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| Feb. 1. |
T. B[arnes] to —. I sent you one letter with a printed
paper in it by the way you appointed of Mr. F,x,q,b (P,a,g,e)
which I hope you received and since I have sent the other way
by the usual bearer in which I desired to know (and also in this)
whether that came safe or may for the future, and, if it did,
I may send more frequently. I was lately to have seen you,
but could not have convenient opportunity. There was much
discourse amongst our friends of all sorts at that sudden unexpected
dissolving of the P[arliament]. You would wonder to hear
what various discourses were about it and what measures were
taken from it, for many of our friends seem to be measuring
also, though not long since it was a desirable thing amongst many
of our considerable friends, but now it seems some dissension (?)
to many to be employed about new elections, in which they
promise themselves to choose such as shall answer their desires
as much as possible. In this place many say they will have no
sitting aldermen, but Alderman Love, Sir Thomas Player, Mr.
Pilkington, and (amongst a few) Mr. Jencks and some others are
talked of amongst our friends, but yet some say Sir Thomas
cannot serve by reason of his other employments. I have thoughts
to see you, as soon as I am able, when I may tell you more. 'Tis
now the general talk that the French great preparations are
against us and that it was written so from Nimeguen and other
parts. There is much discourse about it and how united and
resolved the countries, as well as this place, are, in case they
should attempt us. There is great consternation in many and
joking in others. Some hope the God of love and peace will
out of all these distractions settle the divided world in peace.
The people that were banished out of Scotland are much relieved
here, I am told, by several meetings of friends. About 80l. was
got for them at one meeting the last Lord's Day, and this there
are to be more collections for them. 'Tis now much talked on as
if the fire at the Temple was by design, though many say the
contrary. Several of our most active and intelligent friends
often treat V,h W,x,k,b,s (Mr. O,a,t,e,s) which no question but
you hear of. If not, I shall make further inquiry about it, yet
some are doubtful what it means. |
|
Both the enclosed are very scarce at present. If I can procure
or hear more about it I may give you an account ont. The
manuscript was said to be taken up at the Change. [S.P. Dom.,
Car. II. 411, No. 66.] On a separate piece of paper, perhaps enclosed, |
|
I sent one as you directed by the way of Mr. F,x,q,b (P,a,g,e).
Pray send me word whether it came safe or may for the future.
If it may, I shall send more frequently. I hope you will
remember your promise to me the last time I saw you. This
name is in the last character you gave me. In the last letter
were a printed paper and a written one. [Ibid. No. 66 i.] |
| Feb. 1. |
Gervase Rous to [William Bridgeman]. The Earl of Mulgrave
desires that a commission be prepared for Francis Starling to
be lieutenant and one for Francis Collingwood to be ensign to
Capt. Starling in his regiment. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 411, No. 67.] |
Feb. 1.
Whitehall. |
Licence to Sir John Robinson, in the absence of James, Earl of
Northampton, constable of the Tower, to repair into the country
for a short time, and appointment of Capt. Thomas Hawley to act
as his deputy in the Tower, who shall give an account of anything
considerable to Sir Thomas Chicheley, who commands a company
there. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 29, p. 318.] |
Feb. 1.
Whitehall. |
Sir J. Williamson to the Duke of Ormonde. His Majesty being
desirous that Mr. Progers of the Bedchamber should stand to
be knight of the shire for Brecknockshire as he was in the last
Parliament and having understood that Mr. Jeffryes, now with
you in Ireland, is like to have some thoughts of appearing for the
county or town of Brecknock, where he has a considerable interest,
I am commanded to write to you in his Majesty's name that you
would incline Mr. Jeffryes to join with Mr. Progers so that he
might assist Mr. Progers to be chosen again for the county, as
Mr. Progers offers to serve him towards the town, by which
means it is not doubted but the success of both may be secured,
which his Majesty would be glad to have done. [S.P. Dom.,
Entry Book 43, p. 271.] |
Feb. 1.
Whitehall. |
Sir J. Williamson to Sir Thomas Morgan. I communicated
yours of 7 Dec. to his Majesty with your desire of leave to come
to England, to which I had not presently a full and direct answer,
though the Duke of Monmouth had directions to think how the
government should be provided for in your absence, considering
the preparations we hear your neighbours are making in some of
their ports, of which the King would be glad you could find a
certain established way of knowing the truth and of understanding
what passes on that side, at least so much as everybody may see
and hear with relation to the naval preparations at any time
making and what kind of land force is drawing down or preparing
anywhere in those parts in France and for what design they
are pretended to be fitted. I beseech you to find out how this
may be done and the expense shall be answered you very
punctually. [Ibid. p. 272.] |
Feb. 1.
Whitehall. |
Sir J. Williamson to the Vice-Chancellor of the University of
Oxford. I am ashamed we have been forced by the slowness
of the officers to detain so long the commission I mentioned for
administering the oaths in the university. At last we have
got it dispatched and I herewith send it you. |
|
The latter clause of the Vice-Chancellor's &c. being empowered
to administer the oaths to the Mayor &c. is omitted, which we
were forced to do at last, the Attorney-General being jealous it
was intended by us as an advantage we meant to gain on the
town, though I endeavoured to satisfy him there was no such
design in it, alleging it was but suitable in this case to what the
university practises with relation to the Mayor when new elected. |
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We were obliged by the statute to make only Justices Commissioners and out of those we chose at a venture a number that
was judged sufficient. I leave it to you to attend my Lord of
Oxford in the matter as being the first in the commission, though
I thought it properest to direct it to you. It was judged fitter
to have the same commission through all the university than
that each college should have been taken apart. |
|
I have seen by what you wrote last post to the Bishop of Exeter
how much I am obliged to you in the small pretension my friends
have raised for me towards the university. Modesty and the
consciousness of my own want of all merit towards the university,
save that of a great and constant respect and veneration, hinder
me from any way pressing them in the matter, but I leave it entirely
to their own freedom and goodness. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 43,
p. 273.] |
Feb. 1.
Whitehall. |
The King to the Lord Lieutenant. Recommending to him for
the first company of foot or lieutenancy of horse that shall become
void in the Irish Army, after such as have been already recommended for the like employments, Capt. Trevor Lloyd, who is
now out of employment by the disbanding of the Duke of York's
regiment of horse, to enter which he quitted a lieutenancy of
horse in Ireland. [S.P. Dom., Signet Office, Vol. 10, p. 306.] |
Feb. 2.
Fowberry. |
Col. William Strother to [Williamson]. I received his Majesty's
commands last Thursday, the 30th, for taking from the county
gaol George Johnston, a Scots Fanatic preacher and a great
rebel. I wrote an order to the sheriff or his deputy to deliver him
to Major Oglethorpe, who brought him before me to Alnwick on
Friday morning with a good guard and thence, according to his
Majesty's commands you sent me, Major Oglethorpe carried
him to Belford and last night he would deliver him at Berwick
to those that have order to receive him. Otherwise he will carry
him to the sheriff of Berwickshire or his deputy. Be pleased to
acquaint his Majesty with this. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 411, No. 68.] |
| Feb. 2. |
Notes by Williamson. Mr. Montagu to be summoned.—Count
Wallenstein's memorial 27 Jan. The King does not mean to
insinuate (?) anything in this kind &c. either with relation to himself
or the Emperor &c. |
|
Denmark.—Mr. Roberts to go thither in Paul's place &c. to
have instructions &c. The measuring of ships &c. The whole
point to be settled &c. |
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Sir L. Jenkins to be recalled and a commission singly to Sir W.
Temple to be sent &c. |
|
Parliament.—To think of heads. The King. The great matter
is Popery. All imaginable satisfaction must be given &c. [S.P.
Dom., Car. II. 366, p. 823.] |
| Feb. 3. |
Viscount Yarmouth to Williamson. I respited my thanks
for your last most obliging letter, till I could give you some
account how the elections for this county are like to go. For
knights of the shire I have set up Sir Christopher Calthorpe and
Sir Neville Catelyn, whom I have found devoted to the Crown.
Sir John Hobart will stand in opposition, which I shall vigorously
withstand, not having the fear of the Lord before my eyes (I mean
of Cromwell's Lord). Sir John Holland is said to be the other,
my kinsman, whom I have great respects for, but I cannot show
them in this case. For Rising stand Sir Robert Howard and
a Mr. Hoste, who, I hope, with my animadversions will be right.
For Lynn stand the Mayor, Capt. Turner, a very honest man, and
a Mr. Taylor, a merchant of the place, not so much a fanatic as
I suspected. I am told he will prove right, and I shall be bold
to advise him so to do. For Yarmouth stand Sir Thomas
Medowes and four or five others, none worth naming, unless Sir
William Coventry be one, which I am not sure of. For Thetford
none doubts but Sir J. Williamson's merits and obligations to the
place have fixed him, though I have given the sheriff, who is a dexterous manager, great caution to serve you to his utmost power. Five
or six more will be standing and all I hear named are honest men. |
|
For Norwich stand my son and his former partner. Pray lay
my duty at his Majesty's feet. I hope yet after my long sickness
to live to serve him. As matters move, you shall have an account
from me. Please let me receive your commands by my son,
who comes away either the same day this comes to you or the
morning after. I shall need his assistance the Monday following
at Norwich, which is the county day and determines that controversy, or any instructions by the post shall be most readily
obeyed. If the balance in other counties be but as well poised
as I morally promise myself it will be in this, I think his Majesty
will have no cause to send them home again. [Part printed in
the English Historical Review, Vol. 28, p. 84. 2 pages. S.P.
Dom., Car. II. 411, No. 69.] |
Feb. 3.
