William III: November 1698

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: William III, 1698. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1933.

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'William III: November 1698', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: William III, 1698, (London, 1933) pp. 410-423. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/will-mary/1698/pp410-423 [accessed 27 March 2024]

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November 1698

Nov. 1.
Whitehall.
R. Yard to Lord Ambr. Williamson. The letters from Dublin of the 22nd past give an account that on [that day] the Commons in a committee proceeded on the consideration of the Bill for the better preservation of his Majesty's royal person and government, and having rejected several clauses in it, the Report was ordered to be made immediately; when the House agreed with the committee (there being upon the Question 80 against 72) to reject the first and chief clause of the Bill, which obliges all persons to take the oaths upon the penalties therein mentioned; and consequently the Bill is lost.
Last Saturday night Lord Warwick, Lord Mohun and four other gentlemen being together at a tavern, they quarrelled and went to Leicester Fields, where they fought, 3 against 3; and one of them, Mr. Coote, son of Colonel Coote, was killed, and the rest thereupon absconded.
The duchess of Grafton is married to Mr. Hanmore, a young gentleman of a very good estate, nephew to Sir John Hanmore.
We expect every hour to hear that Sir Cloudesley Shovell is come into the Downs from Spithead, in order to his repairing to the coast of Holland with the men-of-war and yachts that are to attend his Majesty in his return. Endorsed, R. Novr. 4–14, 98. 2½ pp. [S.P.32. 11. ff. 28–29.]
Nov. 1.
Whitehall.
J. Ellis to the same. We think of nothing now but his Majesty's return, and the citizens wish he would have come before his birthday; which would have quickened trade, that is now but indifferent.
Though the wars amongst the princes are ended in most places, they are not amongst our braves. On Saturday night the earl of Warwick, lord Mohun and four young gentlemen, having sat up all night at Locket's, thought fit to quarrel, and by break of day to decide their differences in Leicester Fields; where a pretty young man, Col. Richard Coote's son of Ireland, was killed dead upon the place, having received one wound in his throat and another in his reines. Who killed him is not yet known, they being all absconded. This is the third man lord Mohun has been at the killing of, before he is 21 years old.
It is believed the parliament will sit to do business [on the] 29th inst. That in Ireland has again excepted against the clause in the Bill, for preservation of the king's person, which imposes the oath of supremacy upon all the papists; so that that Bill is lost for this session there.
The duke of Ormonde is returned from Ireland. The duchess of Grafton is married to a gent. of Sussex, Mr. Hanmer, of about 23 years old, who has a good estate. Endorsed, R. Nov. 4–14, 1698. 4 pp. [S.P. 32. 15. ff. 238–239.]
Nov. 2.
Whitehall.
James Vernon to the Lords of the Admiralty, desiring, at the instance of the Swedish resident, the discharge of five subjects of Sweden (named), pressed some time since to serve on board H.M.S. Monmouth. [S.P. 44. 204. p. 197.]
Nov. 2. Warrant to apprehend — Winter, a tailor and his wife, for suspicion of treason. Memdum: Winter, and his wife, was discharged, 18 Novr., 98. Capt. Baker desired it. [S.P. 44. 349. p. 87.]
Nov. 3.
Whitehall.
Proclamation by the Lords Justices, reciting that parliament stands prorogued to the 29th inst.; and declaring that it is the King's pleasure that parliament shall sit on that date for the despatch of business. Printed. [S.P. 45. 13. No. 166.]
Nov. 3. The examination of Dennis Kelly: says he was born in Ireland at Tracton Abbey within 10 miles of Cork. About 1690 he went into King James's army there, and was a lieutenant in Col. Lacy's regiment. Upon the capitulation of Limerick he went into France, and lived at St. Germains; but not in the army. He came into England a fortnight since. He knows one Mr. John Coleman, who kept the wood yard at St. Germains, which Mr. Coleman has been here about 2 years. When he [Kelly] was at St. Germains, about 2 months since, he was with one Mr. Barry, father-in-law to Coleman; and saw Barry read a letter, which he said was from Coleman. He knows one Mrs. Chilton, who lives near St. James's Square. She was at St. Germains about 6 years since, and was laundress to the Prince of Wales, and continued so till last year; when she resigned to her daughter, who is married to Capt. Calanan at St. Germains. Mrs. Chilton has been in England these 4 or 6 years, and has continually kept a correspondence at St. Germains, and used to send over letters and tokens by one Mrs. Aldriche, who is now at St. Germains; her husband is a turner in Duke Street.
