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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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His Majesty has offered Dr. Frampton the vacant bishopric
of Gloucester, who by letter modestly excused himself from
accepting it. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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.] |