Yarmouth. |
Richard Bower to Williamson. In my last I gave you an
account how Sir Thomas Medowes was like to suffer as a friend
to the Duke of York's interest. There was a meeting since of
the Dissenters headed by the partial Conformists, four of whom
determined to stand, viz., Sir James Johnson, George England,
Major Thaxter and Capt. Huntington. This number was thought
too great, whereby they would be so divided that Sir Thomas
would be sure to be one. Therefore it was moved that the number
might be lessened, but none of them would be prevailed with
to lay down, only they all agreed to join their interest in opposition
to Sir Thomas, yet last Saturday, England, finding he could do
little good, laid down, so now they that stand against Sir Thomas
are Sir James Johnson and Capt. Huntington for themselves,
and Major Thaxter for Sir William Coventry and, to make their
interest more sure with the people, they have reported that
Sir Thomas gave you an information against George Spilman of
this town for sending a vessel to Dieppe with fish during the
embargo. These reports do him a great prejudice, so, if you
would favour him with a line that might satisfy his friends, you
would do him a great pleasure. On the neck of this came to-day
another report from two Iceland masters, that came home to-day,
who appeared before the King and Council for going out during
the embargo on the fishing voyage, who, all here agree, were not
to blame, those intrusted with that care informing them that
the embargo concerned only those that crossed the seas and not
those that went a-fishing, and yet Howell, a messenger, exacted
from them 18l. a piece for their fees and one of them went
voluntarily up. This also is cast on Sir Thomas as an act of
cruelty, when he knew one of the men was not worth half the
money and had a charge of children. If you would write a line
to Sir Thomas, which might excuse him from this charge, you would
do him a great kindness and further the cause all loyal subjects
are bound to maintain. If you write to him, let him not know
from whom you had this account. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 411,
No. 70.] |
Feb. 3.
[Received.] |
Paper. Gentlemen, this is not unworthy of your consideration
as a means, I hope, of saving the City, which is in much greater
danger than you imagine. Were it not to do so great a good,
I should not run to so much danger, as being one who knows the
whole intrigue of this plot, having been of the Romish religion.
I am nearly related to one, who has had too high a hand in the
D[uke]'s affairs. |
|
First, as to the death of Sir E. B. Godfrey, of which Prance
has given a very just account, though he is now to act the part
of a madman, for which he is to have 2,000l., his death was long
before designed and not without the Queen's knowledge, who with
two other women walked three times round the body as it lay dead
in Somerset House. |
|
Next is Mr. Coleman's death, of which I shall only assure you
at present, that, if he at the very last hour had thought of dying,
I know of above 500 men by name that could never have thought
of living. But, as he perished by putting his trust in man, so
you ought to be careful not to split on the same rock. He was
but once deceived. but you have a longer warning, for how many
times has the King promised to encourage the Protestant
religion, when, God knows, he never meant a word of it, as I
could prove by many thousand instances. It is not above a year
since it was almost High Treason to write or speak against Popery
and I see no reason why you should believe the King's heart is
changed. Witness his proroguing the Parliament, which tends
clearly to your ruin and the great advantage of the Papists, not
only in saving them from justice but in carrying on their plot,
which they do with all diligence imaginable, not yet doubting
of bringing it to perfection. In order to it the Duke of York,
the French Ambassador, the Lord Treasurer, the Earl of Feversham and sometimes the King meet at 12 or 1 at night about it,
and one of their great designs is to bring a French war upon you,
not, as they believe, to hurt themselves but to promote their
cause. I have all the particulars why the Parliament was prorogued, which are too long to insert. |
|
As to saving the Treasurer, everyone knows he was so far
engaged in the cause that he had no other way of escaping, who
with the Duchess of Portsmouth made it their whole and daily
business to persuade the King to it. She was so zealous that,
if I am not misinformed, she was on her knees to the King for
several days to prorogue them, and you may safely swear the
Duke and his blessed crew were not wanting. |
|
The next thing they designed was to bring the lords out of the
Tower by trying them without a Parliament, that so they might
be more active in the plot, having their lives and fortunes given
them. |
|
Another thing was to save the condemned priests, as being
some of our chief confessors at Court. These and the rest of their
brethren in England have 30,000l. a year out of the Exchequer
which has been duly paid them the last 7 years, and they have
printed in English above 200,000 catechisms and rosaries for
young children, which are all to be ready against the great day,
as they call it. |
|
A fourth reason of the prorogation was because they knew of
several persons of good credit and reputation, who were coming
in to discover what is not yet known and what they were very
unwilling to hear. It's no wonder the King does not believe the
plot against his person, for he knows too well of the first part of
the plot to believe the latter. So infatuated is he, that, if his own
brother, who was the first contriver of it, should swear it to him,
he would think it a jest. |
|
There is great endeavour to stifle Oates' and Bedloe's evidences
as much as may be, in which Lord Clarendon is employed, the
Treasurer having given it over, who at first offered 5,000l. to a
friend of mine to undertake it, and they think they have done
something in persuading Prance to act the madman. |
|
At the prorogation, the King promised the army should be
disbanded, before they sat again, and here he intends to keep
his word for once, for I heard Lord Peterborough say three or
four days before, that the Duke told him they were never to sit
more, and how can we expect better when the Duke and his
twelve disciples, as he calls them, sit at the helm to steer him
as they please. Of those twelve I will name all but two, which
I cannot name with safety to myself (not but that he changes
them as he sees occasion) who are the Archbishop of Canterbury,
the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Treasurer, the Duke of Lauderdale,
the Marquess of Worcester, the good Bishop of Durham and Lord
Peterborough. |
|
These last two, if we wanted any, may stand for four. The
next are the Earls of Ailesbury and Craven and Secretary
Williamson. Three of these worthy men said in my hearing that,
if they could but have money to pay off some of the army, thereby
to sweeten the people and keep up the rest, that the others should
pay themselves, when the days grew a little longer, and I do not
see how they can want it, that is, if the French King be but as
kind as he has been, for they sent to him for 600,000l. but 4 days
before the prorogation, and all this is to make the King absolute by
bringing in Popery and arbitrary government, for which our
King is to pay a yearly acknowledgement to the Most Christian
King. |
|
If this falls into the hands of any who desire to know who I am,
they may save themselves the labour of procuring a proclamation
to find me, for I did it without witness. Endorsed," Received from
Allen (?)." [4½ pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 411, No. 71.] |
| Feb. 3, 5,7. |
Notes by Williamson. Feb. 3.—Combe Coll[ege]. Proclamation recalling from seminaries and all other proclamations &c.
Reports to be returned of all searches, papers &c. Messengers
to give account in writing &c. What done in watching the ambassadors' chapels. Mr. Arthur &c.'s papers. Search for Papists
come back &c. Justices to attend. |
|
Mr. Oates. Philipps in Blackfriars at the Wonder tavern.—
Swears that Medbourne's wife, in presence of another woman,
offered in her husband's name to make him a man for ever,
if he could invalidate Oates' testimony. Mrs. Medbourne at
Thavies' Inn in Plough Yard &c. |
|
Feb. 5.—Lord Arundel's butler, who told Prance that Messenger
was to kill the King &c., the butler to be searched for. (Sec[retary]
C[oventry].) |
|
Query, if Green &c. be to be allowed the liberty of the prison
&c. so as all to come to him now against his trial. Ask Richardson
if Green (Berry written above), does not desire to be a Protestant. |
|
Whoever they name to go, shall, (?) lawyers, physicians,
friends &c. Four justices appear. Query how many summoned (?). |
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Mr. Darell, that married Lord Castlemaine's sister, can testify
of examinations (?) taken and where, of Mr. Pepys' maid &c.—
That the plot was a contrivance &c. (Mr. Oates.) |
|
Arthur's papers (Mr. Blathwayte). A faculty from Cardinal
Vendosme, legatus a latere, to the missionaries, &c. dispensando
omnes a votis (cœlibatis exceptis) et juramentis &c. |
|
Feb. 7.—What papers lie in our hands—unlooked over—taken at
Jolly, the tailor's—Capt. Kelly's. |
|
Netterville owns Russell said all the lords in the Tower would
find 500l., particularly Lord Stafford &c. Capt. Bury. |
|
Darell examined, if he had ever seen an examination of
Mr. Pepys' maid as to Blood, Oates and Bedloe having contrived
the plot &c. |
|
Philipps swears a certain woman brought to him by Mrs. Medbourne offered him money to swear that Oates offered him money
to bring witnesses against Medburne. |
|
Boreman (?), examined, says Russell came to him and Netterville him especially, and offered him anything and to get him
out &c. if he could swear that Bedloe came to him the day the
proclamation came out for Godfrey &c. and wished he had known
Godfrey so as to be able to get the 500l. &c. in the proclamation
&c. He did promise him to swear it, but immediately confessed
it to Lowman &c. |
|
Needham's confession.—Discourse and consultations to remove
the King and set up the Duke; to oppose the Duke of Monmouth
&c. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 411, No. 72.] |
Feb. 3.
Whitehall. |
Warrant for a grant to Edward Wettenhall, D.D., Dean of
Christ Church, Dublin, of the united bishoprics of Cork and Ross
void by the death of Edward. Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross.
[S.P. Dom., Signet Office, Vol. 10, p. 306.] |
| Feb. 4. |
Declaration by the King that he is fully satisfied with
Sir Charles Wheler's constant services and particularly with his
faithful discharge of the trust the University of Cambridge reposed
in him, being informed by him that he is under a great discouragement, as if that University thought him to be less in the King's
good opinion and favour. With memorandum by Williamson
that this paper was given him by the King that day in the Queen's
Bedchamber with command to give a certificate or declaration in
his name and as by his command to this purpose but in the form
of a declaration or certificate not of a letter. [Part printed in the
English Historical Review, Vol. 28, p. 84. S.P. Dom., Car. II.
411, No. 73.] |
| Feb. 4, 5. |
The Earl of Clarendon to Williamson. Introducing the bearers,
the wives of Berry, the porter at Somerset House, and Greene,
who desire to see their husbands in Newgate. [Ibid. Nos. 74, 75.] |
Feb. 4.
Whitehall. |
Sir J. Williamson to Lord Yarmouth. Thanking him for the
compliment he has made him by Mr. Paston in relation to his
small pretensions at Thetford, adding that he intends to wait
on his friends at Thetford at the time of the election, though he
fears his time may not allow him, as he could wish, to wait on
his lordship at Oxney. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 43, p. 274.] |
Feb. 4.