Mrs. Chilton's son (a young gentleman now at St. Germains) writ his mother word that he [Kelly] was banished the Court, and designed for England: whereupon Mrs. Chilton wrote back to her son by all means to secure him, for if he came over he would be the ruin of all King James's friends here: upon which several messengers were sent out to take him, but he fled to the earl of Jersey at Paris, and so he came for England.
He knows Mr. La Rue, who was a brigadier or major in the first troop of King James's guards, and is now in England.
He knows Lieut. Edwd. Warren and Lieut. Charles Aysleby, both officers in the army in France: they have often come over with letters and messages to King James's friends; but he knows not to whom. They are now in England, but he does not know their lodgings.
He knows William Plommer, who was an officer in Parker's regiment in Ireland; Saml. Kenderick in the same regiment; Lt. Vario in King James's foot guards in France; Mr. Gray, a coalmonger's son in London, and was in the foot guards which belongs to King James in France; Ensign Polton in the same guards.
All these persons are now in England, and before they came over he saw Birkenhead about six weeks since at St. Germains pay them several sums of money, which Birkenhead said was for future services. They went immediately upon this for England. Sworn before Tho. Hopkins.
[Note.] I attended Mr. Attorney General for his opinion whether, upon this information, Colman and Chilton can be charged with any crime; who was of opinion they could not, otherwise than by the late Act of parliament against correspondence with the late King James. Novr. 17th, 1698. Nichs. Baker. Endorsed, Copy of Denis Kelly's examination. 2½ pp. [S.P. 32. 11. ff. 30–31.]
Nov. 3. Daniel Geary, examined, says: he was at St. Germains in the winter '96, where he was in company with one Mr. Barry, gentleman-usher to King James's queen, and is father-in-law to one Mr. John Coleman, and [sic] in this informant's presence drew out some letters which he received out of England from Mr. Coleman, and heard them read. The contents were to give an account of affairs in England. Edwd. Warren was a lieutenant in the Dublin regiment in France. Charles Aysleby was a lieutenant in the same regiment. He does not know William Plowman, Saml. Kendrick, nor William Pullinger. Lt. Vario he does know, and says he was in Dorrington's regiment in France. Sworn before Tho. Hopkins. Endorsed, Copy of Dan. Geary's information. 1¼ pp. [Ibid. ff. 32–33.]
Nov. 4.
Whitehall.
Tho. Hopkins to Lord Ambassador Williamson. I have little news to send by this post besides the proclamation which is now published, for the meeting of the parliament the 29th of this month for the despatch of business. There is like to be a great contest about the choice of a Speaker, the parties beginning to form themselves so long beforehand. Our friends are zealous for Sir Thomas Littleton; the other side are as violent against him. Though I think they are not yet determined who to pitch upon, some are for Sir Edwd. Seymour, others for [Jack struck out] Mr. Granville; but I believe at last they will pitch upon the old Speaker, Mr. Foley; thus, whilst they are divided, I hope it will be carried by our friend Sir Thomas.
The King's birthday is observed with all the marks of affection imaginable, and there is a great ball this evening at St. James's. 2 pp. [Ibid. f. 36.]
Nov. 4.
Whitehall.
R. Y[ard] to the same. The Duke of Ormond landed at Neston this day sevnight on his return from Dublin, and came to town last night.
This day, being the King's birthday, there was a great Court at St. James of the nobility and other persons of quality, and at night there was a ball in the new Great Room. Endorsed, R. Novr. 8–18, 1698. 2¼ pp. [Ibid. ff. 34–35.]
Nov. 4. Warrant to apprehend —Johnson, for suspicion of treason: (another [similar warrant was] dated 5th Novr.): like warrants, of the same date, to apprehend Edward Warren, Charles Aylesbury, William Plommer, Samuel Kendrick, — Vario, — Gray, — Polton, and George Higgons [S.P. 44. 349. p. 88]:— Adams, — Holms, — Shirly, — Greenway, — Berkeley [ibid. p. 90]: Coll. — FitzGerald [ibid. p. 91], Patrick Shaw, Capt. — Macarty, — Simonds, the lady Smith and her son Samuel Smith. [Ibid.]
