Volume G 263: September 1659

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

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'Volume G 263: September 1659', in Calendar, Committee For Compounding: Part 1, (London, 1889) pp. 745-754. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/compounding-committee/pt1/pp745-754 [accessed 24 March 2024]

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September 1659.

Sept. [3].
Haberdashers' Hall, London.
17. Instructions to the county committees.
1. You are to sequester the estates, real and personal, of Sir George Booth, Sir Thos. Middleton, Randolph Egerton, and Rob. Werden.
2. To discover any others who, since 7 May 1659, on behalf of Charles Stuart or any other, have been in arms or raised forces against Parliament, or plotted or consented thereto, or concealed the same; or who have adhered to Booth, Middleton, &c., or who have, since 30 Jan. 1649 promoted the pretended title of Charles Stuart to be King, or have corresponded with him, or lent arms, horses, or money to him or his party.
3. On such discoveries, you are to bring charges against the persons, and summon them before you, secure their estates, and stop payment of their rents, and certify to us the value of the estate, names of the tenants, and answers of the delinquent.
4. When any defend themselves, you are to take examinations and crossexaminations on oath, and send them to us.
5. You are to keep perfect registers of all your proceedings, that there may be duplicates when required.
6. You are to divide yourselves, sit in convenient places in the county, and appoint your own agents and officers, qualified as in the Militia Act.
7. You are to see that all grain belonging to delinquents' estates be carefully inned, and secured for the State, as well as that already gathered.
8. You are to sequester all who were taken in actual arms, and are now prisoners of war, and return their names to us. [2½ pages.]
[Sept. 3.] 18. Copy of part of the above. [1 page.]
Sept. 3. 19. Draft of the above for the Committee for co. Chester. [1¼ pages, much corrected.]
Sept. 3. 20. Act empowering the Commissioners for Sequestrations to examine witnesses on oath. [⅓ page.]
[Sept. 6.] Commission by the Commissioners for Sequestrations appointing Major Edw. Robinson, Major Jos. Wigan, Capt. Ed. French, Capt. John Case, [John] Sharpless, Capt. Boardman, [James] Johnson, and Wm. Dawges, Commissioners for co. Lancaster. [Parchment, damaged, several names torn off. Col. Wm. West, Major John Fox, Capt. Nich. Rigby, and George Pigott, are also in the list of commissioners given in Dec. 1659. No. 52, p. 772 infra; G 196, p. 29.]
Sept. 6.
Chester.
21. Lieut.-Col. G. Gerard to the Commissioners for Sequestrations. In the absence of the governor, I opened your packet to him, myself, and others, and found a commission with two Acts of Parliament and instructions for sequestering delinquents in this county and city. As none of the other commissioners are within 12 miles of the town, I will go to the governor, and shall be ready to join him and the rest. Your commission is for the city and county of Chester, but your instructions are for sequestering delinquents' estates in Cheshire, not naming Chester, which is a distinct county. Pray let the commission and instructions run parallel. Also appoint your faithful, suffering servant, Thos. Robinson, as our clerk, and we will appoint the rest of our agents. [1 page.]
Sept. 10.
Gloucester.
22. County Commissioners for Gloucester to the Commissioners for Sequestrations. We have received our commission and instructions, but they do not empower us to act in the city and county of Gloucester. The commissioners also live so far apart that they cannot often meet. We beg some additions, and power to act in Gloucester. [¾ page.]
Sept. 13. Commissioners for Sequestrations to the County Committee for Chester. We send you a supplemental instruction. It is true we only named 4 persons to be sequestered and ordered charges against others, but that does not prevent proceedings against those who acknowledge delinquency within the Act. The engagement being so notorious, they will hardly put themselves to the expense of a trial, but the charge should be made on oath, and they should have liberty to defend themselves. The estates of those who acted by force must be seized; but upon appeal, we will distinguish between them and volunteers.
You can appoint your clerk and agent, and state what you think should be allowed them. The charge of gathering delinquents' crops and tithes must be deducted from the profits of their estates, and the allowance to wives and children will be made when desired.
The personal estate of the four named is to be sold by the candle for ready money, and after due posting up and appraisement in presence of some of the commissioners; but if they themselves will pay the sum appraised, the goods are to be sold to them without posting. [G 59, p. 5.]
Sept. 13. Commissioners for Sequestrations to the County Committee for Gloucester. We send you a new commission, adding the names you requested on 10 Sept., and a supplemental instruction. Pull the seals off your former commission, and return it to us. [G 59, p. 72.]
