Charles II: January 1681

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles II, 1680-1. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1921.

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'Charles II: January 1681', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles II, 1680-1, (London, 1921) pp. 125-152. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/chas2/1680-1/pp125-152 [accessed 25 March 2024]

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January 1681

Jan. 1. Certificate by Charles Cooper that Samuel Duncalfe was a prisoner in Newgate 15 Oct., 1673, and was then indicted at the Old Bailey for robbery and burglary and was acquitted. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 415, No. 1.]
Jan. 1. Commission to Thomas Hill to be brigadier of the Duke of York's troop of Guards and to take place as eldest lieutenant of horse. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 29, p. 356.]
Jan. 1.
Whitehall.
Commissions to Henry Davis to be lieutenant to Capt. Thomas Rooke's company, to John Bedford and Woollifrid (Wolfran) Cornwall to be ensigns to Lieut.-col. Charles Trelawney's company, to John Burges to be ensign to Col. Piercy Kirke's company, to Chichester Trelawney to be ensign to Capt. Stroud's company, to Charles Kirke to be ensign to Capt. Haman (Heyman) Rooke's company and to William Davis to be lieutenant to Capt. Hastings' company, all in Col. Piercy Kirke's regiment at Tangier. Minutes. [Ibid. pp. 390–392.]
Jan. 1.
Whitehall.
Warrant for a congé d'élire and letter missive to the Dean and Chapter of Gloucester, the latter recommending Robert Frampton, D.D., Dean of the cathedral of Gloucester, to be elected bishop in the place of Dr. John Pritchet, deceased, the late bishop. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 53, p. 42.]
Jan. 1.
Whitehall.
Commissions to Ferdinando Hastings to be lieutenant to Col. Edward Sackville and to Capt. Knevet Hastings to be captain of the company late Sir Edward Picks' in Col. John Russell's regiment. Minutes. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 164, p. 59.]
Jan. 3.
Whitehall.
The King to the Mayor and Corporation of the borough town and parishes of Taunton St. Mary Magdalen and Taunton St. James. Approving of their election of William Burd to be town clerk in place of Richard Jeanes, deceased. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 51, f. 378.]
Jan. 3.
Whitehall.
Secretary Jenkins to the Earl of Middleton. We are thought here to be very busy, yet we do but little towards the great ends. The Commons are now and then upon angry things. We long to hear of your being in a good consistency there, that may contribute somewhat to our better settlement here. Our express with the conditions of the 6 months' truce at Tangier is not yet arrived; the thing however is most certain, we have it from several officers that came by sea.
We press all we can at Madrid and Berlin to have his Majesty's mediation about the reprizals at Ostend. I know you will value his Majesty's affection to the House of Austria. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 64, p. 55.]
Jan. 4. Dispensation for Joseph Reeve, High Sheriff of Surrey, to go out of that county. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 51, f. 378.]
Jan. 4.
Whitehall.
Secretary Jenkins to Philip Warwick. Yours of 27 Nov. and 1 Dec. were read on Sunday before his Majesty at a Committee of Foreign Affairs. All I have in command on them is that you are to endeavour to obtain from the King of Sweden a declaration, whereby the treaty of 1664 shall be revived and continued in force provisionally, till a new treaty can be made, which our Master is, and has been, since the old one expired, ready to enter into. I hope you will have Count Oxenstierne's favour in this request and no great difficulty in obtaining such a declaration. A commission shall be sent you to treat about it with all the speed that the distance of the places and the season will permit.
The Swedes have no reason to complain of us, since they did not think fit to make use of the Plymouth privileges, as the reciproque for those our fellow subjects enjoyed at Gottenburg.
What abuses in colouring of goods may have crept in, while the treaty subsisted, is a matter that will furnish precautions for a new treaty. I am apt to think the abuses were begun during the late war, when the English trading there were so willing to do all good offices to serve that King and kingdom and on that account were not possibly so narrowly looked after, as now they may and will be in a time of a general peace.
I have to-day yours of 9 December. In yours of 27 Nov. I received your account of the Queen's coronation, for which I thank you. Pieces of ceremony, as well as other matters, may sometimes happen to be of use. The 41 Articles of grievances and any papers or memorials that pass there will be very acceptable to us here. [2 pages. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 68, p. 423.]
Jan. 6.
Whitehall.
Reference to the Lords of the Treasury of the petition and annexed draft letter of the Earl of Ranelagh for an order for stopping all prosecution on a bond in Ireland till the first day of next Trinity term. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, p. 99.]
Jan. 6.
Whitehall.
Reference to the Lords of the Treasury of the petition of the knights and burgesses for Cornwall on behalf of themselves and the said county praying that the victualling of the garrison of Tangier may be settled in the said county. [Ibid. p. 100.]
Jan. 6.
Whitehall.
Reference to the Chancellor of the Duchy of the petition of the Leadminers in the High Peak, Derbyshire, praying his Majesty to remit and give his tithes of the lead ore in the Peak to them, which his late Majesty promised them in consideration of their faithful services in the rebellion. [Ibid.]
Twelfth Day. [Jan. 6.]
Whitehall.
Secretary Jenkins to Col. William Strother. His Majesty having been informed of a meeting of about 2,000 English and Scots lately at Downham in Northumberland with four preachers, commanded me in Council to write to you to take care that, if any such meetings happen for the future, the laws be put in execution and the King's peace be kept. I waited this evening on the Duke of Newcastle that you may receive the proper orders from him. Pray communicate the enclosed order in Council with this script to other deputy lieutenants, particularly to William Ogle, Esq. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 62, p. 125.]
Jan. 7.
The Fleet.
William Serocold to Sir Leoline Jenkins. You ordered me to return to the Lord Mayor, who bound me to prosecute Standen the 14th instant at the Sessions House, Guildhall, if not previously heard before his Majesty and the Privy Council. My recognizances stand in full force against me, being a prisoner in the Fleet a twelvemonth, but all was at large, till now the said Standen, that is in Newgate, having a kinsman a prisoner in the Fleet, who is very great with the Warden, has interceded with the Warden to keep me close prisoner that I may not have my liberty to prosecute his uncle, which confinement hinders me from taking up 15 more, who are great rogues to his Majesty and his government. I lie here on a fobb action for but 18l. and an old outlawry served on me unknown to me. 20l. would clear all my concerns. I implore you to get me an order for my liberty that I may get in the rest and prosecute them, which I understand by common lawyers may be done. [2 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 415, No. 2.]
Jan. 7.
Hull.
The Mayor and seven Burgesses to Secretary Jenkins. Acknowledging his promised assistance to promote their address to his Majesty in behalf of Samuel Duncalfe, whom they have recommended to the office of their common clerk. They are very sensible and so may Mr. Haslam be, of that ungrateful office he has performed in opposing the corporation, whereof he is no member. He never gave the Bench the least intimation of his intentions, nor has he merited any such favour from the town and therefore has no excuse for so unworthy an action. [Ibid. No. 3.]
Jan. 7.
Whitehall.
Orders to Capt. Boad to relieve with his company Capt. Fitzpatrick's company in Jersey, to Sir John Lanier, Governor of Jersey, to admit them and to permit Capt. Fitzpatrick's company to embark, to Capt. Fitzpatrick to embark with his company for Plymouth when relieved and to the Governor of Plymouth to admit them. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 63, pp. 18, 19.]
Jan. 7.
Whitehall.
Four similar orders for the relief by Capt. Littleton's company of Capt. Russell's company in Guernsey and for the return of the latter to Portsmouth. [Ibid. pp. 20–22.]
Saturday [Jan. 8]. The Bishop of London to Secretary Jenkins. His Majesty commanded me to wait on you and let you know it is his pleasure an order should be sent me to take care for a collection for the poor to be published in all the churches within the walls of the City to-morrow week. Indeed, the poor parishes without are in so miserable a condition this hard weather that I am afraid they die daily. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 415, No. 4.]
Jan. 8.
Whitehall.
The King to Sir George Mackenzie of Rosehaugh, Lord Advocate. Warrant, after reciting that the King had resolved that the late gift of the escheat of Lenox to Charles, Duke of Lenox and Richmond, should be rendered as effectual as may be consistent with the laws, for raising a process of reduction of the right of Lord O'Brien, deceased, and Lady Katherine O'Brien and of any persons claiming under them to the few duties of the lands of Ila, as also for raising a process of reduction of the right of the lands and lordship of Methven and of all other lands, &c. which at any time belonged to the said estate, that the benefit of all such reductions may be secured to the said Charles, Duke of Lenox. [S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 6, p. 242.]
Jan. 8.
Whitehall.
Commissions to John Winram to be major of the regiment of Guard and captain of a company therein, to John Hay of Baro to be captain of the company formerly commanded by Col. William Borthwick in the same regiment and to Robert Murray, son of the deceased Sir Robert Murray, sometime Provost of Edinburgh, to be capt.-lieutenant of the Earl of Linlithgow's own company in the same regiment. [Ibid. pp. 243–245.]