Nov. 5. Warrant to apprehend — Davis, for suspicion of treason [S.P. 44. 349. p. 88]: similar warrants for Thomas Pretty, John Ashton, Thomas Hayman, Peter Wright, William Rowell, Thomas Holt, John Bageon, John Bavington, John Spire, Thomas Hellows, William Mile, Richd. Hurst, John Permun, William Flint, Thomas Stephens [ibid. p. 89], John Parchmore, John Warner, — Evans, — Norton, — Snell, Sir Richard Dunton, — Davenport [ibid. p. 90], Paul Robinson [ibid. p. 91].
Nov. 6. Warrant to apprehend — Dudley, for suspicion of high treason. [S.P. 44. 349. p. 88.]
Nov. 6.
The Hague.
Pass to Mary Smith, wife to one of Lord Lexington's servants. [S.P. 44. 386. p. 20.]
Nov. 8.
Whitehall.
James Vernon to Sir Charles Hedges. I received the enclosed papers by the last post from Loo, concerning a French vessel seized and condemned at Jamaica. She had been sent by the governor of Petit Guaves to Cuba for the exchange of prisoners, and had passports from both the French and Spanish governors declaring the intention of the voyage, which the French ministers make the foundation for reclaiming the ship. I desire your opinion on the case. [S.P. 44. 204. p. 197.]
Nov. 8.
Whitehall.
The same to Mr. Basil Dixwell. The Admiralty have sent me a copy of your letter to them about the difficulty you find in quartering one of the Marine companies at Dover. I have laid it before the Lords Justices, who recommend an enquiry how the town of Dover comes to be unpaid for the marines formerly quartered there, and that care be taken to get those quarters duly discharged. They hope that you will use your interest there to dispose the inhabitants not to be uneasy in quartering the company, since it will not be long before parliament meets; who no doubt will consider the objections you mention, which are likewise made in other places, where the soldiers however are still received. [S.P. 44. 99. p. 567.]
Nov. 8.
Whitehall.
R. Yard to Lord Ambr. Williamson. By the letters from Deal come in this day, we have advice that Sir Cloudesley Shovell, with the squadron of men-of-war under his command, sailed from the Downs last Sunday in the afternoon, in order to attend his Majesty on his passage from Holland.
This day came in the letters from Dublin of the 2nd inst., which give an account that on Monday the 31st Oct. the Commons in a committee of the whole House had under consideration the settling the time during which the tax upon salt should be levied. After some debate they thought fit to postpone their Resolution to be taken therein till some other funds could be considered; and then they came to these Resolutions; that towards the Supply all grants or remittals of quit-rent shall be re-assumed, and that a tax be laid on all lands, tenements and hereditaments. 1 p. [S.P. 32. 11. f. 37.]
Nov. 8.
London.
Tho. Musgrave to [Sir Joseph Williamson]. I write your Exelensey a letter yt. night I came to London, to returne the many obliegations and great friendship that your Exelensey and my Lady Cathieren showed me. Wednesday next I am for Saulsbuery on purpose to release Mr. Dickeson out of prisson and to take him a longe with me to ye Leueard Ieslands, and I will do what I can for him, if he will be advised. I begg your Exelensey will speake to Mr. Blaithwhite, that incaise any of my ffeild offiesers should quit or die, that there may noe body come over my head as major, I being the eldest capt. Endorsed, Novr. 8–18. R. Novr. 13–23, 98. Mr. Musgrave. 1 p. [Ibid. f. 38.]
Nov. 9–19.
The Hague.
Royal warrant to the Lords Justices of Ireland to pay an allowance of 4s. a day, part of the pension of Lieut. Col. du Bordac, lately deceased, to Anna Albertina du Passy, widow of Capt. du Passy of the earl of Galway's regiment, who was killed in our service in Flanders. (Cf. Calendar of Treasury Books, XIV, p. 181.) [S.O. 1. 14. p. 159.]
Nov. 9. Warrant to apprehend Thomas Clarke, for treasonable practices. Memdum.: Clarke was taken into custody the 9th Novr., '98. [S.P. 44. 349. p. 88.]
