where, if he were strengthened either by the Dutch or Captain Foulkes, who was expected home, he might go out again to look for Du Bart.
	The Admiralty's list to be copied for the King.
	The Mediterranean squadron to go in September. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 274, p. 264.]
Aug. 10. Whitehall.	Passes for Jan Himpel, a Dutch soldier, to go to Holland [Ibid. 344, p. 550]; for John Cardon, ditto [Ibid., p. 551]; for Peter Sollart, ditto [Ibid., p. 552]; for Daniel van der Linde, a subject of the States General, ditto [Ibid., p. 553]; for Sarah Hatton and Elizabeth White, going to their husbands, to go to Flanders, on the recommendation of the churchwardens of St. Martin's in the Fields and St. James's, Westminster; for James Rouloff, drummer in Colonel Eneas Mackay's regiment, to go to Holland; for Cornelius Royen, ditto; and for Cors Arianse van Plemp and Peter Isebrandse, Dutch seamen, ditto [Ibid. 346, p. 388.]
Aug. 10.	Memorial by the Commissioners for Registering Seamen to the Lords of the Admiralty, begging that the Treasury may be moved to order the Customs' House officers not to permit any vessels to be cleared at the last port of their discharge, or to proceed to sea, till they produce certificates from the registering officers that they have given in the required lists and bond; also that their official letters may be "frank." [S.P. Dom. Naval 5, No. 32.]
Aug. 10. Belfast.	Mr. Jemmett, the collector, to —. I have acquainted our merchants of the convoy expected from Holland at Cork, but I believe none of our ships will be ready so soon. I will take an account of the prisoners' names and allow them subsistence, as was formerly done, which was 3d. per diem to the private men, and 6d. to the officers. The Crown frigate is come into our lough and is returning to England, her cruise being out, so we shall soon have a return of our privateers. When they came hither, they said they were to stay six weeks or two months, but it is not above three weeks since they came. We expect a vessel belonging to this town from Virginia will pay the King about 2,000l. duty, if she come safe, but I much question it, if we have no frigates appointed to cruise here. There are also several Whitehaven and Liverpool ships expected from Virginia. Copy. [S.P. Ireland 358, No. 49.]
Aug. 10. Carrickfergus.	James Spaight to —. In obedience to your honour's commands of the 6th instant, I waited on Captain Wade, who acquainted me that his orders from England directed him to keep his cruise from Cape Cantire twenty leagues to the westward in that latitude, and to continue it till his provisions are expended or he receive orders to the contrary. That the St. Malo was ordered to join him, but has never as yet appeared, neither does he know where she is, nor what has become of her. That he expected no other but the St. Malo to join him, but fears she is miscarried. He came chiefly upon this cruise to convoy to their several ports about sixty sail of merchant ships, that are expected home from the Plantations to Liverpool and the adjacent places. He came into this lough but this morning to take under his convoy what ships are bound to the southward, and designs to sail away for Plymouth this night, his provisions being all out, and there to wait for further orders. During his cruise on this coast he has not met with any of the Plantation ships, and the want of provisions will not admit of his staying any longer. [S.P. Ireland 358, No. 50.
Aug. 10. The Council Chamber, Whitehall.	Proclamation by the Lords Justices of England for the apprehension of Henry Every, as in the proclamation of 17th July last. The East India company reports that the said Every has changed his name, and now goes by the name of Henry Bridgman, and that among his crew are James Cray, Thomas Summerton, Edward Kirwood, William Down, John Reddy, John Stroger, Nathaniel Pike, Peter Soanes, Henry Adams, Francis Frennier, Thomas Johnson, Joseph Dawson, Samuel Dawson, James Lewis, John Sparks, Joseph Goss, Charles Falconer, James Murray, Robert Rich, John Miller, John King, Edward Savill, William Philips, Thomas Jope and Thomas Belisha, with fifty-two Frenchmen and fourteen Danes.
	They have taken plunder to the amount of about 1,000l. a man.
	The said Every is reported to have left the ship [the Charles the Second] in the island of Providence, and arrived with several of the persons abovenamed in two small sloops in Ireland; some have stayed there, some have come to England and Scotland, as has been confessed by two of their accomplices, now in custody. They may probably be discovered by the great quantities of gold and silver of foreign coinage which they have with them. Printed. [S.P. Dom. Proclamations 4, No. 136.]
Aug. 11. Whitehall.	The Duke of Devonshire to the King. Since I had the honour of your commands, I have been with Sir John Fenwick, who gave me a narrative of three sheets of paper written in his own hand, but at the same time engaged me not to send it by the packet, but by express; which I hope will come to your hands soon after this. You will best judge of the truth of it, when you read it, but in the meantime I presume humbly to acquaint you that it contains matters of such importance, if they are true, as may reasonably induce you to order his trial to be put off. There are some things in his paper, which I presume you may think necessary to be explained. He has desired me to move you to give him an opportunity of doing so, by granting him a longer time. [S.P. Dom. King William's Chest 16, No. 30.]
Aug. 11. Whitehall.	Extract from a news-letter. The Council met yesterday, when two proclamations were ordered to be published, one for apprehending Every and the rest of the persons who committed the piracies in India, and the other for registering seamen pursuant to the late act of parliament.
	A petition was presented to the council in the name of the coal-heavers of London, who are employed in unloading the colliers in the river, complaining of a new imposition laid upon them by the lord mayor and court of aldermen, upon which they have refused to work. The council ordered the lord mayor to be heard on this matter on Thursday next, and in the mean time the coal-heavers should go on with their work.
	Yesterday came in letters from Dublin of the 5th instant, which say the parliament met on the 4th, and pursuant to the King's pleasure adjourned again to the 8th of September.
	The fleet continues in Torbay. The Crown frigate has taken upon the coast of Scotland a French privateer of 12 guns and 69 men called the Goodwin of St. Malo.
	The proclamation for apprehending the pirates will be published to-morrow. It offers 500l. reward for the taking of Every, and 50l. for each of the other pirates, among whom were fifty French men, and divers Danes and Scots. It has been proposed to the Bank of England to furnish the King with 200,000l. for the immediate use of the army. A squadron has been detached from the fleet to cruise in the Soundings under the command of Vice-Admiral Mitchell, for the protection of our trade. A squadron will be likewise sent to the Straits.
	Lady Fox died last night at her house at Chiswick, having been long ill. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 67.]
Aug. 11. Whitehall.	Sir William Trumbull to the Bishop of Bristol, acknowledging his letter of the 8th instant with the association signed by the grand jury at the last sessions of the peace for county Dorset, [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 99, p. 290.]
Aug. 11. [Whitehall.]	Minutes of the proceedings of the Lords Justices of England. Mr. Clarke gave an account that the court of general officers had suspended Lieut. Fishwick of Colonel Colt's regiment for disobedience to his superior officers, and being faulty in his accounts, and further they represented him as a person fit to be cashiered. Ordered that it be laid before the King, to receive his pleasure therein.
	Lord Godolphin was spoken to, to the effect that the presents designed for the governments in Barbary, now on board the Berwick, should be delivered to Captain Greenhill at Portsmouth, to be put on board some man-of-war designed for the Straits. Ordered that Mr. Lowndes be written to, to the same purpose.
	The memorial about the entertainment of Lord Blessington and Brigadier Wolseley, for sixteen days, while they were Lords Justices of Ireland, to be likewise sent to Mr. Lowndes.
	Memorandum: to write to Dr. Newton about confronting Pritchard with White.
	The Lords of the Admiralty, viz., Sir George Rooke and Colonel Kendal, called in. The memorial of the governor of Hurst Castle about a boat was given them. Also the representation of the grand jury of Kent about a protection of the tilt boat at Gravesend, to consider, and give proper directions therein.
	Considerations had of the small quantity of provisions remaining with the fleet, now that Vice-Admiral Mitchell's squadron was furnished for the Soundings, while the westerly winds kept the stores now at Portsmouth from coming to the fleet. It was thought advisable that, if this wind held, the whole fleet should sail to Spithead.
	Proposed, in order to hasten the squadron for the Straits, that the commander should be named. They were acquainted with the King's directions that it be a vice-admiral. Directions given for fitting those ships, and proceeding to appoint the officers. The Admiralty said the squadron might be ready within a month, if the want of money did not hinder it.
	Question made whether the naval stores could be soon provided; when they shall be ordered, the Navy Board must be acquainted with it, and it must not be hoped to be longer a secret; but they are to defer telling them of it, so long as the service be not delayed.
	The memorial of the Commissioners for Registering [Seamen] about employing the Custom House officers, to be sent to the Treasury, that directions may be given accordingly.
	The Lords of the Treasury, viz., Mr. Montagu, Mr. Smith, and Sir Thomas Littleton, called in. They had no expectation of supply but by the Bank. Their demands are that they may be recompensed for their losses by last year's remittances; that the 200,000l. they have already advanced this year may be repaid them; and that they might have the credit and support of the Lords Justices, encouraging by their example the buying of stock among them.
	The directors of the Bank called in, and acquainted with the public necessities. It was proposed to them to lend 200,000l. for the use of the army in Flanders. They were assured of the protection and favour of the government, and that their Excellencies would recommend them to the King, that orders may be given for satisfying any just or reasonable demands in relation to their losses, and that encouragement would be given them by buying stock. Thereupon Sir William Scawen, deputy governor, said they would call a court of directors to meet next morning, and let them know what had been proposed to them. They complained that a receiver of the customs had made a difficulty to take their bills.
	The Lord Steward acquainted their Excellencies he had been with Sir John Fenwick the day before, who desired he might put into writing what he had to say, and send it to the King; and that a pass might be given to the person he should send, which was thought fit; and the Lord Steward was to give the King notice of it.
	Ordered that a letter be written to Mr. Blathwayt in favour of the Bank, and that Lord Godolphin be desired to supervise it. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 274, p. 267.]
Aug. 11. Whitehall.	Passes for Mr. George Nicholas and his wife to go to Spain; for Mary Willems to go to Holland; for John le Maitre, a French protestant, ditto [Ibid. 344, p. 551]; for Mary Jolley, ditto [Ibid. p. 552]; for Mary Galloway and Elizabeth Galloway, her sister, Terese Strict, their niece, with Anne Curl and Frances Conyers, their maid-servants, ditto [Ibid., p. 553]; for Martin Maltzer and his son to go to Germany; for Michel Dieterd to go to Copenhagen [Ibid. 346, p. 388]; for Jan van Leeuwarden to go to Holland [Ibid., p. 389]; and for Anthony de Laire, ditto. [Ibid., p. 402.]
