Volume G 253: December 1650 | British History Online

Calendar, Committee For Compounding: Part 1. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1889.

'Volume G 253: December 1650', in Calendar, Committee For Compounding: Part 1, (London, 1889) pp. 365-388. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/compounding-committee/pt1/pp365-388 [accessed 19 April 2024]

December 1650



Dec. 2.	Note of letters from the Commissioners of Haberdashers' Hall delivered to the six clerks of assize, by Wm. Hale, to be sent into the several counties of England. [G 64, p. 554.]
Dec. 2. Wells.	100. John Burgess and Hen. Mawde to the Committee for Compounding. You employed us as agent and clerk under the late commissioners for co. Somerset, and we desire that you would direct the present commissioners' continuance of us, unless there be any charge against us; this will conduce to the more effectual carrying on of the work in Bristol, we being able to give the present commissioners light in it. [1 page.]
Dec. 3.	Order of the Committee for Compounding, that the Salop Commissioners be heard in the afternoon.
	That John Browne and Chas. Langford, two of them, be fined 20l. each for neglecting to bring in their accounts, which they are to do within a month; meantime they are suspended from acting.
	Order on hearing the charge by Edm. Kendrick against the commissioners of co. Salop, and theirs against him, that he be discharged from acting as their agent; but that on making up his accounts, he receive what is due for the time that he has acted. [G 10, pp. 237, 238.]
	Order on hearing of the Governor of Hereford, and on a letter from Mat. Barrow of Hereford, that Capt. John Herring of Holmer be appointed one of the county sequestration commissioners. [G 12, p. 52.]
Dec. 3.	Committee for Compounding to the Committee for co. Bucks. Complaint is made to us that you do not perform our orders and those of Parliament, for felling and selling 3,000l. worth of wood on the Duke of Buckingham's estate, 1,500l. of which was ordered for Col. Whichcott, the governor of Windsor Castle, and the rest towards pay of the horse forces in the county, and that you pretend an order taking off the former order. If you have it, send us a copy; if not, perform the former order speedily. Col. Whichcott to have a copy of this letter. [G 10, p. 237; 12, p. 51.]
Dec. 3.	Petition of Luke Voyce of Ely, late sequestrator in co. Cambridge and the Isle of Ely, to the Committee for Compounding. Information being brought against him by Edm. Scotton, and he unable without great charge to clear himself before them, his evidences being so remote, begs an order to the county committee, and to Capt. John Garland and 2 others, to consider the business and take examinations, and appoint a meeting in the Isle of Ely. [G 126, p. 559.]
Dec. 4.	Order of the Committee for Compounding, that all orders for examination of witnesses against delinquents and on behalf of the defendants, and also for cross-examination, be granted in course, but no third commission without further order.
	That the committee will hear only cases referring to the Act for extents and mortgages, and votes relating to 24 November, next Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and will sit on Friday on the 20th part.
	Auditor Sherwin to prepare and transmit a list of delinquents.
	The county committees in all contracts and leases to tie the tenants to as strict covenants as private persons do, according to the custom of the counties, for preservation of the estates; and all contracts and leases made contrary to instructions to be void. [G 13, p. 33.]
Dec. 4. Stafford.	101. County Committee for Stafford to the Committee for Compounding. We have at last received the imperfect duplicate enclosed from the old committee, and to-morrow we expect their treasurer's books, and their clerk's notes, which shall also be transmitted to you. We will observe your directions as to sending our letters, and are afraid there have been too many miscarriages, as we sent an answer to yours about horses and other charges allowed out of sequestration money for the militia. Notes of cases.
	We have only received about 1,000l. of the 3,000l. rents, which we are fetching in with the aid of our agents and soldiers, with all the speed we can. We have discoveries of some that have compounded at undervalues, and others that have not been sequestered, but some decline to discover until some allowance is provided for them. [1 page.]
Dec. 4. Penrith.	102. County Committee for Cumberland to the Committee for Compounding. In yours of the 22nd ult., you desire that our agent or some other trusty person may be appointed to attend the postmaster here for letters transmitted from you. No letters from or to us delivered to the postmaster at Carlisle miscarry, but how they may be handled by the way we know not. We have been informed by Sir Arth. Hesilrigge and the other commissioners at Newcastle, that the moneys in arrear for sequestrations till 25 March last in the four Northern counties are allowed by Parliament to the counties, in respect of the great detriment they have sustained by the armies and forces for years past quartered upon them.
	Our accounts for this year we cannot return until Candlemas, the latter payment for sequestrations not accruing until then; by that time we hope they will be perfected, and the whole sum due for sequestrations paid. Our employments upon considerable discoveries have been so great that the Martinmas rents cannot as yet be gathered in, but by our next we hope to return you 500l., with the depositions upon such discoveries, and our proceedings therein.
	When we send letters requesting your resolution in any matter of doubt, we beg an immediate answer, the want whereof renders our actings ineffectual and confused. Particulars of cases.
	With a marginal note of reply, 20 Jan. 1651, that Parliament did grant the fines to the four Northern counties till the Act of 25 Jan. 1650, when it was ordered that all due since December 1649 should be paid to the treasurers at Goldsmiths' Hall, and therefore the Committee for Compounding will expect a particular account of the authority by which any money has been paid, and how much has been paid in the whole. [¾ page; also G 30, p. 459.]
Dec. 5.	Order of the Committee for Compounding that letters be sent to the commissioners for cos. Brecon, Monmouth, and Glamorgan, to certify how the profits of the rectories belonging to the Earl of Worcester's estate have been disposed of.
	Major Jos. Rigby summoned to attend to-morrow, Thos. Duckworth, high sheriff of co. Lancaster, to be present.
	Order on motion of Maccabaeus Hollis, in behalf of the late committee for Kingston-on-Hull,—that on account of their distance, age, and infirmities, some persons of quality in Hull might take their accounts;—that two of the present commissioners for co. York, Fras. Dewick, now mayor of Hull, and Maccabaeus Hollis, merchant, take the said accounts, and return them up with speed. [G 12, p. 55; also 92, p. 381.]
	Order that Peter Ambrose, Sequestration agent of co. Lancaster, bring in his accounts within 2 months. [G 10, pp. 249, 251.]
	Order that all resolves touching general matters be entered into a book by themselves.
	That a copy of the report be sent with all orders made on reports for allowance of deeds, leases, statutes, judgments, &c.
	That an attested copy of the report whereon any order is made be sent to the commissioners or others concerned. [G 13, pp. 32, 35.]
	Orders about commissions for examining witnesses against delinquents, and for the hearing of cases referring to the Act for extents, &c., as on the preceding page.
	Order on an order given of 3 Nov. of the Committee for sale of delinquents' estates,—that the Committee for Compounding return a list of those who have refused or neglected their compositions, or are incapable of compounding, giving the places and titles of delinquents, in order that one man may not be injured by another's misdoing;—that Mr. Sherwin prepare a list accordingly. [G 36, pp. 15, 17; also 118, p. 217.]
Dec. 6.	Orders in the Committee for Compounding that Mr. Leech search his books for all orders charging the Treasury with payments, that they may be entered with the auditor. [G 13, p. 33.]
Dec. 6. Exeter.	103. John Serle to the Committee for Compounding. I have long waited for your resolves touching the just scruples that have lain upon me, but never had a reply; yet I have kept on the work, though not with cheerfulness, for want of your encouragement; and how to proceed further I know not, unless better satisfied. Capt. Wotton never appearing, Mr. Dore and Major Pearse declining the service, and Mr. Clapp being in London, I am forced to represent this week's transactions singly.
	I gave the best satisfaction I could to such as attended according to order, and prepared all things for the next meeting and Mr. Clapp's return. The receipts have been from Edm. Tremayne's estate, 5l. 19s. 9d.; from Thomas March, a Papist, 18l. 5s. 0d., and Edm. Reynell 150l., and some accounts have been brought in from the agents of the late County Committee by Mr. Rowe, their secretary, but nothing according to the Act of their proceedings, nor any proofs or informations, and nothing until last night from the City of Exeter.
	They do not answer their duty according to the Act, and if such liberty be given for them to deliver and reserve what they please, and when they please, you cannot expect such account of the service from us as is necessary to your work.
	Our orders are out to the agent for levying the penalties, which is all we can do, and we have called upon those of the city and county for the enemies' indictments and presentments against the well-affected, which are very useful for discoveries, but can get nothing.
	You have had an account of all the receipts here, but the transactions of the old committee and their agents are such that, in accounting with their tenants for the Michaelmas rents, it is hard in many cases to save the Commonwealth from being indebted to them, and the exactness now used is accounted severity. Only Mr. Sanders and the committee's clerk in Exeter, and Mr. Rowe, the clerk to the county committee, have brought in such papers as they please, but nothing else from any of the rest, either in city or county. Your order as to 3rds to Papists and 5ths to delinquents shall be obeyed.
	Notes on particular cases. [1 page.]
[Dec. 6.]	Committee for Compounding to Mr. Serle. Mr. Clapp has been with us, and has returned with instructions which we hope will satisfy you. We thank you for your care and prudence during the unsettledness of the business in your county, and hope that you will now settle to work, and that we shall shortly see good fruits of your labours. [G 30, p. 33.]
Dec. 6.	104. Queries from the County Committee for Kent to the Committee for Compounding.
	1. Whether anyone has appeared for taking off the sequestration from the estate of [George] Browne, a Papist, called Wickham Brux?
	2. Whether the woods of Papists and delinquents which are fellable are to be sold, and whether by the acre, or by hiring workmen to cut it out as it lies for a market; the Papists having woods are Mr. Browne and Mrs. Dorrell of Scotney, and the delinquents are Sir George Mills, [Edw.] Masters of Willesbrough, and [Rich.] Thornhill.
	3. What has been done about the returns of new delinquents lately sequestered by the said commissioners ?
	4. What is to be done about Mrs. Dorrell, whose tenants have several times been warned to pay their rents, but have not appeared ?
	5. What is to be done about Lady Neville, a Papist's estate? Mr. Hauton, of Mavill [Mayfield] on Sussex, has received all her rents upon the composition made with the Prince Elector's Committee, but neither comes to pay in his composition to us, which was due 29 Sept. last, nor pays it to the treasury at Goldsmiths' Hall.