Nov. 9. Warrant to bring —Haws and his wife, and Colonel —, Mrs. Seal and Mrs. Knot before Mr. Secretary, to be examined concerning such things as shall be objected against them [ibid. p. 89]: a like warrant for Mrs. Godday and her maid servant. [Ibid.]
Nov. 10.
Whitehall.
Ja. Vernon to Lord Coventry at Coombe. I have delivered your letter of the 7th inst. to the council. I hope the country will find a good effect everywhere of the orders issued for keeping corn at a moderate price. [S.P. 44. 99. p. 568.]
[Nov. 10.] Gilbert Zass to Lord Ambr. Williamson: according to his promise, sends enclosed the remedy against the gout. Endorsed, 10–20 Nov., 98. Sr. Gilbt. Zas. 1 p. [S.P. 32. 11. ff. 39–40.]
Nov. 10.
Treasury.
Money warrant for the payment to Katherine, the queendowager, of £6,104 17s. 8¼d., to be satisfied by tallies of anticipation on the commissioners appointed to receive the money subscribed pursuant to the Act for raising two millions. Signed by the Treasury Lords. 1 p. (Cf. Cal. of Treasury Books, XIV, p. 181.) [Ibid. ff. 41–42.]
Nov. 11.
Whitehall.
R. Y[ard] to Lord Ambr. Williamson. Newsletter. Endorsed, R. Novr. 15–25, 98. 1 p. [S.P. 32. 15. ff. 240–241.]
Nov. 11.
Whitehall.
J. Ellis to the same. The wind being fair, though the weather be at present foul, having snowed hard all day, we hope to see his Majesty here the beginning of next week.
One Paul Robinson, a servant to Mr. George Higgons, and that was on that account committed to the Gatehouse in the time of the late plot, came about two months since and declared he could discover a conspiracy now carrying on against his Majesty's person, which was to be put in execution immediately upon his Majesty's landing from Holland; and has given in several informations upon oath, wherein he names divers persons as concerned in it; but he is so little able to make out his allegations that he is committed to Newgate. Some persons have been taken up and examined before my Lords Justices on this account, and it must be expected that the noise of a conspiracy will be spread abroad, as well as it is here. Endorsed, R. Novr. 15–25, 98. 3 pp. [Ibid. ff. 242–243.]
Nov. 11.
Whitehall.
Newsletter. Falmouth, 7th Nov. Yesterday the Spanish Allyance arrived here from Corona in three days, and brings letters from Madrid of 29 past, which say that the king of Spain continues well and goes abroad daily to divert himself; that Admiral Aylmer with 17 men-of-war, two fire ships, 2 bomb-ships, and 2 store-ships arrived at Cadiz the 25 past. Endorsed, R. Novr. 15–25. ¼ p. [S.P. 32. 11. f. 43.]
Nov. 11.
Whitehall.
Warrant to the keeper of Newgate to receive into custody Paul Robinson, for a conspiracy against the lives of several of his Majesty's subjects by falsely accusing them upon oath of high treason in conspiring the death of the king. [S.P. 44. 349. p. 92.]
Nov. 12.
Brampton.
Sam. Blackwell to Mr. William Hayes [at] the Lord Chief Baron's chambers in the Inner Temple. I am glad to hear you have received and disposed of the money. When Mr. Whitwell of Oundle shews you a note under my hand I desire you'll please to deliver the receipt from Sir Robert Clayton's agent to him, and take his. My own and my wife's most humble services to my Lord Chief Baron, and my lady, and to Madam Ward, and the other good ladies her sisters. 1 p. [S.P. 32. 11. f. 44.]
Nov. 15.
Whitehall.
Newsletter to Lord Ambassador Williamson. Letters from Dublin of the 7th inst. came in last Sunday. [Irish parliamentary proceedings.]
The letters from Portsmouth of the 13th say Rear Admiral Benbow is arrived there from hence, and has hoisted his flag on board H.M.S. Gloucester, being to command the squadron now going to the West Indies with Collingwood's regiment. 2 pp. [Ibid. f. 45.]
Nov. 15. Warrant to apprehend Jacob Spicer, for transporting wool out of the kingdom and other evil practices against the government. [S.P. 44. 349. p. 92.]
Nov. 15. Warrant to repair on board a vessel called the John and Elizabeth, — Blake, master, in the river or the Downs, and there to search for and apprehend divers suspicious and dangerous persons. [Ibid. p. 99.]