Aug. 11. Whitehall.	Warrant to Henry Legat to apprehend Lord Montgomery, mentioned in a late proclamation. [Ibid. 345, p. 441.]
Aug. 11. Whitehall.	Like warrant to Simon Chapman to apprehend Father Johnson alias Harrison. [Ibid.]
Aug. 11. Whitehall.	Warrant for the payment of the extraordinary expenses of Lord Galway, envoy extraordinary to the Duke of Savoy, from the 1st of January to the 30th of June 1696. They include sums paid to Mr. Brown, a Scotch officer, to encourage the English and Irish soldiers deserting from France to enlist in the service of England; to Dr. Anhorn in Switzerland; and on account of his Majesty's hospital. [Ibid., p. 446.]
Aug. 11. Whitehall.	The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Earl of Drogheda, congratulating him on having been chosen to a share in the government of Ireland. [S.P. Ireland, King's Letters, 2, p. 128.]
Aug. 12. Whitehall.	Sir William Trumbull to the Lords of the Admiralty. Mr. Leyoncrona, finding no effect from a late application he made for the release of Thomas Rowland, a Swede pressed on board one of his Majesty's ships, has repeated his instances on that subject by a letter of which I send you a copy, alleging this proceeding to be contrary to the last treaty between England and Sweden. I have looked into the matter, and find the fifth article, by him mentioned, does prohibit the offering of any violence to any of the subjects of either prince, unless for crimes committed against the law of the land where they shall happen to be. I therefore desire you will please order the said Rowland to be discharged. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 204, p. 123.]
Aug. 12. [Whitehall.]	Minutes of the proceedings of the Lords Justices of England. Mr. Manley delivered a paper to each of the lords. It was observed it was written in the same hand that Lord Bath's papers are. It was against White's pardon, representing the heinousness of his offences, and what discoveries he ought to make to entitle him to mercy.
	Mr. Manley was called in, and said he had no other concern in this matter but for the sake of the public, and, in respect to their Excellencies, that they might not want those informations he had happened to meet with, being acquainted with a justice of the peace, who had taken the first examinations about White, and having thereby acquired a knowledge of several particulars of this man's crimes. Not only false coining but murder might be charged against him, and, as notice was like to be taken of it in the House of Commons, to which he belonged, he thought it a duty to lay the matter before their Excellencies, and to tell them who were fit to be examined for making a discovery of what this man knows, viz., one Justice Eyton, Clement, a constable who lives near him, Evans, who had been a justice, and took up a warrant granted against White, Scotch Robin, who first accused him, Mr. Neile, Mr. Macey and Wilder.
	Their Excellencies said they would put it into a way of examination, and he would do well to furnish what light he could. Ordered that Dr. Newton and Mr. Neile attend next day, and that they be acquainted with Mr. Manley's information.
	A letter, written in French, brought in from Berreyre at Martillac, near Bordeaux, directed to Mr. Speight, a servant shut up with Lord Ailesbury. Ordered that it be returned to Lord Lucas and delivered.
	The Admiralty's answer to the complaint about the Charlotte Amélie, and to the Dutch ambassador's memorial about pressing Dutch seamen, to be hastened and sent to Mr. Secretary. Memorandum: in answer to the first, the Admiralty sent a letter from Sir Charles Hedges, and to the latter a copy of a letter they had written to Mr. Secretary on the 29th November last, on the like occasion, complaining of our seamen being pressed in Holland, or obliged to pay a sum of money; both these were delivered to Mr. Ellis the Friday following.
	The hearing commenced about the Post Office. Sanson, Gallon, Castleton, Grace and Hall sworn. This day's examination was all about the Penny Post Office,—that Sanson took money out of the box, and Gallon the tenth penny for his perquisites. Blackhall would not have the postmaster-general present at the examination of witnesses, as being a party concerned.
	The governor of the Bank acquainted their Excellencies they had summoned a general court to meet on Saturday, to consider of furnishing 200,000l. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 274, p. 270.]
Aug. 12. Whitehall.	Passes for Mrs. Eleanor Belson, Mrs. Jane Thwing, Mrs. Anne Page, Mrs. Elizabeth Page, Mrs. Elizabeth Weston, Mrs. Anne Weston, and Mr. John Page, to go to Holland, on the recommendation of Sir Fleetwood Sheppard [Ibid. 344, p. 552]; for Mrs. Elizabeth Mollein, with Dorothy, Elizabeth and Winifred Stanley, and Mary Fox, a servant-maid, to go to Holland or Flanders [Ibid., p. 553]; for Mr. Thomas Ingleby and Henry Hobart, ditto [Ibid., p. 554]; and for Jacob Goutière, a French refugee, to go to Holland. [Ibid. 346, p. 389.]
Aug. 12. Whitehall.	Warrant to Charles Kenge to apprehend James Andrew, with his papers, for coming out of France without leave. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 346, p. 390.]
Aug. 12. Whitehall.	Warrant for the payment of Mr. Lambert Blackwell's disbursements, for the purchase and fitting out of a small vessel called the Velocità, Captain Matthew Ermin, provided by order of the Duke of Shrewsbury, and dispatched from Leghorn to Sir George Rooke on the coast of Spain, with advice of the proceedings of the Toulon fleet. [Ibid. 345, p. 445.]
Aug. 13. Whitehall.	The Duke of Shrewsbury to Mr. Street. The difficulties are indeed very great everywhere by the scarcity of money, but the mints that are being set up at Chester and other places, will I hope make the country more easy in a short time. [Ibid. 100, p. 265.]
Aug. 13. Whitehall.	The same to the Earl of Murray. Upon the complaint of the East India Company of the great damages and violences their factories are exposed to in India, on account of the piracies committed by one Captain Every alias Bridgeman, the Lords Justices have issued a proclamation for apprehending the said Every and his associates. They are informed that many of the said pirates in their return from the island of Providence, first landed in Ireland, and from thence some passed into Scotland. The Lords Justices have therefore sent their directions into Ireland; and desire you will move the council of Scotland to order the like proclamation to be published there. I ought not to omit acquainting you that the committee of the East India Company have undertaken to the council to pay the rewards proposed for taking any of the said pirates. [Ibid., p. 266.]
Aug. 13. Whitehall.	Minutes of the proceedings of the Lords Justices of England. Their Excellencies were acquainted with the King's directions about the militia of Plymouth being under the command of the governor, according to former precedents. Directed that Lord Stamford have notice to be here on Tuesday, if he has anything to object against it.
	The Lords of the Admiralty (Sir George Rooke and Colonel Kendall), proposed four of the bomb-vessels now at the Nore to go with the Straits squadron. They reported the Royal Catherine and Vanguard had come from the fleet; and suggested the men in those ships should be put in lesser ships; but it was fit that all men turned over should be paid. They were told that by Michaelmas there would be about 230,000l. paid them in money, and that they must consider of the distribution of it. A memorial, given by the East India Company to the Admiralty, was read asking that a squadron might cruize for their ships 300 leagues to the west of Ireland, and that another ship might cruize off Galway, besides the two already there. It was returned to the Admiralty.
	The Lords of the Treasury, viz. Mr. Montagu, Mr. Smith, and Sir Thomas Littleton, called in. Considerations had about a subscription, whether with a premium or without; also about a new privy seal to take in clipped money on the credit of the Salt Act. The difficulties made by the Commissioners of Excise in receiving Exchequer Bills were discussed. Questioned whether their Excellencies should hear them upon it, or give any directions to them. It might be some remedy if the cashier had always a "depositum" of 40,000l. or 50,000l., as had been usual. Discussed the "sending away" of the mints to Bristol, York and Exeter. Dr. Newton and Mr. Neal called in, and directed to look into the informations against White; the names of persons fit to be examined to be sent them. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 274, p. 272.]
Aug. 13. Whitehall.	Passes for Joseph Arons and Judith Simonse, his mother, to go to Holland [Ibid. 344, p. 552]; for Mr. James Fitzgerald to go to Holland or Flanders [Ibid., p. 553]; for Mrs. Elizabeth and Mrs. Margaret Bedingfeild, with Alice Catteway, William Pordage and Benjamin Goodwin, ditto [Ibid., p. 554]; for Mr. Philip Tinsey, and Giles Jones his servant, to go to Holland [Ibid., p. 557]; for Joris Bieshaer and Catharina, his wife, ditto; for Mr. William Sheldon and one servant, ditto; for Lisbeth Thomasen and three children, ditto; for Hans Jacob Kruijtzberger and his wife, and Johannes Paijs of the Dutch guards, ditto; for Catherine Hacock with her child, ditto; for Mary Huffman to go to Flanders; and for Zubbert Lawrence of Friesland to go to Holland. [Ibid. 346, p. 389.]
Aug. 13. Camp at Attre near Aeth.	Warrant to the judges on the western circuit to postpone putting sentence into execution, if James Keat of the county of Wilts, gentleman, be convicted of the manslaughter of James Wells. [Ibid., p. 395.]
Aug. 13. Whitehall.	Extract from a news-letter. The lord mayor and aldermen have lately erected a fellowship or fraternity, as they call it, to take care of the unloading the colliers that come into the river, and to appoint the coal-heavers at the rate of 16d. a chaldron, whereof 2d. a chaldron was reserved to be disposed of by the aldermen to hospitals, etc. The masters of the coal ships and the men they employed were much dissatisfied at this innovation; for before, masters employed whom they would, and gave but 9d. or 10d. a chaldron. They thereupon ceased work for several days, and petitioned the council. This day both sides were heard, and the Lords Justices ordered that if the lord mayor and aldermen stood upon their right of making such a regulation, they should make it out at Westminster Hall, and in the mean time the masters of the coal ships should employ whom they would, and at such rates as they could agree for.
	Yesterday the directors of the Bank of England met to consider the proposal to lend the King 200,000l. for the army in Flanders, and appointed a general court to meet on Saturday. Lord Portland has not yet fixed a day for his return. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 68.]
Aug. 14.	The Duke of Devonshire to the King. The enclosed is the paper given me by Sir John Fenwick on the 10th inst., written in his own hand, which he made me pass my word should be communicated to you only. I believe, when you read it, you will not wonder he exacted that promise from me. I may truly say I should have been very glad not to have been trusted with this secret; I am very unwilling to believe what is there suggested of persons for whom I have a great respect, and which, as you may please to observe, is for the most part hearsay.
	All I can say is, that whether you give credit to that part of this paper, or not, and, in consideration of the difference of times, would have no notice taken of it, seeing that some of them are in places of the highest trust, and in all appearances very firm to your interest now, I assure you that whatever part of this paper you would have kept secret, shall remain so inviolably for me.