Whitehall. |
Sir J. Williamson to the Earl of Winchilsea. Acknowledging
his letter of 1 Feb. enclosing lists of the militia of Somerset, as
he had already received those of Kent from some gentleman, he
supposes of his lordship's deputy lieutenants of that county.
[Ibid. p. 275.] |
| Feb. 4. |
Pass to Danzig for Casimirus Kzreminski, a Pole, for 14 years
a slave in Smyrna. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 51, p. 188.] |
Feb. 5.
Whitehall. |
Approbation by the King of Thomas, Lord Bruce, Charles
Leigh, Sir John Duncombe, Sir John Cotton, Sir Anthony
Chester, Sir Stephen Anderson, Sir John Osborne, Sir Humphrey
Monox, Sir William Palmer, Sir G. Blundell, and John Keeling to
be deputy lieutenants of Bedfordshire. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book
44, p. 160.] |
|
List of the above deputy lieutenants noted as received from the
Earl of Ailesbury. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 411, No. 76.] |
Feb. 5.
Whitehall. |
Reference to the Lord Chancellor of the petition of Mary, wife of
Fulke Grosvenor, for a commission of review in a cause between
her and Dorothy Cartwright. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 46, p. 251.] |
Feb. 5.
Whitehall. |
Reference to the Lord Treasurer of the petition of Sir Edmund
Wyndham, Knight Marshal, for settling Mr. Seckford's estate
on him in such manner as he and Mrs. Seckford shall agree.
[Ibid. p. 252.] |
| Feb. 5. |
Commission to William Edwards to be quarter-master to Capt.
Langston's troop in the Lord General's regiment. Minute.
[S.P. Dom., Entry Book 48, p. 90.] |
Feb. 5.
Whitehall. |
Warrant for a patent for 14 years to Thomas Harvy for his
invention of an engine for drawing both Spanish and Swedish
iron into all sorts of rounds for bolts for shipping and other uses
in a much better manner than has hitherto been performed
by the smith's hammers. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 51, p. 165.] |
| Feb. 5. |
Notes by Williamson. Parliament.—1. If the King to ride.
Earl Ailesbury. Always so, but in 1640. Objection. Duke
of Monmouth. Not to ride for the safety of his person, being to
pass within a sword's length of his Majesty's person &c. The
King. A good reason &c. 2. If a sermon at the Abbey. Reply,
No. 1. The method being changed of coming to the Parliament.
2. For the reason against riding &c. 3. As to the Convocation
of the clergy &c. Lord Chancellor. That it is plain by precedents
&c. that the discharge of the Parliament does not discharge the
Convocation &c., therefore it is not now discharged &c. Query,
If not to issue writs to dissolve the Convocation &c. Reply,
Yes. let it be done. 4. A commission to be sent by the Lord
Steward for swearing members of the House of Commons. [S.P.
Dom., Car. II. 366, p. 827.] |
| Feb. 5. |
Notes by Williamson concerning a riot at Nottingham which
ensued on the election, 10 Dec., 1678, of one Drury to be one
of the Common Council, who was alleged to be disqualified as
not being a freeman. [Ibid. p. 831.] |
| Feb. 5. |
—to—. I cannot forbear letting you know your and
our sad condition. Before we became acquainted with the
discovery of the horrid plot, the Irish, who had perfect knowledge
thereof, told many of their English friends that most woeful
bloody times were at hand. By that and several other actings
of our Chancellor we were aware that mischief was near. |
|
An Irish gentleman lately fell out with Peter Talbot and told
a Protestant of quality that he could prove Talbot a traitor, if
he was carried to the Chancellor, who bid the gentleman commit
it to writing, which he did and delivered it to the person of honour,
who gave it to the Chancellor. In 24 hours the party told the
person of honour he had undone him, for Talbot had the paper. |
|
Such is the familiarity and correspondency between the Papists,
our Duke and the Chancellor, that about the time of the discovery
of the plot the Duke went to Kilkenny and left but six companies
in Dublin, drawing all the rest from it. He quartered a
regiment of Irish rogues at Rathcoole, the Naas &c. The Guards
then and since are left without powder and ball. The powder is left
at this time with 12 men only to guard it without the city of Dublin. |
|
The Duke sent Capt. Bryne to take Peter Talbot 10 Oct., who
was at Col. Talbot's. The captain took Col. Talbot's word and
so left Peter and his papers. The 11th the Duke came from
Kilkenny and had Peter brought to town but not his papers. |
|
The Duke consulted Col. Talbot about disarming the Papists
and it can be proved that the proclamation for it was drawn as he
agreed it with the Duke as also that for banishing the regular
priests &c. |
|
The Duke had commanded the arms taken from the Papists to
be restored to them. The priests taken up are immediately
discharged. In Tipperary and Kilkenny and all places where the
Duke or Arran has to do, they employ Papists. The farmers
put also Papists into places as fast as they can, especially for the
Hearth money and excise, whereby they have opportunity
to search our houses and cut our throats. The proclamation
forbids Papists to have houses in Dublin, yet that week Col.
Talbot and the Earl of Carlingford took houses there and most
of the Irish nobility and gentry are now come to the City. The
number of ruffians that were there in November is incredible.
Most of our constables even in Dublin are Papists, where the Duke
or Arran could influence. Popish schools are set up, as at Tully,
Kilkenny &c. and popish postmasters are put in the country. |
|
Lords Dungan, Clanrickard, Dillon and Netterville, Purcell,
Dempsey, Luttrell and many more with Sheldon, an English
Papist &c., notwithstanding the proclamation for going out of
town and not coming into the Castle, are every night with the
Duke and Arran at play till 12, 1, 2, 3, in the night and then
come through all the gates with their coaches, give the word
to the Guards and, if stopped, draw upon them and hector them.
They are constantly advised with and so are the Talbots in the
Castle about all affairs, but especially about securing the Protestant
religion. |
|
The Papists here told us before Christmas that your parliament
was to be prorogued or dissolved, that before 31 Dec. Lord Ossory
would come hither, that but a part of your army should be disbanded, that more should be raised privately, that the King
would take away no more blood, that in a little time he would
declare the Plot a Protestant plot, that Oates and Bedloe should
be examined again apart and, if they varied in the least from
the former, it should be made use of to invalidate the whole
discovery. |
|
Masses are as publicly here and more frequented than our
churches. We hear Lord Ossory's business here is to see how
ready the Papists are to assist, and their brethren in England.
We understand they are all commissionated and ready, but
whether our throats or yours are first to be cut we know not.
Our Duke gave licences to Bridges, Lovett &c. to import arms
for the militia and powder, but he has since recalled them. We
look upon him, his son Arran and the Chancellor to be Papists. |
|
Col. Fitzpatrick told him that, notwithstanding the discovery of
the Plot, he should ere long see him with a red cap on his head, at
which he only smiled and drank to him in a glass of sack. These
are the devils we fear more than hell or all those in earth besides.
We see your danger and you ours. |
|
We hear the commissions taken at Chester to raise the Irish
to cut the throats of the Parliament, yours and ours. Take all this
for truth, for so it is. For the rest that is intended you may read
the massacre of Paris. This is not slightly suggested to you.
Look well about you at your parliament meeting or you are
all undone, but the Englishman is wise after his business is
over. |
|
Eleven days since the Boyne, which runs from Trim to Drogheda,
dried up, so that the fish lay dry, and then it was on a sudden
3 foot deep in water. [Over 2 pages. S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 339,
No. 6.] |
Feb. 5.
Whitehall. |
The King to the Lord Lieutenant. Warrant, after reciting
that Col. Thomas Dungan, had stated by his petition that
Edmond Nugent of Culvin, Westmeath, was by decree of the late
Court of Claims on a conveyance made by John Nugent, his
father, of certain lands mentioned in the said decree of the yearly
value of about 200l. sterling to several uses, restored as an innocent
person to a remainder in tail male therein, so that by virtue of the
Act of Settlement the remainders or reversions expectant on
the said estate tail are vested in the Crown, and prayed, he being
of near kin to the said Edmond Nugent, in consideration of his
loyal services on several occasions, a grant to him and his heirs
of the said reversions and remainders, reserving to the Crown the
like Crown rents and services now issuing out of the said estate
tail, a reference thereof to the Lord Lieutenant and his report
dated 25 Oct., 1678, that he had consulted Sir William Domville,
the Attorney-General, whose opinion was, that John Nugent,
deceased, father of the said Edmond Nugent, being seised in
fee of several lands in counties Westmeath and Longford by a
deed of feoffment dated 22 Sept., 1626, conveyed the lands
mentioned in the said decree to (amongst other uses since determined)
the use of the said Edmond Nugent, his eldest son, in tail male
with remainders over to his four younger sons in tail male, all
of whom were declared innocent by the late Commissioners for
Claims and restored to their respective estates in remainder, that
he is informed that all the said younger brothers are since dead
without issue male, and that the said Edmond is still living
without issue male and that it does not appear but that the
reversion in fee was still in the said John Nugent and his heirs,
and that, in regard John the father was not declared innocent
and Edmond, his eldest son, was not restored to any other estates
than what was limited to him and the heirs male of his body
and all the younger sons of the said John are dead without issue
male of their bodies, he conceives the reversion in fee may be in
his Majesty's gift and that, if he pleases, he may grant the same
to Col. Dungan, under the rents and services set forth in his
petition; a further reference of the petition and report to the
Lord Treasurer, who reported 9 Jan., 1679, that he is able to
certify no more than has been stated by the Duke of Ormonde:
for a grant to the said Col. Thomas Dungan of the reversion in
fee of the lands whereof the said John Nugent was seised and
which became vested in the Crown as mentioned in the said
report, reserving thereout the like Crown rents and services as
are now answered out of the said estate tail in possession.
[3 pages. S.P. Dom., Signet Office, Vol. 10, p. 307.] |
Feb. 5.