Nov. 15. Warrant to apprehend William Bleake, for transporting wool out of the kingdom. [Ibid.]
Nov. 17.
Whitehall.
Ja. Vernon to Capt. Warner. Understanding that you have brought over from Jersey a prisoner, put on board your ship by Col. Collier, I have sent a messenger with a warrant to receive him. [S.P. 44. 99. p. 569.]
Nov. 17. Warrant to repair on board H.M. yacht Isabella, Capt. Warner, commander, now lying at Southampton, and there receive into custody John Lewis, a prisoner, brought from Jersey and bring him before Mr. Secretary to be examined. [S.P. 44. 349. p. 92.]
Nov. 18.
Whitehall.
J. Ellis to Lord Ambr. Williamson. The expectation of his Majesty's arrival keeps all things in suspense. The duke of Shrewsbury came to town last night, and is as well as ever he was. It is generally believed that he intends to resign the seals: and though perhaps his Majesty does not know himself how he shall dispose of them, yet our politicians, who resolve a great deal sooner, say the earl of Jersey comes over with the King, to be made Secretary of State. 2 pp. [S.P. 32. 15. ff. 244–245.]
Nov. 18.
Whitehall.
R. Yard to the same. The letters from Ireland of the 9th inst. bring an account that the House of Commons had agreed with the committee to raise, towards the Supply granted to his Majesty, £90,000 upon lands. They had likewise resolved in the committee to lay a duty upon salt for two years; which it was computed would raise about £30,000; and the remaining £18,000 (to make the whole Supply £138,000) was to be raised by the re-assumption of the quit-rents granted away by the Crown, excepting those that have been granted pursuant to the Act of Settlement, or other Acts of parliament, or which have been purchased upon valuable considerations.
His Majesty's ships under Rear Admiral Benbow lie at Spithead, waiting only for a fair wind, to sail to the West Indies. They have on board Colonel Collingwood's regiment, which they are to land in the Leeward Islands.
Mr. Norris, his Majesty's ambassador to the Great Mogul, is hastening away, and may be ready in a fortnight or three weeks to embark. He goes to India with four men-of-war, designed to suppress the pirates in those parts, under the command of Capt. Warren.
Last Tuesday, being queen dowager's birthday, divers persons of quality were entertained at Somerset House, by the earl of Feversham, and in the evening the countess of Arlington gave a ball. 1½ pp. [S.P. 32. 11. f. 46.]
Nov. 18.
Treasury.
Money warrant for the payment to Katherine, the queen dowager, of £9,157 6s. 6¼d. Signed by the Treasury Lords. 1 p. (Cf. Cal. of Treasury Books, XIV, p. 194.) [S.P. 32. 11. ff. 47–48.]
Nov. 18–28.
The Hague.
Royal warrant to the Lords Justices of Ireland to cause the sum of £3,011 5s. 0d. to be taken off the charge for the year 1692 of the late regiment of horse commanded by the late Brigadier William Woseley. (Cf. Calendar of Treasury Books, XIV, pp. 199–200.) [S.O. 1. 14. pp. 117–18.]
Nov. 18. Warrant to search for suspected persons at Mrs. Lowther's lodgings in Dyet Street in St. Giles, and to apprehend them [S.P. 44. 349. p. 92]: a like warrant for searching for suspected persons at The Barber's Pole, against The Black Swan in Bartholomew Lane, behind the Royal Exchange. Memdum: Mr. Jackson and Mr. Barlow were kept in custody a day, in pursuance of this warrant. [Ibid.]
Nov. 18. Warrant to apprehend Mathias Lyddall, for suspicion of treason. [Ibid. p. 96.]
Nov. 19.
Whitehall.
Ja. Vernon to the mayor of Rye, informing him that he has sent a messenger with a warrant to receive into custody Mr. Brown and Mr. Bassett, lately come from France, whom the mayor had stopped upon suspicion, "they refusing to take the oaths." [S.P. 44. 99. p. 569.]
Nov. 19. Warrant to receive into custody John Browne and John Basset, for suspicion of high treason. Discharged by order 3 Decr., 98. [S.P. 44. 349. p. 94.]