Jan. 8.
Whitehall.
Warrant for a remission to Sir John Forbes of Craigievar for the slaughter of the deceased James Anderson, late servant to Alexander Burnett of Craigmilne, committed by a pistol shot, 1 Oct. last, in respect that the relict and only brother of the said Anderson for themselves and taking burden on them for his daughter and only child and for all others his kin have granted letters of slaynes to the said Sir John for the same dated 11 Oct. last. [Docquet. Ibid. p. 246.]
Jan. 8.
Whitehall.
Warrant for a remission to William Gordon of Culvennan as to his life only of the crime of treason and rebellion and of the sentence of forfaulture for his accession to the late rebellion and of all that may follow thereon to the prejudice of his life and personal freedom without prejudice to his Majesty's right to his real and personal estate by virtue of the said sentence of forfaulture, nevertheless rehabilitating him and his posterity against the said sentence, so that they may be capable to enjoy any lands, goods, &c. which they shall purchase or succeed to in time coming. [Docquet. Ibid.]
Jan. 8.
Whitehall.
Warrant for a grant to William Maxwell of Munreith and his heirs male of the dignity of knight baronet. [Docquet. Ibid. p. 247.]
Jan. 8.
Whitehall.
Warrant for a charter confirming to William Halkerstoune, parson of Cleish, as a lawful creditor to the deceased traitor, David Halkerstoune of Rathillet, the bonds and rights therein mentioned with the diligences following thereon for the sums therein specified to the effect that the same may be a burden on the estate of the said traitor and that the said William may enjoy the said estate till he shall be completely satisfied of the principal and rents and expenses contained in the said bonds and also granting to the said William Halkerstoune the lands of Easter and Wester Rathillet, which lands are in his Majesty's disposition through the sentence of forfaulture pronounced against the said rebel 30 July last for his accession to the horrid murder of the late Archbishop of St. Andrews and the late rebellion in the West, and declaring that any gift of forfaulture of the said lands shall be burdened with the payment of the said debts. [Docquet. S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 6, p. 248.]
Jan. 8.
Whitehall.
Warrant for a presentation in favour of Henry Knox, minster at Dunscoire, to the kirk of Bowdon in the diocese of Glasgow, vacant by the decease of James Knox. [Docquet. Ibid. p. 249.]
Jan. 8.
Dublin.
Phelim O'Neill to the Earl of Conway. According to your commands I have sent you a bill of exchange for 150l. and paid the exchange at 8 per cent. I received but 98l. from Sir John Champante on account of your arrears, which is all he received on account of the process money yet, but near as much as will clear your arrears is since deposited in the Pipe Office, which we hope to get out next term. Many are petitioning to be on that list, but Sir John stickles hard for you and assures me he will pay what is due to you as soon as it comes to his hands. I know not yet what he will do as to the last parcel of debentures amounting to 279l. 1s., till he clears what is due by the order, but he promises to do what he can. I perceive the year's creation money is lost and believe so will be my 14l. deductions. I have your letter to the Lord Lieutenant, and, Lord Granard being gone out of town before it came, I am at a loss whether to deliver it or not till I hear from you, for I find no necessity for it, for I was never denied your licence and it is always signed of course every three months, so I know not the necessity of delivering it. I shall observe your commands in remitting you what money comes to me.
Pray excuse me to Mr. Gwynn, who writes to me earnestly about half a year's salary due to him last Michaelmas. The collector has not paid it yet in the country, but I hope he will soon. Now will be the time for him to endeavour to secure his place, for there is a stop put to their debentures for this Christmas and but three Commissioners of Inspection are to stand. It's thought that those that are here are likeliest to continue. [Conway papers. S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 342, No. 1.]
Jan. 9.
Whitehall.
Order to Sir Charles Wyndham to appoint an officer and 12 horsemen of his troop to convey next Monday, the 10th, treasure from the Treasurer of the Navy's Office in Broad Street to Chatham. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 63, p. 23.]
Jan. 10.
Whitehall.
The King to the Bishop of London. Taking notice of the extreme hard weather and the miseries it brings on our poorer subjects in and about London at present, besides the dangerous consequences of epidemic and infectious diseases, which we have observed to succeed after a severe winter, we expressly require you to take care for publication to be made in all the parish churches within the walls of the said city the next Lord's day after the date hereof to collect the benevolence of charitable people for the relief of our poor subjects in and about the said city and, that our own example may quicken this our exhortation, our further pleasure is that you call on the Commissioners of the Treasury for such a sum as we have directed to be paid to that end. We hope your own zeal and the bowels of our good subjects, who are no less able than willing to contribute, will need no further incitements. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 53, p. 43.]
Jan. 10.
Whitehall.
Secretary Jenkins to the Earl of Middleton. Your letters of 21 and 28 Dec. n.s. came but yesterday, so that I must beg your patience till after the next Committee, when I shall produce them to learn his Majesty's pleasure and to communicate to you what motions you are to make with reference to Count de Thun's negotiations here. 'Tis true we have advanced nothing towards him, being too intent on our Parliament affairs to apply to anything else. When we shall do it with probability of success, God only knows. The Parliament was prorogued this morning for ten days. His Majesty has done it in hopes of allaying the heats in the House of Commons. You will see by the votes of Friday and to-day there is sufficient reason for his Majesty to endeavour it this way, there being nothing else to be attempted. You say I know the King's intentions better than you. In truth you know fully as much of them as I do. You know ministers in general are strong conjecturers and (which adds to our calamity) those in our Court pretend a great power with the members of Parliament and yet it has not appeared to me at leastwise that any person (besides his Majesty and those under him immediately) has so much as made one motion (I speak not of what in addresses in favour of our foreign alliances), so little successful are we in the undertaking of our friends. I can say nothing in Mr. Petit's concerns but verily believe him to be an honest man. When Mr. Skelton arrives, I shall know from him the pretended charge against him and will take what care I can that he be not injured. [1¼ page. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 64, p. 56.]
Jan. 11.
Whitehall.
Warrant for a grant of the office of Common Clerk of Kingstonupon-Hull, void by the death of Charles Vaux, to Edward Haslam for his life, unless removed by the Mayor and Aldermen or the major part of them for misbehaviour in the said office or any other reasonable cause. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 51, f. 379.]
Jan. 11.
Whitehall.
Reference to the Lords of the Treasury of the petition of the servants of the late Earl of Plymouth, which stated that they in attending the corpse of their said master from Tangier are become indebted 40l. to the crew of the Foresight for provisions and otherwise, for which they now remain on board the said ship at Deal, not having in the least to satisfy the same, and prayed an order for the present payment of the said 40l. to discharge them from the said ship, with direction to their lordships forthwith to give effectual order for payment of the said 40l. to enable them to discharge their debts and to defray the expense of their journey from Deal to London. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 61, p. 19.]
Tuesday, Jan. 11.
London.
Newsletter to Roger Garstell, Newcastle. Giving an account of the proceedings in Parliament on the previous day, which fully appear from Lords' Journals, Vol. XIII., p. 743, and Commons' Journals, Vol. IX., p. 703.
Yesterday Lord Hunsdon, Sir Thomas Mauleverer, Capt. Churchill, Major Oglethorpe and Capt. Richardson dining together, some reflecting words passed between the two last, who thereupon drew their swords, but were immediately parted by Sir Thomas Mauleverer, who by an accident had a cut in the face, after which they made a solemn appointment and accordingly fought behind the Earl of Arlington's house, Capt. Richardson having Capt. Churchill and Lord Hunsdon and Major Oglethorpe Capt. Colt and Mr. Leighton for their seconds. Only Capt. Richardson was run through the body by Major Oglethorpe.
His Majesty has offered Dr. Frampton the vacant bishopric of Gloucester, who by letter modestly excused himself from accepting it.
The grand jury of Middlesex has found an indictment of murder against the Earl of Pembroke for the murder of the man at Turnham Green and, the Lord Chancellor refusing to put the great seal to his pardon, he is coming from Calais to receive his trial.
The Parliament being yesterday prorogued, several citizens met and drew up a petition which they delivered to the Lord Mayor to this effect, viz., whereas the surprising prorogation might give new life to the Popish designs and put them on all efforts imaginable for the destruction of this great city, &c., they humbly recommend to him as highly necessary the doubling the night watches and the warding in the daytime; that the chains be put up, where they now are, this night and to continue so doing nightly; that the city gates be locked and the keys brought every night to him and the gates shut all day on Sabbath days and not to permit any armed soldiers to enter into or pass through the city other than the Trained Bands and that he would call a Common Council, &c.
His Lordship told them he would take care of the watches and all other things, to preserve as much as in him lay the peace and safety of the city, which accordingly he did with the sheriffs last [night], viewing the watches throughout, and this day at Guildhall, the same petition being renewed, he has called a Common Council for next Thursday, when, it is thought, the whole House of Commons will be invited to dinner and also many of the Lords at the public charge of the Chamber. [3 pages. Admiralty, Greenwich Hospital 1, No. 78.]