	At his request I presume to inform you of a thing which he hopes may give him some claim to your mercy. It seems one Crosby came over into England last spring twelve months, and did acquaint the party (to use his own expression) that they would soon receive a commission to attempt the seizing of your person, and that he saw King James sign it at St. Germains. Though this commission did not come, some of them resolved to put it in execution. He says he had so great a horror of this that, if he had not prevailed with them to desist, he designed to have acquainted you with it then. He met Porter, Charnock, Sir William Perkins, and (I think) this Crosby in the Court of Requests, and found them very much bent upon it; he nevertheless put it off for that time, and two days afterwards you went for Flanders. He further says that the only occasion of his going to that meeting in Leadenhall Street was to engage Charnock, who was then going for France, to ask King James if he had ever signed a commission, or given Crosby any authority to say so. I am obliged in justice to him humbly to acquaint you that Lord Carlisle told me a story much to this purpose, I believe five months ago, and long before Sir John Fenwick was taken. He denies with great asseveration that he knew anything of the late intended invasion, much less of the design to assault your person. He begs you would order his trial to be put off, till your pleasure be further known; otherwise it will be on the seventh of the next month. [S.P. Dom. King William's Chest 16, No. 31.] Enclosing:—
	A paper signed by Sir John Fenwick. In the year 1695, in the beginning of that week in which the parliament was prorogued, I was walking in the Court of Requests, and there came to me Sir William Perkins, Mr. Porter and Mr. Charnock, and asked me if I did not know of an order which had come from King James, directed to those who had been general officers under him. I answered I knew nothing of any order from him, and asked for what purpose it should be. They told me they had for some time expected a commission from King James to seize King William. Mr. Crosby had newly come over, and inquired of them if they had not received such a commission. They told him they had not. He said he wondered at it, for he saw it signed before he came away from St. Germain's, and also an order to the general officers to be aiding and assisting to them.
	I told them I believed what Crosby said was false, that it was a scandal upon King James, and I was sure he would never give any such commission or order for so base an action; they could intend no less by seizing of the King than to murder him. Upon which Sir William Perkins said the parliament would be prorogued on Friday next, and then the King would be gone for Flanders; that Saturday was the only day they had left to do it, and though the commission was not come, they would not lose that opportunity of attempting it, as he returned from Richmond that night; and swore he should never go out of England alive.
	Mr. Porter and Charnock said they were resolved of it, and though the commission was not yet come, Crosby assured them it must be upon the road, for it was come away before him.
	I used all arguments against it, and told them what injury they would do King James, and bring a certain ruin upon all his friends here that if it was upon the road, as Crosby said, it might be here by Saturday, and with much persuasion prevailed with them to dine with me that day at 12 o'clock at the Fountain Tavern by the Temple gate, and got them to promise they would do nothing in it, till they met me there that day.
	We met accordingly, and I kept them there discoursing upon the business, and shewing them the baseness of the action, and the impossibility of their succeeding, for none of King James's friends would back them in it, till it was too late for them to make any such attempt. The King went for Flanders next morning early.
	Postscript:—This I attest for truth. For this reason, I suppose, they did not acquaint me with their last design. [S.P. Dom. King William's Chest 16, No. 31. i.]
Aug. 14. [Whitehall.]	Minutes of the proceedings of the Lords Justices of England. The order signed for Sir Joseph Hearne not to part with the tallies amounting to 100,000l. left in his hands by President de la Tour.
	Reports from the Commissioners of Trade ordered to be carried to the council.
	Read the report of the recorder of Ludlow about Ford, a soldier condemned there. A reprieve granted him for twenty-one days. Ordered that the matter be laid before the King.
	Considerations had whether it should be proposed at council to direct the reducing of the value of English coin in Ireland. Nothing resolved.
	Discussed what should be done with the receivers of the taxes, who had paid in the land assessment in clipped money, and collected it in broad money; whether that payment might not be taken only as a loan on the credit of the Exchequer in general. It was objected they were discharged by record, and there could be no averment against it. It was fit, however, that matter should be enquired into, and the exact account taken thereof laid before parliament.
	The Duke of Shrewsbury proposed the naming of a commissioner of the Admiralty, as the King had directed. Their Excellencies waived it, and thought it best the King should be acquainted that, as the summer was nearly over, it would be fittest to be reserved to him, for he would judge best both of the necessity and the person fittest for it.
	A petition from the south parts of Cornwall, to be secured from small privateers, ordered to be sent to the Admiralty, with a petition on behalf of the seamen of the Royal Oak, that they may be paid before they are sent to the Straits.
	A report read from the Ordnance about the repairs of Tinmouth [sic]. Ordered to be returned to Lord Romney for an opinion what sum will be necessary for the security of that harbour in the manner the board proposes it.
	Ordered that the mail be stopped at Harwich, till the letters their Excellencies shall write to the King to-morrow arrive there, and that a vessel be then hired to go over, if a packet boat have not returned. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 274, p. 274.]
Aug. 14. Whitehall.	Passes for James Jennet, a Switzer, to go to Holland; for Mr. Edward Fenwick, ditto [Ibid. 344, p. 554]; for Mary Alley ditto [Ibid., p. 555]; for Frances Bringman and Mary Bringman, to go to Flanders; for Captain Richard Newstead's lady, Anne Newstead, to go to Holland or Flanders; for Mrs. Cutts and Mr. Thomas Sutton, her servant, to go to Flanders [Ibid. 346, p. 390]; for Mr. Robert Terell, and his servant Gabriel Smith, ditto; and for Ann Sanders, Catherine Ainger, Gertrude Belecke and Mary Pidgon, ditto [Ibid., p. 391.]
Aug. 14. London.	Memorandum, signed S. Dubourdieu, upon Pinet, now in Newgate. Upon receiving a letter from Pinet, I obtained from Mr. Ellis a permit to speak to him. He told me that he was a captain in France, and had drawn his sword upon his colonel, in consequence of which he was obliged to fly to England. He has no means here of proving this, and would not tell me his birthplace, or the scene of the affair with his colonel, in order that I might make enquiries. This confirmed me in the idea I had already formed, from his lack of education and manners, that he is an adventurer.
	When I asked him how he knew Rouveroy, and why they had both come to England, he told me they had both been in Paris, and had come here to become protestants; but he could not tell me anything to the point when I asked him why he disliked the Roman catholic religion.
	He begged they might both be transported to America, rather than sent back to France. When I reminded him that he had said, in his letter, that he had things to tell me which concerned the state, and that he would shew me a letter proving the sincerity of his intentions, he failed to produce the letter, and the matters of state resolved themselves into remarks upon the Jacobites in Newgate, and the abundance in which they live on the alms of the Jesuits. He said he had given information of which no advantage was taken, to wit, that Mons. de Lagni, the director of foreign commerce, . . . . . (fn. 1) all correspondence of spies in Holland and elsewhere with France, and that letters were addressed to him under cover to a certain Bamé le Baritier. This led me to suppose that Pinet and Rouveroy were both spies, for how otherwise could they have known the address of this Bamé.
	It would have been better to have separated Rouveroy and Pinet, and, if the former had to be kept at Newgate, to have sent the latter to the Gatehouse, Westminster; but, if they are now separated, let it be done without letting Rouveroy know where the messenger is taking Pinet. French. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 69.]
Aug. 14. On board the Montague in Plymouth Sound.	B. Beaumont to the "Secretaries of the Admiralty at the Admiralty Office, Whitehall." I have been cruizing in the Channel, according to Lord Berkeley's orders, and this day came into Plymouth Sound, as I was directed, to enquire for orders, with the Montague, Medway and Severn, and two French ships of eighteen and eight guns respectively. Another, of twenty guns, which we took, has been here three days; we lost company with her in a fog. All these privateers struck to the Medway, who came up with them first, being the best sailer. The French do not tell us any news worth sending to their lordships.
	If I do not receive orders from Lord Berkeley in twenty-four hours, and I can get our prisoners (240 men) on shore in that time, I shall go to Torbay with the ships. I met Admiral Mitchell this morning with his squadron off Fowey. [S.P. Dom. Naval 5, No. 33.] Enclosing:—
	Notes for a tide-table of the English Channel, with regard to the following places,—Dieppe, the North Foreland, Beachey, the Isle of Wight, South Foreland, Dungeness, Portland, Plymouth, Falmouth, North Yarmouth, "the Liner," and Winterton [Ibid., No. 33. i.]
Aug. 15. Whitehall.	Extract from a news-letter. The general court of the Bank of England met this morning, and the lord mayor, their governor, acquainted them that the Lords Justices desired they would lend the King 200,000l. They consented, and another general court is appointed to be held on Friday next to consider the way to raise this sum.
	Letters from Plymouth of the 11th say that Vice-Admiral Mitchell, who is going out with a squadron to cruize, arrived there that day from Torbay, to take with him some men-of-war which lay in Plymouth Sound. He will endeavour to meet with the Marquis de Nesmond. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 70.]
Aug. 15. Whitehall.	Sir William Trumbull to Mr. Roope. I see by your letters of the 3rd and 9th your care for the preservation of the authority of the government in punishing those who, in contempt of his Majesty's proclamation for celebrating devoutly the last fast day, presumed to play football. I have recommended the matter, as well as the trial of Beare, to Lord Chief Justice Holt, who goes the western circuit, and also to the Attorney General, who has promised to take all care about the prosecution of Beare. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 99, p. 290.]
Aug. 15. Whitehall.	Sir William Trumbull to Mr. Hoffman, acknowledging his letter about the Spanish galleons, and saying that the Duke of Shrewsbury has promised that the necessary orders for a squadron of ships to be sent to meet them, and to receive the signals and instructions requisite from Spain, shall be given when the Lords Justices meet. [Ibid., p. 291.]
Aug. 15. Whitehall.	The same to Sir Walter Young. Having received yours of the 10th instant concerning a petition for restoring the old charter of Plymouth, I called for that petition last Thursday, and got it read and referred to Mr. Attorney and Mr. Solicitor General. I am glad I had this opportunity of gratifying Sir Francis Drake and other honest gentlemen besides yourself. [Ibid.]
Aug. 15. [Whitehall.]	Minutes of the proceedings of the Lords Justices of England. Petitions read and answered. Read Mr. Attorney's opinion about Tilly. Ordered that it be sent to Mr. Secretary, and that he be acquainted their Excellencies concur in the view that he should not be sent hither to be tried upon Shelmerdine's evidence.
	Considerations had about the trial of Birkenhead and others, accused and committed. Ordered that the Attorney and Solicitor have notice to attend on Tuesday, and that they be spoken to at the same time about restraining brokers and jobbers in bills and money.