	6. Allowance is wanted for another agent, and if we must proceed upon the new delinquents, more agents must be allowed, or the work will be slowly carried on.
	7. That Jonathan Tilecote may be appointed agent for us in London, to bring and receive letters, despatches, &c., with a salary.
	With marginal notes of reply 12 Dec., being directions in particular cases. The underwoods are to be sold to the best advantage, allowing recusants ⅓ of their profits. The rents are to be levied by distress on the tenants of Mrs. Dorrell, or any other who refuse to pay. Nothing has yet been done about the new delinquents. They may employ further agents, but the salaries to all not to exceed 8s. a day. Wm. Dawkes, bailiff, is summoned to answer the complaint against him for distraining Hen. Masters, tenant to Petham Court, Finsford parish, sequestered from Sir Thos. Bosvile, and care shall be taken to prevent such disturbances. [¾ page; also G 30, p. 191.]
[Dec. 6?]	105. Proposals from the County Committee for Kent to the Committee for Compounding.
	1. To have a list of such as have compounded for mortgages or extents upon sequestered estates, according to the late Act. [When it can be perfected.]
	2. Whether Sir George Sands compounded for his Ladyday rents for 1650, his discharge dated 25 June 1650 not mentioning from what time his estate would be discharged; also whether his fine were for his old or new delinquency, being set before he was capable of being sequestered for the last. [The registrar to report the matter of fact.]
	3. Sir John Mayne of Linton was fined for his first delinquency by the county committee 1,600l., but paid only half, and for delinquency in 1648 he was fined by the commissioners at Goldsmiths' Hall 900l., and it being supposed that the arrears of his former fine were included in the 900l., the Commonwealth has lost 800l. [The particulars upon his composition to be seen.]
	4. What to do with parks, whether to dispark them or not; if not, the State has no benefit by them; and if disparked, one park may be worth near 100l. a year. [Let them to the best advantage.]
	5. John Poole of the Inner Temple had a judgment upon Mr. Thornhill's estate for 187l. 10s. 0d. and has levied 28l. 15s. 0d. over and above such amount. [To take care that the overplus is received for the State.]
	6. The executors of [Thos.] Pordage, a Papist, have procured an order for the discharge of his estate from the committee for the Prince Elector's Revenue, on pretence of debts which would never have been allowed by the former Committee for Kent. [Not to be allowed; as to the grounds why the Committee of Kent disallowed this deed, answer was given to Capt. Browne.] The passages between brackets are marginal notes for a reply. [1 page.]
Dec. 7.	Order by J. Sadler, appointing a hearing at his rooms in Lincoln's Inn, of the case between Val. Gregory and Sir Rich. Wingfield and others. [G 175, p. 297.]
Dec. 7.	106. County Committee for Bucks, to the Committee for Compounding. You desire us to send our letters by post, to prevent miscarriages, as some depositions and letters have been lost, which we fear has happened to some of ours. Have you received a certificate, concerning Richard Brabrook's land, claimed by William Summer of Dinton; Mr. Parker's certificate concerning the mills sequestered from Mr. Buly; Thomas Stafford's certificate concerning payment of the residue of his fine, and compounding with the committee of the three counties of Bucks, Berks, and Oxon, and others, of which we have no returns?
	As to returning the rents due at Michaelmas, a good part of them were long since paid, and the rest will be paid as soon as we can get them, but it is very dangerous sending them by the carrier, by whom we were forced to send the last. You shall have our accounts next week. We have not levied 20l. a piece on the former committee, seeing that we sit in the same town with them, and have the use of all their books and papers. [1 page.]
Dec. 7. Taunton.	107. County Committee for Somersetshire to the Committee for Compounding. We have endeavoured, during the short time we have acted, to gather in the rents of sequestered estates in this county, and will send up the proceeds. We never received any order as to imposing a penalty of 20l. a-piece, on the members of the old committee, for not furnishing us with their records, but are assured of free recourse to them, now in Col. Pyne's custody, with liberty to take copies; they are so voluminous that they cannot be copied in a short time.
	This county being large, and our work difficult, two agents are required. We have chosen James Pearse and John Wyatt, both well affected, and crave your approbation. We have received from the late commissioners an account of contracts for sequestered estates, amounting to the yearly value of 514l. 14s. 8d. and several bonds. Should the payment of ministers' augmentations be according to the Act of Parliament of 31 Mar. 1650, or otherwise, as there have been addresses in this matter? We cannot observe punctually your instructions for posting up estates 14 days before the setting thereof, as there are some estates now to be let whereon there is corn to be sown, which, if delayed, cannot be sown this year; but there shall be an exact survey, and we will observe your directions for such estates as are not in the State's hands at present. With marginal notes of a reply. [1 page.]
Dec. 9.	Committee for Compounding to the County Committee for Dorset. By yours of 11 Oct. and 21 Nov., we find the sequestration revenue of the county much abated from the reports in former returns, part being taken off by disposal of Parliament, part by extents and charges. Let us know what is disposed of to particular persons, and by what order; our instructions are positive to allow of no extents, unless proved before us. We hope a better account with care. You will find large arrears of rents unpaid, if you carefully examine former accounts, and much more due last Ladyday than you write of. [G 30, p. 45.]
Dec. 9.	Committee for Compounding to the County Committee for Durham. Particulars of cases. We are sensible of the sufferings and service of Mr. French, and will do what we can to help him; we will present what you propose to those who can do him good, and certify their directions. [G 30, p. 63.]
Dec. 9.	Committee for Compounding to the County Committee for Cheshire. We have yours of 26 and 29 Nov. Directions in cases. Your bills of exchange had better be sent to the treasurers by yourselves. [G 30, p. 91.]
Dec. 9.	Committee for Compounding to the County Committee for Cumberland. From your account of 140l. received for concealed meal of Mr. Kirkbride, you deduct 8l. for your clerk, 12l. for your agent, and 10l. 12s., your own salary, at 1s. in the pound. Examine what your predecessors received, and whether they did not pay their clerk or agent. Have they been employed ever since February? We cannot understand how 1s. in the pound on 120l. comes to 10l. 12s.; for the whole 140l. it would but be 7l. You should not take a salary on what goes out in wages, therefore only 6l. is due to you.
	We have no power to make allowance for return of moneys, but if you will certify when you have large sums in hand, we will try to get orders for its payment in the country.
	You may re-sequester all who do not produce their discharges, the time limited for payment of fines being expired. Particulars of cases.
	Edw. Pearson complains that you threaten to distrain him for 48l. which he received as agent to the late county committee. What employment had he, and what payment did he receive? Respite the levying the money by distress till further orders. [G 30, p. 125.]
Dec. 9.	Committee for Compounding to the County Committee for Lancaster. Directions in cases. Mr. Ambrose says you urge him to receive the sequestration revenues as treasurer. We wonder at this, your instructions being to choose one of yourselves, nor have we power to allow of any other.
	As to the petition of the inhabitants of Rixton-cum-Glazebrook, concerning a ferry-boat at Hollyfair, we think the best course would be to rent it for 7 years to a fit person, who will undertake to furnish a boat at his own charge.
	We have summoned again Major [Jos.] Rigby, and granted him time to make his defence. As to the mill sequestered from Mr. Kirby, enquire whether the wear was ever pulled down before, and why and how it came to be re-erected, and certify.
	We will gratify you as far as we can about officers, and though there are large counties whose revenue exceeds yours, to whom we have only allowed 3 agents, we will, for your encouragement, approve the 6 returned, allowing them 16s. a day. You are to choose your clerk at 2s. 6d., but we have no power to appoint treasurer and auditor, so you must not urge it. A doorkeeper is needless, as some of the agents will always be there.
	There shall be allowances made to witnesses for the State, but let the charges be moderate.
	In certifying contracts, express how you let every estate, and wait our answer before sealing any lease. [G 30, p. 207.]
Dec. 9.	Committee for Compounding to the County Committee for Montgomery. The lease made by Sir John Price, 15 May last, is void; you are therefore to seize the estate. If the sheriff has laid any extent on it, he has done what he cannot answer. If he disturbs the tenants, we will see that they take no prejudice by paying in their rents. We send you additional instructions; take care to peruse and understand them. [G 30, p. 341.]
Dec. 9.	Committee for Compounding to the County Committee for Worcester. Directions in cases. Notwithstanding what you allege, it is expected that the late county committee's duplicates should be returned. You must prosecute our instructions against them and their officers who refuse or delay. You must not admit Major [Gervase ?] Blackwall's demand of arrears of crown rents, nor suffer him to collect them, unless be prove to us that they are really due, and you have further orders. [G 30, p. 473.]
Dec. 9.	Committee for Compounding to the County Committee for York. We have at length borrowed time from our very pressing occasions to answer yours of 17, 27, and 28 Sept., 8, 18, 25, 26, and 29 October, and 2, 8, 9, 12, and 30 Nov., wherein are many testimonies of your care for the public interest. We are sorry not to have answered earlier; the affairs that lie on our hands so multiply, that we cannot give the dispatch we desire to those that work with us, but hope not to be so backward in future. On 17 Sept., you name a Capt. Thos. Best, who obtained a discharge by misinformation from the Committee for Sequestrations, without certificate from us. If it be so, secure his estate, and give him a copy of his charge, and leave to examine witnesses, and observe the same course in reference to others. Directions in cases. We have not received the depositions against Ralph Baynes, Rob. Pollard, and John Todd, but your instructions direct you to seize and secure in case of 2 witnesses, and sequester unless the parties bring a discharge from us in 3 months.
	We cannot allow what is done by the Militia Committee, nor must you; we hope a rule therein shortly. The Act requires us not to allow rent-charges till proved before us, and gives us no liberty to delegate that power. [G 30, p. 483. A large proportion of this letter is calendared on the margin of the letters of 18 Oct. and 30 Nov.]
Dec. 10.	Order of the Committee for Compounding, that all orders of the House laying charges on the Treasury be entered with the auditor.
	That all orders made by the commissioners be drawn up within 2 days of the making.
	Order on a Council of State order of 26 Nov.—for payment of 500l. to the commissioners for Ireland, and 220l. to [Wm.] Basill,—that Basill be first paid. [G 36, p. 19.]