Jan. 11.
Whitehall.
The Earl of Sunderland to the Lord Lieutenant. Directing in accordance with the address of the House of Lords that he take care that Maurice Fitzgerald and Murtagh Downey be safely brought over to England to give their evidence concerning the plot in Ireland. He has of late received from his Grace several letters relating to the plot, which have been communicated to his Majesty and by his command transmitted to the Committee of Examinations. [S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 340, p. 22.]
Jan. 12.
Whitehall.
Order in Council, that Sir L. Jenkins prepare a letter in the usual form for his Majesty's signature to the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London, commanding them not to admit any to be Common Council men but such as are duly qualified and have complied with the Act for regulating corporations. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 415, No. 5.]
Jan. 12.
Durham.
The Justices for the County Palatine of Durham to Secretary Jenkins. Recommending to him the enclosed petition, being very sensible how highly it concerns the trade and advantage of this county. [Ibid. No. 6.]
Jan. 12.
Whitehall.
The King to the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London. Having by letters of 18 Dec. recommended it to your special care to put in execution the Corporation Act and being since informed that several persons are elected Common Council men, who are presumed not to have received the Sacrament according to the rites of the Church of England within the time limited by the said Act and who, it is certain, have not taken the oaths and subscribed to the declaration thereby directed before the Aldermen at the wardmote, we remind you of our pleasure signified in the said letter and require you not to admit any person to sit or act as a Common Council man at the next Common Council, which is, as we are informed, to be to-morrow, but such as you shall find duly qualified by having received the Sacrament, and as also shall either by a due certificate from the Alderman of his ward make it appear he has taken the said oaths and subscribed the said declaration at the time of his election or shall do so in your presence before acting as Common Council man, and, where any refuse or neglect to do so, you are to take care that a new election be had as soon as may be to have his room supplied with a person duly qualified. [2 pages. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 51, f. 379.]
Jan. 12.
Whitehall.
Reference to the Lords of the Treasury of the petition of James Gibbons of the Inner Temple, which stated letters patent of 10 July, 1679, granting the places of Clerk of the Wardrobe of Robes and the Wardrobe of Beds to Richard Coling and Henry, his son, for their lives in reversion after Lancelot Thornton, since deceased, and that the said Richard and Henry Coling have obtained his Majesty's permission to surrender the said letters patent in order that the offices thereby granted might be transferred to the petitioner and William Welch during their lives and prayed an order to the Lords of the Treasury to sign and pass the docquets for the said offices to the petitioner as aforesaid, as soon as they shall come before them; with direction to their lordships to give effectual order that the names may be changed according to the petitioner's suit, in regard he is a servant to the Duke of Richmond, but that it be not made a precedent for the like practice for the future. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 61, p. 18.]
Jan. 12.
Whitehall.
The King to the Lord Lieutenant. Warrant. Whereas by the present establishment of Ireland 4,500l. per annum have been allowed, to be issued by way of concordatum for all the extraordinary charges therein mentioned, which sum is not to be exceeded without special directions from us or the Privy Council in England, and whereas you and the Council by your letters of 29 Dec., 1680, have represented that 500l. per annum out of the said 4,500l. is paid to Sir Robert Reading for maintaining lighthouses and that several other constant necessary yearly payments are charged thereon, so that not near the said sum of 4,500l. per annum remains to be disposed of for the extraordinary uses for which the said concordatums were designed and that you have found it necessary to issue several sums for allowances to witnesses that have made discoveries of the late plot and in maintaining and sending over prisoners to England and for other uses relating to the said plot amounting already to 1,735l. 8s. 4d., of which you have transmitted a particular account, which money you have no other ways of issuing but out of the concordatums, whereby the allowance for concordatums is overcharged; and whereas several sums have been lately saved on the present establishment by the stop of pensions and by checks and out of the 756l. per annum allowed for the additional pay of 4 troops doing duty at Dublin; our pleasure is that the said money issued relating to the said plot be reckoned as no part of the said 4,500l. per annum for concordatums, but shall be taken as issued out of such other moneys as have been or shall be saved on the establishment. [S.P. Dom., Signet Office, Vol. 10, p. 496.]
Jan. 12.
Whitehall.
The King to the Lord Lieutenant. Warrant for payment to Dorothy Hubblethorne and Charles, her son, who have represented that their pension of 200l. per annum is suspended, of the said pension and the arrears thereof in consideration of the loyalty and services of Col. John Hubblethorne, who was slain in the King's service, and of the petitioners' necessities. [Ibid. p. 497.]
Jan. 13.
Morpeth.
Thomas Horsley, Ralph Jennison, William Strother and W. Ogle to the Duke of Newcastle. We have received yours of the 6th instant with the enclosed order in Council, mentioning a great meeting at Downham in our county with order to take care that, if any such meetings should happen in future, the laws be put in execution. In obedience to your Grace's and the order in Council we have granted out warrants to the constables to take special care to prevent all such meetings and, if they cannot prevent them, to take the names of all such conventiclers and return them to the next deputy lieutenant or justice for this county to be dealt with according to law. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 415, No. 7.]
Jan. 14–24.
Holland.
—to the King. Were it possible, I would have long since been over, by which means I could verbally have satisfied your demands and received your opinion and commands, all others acting by commands or counsel, and I am so unhappy as to be left alone only to myself and therefore, if I have erred in anything, I most humbly beg pardon. As to your command to attend Mr. Sydney, it will by the following appear I could not do it without mightily prejudicing your service.
The first relates to Ireland. I landed in Ireland 27 Sept., 1679, and first was in the King's and Queen's Counties, where I am much esteemed and known, but not in my own name, (I am deemed here to be a Catholic), all whom I found in a very quiet posture, only much grieved at the persecution in England as they term it. Then I came back into Wexford and Waterford, where I am a right Independent and so habited and deemed above these ten years, but they know nothing of my late troubles nor my own name and I have the entrails of all their actings. I found their great ones in a very confident posture and, after many prayers, long grace, feasts and, I think, fuddling too, Major Dennis of Wexford asked me plainly if I'd make one with them. I answered, when I knew it, they should hear my opinion, but obliged myself to secrecy. In fine I had an oath given me or mighty like an oath and find that on Wednesday, 4 May next, all the Fanatics, Oliver's old breed, and most of them in command (which I much wonder at), are all to rise and by a design with some few ignorant Irish to fall on all the Irish and give out strange things against them as of theft, idolatry, promiscuous marriages, &c., and then to proclaim themselves the Protestants' protectors. Now I have many times wondered that all the Lieutenants of Ireland have continued or rather confirmed such commands of military forces on those notoriously known to be Oliver's creatures and his immediate officers. This Major Dennis has had a foot company many years and was a captain in Col. Pierson's regiment, that refused to march with General Monk into England, saying Monk had a king in his belly. This Dennis, Col. Scott, son to Scott that was hanged, Capt. Tench, one of Oliver's captains, who now commands the county troop, and John Mitchell, lately taken in and steward to the Duke of Albemarle, are the ringleaders in co. Wexford. Then for co. Waterford there are enough, but the chief are the two Olands, who said once that they would wash their hands in the Stuarts' blood, and a most grand one is Capt. Nicolls, who had a troop under Oliver, who professes openly he will have t'other bout yet, yet is lately made a justice. These are the prime leaders in that county, who, backed with infinite of their sect, keep a correspondence with those of the North of Ireland, who are most Scots and Scotch bred and are the Northern Presbyterians and Fanatics, able-bodied, hearty and stout men, where one may see 3 or 400 at every meeting-house on Sundays and all the North is inhabited with these, which is the most populous place of all Ireland by far. They are very numerous and greedy after land. These things have I traced and complied withal to find out their designs and further too I would have waded herein, had I not suspected a warrant from Dublin for my apprehension, but, whether there was one or not, I did not stay much longer, but, taking my leave on pretended business and with a promise of a timely return, I shipped for France 4 April, 1680, and going to Rouen found a wonderful number of English Roman Catholics, among whom I was very conversant, but heard not one word of any plot, which I much admired, and in June shipped for Holland.