	The governor and some of the directors of the Bank attended, and reported that the general court had agreed to lend 200,000l., and care was taken for sending over a credit for 50,000l. this night; that the court was prevailed with by telling them they were promised a recompense for their losses, and all other fitting encouragement; that a general court was to meet again on Friday next to consider how they should raise this sum. Their Excellencies assured them they would do everything that lay on their parts to perform what they had promised them. Resolved they would immediately write to the King to recommend the hastening of the orders for stating and satisfying their demands, as far as they should appear to be just. This was done accordingly, and the letter drawn up and signed before they rose.
	Received four reports from the Commissioners of Trade, viz. (1) about Colonel Russell's present, that he may receive what the Assembly of Barbados have already given him. (2) About attorneys-general in the Plantations; (3) About courts of admiralty to be erected in the Plantations; (4) About administering the oaths to the governors "of distinct properties." [Ibid. 274, p. 276.]
Aug. 15. Whitehall.	Passes and post-warrants for the Countess of Dorchester, and four men and women servants, to go to Holland or Flanders; for Mr. John King, one of his Majesty's messengers, to go with one post horse to Harwich and return [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 344, p. 555]; and for Daniel Jansen, a soldier in the first battalion of Dutch footguards, to go to Holland. [Ibid 346, p. 391.]
Aug. 15. Admiralty Office.	William Bridgeman to James Vernon. In reply to the petition of the inhabitants of the south parts of Cornwall for a convoy for the fishery in those parts, and to another petition, by the wives of the seamen of the Royal Oak, the Lords of the Admiralty have ordered two brigantines to cruize off the south parts of Cornwall; the wages of the said seamen to be paid, if money be timely provided for doing the same. [S.P. Dom., Naval 5, No. 34.]
Aug. 17. Whitehall.	Passes and post-warrant for the Earl of Portland, with nine horses, etc., to go to Margate [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 344, p. 555]; for John Cock and Jacob Pieters, two painters, to go to Holland or Flanders [Ibid., p. 556]; for Colonel John Scot, ditto [Ibid., p. 558]; for Mr. John Bins, Mr. Francis Haldenby and Mrs. Ann Jackson, to go to Flanders; for Mateis Creek, lately a soldier in the Dutch footguards, and now discharged by his captain, to go to Holland [Ibid. 346, p. 391]; and for Michael Bantzer, ditto [Ibid., p. 392.]
Aug. 17. Whitehall.	Warrant to the keeper of the Gate-house to take into custody John Broocker, arrested on suspicion of high treason. [Ibid., p. 391.]
Aug. 17. Whitehall.	Warrant for the payment of the expenses of George Stepney, esq., envoy extraordinary to several electors and princes of Germany, from 30th April to 30th July 1696. They include a visit, at the request of the Landgrave, to Prince Louis of Baden, at his camp at Steppatch; and journeys to the waters of Schwalbach, to wait on the Landgrave, and thence to Coblenz, to take leave of the Elector of Treves. At Bonn he overtook the Landgrave, and, by the King's command, marched with his Highness and his troops to near the Meuse. [Ibid., p. 397.]
Aug. 18. Kensington.	Commission for Thomas Drisdell, gent. to be ensign of that company whereof Lieutenant Colonel Toby Caulfield is captain in the regiment of foot commanded by Sir George St. George. [Ibid. 168, p. 209.]
Aug. 18. Whitehall.	Proceedings upon the petition of Thomas Woods. The petitioner shows that the late Queen, in July 1694, granted him leave to coin copper medals in the mint in the Tower at his own charge. He prays a patent for the sole coining such copper medals for fourteen years, he being accountable to the King for the fourth part of the profits in consideration of the use of the King's presses. Referred to the Attorney or Solicitor General for report. [Ibid. 238, p. 83.]
Aug. 18. Whitehall.	Proceedings upon the petition of Captain William Cunningham of Colonel Richard Cunningham's regiment of dragoons. The petitioner shows that his father, Captain William Cunningham, was one of the first who took up arms for the defence of the protestant interest in Ireland, and underwent the hardships of the siege of Londonderry. Petitioner has also faithfully served the King both before and since his accession, and has his two brothers in the King's service. His mother is entitled to the estate of Henry Cunningham, esquire, deceased, late of Castle Cunningham, Ireland, and the petitioner is the next heir at law to the said estate, in reversion after the decease of his mother, who is now very old. The estate is charged with many debts and with a staple bond for 500l., payable to Peter Dobbins, who is now in France, corresponding with the King's enemies, whereby the said 500l. bond and the profits arising thereby are forfeited to the King, and the estate is seized into the King's hands until satisfaction thereof made. He prays the King's title to the said staple bond and the profits thereby arising. Referred to the Lords Justices of Ireland for report. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 238, p. 84.]
Aug. 18. [Whitehall.]	Minutes of the proceedings of the Lords Justices of England. Read Lady Essex Griffin's petition for leave to go to France in a transport ship with three servants. Ordered to be laid before the King.
	The bill of Mr. Clarke's pardon signed, and an amendment ordered in it by inserting "counterfeiting the coin."
	Lord Chief Justice Holt, going his circuit, attended their Excellencies. He was told that the silver was sent to the several mints for paying the recompense of 6d. per ounce upon all plate and clipped money that should be brought in to be coined. He should encourage the bringing of clipped money into the mint. The country need not be alarmed at the exportation of money, the exchange being now so high that there would be no advantage by it.
	The Lords of the Admiralty called in, viz., Sir Robert Rich, Sir George Rooke and Mr. [James] Kendal. Read Mr. Russell's letter containing his opinion how the Straits squadron should be formed, and giving reasons for excusing Aylmer from going on that command. Sir George Rooke did as much for Mitchell. But, upon consideration of the consequence of this service, it was resolved that Sir Cloudesley Shovell have notice he is appointed for that command, and that Nevill go with him with another flag; or, if it be fit to excuse him, that Nevill be sent with a commission of vice-admiral.
	Read Lord Berkeley's letters of the 14th and 15th, giving an account that Rear-Admiral Muys had left the fleet with eleven men-of-war; that Admiral Almonde was going with the great convoy bound for the Straits, and took all those Dutch ships with him that were best stored with provisions, so that few or no Dutch ships were left with the fleet; that five third-rates were to be detached from the fleet, to have the men turned over into other ships designed for the Straits, and then Lord Berkeley would have but sixteen ships left; he therefore desired leave to come up.
	Read Mr. Russell's opinion that the bomb-vessels will be of no use in the Straits. Recommended to the Admiralty to consider whether the bomb ships, that have been so long fitted, may not yet be employed against Calais, or some other place on the coast.
	A petition for protecting fishing-smacks given to the Admiralty.
	Sir George Rooke had a minute of Mons. Hofman's letter about calling at Cadiz for the signals and route of the flota and galleons. Directed that what the Admiralty should resolve in that matter be communicated to Mr. Secretary Trumbull, and by him to Mons. Hofman, that notice may be sent thereof into Spain.
	The Earl of Stamford called in, and acquainted with the King's pleasure that the command of the militia of Plymouth should be according to former precedents. He had his commission to produce, which was the same as the first Duke of Albemarle's. He contended, if the governor of Plymouth had anything to do with the militia, it was by deputation from him. There were no ancient precedents in the matter; the first was in 1675, when the late Duke of Albemarle was made lieutenant of Devon, with an exception of Plymouth. He had then newly come of age, and the Earl of Bath had that lieutenancy to that time in trust only for the Duke, who resented his being imposed on by the Earl of Bath in lessening his authority; but the like commission was given him in 1684[–5], upon King James's coming to the crown; and, when the commission was renewed to the Earl of Bath in 1685, it was drawn in the same manner; but since the Revolution there was no exception to Plymouth. Ordered that the state of the case be sent to Mr. Blathwayt, for the King's determination.
	Mr. Attorney and Mr. Solicitor called in. Considerations had about Sir John Fenwick's trial, Lord Chief Justice Treby not being expected in town till next week, and the judges not thinking of coming up till sent for. Resolved that there shall be no further adjournment of this sessions, but, as there is another in course on the 9th of September, the trial shall be put off till then, the rather since the King's answer is expected upon some papers of Sir John's that the Lord Steward lately forwarded. Mr. Attorney spoken to about prosecuting brokers for money and bills; the Treasury would furnish informations concerning them.
	Resolved that the King's pleasure be ascertained, to what time the parliament should be next prorogued, and whether it should then sit to do business. It must be represented of what concern it is, in all respects, that parliament meet early, and that the King should appoint as short a day for it as may be consistent with his occasions for staying abroad. [S. P. Dom. Entry Book 274, p. 278.]
Aug. 18. Whitehall.	Warrant to the keeper of Newgate to suffer John Chaloner, apothecary, and Mary Cooks, nurse, to have access to Robert Leeson in the presence of a keeper. [Ibid. 346, p. 392.]
Aug. 18. Whitehall.	Passes for Richard Leech, a haberdasher, to go to Flanders [S.P. Dom. Entry Book, 344, p. 556]; and for John Benedicts, Maria van Brulle and Clinilia Maton and three children, ditto. [Ibid. 346, p. 392.]
Aug. 18.	Plan of the camp at Buchholtz under command of the Prince of Hesse-Cassel. His subordinate officers are: Field-Marshal Count von der Lippe, Lieutenants-General von Spiegel, von Schwartz and von Sommerfeld, Majors-General von Kersenbruck and von Schwerin, Brigadiers Heidersleben, the Prince of Hesse, la Motte, and Comte d'Ostfrise and Bulau. [S.P. Dom. King William's Chest 16, No. 32.]
Aug. 18. Whitehall.	Warrant for a pension of 2s. a day, upon the military list of pensions on the Irish establishment, to Gaspar de Lanalve. [S.P. Dom. Signet Office, 13, p. 357.]
Aug. 18. Whitehall.	Extract from a news-letter. Lord Portland parted from hence this morning early for Margate, where he will embark on the Centurion man-of-war, accompanied by two other small frigates, in order to return to Flanders by way of Ostend. ViceAdmiral Mitchell with his squadron sailed on the 13th from Plymouth to the westward. The same day two French privateers, one of 16, and the other of 8, guns were brought in, being taken by the Medway and Severn. The fleet continues in Torbay.
	There are four mails due from Holland, which is very extraordinary at this time of the year, so that we may apprehend some of the packet boats are taken or chased back. There came on Sunday several packets from Flanders by way of Niewport, but the letters they brought were only for the merchants.