	Order on motion by Maj.-Gen. Desborough on behalf of Luke Voyce, that Sherwin proceed with the accounts, and if he finds anything he cannot pass, acquaint the committee. [G 12, p. 59.]
Dec. 10.	Certificate by Auditor Sherwin that Wm. Dalby, late treasurer for sequestrations, co. Rutland, has brought an account which cannot be passed for want of vouchers; with note that he has a month's time allowed, and is to suffer no damage meantime. [G 79, p. 617.]
Dec. 10.	Charge before the Committee for Compounding against Major Jos. Rigby, late mayor of Wigan, co. Lancaster.
	That he greatly impeded profits by hindering men from coming to take the lands of Papists and delinquents, threatened to cut off their heads if they offered more than he bade them, and imprisoned several for so doing, which was done that he might get the lands himself at an undervalue. [G 113, p. 887.]
Dec. 10. Hereford.	108. County Committee for Herefordshire, to the Committee for Compounding. Enclosed are particulars of some delinquents and Papists' estates which we have surveyed. We examined several of the tenants and neighbours upon oath, and perused the assessment for contributions, and found the estates to be as mentioned, and have posted and proclaimed them for letting. We allow the wife and children of delinquents a fifth part, and a fourth to the tenants for contributions, and to the Papists a third, but the taxation in our county, far exceeding all other counties according to its proportion, causes our rates to be very dear to the tenants, at which they much complain. We have personally delivered our Michaelmas accounts. There are other estates not yet surveyed, but when we give you an account of the full rents that we shall improve them to, we hope you will have no cause of dislike. [¾ page.]
Dec. 10. York.	109. Ralph Rymer, one of the County Committee for York, to the Committee for Compounding. I have written twice that I could not return money as formerly, and desiring that the money might be charged upon me to pay here, but have not received any answer. I have since then returned 500l. to Mr. Tichborne, and 1,000l. to Paul Beale, to be paid into Goldsmiths' Hall the latter end of this month. I now desire you to charge me with 6,000l., that I may be at once eased of the charge, and freed from the danger that these times threaten. [½ page.]
Dec. 11.	Order by the Committee for Compounding that Mr. Ireton have a warrant for all his money. [G 12, p. 63.]
	Order disapproving the contract made by the present commissioners for co. Rutland with Wm. Andrews of Hambleton for Burley Manor, and also of that made by the late committee to him in 1649, as he asks allowance of 380l. 11s. 8d., although the contract is for 1,000l, a year above all charges. Also order that Lord Fairfax's trustees have a month to obtain the order of the House about the said manor, which was settled on them for him, and that they receive the Michaelmas rents.
	Order that the county commissioners do not let estates in gross, but by the particular farm, setting a rate on each.
	That Mr. Fowle search in the Parliament books to see what orders have been made relating to sequestrations since 1642, and what persons were committed by Parliament since the setting up the standard at Nottingham. [G 10, pp. 264, 266; also 36, p. 23.]
Dec. 11.	Committee for Compounding to the Commissioners for co. Rutland. On motion by Lord Fairfax's trustees for possession of Burley manors, we persued your letter desiring us to confirm your contract with Wm. Andrews [of Hambleton], but we cannot do it, for we hear that it was let irregularly, and that 100l. more than you have accepted was offered, and it is worth 500l. more than the rent for which you have bargained. Send us an account of your proceedings, and let the trustees receive the Michaelmas rents, as formerly ordered. [G 10, p. 265.]
Dec. 11.	Committee for Compounding to the County Committee for Rutland. If the contracts for Burley estate were made as certified in yours of 16 Nov., the parties must enjoy them for this year, but we shall order our auditor to call them to account. [G 30, p. 371.]
Dec. 11.	Committee for Compounding to the County Committee for Cornwall. We have yours of 17 Oct., and the lists; we are satisfied with your care of the public interest, and hope you will continue your diligence. We beg you to send us the undervalues you promised, lest there be loss by the present addresses of the parties. Also collect the arrears and seize the estates of all who submitted to fines imposed by the former county committee, or were adjudged delinquents, that they may be brought to composition. [G 30, p. 111.]
Dec. 11.	Committee for Compounding to the County Committee for Gloucester. We hear from the County Committee of Wilts that Capt. Thos. Gore, who lives in your county, owes 30l. for rent of lands belonging to [Edm.] Wells of Littleton Drew. Enquire after him, and if he have any estate, distrain for the rent. The County Committee for Wilts might direct you to his abode. [G 30, p. 153.]
Dec. 11.	Committee for Compounding to the Committee for co. Somerset. We approve your course for setting estates. The Act you mention is to be your rule for ministers' augmentations, but our instructions are also to be observed. Hasten the Michaelmas rents and perfect the accounts. We send you further instructions. [G 30, p. 391.]
Dec. 11.	Committee for Compounding to the County Committee for Stafford. Directions on cases. We have received the duplicates and sent them to our auditor for perusal. We hope you will collect the arrears of rents more speedily than usual, the sum being so considerable, and occasions here so pressing. [G 30, p. 427.]
Dec. 11. Westminster.	[Col.] Edm. Ludlow and John Dove to the Committee for Compounding. As Major Wm. Ludlow is marching for the service of Ireland, a commissioner for sequestrations will be wanting for co. Wilts. We recommend Wm. Reddish of Maiden Bradley, who has been faithful through the wars, and will well discharge the trust. [G 113, p. 541.]
Dec. 11. Exeter.	110. Richard Carter to the Committee for Compounding. I enclose papers concering the Lord of Wardour's estate, and an order for taking off a sequestration on an estate declared to be worth 50l a year. I believe Fras. Burnell has in it 10 years' unexpired term. [½ page.]
Dec. 11. Exeter.	111. [Rich. Carter] to the Committee for Compounding. Although my commission does not allow me to do anything on behalf of the State but by orders from the commissioners here, I crave leave to present some particulars which may be advantageous if expedited. I find many estates of very great concernment within this county formerly sequestered, but before I came to the employment, they were taken off by order of the Committee for Sequestrations, on the report of some lawyers. Particulars of cases.
	I have viewed a list requiring an account for the last half-year, and although it is directed to the commissioners, whom only it concerns to give such an account as may be satisfactory, yet as they have but lately entered on the business, they are not yet settled, nor in a capacity to do it suddenly. I have received some money for certain sheaves which we set this year, but as we could not get the accounts of the former officers, we were much straitened in time, and forced to dispose of them as we could, and it was 8 Aug. before we had any order for letting them.
	The two rectories of Marychurch and Paignton, containing five parishes, sequestered from Sir Edw. Carey, recusant, were let to him at 60l. a year, as by the former book appears; but now, by the accounts which we have this year taken of the particular inhabitants by way of composition, they amount to 462l. 2s. 6d., for which money I have taken security. Details of the letting of other sheaves. Art. Bassett and John Furlong, of Tamerton Foliott, have both compounded much under value.
	Finding the sheaf of Broadclist, sequestered from Edmond Reynell of Malston, to be in hand, and Major Pearse being in London, Capt. Hunkyn advised us to see what we could do upon our own authority and interest with the people, in preserving it for the use of the Commonwealth; so we proceeded to particular compositions, and the commissioners gave us order for collecting of the money, of which we have already received 150l. and 35l. 3s. 6d. The rest cannot be accounted for until the end of next March.
	The reasons why I trouble you are—1stly, the necessity of reducing these estates again to the use of the Commonwealth; 2ndly, to show how willing I am to keep myself clear by way of account; 3rdly, to show you that the vastness of the business caused Major Pearse and Capt. Hunkyn to desire another agent, which you were pleased to grant, whereupon they made choice of John Hayward, and have employed him ever since June last; I hope you will consider the labourer worthy of his hire, as he has spent much time in the service, and order him to be paid, and also send him a commission, and renew mine, as the commissioners desire it. With marginal notes of a reply. [2¾ pages.]
Dec. 12.	Order of the Committee for Compounding that it be represented to Parliament that the creditors of delinquents excepted from pardon are in better condition than those of delinquents who compound, because the former are allowed their debts charged on estates without composition, whereas the others cannot receive theirs till they have compounded.
	Order that the witnesses in the case of the charges against the Berkshire commissioners be examined by Mr. Carey, unless cause be shown to the contrary. [G 10, pp. 270, 271.]
Dec. 12.	Committee for Compounding to Wm. Dawkes, bailiff at Dartford. Complaint is made that you distrain the goods of Hen. Masters, tenant to Petham Court, Finsford parish, sequestered for delinquency of Sir Thos. Bosvile, contrary to our orders to prevent such disturbances. You are to appear before us 19 Dec. to answer your misdemeanour. [G 30, p. 191; 70, p. 1.]
Dec. 12.	Committee for Compounding to the county committees. We want your accounts to Michaelmas, so that afterwards there may be a constant yearly account. We press this as necessary to our orderly proceedings; take the utmost care that it be returned by 1 Jan.
	P.S.—We mean accounts of revenues, receipts and payments, and wish one of you to bring them up. Also say whether you have received the accounts of the late commissioners; and if not, in whose hands they remain, that we may obtain them for you. Also send us a certificate of your having taken the oath. With note that this letter was sent to counties Hertford, Berks, Surrey, Bedford, Bucks, Cambridge, Kent, Essex, Middlesex, Sussex, London. [G 11, p. 289.]
Dec. 12.	Like letters, but giving 31 Jan. as the date for sending in the accounts to counties Warwick, Devon, Cumberland, Chester, Cornwall, Derby, Dorset, Durham, Gloucester, Oxon, North and South Wales, York, Monmouth, Somerset, Lincoln, Stafford, Worcester, Hereford, Huntingdon, Leicester, Northampton, Nottingham, Northumberland, Norfolk, Suffolk, Westmoreland, Wilts, Salop.
	With note that letters were not sent to cos. Hants, Lancaster, and Rutland. [G 11, p. 289.]
Dec. 12.	Committee for Compounding to several county committees. As we have often required returns from the former committee, and told you we had imposed a fine of 20l. on all who refuse or neglect, and yet no account has come, we suspect that you have not taken the oath prescribed on your entrance into this employment, or it would have been better prosecuted. If you are so remiss, we must choose other agents, unless you show the cause of delay in exercising the power which Parliament has entrusted to you of levying the fine. Send us an account in your next, and consider the importance of this. [G 11, p. 290.]