Whitehall. |
The King to the Lord Lieutenant. Warrant for a grant to
John Champante and Robert Curtis of the office of auditor and
assistant to the Commissioners for examining of all foreign or
martial accounts or prests in Ireland except the Treasurer's
accounts for the war, in reversion after Walter Jones, the
present holder, for their joint lives and the life of the survivor of
them, fee 6s. 8 d. per diem. [Ibid. p. 310.] |
Feb. 6.
Tredagar. |
William Morgan to Williamson. Apologizing for not having
answered his the last post.—Preparations are making here for
Parliament. The Lord Marquess wants one of the knights to be his
son, and to have the nomination of the person for the borough,
which the gentry think too much. They offered him the choice
of his son for the first knight, with himself (the writer) but he
refused, though it will be carried 3 to 1 against him. All his
dependency is on the sheriff, whom he is sure of. The writer
regrets he cannot serve Mr. Progers, having engaged for Col.
Jeffreys and Mr. Mansell. Is glad of so good a proclamation. The
justices would not tender the oath of supremacy, though they
had the King's commission, but, had the justices done their duty,
all the papists in the country were ready to take both oaths. Hopes
some honest justices will be put into commission. [S.P. Dom.,
Car. II. 411, No. 77.] |
Feb. 6.
Whitehall. |
Sir J. Williamson to Sir Edward Stradling. I this week received
a letter of 27 Jan. subscribed by yourself, Mr. Herbert and Mr.
Basset enclosing the examinations taken by your care of one
Howell with a suspicious letter taken upon him. I have transmitted them to the Lords of the Committee with an account of
your diligence in this service, as you will understand from the
Clerk of the Council. The letter is very odd and must certainly
have a very mysterious sense. All possible care is used to apprehend
the writer, who by those letters Jo. T. is concluded in all likelihood
to be Mr. Turberville of Berkshire. We must pray the continuance
of your trouble in the further prosecution of this matter and in
what else may call for it in those parts in relation to this horrid
plot. I beg you will allow this to be communicated to those
two other worthy gentlemen. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 43, p.
276.] |
Feb. 6.
Whitehall. |
Reference to the Lord Treasurer of the petition of Sir John
Corryton, Sir Nicholas Slanning and others in behalf of themselves
and the county of Cornwall praying that the victualling of the
garrison of Tangier may be settled there. [S.P. Dom., Entry
Book 46, p. 252.] |
| Feb. 6. |
Pass for Piers Butler, who is advised to drink the Spa waters
in Germany, with Francis and Margaret Butler, his nephew and
niece, Olimpia Wray, his kinswoman, and a man and a maid
servant. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 51, p. 164.] |
| Feb. 7. |
Confession of Richard Needham. I have been often in company
with many priests, particularly Mr. Poole, Mr. Turner, Mr. Heaton,
Mr. Evers, Mr. Vavasor, Mr. Peters, and Mr. Busby and one
layman, Mr. Sherbourn. I have been in company with them,
when it has been said, That before long they hoped for better
times, that, if things went on right, it was expected the King
might not live long and then the Duke of York would be King,
who had given good assurance for establishing the Romish religion,
but, some of the company supposing the Duke of Monmouth
would stand up for the Government, it was thought fit that
necessaries might not be wanting for carrying on the design. I
have been employed by the above named gentlemen for carrying
and receiving letters, for anything I know, to that purpose. I have
been several times at meetings where there has been discourse
tending to the aforesaid and about Michaelmas last I was with
Mr. Busby, the priest lately mentioned, and told him I was
doubtful that the expectation of our hoped for design would not
prevail, in regard our adversaries were so powerful. He answered
that the King shortly would be disposed of and then the Duke of
York would be set up as King. I have had several discourses
with Mr. Evers as tending to the good of our religion. Suddenly
after that discourse between me and Mr. Busby, the plot being
then discovered, he and Mr. Sherburne and Mr. Shippey, a priest,
fled and were never seen or heard of since by me. [S.P. Dom.,
Car. II. 411, No. 78.] |
| Feb. 7. |
Viscount Yarmouth to Williamson. I can now assure you
from Sir John Holland's own hand, which my wife can show you,
that the King's commission bears such a weight here that it
has pressed down a formidable interest and, though lodged in
a weak hand, I morally secure myself I shall send up Sir Christopher
Calthorpe and Sir Neville Catelyn, men that will not meddle with
ministers of state. I am afraid we shall not have a poll for it, for
I have been a little bold in my declaration. I had rather lose
my life than have men triumphing in a House of Commons
that sang a psalm about the Worcester Cross, when the King was
driven into that distress by his rebels and that have never in one vote
testified any repentance. Since you think well of my endeavours
at Thetford, I'll send over the sheriff and some of my friends, that
have an interest, to attend the election there, which happens
to be one of the last in this county. For Rising are chosen Sir Robert
Howard and Mr. Hoste, for Lynn the Recorder, Mr. Ferrers,
one that I know not, but a right man to the Crown, and Taylor.
My son arrived here last night. |
|
Postscript.—My friend, Capt. Turner, not Ferrers, is chosen at
Lynn. Just now I am assured so. [Part printed in the English
Historical Review, Vol. 28, p. 84. Ibid. No. 79.] |
| Feb. 7. |
Sir William Bishope to Williamson. My wife being last October
confined to bed by a severe sickness caused me to engage Serjeant
Topham, who was proposed by the Speaker, to officiate for me,
promising him a reasonable proportion of the profits, but now
he refuses to give me any account of them. He designs to
get the reversion of the place for his son, which will prejudice
my selling it. Please let a caveat be entered. [S.P. Dom.,
Car. II. 411, No. 80.] |
Feb. 7.
Deal. |
List sent by James Neale to Williamson of ships in the Downs.
King's 14.—Outward-bound, 13. Wind N.W. [Ibid. No. 81.] |
Feb. 7.
Weymouth. |
Nathaniel Osborne to Williamson. The Anne of Poole came
hither this morning bound for Calais. He came from St. Martin's
yesterday sennight and put into Conquet roads last Monday
night. He reported in town several English ships with a small
man-of-war were taken by some Algerines off the coast of France,
but sending for him he only says that at Conquet a Frenchman
told him 8 Algerines lay off Ushant but does not speak of any
taken. This may not be true, for the Hearne came now into
Portland Road, which was one of the Straits fleet under the
command of the Portsmouth and Newcastle of 44 sail, reckoning
the two men-of-war. They came out of Tangier 42 days since
and heard of no Algerines by the way. Sir John Narbrough
came out of Tangier with them and brought them 20 leagues and
parted from them with 11 more men-of-war bound for Cadiz. They
suppose the rest of the fleet is put in for Plymouth. [Ibid. No. 82.] |
Feb. 7.
6 p.m. Whitehall. |
Sir J. Williamson to the Mayor, Burgesses and Freemen of
Thetford. I receive this hour your most obliging letter of yesterday and beseech you to believe I take as much joy in this expression
of your good will and favour for me, as in anything of that kind
that could befall me. I mean certainly to wait on you on the
day of the election to receive personally the honour of that trust
you thus unanimously renew to me and to assure you of my
eternal gratitude for it. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 43, p. 277.] |
| Feb. 7. |
Pass for Humphrey Wharton, of St. Margaret's, Westminster,
going to Rochelle to fetch home his daughter. [S.P. Dom., Entry
Book 51, p. 166.] |
| Feb. 7. |
Notes by Williamson. Sir W. Temple, if not to be at Nimeguen.
Bedloe's words against the Duke of York. Two yeomen of the
Guard. |
|
Fr. Eaton.—Knew Bedloe formerly, who owed him money.
Yesterday waited on him as a guard. His wife missed some
linen, when he lodged at his wife's, and he found a pair of sleeves
on Bedloe.—At Thames Street at an aunt's of his, a hop merchant,
thence to the Old Swan, where they stayed till 4 this evening.
Coming home Bedloe said to him that the Duke of York was a
rogue and he had told him so to his face. |
|
Bedloe.—Denies the words, owns he had made a slip as to the
hours of his being abroad. He possibly spoke less dutifully than
he ought. Begs pardon &c. Had been in company. New
Rhenish wine &c. Clarendon.—We know Bedloe has been
suborned &c. Mr. Needham's confession read &c. |
|
N.B.—This evening at the rising of this Council, the King,
calling me into his closet told me, It would be for his service,
if I would give him the seals. So it was worded. I answered
as I ought &c. J. W. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 366, p. 835.] |
| Feb. 8. |
Sir Nathaniel Herne to Williamson. I enclose a speech I
told you of, spoken by an alderman in a dangerous time, which
I caused the bearer to copy, for I could not get any in print.
You may see the courage of that gown in these times. When
the City chose men of estates and experience and the Court gave
them countenance and respect, it begat an esteem and reverence
in all below them in the City. You know if a Justice slights a
constable, his own authority will quickly dwindle. The Crown was
ever secure from any ill from the City, when that Court was well filled
and esteemed. Your own experience can tell how great a blow
in your own time has been given to it. I have been confined
since Tuesday but hope on Monday to be abroad. I glory in your
favours, though they are alleged against me to keep me from an
employment I am really unfit for and desirous to avoid. [S.P.
Dom., Car. II. 411, No. 83.] |
Feb. 8.
Poltimore. |
Edward Seymour, the Speaker, to Williamson. This is the
first conveniency I have had of writing since I left London, having
come near no post road, and so not being in a condition to answer
your letter. I always assured myself that your public charities
and your particular merits would infallibly recommend you to
several elections. I made not the tender as if you wanted it, but
as an earnest of the service in which I shall never fail, whenever
you have occasion for it. |
|
I find all places for the next parliament in this county already
disposed of, but hardly a man besides my father, that served in
the last parliament, will be chosen in this. They have been so
kind as with one voice to reserve for me the knight of the shire
but so attended as I shall have no great pleasure in the election.