The second branch relates to Holland. When I came here, I appeared as formerly a poor Anabaptist and worked in mean capacities and found out there is at Utrecht one Sir William W[aller] and, prying as much as I dared into his concerns, I found at last by one Cornelius Derick that Sir William had privately contracted there for 4,000 pair of horse pistols and 2,000 firelocks to be sent to Rotterdam. Thither I went, and found two houses are taken up to lay them in, when ready, and thence they are to be conveyed to England. These houses are taken by Englishmen, who live in them and pretend to let lodgings to colour the business, one is now possessed by a Mr. Hill on the new haven in Rotterdam. Then Sir W. W. went to Amsterdam, where he was mightily feasted and caressed by their own gang. There I discovered not much, but came back to Utrecht to find Cornelius Derick, but he was gone to Arnheim or Cologne, whither I would fain follow him to perfect the discovery and to order it so that all the arms might, when at sea, fall into your hands. All this I could confirm by many particulars, but too tedious for your Majesty, and now submit to your judgment whether it be necessary or fitting for me to appear with Mr. Sydney, which, if once discovered, I should never after be able to follow either this affair or any other of that kind. As both these discoveries are not yet perfected, but ought to be further prosecuted, I must be guided by your commands which to follow first, for I can apply myself to but one at once. (Epitome of his above statements about Ireland and Holland.) That it may appear I covet your pardon no further than to capacitate me to be more able to serve your Majesty, let you but say to Capt. Richardson, Let him come; I pass my word he shall come free and go free for me, when I understand but this, I will venture to come over privately and presently send for Capt. Richardson, who may receive your commands when and how I shall appear in your presence. If you do not approve of Capt. Richardson, may I be ordered to correspond with any one of your secretaries or clerks, but I am still of opinion that it is the best way for me to come over and wait on you. (The part about Ireland is printed in the Ormonde Papers, Vol. V., p. 575.) [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 415,No. 8.]
Jan. 14.
Whitehall.
Warrant to Sir Thomas Chicheley, Sir William Hickman and Sir Christopher Musgrave, the Ordnance Commissioners, to cause Thomas Philips, appointed engineer extraordinary for fortifications, to be entered on the quarter books of the office and to have the salary of 100l. a year paid him quarterly, to commence from Michaelmas last. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 29, p. 363.]
Jan. 15. Statement that by the promotion of Dr. Frampton to the bishopric of Gloucester the prebend of Torleton in the church of Sarum, worth no more than 20l. per annum, falls to his Majesty's disposal, which he has bestowed on Robert Peirce, son to the Dean of Sarum, on the supplication of Sir Stephen Fox, who prays Secretary Jenkins' favour. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 415, No. 9.]
Jan. 15.
Whitehall.
Secretary Jenkins to the Mayor of [Hull]. I laid your address in behalf of Mr. Duncalfe before his Majesty with the testimonials he had furnished me with of his affection to the government and of his abilities for the place of town clerk. It pleased his Majesty to pass him by and to choose Mr. Haslam. As to what you charge on Mr. Haslam, I can say nothing but, if he be qualified according to his testimonials, it was not unlawful for him to become petitioner for a place indisputably in the King's gift, though he did not acquaint the Bench with his intentions. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 62, p. 124.]
Jan. 15.
Whitehall.
The King to Col. John Strode, lieut.-governor of Dover Castle. Warrant for swearing and admitting Isaac Rutton to be lieutenant of Sandgate Castle in the place of John Pregle, deceased. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 359,p. 73.]
Jan. 17.
Whitehall.
Warrant to the Ordnance Commissioners to order the Treasurer of the Ordnance to pay to Anne, widow of Capt. James Archer, engineer, 350l. certified by the Ordnance Officers, on her petition, to be due as arrears to him and his two sons James and Francis, at the time of his death. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 29, p. 364.]
Jan. 17. Secretary Jenkins to the Earl of Middleton. Your letter was read yesterday before his Majesty. His opinion was that in the condition we are it would be in vain to enter on solicitation here in order to bring Count Thun to treat with us, nor does he direct that you should do it there at this time. He was minded again out of your letter for leave to come home, but he would have you have patience yet a while. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 64, p. 58.]
Jan. 17.
Whitehall.
The King to the Commissioners of the Treasury of Scotland. Having considered their letter of 5 March last to the Duke of Lauderdale, concerning their opinion as to what abatement the tacksmen of the customs should have of their tack duty from Nov., 1676, to Nov., 1678, expressing his satisfaction with the abatement proposed, viz., that they pay for the first year only 24,000l. sterling and for the second only 22,000l. sterling and therefore approving of the deduction granted them. [S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 6, p. 250.]
Jan. 17.
Whitehall.
The King to the Lord Lieutenant. Warrant for swearing and admitting as a Privy Councillor Sir Joseph Williamson, late Secretary of State, whose concerns in Ireland have called him thither and may probably detain him there some time. [S.P. Dom., Signet Office, Vol. 10, p. 499.]
Jan. 18.
Reading.
Thomas Coates to the Bishop of St. Asaph. I am sorry I can give you no better account of our Reading plot. I have traced it as hard as ever a hare has been in a snow, and have found out an idle fellow, Timothy Westell, who has publicly discoursed very dangerous words in my opinion as follows. Last Twelfth Day he declared in the Bear coffee-house that several men in Reading were listed for the service of his Royal Highness against the King and that they had received 4s. a week and that he knew some of those listed and questioned not that by Saturday next he should have a list of them all and that on the whole 10,000 were under pay. I conceive these words ought to be severely punished where the author cannot be produced, but to-day at our sessions we had him indicted and our Grand Jury would by no means find the bill against him, but found it Ignoramus, though the words were positively sworn, but I need not tell you how our corporation stand qualified, but, if this goes off thus, it will be but a folly for magistrates to take notice of any offenders and their tongues must be at liberty to say what they please. The Earl of Clarendon will receive a letter from the corporation with the information and we shall leave him to represent it as he shall see cause. I pray you to let my Lord of Bath have a sight of it and we crave the assistance of you both, as you shall find cause. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 415, No. 10.]
Jan. 18.
Whitehall.
Proclamation dissolving the present parliament and declaring that the King has given directions for the issue of writs for a new one to be held at Oxford 21 March next. [S.P. Dom., Various 12, p. 411.]
Tuesday, Jan. 18.
London.
Newsletter to Roger Gastrell, Newcastle. Letters from Bristol say that the election there for a citizen in the place of Sir Robert Cann, lately expelled the House, is now over. The competitors were Sir Robert Atkings and Mr. Earle, a merchant, last year high sheriff of Wiltshire. After a tedious polling the former had 1,180 votes and Mr Earle 1,200. The letters say that there have been very undue and irregular proceedings and many polled on both sides that have no right, but this must be adjudged in another place, not by reports.
The Old Bailey Sessions began yesterday. What has occurred worth notice is, first the cruelty of a widow, a child's coatmaker in Stepney, who having a girl of 12 to her apprentice, whom, it seems, she kept so short of victuals that she was constrained to take unlawful means for supply and being discovered selling some materials pertaining to her mistress, she in a most barbarous manner so whipped her, with the assistance of a person since fled, that she soon died, which by the searchers was returned, Whipped to death. She is now found guilty of murder. Francis Smith, bookseller at the Elephant and Castle, Cornhill, was indicted for printing and publishing the late paper called The Speech of a Noble Peer, &c. Some words thereof were inserted in the indictment. The Grand Jury returned the bill, Ignoramus.
The Council have sat several times since the prorogation and their sittings have occasioned much discourse every time in relation to the sitting or not sitting of the Parliament. This day the matter is put out of doubt. His Majesty coming into the Council declared that this parliament should be dissolved and that he would issue writs for the election of another, which should sit at Oxford 20 March next. Before this was declared, Sir William Courtenay, Sir Walter Young and divers members of the West of England, having received from Exeter a petition for the sitting of the parliament subscribed by about 4,000 hands, and another of Devon of the same import, subscribed by above 6,000 hands, attended his Majesty therewith and were told by him, It was now too late, he had taken a resolution to dissolve them.
Yesterday came to Sir Gilbert Gerrard and Sir Henry Calverley a letter, a true copy of which is as follows. It may serve for a good precedent for all places of England.
The unexpected and sudden news of this day's post prevented us from sending those due acknowledgements, which the greatness of your services to the public good had merited. We have no better way now left to express our gratitude for your actions before and in the last sessions than to manifest our approbation by an assurance that, if a dissolution should happen, since you have evidenced so sufficiently your affections to his Majesty's person and your endeavours for preserving the Protestant religion, our laws and liberties, that we are resolved (if you please to comply with us) to continue you both as our representatives and therefore beg your acceptance thereof and further that you would continue your station during this prorogation, assuring you that none of us desire to give you the expense or trouble of a journey in order to your return (if such happen), being so sensible of the too great expense you have been at already in so carefully discharging the trust reposed in you. 14 Jan., 1680[-1], North Allerton. Subscribed by above 60 persons.
To-day were indicted for recusancy at Hicks' Hall the Duchess of Cleveland and 12 more, all persons of quality.
There is a report that some Ministers of State are laying down their offices. [3 pages. Admiralty, Greenwich Hospital 1, No. 79.]
Jan. 18.
Whitehall.
The King to the Lord Lieutenant. Warrant for payment to Laurence Hyde of his pension of 1,600l. per annum, payment of which or of part of which has been suspended, and of the arrears thereof. [S.P. Dom., Signet Office, Vol. 10, p. 498.]
Jan. 18.
Whitehall.