Dec. 12.	Additional instructions by the Committee for Compounding to the county commissioners.
	In all contracts and leases, tie the tenants to strict covenants to preserve the estates. All leases contrary to this or former instructions to be void.
	In all returns of estates let, certify how they were set, that the commissioners may know whether it was according to instructions; if not, the contracts will not be allowed.
	Notice how all letters are directed to you, and answer accordingly, without mixing your letters, as we sit under a double capacity.
	As to allowances craved from sequestered estates, you are to receive them, unless a discharge from this committee is produced 3 months after your seizure. In letting estates, post up the particular farms in each, and do not let several manors and farms in a lump to one person, where there are offers to rent them apart; also see that the occupier has notice, so that he may have liberty to offer.
	See that the sheriffs do not distrain the tenants for rents or arrears due out of sequestered estates, unless allowed by us.
	Note in all discharges and suspensions whether the parties are clergymen, or lawyers, or not, unless they are expressed in the orders you receive from us, and certify us. [G 11, p. 290.]
Dec. 13.	Proposals of Stephen Humphrey and Henry Stalman, two of the County Commissioners for the West Division of Sussex, to the Committee for Compounding. Since we were appointed we have done our best to prosecute the work. The whole sequestrations in the county are not more than 4,500l. a year, ⅓ and ¹/5, and incident charges deducted, and some delinquents are on composition; yet 6 commissioners are appointed at 1s. in the pound, a salary very small for so many commissioners (there being but 3 in other counties), and the riding charges in surveying and letting estates are great, as also the expense and hazard of returning moneys to London, and the loss from clipped moneys. We beg that the salary may be made more suitable, or the number of commissioners lessened. We will then appoint days for meeting. [G 120, p. 823.]
Dec. 13.	Petition of John Stalman to the Committee for Compounding, for a competent yearly salary. Was appointed last May clerk to the Commissioners for Sussex, to have a fitting allowance, but the instructions only grant him 2s. 6d. a day, which has hardly defrayed ½ his riding charges to survey and let sequestered estates, the county being so large that the commissioners have divided themselves, and meet at different places. He has not been at home more than 2 days in a week since he took the employment. [G 120, p. 371.] Annexing,
Dec. 13.	i. Certificate by Step. Humphrey and Hen. Stalman, county commissioners, of the abilities, labour, and expenses of John Stalman. 25 Nov. 1650. [G 120, p. 375.]
Dec. 13.	Order thereon that the county commissioners allow John Stalman 20l. more for the time past, for incidental charges.
	Like order that, the revenues of sequestered estates in co. Sussex being small, the 1s. in the pound is but small benefit divided among 6 commissioners, and therefore that they be reduced to 3, viz., Step. Humphrey, Hen. Stalman, and [George] Stonestreet; a commission to be issued to them, and a letter sent to the other commissioners, acquainting them with this, and thanking them for past service. [G 10, p. 273.]
Dec. 14. Hereford.	County Committee for Herefordshire to the Committee for Compounding. The reason of Fitzwilliam Coningsby's estate letting so low is that the sequestration was taken off to give place to an extent of Sir Thos. Allen's, and the rent reserved to the State was 220l. It was let low because of annuities and charges, and the badness of the times. [G 157, p. 219.]
Dec. 14. Taunton.	112. County Committee for Somersetshire, to the Committee for Compounding. There is 600l. in Col. John Gorges' custody, which we will pay if you find means to convey it. Our agents are very busy summoning tenants and others from whom money is due. [¾ page.]
Dec. 14. Oxford.	113. County Committee for Oxford to the Committee for Compounding. We have sent up our clerk for your confirmation of our contracts for sequestered estates, as the persons are waiting for their leases, and say a little delay will prejudice them much. [The contracts to be considered by the commissioners.]
	Our late certificate relating to Henley Manor and John Parsons' estate is defective. Parsons' estate was set to Capt. Hen. Smith for one year at 200l. 10s. clear rent, and it was to remain in his hands towards the pay of the county troop. [Mr. Parsons' order to be seen.] The agent therefore taking no notice of it in his return to us, it was omitted in our certificate. Henley Manor was certified as contracted for with Rodolph Warcup, for 7 years, at 20l. clear rent, but as you have not confirmed it, nothing as yet has been received. [The Commissioners to certify whether they have let this according to instructions.] [²/3 page.]
Dec. 17.	Order in the Committee for Compounding, appointing Thos. Ellis of Chepstow steward for keeping courts on all sequestered estates, co. Monmouth. [G 12, p. 66.]
Dec. 18. Durham.	114. County Committee for Durham to the Committee for Compounding. According to your instructions, we have contracted for most of the lands and estates under our charge, of which we will make a return within the time appointed. Particulars of cases.
	As to furnishing an account of the sequestrations ending last Michaelmas, our rent days here are Whitsuntide and Martinmas, and from off those days they cannot be removed, by reason of the fairs and markets in these parts suitable to those terms; for last Pentecost we have already returned an account, and are using our utmost endeavours in collecting the rents due at Martinmas. We have received 2,000l., which we are ready to pay, and intreat your assistance to the treasurers-at-war for a warrant to pay the same at Newcastle. It is not our slowness in collecting the rents and returning our accounts, but the rent days that cause the delay. We long ago made a return of our having taken the oath appointed by the Act of 15 April, but if it has not come to hand, we will make another. [1 page.]
Dec. 18. Derby.	115. County Committee for Derby to the Committee for Compounding. In yours of the 12th inst., you require an account of the receipts and disbursements of all sequestrations here up to Michaelmas last. In compliance with former commands of 20 Oct., we drew up the accounts, and one of us attended Mr. Leech, your registrar, who delivered them to the auditor, and we now enclose a copy. On 18 Oct. we gave you particulars of the rentals of the estates under sequestration, and an extract of such estates as were let by us for this year, so that you might more clearly judge of our proceedings. We will shortly send the particulars upon which delinquents compounded. [¾ page.]
Dec. 18.	116. County Committee for Bucks to the Committee for Compounding. We forbore felling the timber upon the lands of the Duke of Buckingham in Whaddon Chase, having received the enclosed order from Parliament to do so, but as we are doubtful whether the order includes the Chase we desire your directions therein. Bucks. [¾ page.] Enclosing,
Dec. 18.	116. i. Order in Parliament that the Committee of co. Bucks and the tenants and occupiers of the manors of Whaddon, Eaton, and Winslow, and all lands belonging to them, do forbear felling any timber or other wood upon the said manors and lands until further order. Sept. 26, 1650. [½ page.]
Dec. 18.	117. The same to the same. We have our accounts ready, and one of us will bring them up before 1 Jan. next, as desired. Dec. 18, 1650. [½ page.]
Dec. 18.	Order of the Committee for Compounding for discharge by the Commissioners of co. York of the sequestration laid on the lands of the Countess of Carlisle, only because she was reported a prisoner in the Tower, as on examination lately made of Sir John Gell's case, no mention was made of the lady.
	Capt. Goddard of Reading, and 2 others of co. Berks, to attend in 6 days.
	Order that the Commissioners for co. Berks and the party who brought the charge against them, examine their witnesses in 3 weeks, and that publication then pass. [G 10, pp. 280, 281, 286; 67, p. 377.]
	Order on the request of the Earl of Stamford that his account about the 1,500l. a year granted him by Parliament out of the estates of certain delinquents, and all the proceedings thereon, may be stated, referring the same to Mr. Brereton and And. Sherwin. [G 12, p. 69; also 10, p. 279.]
	Report by them that on the Parliament orders of 6 May 1643 and 15 Feb. 1647, the Committee for Compounding have issued sundry orders, 15 Feb. 1647 and 9 Feb. 1648 to the county committees to pay the Earl the said 1,500l. a year, by virtue of which divers sums have been paid, but there remains due to him, to 25 March 1650, 2,380l.; and that for the payment of this arrear and the 1,500l. a year in future, the direction of Parliament is desired. [G 12, p. 69; also 120, p. 587.]
Dec. 18.	Committee for Compounding to [Gualter] Frost, secretary to the Council of State. The Sequestration Commissioners of co. York have seized the Countess of Carlisle's estate, and ask directions. We know of no delinquency exhibited against her. If there be any before the Council of State, let it be transmitted to us if they think fit, as they have done in some cases, that we may order sequestration or discharge. [G 10, p. 282.]
Dec. 18.	118. Committee for Compounding to the Commissioners for London. We hear that your books and records are in custody of Mr. Martin, your clerk, at Painter Stainers' Hall [Little Trinity Lane, Thames Street]. It is requisite for the present commissioners to have them nearer their place of meeting, which we understand to be in [Armourers' Hall] Coleman Street. Let them be delivered to some one of you, and lodged as near as may be to your place of sitting, and see that none be embezzled or withheld, but all kept ready to resort to. [Also G 10, p. 285.]
Dec. 19.	Order of the Committee for Compounding, that an abstract of the report of Mr. Brereton, touching the allowance of 1,500l. a year to the Earl of Stamford, be made and presented to Parliament. [G 10, p. 292.]
Dec. 20. Stafford.	119. Certificate by Math. Moreton and John Ashenhurst, that Henry Danvers, governor of Stafford garrison, Major Thos. Gent, and John Peirce, County Commissioners of Stafford, and Capt. John Ley and George Thorley, their agent and clerk, have taken the oath prescribed by the Act of Parliament of 15 April 1650. [2/2 page.]
Dec. 20. Sarum.	120. County Committee for Wilts to the Committee for Compounding. We will send an account of our receipts and disbursements by the last of January. We desire your order as to keeping [courts] on sequestered estates; it is very necessary, as divers recusants grant estates underhand, and so put up the whole fine to their own use, and the tenants are at a great loss, as there is no power to fill up the reversions of their estates, and many tenements are fallen in hand whereon estates would be made, and much money raised that would be an advantage to the Commonwealth. We have returned 1,880l., and the residue, 300l., will be speedily sent up. [¾ page.]
Dec. 20.	Petition of John Briscoe, late one of the county sequestrators of Cumberland, to the Committee for Compounding, for recompense for his pains and charges in the service, having observantly and faithfully acted according to his talent. [G 105, p. 461.]