Sir William Portman in Somerset is under some difficulty to
be chosen, as being not thought Fanatic enough, so that the
error of dissolving the last parliament will sufficiently appear in
the meeting of this and yet such are the straits of the Crown,
that it cannot subsist without them. |
|
I evidently foresee a violent shock that will press the government and will call upon all our courage and prudence to withstand
it. God avert it and preserve those that endeavour to preserve
it. |
|
The County Court falls out so unhappily that the election will
not be till next Tuesday fortnight, and I cannot come away till
it be past. If my absence be inquired after, will you give it that
answer. In which time, if you have commands for me, direct them
to be left at Berry Pomeroy near Totnes. [Part printed in the
English Historical Review, Vol. 28, p. 84. Ibid. No. 84.] |
| Feb. 8. |
Pass for 8 coach horses to be transported to France on account
of Richard Topham. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 51, p. 168.] |
| Feb. 8. |
Pass for Francis Tranchepain, a French merchant, to land
and travel to London. [Ibid. p. 170.] |
Feb. 8.
Whitehall. |
The King to the Trustees of the Charterhouse. Recommending
Gregory Lovell, M.A., who was admitted a scholar of the Charterhouse in 1641 and going thence by election to the University of
Cambridge, spent seven years there and has had for above the last
20 years the education of youth in the private school at Hadley
and is now growing in years, for their presentation to the first
good living in their disposal that shall become void. [S.P. Dom.,
Entry Book 53, p. 555.] |
| Feb. 9. |
T. B[arnes] to [? Williamson]. I hope you have received several
letters I sent you of late. There is little news at present but what
you cannot but hear of. Some rumours as if Sir John Narbrough
were worsted by the French &c. and that he wanted provisions.
The former is by many contradicted. Some were afraid of another
fire in Southwark. Our friends are much diverted about elections
of parliament men and of the circumstances about them and have
great hopes of doing it to purpose this time. One Mr. Berry
reports of a great sum proffered him to be instrumental to take
off the old pl[ot] from the Ro[mans] and to have it fixed on some
of our friends, as you know, and this he made oath of, as he said,
before Sir Jo. Wil[liamson], whom, he says, is very zealous for
further discoveries of the old pl[ot]. The enclosed is such as are
sent into the countries by some. I was twice since I saw you to
have spoken with you but could not. Ibid. No. 85.] Enclosed, |
|
Advice from the word of God and Law of man concerning the
election of Parliament men. Giving extracts from the Bible
against choosing bribe-takers or pensioners, Papists, covetous
persons, minors &c. [Printed. Ibid. No. 85 I.] |
| Feb. 9. |
List sent by James Neale of ships in the Downs. King's ships, 15.
Outward-bound, 15. Inward-bound, 2. Wind S.E. [Ibid.
No. 86.] |
| Feb. [9]. |
Warrant for a grant of the office of Principal Secretary of State
to Robert, Earl of Sunderland, in place of Sir J. Williamson.
[S.P. Dom., Entry Book 51, p. 169.] |
| Feb. 9. |
Warrant to George Wakefield, one of the messengers of the
pursuivants in Ireland, to deliver to Thomas Beak, messenger,
Martin French, a friar, whom he had brought over by an order of
the Lord Lieutenant dated 11 Jan. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 54,
p. 16.] |
| Feb. 9. |
Warrant to Thomas Beak to receive and keep in custody the
said French. [Ibid.] |
Feb. 10.
St.Donnett's Castle. |
Sir Edward Stradling to [Williamson]. I received your very
kind letter by the last post, which according to your commands
shall be communicated to my cousins Herbert and Bassett with
all speed, who, I dare undertake, are as zealous in the King's
service as myself. In obedience to Sir Robert Southwell's letter
from the Council Board we examined Mr. An. Turbervill, father
of Mr. John Turbervill, who is very old. He answered very
little to the purpose. His examination we sent to Sir Robert
Southwell with Kyd, the priest's, also, whom we found in several
stories. This is all I can say as to Turberville's dark letter.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 411, No. 87.] |
| Feb. 11. |
Pass for John Gueyden, huntsman to the Comte d'Egmont,
and John James Phillip Coline, footman to the Prince de Gavre,
his son, to embark for Flanders with 6 couple of hounds for the
Comte's use. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 51, p. 171.] |
Feb. 11.
Whitehall. |
Warrant for a grant and restitution of the temporalities of the
bishopric of Bristol, to William, now Bishop of that see, from
the day of the translation of the late Bishop to Chichester. [S.P.
Dom., Entry Book 53, p. 10.] |
Feb. 11.
Whitehall. |
The King to the Lord Lieutenant. Warrant. On perusal of
a report made by yourself and the Council of 30 March last in
answer to the directions in our letter of 3 Feb., 1677[–8] and
hearing what was offered by Sir James Shaen and William Rider,
by our letters of 17 June and one from the Lord Treasurer of 22
June, we gave you our thoughts on the whole matter, with directions to require from the Commissioners of Inspection a true
state of the Farmers' condition by examining what they were indebted on account of rent and what solvent effects they had in the
country to answer the same, our three months' rent and month
of grace, and we then directed the said Commissioners to take
care that the money received in Dublin should be paid directly
into the Exchequer there. We have now seen two letters from
yourself and Council of 12 July and 5 Nov. with enclosed papers
in answer to our above mentioned directions and, having compared the same with the objections of the said William Rider, it
seems to us, first that the Commissioners of Inspection, instead
of returning a distinct account of the solvent arrears, have
intermixed them with the insolvent and brought all the bad
debts contracted from the beginning of the farm with part of the
growing revenue to swell that account; secondly, that instead
of adjusting the accounts of the farm to the end of any one
month, they have taken it from an account given in by the Deputy
Vice-Treasurer to the 19th only, at which time it is impossible
to make an equal charge and discharge; thirdly, that, instead of
seeing the cash received in Dublin paid into the Exchequer,
they have suffered the same to be paid, as formerly, to the Farmers'
treasurer, so that, notwithstanding all the directions given on
this side and your care on that, it will be impossible, while the
commission stands, to keep the cash out of their hands or have
any true state of the farm and Farmers' condition, and, since
you advise us not to make any new bargain for the revenue, till
it shall be seen what alteration or addition the Parliament will
make therein, and being advised here that our said commission,
as it now stands, is contrary to law, we have resolved to renew the
directions of our letter of 3 Feb., 1677[–8] and to commit the
management of the farm in the meantime to five of the most
substantial Farmers, judging it most reasonable as well as most
for our service that such of them as have the greatest share in
the advance money should be most concerned in the management
of the farm, whereby our security will be better and their encouragement greater, who have relinquished that unjust pretence
to the 80,000l. due from Lord Ranelagh and partners. We
therefore hereby direct you forthwith to cause a revocation to be
made of the present commission and a new one to be granted to
William Rider, John Gourney, Edward Richbell, Laurence
Stannian and Robert Pigott, to whom Francis Soane's share is
resigned, with like powers as in the present commission, for the
management of our revenue in Ireland and that, in case Edward
Richbell and Lawrence Stannian or either of them refuse to join in the
management of the said revenue by virtue of such new commission,
you cause the same to be again renewed and in place of him or
them so refusing, you cause to be inserted such fit person or
persons as the remaining Commissioners or the more part of
them shall nominate to you, and, because we will not finally
execute any thing of importance in Ireland during your
government without your consent, who being on the place are best
able to judge, we reserve you a power, if you shall be of opinion
that the granting of such new commission will be of important detriment to our affairs, to suspend the execution of all or any part
of these directions, till you shall have returned to us the reasons
to the contrary and received our directions therein, desiring you
to be speedy in such return, that our affairs may not suffer by
the continuance of the present illegal and inconvenient commission. [3 pages. S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 340, p. 1.] |
Feb. 11.
Whitehall. |
Warrant for a grant to Patrick Sheridan, Dean of Connor, of
the bishopric of Cloyne void by the death of Edward, the late
bishop, and in regard of the smallness of the temporalities of the
said bishopric formerly united to Cork for a clause for his retaining
in commendam the deanery of Connor, archdeaconry of Dromore
and rectory of the Isle of Magee, as he now enjoys them. [S.P.
Dom., Signet Office, Vol. 10, p. 311.] |
| [Before Feb. 12.] |
Request by the Royal African Company that Edwin Steed,
their agent at Barbados, be made of the Council there in the
vacancy made by Lord Willoughby's death. (See S.P. Col.,
America, &c., 1677–80, p. 328.) [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 411, No. 88.] |
Feb. 12.
Council Chamber, Whitehall. |
Order in Council. Whereas, 17 Jan. last, it was ordered in
Council that Donogh Kearney, on giving security of 100l. to depart
the kingdom within a time to be limited by the Board, should be
discharged from the messenger's custody, but by reason of his
distemper he has not been able to depart till now that he is restored
to health, we in obedience to his Majesty's command hereby license
the said Kearney to remain in and about London and Westminster for eight days from the date thereof to prepare himself
for his journey and immediately after that time he is to depart
the kingdom without any further delay. [Copy. S.P. Dom.,
Car. II. 411, No. 89.] |
Feb. 12.
Whitehall. |
Robert Yard to [Williamson]. In obedience to your commands
I send you the enclosed received this day with another from Mr.