The King to the Lord Lieutenant. Warrant for stopping all proceedings on a bond entered into by the Earl of Ranelagh and John Stepney in 1676 for 30,000l., till the first day of next Easter term, proceedings thereon having been by a letter of 15 Oct. last stopped till the first day of next Hilary term, they having appealed to the King, who has not yet had leisure to hear what they have to offer. [Ibid.]
Jan. 18.
Whitehall.
The King to the Lord Lieutenant. Warrant, after reciting that the five companies of the Scotch regiment now in Ireland should be forthwith recruited with good men in the places of those drawn out to complete the companies of the said regiment commanded to Tangier, for giving order that the said five companies be paid as complete till 25 March next in order the better to enable the captains to make their recruits; and also for appointing James Alexander to be one of the agents of the said regiment with Henry Gascoigne in the place of Robert Aickin. [Ibid. p. 499.]
Jan. 19.
Whitehall.
The King to the Wardens of Winton and New College and the rest of the Electors of Winton School. Recommending Richard Barker, now a scholar in Winton College, that he be put on the roll of candidates and chosen at their next election into the scholar's place first void in New College. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 53, p. 537.]
Jan. 19.
Whitehall.
Order to Sir Charles Wyndham to appoint an officer with 16 of his troop to convey to-morrow from the Treasurer of the Navy's Office in Broad Street treasure to Portsmouth. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 63, p. 24.]
Jan. 20.
Queen's College, Oxford.
Dr. Timothy Halton, Vice-Chancellor, to Sir L. Jenkins. I hope the University will with the greatest alacrity choose you for their burgess. They have on all occasions found you both ready and able to give them your assistance. They never wanted it more than now. Pray let us know as soon as you can whether his Majesty intends to be here as also whether the Lords will use the same place for sitting they did formerly or that which is now our Convocation House, and the Commons make use of the Theatre. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 415, No. 11.]
Jan. 20.
Whitehall.
Declaration of the King's pleasure, after reciting he had declared some time since that John Standish, D.D., one of his chaplains in ordinary, should have the prebend first vacant in the Chapel Royal, Windsor, which however on the death of Dr. Milward he had thought fit to grant to Dr. Spratt, that the said John Standish shall have the first vacant canonry or prebend either in the said Chapel Royal or in Canterbury Cathedral and further that caveats be entered in all the offices concerned to prevent any warrant being offered for the King's signature for granting either of the said prebends or canonries that shall first become void to any other person. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 57, p. 32.]
Jan. 20. — to Sir Francis Radclyffe at Dilston. This morning Lord Morpeth went towards the North to fortify Carlisle. The City frets and those about Westminster and Charing Cross are ready to eat their nails for anger that the parliament must meet at Oxford, but I believe there is none so foolhardy as to offer to rise. They lay their hands on their mouths and, it may be, wish well to a rebellion, but they dare not speak their thoughts. Lord Salisbury has begged leave to absent himself from the Council. Libels are now crawling forth apace, Vox Populi, &c., Scroggs Bellowing and a satire against Mr. R. L[Estrange]s and many such things not worthy your sight. The wind has been long cross, but we have had of late a southerly wind, so that I believe your son's man is now nearer Dilston than London. [Admiralty, Greenwich Hospital 1, No. 80.]
Jan. 21.
Whitehall.
Order in Council, on the petition of John Eyre and Robert Tigh, merchants, setting forth that they are the King's subjects, but are now residing at Elsinore, and that they sold to some of the King of Sweden's subjects in the late wars considerable quantities of corn and other provisions, for which their debtors refuse to pay, pretending that the same were for the service of the Crown of Sweden and that, till they receive satisfaction from that Crown, they cannot pay the petitioners, and therefore praying that his Majesty would grant them his letter to the King of Sweden in their behalf; that Sir Leoline Jenkins prepare a letter for his Majesty's signature to the King of Sweden, to desire him to order his subjects to pay the petitioners their just debts, and that he also write to the Resident at Stockholm, requiring him to aid the petitioners in recovering their just debts. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 415, No. 12.]
Jan. 21.
Whitehall.
Order in Council. After reciting a report from the Committee for Trade, which was this day made on a memorial from the Dutch ambassadors dated 16-26 Dec. last, insisting that the islands of St. Eustace and Saba may be restored to the States General, from whom they were taken in the late war: that Secretary Jenkins acquaint the said ambassadors that, his Majesty having in pursuance of a former memorial commanded the Governor of the Leeward Islands to send an account of the condition of the said islands of St. Eustace and Saba that the sixth article of the late treaty of peace might be fully complied with, he has answered that he has been at the charge of 100l. and 50 muskets in keeping the said islands, whereof his Majesty expects the reimbursement, since (besides the considerable improvement they have received by the English) he was ready to restore them on the conclusion of peace, if they had been demanded, which, 'tis conceived, was not done, lest the French should have possessed themselves of them, whereon he will immediately give orders for their restitution, and Secretary Jenkins is further directed to prepare orders for the King's signature to the Governor of the Leeward Islands to make restitution of St. Eustace and Saba to the States General in the condition they shall be in at the receipt of the said orders. [2 pages. Ibid. No. 13.]
Jan. 21.
Whitehall.
Order in Council, referring to the Committee for Trade the petition of Sir Thomas Allen and other merchants, complaining that, notwithstanding the Act of Parliament for encouragement of the Greenland Fishery, imposing a duty of 9l. per tun on any foreign oil imported, licences have been granted for importing seal and other Russian oil, paying only 6s. per tun, and praying their discontinuance. [Ibid. No. 14.] Annexed,
William Blathwayt to [Henry Guy]. The Committee for Trade request the opinion of the Commissioners for Customs on the duties on oils. Jan. 22. Whitehall. [Ibid. No. 14 i.]
Jan. 21.
Whitehall.
Reference to the Lord Lieutenant of the petition of Edmund Morress for an order to the Attorney-General in Ireland to respite all proceedings on an information against him in the King's Bench, till his appeal be heard and determined in Parliament, with direction to him to order the respite of all proceedings, as desired, if he shall think fit or else to report his opinion. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 55, p. 101.]
Jan. 21. Secretary Jenkins to Philip Warwick. This night a commission passed the King's signature and will pass the Great Seal to-morrow to enable you to treat with that Crown on the business of commerce. His Majesty and all my lords are very well satisfied with your conduct and are of opinion that the adventure you make is for the public good and therefore that it ought to be made good to you, whatever the event prove to be. This was the result of reading your letters of 15 and 22 Dec., since which we have none from you. You will take notice that your tariff there is arbitrary, ours here is settled by law and unalterable; therefore, to secure our merchants there from being overcharged beyond anything that we can by law impose on them here, the constitution of the customs there is to be weighed very well and our customs (I mean those we pay) are to be fixed on some elder tariff, if that may be, beyond which the goods are not to pass. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 68, p. 421.]
Jan. 21.
Edinburgh.
Proclamation banishing all the students of Edinburgh College 15 miles from the town. (Printed in Wodrow, Vol. III, p. 346.) [S.P. Dom., Various 12, p. 411a.]
Jan. 22.
Boston.
Nathaniel Smyth, clerk of the peace, to the Earl of Lindsey, Custos rotulorum. We are at great inconvenience in the parts of Holland, especially in Elloe, for want of justices. No session has been held at Spalding since July last, so the gaol there is full of malefactors and no gaol delivery is held to punish or discharge them. Many persons of good understanding and credit complain that the country is dealt very strangely with, that active and useful magistrates should be left out of the commission, who were ready to serve, and others put in their rooms, who refuse to be sworn and consequently to act. I do not move this as my private complaint, but I think it my duty to declare the same to you. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 415, No. 15.]
Jan. 22.
Chester.
Sir Geoffrey Shakerley to Sir Leoline Jenkins. I obeyed the order by disbanding the foot company then under my command at Chester Castle, reserving only one master gunner and two other gunners and I have preserved the stores and arms in the castle, but the master gunner, to whose custody I committed the stores and arms, refuses obedience to my commands, and he and his son, one of the other gunners, being of most pernicious and factious principles, I desire you to acquaint his Majesty therewith and that I desire to know his pleasure concerning their removal and placing others in their room, for in these dangerous times I conceive them not qualified, and I likewise desire to know if it be his Majesty's pleasure that I retain the power I had of the said castle and lodging rooms therein as when I had the company. If he shall think fit to regarrison the castle, I humbly desire he will retain for me that place in his thoughts, which I shall always study to preserve. I'm sorry we have had such ill luck in choosing members. [Ibid. No. 16.]
Jan. 22.
Whitehall.
The King to the Duke of Newcastle, Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland. Whereas we have received information that Donald Cargill, Thomas Douglas, David Williamson, — Kemp and others their complices, who are declared rebels in and fugitives from Scotland, having committed many notorious treasons there, have fled out of that kingdom and are come within the borders of England, where they endeavour to draw our English subjects into the like rebellion, for prevention thereof we require you to take all lawful ways to find out and apprehend the said persons and, finding them to be natural born subjects of Scotland and to be demanded by any of the magistrates or officers there in order to bring them to justice, to deliver them up at such convenient place on the Borders that they may be received by the said magistrates or officers and kept in safe custody, till they can be brought to trial. [2 pages. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 51, f. 381.]