Dec. 20.	Order thereon, and on a like petition (missing) of John Musgrave, that the Committee for Compounding will enquire what was done for the county sequestrators of Somerset, and thereupon give order. [G 10, p. 296.]
Dec. 21. Northwich.	121. County Committee for Cheshire, to the Committee for Compounding. Particulars of letters sent, and of cases. These, with the letter of the clerk of assizes, and the return of recusants indicted and convicted, were all made up together, which we hope you have received.
	We shall prepare our accounts up to Michaelmas, and present them by the last of January as desired. As to the particulars of the estates of delinquents that have compounded, we have many of them, and there are many we have not that we shall soon call for from the former committee, or certify the names of those we cannot meet with, and desire to have them from you, with your directions concerning them. We will send by the next post the certificate of our having taken the oath on 14 May last before Thos. Marbury, justice of the peace for Cheshire.
	We do not set any estate at a lower rate by the lump than will be given for it in parcels, neither post any estate so covertly but that the tenants and all the country may know, and come and offer, and take, if they will go higher than the post.
	We have not heard of any preceding commissioners in any of the neighbouring counties that have prosecuted your instructions in posting all estates of 20l. per annum in value and above, as we have done, in the city and several market towns. We sat several days in several places to receive and box all papers, and appointed days for opening the boxes and papers, and the best offer has been accepted without respect of persons, under offers refused, and all this done publicly. Estates under 20l. a year, whereof there are many, and some of small value, we did not post, as your instructions did not mention them, but bargained for them other ways, yet at as good rates as we could get for them.
	As to Papists who by the Act are to have their chief mansion house, we desire your resolves whether their barns and outhouses be thereby reserved to the Papists; if this is so, and we may not have the setting of two parts of their outhouses to such as take the two parts of their lands, we doubt the State may come to loss, for how shall any be able to give any likely rent for land, if they may not have housing to inn the fruits thereof ?
	With note of reply that in such cases where there is a necessity, and they find barns and stables sufficient so that the inhabitants shall not be straitened, room be allowed to lay corn and hay in, and in case of any difficulty, that they certify the whole. [1½ pages.]
Dec. 21.	122. County Committee for Yorkshire to the Committee for Compounding. Capt. [Wm.] Stevenson, our commissioned agent, died on Saturday last, and as we need more agents to carry on public business, we enclose a petition for that office. Noted that [Jos.] Beverley, an honest man who has been long employed, is appointed. [¾ page.] Enclosing,
	122. i. Petition of George Firbanck to the County Committee for Yorkshire, for a certificate to the Committee for Compounding, to be appointed as their agent in the place of Capt. Wm. Stevenson, deceased, who was employed in the East Riding in co. York. [1 page.]
	ii. Certificate by Hugh Bethell and Ric. Robinson, that George Firbanck was employed for the Commonwealth at the beginning of the late wars, and was very faithful therein, and is fit for the place of agent. 19 Dec. 1650. [²/3 page.]
Dec. 21. Dorchester.	123.County Committee for Dorset to the Committee for Compounding. You desire better satisfaction concerning the great abatements of the revenues of sequestrations in this county, and ask what part has been disposed of to particular persons, and by what order, and whether any extents be allowed that are not proved before you. For the first, we find only two particulars which may obstruct the passage of our accounts with you; one is an estate of 50l. a year charged on us, and belonging to Edw.] Phillips, who has lain in prison for debt ever since his sequestration, and from whom neither the former committee (considering his distress) nor we ever received anything. The other is an estate of Thos. Arundel, charged with an annuity of 40l. a year, by order of the committee, to Lieut. Butler, who had both his eyes shot out in service of the Parliament; for your allowance in both, we crave positive orders before tendering our account.
	As for other abatements, by extents or otherwise, we will satisfy you in our account, which, being completed, should have been transmitted with this return, had we not received your present commands. Upon perusal of the particulars of delinquents' compositions, we find a defect in Sir Fras. Fulford's estate, and desire it may be returned.
	With notes of reply, that the Committee for Compounding cannot allow Mr. Phillips more than ¹/5 without order of Parliament, and that Butler's annuity be stayed till he clear it before the committee. [1 page; also G 30, p. 45.]
Dec. 21. Nottingham.	124.County Committee for Notts to the Committee for Compounding. You require an account of our proceedings and of receipts and payments up to Michaelmas last, but our agent, [John] Hough, and also [Fras.] Bland, attended you with it last term, and we then stated that we had advanced the sequestrations as much as possible, and that we would perfect the accounts next term. We will observe your commands as to letting the sequestered lands, and send a certificate of those whose particulars upon their compositions are not to be had here. [²/3 page.]
Dec. 21. Holmer.	125.John Herring to James Russell. I received your letter and commission empowering me to act as sequestrator in Herefordshire, but there is a proviso prohibiting my acting unless I first pay in the money I am accountable for to the State. This it is impossible for me to do without order from the Army Committee, and therefore, unless I may act as commissioner until I receive their order to pay it, I beg to be excused from acting. [¾ page.]
Dec. 22. Hereford.	126.Mat. Barrow and Walter Merrick, Commissioners for co. Hereford, to the Committee for Compounding. The account of our proceedings to Michaelmas which you require was delivered by me, Matthew Barrow, to Mr. Moyer, your chairman, at Goldsmiths' Hall, on 27 Nov. You will find by the accounts of the present treasurer in our county that we have paid into the treasury at Goldsmiths' Hall almost, if not quite as much money as the former treasurer for the half year. We have not received from the old committee the particulars of estates compounded for.
	We and our agent, John Williams, have taken the oath prescribed in the Act of 15 April 1649, before Wroth Rogers, governor of Hereford, and justice of the peace there. We will send you an account of all the estates we have set for a longer time than 25 March next, after which the yearly revenue will be far greater than it now is. [1 page.]
Dec. 23. Newcastle.	127.County Committee for Northumberland to the Committee for Compounding. We are sorry you think us remiss, but we have before acquainted you that our rent days are at Whitsuntide and Martinmas, and why the accounts of the former committee have not come in. We are ready to pay 1,300l to Sir Arthur Hesilrigge at Newcastle, or to whom you shall appoint. We are now letting lands, which will be our employment for some time, as two of our fellow commissioners are at Edinburgh with Sir Arthur Hesilrigge. Note of a case. [1 page.]
Dec. 23. Cambridge.	128.County Committee for Cambridge to the Committee for Compounding. We will have our accounts ready by the time prefixed. We never received from the former sequestrators particulars by which delinquents compounded, so that we cannot find out whether they compounded for their whole estates or not. The former committee say that they left the particulars with the late treasurers at Guildhall, with the orders of discharge. Let us have these particulars.
	We sent up a certificate of our taking the oath prescribed in the Act of 15 April 1649, but if you want another, we will send it.
	There are taxes laid upon divers woods under sequestration, from which we never received any profit, and charges for a woodward to look after the same; the value of the woods ready to be felled is as follows, viz.: Sir Anth. Cage's underwoods at Burroughgreen, of 16 years' growth, 250l., and timber trees of full growth, 850l.; two parts of the underwoods belonging to Sir Francis Mannock at Eltisley, 100l.; a wood belonging to Sir Rob. Hatton, Oakington, 90l.; and another close, value 60l. As now is a fit season for felling, we desire an answer respecting them. [1 page.]
Dec. 24.	Order of the Committee for Compounding, that lists be sent to the county commissioners of delinquents whose fines are set, but who have not paid them in, and that the estates, if not under sequestration, be forthwith sequestered. [G 13, p. 35.]
	Order that a list of those whose fines are set and not confirmed be brought in.
	That Mr. Leech view the auditor's alphabet of delinquents under sequestration, and put in his exceptions to it.
	That the names of those who have not settled impropriations as ordered be certified to the commissioners, to sequester them for neglect.
	That fines be confirmed to-morrow, or the next day, if there be time. [G 36, p. 55.]
Dec. 24.	129.Committee for Compounding to the Army Committee. We will return a certificate of our officers and their employments; meanwhile we beg your approval of the order for payment, which we thought had been agreed on when we last attended you, but Mr. Deane intimates that there has been a suspension of it. Prefixing,
Dec. 24.	i. Order for payments to the officers of the Committee for Compounding. The same as that of Nov. 27, adding 2 messengers at 20s. a week each. [1 page.]
Dec. 24. York.	130.County Committee for Yorkshire to the Committee for Compounding. On giving notice to the gentlemen of the late committee of the levying of 20l. a-piece upon them, they promised to furnish the accounts required as speedily as possible; but the gentlemen of the West Riding allege that Mr. Farrar, who was present at all their transactions, is dead, that Thos. St. Nicholas, receiver, has removed into Kent, and that the rest who are here could not give a perfect account, but that they had written to Mr. St. Nicholas for his assistance. They assert, however, that they sent up a book of the rents last year.
	Those of the East Riding say that in 1647 they sent up their books of rentals and accounts to the committee at Goldsmiths' Hall, by [Rich.] Darley, M.P., of that committee; that of late the sequestered estates have been managed partly by the committee and partly by the sequestrators, and that they will perfect their accounts with as much speed as may be; on our first entrance, they readily sent us in a perfect account of their rentals.
	As for the North Riding, all their books and proceedings are with us, and the receiver has his accounts ready to be delivered when the rest come in. We enclose a copy of the Hull committee's letter.
	There are many on these committees who have not attended the meetings, although most have acted more or less, but we hope we shall not be expected to make distinctions. We desire to know whether we shall levy this fine upon all or only upon some, and if so, upon whom, that it may not reflect upon us, as they are mostly Parliament men, and expect a privilege, and we are very tender of their honour, not doubting but they will perform what is expected from them without any persecution.