Brabant at Newcastle of the 10th, giving an account of Sir William
Bassett and Sir Francis Anderson being elected their burgesses,
which is in Lord Sunderland's hands. |
|
Of news I know not anything worth troubling you with and,
for what concerns ourselves, it is not fit you should be molested
with any account of it. I must endeavour to bear my part, how
uneasy soever it may be. I know not whether it may please God
to put me ever in a capacity of making any other return for all
your kindness to me through the many years I have had the
honour of serving you. [Ibid. No. 90.] |
| Feb. 12. |
Confession of Richard Needham. Since I was last before your
lordships, it has been my sole meditation to give the King and
your lordships the best satisfaction in my power. My memory
decaying and my senses being tosticated with worldly affairs
how to maintain my family and the business being some time
since perhaps has taken me off. Being a company of us together,
we were all enjoined to say so many prayers for the Pope's good
intention and carrying on the great work, which was commanded
by the persons mentioned in my last deposition, the injunction
being made in my presence and that of John and William Pontrell
and others. The instructions were to be received from their priest,
Mr. Busby. Those things happened within this twelvemonth or
thereabouts and the business was discovered before my full
instructions were given me. |
|
Memorandum that the informant being asked by the Lords of
the Committee, who was to head the design, answered that the
priests did not inform him, but that Mr. Busby and Mr. Poole,
two Jesuits, were the first that brought him in, that at the meeting
above mentioned, there were besides the said Pontrells and Busby
about half a score, whose names he remembers not, and that, as
to the great work above mentioned, he understands it to be the
design set forth in his deposition of the 7th. [Ibid. No. 78.] |
| Feb. 12. |
Newsletter to Francis Pye at Morpeth. Since my last,
several Papists that had been committed on account of the Plot
were discharged on bail viz., Sir William Goring, Sir John Gage,
Mr. Milborne, Mr. Sheldon, and Mr. Charles Price, and divers
others, endeavouring to procure the like favour, were denied it
by the Lord Chief Justice, who said that one positive single witness
against a plotting Papist was sufficient to keep them in prison. |
|
Sir W. Waller, being informed that divers Papists were met
in the house of the Lady Dowager of Worcester in Lincoln's
Inn Fields, went thither last Sunday night and found five
of them, viz., two lay Papists, who were discharged on
bail, and three priests, one of which, who went by several
names, is called Powre and is both priest and Jesuit, and is
said to be deeply concerned in the plot, whom Sir William sent
to the Gatehouse. |
|
A certain Papist gentleman being in company with some citizens
and a discourse happening concerning the murder of Sir Edmund
Godfrey, he said that he believed Sir Edmund was murdered
by Fanatics and they asking him what he thought of the plot,
he answered that there was no such thing. (Torn.) |
|
The Duke of Norfolk having a while since obtained his Majesty's
leave to go beyond sea intends, as is said at Court, to go to Flanders
with his whole family before the end of the month. Last week,
Mr. Needham, a physician in Staffordshire, came to Court and has
not only confirmed the truth of Mr. Dugdale's information but
has also made a further considerable discovery. |
|
(About the trials of Greene, Bury, Hill and Atkins for the
murder of Godfrey.) On Sunday the Earl of Sunderland was
made Secretary of State in the room of Sir Joseph Williamson,
who is to receive as much as he gave for the place viz., 6,000l.
and it is reported he is to marry Lord O'Brien's widow. (Then
follows a passage about Mr. Wroth, who abducted Sir R. Vyner's
stepdaughter, but it is so torn as to be unintelligible.) |
|
(Giving the results of several of the elections.) |
|
Sir W. Waller, being informed that divers Papists had sat
judicially on him and sentenced him to be stabbed, went to
apprehend them, but they had left their lodgings and were gone.
[2½ pages. Admiralty, Greenwich Hospital 1, No. 31.] |
Feb. 13.
Carlisle. |
Sir. C. Musgrave to Williamson. I have yours of the 8th and
am surprised his Majesty should judge the delivery of the seals
for his service. My knowledge of you assures me you would do it
with all cheerfulness, but I most heartily lament it on account
of his Majesty and the public. There can be no greater symptom
of a nation's falling into misery than laying aside persons of
known abilities, integrity and industry. I shall be impatient
till I have my dismission, that I may be at liberty to attend
your commands. The last post brought news that Lord Morpeth
will not stand for the county, which occasions much discourse.
Mr. Huddleston of Millom stands for knight. Possibly that may
provoke Sir George [Fletcher] to appear. I hear Sir John Lowther
will stand for Westmorland. Mr. Gee and Mr. Pennington of Seaton
stand at Cockermouth, which will be some trouble to Sir Richard
Graham. I hope there will be no contest here; if there should,
Sir Philip [Howard] might be in danger. These two days I am
to be blown up with nasty ale. I am not certain when our
election will be, but hope some time next week. I find great
endeavours to choose men of warmth. [2 pages. S.P. Dom.,
Car. II. 411, No. 91.] |
| Feb. 13. |
Pass for the Band of Italian Players, now departing out of this
realm, with annexed list of them sent by Lord Arlington. [S.P.
Dom., Entry Book 51, p. 173.] |
Feb. 13.
Whitehall. |
The Earl of Sunderland to Viscount Campden. Sir J.
Williamson, late Secretary of State, whom I succeed, having
put into my hands your letter of the 5th instant, concerning
your wanting power to assess the Earl of Exeter and others
towards the militia, I acquainted his Majesty yesterday with it,
who gave directions to the Attorney-General to prepare a commission for assessing such peers all England over, as are not yet
assessed to the militia. As soon as the commission is issued, I
shall lay your letter before the Commissioners. [S.P. Dom.,
Entry Book 56, p. 1.] |
Feb. 13.
London. |
Newsletter to Christopher Bowman at Newcastle. (About
the inhabitants of Messina having been deprived of their privileges and the death of Cardinal Campagna.) |
|
On Thursday, Mr. Bedlow spoke some misbecoming words of
some persons of worth and quality and has been checked for
it before the Lords in Council. |
|
The statute of King James has been debated concerning the
swearing of the ensuing parliament, that statute empowering the
Lord High Steward of the Household to perform that office and,
the present Lord Steward being the Duke of Ormonde, whom
the present state of affairs can hardly spare from his government
in Ireland, 'tis believed lords will be commissioned to perform it
in his behalf. One Dr. Needham is come in on the score of Mr.
Dugdale and will discover further of the plot. On Friday one
Gerard was taken near St. Clement's Church, supposed to be one of
the murderers of Sir E. B. Godfrey. One Kelly is also said to
be taken in Staffordshire, suspected to be one of the murderers.
On Saturday there was a meeting at the Treasury Chamber,
where the managers of the Excise attended, the business not
said. |
|
On Tuesday the Swedish envoy entertained the several ministers
of the Northern powers on the news of a general peace according
to the treaty of Münster and that the Duke of Holstein shall
be restored to his honours and possessions as before the war.
Last Tuesday several books and Popish relics were burnt in New
Palace Yard by the common hangman, amongst which was one
representing the effigies of our Saviour, being so well drawn that
some say 50l. was proffered for it, but Sir W. Waller, who was
present and had that with the other things in his custody, could
not part with it on that score. |
|
Yesterday Sir Joseph Williamson was married to Lady O'Brien,
who is said to be worth 7,000l. per annum, and is this day gone into
Kent, where she has a country house. |
|
The Spanish ambassador, on complaint of several of his master's
subjects in and about this city, delivered in a memorial, the contents of which is that they desire to transport themselves and
their families, which his Majesty has granted and given them
two months' time to draw off their goods and in the meantime
they shall be free from any disturbance and have free leave to
depart, and has ordered the Secretaries to take care none of the
subjects of this kingdom go under that colour. |
|
This day the Bailiff of Westminster made proclamation in the
several wards of that liberty for the chosing of burgesses, which
will be next Wednesday, and the knights for the county the
Friday following. [3 pages. Admiralty, Greenwich Hospital 1,
No. 32.] |
Feb. 13.
Dublin. |
The Duke of Ormonde to Williamson. It will appear to you
by a letter from Col. Jeffreys that I have obeyed his Majesty's
command in relation to what was required from him. I am no
less prepared to serve the gentleman you recommended to me
on your own account. [S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 339, No. 7.] |
Feb. 15.
Whitehall. |
The Duke of Monmouth to the Vice-Chancellor of the University
of Cambridge. Expressing his sense of the University's great
respect to his recommendation, and desiring him to inform the
Heads and those instrumental in this affair that they shall find
in him the same readiness to gratify and oblige them. [S.P.
Dom., Entry Book 41, p. 226.] |
Feb. 15.
Whitehall. |
The Duke of Monmouth to the Mayor and Aldermen of
Stafford. Thanking them for the readiness they have shown to
gratify him in the acceptance of the person he recommended
for one of their burgesses. [Ibid. p. 227.] |
Feb. 15.
Whitehall. |
The Duke of Monmouth to the Deputy Lieutenants of Staffordshire. Sending a copy of a certificate, of which he has the original,
of Sir Richard Astley's having taken the oaths, and, if they are
satisfied that it has been done according to form though in another
county, desiring that his arms may be restored him on it. [Ibid.
p. 228.] |
| Feb. 15. |
Pass for Henry Trotter and La Fontaine, servants to the Duke
of Southampton, and Charles Cane, servant to Richard Topham,
employed to conduct 8 coach horses to France. [S.P. Dom.,
Entry Book, 51, p. 174.] |
Feb. 15.
Whitehall. |
Warrant for the reprieve till further order of Henry Bury,
sentenced to death for the murder of Sir Edmund Berry Godfrey.
[S.P. Dom., Entry Book 54, p. 16.] |
| Feb. 15. |
Warrant to Capt. William Richardson, Keeper of Newgate, to
suffer Father Augustin de Bruxelles, chaplain to the Comte
d'Egmont, ambassador from Spain, to have access to, and private
conference with, Robert Green and Laurence Hill, two condemned
prisoners in Newgate. [Ibid. p. 17.] |
| [Feb. 15 ?] |
Secretary Coventry to Capt. William Richardson, Keeper of
Newgate. His Majesty, having granted a reprieve to Henry
Bury, commands you to keep him in a room separate from the
rest, none to have access to him unless Dr. Lloyd or such as shall
be authorized from his Majesty. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book
54, p. 17.] |
Feb. 15.
Whitehall. |
The Earl of Sunderland to the Lord Lieutenant. The King, having
appointed me Secretary of State in place of Sir J. Williamson,
commanded me to send you a letter ordered at a meeting in the
Treasury Chamber concerning the farm of the revenue of Ireland,
which I more willingly obeyed, because the business is at last left
to your judgment. [S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 340, p. 4.] |
| Feb. 16. |
Warrant for the reprieve of Robert Green and Laurence Hill,
till Friday, the 21st instant. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 54, p. 18.] |
Feb. 17.