Jan. 22.
Whitehall.
Warrant for a grant of the dignity of a baron of England to Edward Noel, eldest son of Viscount Campden, by the title of Edward, Lord Noel, Baron of Titchfield, in the county of Southampton, and the heirs male of his body. [Ibid. f. 382.]
Jan. 22.
Whitehall.
The King to the Lord Lieutenant. Warrant at the suit of Redmond Barrey of Rathcormick in the barony of Barrymore, co. Cork, for empowering the inhabitants and freeholders of the said town, which has heretofore been created a manor with court leet and court baron and the other usual privileges of a manor, to send two burgesses to Parliament. [S.P. Dom., Signet Office, Vol. 10, p. 500.]
Jan. 23.
[Received.]
David Fitzgerald to Sir Leoline Jenkins. Last night my man brought some trouble on me, but by your assistance I came off without any prejudice. I would have waited on you, only that I wait for Mr. Heynes, who promised to meet me this afternoon. I doubt not to have him speedily to give his own account before you, and beg in the meantime that no trouble come on him, while he communicates with me. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 415, No. 17.]
Jan. 23.
Whitehall.
Warrant to Nicholas Johnson, Paymaster-General of the Guards and Garrisons, for payment out of the moneys for contingent uses to Thomas Silver, master gunner, of 16l. for fire and candle for the gunners attending as well the guns in Whitehall as those in St. James's Park to 31 Dec., 1680. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 59, p. 85.]
Jan. 23.
Whitehall.
Warrant to the same for payment out of the moneys for contingent uses to John Mountsteven of 36l. 16s. for 3 months from 1 Oct. to 31 Dec., 1680, being 92 days at 8s. per diem, allowed him in consideration of his attendance on the business relating to the forces. [Ibid.]
Jan. 23.
9 p.m.
Secretary Jenkins to the Lord Mayor. It is but just now I have had the opportunity to move his Majesty on the subject matter of your letter to me of this day. It was his pleasure that I should move him again to-morrow in Council, which is to sit at 3. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 62, p. 126.]
Jan 24.
Chester.
Peter Shakerley to Sir Leoline Jenkins. Enclosing a copy of the order for disbanding the foot company late at Chester, which should have been sent in his father's letter.—My father desires you will at your earliest leisure let him know his Majesty's pleasure concerning the two gunners. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 415, No. 18.]
Jan. 24. Secretary Jenkins to the Earl of Middleton. I thank you for yours of the 4th. Count de Thun told me last night that his Majesty has given him assurance that the new Parliament shall sit at the day appointed, 21 March. The foreign ministers pressed to have this declaration made them, which one would have thought superfluous after his Majesty had issued his writs to that effect, as well as his proclamation on dissolving the last Parliament. I am sorry to see his allies show a distrust of him. This may seem to give some colour to the jealousy of his subjects. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 64, p. 58.]
Jan. 24.
Antrim near Dublin (sic).
Viscount Massereene to Sir Leoline Jenkins. I hear my son-inlaw, Sir Charles Hoghton, one of the members for Lancashire, has been charged for writing something very reflective and, albeit the story carries as much contradiction to truth in itself as to this gentleman's character, yet, as none more nearly resents anything that may render him unacceptable to his Majesty, to whose predecessors many of his ancient family have been serviceable and by King James owned to be related, I (without his knowledge) request you to move his Majesty that he may be vindicated from this unjust aspersion. I return my humble thanks for your furtherance of his private Bill, to which his Majesty gave his assent, and may not omit to recount with a grateful and affectionate resentment the memory of our old friend, the late Archbishop of Canterbury, now at rest, whose kindness I want every day in my present distance from Court. I beg, when Mr. Cooke shall recommend any of my concerns now depending, you will mention them and me with advantage to his Majesty. [S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 342, No. 2.]
Jan. 25.
Whitehall.
The King to Timothy Halton, D.D., Provost of Queen's College and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford. Having issued writs to summon a Parliament, and Oxford being the place appointed for it, where we intend to meet it on 21 March, we acquaint you therewith and by your means the Governors of the Colleges and Halls, that you and they may timely and decently dispose of all things the best that may be for our service, particularly for the reception and convenience of so great an assembly as must come together, wherever the Parliament meets. In the first place we think it necessary that you, with the Heads of the Colleges and Halls, prepare the younger students and all such as have no share in the public exercises or other services of the University to retire thence and dispose of themselves as may best suit with their private conveniences, and we shall have their absence so dispensed with that their time shall be fully reckoned to them in order to their degrees. To the end that you may be the better assisted and directed in what will be your part to do for our accommodation there, we have given in charge to the Earl of Arlington, Lord Chamberlain of the Household, to provide in the first place what accommodations may be had for our own Court and that of the Queen in Christ Church, Merton and Corpus, where we and the attendants on both Courts have been formerly accommodated to our content. We have likewise recommended to his care to provide for the Privy Council in the most convenient manner possible for their more immediate attendance on us and our service. We have also recommended to him to make the best provision he can for the lodging of such foreign ambassadors and ministers as shall desire to be near us at the meeting of Parliament. When our own Court and the Queen's and the Privy Counsellors and foreign ministers are provided for, we leave it to you and to the Governors of the Colleges and Halls and to the members of the respective societies, to whom it shall appertain, to dispose of the rest of the conveniences in the University to such members of both Houses as will accept of such accommodation as the Colleges and Halls will afford, not doubting but that you and the said Governors will be able to accommodate a much greater number of the members and more to their content, when it is left to yourselves to invite such who have been formerly members of your Colleges or have some relation or friend that will dispose them to take in good part what you shall be able to do on such an exigency for their accommodations. As to the rooms where we intend the two Houses shall sit, we have given special instructions to the Surveyor General, whom we have appointed speedily to repair to Oxford, that they may be fitted and put in readiness for receiving the Parliament, and we have ordered him to communicate to you our resolutions and directions, that he may be assisted by you as occasion may require. Lastly, as we assure ourselves that our presence and residence in that our University will now meet, as it has always done, with all demonstrations of duty and affections to us, so we shall lay hold on all occasions to extend our favour and protection thereto as to a place and a body of men that have always manifested zeal for the true Protestant religion as established by law and on all occasions showed their inviolable fidelity to our father and ourself. [3 pages. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 53, p. 536.]
Jan. 25.
Whitehall.
Warrant to Nicholas Johnson, Paymaster-General of the Guards and Garrisons, for payment out of the moneys for contingent uses to Lord Alington, Constable of the Tower, of 8l. 13s. 3d. due to him for so much disbursed for fire and candle for three companies of the Guards in the Tower. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 59, p. 88.]
Jan. 25.
Whitehall.
Secretary Jenkins to the Lord Mayor. Last night I produced your letter, received on Sunday, to the Council. After reading it and the enclosed order of the House of Lords, they found on inquiry that the persons mentioned in your letter were already put into a way of examination and their lordships will, as soon as they receive an account from the Justices, to whom they have committed that affair, resolve what to do as to interceding with his Majesty for a pardon to such of them as shall need it. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 62, p. 126.]
Jan. 26.
Causy Park.
William Ogle to the Duke of Newcastle. Last night I had certain information of a conventicle at Crookham, the 23rd instant. They were about 200 men and women. The preacher's name is Lawther, and I hear he comes [sou]thward. I shall take all the care I can to prevent his unlawful proceedings. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 415, No. 19.]
Jan. 26. Commission to Francis Edwards to be ensign to Sir Samuel Clarke's company in Col. John Russell's regiment of Guards. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 29, p. 365.]
Jan. 26.
Whitehall.
Dispensation to Roger Price, High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, to go out of his county. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 51, f. 382.]
Jan. 26.
Whitehall.
Warrant for a grant of incorporation of the inhabitants of Chipping Sodbury, Gloucestershire, by the name of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the said town, they having represented that the said town is very large, consisting of above 1,000 inhabitants, and was anciently incorporated, but that in the late troubles divers charters to them had been lost or embezzled, and those that remain are much obliterated. [Ibid. f. 383.] Annexed,
The Heads of the said Charter. [2½ pages. Ibid. f. 384.]
Jan. 26.
Whitehall.
Warrant to Anthony Bynnes, messenger, oath having been made in the Court of King's Bench that Sir Robert Peyton yesterday went into the chamber of William Williams, Speaker of the late House of Commons, and used certain words by way of demanding satisfaction of the said Williams, which were apprehended to be a challenge, for searching for the said Sir Robert Peyton and taking him into custody when found, and for bringing him before his Majesty in Council to answer to what shall be objected against him. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 54, p. 55.]