	As to putting us out and others in, we were chosen for this employment, and have endeavoured to manage it according to our trust, and until now we conceived we had done our duties; as we undertook it only for advancing the public, and the better to effect that, have made it our whole work, we conceived we deserved a better acknowledgment; but if we fall short, we shall be willing to give place to such as may be thought more fit, not desiring to hold any place longer than we shall be serviceable. As to the oath, if there had not been any we should have endeavoured to serve faithfully. We enclose a certificate to show that we have performed what was required of us in that point. [2 pages.] Enclosing,
	130. i. Committee for Sequestrations for Hull to the County Committee for York. You order us to bring up our accounts and duplicates and pay in our moneys, and we also received a similar letter from the Committee for Compounding. We requested you would forbear that charge upon us, as we conceived you were not empowered to give us a discharge; and we told you we had directed Mr. Hollis to move the Committee for Compounding to order some gentleman here to take our accounts and discharge us; this he did, and order was granted that Fras. Dewick and himself should take our accounts, and we expect his return daily. Forbear pressing us to take a journey to York, the weather not being seasonable for our aged bodies; we hope it will not be construed as a contempt to your authority, but only to ease our inability. If Mr. Hollis does not bring down a commission to discharge us here, we will make our appearance and deliver our accounts to you. Hull, 14 Dec. 1650. [1 page.]
[Dec. 24.]	130a. List of such of the late county committees for the 3 Ridings in Yorkshire and the City of York as are now alive, viz.:— Lord Fairfax, late Lord-General of the Army. Sir Wm. Strickland, Bart. Col. John Manlegverer, now with the Army in Scotland. Sir Wm. Allenson. Sir Thos. Widdrington. John Anlaby, M.P. Rich. Darley, M.P. Thos. Stockdale, M.P. Luke Robinson, M.P. Hen. Ardington, M.P. Wm. White, M.P. Brian Stapleton, M.P. Sir Arthur Ingram. Sir Edw. Roodes, High Sheriff. Sir John Savile. Sir Robt. Berwick. Sir Rich. Hawksworth. Sir Thos. Remington Sir Fras. Boynton. Sir Hen. St. Quentin, Bart. Major-Gen. John Lambert. Col. Chas. Fairfax. Col. Robert Overton, Governor of Hull. Col. Hugh Bethell, Governor of Scarborough. Col. Hugh Bethall, Governor of Scarborough. Col. John Mauleverer, now with the Army in Scotland. Thomas St. Nicholas, late Treasurer to the West Riding Committee, now residing in Kent. John Bright Chris, Copley John Cleyton. John Savile, of Medley. Conveyrs Darcy. Darcy Wentworth Godfrey Bosevile. Hen. Slingsby. Wm. Armitage Chris Ridley. Joseph Micklethwaite. Christy. Legard. Wm. Goodrick. Rich. Robinson. Edw.Wingate.
	[¾ page.]
Dec. 24. Winton.	131. County Committee for Hants to the Committee for Compounding. We will do our best to perfect our accounts by the time desired. The Michaelmas rent is not fully collected, but what we have received is paid already by order of the Barons. A stay is made of 60l. due last Michaelmas from Ant. Bruning; are we to forbear the receipt of that rent or not? [See Sequestration Calendar, 3 June 1646.]
	We will send a list of those, the particulars of whose estates, on perfecting their compositions, were entered with the former committee, as they were returned, with their letters of suspension. We long since returned a certificate of our taking the oath prescribed in the Act of 15 April 1649. We will perfect the business touching the parsonages of Owslebury and Whitchurch, and make a return thereof.
	Notes of cases. With marginal notes of reply, 4 Feb. 1651. In Ant. Bruning's case, the Barons of Exchequer had no power to suspend sequestration, but only to determine appeals depending before them in Feb. 1650. Therefore his rents are to be stayed till he clears himself before the Committee for Compounding. We are satisfied as to your having taken the oath. Directions in cases. [1 page; also G 30, p. 405.]
Dec. 25.	Committee for Compounding to the County Committee for Devon. During Mr. Clapp's absence, and the unresolvedness of the rest to prosecute their commissions, your agent, Mr. Carter, was compelled, lest the season should be lost, to let some estates and do other acts not proper to his place, which we approve. He has discovered miscarriages in the former officers. The estate of Fras. Burnell and others named is to be seized till the parties obtain our orders for their allowance. We shall expect an account of the undervalues to which he alludes, and also the last year's accounts. [G 30, p. 33.]
Dec. 25.	Committee for Compounding to the Committee for Sequestrations, co. Somerset. We think that in 11 months' time, duplicates might have been made of the former county records. We are not satisfied with your having recourse to them, we require a sight of the whole; if they are candid and ingenuous, they can bear the light; unless they are produced, the 20l. penalty will be levied.
	We hear that two of you, [Hum.] Blake and [Sam.] Whetcombe, are accountable for some receipts, and require information. We hear that you have sat for a week, and then adjourned for a month, which is too great an intermission of business. In choosing agents, you went beyond your instructions, as we nominated Capt. [John] Burgess, an able man, as agent, and Hen. Mawde should be continued clerk. [G 30, p. 391.]
Dec. 25.	Commission to Capt. John Burgess, of Bristol, to act as agent to the Commissioners for Sequestrations for Bristol and the eastern division of co. Somerset. [G 12, p. 74.]
Dec. 25.	132.Capt. John Burgess to the Committee for Compounding. The Committee for Sequestrations in co. Somerset met at Taunton on the 4th, and sat till the 12th, when they adjourned to 7 Jan. following, during which time they received money upon bonds delivered to them by me, by order of the late commissioners, and also let some small bargains. They have not suffered either myself, or Mr. Mawde, the clerk appointed by commission from you, to act as agent and clerk, and by over voting, Col. Gorges and Major Collins have put in James Pearse, a sequestrator and accountant, as their agent, and Jasper Batt, as their clerk, which Batt, at their sitting sometimes acted under them, and sometimes under the Commissioners of the Militia, and did not keep close to either; after Mr. Curle's suspension as agent, the whole business of the county and city of Bristol was and has since been carried on by myself and servants. I have given an account of my services to the late commissioners, am ready to give it to you, and desire to know whether I and Mr. Mawde, appointed by commission, shall still act as formerly.
	With verification by Benjamin Mason of the truth of the above, and note of reply that Capt. Burgess, having been nominated by the Committee for Compounding, is to be continued, until sufficient cause is shown why he should be removed. [1 page.]
Dec. 25. Steyning.	133.County Committee for Sussex to the Committee for Compounding. On your letters touching the accounts of the former treasurers and solicitors here, we give as good account thereof as may be, but we desire our own accounts may stand over till next term, by which time we hope the Michaelmas rents will be got in, so that we shall then pay what is in hand.
	With note of reply, 20 Jan. 1651. Do not fail to send the accounts up at the time named, and let the bearer bring the vouchers with him. [½ page; also G 30, p. 447.]
Dec. 25.	134.County Committee for Cornwall to the Committee for Compounding. We have lately received intelligence that divers notorious delinquents, who held out the stronghold of Pendennis Castle to the last day, earnestly endeavour to come off on easier terms than their more moderate neighbours (who consented to a more ready submission), and this by way of claim as due to them by the article [of surrender] which mentions the enjoyment of their estates, &c.
	Being bound by the oath we long since took to bring delinquents and enemies to the Commonwealth to condign punishment, and more particularly to improve the sequestrations of this county to the best of our skill, it is our duty to signify that we have been informed by divers commissioners and treaters in that surrender, that the said Article was, before the agreement, explained to them, so as not to reach so far as they now endeavour to stretch it; therefore we desire that a certificate thereof may be required from Col. [Rob.] Bennet and the rest of the treaters concerning it, before those persons receive the favour they strive for. Also that a true knowledge may be taken of the persons, they being the first promoters of the late troubles in this county; many of them to this day manifest their continued disaffection by their abiding abroad.
	John Arundel of Trerise, the chief of them who remains at home, and agitates for this favour, still continues an enemy to the Commonwealth, and continues his oppression to many well affected, denying restitution for what he has taken from them, having, as it is conceived, vast sums treasured up, which he extorted in the time of his power, not only from them, but from the county in general.
	With notes of reply, that Parliament shall be acquainted with the conduct of the Pendennis delinquents, and they treated as they deserve, but meanwhile the county committee is to sequester their estates as other delinquents. All delinquents now beyond the seas are to be sequestered, although, they have compounded. Mr. Fowle to have a copy of this by to-morrow night, to give to Sir Arthur Hesilrigge. [¾ page; also G 30, p. 111.]
Dec. 25.	135.County Committee for Cornwall to the Committee for Compounding. We received your additional instructions, but we cannot bind tenants of sequestered estates to as strict covenants as landlords do, for none will become tenants upon our grants but reduced soldiers or officers of fortune, and if we should not admit such, we should have no takers at all. We will observe your directions as to the letting of sequestered estates by posting up the particular farms, and let the same to several tenants, and not whole manors or farms in the lump; but this will be difficult, because we have not many offers, and those only soldiers.
	With marginal note of reply, that they are to let the whole estates at the best rent they can make of them, to such tenants and upon such terms as they can for the best advantage of the State, and allow the delinquent out of the rent so much as he has compounded for, reserving the rest; but to take care that, although the convenants cannot be so strict as particular landlords may make, they provide that the houses and estates be kept from ruin, and no spoil committed. [¾ page; also G 30, p. 111.]
Dec. 26.	136.County Committee for Cornwall to the Committee for Compounding. As to returning the undervalues of estates, we issued warrants for four witnesses to appear before us about Lord Mohun's estate; but as they have neglected to attend, we desire that they may be made an example of, or we shall again have to take long journeys to little purpose. As for Mr. Edgcombe, we know not which you mean, as there are Richard and Pearse Edgcombe, both delinquents, who have compounded.
	We desire information how to set undervalued estates, as we have let some, but will not allow the tenants to enter until you have resolved how they shall pay their rents, what part to the Commonwealth and what to the delinquent. As for seizing the estates of such persons as have formerly compounded with the committee, it will be to little purpose until we are fully satisfied how to set them, as well as the other estates now in hand.
	With marginal note of reply, that they are to hasten their returns concerning Lord Mohun, both the Edgcombes, and the rest of the estates, and the time when they first discovered them, as also of other particulars, the parties being now upon their compositions, in which the Committee for Compounding cannot satisfactorily proceed, until certified as aforesaid. They have power to commit witnesses who refuse to appear. [¾ page; also G 30, p 111.]