Nov. 20. Warrant to repair into Kent and Sussex, and search for and apprehend Thomas Wilson, George Wilson, — Larkin, — Cenney, John Pain, John Rickraft, William Young, Thomas Fegg, Joseph Beechun and John Slaughter, for transporting wool into France. [Ibid.]
Nov. 20.
The Hague.
Passes to George Marre, soldier, of Capt. Steward's company in Col. Lauder's regiment, with a discharge from Major McLeod, in the absence of the colonel, dated Breda, Nov. 14, '98: and to Donald Mackquean of Capt. Baird's company and to Donald Young of Capt. Murray's company, and to Donald Rosse of Major McLeod's company, in the same regiment [S.P. 44. 386. pp. 20, 21]: and to Thomas Holme of the Lyf company in Col. de Bernant's regiment in the States' service, with a discharge from the colonel dated Bergen-op-zoone, Oct. 7, '98. [Ibid. p. 21.]
Nov. 21.
Whitehall.
Ja. Vernon to Mr. Blackbourn, Secretary to the East India Company. I laid to-day before the Lords Justices your letter of the 18th inst., with the enclosed advices from India, concerning the piracies committed by Captain Kidd. They ordered that instructions be given to the commander of the squadron, now going to the East Indies for the suppressing of the pirates, that he use his utmost endeavours to seize Kidd and his vessel, if he be still in those seas, in order to bring him and his accomplices to condign punishment; and they directed instructions to be sent to the earl of Bellomont for securing Kidd with his ship and associates, in case he return to New York, where he has his family settled, and from whence he is said to have carried the greatest part of his crew; and the like instructions will be sent to the rest of his Majesty's colonies in America.
Their Excellenices, finding by these advices how much Capt. Wright, the commander of the Quidah Merchant, misbehaved in yielding up his ship to Kidd without making any resistance, and in sharing with him in his piracies by taking to his own use some part of the plundered goods that belonged to his freighters, are of opinion that Wright ought to be apprehended and made answerable; and will give orders accordingly, unless the company have anything to object.
If there be anything more that the company judges proper to be done for vindicating the honour of the nation against the calumnies raised in India, and for the security of the factories there, I desire you will let me know it. [S.P. 44. 99. pp. 570–571.]
Nov. 22.
Whitehall.
J. Ellis to Lord Ambr. Williamson. We are very solicitous about his Majesty's return, the wind continuing contrary to him, and parliament being to meet this day sevenight, if he is here; otherwise it must be prorogued again, and a further delay may disorder the measures we are taking to secure a good Speaker. Sir Thomas Littleton is the person we desire, but the adverse party are labouring to make an interest to get Sir Edward Seymour or Col. Granville into the chair, though there is no great likelihood of their succeeding.
The air of the town not agreeing well with the duke of Shrewsbury, he is removed to Kensington.
The great discourse of the town is about the Marquise of Richlieu's being ordered to depart out of the kingdom, as is said, by the King's command; which being a thing unusual, people are very inquisitive after the reason, but must be content with conjectures.
A ship fitted out by some private persons here, to cruise upon the pirates at Madagascar, having taken a ship with an officer of the Great Mogol's on board, the East India merchants are afraid he will revenge the affront upon their factors in that country. Endorsed, R. N. 26–Dec. 6, 98. 3 pp. [S.P. 32. 15. ff. 245–246.]
Nov. 22.
Whitehall.
R. Y[ard] to the same. Yesterday came in letters from Dublin of the 15th inst., and brought an account that on the 10th and 11th the House of Commons proceeded further on the report of the Supply [Irish parliamentary proceedings]. The House of Lords in the bishop of Derry's case had on the 14th in debate whether the bishop should be put into possession of the lands in dispute. But my Lord Chancellor interposed and made a proposal to the House of a method for an accommodation, to which the Lords were inclined and accordingly appointed six of their members, viz.: three spiritual and three temporal lords, and they are in hopes their difference may be brought to a happy conclusion.
The West India squadron continues wind-bound at Spithead. Endorsed, R. N. 26–Dec. 6, 98. 2¼ pp. [S.P. 32. 11. ff. 49–50.]
Nov. 22. Warrant to apprehend Samuel Nash and bring him before Mr. Secretary, to answer to such things as shall be objected against him concerning a letter delivered by him and pretended to be writ by the Emperor of Morocco. [S.P. 44. 349. p. 91.]