	A considerable part of the 200,000l. lent by the Bank of England is already remitted to Flanders. Sir John Fenwick's trial, which was appointed for Saturday next, is again put off. I suppose the judges have not yet returned from their circuits, so that they do not now think of trying him till the beginning of September, the time for the monthly sessions at the Old Bailey. The lords of the Admiralty are hastening away the squadron designed to the Straits. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 71.]
Aug. 19. Whitehall.	Sir William Trumbull to the Lords of the Treasury. I received this morning a letter, dated the 14th instant, signed by the mayor of Liverpool and one of the members of parliament for that corporation, concerning the scarcity of money there, occasioned, in a great measure, by the officers of the king's revenues refusing to receive sixpences not clipped within the ring. I desire you will take the matter into your consideration and give such directions as you think proper to prevent the disorders these gentlemen seem to apprehend for the future. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 99, p. 292.]
Aug. 19. Whitehall.	Sir William Trumbull to Lord Justice Porter. Mr. Blackwell, the King's consul at Leghorn, having an affair of great consequence to him coming before you from the Treasury, I recommend him very earnestly to your favour, having had long acquaintance with him abroad. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 99, p. 293.]
Aug. 20. Whitehall.	The same to Mr. Johnston and Mr. Maudit, acknowledging their letter of the 14th instant concerning the scarcity of money in Liverpool. [Ibid.]
Aug. 19. [Whitehall.]	Minutes of the proceedings of the Lords Justices of England. Dr. Newton called in. He gave an account on what grounds he suspected White's sincerity: that he had concealed Attee's being concerned in coining, though it appears he brought the form of a press to Ware, the smith; that he prevaricated about Douglas; he was earnest to have spoken with Douglas and Pritchard in private; he denied ever having been at Moore's house in the country, and that he knew more than that the press made by Ware was carried to Moore's house in Westminster; whereas it appears by affidavits taken by Justice Eyton that White and Chapman, who passed for his man, brought a block, pretending it was for a cider press; but in reality it was to be the bottom of a coining press, and he was seen to roll it to the place where it was found fixed. He understands the mixing of metals.
	Ordered that Dr. Newton acquaint White with the reasons he has to doubt whether he hath dealt ingenuously, and how much it concerns him to disguise nothing; and see what effect that will have upon him.
	Read a letter of the 15th from Mr. Smith of Gloucestershire about Mrs. Bysse's further confession, saying that Mr. Wintour and several others she mentions ought to have a proclamation against them for apprehending them; and that the maid, who gave evidence against Mrs. Bysse, should be rewarded. Ordered that the letter be brought to council, and that it be considered to-morrow what shall be done for the maid, whether the sheriff should not give her something out of the clippings that have been seized, which will be allowed on his accounts, and that she be under the protection of the government.
	The Post Office hearing about the witnesses that were threatened for giving evidence and concerning Franco. Entry incomplete.
	Read Sir William St. Quintin's letter about Humphreys. Directed that Buttery the drummer be asked what he knows of him. Questioned whether he may be prosecuted for the forged certificate he had about him. [Ibid. 274, p. 282.]
Aug. 19. Whitehall.	Passes for Don Joseph Ferreti, an Italian gentleman, to go to Chester and Ireland [Ibid. 344, p. 556]; for Jasper Bedford and Thomas Hughes, merchants, and William Butcher, their apprentice, to go to Flanders; for Anthony Garrisson, a French protestant, to go to Holland [Ibid. 346, p. 392]; and for Peter Cornelisse, a soldier in the Dutch foot-guards, with his wife and four children, ditto [Ibid., p. 393.]
Aug. 19. Dublin.	Sir Charles Porter to Mr. Vernon. I have yours of the 11th instant, and at the same time received an answer from Mr. Blathwayt to the letter which I enquired after, and return you my thanks for the care you took to send it forward. There is all diligence used both for discerning and apprehending such of the pirates as are in this kingdom, and for securing their effects. We do not yet hear any privateers have returned to the mouth of the northern channel, though we must expect they will be there as soon as it is known the Crown has left that station. [S.P. Ireland 358, No. 51.]
Aug. 20. Whitehall.	The Duke of Shrewsbury to Sir James Ogilvie. The lords of the council had issued a warrant for the apprehending of Warburton. He has since been taken up, but proves upon examination to be one who serves the Lady Montgomery as a cook, can neither read nor write, and utterly denies having sent any letters to Scotland. As there was no evidence against him, upon which he could be proceeded against, they thought fit to discharge him. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book, 100, p. 267.]
Aug. 20. [Whitehall.]	Minutes of the proceedings of the Lords Justices of England. Letters from Ireland read, and that of the 12th inst. from the Lords Justices, to know how the claims upon forfeitures shall be judged, whether by the Council or by a special commission, to be considered to-morrow.
	That of the 16th inst., about the parliament, considered now. Ordered that a copy thereof be sent to Mr. Blathwayt to be laid before the King, with the remark that their Excellencies observe there is a mention made of two bills only that are depending, which perhaps would be of no great consequence if they were sent over; but there are two other bills of much greater moment, viz. a Bill of Rights, and another of Habeas Corpus; and it may be fit to know how far they are expected in Ireland. Their Excellencies have likewise this objection against the opinion of the Lords Justices of Ireland, for the parliament sitting upon an adjournment, viz. that they doubt the same thing may be pretended to there as it is in England; that there cannot be two demands of a supply made in one session; and therefore, unless there were a prorogation or a new parliament called, there would not be [more] money given than had been asked for by Lord Capell; upon which their Excellencies desire to know the King's pleasure.
	Read a memorial presented by the East India Company against pardoning any of the pirates but such as should come in upon the terms of the proclamation, and that what money could be found belonging to the pirates might be put into their hands, to be restored to the owners in India. Ordered that it be brought before the council to be considered there.
	Dr. Newton gave an account of his being with White, and telling him what reasons he had to doubt of his sincerity. That his answer was, though his life lay upon it, he could say no more than he had done. He persisted that he was never at Moore's house in the country. He might have been mistaken for others, since Atty, who was there with Chapman, went by his name. Ordered that he speak with Mr. Manley, and get him to be present when any further examinations are taken.
	Read Mr. Blathwayt's letters of the 13th, 17th, 20th and 23rd. new style.
	Called in the Lords of the Admiralty, viz. Sir Robert Rich, Sir George Rooke and Colonel Kendal. Read to them Mr. Blathwayt's letter of the 13th, about hastening out Benbow, when he came back, that he might look after Du Bart and protect the trade to the northward. Mr. Blathwayt's letter of the 16th likewise read to them, about the Mediterranean squadron. Copies of both letters to be sent to them.
	An account given that Benbow had arrived at the Gunfleet. It was proposed that he might be strengthened, either by a detachment of third-rates from the fleet, or by the arrival of the ships with Foulkes, whose cruize was out, and his return expected with the first easterly winds. Approved that orders be dispatched to Lord Berkeley to send ships for that purpose, and, if Foulkes arrive first, these ships may be ordered back again. Benbow, in the meantime, to take in his provisions and "a recruit" of seamen. Resolved that he be sent out as soon as he is strengthened.
	Letter of the 12th inst. from the Lords Justices of Ireland read to the Admiralty, about the Crown frigate having left her station towards the north of Ireland for want of provisions, with the accounts from Belfast and Carrickfergus relating to that matter. The collector of Belfast wrote that a rich Virginia ship was expected there; ordered that notice be taken thereof to the Lords Justices of Ireland, and that enquiry be made whether it be the practice in Ireland for ships to come thither directly from the Plantations.
	Mr. Haistwell gave an account he had stopped bills of exchange from Dublin for 345 [l.], supposing the money belongs to the pirates. Jope, who presented them, surrendered himself that day. He was advised to keep the bills, and not pay the money till he were satisfied he might fairly do it.
	Ordered that the Postmaster General and Brockett, the controller of the Foreign [Post] Office, attend to-morrow to give an account how the Lord Steward's letter to the King, dated the 7th of July, came to be so long delayed as only to be delivered with the letters of the 22nd. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 274, p. 284.]
Aug. 20. Whitehall.	Passes for Martha Telleur, a poor German widow, and her two children to go to Hamburg; for Charles Evense and Catherine his wife, subjects of the States General, to go to Holland; for Gertruijt Janse, a subject of the States General, ditto; for Mr. William Weir, ditto [Ibid. 344, p. 557]; and for Jean Catillon to go to Italy, on the recommendation of the rector of St. Sampson and [Mons. ?] Duval, Guernsey. [Ibid. 346, p. 393.]
Aug. 20. Whitehall.	R. Yard to Sir Joseph Williamson at Tonbridge, There have come in this day several posts from Holland. The King intended to go from the army to Loo on Saturday or Sunday last, and take Cleves on his way, which makes people talk of a marriage with the Princess of Brandenburg, daughter to the Elector by a former lady, who is now with the Electress at Cleves. They continue to talk very much of a general peace.
	Mons. Colliere, the French minister, is still in Holland, and Mons. Dickvelt, and other deputies of the States, have had several conferences with him. It is generally said the Emperor and Spain will not accept the neutrality for Italy. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 72.]
Aug. 20. Whitehall.	Extract from a news-letter. This day came in the four mails from Holland; nothing of moment has passed abroad. The King intended to leave the army last Saturday or Sunday, and it was thought he would go to Loo by way of Cleves, where the Court of Brandenburg was.
	In Piedmont things continued much in the same posture, the truce, at the desire of the Duke of Savoy, being prolonged till the 20th of August, and his royal Highness labouring all he could to get the neutrality for Italy agreed to, without which he is like to have but little comfort of the peace he has made with the French. Both the Emperor and the King of Spain seem resolved to continue the war in those parts.
	A battle is expected in Hungary, the Turks being 60,000 and the Germans 50,000 strong, so that the latter, considering the goodness of their troops, have much the advantage. There is still much talk of a general peace, occasioned by Mons. Calliere, the French Minister's, continuing in Holland; several conferences have been held with him. [Ibid., No. 73.]
Aug. 21. [Whitehall.]	Minutes of the proceedings of the Lords Justices of England. Lord Haversham wrote to their Excellencies on behalf of Thomas Wilkins, a prisoner in Aylesbury gaol, and condemned at Wycombe for coining. Ordered that Lord Chief Justice Treby be written to, for an account of how the fact appeared upon trial.
	A petition of Colonel Tidcombe read on behalf of one of his corporals, who, being required to assist a constable in serving a press warrant, had happened to kill a man, and was to be tried for it at a sessions held for the Cinque Ports in Romney Marsh. Ordered that Mr. Taylor be written to, to acquaint the judge that, in case the corporal be found guilty, the execution of the sentence should be respited till their Excellencies have an account of the trial.