Jan. 26. Warrant to Nicholas Johnson, Paymaster-General of the Guards and Garrisons, after reciting that 1s. per diem has been allowed to Sir John Holmes, Governor of Hurst Castle, for fire and candle for the guard there, which has been paid to 1 January, 1680[–1], exclusive, for making and sending at the end of every muster from that day debentures or certificates for the said allowance, that thereupon warrants may be issued for the payment thereof. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 59, p. 88.]
Jan. 26.
Whitehall.
Warrant to the same for payment out of the moneys for contingent uses to Adam Locket of 90l. in full satisfaction for meat and drink for the officers of the three troops of horse guards that were in waiting from 1 May, 1680, inclusive to 1 January following, exclusive, being 245 days at 8s. per diem. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 59, p. 89.]
Jan. 26.
Whitehall.
Warrant to the same for payment to James Bridgman of 61l. as of the King's bounty for special service. [Ibid.]
Jan. 26.
Whitehall.
Warrant to the same for payment out of the moneys for contingent uses to Matthew Ingram, quarter-master of the Coldstream regiment, of 50l. 9s. 3d. due to him for so much disbursed by him for the service of the said regiment from 21 —, 1678, to 10 January, 1680[–1]. [Ibid. p. 90.]
Jan. 26.
Whitehall.
The King to the Lord Lieutenant. Warrant for payment to John and Blanch Roche, children of Maurice, late Viscount du Rupe and Fermoy, in consideration of the loyalty and losses of their father, of their pension of 200l. per annum, payment of which had been suspended, but with a proviso that the King's favour for so great objects of his charity and compassion be not drawn into consequence or extended to any others hereafter. [S.P. Dom., Signet Office, Vol. 10, p. 501.]
Jan. 26.
Whitehall.
The King to the Lord Lieutenant. Warrant, after reciting that Richard Lobb obtained 18 Dec., 1668, a certificate under the hands and seals of the late Commissioners for executing the Acts of Settlement and Explanation for several lands therein mentioned adjudged to belong to him and his heirs, to be held under the several yearly rents payable thereout, which are now in charge, and that, the said original certificate being lost, the said Lobb is not able to pass letters patent of the said lands, and therefore desires to pass letters patent on an attested copy of the said certificate, and a report of the Solicitor-General of Ireland, with which the Lord Lieutenant agrees, in favour of the petitioner; for causing letters patent to be passed to the said Richard Lobb and his heirs on an attested copy of the said certificate according to the tenor of the entry thereof in the office of the Chief Remembrancer of the Exchequer without producing the original certificate and that such rents be thereby reserved as are now in charge. [Ibid.]
Jan. 27. Memorandum of the answer of the Earl of Essex. His Majesty commanded me to wait on the Earl and tell him that, his Majesty having observed in the petition presented by him last Tuesday, it was said that there were too many Papists crept into his Majesty's guards, he, looking on that as an information in a matter of fact, desired to know from him who those Papists were and where they might be found, he being resolved to purge his guards of them, if any such were to be found among them. His lordship's answer was, that in the petition of the Lords he had presented the expression was "of Papists and their adherents," and that in the ordinary grammatical construction the words " of whom" were to be applied to the last antecedent, which was "adherents," and we, said he, understand those that have been promoted by the Duke of York to be adherents to Papists, because they are adherents to him, who is the head of Popery in England. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 415, No. 20.]
Jan. 27.
London.
Monsr. Du Cros to [Sir Leoline Jenkins]. During the nearly six years that I have been employed at his Majesty's Court, I never felt a more sensible joy than when his Majesty, in making you Secretary of State, entrusted you with the affairs of the North and Germany. I knew his Majesty could do nothing more agreeable to the King of Sweden and his Most Serene Highness, my master, who both, having had for a very long time a very high opinion of your prudence and integrity, hoped that in future their affairs and their ministers would be under your direction and protection. They will doubtless be very sorry to learn the change that is going to be made, according to what I am told, and I in my own capacity am the more grieved at it, as I relied with entire confidence on your kindness as regards the favours and expeditions, which I was expecting before my departure from his Majesty's generosity and your good offices. (Explaining that he is writing, having been unable to find an opportunity of speaking to him.) I beg, before his Majesty gives to another the direction of the affairs of Germany and the North, you will kindly procure me a favourable expedition and obtain from the King the favour you kindly promised to ask for me. I have always had so ardent a passion for the prosperity and glory of his Majesty and have always so carefully sought for opportunities of giving him proofs of my respect and obedience, that I venture to promise myself he will not refuse what you shall please to ask of him in my favour. I shall continue to render my very humble services to his Majesty in Germany and in Sweden and everywhere else I shall be, with the same fidelity as if I had been his minister. Add, if you please, that my wife's father commanded in his Majesty's armies and lost his property and his head in defence of the Crown, and that hitherto she has never troubled the King for any recompense. I am overwhelmed with debts, and shall be in despair at being obliged to leave without satisfying them. [French. 3 pages. Ibid. No. 21.]
Jan. 27.
Whitehall.
Secretary Jenkins to Sir Geoffrey Shakerley, Governor of Chester Castle. His Majesty has seen your letter to me. The rooms in the Castle he leaves to you, as you now enjoy them, and you stand fair in his eye for the future, if things fall out as you put the case; but as for the two gunners, he referred me to the Ordnance Commissioners: 'tis they that turn out and put in that sort of men. In the other matter he approves of your affection and zeal. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 62, p. 127.]
Jan. 27.
Whitehall.
The King to Col. Edward Sackville, commander-in-chief of the forces at Tangier. Signifying his pleasure that he give leave in writing to Capt. Thomas Langston, captain of a troop in the garrison of Tangier, who was wounded in the late engagement against the Moors, whereby he is in danger of losing the use of his leg, unless he may be where he may have proper remedies, to return to England and continue there in order to his cure, and he is to be allowed and passed on the musters during his absence. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 65,p. 50.]
Jan. 27.
Whitehall.
Commission to Francis Collingwood to be captain of the company late Capt. John Richardson's in the Holland regiment. Minute, [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 164, p. 60.]
Jan. 27.
Whitehall.
Warrant for a grant to Prince Rupert, the Duke of Lauderdale, the Earl of Moray, Sir George Lockhart, Advocate, and Col. William Borthwick, of all mines, metals, and minerals whatsoever belonging to his Majesty already found, wrought or discovered, or that shall be found in any part of Scotland, for 19 years from the date thereof, inhibiting all persons whatever to make any impediment, molestation or trouble thereto on pretence of any interest of property, life rent, servitude or other right whatever, the persons above mentioned giving always reasonable satisfaction to the heretors or possessors for any prejudice they suffer by breaking of their grounds, with an exemption from all customs, bullion, shore duties or other dues for any metals or minerals either refined or otherwise, and ordaining that the servants, miners and others employed by them shall be free from all stents, taxations, impositions, watching and warding, and that it shall not be lawful for them to withdraw from the use of the said works nor for any others to entertain them in their service under the pains in the Acts made against the detainers and employers of colliers, they paying yearly to his Majesty one tenth of the free profit of all mines, metals and minerals to be wrought by them as the same are laid upon the ground, with a proviso that, if they shall forbear to make any use of this patent for three years after the date thereof without searching for the said mines, metals and minerals, the present gift shall be null and void. [Docquet. 2pages. S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 6, p. 251.]
Jan. 27.
Whitehall.
The King to the Duke of Rothes, Chancellor, and the Privy Council of Scotland. Warrant for granting a warrant for recruiting 150 men who are wanting to complete the five companies of the Earl of Dumbarton's foot regiment, which are serving in Ireland. [Ibid. p. 253.]
Jan. 27.
Whitehall.
Warrant for a charter to Sir Robert Nairne of the lands and barony of Strathurd and other lands. (The purport fully appears from the ratification printed in The Acts of the Parliament of Scotland, Vol. VIII, p. 437.) [Nearly 2 pages. Docquet. Ibid. p. 254.]
Jan. 27.
Whitehall.
Warrant for a grant to Sir Robert Nairne, one of the Senators of the College of Justice, and after his decease to Sir George Murray, youngest son to the Marquess of Atholl, and the heirs to be procreate betwixt him and Margaret, only daughter to the said Sir Robert, which failing, to any other of the sons of the said Marquess, whom she shall marry, and to the heirs betwixt them, succeeding to the said Sir Robert's lands and estate, of the dignity of Lord Nairne. [Over 2 pages. S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 6, p. 256.]
Jan. 27.
Whitehall.
Warrant for the presentation of James Carnegy, minister at Rogertoune, to be minister at the church of Barrie in the diocese of St. Andrews. [Docquet. Ibid. p. 259.]
Jan. 27.
Whitehall.
Memorials of protection in the ordinary form to— Bruce of Balfoules and — Mackenzie younger of Suddie for two years respectively. [Ibid. p. 260.]
Jan. 28.
Whitehall.