Nov. 22. Warrant to apprehend Leonard Archer of Deal, for transporting wool to France. [Ibid. p. 94.] [In margin] at the desire of Capt. Baker.
Nov. 25.
Whitehall.
J. Ellis to Lord Ambr. Williamson. You have Sir Henry Furnase in Holland, envoy from our new East India Company, to solicit the discharge of their pieces of eight, a trick some suspect to have been played them by the artifices of the old company, who are themselves in danger of a misfortune, if it has not already happened to them, occasioned by the taking of a ship richly laden, with a great officer on board, by one Kid, commander of a ship fitted out here to cruize upon the pirates at Madagascar. This man, having been formerly a buccaneer, seeing a considerable booty in his way, could not forbear returning to his old piratical trade, and took her; which injury and damage, it is feared, the Mogol will revenge on the English in his territories.
Letters from Madrid of 12 inst., come in to-day, by the way of the Corunna, say the king of Spain is in good health, and likely to live many years. Mr. Closterman the painter, that was here, is now at Madrid, and employed in drawing that king and queen's pictures.
One Wentworth, a master of a ship arrived at Lisbon from New England, gives out that they had a report there, which came from Jamaica, that the Spanish governors in the West Indies had set up for themselves; but this needs confirmation. Endorsed, R. N. 28–Dec. 8, 98. 4pp. [S.P. 32. 15. ff. 247–248.]
Nov. 25.
Whitehall.
Newsletter to the same. The West India squadron is now at St. Helens, in order to proceed on their voyage with the first opportunity of wind and weather.
The duke of Shrewsbury who came to town to wait upon the King, finding himself much out of order, is returned to his house in Gloucestershire.
The new East India Company having received an account that a quantity of pieces of eight, which were bought in Holland for their use, were seized there, Sir Henry Furnese, one of the directors of the company, went hence last Tuesday for Holland, to take care of the company's concerns on this occasion. 1 p. [S.P. 32. 11. f. 51.]
Nov. 28.
Whitehall.
Warrant by the Lords Justices of England for holding a court martial, composed of the field officers and captains of MajorGeneral Erle's regiment of foot and Colonel Seymour's regiment of marines now at Portsmouth, or any six of them, under the presidency of Colonel Robert Freke, to try the difference that has lately happened between Colonel Collingwood and Lieutenant Harris of the regiment under Collingwood's command. [S.P. 44. 167. p. 362.]
Nov. 28. Warrant for the payment of the extraordinary expenses of Matthew Prior, esq., secretary to the embassy in France from Aug. 10, 1698, to Nov. 10 following. [S.P. 44. 348. p. 37.]
Nov. 28. A similar warrant for the expenses of Richard Hill, esq., envoy at Brussels from March 1st, 1697–8, to Sept. 1st, 1698. [Ibid. p. 38.]
Nov. 29.
Whitehall.
Ja. Vernon to Mr. Paterson. I have your letter of the 26th, and hope very soon to discourse with some of the commissioners of the Customs upon it. But I know not what directions or authority they can give to any of their officers more than is already contained in the proclamation of the 13th October last; and whoever pursues the intent and meaning thereof will do great service to the public, and need not fear but he will be supported. It is a melancholy consideration if the magistrates and justices of the peace, who are to try the offences mentioned in the proclamation and to inflict the penalties, should themselves be guilty of the breach of so many laws. The least that can be said is that, whoever they may be, they are very unfit for that trust and ought to be made an example of. If the fact be proved, whenever anything of that kind passes within your observation, I desire the information may be sent me upon oath, and I shall think it my duty to make known the behaviour of such magistrates, who have neither regard to the laws nor compassion to the poor. [S.P.44. 99. p. 572.]
Nov.29.
Whitehall.
J. Ellis to Lord Ambr. Williamson. The parliament met to-day and was prorogued by writ to this day sevenight, when we hope for his Majesty's presence, the wind being good.
Pamphlets fly about thick, as is usual at the beginning of a parliament. The most remarkable are An history of standing armies in England, which is a violent satyr, as well upon the king as his predecessors since Queen Elizabeth. Another is Advice about choosing a Speaker, a matter which the world here is divided upon; which is a scurrilous and false invective, against Sir Thomas Littleton especially, though Sir Edw. Seymer and others are pointed at too, he being the person some people are most apprehensive of, though he be a gentleman so accomplished in all points as not to be justly liable to any exception. To these there are Answers, Replies etc., with which we pass our time, for want of the Court at home and news from abroad.