Dec. 26. Penrith.	137.County Committee for Cumberland to the Committee for Compounding. Touching the 10l. 12s. 0d. for our salary, Mr. Langhorne paid 72l. into your treasury last September [? the Treasury acquittance], which, with the 140l. for the concealed meal [? Mr. Leech for this], completes the sum. Our clerk and agent received nothing from March to 24 Sept. last but the sums formerly returned, and we could not give them less, they being short of their allowance, nor had we during that time more than the above sum, being short of what we spent. Mr. Pearson was employed by the late committee as a sequestrator, but we do not know what pay he received [? Mr. Leech and the former letters], neither has it appeared to us that he has merited what he detained. [If he hath as much allowed as the ordinance allows, the remainder must be levied, to which end they are to call him to account.]
	The late committee returned you the papers and accounts in their bands last September, when [Thos.] Langhorne, being present with you, asked whether the accounts were satisfactory or not, and nothing being objected, we conceived you had been satisfied; what appeared in arrear and unaccounted for in those papers we shall give an account of shortly.
	You declare that you must choose other persons through our neglect, but it will appear shortly that we have not been remiss. The matters left to us by the late committee were very intricate and confused. We cannot send accounts for this year perfected until Candlemas, that being the later term for the rents due. We are letting some estates here, send you a form of the leases, and desire your approbation. By the next you shall have a certificate of our taking the oath; and though as yet we have not taken it, we have pursued the contents thereof as faithfully as we can do hereafter, spending three days weekly about this employment. It will appear are long that our employments are not for any worldly profit or sinister respect. With marginal notes of reply in brackets. [1 page.]
Dec. 26. Winton.	138. County Committee for Hants to the Committee for Compounding. We long since gave notice to all officers and collectors of sequestrations to make returns to us of estates under sequestration, but we have not received any. Mr. Woodman is preparing his general account, and offered us a part thereof, but we require the whole, which he says cannot be perfected under ¾ of a year. As he is a militia captain we have been tender in levying the 20l. imposed by your order; but for some miscarriages of his, the gentlemen here have resolved that his commission shall be taken from him, when we shall be more free to act. He says Whitchurch Parsonage shall be accounted for.
	With marginal notes for a reply. You must levy the 20l. on those who do not return duplicates. As to Woodman's accounts, you had better take a part than none, but fine him for not bringing in a perfect account. [1 page.] Enclosing,
	138. i. List of 37 persons whose particulars of their estates, with their letters of suspension, have been deposited with the County Committee for Hants. [1 page.]
Dec. 26.	139.Thomas Sherman and Hen. Linch, Commissioners for London, &c., to the Committee for Compounding. A charge of delinquency having been made before us by Rich. Thompson against Hugh Blyth, sen., and attested on oath by Capt. Wm. Careless, we ordered our agent to seize Blyth's estate in London, being the Blue Boar in Friday Street, and the next house, rents 30l. and 10l. a year. The rent of the fore part of the Green Dragon in Cheapside was returned to us by the late committee, as sequestered for delinquency of Mr. Bankes. Having demanded the rent without effect, we summoned the tenant and others, when we found the house was mortgaged to Mr. Gardiner for 500l., but the lease being nearly expired, he petitioned the late committee, and had an order suspending the sequestration until he was satisfied, which the whole time remaining would hardly do, for when this order was granted there were 8 years to run, at 50l. a year.
	For our better proceedings, we require power to go through with the making and signing the leases where we have surveyed the houses. Quarter day being at hand, they will then know where and what to pay.
	With note in reply. The former committee had no power to allow without order from the Committee for Sequestrations, and therefore the county committee are not to allow it till the parties concerned make proof, and obtain an order of the Committee for Compounding. [1 page; also G 30, p. 255.]
Dec. 26. Gloucester.	Certificate by Giles Hancock that Thos. Rogers of Badgeworth, has taken before him the appointed oath as one of the Committee of Sequestrations for co. Gloucester. [G 114, p. 703.]
Dec. 26. Cirencester.	140.County Committee for Gloucester to the Committee for Compounding. One of us will attend you with our accounts by the time prefixed. We have received some particulars from the late committee of the estates upon which delinquents compounded, and their suspension. We enclose certificates of our taking the oath. We received your letter with the charges against Messrs. Boreman, [John] Strode, and [John] Hardy, whose estates you desire may be secured, but we find no such men living here, neither did we certify anything concerning them. (fn. 1) Our partner, [Jeremy] Buck, has not returned from London. [1 page.]
Dec. 26.	Order of the Committee for Compounding that Auditor Darell bring in his book of the names of Papists in the North beyond Trent, that the commissioners may have recourse thereto. [G 10, p. 307.]
	Order that the Committee present to the Army Committee their thoughts as to a surveyor-general, and that Russell and Winslow prepare reasons, and attend the said committee therewith.
	That in the examination of deeds, counsel examine whether there be any other trust than is expressed on behalf of the petitioner, and whether the deed have been executed from the date thereof. [G 36, pp. 33, 35.]
Dec. 26.	Committee for Compounding to the County Committee for Hereford. We hear that you scruple at the clause in your commission relating to accountants to the Commonwealth, as you are employed about the monthly assessments. The proviso in the Act about accountants referes only to sequestrations, and no other. Therefore proceed vigorously in carrying on the service. [G 30, p. 172.]
[Dec. 26.]	Committee for Compounding to John James, high sheriff for co. Hereford. Knowing how much you may contribute to carrying on sequestration work, we have joined Mr. Herring with you therein, and beg you both to use the utmost care to manage it to the best advantage. We have heard so much of your prudence and readiness that we believe you will omit nothing, and therefore will not trouble you further. [G 30, p. 172.]
Dec. 27. Carlisle.	141.County Committee for Cumberland to the Committee for Compounding. In our last from Cockermouth, we could not give you an estimate of the ore and coal belonging to Wm. Pennington, of Muncaster, as his clerk and hammerman did not appear according to summons, whereupon we sent two soldiers for them, there being no other persons more able to discover the value thereof; but when the hammerman was brought before us, he refused to answer on oath to any particular. Being asked what quantity of iron was made since Pennington's estate was secured, he replied 1,000 lbs., which Robert Copley, the clerk, sold, and dismissed the hammerman and the rest of the workmen. He said half a ton or a ton of iron was weekly made in the forge, for making which he had 30s. a ton, but he refused to give this on oath, so that we suspect concealment of the true value; a full discovery would be very advantageous, if Pennington be adjudged a delinquent, as a ton of iron is worth 20l.; the coal and ore already in store will make many tons. For the better discovery of the truth we have secured him for a day or two. What penalty is to be inflicted upon persons refusing to give evidence ?
	P.S—A petition has been presented to us by And. Huddleston, of Hutton John, Papist in arms, alleging that Sir Christ. Martin, of London, pretends a title to the demesne lands of Hutton John aforesaid, and has sealed a lease of ejectment, for trial of his title, and sent one of his servants to farm the estate of us for 6 years, which servant has bid 40l. more than any other, purposely to get possession of that estate from the petitioner. We beg your advice, as on the return of the form of the leases, which we enclose by this post, a lease for this estate as well as others is to be signed and sealed.
	With marginal notes of reply. The Committee for Compounding do not doubt but they will take care to improve the ironworks lately belonging to Pennington to the best advantage. In cases where witnesses refuse to be sworn and examined, they are to commit them according to ordinance of Parliament of 19 Aug. 1643.
	They are to send up a certificate of the survey of the estate of Hutton John.
	They are to prevent the sealing of ejectment leases upon all sequestered estates. [1 page.]
Dec. 28. Exeter.	John Serle, Commissioner for Devon, to the Committee for Compounding. Your interdicting those to act who have public money in hand may concern me, as I was treasurer in the Parliament field service, for which much money is due to me; but though I have twice waited with my accounts, and petitioned the House to be eased of that burden, my accounts are still undertermined. I hardly kept enough for my expenses, from my earnest desire to encourage the soliders.
	It is indifferent to me whether you appoint me or not; it is not the salary, but the necessity of the work that calls forth my heart and hand to it, and I shall rejoice if others will do it. I wrote you alone on 10 December as I do now (Mr. Clapp being in London and the others declining the service), that 150l. was brought in by Mr. Carter for Broadclist sheaf, and he promised to pay it to the clerk.
	In yours of 9 Dec. You stroke us, and in that of 12 Dec. you strike us, I hope undeservedly, in calling for returns of the former committee, which is to no purpose; only agents' accounts and suspensions are brought in, but no proof's or informations against any that are friends and relations, only such as were more than they needed to salve themselves and their own engagements, and which they can use in cases of discovery or embezzling of records. They know well enough that the Act is lame in that particular, and think to be excused. Not one of them complies, though threatened with levey of the penalty, and there being but one agent in this great county, the work is retarded; if he were dishonest or unfaithful, there is none to check him. Your duplicates ought also to have been sent, but your are silent to call for them.
	We cannot get indictments of the enemy's transactions while this county was in their power, which would be of great use. We will try to send our Michaelmas moneys by January, though I wish you knew our labours to save the State from loss by the negligence or corruption of former officers, and there is little encouragement for the charge of a journey to London.
	We have often represented the disadvantage from the want of a steward to keep courts; had we known that you refused it, we had long since appointed our clerk, and shall now do it if you approve. It will be a loss if you insist on our letting estates without reductions, as the tenants with one voice refuse to meddle with army assessments. which are now doubled.
	I fear where lawyers prevail and corrupt justice, many suspensions and orders may be surreptitiously got, and in those cases I hope you will allow us to take time to consider, and tender a review. We want directions about arrears between the time of sequestration and composition. [G 151, pp. 581, 582; answered 3 Jan. 1651.]
Dec. 28. Winton.	142.County Committee for Hants to the Committee for Compounding. Finding on perusal of the books of the late county committee that John Woodman, as sequestrator of Fawley division, had been in possession of Owselbury Parsonage for the Commonwealth 6 years, at 160l. a year, we required an account of the profits. The rent payable to St. Cross's Hospital, from which the estate is leased, is 20 quarters of wheat, 20 of malt, and 5l., which with the taxes leave 50l. a year clear, and so he must have 300l. unaccounted for. We find however that he, being soon made steward of St. Cross, on pretence of nonpayment of the house rent (which he as sequestrator ought to have paid) in his capacity of steward, re-entered the parsonage, without consent of the then committee, to whom he was a servant; he justifies himself on that account, and so deprives the State of the 300l.