Order in Council, on the petition of William Nutt and Samuel Sowton, merchants, setting forth that, having for many years supplied his Majesty's yards with naval stores, they traded with the surplus of such stores into Spain, where Sir James Cuningham, his Majesty's natural born subject, but since made a gentleman of Spain, traded with Edward Ford, the petitioners' correspondent at Cadiz, for such stores and other goods of a very considerable value, and that, since Ford's decease they have not been able to bring Cuningham to settle an account and payment thereon, and therefore praying his Majesty not only to recommend their case to the Spanish ambassador here, but also to grant them his letter to his minister in Spain to treat with the said Cuningham about the settling and payment of the said debts, and, if unsuccessful, to address the Court of Spain for the recovery of the same, and the taking off Cuningham's protection, that the petitioners may be enabled to prosecute their right there by law; that Sir Leoline Jenkins prepare a letter for his Majesty's signature directing Sir Henry Goodrick, Envoy Extraordinary in Spain, to treat with Cuningham and, if unsuccessful, to present in his Majesty's name to the Court of Spain memorials requisite to take off the protection of the said Cuningham, so that the petitioners may be enabled to prosecute their right by law, and that he also desire the Spanish ambassador here to mediate in behalf of the petitioners. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 415, No. 22.]
A French translation of the above. [Ibid. No. 23.]
Jan. 28.
Whitehall.
Warrant for a commission to Christopher, Duke of Albemarle, to be lord lieutenant of Wiltshire, jointly and severally with Philip, Earl of Pembroke, who is unable, by reason of absence and otherwise, to attend that service. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 29, p. 366.]
Jan. 28.
Whitehall.
Warrant for a commission to John, Earl of Bridgwater, to be lord lieutenant of Hertfordshire, in place of Arthur, Earl of Essex. [Ibid. p. 367.]
Jan. 28.
Whitehall.
Pass to Simon Laurance, who has been in England with a present of hawks sent to his Majesty from the Duke of Courland and is now returning home. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book51,f. 382.]
Jan. 28.
Whitehall.
Warrant for a grant of the dignity of a baron of Ireland by the title of Baron Altham of Altham, co. Cork, to Altham Annesley, second son of Arthur, Earl of Anglesey, and the heirs male of his body, with remainder to Richard, Arthur, and Charles Annesley, younger sons of the said Earl, and the heirs male of their respective bodies successively. [Ibid. f. 383.]
[Jan. ?] John Jones, apothecary in ordinary to the King. Petition for a gift of the canonry of Christ Church, Oxford, likely to be void by the death of Dr. Allestree, to his son, John Jones, who was a King's Westminster scholar, and was elected on the royal foundation of Christ Church, Oxford, and is now one of the senior masters of the College, and B.D., and has been senior proctor of the University. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 415, No. 24.]
Jan. 28.
Whitehall.
Warrant for a grant to Anthony Ratcliffe, M.A., of a canonry at Christ Church, Oxford, in the room of Dr. Richard Allestree, deceased. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 53, p. 44.]
Jan. 29.
Bristol.
Joseph Tite to [? Hugh Speke]. I have both yours with the enclosed to Mr. Amory; the first I delivered him myself, and sent the last. We are very active and doubt not but all these parts will come in unanimously. I have sent to Frome and Bridgwater, and had a meeting in town with a great many freeholders, who were at the fair here, by which means 'tis all over the county. I received a letter from Mr. Parker about it too on your father's behalf. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 415, No. 25.]
Jan. 29. Receipt by Francis Royley to Katherine Hide for a quarter's rent due the 22nd instant. (Written at the foot of a draft order by the Commissioners for Sequestrations, dated 27 Aug., 1659.) [Ibid. No. 26.]
Saturday, Jan. 29.
London.
Newsletter to Roger Gastrell, Newcastle. Letters received from Scotland yesterday say that his Royal Highness went last Monday on a progress into the Western parts, and that the Friday before the Earls of Mar and Linlithgow, Lord Haltoun and General Dalyell went for Stirling and Dunbarton to make the necessary preparations for his reception.
The same letters bring a proclamation of the Council, dated the 21st instant, for banishing all students of the University of Edinburgh and shutting up the gates thereof. (Then follows the substance of the proclamation, which is given in Wodrow, Vol. 3, p. 346.) The students say they intended nothing but burning the Pope in detestation of Popery &c. One of the students is ordered to be whipped by the common hangman.
The confluence of strangers to Edinburgh is great, which has caused the magistrates to command all persons to give in the names of their guests and obliged the best of the citizens to be some and some with the night and day guards, which are more numerous than ever, the people being under great fears of a design to burn that city, which fears are increased by their reflecting on the fate of other places.
Some more of the Irish witnesses have been examined, and their informations as to the Plot taken into Council, where they yesterday appeared and justified the same.
Sir Robert Peyton was examined at the Board as to what was mentioned in my last about the late Speaker, after which their lordships ordered him to be committed to the Tower.
The Lord Mayor has been for a few days and continues indisposed, so that the Common Council, which we expected yesterday, is put off till next week.
The writs for choosing members for the City came yesterday to the Sheriffs, and those for Southwark to the Bailiff.
The report in my last in relation to Mr. Seymour and Col. Russell is not confirmed.
We have had a report that a ship put into Montrose with 1,500 arms for the Marquess of Huntly. The letters from Scotland say it's altogether false, as are many other reports there spread by discontented persons.
To-day several others of the Irish witnesses were examined by the four justices, and their examinations will be reported next Council day. Tuesday next are summoned several witnesses for Hetherington to prove his complaints at the Board against David Fitzgerald, whom he accuses of several misdemeanours.
Sir William Waller and Sir William Poultney stand for Westminster. The former is chosen foreman of the grand jury at Westminster this term. Our old members stand again for the City, and I am just now informed the election will begin at the Guildhall next Friday.
To-day is come forth a half-sheet of paper subscribed L.S., which the author calls an Answer to the Earl of Essex's speech and his petition. It's supposed to be by Mr. Roger L'Estrange.
We have had for several days a report that the Duchess of Portsmouth has been making all preparations to go out of the kingdom, and it's said this night she went this afternoon. How true it is I yet know not, nor of another report that Mr. Seymour and the Hon. Laurence Hyde are made Barons.
To-night is come up from Hatfield an affidavit taken by Sir Joseph Jordan and Dr. Lee from Elizabeth Freeman, a maiden of about 30, which says a spirit appeared to her several times and the last time in the likeness of a lovely woman with a crown on her head, and told her, as the spirit had done before, that his Majesty would be poisoned 15 May next, with much other matters. [3 pages. Admiralty, Greenwich Hospital 1, No. 81.]
Jan. 30.
Whitehall.
Order in Council. A memorial of the Dutch Ambassador, dated the 20th instant, being read, complaining of the attempt and piracy committed by some of his Majesty's subjects on the Charity galliot belonging to subjects of the United Provinces, as she lay at anchor on this coast, and of the delays that have intervened, that the Lords of the Admiralty forthwith give order for the immediate discharge of the said galliot and for delivering her to her master without demanding any bail or security to answer any suit relating to her or the seizure of her. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 415, No. 27.]
Jan. 30.
Whitehall.
Warrant to the Clerk of the Signet to prepare a royal assent to and confirmation of the election of Robert Frampton, D.D., to be Bishop of Gloucester. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 53, p. 45.]
Jan. 30.
Whitehall.
Secretary Jenkins to Josiah Ricroft at Mile End. I did not answer your letter, which the bearer will produce to you, sooner, because I thought it necessary to send this gentleman, Mr. Melvin, to communicate with you on the whole matter, and I desire you to correspond with him, when you find it either not convenient or not worth while to write to me [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 62, p. 126.]
[Jan.] Statement by [Thomas Dare]. When the petition for the Parliament's sitting was promoting in Somerset, I met William Harrison and two others on the road, only Mr. Serle, a servant of Sir Robert Henley's, being in my company. Mr. Harrison said he wondered we should petition against a proclamation. I answered that the proclamation was against unlawful and tumultuous petitions, but this was not such, but according to the Act of 13 Car. II, but it was the design of the Papists, since petitioning was discouraged, to force the people to do anything that might look like rebellion, thereby to ease themselves of the plot and cast it on the Protestants and instanced the counter-plots that had been discovered, adding what I read in a sheet in favour of petitioning that Henry VIII told his subjects in arms against him in Yorkshire, that they ought not to have rebelled, but to have applied to him by petition, the subject having, as the King's words declared, but these two ways of redress. Mr. Harrison asked, suppose the King should not hear the petitions, must we rebel ? I answered, No, God forbid.
Out of this discourse some persons have picked out as criminal and thereon grounded an information to the Council and thence an indictment these words: That the subject has but two ways of redress, by petition or rebellion. At the assizes I was forced to a trial, being denied the liberty of traversing till Mr. Serle would be present. I was encouraged by counsel as well as friends from the Judge and the Bishop of Bath and Wells to submit and withdraw the plea, confessing I spoke the words but with no intent of sedition or rebellion. I was, notwithstanding, fined 500l. and committed till payment, and have continued a prisoner now near 10 months. (See last volume, pp. 427, 428.) [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 415, No. 28.]