	The Postmaster and Mr. Brockett attended. The latter owned the receipt of the Lord Steward's letter of the 7th [of July], and gave in an affidavit declaring that he immediately put it with the other letters that went by that night's post. Mr. Vanderpool's letter likewise produced, in which he supposes that the outermost cover, being directed to the Earl of Essex, and his regiment being in the Prince of Vaudemont's army, it might happen the letter was first carried thither; he has sent to enquire whether it was so. Ordered that the said affidavit and letter be sent to Mr. Blathwayt.
	Considered the letter of the Lords Justices of Ireland of the 12th inst. The first part thereof, relating to the manner of determining claims, was compared with a letter of Lord Capell's bearing date the 12th of March, in which he sent his opinion for judging claims by a special commission. Ordered that it be submitted to the King's determination, and that copies of both these letters be sent to Mr. Blathwayt, with a draft of the warrant that the King sent over for passing a commission, that it might be in readiness if his Majesty inclined to have it renewed. As to the other part of the said letter, relating to the 30th article of their instructions for exempting from prosecution such as submitted to the government upon the King's proclamations or declarations, and have since lived peaceably, they desire to know how it is to be understood, since these proclamations and declarations did not promise the Irish the enjoyment of their real estate, but only security for their lives and personal estates. Without prosecution they will retain both. They desire to know whether that be the King's intention. The Duke of Shrewsbury desired the consideration might be deferred till he could look into his papers, and see what he had been directed to write to Lord Capell upon the same subject, when these declarations had been considered by the King at cabinet council.
	Mr. Courtney's petition was referred to the Treasury. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 274, p. 288.]
Aug. 21. Whitehall.	The Duke of Shrewsbury to Lord Haversham. The Lords Justices have hitherto been very cautious in reprieving coiners, the crime of coining having occasioned so much mischief in the nation. However, upon your consideration we have written to the judge who tried [Thomas Wilkins], and if, upon his representation, there be any room for mercy, I believe you will find all the lords extremely ready to comply with your recommendation. Ibid. 100, p. 268.]
Aug. 21. Whitehall.	Passes for Daniel Bonniot and Isaac Ristand, French protestants, to go to Holland; for John Castel, a French protestant, ditto; and for Matthias Lobetantz, Christian Friedrich Steigerthal and Peter Guillaume Kolteman, ditto. [Ibid. 346, p. 393.]
Aug. 21. Admiralty Office.	Josiah Burchett to James Vernon. The Lords of the Admiralty have considered your letter of this date, touching Colonel Norcott's regiment now on board the Flute. They command me to acquaint you, for the information of the Lords Justices, that they do not think it convenient to put the said regiment on shore at Torbay, as the Colonel desires, because it will disable the Flute as to men. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 74.]
Aug. 21. Admiralty Office.	Memorial by the Lords of the Admiralty for the Lords Justices of England. We have considered the representation of the grand jury of Kent on behalf of the persons employed in the tilt-boats between Gravesend and London, and report, concerning what they allege as to their men being pressed, that we believe the same to be wholly groundless, in regard that no complaints have come to this board. If any such had been received, orders would have been given for their discharge. As to their other grievance, viz. that the boats are called on board the men-of-war, it is what has been constantly done; otherwise they are at liberty to carry away from the service a considerable number of seamen. [S.P. Dom. Naval 5, No. 35.]
Aug. 21. Dublin Castle.	W. Palmer to Mr. Vernon. I received your favour of the 13th instant, and according to what you wrote let the Lord Chancellor know you had received his about Mr. Geoghegan, and that you would take care to lay it before the Lords Justices as he desired, about which I believe you will by this post receive something from his lordship. By their lordships' commands I send you enclosed the Association of the collectors, etc. belonging to the revenue, to be presented to their Excellencies as usual.
	You will perceive by the enclosed that the Crown frigate had no sooner gone off the station she was in, than the privateers began to appear, and what condition the West India ships will be in that are expected may be easily judged. You will see how narrowly the Antigua ship escaped. The Lords Justices have ordered the Dover prize, which returned into this port last night from conveying some merchant ships, to see her and another ship to Liverpool, but their lordships desire you to move the Lords Justices that the Admiralty may be directed to send away the Lynn man of war, which is appointed to come into that station in which the Crown was, with what expedition may be, together with the St. Malo prize or some other in her stead, there being so absolute a necessity for it. The Speedwell is very leaky and wants fitting, so that she is little use more than just to cruise between this and Chester or Hoylake, and see the packets over to and from the Head.
	I have also directions to acquaint you that, according to the Lords Justices of England's commands, a proclamation is issued here for the apprehending Every and others for piracy; but they have thought fit, for the more effectual putting the proclamation in execution, to promise the rewards to be paid in this kingdom, it being alleged the persons would not think it worth their while to run to England to seek for the reward of 50l. The persons who took the two you have the account of, and who brought in Philips and Savil, have applied for their reward, which is under consideration. If it should be denied them it would, I fear, discourage others for using their endeavours to apprehend the rest. We are using all endeavours to seize their effects, and have given directions to the Commissioners of the Revenue, who have employed their collectors to seize them, which we have an account of already, but I fear we shall find most of it transmitted to England, and what is here will be concealed by the people in whose hands it is. No enclosures preserved. [S.P. Ireland 358, No. 52.]
Aug. 21. St. James'.	The Earl of Romney to Mr. Vernon. Having received yours of the 14th instant in relation to the fortification at Tynemouth Castle and Clifford's Fort, I directed the principal officers of his Majesty's ordnance to examine that matter. They have returned me the papers herewith enclosed in answer thereunto, which contain all I have to say in that matter. I desire you will lay the same before the Lords Justices of England. No enclosures preserved. [S.P. Ireland 358, No. 53.]
Aug. 21.	Minute of council about proclamations in Ireland and Scotland for apprehending Captain Every. Memorandum to "mind" the Lords Justices of sending orders to Ireland for publishing a proclamation there for apprehending Every the pirate, who now goes by the name of Captain Henry Bridgman, and his companions, as was done here. And the secretary of state for Scotland to be spoken to upon the same occasion for their kingdom. [Ibid., No. 54.]
Aug. 22. Whitehall.	Pass and post-warrant for the Countess of Stirum and her two servant maids, to go to Holland [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 344, p. 558]; and for Richard Hains to go to Newcastle on Tyne. [Ibid. 346, p. 393.]
Aug. 23. Loo.	Warrant to the vice-chancellor of Cambridge University to admit Owen Hughes, bachelor of law and fellow of Trinity Hall, to the degree of Master of Arts. [Ibid. 163, p. 80.]
Aug. 23. Whitehall.	Pass for Mr. Robert Jenning, who has served his apprenticeship as an ironmonger, and is now going to Gottenburg in Sweden. [Ibid. 346, p. 405.]
Aug. 24. Whitehall.	Passes for Lady Emily Plunkett, with Catherine Hely and James Darmon her servants, to go to Holland or Flanders, upon the recommendation of Lady Arlington; for John Schreiber, a German, to go to Holland [Ibid. 344, p. 558]; for Govert van Esse, Bartholomew Locventvos and Cornelius Blommert, subjects of the States General, ditto [Ibid., p. 559]; for Johannes Walter, a seaman, ditto; for Mr. Thomas Power to go to Flanders; for Mr. John Dyne and Mr. James Dyne to go to Holland or Flanders [Ibid. 346, p. 393]; for Mr. John Penny, agent to Major General Erle's regiment, and one servant, to go to Flanders; and for Mademoiselle Charlotte Julie Sagot and Marianne Praint to go to Holland. [Ibid., p. 394.]
Aug. 24.	Memorandum that Sir George Rooke, commander in chief of the squadron designed for the Mediterranean, desires orders to send away a frigate, upon his arrival in the latitude of Cape St. Vincent, to Cadiz, for such advice as the governor shall be directed to send him of the route, course and signals of the flota and galleons, and whatever else may tend to facilitating the junction of our fleet with them. [S.P. Dom. Naval 5, No. 36.]
Aug. 25. Whitehall.	Sir William Trumbull to the Commissioners of the Customs, recommending to them a memorial of Mons. Pauly, resident of Denmark, concerning the duties upon salt in the ship Crowned Hope, and her tonnage, which was referred to them by the Lords of the Treasury. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book, 99, p. 294.]
Aug. 25. Whitehall.	The Duke of Shrewsbury to the mayor of Newcastle. I do not doubt but you have taken care to secure the pirate, who was seized, it being of so great concern to our trade in the Indies that some examples be made for deterring others from the like robberies. The examination taken has been sent to the committee of the East India Company, who find themselves chiefly obliged to look after this prosecution, and who will doubtless move that he be brought up by Habeas Corpus, when they have prepared their evidence. [Ibid. 100, p. 269.]
Aug. 25. Whitehall.	Minutes of the proceedings of the Lords Justices of England. Read Lord Galway's letter about the troops he had upon his hands without money to pay them. Ordered that Sir Joseph Hearne be sent to, that it may be considered with him how Lord Galway may be supplied out of the tallies he has in his custody.
	Mr. Baker called in; he was ordered to defend Hunt against a prosecution about prohibited goods. He gave an account what liberty Webber and Roberts had in Newgate. Ordered that Fell the keeper attend next day.
	Read Mr. Blathwayt's letter of the 18th, as also one of the same date to the Duke [of Shrewsbury ?] about an exchange for one of the French correspondents who is in prison. Colonel MacElligot proposed for him.
	Serjeant Want's reprieve [signed] for ten days.
	The Lords of the Admiralty, viz. Sir Robert Rich, Sir George Rooke and Mr. Kendall called in. They gave an account that the Navy Board had computed the pay of the men that were to go to the Straits at 80,000l. Lord Godolphin said 40,000l. lay ready in the Treasurer's hands, and 20,000l. or 25,000l. more they had a pretty near prospect of providing.
	Read a letter from the Victuallers, shewing how they had disposed of 20,000l. lately received from the Treasury, and the great necessities that still lay upon them. It was proposed to the Admiralty to consider whether anything was to be done about the registering before the squadron went for the Straits. Asked when that squadron would be ready, they said they could fix no time, but supposed it would be in a month. The dispatch thereof further pressed, according to Mr. Blathwayt's letter of the 18th.
	Sir Cloudesley Shovell called in. He was very desirous to go in his own ship the Queen, and thought her fitter for the service than many of the seventy-gun ships, besides the use in having a ship of that force upon occasion. The Admiralty were against sending any ship so big, which they said was Mr. Russell's opinion. It was referred to them, to adjust it between them.