As the new East India Company are sending an ambassador to the Indies, so the old one are sending Dr. Davenant to take care of their affairs. Endorsed, R. Dec. 5–15, 98. 4 pp. [S.P. 32. 15. ff. 249–250.]
Nov. 29.
Whitehall.
R. Y[ard] to the same. This easterly wind will carry out the West India squadron commanded by Rear Admiral Benbow, which has lain long wind-bound at Spithead.
His Majesty's ships for suppressing the pirates in the East Indies, under command of Capt. Warren, are likewise hastening away, and Mr. Norris, his Majesty's ambassador to the Great Mogul, is accordingly preparing to embark; and the Lords Justices to confer upon him a mark of royal favour, and to give him an honour suitable to his employment, have signed a warrant for a patent creating him a baron of this kingdom.
An indictment having been exhibited against Paul Robinson for perjury and conspiracy against the lives of several persons, in falsely charging them upon oath with treasonable practices, he pleaded guilty.
This day came in two posts from Ireland with letters of the 19th inst.; which bring an account that the House of Commons, finding great objections made against the tax upon salt, had laid it wholly aside, and had voted, in lieu thereof, to raise £30,000 more upon land, and they intended to proceed upon the consideration of further Ways and Means to raise the rest of the Supply.
The House of Lords had a complaint made to them that one Campbell, as is said by direction of the agent for the city of Londonderry, had served the bishop of Derry with an order of the House of Lords in England, relating to the dispute between the said city and the bishop concerning some lands. This being accounted a breach of privilege against the bishop, the House of Lords ordered Campbell to be taken into custody, and made an order that the bishop should be forthwith put into the possession of the lands.
We want three posts from Holland. Endorsed, R. Dec. 5–15, 98. 3 pp. [S.P.32. 11. ff. 52–53.]
Nov. 29. Received by order of the barons of the Exchequer 6s. 8d. for the use of the poor prisoners in Ludgate by Tho. Whitehead, steward. 1 p. [Ibid. f. 54.]
Nov. 30. Warrant to the keeper of Newgate to receive into custody Thomas Carter, outlawed for high treason in filing and diminishing the current coin. [S.P.44. 349. p. 94.]
[Nov.]
The Hague.
Royal warrant to the Lords of the Treasury of Scotland. John Knips, merchant in Bergen-op-Zoon, at the desire of Col. George Hamilton and the other officers of the regiment, furnished both officers and soldiers with mounting, tents and other things necessary; for payment whereof the States of Zealand caused arrest the pay of the regiment whilst in this country. The same was by our order taken off, and the regiment fully cleared. It is reasonable that Knips be refunded, and we are informed that the officers of the regiment have allowed the third part of their monthly pay for satisfaction of their particular debts, and that the colonel has, for payment of what was laid out by Knips on account of the soldiers, assigned him to the retention money that shall be due to the regiment from the 1st of this month of November and until he is completely paid.
You will therefore give order for stopping the third of the monthly pay of the officers, and pay the same to Knips: and what precepts are issued for the retention money of the regiment from Nov. 1st you are to order the same to Knips, until he is paid the sums in the assignation granted to him by the colonel, with allowance of what may be necessary for remitting the same to this country. [S.P.57. 17. p. 57.]
Nov. Warrant to search for a seditious pamphlet printed at the house of—Derby in Bartholmew Lane near Smithfield, and to seize as well the printed copies as the original, and to apprehend the said Derby. [S.P.44. 349. p. 95.]
Nov. Docquets of a grant to Francis Merrick, esq., of a weekly market and two annual fairs in the town of Northcott alias Southall, co. Middx. [S.O.3. 20.f. 161]: of the ratification by the king of the statutes and ordinances made for Worcester College, Oxford, by Sir Tho. Cookes of Bentley, co. Worcester, bart., founder of the college [ibid.]: of a grant of a patent to John Groves and Thomas Reeve of their invention of a new dryer for drying malt. [Ibid. f. 161 v.]
Nov. 'Note for the divident' of office fees payable during the month. ¼ p. [S.P.32. 11. f. 55.]