Falmouth. |
Thomas Holden to Williamson. It not a little surprised but
also much troubled me to find that you had resigned your
place and that the Earl of Sunderland was to succeed you, though
I hope it may be for your future promotion and honour. Nevertheless, I shall be ready and willing to serve you to the uttermost
of my capacity, whenever you shall lay your commands on me.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 411, No. 92.] |
Feb. 17.
Whitehall. |
James Vernon to Col. Dillon. This is on the solicitation of
the two sisters, Mistresses Sarsfields, whom I suppose you may
have seen. They have been very earnest with the Duke to do
them justice in procuring them possession of part of their late
brother's estate in consideration of great sums lent him and
portions left them by his will and they pretend they can expect
relief from none but his Grace, in whom they say the right to that
estate lies during their father's life according to the opinion of
the King's Counsel in Ireland. But his Grace, not being satisfied
how that is made out, commands me to desire you would give
yourself the trouble to be informed by the King's Counsel whether
they ever were of the opinion that the right to William Sarsfield's
estate was in the Duke of Monmouth during the life of
Patrick Sarsfield, the father of William, and what were their
reasons for that opinion, which his Grace desires you would give
him a speedy account of. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 41, p. 229.] |
| Feb. 17. |
Order for adding Slough to the quarters of the Prince's troop of
dragoons at Maidenhead. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 48,
p. 91.] |
| Feb. 17. |
Pass for the Earl of Castlehaven to land and travel to London.
[S.P. Dom., Entry Book 51, p. 175.] |
| Feb. 17. |
Warrant to William Howell, messenger, to search for and take
into custody Josuah Brown alias Daniel Kelly and Bartholomew
Russell or any other priest or Jesuit or any person suspected to
be a priest or Jesuit and bring them before Secretary Coventry
to answer to what shall be objected against them. [S.P. Dom.,
Entry Book 54, p. 18.] |
Feb. 17.
Whitehall. |
The King to the Lord Lieutenant. Warrant for granting leave
to be absent from Ireland for 6 months to Maurice, Viscount FitzHardinge, captain of the troop of Horse Guards there. [S.P. Dom.,
Signet Office, Vol. 10, p. 312.] |
Feb. 17.
Whitehall. |
The King to the Lord Lieutenant. Requiring him to cause John,
Archbishop of Dublin, to be sworn and admitted a Privy Councillor
in Ireland. [Ibid.] |
Feb. 18.
Whitehall. |
Warrant for a Privy Seal for payment to Henry Savile, appointed
Envoyé Extraordinary to the Most Christian King, of 500l. for
his equipage and 5l. per diem for his entertainment and also of such
sums for extraordinaries as shall be allowed by a Secretary of
State. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 50, p. 31.] |
Feb. 18.
Whitehall. |
The King to John Hawkins, high sheriff of Wiltshire. Being
informed that he intends to remove the County Court from
Wilton, where it has been many ages kept, except in the late
times of usurpation, to Warminster, signifying his pleasure that
he forbear to do so. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 51, p. 177.] |
Feb. 18.
Whitehall. |
The Earl of Sunderland to the Earl of Winchilsea. Your letter
of the 3rd instant was put into my hands by Sir J. Williamson,
which I have laid before his Majesty, who bids me direct you to
let Sir Edward Philips and Col. Berkeley know that, though he
takes well their offer of raising each a troop of horse, yet he does
not think it either needful or seasonable at this time. [S.P. Dom.,
Entry Book 56, p. 2.] |
Feb. 19.
Eastwell. |
The Earl of Winchilsea to Williamson. I received yours of
the 13th last Monday, and since I have notice of your marriage
with Lady O'Brien. I wish you both much joy and prosperity.
I hope you will resolve to live at Cobham and give me some
occasions to serve you. I have writ to Lord Sunderland and
expect ere long his Majesty's pleasure concerning Somersetshire.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 411, No. 93.] |
[Feb. 19.–]
March 1. Mons. |
Letter to a friend at Paris concerning the conspiracy in England,
which may be called a Factum for the persecuted Catholics.—
Pointing out the gross improbabilities of the charges, the bad
character of Oates, the falsehood of his assertions that he was
employed by the Jesuits to negotiate with Don John of Austria,
that he was at Paris with Pere la Chaise and that he was at the
Consult of the Jesuits in London, Bedloe's career of imposture,
their false evidence against Coleman and Ireland, that Prance,
the third witness, has so often asserted and denied on oath the
same thing that no dependance can be placed on him and that
Dugdale, after denying he knew anything of the plot, had resolved
to give evidence in order to get out of prison, where he was for
embezzling his master's money, to pay his gaming and betting
debts, and contrasting the behaviour of Lord Chief Justice
Scroggs in turning the accused into ridicule with that of the
President of the Parliament of Paris, when he pronounced the
sentence of death on Madame de Brinvilliers.—You may ask if
the plot is chimerical and disproved, the witnesses infamous,
the judges partial, the proceedings irregular, unjust and inhuman,
why do all the English people believe the contrary? The quarrels
of the ministers and the hatred against the Catholics predisposed
them to believe everything of them. There was only wanting
an impudent liar with a heart of iron and a face of brass, and then
to shut the door by making out all those who endeavoured to
justify the alleged criminals to be accomplices themselves. |
|
It was, I may say, necessary to extinguish the opinion
maliciously propagated in England of a design to change the
religion and the government. "Figurez vous les ministres saisis
de frayeur, s'entredisants: Venient Romani et tollent nostrum
locum et gentem, le peuple craignant le changement dans l'Etat
et la perte de sa liberté; tous deux haissant egalement les
Catholiques comme les promoteurs de ce qu'ils apprehendent si
fort; les juges ayant beaucoup à risquer en sauvant les accusés
et rien à perdre en les condemnant: figurez vous cela, et vous verrez
une grande partie du secret." Subjoined, |
|
Attestation of the Mayor and Aldermen of St. Omer that
Christopher Towneley, Daniel Gifford, Francis Dermise,
William Parry and Thomas Beveridge, all living at the
Seminary at St. Omer, had all sworn that Titus Oates had
lived with them there from 10 Dec, 1677 (N.S.), to 23 June
following and that during that time he had never left the said
seminary and town, except that he went in January to
Wattenes, two leagues distant, for two days and that they
particularly remember he was at the Seminary 1, 2, 3, 4
and 5 May, 1678, N.S. [12 pages. French. Printed.
S.P. Dom., Car. II. Case G.] |
Feb. 20.
Whitehall. |
The Duke of Monmouth to Capt. Bristoe or the officer in chief
commanding his company of Grenadiers in the Holland regiment.
Ordering him forthwith to march with his company from his present
quarters at Guildford to Newark, Ripley and places adjacent in
Surrey to quarter there, and, as soon as the elections for Guildford
and Surrey shall be over, he is to return to his former quarters.
[S.P. Dom., Entry Book 48, p. 91.] |
| Feb. 20. |
Similar order to Capt. William Legge or the officer in chief
commanding the King's troop in the Earl of Oxford's regiment
to remove from Guildford to Farnham. [Ibid. p. 92.] |
Feb. 20.
Whitehall. |
The Duke of Monmouth to Henry Howard, Commissary General
of the Musters. Whereas the regiments of foot and dragoons
are forthwith to be disbanded, to prevent delay in clearing with
the troops and companies, you are to order your deputies to
dispatch as much as in them lies the rolls for the musters of
November and January last and direct them to be sent to the
office of the Paymaster to the Forces. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 48,
p. 92.] |
Feb. 20.
Whitehall. |
Circular letter from the Duke of Monmouth. Directing each
colonel forthwith to order the captains or agent of his regiment
immediately to attend the commissaries of the musters with
their rolls of November and January that are yet unclosed and
procure the same to be forthwith closed and delivered to the Paymaster as aforesaid. |
|
Noted, as sent to the Earl of Dunbarton, Col. Villiers, Sir. C.
Wheler, Sir John Fenwick, Sir Henry Goodrick, Sir Lionel Walden,
Lord Morpeth, Col. Salisbury and Col. Stradling and to the Earl
of Feversham, Lieut.-col. Hepburne and Sir John Talbot. [Ibid.
p. 93.] |
Feb. 21.
Whitehall. |
The Duke of Monmouth to the Officer in chief commanding the
battalion of the Coldstream Guards. Ordering him forthwith
to march with the battalion under his command to Chelmsford
and Maldon in Essex and to quarter them on the march and in
the said towns in inns, taverns, alehouses and victualling houses.
[Ibid. p. 94.] |
| Feb. 21. |
The like to the Officer in chief commanding a battalion of the
King's regiment of Foot Guards to march to Maidstone, Malling,
Harrietsham and Lenham in Kent. [Ibid.] |
Feb. 21.
Whitehall. |
The Duke of Monmouth to Col. John Russell. Directing him
to order the quarter-master of his regiment to go to Maidstone,
Malling, Harrietsham and Lenham to set out quarters there for
the battalion of his regiment expected from Flanders. [Ibid.
p. 95.] |
| Feb. 21. |
The like to the Earl of Craven to send to Chelmsford, Maldon
and Ingatestone to provide quarters for the battalion of the
Coldstream regiment. With note, that brandy houses and coffeehouses were added 25 Feb. [Ibid.] |
Feb. 21.
Whitehall. |
The Duke of Monmouth to Quarter-master Jones. Ordering
him to provide quarters for the Grenadier company of the Foot
Guards in Knightsbridge and Chelsea. [Ibid. p. 96.] |
| Feb. 21. |
The Duke of Monmouth to Capt. Middleton at Havant. For
ease of his present quarters he is to order an officer with part
of his company to march to Midhurst and quarter there. [Ibid.] |
Feb. 21.