	Also there is a tenement in Winchester Close let at 6l., sequestered from Hen. Foyle, and assigned to Woodman for laying up and preserving goods taken by sequestration. In his return of estates under sequestration, this was omitted, and on our finding it out and demanding the rent. he produced a deed by which he had purchased the reversion of the house from the trustees for sale of Dean and Chapter lands, and a deed of assignment of the present estate from Mr. Foyle, made before the sequestration. He took some time to produce it, and it is apparent that he has caused a deed to be forged, and dated 1643. Shall we levy the sum in his hands, notwithstanding such pretence? Will you send for and examine him yourselves ? The half year's rent ended at Michaelmas is part of the 6 years above-mentioned, and has been stayed by us in the tenant's hands. [1½ pages.] Enclosing,
	142. i. Order by the County Committee for Hants, on petition of John Lewis, on behalf of himself and his brothers and sisters, that the produce to the Com mittee this day fortnight the lease of Owselbury Parsonage; in the interim, Mr. Woodman, who has sequestered the same, is not to proceed further. Winton, 28 Oct. 1645. [½ page.]
	142.ii. Like order that John Woodman, collector for sequestrations within the City of Winton and division of Fawley, shall have the house in Winton Close, late in the possession of Hen. Foyle, delinquent, during pleasure, for laying in and preserving sequestered goods of Papists and delinquents. Winchester, 29 Nov. 1645. [½ page.]
	142.iii., [John Woodman] to Mr. Senior. Ask Hen. Foyle if he will make an assignment of the years to come in Mr. Browne's lease of the house late Wm. Browne's. The lease bears date 7 May, 17 Charles, and Mr. Browne's assignment 1 July, 19 Charles. My intention is to save it from sequestration; the assignment must bear date in 1643 after 1 July, and must be made to some one not liable to delinquency, and then we shall save it, if they be not too exact upon the evidence, swearing them whether it was not made since the time of the date; then Foyle may have the benefit thereof. It is but putting it to trial, for otherwise it will be lost, as Rebecca Webb cannot make her title hold. [Copy, ½ page.]
Dec. 28. Taunton.	143.John Gorges to the Committee for Compounding. As treasurer to the Committee for Sequestrations in co. Somerset, I enclose bills at 14 days' sight for 600l. received from sequestrations, and desire a discharge. There has been some delay in transmitting the amount, arising from there being no conveyance to send money, and through the failing of trade here, I could not exchange it for bills before. I desire instructions as to transmitting money for the future, as also whom you have appointed to be your treasurer.
	With note of reply, 4 Feb. 1651. Rich. Waring is our treasurer, and we will do what we can to appoint the payment of moneys in the country, but you must make use of any opportunity for sending up moneys. [1 page; also G 30, p. 391.]
Dec. 28. Kendal.	144.County Committee for Westmoreland to the Committee for Compounding. We have made some progress in letting the estates, and have received several offers for 1 year, and so for 6 after. They desire leases, but we shall run a hazard by covenanting for the tenants' peaceable enjoyment of those estates for the term aforesaid, as the Act of 25 Jan. 1650 determines in Jan. 1652, and so new commissioners may be appointed. We desire your direction herein, and a form of the leases to be drawn. We enclose particulars of the offers.
	With a note of reply, 1 Feb. 1651. You shall shortly receive the form of a lease, but though the Act determines Jan. 1652, and meantime other commissioners may be appointed in our stead, all leases made according to instructions will stand for 7 years. We want further particulars of the offers for estates. [1 page; also G 30, p. 459.] Enclosing,
	144. i. Offers made for the following estates of delinquents and Papists for one year's tenancy from 2 Feb. next, and for six years thereafter, viz.—
	George Taylor of Kendal, for Rowland Harrison's Sir Hen. Bellingham's estate, 900l.
	Anth. Preston of Kendal, for Wm. Guy's estate at Watercrooke, 20l. 5s.
	Timothy Clarke, for Anth. Knipe's estate at Fairbank and New Hutton, 14l. 1s.
	George Taylor of Kendal, for Rowland Harrison's estate of Lyth, 12l. 10s. 6d.
	George Taylor, for Rich. Braithwaite's estate of Burneshead, Newhall, &c, 241l. 9s.
	George Archer, for Dockrey Hall and Readman Tenement, part of the latter estate, 40l. 2s. 6d. [1 page.]
Dec. 28. Waterford.	Col. Hen. Ireton to the Committee for Compounding. Lieut. John Mansel came into Ireland with the Lord Lieutenant. His employment since has not allowed him liberty to attend to his own affairs. Please to take cognizance of his business, and expedite his procuring the benefit of his order of Parliament, and consequently his return here to his employment. [G 104, p. 53.] Annexing,
Dec. 28. Waterford.	i. Parliament order for payment to Mansell of 620l. for service, and 70l. for diet of the Duke of Hamilton during imprisonment, from the Sequestration Committee of co. Leicester. 18 June 1649. [G 104, p. 51.]
Dec. 31.	Order of the Committee for Compounding that the accounts of the Commissioners for co. Bucks be examined and stated by Auditor Sherwin. [G 10, p. 314.]
	Order to enquire the opinion of Parliament what is meant by allowance of the debt in the Act of 1 Aug. last, whether it be intended that interest and charges be allowed, as well as the debt.
	Order that a list be made of all recusants that have compounded at 2 years' value, and paid in their money, and whose cases are not yet reported. [G 36, pp. 36, 57.]
Dec. 31.	Committee for Compounding to the County Committee for Cumberland. Particulars of cases. We leave it to you to allow competent rewards to witnesses and persons employed in seizing and securing estates, but as your agent should bear the charge of seizing and securing, consider of this before you dispense money therein. Keep and exact account of estates discovered by persons claiming benefit by the discovery, that when Parliament makes allowances therefor, they may be deducted. [G 30, p. 459.]
Dec. 31.	Committee for Compounding to the Commissioners of co. Rutland. We cannot at present confirm your contract of Hambleton Manor to Col. Thos. Wayte at 320l. a year, not being certified that you have had it surveyed as ordered by the Act of 25 Jan., and being further informed by one that surveyed it that it is worth 600l. a year. [G 10, p. 311.]
Dec. 31.	145.County Committee for Cornwall to the Committee for Compounding. In our last we gave you as perfect an account as we could up to last Michaelmas, but owing to the remissness of the agent you have commissioned here, to whom we long since gave the rental and warrant to levy the rents, it was not complete. We desire to be excused waiting upon you, in respect of our many employments, and the great charge of such a journey. We have received particulars of the delinquents who have already compounded for the most part.
	We long since sent you a certificate of our taking the oath, and will see that [Hum.] Lower, who has only lately appeared amongst us, does the like at our next meeting. With a list of offers made for delinquents' estates if the tenants may have them for 7 years, viz.:—
		Annual rent formerly set by the old committee.			Offered now.
		£	s.	d.	£	s.	d.
	John Arundel of Trerise	400	0	0	600	0	0
	Sir John Grenvile	150	0	0	250	0	0
	Sir Sam. Goswarth [or Cosworth]	66	13	4	150	0	0
	Nicholas Borlace	150	0	0	250	0	0
	Renatus Billett [or Bellott]	40	0	0	80	0	0
	John James	20	0	0	40	0	0
	[1 page.]
Dec.	County Commissioners for Cornwall to the Committee for Compounding. On yours of 19 Nov., making void our lease of Wm. Coriton's estate, let at 100l. a year above the value compounded for, we have respited it, and will examine witnesses, but such stop of proceedings checks both informers and takers of estates. As to letting surplus values, we know not how to do it but by letting the whole estate, the takers paying the compounder his own value. Direct us about persons who have only acted in juries or as constables, the matter being "of some tenderness." We let Coriton's and other estates according to the instructions of 17 May last, being informed they were undervalued. [G 200, p. 609.]
Dec.	146.Maj. Gen. John Disbrowe to Mr. Winslow. As James Pierce and John Wyatt have been returned to be commissioned agents for sequestration within co. Somerset and Bristol, I desire you will get the commission done to-day, so that it may be sent by post to night, for both or either, as you judge convenient. [½ page.]
Dec.	List of returns from the county commissioners delivered in to Auditor Sherwin, 19 June to 24 Dec. 1650. [G 113, pp. 579, 580.]
1650 ?	Request by the Commissioners for Sequestrations for Carmarthen, Jer. Dawkins and Morris Thomas, that their letters for South Wales may be sent by the post for Ireland, to be left in Carmarthen. [G 30, p. 502.]
	Petition of Thos. Garrett, agent to the Committee for Sequestrations for Norfolk, to the Committee for Compounding. Was appointed agent by the late Committee for Compounding 23 Feb. last, at 4s. a day; by order of the county committee, was to receive all moneys, and pay them into Goldsmiths' Hall, according to the Act of 25 Jan. last. Begs a further allowance for his great charge and labour, acting both as agent and as county commissioner. Noted that the charge for fire and a doorkeeper are allowed to agents. [G 88, p. 889.]
	Petition of Jane, widow of Cornet George Kitson, to the Haberdashers' Hall Committee. Her husband being slain in the service, and she and 3 small children in a deplorable condition, having only a small pension at Ely house, begs to be entered for the sums given to charitable uses. [G 97, p. 193.]
	Petition of Thos. Poulton to the Committee for Compounding. Was lately employed by the Committee for Sequestrations of Wilts as their officer, and discharged his trust faithfully. Finding it difficult to be continued there, begs employment in some other county. [G 109, p. 1069.]
	Petition of Fred. French and Cap. Thos. Hughes to the Haberdashers' Hall Commissioners. Can prove that George Penney of Tollard, and Wm. Arundel of Keynson, Dorset, and many others, though, returned as Papists not in arms, were in arms, and have compounded to the State's great prejudice. Beg a review of the depositions and proofs against them. Noted "To be read to the commissioners." [G 85, p. 256.]
	Note for an order to allow 10l. towards the repair of West Derby Manor House, where the manor court is held. [G 129, p. 583.]
	List of 5 delinquents in co. Essex and 2 in other counties. [G 156, p. 57.]
	List of 15 [cases to be referred to] the Army Committee. [G 63, p. 756.]