	Considerations had about expediting the service by changing some of the ships first pitched upon, that cannot be so soon ready, for others of the like force that are in a better condition, as the Ipswich for the Essex. Also about the fleet with Lord Berkeley, there being but sixteen or seventeen ships now remaining. Resolved that he be ordered to Spithead, and that he have leave to come ashore there, the command of the fleet being left with Vice-Admiral Aylmer.
	Ordered that Norcott's regiment be landed at Torbay, and that Mr. Clarke have notice of it.
	Directed that Mr. Blathwayt be acquainted that their Excellencies suppose the nine Dutch ships are to go hence with the English ships, and continue cruizing together till the arrival of the flota; otherwise they may not be strong enough, in case the squadrons of Nesmond and Château Renaud should happen to join. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 274, p. 290.]
Aug. 25. Whitehall.	Passes for Mrs. Anne King, Mrs. Mary Waldegrave, a child about four years old, and two maid-servants, Ellinor Mare and Sarah Mist, to go to Holland or Flanders; for the Countess of Doerr, Lady Katherine Davis, Mrs. Davis, two footmen, two pages, two women servants and a steward, ditto; for Mrs. Cox, the envoy's wife, ditto [Ibid. 344, p. 559]; for Mr. Thomas Ferrar, ditto; for Jane Romieu, a French protestant, to go to Holland; for Mrs. Sixt and Toinon Valier, her maid, ditto; for Francis Tissot, ditto; for Jacob Christians, and Catherine his sister, to to go Harwich or Gravesend [Ibid., p. 560]; for John van Hasselt, his wife, and one child, subjects of the States General, to go to Holland; for Hanna Mosis, a subject of the States General, ditto; for Adam Romieu, a French refugee, ditto; for Leonard Romeyn, a subject of the States General, ditto [Ibid., p. 561]; for Henry Smith, Mary his wife, and their daughter, ditto; for John Gittener, a French protestant, ditto; for Josyntie Thomas and her three children, ditto [Ibid., p. 562]; for James Watts, to go to Holland or Flanders [Ibid., p. 563]; for Abraham l'Evesque, Susanna his wife, and their daughter Susanna, French protestants, to go to Holland [Ibid., p. 564]; and for Captain John Fawcett, ditto. [Ibid., p. 567.]
Aug. 25. The camp at Loo.	Warrant for an allowance to Major Walter Delamar upon rents due from him to the crown under a custodiam granted him by Queen Mary about 1st April 1692, in consideration of pay due for himself and his troop, while in the service of the crown.
	The lands so leased to Major Delamar lie in the counties of Waterford, Roscommon, Meath, Dublin and Wexford, and are in the tenure or possession of James Everard, Terence Dermott, Christopher Nugent, Thomas Plunkett, Edward Sweetman, John Itchingham, Edmund Reynell, Henry Sanford, El. Plunkett, Hopton Scott, Richard Roth and Burleigh Cuffe. [S.P. Dom. Signet Office 13, p. 349.]
Aug. 25. Loo.	Same for a grant to Colonel Henry Luttrell, under the great seal of Ireland, of all the lands, etc. belonging to Colonel Simon Lutterell in the kingdom of Ireland, at any time before his attainder for high treason, of which lands the said Henry already holds a custodiam; to descend at his death to his next heir, exclusive of the said Simon Luttrell and all others attainted. [S.P. Dom. Signet Office 13, p. 352.]
Aug. 26. Whitehall.	Minutes of the proceedings of the Lords Justices of England. Sir Joseph Hearne called in. He owned he had received the same directions from Mr. Blathwayt as he had from their Excellencies, not to part with the tallies to President de la Tour. He said he had received only one short letter from de la Tour, wherein he seems concerned that he had not heard from him. Their Excellencies told him that Lord Galway had written for a supply for the subsistence of the troops under his command, and in the King's pay, in Piedmont; and that it seemed to be the King's intention he should be furnished out of those tallies; they would have Sir Joseph consider of it, and make them a proposal, how Lord Galway might have a credit given him accordingly. His answer was, he would acquaint de la Tour with what had been proposed, and let him know he thought it reasonable to be complied with, and that he should expect his answer.
	Dr. Newton gave an account of the further informations he had received from White against Squire, a goldsmith in Long Acre, Hunt, Joseph Wynne, etc. Resolved that an assistant be allowed to Dr. Newton.
	A warrant signed for Bertram's being bailed.
	Fell, the keeper of Newgate, called in, and reprimanded for his negligent keeping of prisoners, particularly Captain Roberts and Webber.
	Ordered that the Admiralty be informed that, money being furnished to pay the seamen who are going to the Straits, and that part of the service being provided for, their Excellencies hope there will be no delay in the rest of it, and recommend it to them to forward it in every part.
	The Post Office hearing about Mr. Sawtell. Entry incomplete. [Ibid. 274, p. 293.]
Aug. 26. Whitehall.	Passes and post-warrant for Cornelis Keyser and his wife to go to Holland; for Peter Cappell and Evert Spading, ditto [Ibid 344, p. 562]; for Johannes Eastage, ditto [Ibid., p. 564]; and for two of his Majesty's messengers, John Gillybrand and Peter Tom, with two post-horses and a guide, to go to Exeter and return. [Ibid. 346, p. 394.]
Aug. 27. [Whitehall.]	Minutes of the proceedings of the Lords Justices of England. White's reprieve signed to the 7th of September.
	The Lords of the Admiralty called in, viz. Sir Robert Rich, Sir George Rooke and Colonel Kendal. They gave an account that Sir Cloudesley Shovell had his commission, and had gone to the Nore, and from there he would go to Portsmouth to hasten the preparations. They had yielded to his importunity in letting him have the ship Queen. Of the 40,000l. ordered by the Treasury for seamen's wages, they had sent 30,000l. to Portsmouth, and 10,000l. down the river. Benbow was taking in his provisions.
	A letter read from the Commissioners of the Navy at Kinsale, about the obstruction given by Lord Bellomont to the carrying of some timber off Sir Valentine Brown's estate. Ordered that copies thereof be sent to the Treasury.
	Mr. Palmer's letter read about the insecurity of the coast by the coming away of the Crown frigate. They answered she was ordered back again, and the St. Malo was likewise ordered to the same station. The commander of the Crown justified his men's drinking water several days for want of beer.
	Ordered that Mr. Blathwayt be written to about Sir Joseph Hearne, that the King may be made acquainted with his answers, and his insisting on being discharged of his obligations to President de la Tour; also with what had been proposed about supplying Lord Galway, that the King may let de la Tour know he is not to expect the tallies, or any payment on them, and that the Lords Justices or the Treasury may have orders, as they see occasion, to indemnify Sir Joseph for delivering up the tallies; also that they may know the King's pleasure whether a credit note should be procured for Lord Galway out of those tallies.
	To enquire whether his Majesty think fit to have the same demands made in Spain for some sort of provisions for the squadron now going thither, as was expected if Sir George Rooke had stayed there, and by whom those demands should be made.
	The Council ordered to be summoned on Monday at 5 o'clock.
	Lord Romney's letter read about the repair of Clifford's Fort at Tinmouth (sic) at 145l. Ordered to be sent to the Treasury.
	With regard to diminishing the charge of the ordnance by lessening that of the bomb-ships, it was ordered that Lord Romney be written to to discharge the ships that have grown unserviceable, and to send an estimate of what the charge of the rest would amount to. [S.P. Dom. Signet Office 274, p. 295.]
Aug. 27. Whitehall.	Passes for Mr. Peter John de Voogt, a subject of the King of Spain, to go to Holland; for Mr. Peter Coderk and Francis Hagebaert, his servant, ditto; for Anna Keyser, a subject of the States General, ditto [Ibid., 344, p. 563]; for Don Joseph Passarini and one servant to go to Holland or Flanders; for Don Diego de Zea to go to Holland [Ibid., p. 564]; for James Minauteau, Johanna Debriueil, and Solomon their child, French protestants, ditto; for David Higuouin, a French protestant, ditto; for Mr. John de la Marque, a French protestant ditto; for John Anthony Teissier, a French protestant, ditto [Ibid., p. 565]; for John Manouri, a French protestant, ditto; for Paul Bertran, a French protestant, ditto; for John Hulzbach, a poor German journeyman tailor, ditto; for Johanna Taffeton, a protestant of Piedmont, ditto [Ibid., p. 566]; for John de Cleves, silk weaver, ditto, for Mr. Abraham Barbour, ditto; and for James Durrand, a French protestant, ditto. [Ibid. 346, p. 394.]
Aug. 27. Easthampstead	Warrant to apprehend Henry Gunter with his papers, on suspicion of treason. [Ibid. 346, p. 395.]
Aug. 27. Dublin.	J. Louth to [the Lords Justices of Ireland]. This morning William Phillips and Edward Savill came to me, and informed me that there are two sloops, one of 50 or 60 tons, the other of 16 tons, come now into Kinsale. One brings tobacco and furs, the other tobacco. One that takes the name of King is master of one, the other they know not the name of. The biggest was bought at Providence, and went from thence to New England, thence to Virginia, and designed to put in to Belfast. In them are, as they are informed, James Brown, William Caddy, Thomas Anderson (these three bought the sloop), Edward Caddywiddy alias Kirkwood, William Downe, Robert Prince, boatswain, William May, James Cray, John Reddy and many others they supposed may be aboard these sloops mingled with the fleet. All these persons belonged to the Fancy or some other of the pirates that were in our (sic) company. Kirkwood, Downe, Cray and Reddy are in the proclamation. I hold myself obliged to inform your Excellencise of all this, that orders may be given for the securing them, their ships and other effects. [S.P. Ireland 358, No. 55.]
Aug. 28. Whitehall.	The Duke of Shrewsbury to Colonel Collier. Being of your opinion that the French boat, which brought over the six prisoners, was sent to get intelligence, I think you did very well in stopping the men belonging to her, who should be kept some time, were it only in return for their having detained your men so long and treated them so ill. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 100, p. 269.]
Aug. 28. [Whitehall.]	Minutes of the proceedings of the Lords Justices of England. Read and amended the draft of a letter to Mr. Blathwayt; an addition ordered about the salaries for the Commissioners for Trade and their attendants.
	Lodington's letter read; to be considered again.