Sept. 13. 23. Commission by the Commissioners for Sequestrations to Edw. Cludd, Gab. Odingsells, Rob. Kirby, John Story, John Garland, and George [or Gregory] Silvester, to be the Commissioners for the county and town of Nottingham. [Parchment, signed.]
Sept. 13.
Stafford.
24. Dan. Watson to the Commissioners for Sequestrations. I have received your commission, &c., and summoned my fellow commissioners, 2 of whom are in London, to meet here on the 20th, when we shall agree how to execute our powers. [½ page.]
[Sept 14.] Commission by the Sequestration Commissioners, appointing Col. John White, Capt. Wm. Disher, Capt. Wm. Gardner, Capt. Bayford, and Dr. Gabriel Barber, Commissioners for co. Herts. [G 189, p. 581; parchment.]
Sept. 15.
St.Ives.
Cornwall.
25. W. Ceely to the Commissioners for Sequestrations. Finding that you are re-invested in your powers by Act of Parliament, I acquaint you that I was formerly a commissioner for this county, and am ready to observe your directions here and in co. Devon. [2/3 page.]
Sept. 16.
Derby.
26. Maj.-Gen. John Lambert to the Commissioners for Sequestrations. I find this county generally disaffected, and lest you should choose unfit persons for your work, I recommend Majors Thos. Wright and James Fulwood, Capts. Rob. Hope, Gabriel Wayne, James Wright, and Wm. Tomlinson, Wm. Newton, mayor of Chesterfield, John Gisborne, alderman of Derby, and 5 others as commissioners, and Sam. Heathcote as clerk. [¾ page.]
Sept. 17.
Gloucester.
27. County Committee for Gloucester to the Commissioners for Sequestrations. We have yours of the 13th, with the new commission and instructions, which we shall carefully execute. We have begun the work already. We send you back the old commission as directed. [½ page.]
Sept. 19. Commissioners for Sequestrations to the County Committee for Chester. We have added 2 other persons to your committee, send you a new commission, and request return of the former one. [G 59, p. 6.]
Sept. 19. Commissioners for Sequestrations to the County Committee for Lancaster. You send the names of persons to be employed as registrar, solicitor, agents, treasurer, and auditor of your county. In former times, though the business was very great, there were only 4 commissioners, one of whom was treasurer. There were 6 agents for while, but they were reduced to 2.
You must be as good husbands for the State as you can, but 4 agents should suffice, and 2 after the sequestrations are laid on. No such officers as solicitor and auditor have ever been allowed. We send a new commission, adding the persons you desire, and cancelling one to whom you except. Use all expedition in securing estates. [G 59, p. 94.]
Sept. 19. Commissioners for Sequestrations to Edw. Cludd, Norwood Park, near Newark. Thanks for yours of 17 Sept., and for your affection to the public good. We have sent you a new commission, correcting the mistake in Mr. Sylvester's name, and adding John Hacker instead of Mr. Storey. Return us the former commission. [G 59, p. 130.]
Sept. 19. Commissioners for Sequestrations to Richard and Edw. Price, and Edw. Vaughan, Commissioners for co. Montgomery. We commend your diligence. Go on in sequestering estates. Directions in cases. Nothing is to be granted to the wives and children of delinquents, unless you certify that the wife is living, and what children are to be provided for. [G 59, p. 134.]
Sept. 19.
Haberdashers' Hall, London.
28. Commissioners for Sequestrations to —. Hearing of your integrity and good affection, we have appointed you a Committee for Sequestrations co. —, and send you a commission and 2 Acts of Parliament, one by which we are constituted commissioners, the other enabling you to examine on oath. We doubt not of your care, but wish to hear of your receipt of this, and tell us if you require further powers or instructions. [1 page.]
Sept. 19.
Little
Battington.
29. Major Unton Croke to the Commissioners for Sequestrations. I send you an order in Parliament exempting from sequestration the lands which were settled on me for service done. They are 2 farms in Little Battington and Wily Bourne parishes, co. Wilts, and belonged to Thos. Mompesson, a principal actor in the rebellion in the West, in 1655. I shall soon be in town and give you particulars of the lands, which are in the Act now before the House. Please to order your sub-commissioners not to meddle with them. [1 page.]
Sept. 19.
Westminster.
30. Bussy Mansell to Sam. Moyer. By the care of our small forces in South Wales, it was so kept from insurrection that there will be little work for Sequestration Commissioners. Yet some will be found, for divers delinquents now in hand have estates there, and discoveries may be made of some that went from these parts to the enemy in Chester. I recommend the subcommissioners named, assuring you of their fitness and integrity. [2/3 page.]