Whitehall. |
Warrant, after reciting that John Bancks, merchant, had set
forth by his petition that two foreign-built ships, one called the
Francis and Elizabeth and the other the Arms of London, the property whereof is as yet in the petitioner, were made free and
custom paid for the same, but, as he did not find them proper
for his trade to the Eastward, he had prayed the King to accept
a surrender of the freedom of the said ships and in lieu thereof to
grant a warrant for making free two other ships more proper
for the said trade and wholly owned by the petitioner and other
subjects, the one called the Danby and the other the Four Brothers;
for making the said ship called the Danby a free ship and requiring
the Commissioners of the Customs and other officers concerned
to enter and register her with the freedom of an English-built
ship, the order in Council of 20 Nov., 1674, which stopped making
foreign-built ships free, to the contrary notwithstanding, but with
a proviso that the said Commissioners take care there be a revocation of the freedom formerly granted to one of the forementioned ships. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 51, p. 124.] |
| Feb. 21. |
Memorandum of the like warrant of the same date for the
Four Brothers of London. [Ibid] |
| Feb. 21. |
Warrant for a grant to Sir Oliver Boteler of a yearly fair on
4, 5, 6 May and of a weekly market every Tuesday at Chatham,
Kent. Minute. [Ibid. p. 182.] |
Feb. 21.
Whitehall. |
The King to the Dean and Chapter of Rochester. Recommending for presentation to the vicarage of Boxley, Kent, now void
and in their disposal Humphrey Lynde, M.A., who is recommended
by divers persons of worth and whose grandfather, Sir Humphrey
Lynde, deserved well of the Church by his eminent zeal for the
Protestant religion. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 53, p. 6.] |
Feb. 21.
Whitehall. |
Reference to the Lord Chancellor of the petition of John Parry
of Dulays in the parish of St. David's, desiring a commission of
review in a cause between him and Lewis Price, who pretends to
be vicar of Ewyas Harold and Dulays but was never instituted or
inducted, for certain pretended tithes, pretended to be due to
him. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, p. 1.] |
Feb. 21.
Whitehall. |
The King to the Commissioners of the Treasury in Scotland.
Warrant that the taxt duties to be inscribed by them in the blanks
of the signature of 30 Sept. last in favour of Sir George Mackenzie
of Tarbett should be according to the retoured duties of the
ward lands therein mentioned. [S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 5,
p. 86.] |
Feb. 21.
Whitehall. |
Warrant for a charter to William Hay, merchant in Edinburgh,
his heirs and assigns, of the town and lands of Grugfoot in the
parochine of Carreden and shirefdome of Linlithgow on the resignation of Allan Lockhart and the other persons therein named, with
a novodamus and a charge of the holding from simple ward to
taxt ward. [Docquet. Ibid. p. 87.] |
Feb. 21.
Whitehall. |
Memorials of protections to the Earl of Carnwath, David
Rosse of Balnagown and — Johnstown, town major of Edinburgh for 3 years respectively. [Ibid. p. 88.] |
Feb. 22.
London. |
The Earl of Ranelagh to Viscount Conway at Dublin. I have
received yours of the 8th from Portmore. Your calculations there
as to Parliament men are not infallible, for I gave you an account
that I was wholly disappointed in my hopes at Lugderiall (? Ludgershall) and that I was so much mortified as to resolve not to
pretend anywhere else. As to our friend Gwyn, though he
went down to his former borough and there bestowed both his
money and his time on them, yet he lost his election by 13. The
competition was between him and Sir John Talbot and Gwyn thinks
that the steward of Popham estate under the trustees played him
foul play, of which you, I suppose, at meeting will have a long
narrative, so we have both leisure to attend our private concerns,
and our good friend Progers will bear us company, for my Lord of
Worcester has set up another for knight of Brecknock. |
|
I am glad to hear you are in so much favour with my Lord of
Ormonde and am sure you so will understand the difference
between profession and reality that none of your friends need
advise you to caution. I pretend to nothing from him but
civility and justice, and, though we are too well acquainted to
expect friendship one from another, yet I will give him this
assurance that I neither will meddle with nor object against his
government nor look after anything but the well executing of
my place and the getting a discharge as to my undertaking
In short I am most ready to live with him on as good terms as
he can desire and I suppose as to my undertaking the matter
will be settled here and nothing left to be done there but only
obeying directions. |
|
Many other things I have to say, but they are more proper for
discourse than a letter and they will keep till April. |
|
Mr. Seymour is unanimously chosen knight of the shire for
Devonshire and Sir William Courtenay with him. [Conway
papers. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 411, No. 94.] |
| Feb. 22. |
Pass for the Sieur Paget, equerry to the Most Christian King,
to transport 6 horses into France for his master's use. [S.P.
Dom., Entry Book 51, p. 180.] |
Feb. 22.
Whitehall. |
Warrant for a charter to Henry Scrymgeour, parson of Dundee,
his heirs and assigns, and to Jane Alexander, his spouse, in
life rent, of the west half of the town and lands of Bowhill and
other lands in the parochine of Auchterdaie, lordship of Locherslyre and shirefdome of Fife, partly on the resignation of David
Boswell of Balmuto and partly on other resignations, with a novodamus and a change of the holding from simple ward to taxt
ward. [Docquet. S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 5, p. 89.] |
| Feb. 24. |
Pass for such of Mr. Savile's servants as he shall send with
his baggage &c. and 18 horses and a coach to pass to France,
he going envoye extraordinary thither. [S.P. Dom., Entry
Book 51, p. 180.] |
| Feb. 25. |
Warrant to Sir Robert Carr, Chancellor of the Duchy of
Lancaster, after reciting a lease to John Rootes of some things
in the Duchy for 31 years in reversion under a rent and a fine
of 150l., which he being not able to raise and 394l. 19s. being
due to him as one of the Gentlemen Pensioners, he prayed a
remission of the said fine in satisfaction of the said arrears, and
a reference thereof to the Lord Treasurer, on which no report
had yet been made, and that, the patent not having been enrolled
within the time limited and that the fine not having been paid
by reason of the said reference still depending, the patent is
in strictness become void, for enrolling the patent, as if done
within the time limited, but to keep it in the office till the fine
be paid. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 51, p. 185.] |
Feb. 25.
Whitehall. |
Secretary Coventry to Sir William Scroggs, Lord Chief Justice
of the King's Bench. Signifying that his Majesty takes off the
reprieve granted the 15th instant to Henry Berry, not finding those
effects on the said reprieve that he expected, and requires that
the sentence of death be executed on him according to law.
[S.P. Dom., Entry Book 54, p. 19.] |
Feb. 25.
Whitehall. |
Warrant for a pardon to John Dargavell, vicar of Winsham,
Somerset, lately for certain misdemeanours sentenced in the
Court of Arches to be suspended for 5 years from his vicarage and
from using his function, the King being informed by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of London of his hearty
repentance and reformation. [Ibid. p. 20.] |
Feb. 27.
Whitehall. |
The Duke of Monmouth to Lord Morpeth or the officer in chief
commanding his regiment. You are forthwith to give order for
40 men to be drawn out of Capt. Wharton's company of your
regiment, now quartered at Dover, with a sergeant to be put on
board the frigate now in Dover Road, the commander whereof has
orders to transport them to the garrison of Tangier, and also you
are to order their arms, viz., pikes, muskets and bandoliers to be
secured in the castle, to be delivered to an officer appointed by
the Master of the Ordnance to receive them, and to see their
quarters be discharged and that they receive 10s. a man as a
bounty. The sergeant is to return from Tangier in the ship
that carries the men thither. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 48,
p. 97.] |
Feb. 27.
Whitehall. |
Similar orders to Colonels Salisbury and Villiers to order 60
and 200 men to be drawn out of the two companies and the
nine companies of their respective regiments quartered at Rochester
and Canterbury respectively and similar order dated 28 Feb. to
Col. Salisbury to order — men to be drawn out of the 5 companies
of his regiment quartered at Sandwich and Dover to serve at
Tangier. [Ibid. pp. 98, 99, 103.] |
| [Feb. 27?] |
Memorandum that Henry Savile took leave of his Majesty
on that day in order to his journey to Paris as his Majesty's
envoye extraordinary. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 50, p. 32.] |
| Feb. 27. |
Pass for William Powell, one of the Prince of Orange's huntsmen,
with 20 couple of hounds for the use of the said Prince. [S.P.
Dom., Entry Book 51, p. 184.] |
Feb. 27.
Whitehall. |
Presentation of John Wood, junior, to the rectory of East
Aunstey, Devon. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 57, p. 1.] |
| [Before Feb. 28.] |
Summons to attend a Court at Christ's Hospital on Friday,
28 Feb. [Printed. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 411, No. 95.] |
| Feb. 28. |
Charles Bertie to William Wardour, Clerk of the Pells. I am
commanded by the Lord Treasurer to desire an account out of
your office of what money has been paid into the Exchequer
within the last two years for fines on Recusants with the times
the money was paid in and the counties in which the same was
levied. [Ibid. No. 96.] |
| [Feb. ?] |
"An account of the tallies for advance money or rent levied
on Anthony Row and partners as late contractors of the hearth
money." The first payment is dated 28 Aug., 1678, the last
3 Feb., 1678–9. On the back are copies of two of the tallies of
28 Aug. and 20 Nov. [Ibid. No. 97.] |
| [Feb. ?] |
William Nicolson to Sir Joseph Williamson, M.P., and a Privy
Councillor. Expressing his gratitude for the benefits received
from him and wishing him long life as the salvation of the King
and Kingdom and that he may leave an example to posterity of
prudently administering the state and of gloriously laying down
his office and that there may never fail illustrious descendants of
his stock. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 411, No. 98.] |
| [Feb. ?] |
Note by A. Vernatti that his friends will find him and his brother
at the Muzzled Bear in Bow Street. [Ibid. No. 99.] Attached, |
|
Note that Mrs. Onely desires his Honour to speak to Sir Stephen
Fox about her business. With pencil note by Williamson
"At the Sugar Loaf. At the Muzzled Bear." [Ibid.
No. 99 i.] |