	Harvey, called in, accused Emerton, a Buckinghamshire grazier, of having great dealings with Gregory, a butcher, in exchanging broad money at 4s. in the pound, and taking clipped money off his hands at 30s. for 20s. Emerton paid into the Exchequer 1,460[l.] of clipped money on account of Woodcock, the receiver general of Leicestershire, and was to receive it again in broad money out of the collections of that county. He had paid 400[l.] on the like account of Gregory's money in the name of the receiver of Oxfordshire. He himself had been formerly in Newgate, and was bailed out by six sureties procured by Wayte, his solicitor, and he gave each of them 20s. When Emerton was confronted with him, he denied his dealing with clippers, but owned his acquaintance with Gregory and the 1460l. paid into the Exchequer. Ordered that both be carried to the Recorder, that Harvey may be examined upon oath, and Emerton committed. [Ibid. 274, p. 297.]
Aug. 28. Whitehall.	Passes for John van Neune, his wife and one child, John Langestein and Angel von Vee, subjects of the Elector of Brandenburg, to go to Holland; and for Joseph Maria Galee, a subject of the King of Spain, ditto. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 344, p. 567.]
Aug. 28. Dublin.	Sir Charles Porter to Mr. Vernon. I find Brigadier Wolsley's chief business in England is to prevent the King's favour to one Geoghegan, who had an order for reversing his outlawry. This order was brought whilst I was in the government, and I gave the Lords Justices an account of the mistake in the order, wherein he is named by the addition of gentleman, whereas he was outlawed as an esquire. The case concerning this man and, indeed, as it relates to myself and Lord Coningsby, stands thus:—During the last meeting of the parliament, the Brigadier and some others had contrived to get a general vote, that one cause of the miseries of this kingdom was the countenance which had been shewn to the Irish papists during the late government since the year 1690.
	This vote being got by surprize when the House was thin, many of the members were dissatisfied therewith, and a short time after it was moved that some of the gentlemen should give an instance of any such favour shown, and in whose government. Whereupon the Brigadier stood up and told them it was in the time when Lord Romney, Lord Coningsby and myself were Justices, and that we had put this Geoghegan in possession of his estate, though he was not comprehended within any articles.
	The Brigadier and the Speaker too, for it was in a committee of the whole House, averred several particulars against him, which the Speaker undertook two other members should prove. These were his two fathers-in-law, the one having married his mother, and he the other's daughter. They were accordingly examined, and declared they were his near neighbours, and gave particular instances of the great kindnesses he constantly did to his protestant neighbours, and of his living quietly at home and never meddling in any public affairs. Whilst he was thus in the King's protection, some of the officers of our army, with a party of soldiers, in the middle of the night broke into his house and murdered his wife, killed several of his servants, and wounded him in many places and left him for dead, after having robbed him of all that was valuable. After he had languished for some time, unable to stir, a party of the enemy came with a litter and carried him into their quarters, where he continued under cure till Limerick was surrendered.
	After a long debate the House came to a resolution that the Justices had done right in putting him into possession, and that this was not an instance of our countenancing the Irish.
	All this matter was afterwards, as I am told, laid open before the King in council, and at the same time a certificate, under Colonel Brewer's hand, was produced to prove the latter part.
	The Brigadier has two designs in obstructing the King's favour in renewing the former order; the one is to get this man's estate, of which he has already a custodiam and to get into possession after all the proceedings I have mentioned. The next is that, if he can prevail in it, he thinks it will invalidate the vote of the House of Commons upon the hearing of the case against us, Perhaps if Lord Coningsby comes to town before the Lords Justices do anything in it, he may be able to give their Excellencies a true light into it. [S.P. Ireland 358, No. 56.]
Aug. 29.	Account of the public funds and the money paid upon them. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 75.]
Aug. 29. Whitehall.	Passes for Gerhard Gremann, a tailor, to go to Holland; for Hellebrand Pieters and Cornelis Arense, two Dutch seamen, ditto [S.P. Dom. Entry Book, 344, p. 567]; for Matthisa Prokter, a subject of the King of Spain, and one child, ditto [Ibid., p. 568]; for Gregorius Schultz, a High German protestant, to go to Denmark [Ibid., p. 569]; and for Daniel Mayo to go to Holland. [Ibid. 346, p. 396.]
Aug. 31. [Whitehall.]	Minutes of the proceedings of the Lords Justices of England. Read Mr. Blathwayt's letters of the 31st of August and 4th of September, new style.
	Resolved that parliament be prorogued to the 20th of October, and that the King's pleasure be ascertained when the proclamation should issue for their sitting; there ought to be a month's notice given.
	Ordered that the governor and directors of the Bank be sent for to-morrow, to acquaint them with the signification of the King's pleasure in their favour, and in answer to their demands.
	Lord Chief Justice Treby gave an account of Wilkinton's (sic) trial, that the fact of his coining was proved. He brought a representation from the grand juries of Norfolk and Norwich against the slow proceedings of the mint there. Lord Godolphin thought part of the blame ought to lie upon Mr. Blofield, who had sent up his excuse for not being concerned in the care of the money sent to pay the recompense of 6d. per ounce.
	Considerations had about Birkenhead's escape; he had been committed for high treason, and a strict charge given to the gaoler about him, who was advertised he intended to make his escape, and lately reprimanded for his negligent custody of prisoners. The Lord Chief Justice was desired to consider how the gaoler ought to be proceeded against, and to speak with the sheriffs as to what care should be taken of the gaol, and to acquaint their Excellencies with his thoughts upon it to-morrow. He found the keepers of Newgate pretended to a title for life, being admitted to buy their places, and confirmed under the city seal; but he knew no reason for it.
	Ordered that notice be given to the sheriffs to attend to-morrow between twelve and one o'clock; and that the Treasury be with their Excellencies at one o'clock.
	Resolved that a proclamation be issued for the apprehension of Birkenhead. [Ibid. 274, p. 298.]
Aug. 31. Whitehall.	Passes for Mr. William Pemble, and his servant Samuel Sturton, to go to Holland [Ibid. 346, p. 394]; for Mr. Robert Hart, ditto; for Francis Urquhart, ditto; for Daniel Cotel, a French refugee, ditto; for Hermann Smalten of Nieuburg, ditto; for John Toms, ditto; for Roger Jones to go to Scotland; for Daniel Boudouin to go to Holland; and for Ann Foels and Mary Semells, two soldiers' wives, ditto. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 346, p. 396.]
Aug. 31. Whitehall.	Warrant to Peter Brown to apprehend Lewis and Jacob de Hane on suspicion of treason. [Ibid., p. 399.]
Aug. 31. Office of Ordnance.	The Ordnance Board to the Earl of Romney. In obedience to your commands signified to us by Mr. Pulteney's letter of the 28th present, upon Mr. Vernon's to you of the 27th, as soon as we have received intimation from the Admiralty that they have ordered in the bomb vessels, which are grown unserviceable, to be discharged, we shall give the necessary directions for taking out their mortars, etc. and discharging the officers and attendants, and the storeships belonging thereunto. [S.P. Dom. William and Mary 6, No. 76.] Enclosing:—
	An abstract of one month's charge in the office of ordnance of the bomb vessels, under command of Sir Martin Beckman and Colonel Richards, still employed in the King's service. [Ibid., No. 76. i.]
Aug. 31. Admiralty Office.	Memorial by the Lords of the Admiralty for the Lords Justices of England. With regard to Henry Killigrew's petition on behalf of his late brother, Captain James Killigrew, for his share of the gunnage and tonnage of two French men-of-war taken in the Mediterranean called the Content and the Trident, referred to us for our opinion, we referred the question to Mr. Russell, then at the board, who commanded the fleet, when this action happened. He replied on the 1st of May last, that Captains Norris, Grantham and Cornwall were the only commanders entitled to the reward for taking the said men-of-war, in regard Captain Killigrew was slain immediately on engaging with the Content, and the said ship did not receive any considerable damage from the Plymouth, commanded by him. [S.P. Dom. Naval 5, No. 37.] Enclosing:—
	(1) Josiah Burchett to Henry Killigrew, esquire, dated 17 March 1696. Captains Norris, Grantham and Cornwall have applied for the gunnage and tonnage of the Content and Trident; is there anyone in town who looks after the late Captain Killigrew's affairs, who can lay his claims before the Admiralty ? Copy. [Ibid., No. 37. i.]
	(2) Henry Killigrew to the Lords of the Admiralty, dated 19 March 1696. As regards my late brother's claims, he commanded the squadron; he came up with the men-of-war alone, and fought them so as to hinder their getting away, which enabled the ships astern to come up with them. In all probability the Plymouth wounded the masts of the Content, which might be the occasion of their coming by the board, and consequently the true occasion of her being taken at last. I would refer to the narrative given by Lieutenant Holland, who was with my brother in the action. Copy. [Ibid., No. 37. ii.]
	(3) Petition of Henry Killigrew to the Lords Justices [July, 1696], setting forth his brother's claims, in view of the fact that the Lords of the Admiralty have admitted the claims of Captain John Norris, commander of the Carlisle, Captain Caleb Grantham, commander of the Falmouth, and Captain Charles Cornwall, commander of the Adventure, to the exclusion of Captain Killigrew and his ship's officers and crew. Copy. [S.P. Dom. Naval 5, No. 37. iii.]
Aug. 31. Admiralty Office.	William Bridgeman to James Vernon. I send you by command of the Lords of the Admiralty, a copy of advices as to the enemy's proceedings, to lay before the Lords Justices. [Ibid., No. 38.] Enclosing:—
	An account sent by Lord Berkeley of the report made by the ensign commanding the spy-boat lately taken by the Portland, not dated. He had been about a fortnight or three weeks from Brest, and eight days from the Isle of Bass. Sixteen days since Mons. Chateau Renaud sailed from Brest with sixteen men of war and two fire-ships, having five months' provision on board, but he does not know whither they are bound.
	Nesmond's orders were first to cruize off Cape Clear with seven men-of-war; he had but two months' provisions on board. Two seventy-gun ships are being built at Brest, and two of eighty guns at Rochfort. Twelve ships are to be laid up at Rochfort and Port Louis from Brest, and the rest disarmed at Brest. Copy. [Ibid., No. 38. i.]
Aug. 31. The Council Chamber, Whitehall.	Proclamation by the Lords Justices of England of a reward of 1,000l., for the apprehension of William Birkenhead, a middle-sized man with a little face, of brown complexion, about fifty years of age. He has gone by the name of Fish, East, West, South and Baker, and was formerly a Customs' House officer. He was committed to Newgate, as being guilty of the late horrid conspiracy, and made his escape on the 29th inst. Printed. [S.P. Dom. Proclamations 4, No. 137.]
[Aug.]	Pass for Mary King, and her daughter Alice King, to go to Holland. [S.P. Dom. Entry Book 346, p. 394.]