Sept. 19. 31. List of proposed sub-commissioners for South Wales:—
Rob. Thomas, Tregros, co. Glamorgan.
Capt. Rich. Browne of Pembroke.
Capt. John Morgan, Llanthetty, co. Brecon.
Charles Lloyd, Llanigon, co. Brecon.
John Powell, Llandefailog, co. Brecon.
Thos. Williams, Llowes, Radnor.
George Warren, Haverfordwest.
page. All these men were the commissioners chosen. See list of Dec. 1659, No. 52, p. 772 infra.]
Sept. [20].
Derby.
32. County Commissioners for Derby to the Commissioners for Sequestrations. We find many here were in the insurrection, but they say that they armed on the encouragement of some of the commissioned officers, who joined Col. White at his coming into this town. Many have been secured by the Militia Commissioners; they justify themselves, but bring no witnesses. [If they refuse to appear within the time limited, secure their estates.]
Are we to look upon these as prisoners of war, and secure their estates till your determination ? [We cannot look on them as prisoners of war, but secure their estates if they are within the Act of 29 Aug.]
Particulars of a case.
What salary will you allow to the messengers whom we must employ ? [1 page.]
Sept. 20.
Stafford.
33. Capt. Peter Backhouse to the Commissioners for Sequestrations. This day was appointed for the meeting of the commissioners, but Capts. [Dan.] Watson and [Wm.] Burslem being from home, only Mr. Chetwood and Thos. Bagnall met with me, and they refused to act. I have sent officers to secure the estates of Rand. Egerton and Capt. Beverley, as they are making them away, to defraud the State. Pray hold me harmless. Also add to the commission Lieut.-Col. Gent, Major Rob. Smith, and Lieut. Wm. Clare, persons of known integrity. [1 page.]
Sept. 22. Commissioners for Sequestrations to the County Committee for Chester. We have received such information about the persons in the enclosed list that you are to seize and secure their estates, and exhibit a charge against them to this effect:—
That on 9 Aug. 1659, they sat in an assembly held in the "Inner Pentice," Chester, when it was agreed that 3 companies of foot soldiers should be raised. That the monthly assessment should be disposed of by order of the mayor. That a watch should be kept at the Pentice by the mayor, and what was done by him and the justices of peace, in defence of the city, was approved. That they also had some secret conferences with Col. John Booth about opening the city gates to Sir George Booth, and on news of the insurrection at Derby, bonfires were made up and down the city, with "God save the King" in the Close.
You must search the records of the Pentice for proof of this charge. [G 59, p. 6.]
Sept. 22.
Gloucester.
34. County Commissioners for Gloucester to the Commissioners for Sequestrations. We have secured the estate of [Thos.] Veel of Simonshall, and his brother Nicholas. Our agents have cut and housed their corn; we want leave to sell part of it to defray the charges.
Some of the witnesses whom we sent for to discover delinquents refuse to appear, and say we have no power to compel them, and one refuses to take the oath. We beg further orders, that the Act be not slighted. [2/3 page.]
Sept. 22. 35. Deposition of John Griffin of Nether Lyppiat, before the County Commissioners for Gloucester. On the 20th instant, Thos. Green, servant of Wm. Warner, clothier of Pakenell, co. Gloucester, said that on 8 Sept. Col. Edw. Massey was at Warner's house, and wrote a letter with onion juice, enclosed it in the bowl of a tobacco pipe, stopped tobacco on it, and sent it to Step. Halford, keeper of Gloucester Castle, by one of Warner's men. The letter bade him use the bearer, and said that Massey doubted not to be with Halford in a few days, and that the Duke of York was with Massey at Warner's house. Warner keeps his house so privately that a servant is hardly admitted to light a tobacco pipe, and after night, they are not admitted into the dwelling-house.
The Saturday before the rising in Gloucester, Warner, his brother Thomas, and Thos. Webb packed up their cloth behind Stroud church to be ready. Col. Massey said the country should be well used, but he desired the heads of six men.
Thatch of Stonehouse, and Hodges of Kingstanley, ministers, said they would engage life and estate with Col. Massey, and Thatch was intelligencer for them.
Dan. Fowler of Stonehouse, was active and riding about, and the most noted man in the county to promote the rising. Also,
Deposition of Thos. Cherrington, servant to Thos. Freame of Lyppiat, that 3 or 4 days before Col. Massey was taken, deponent brought his master's white horse to a ground near [Wm.] Window's house, and it was there the Sunday night Massey was taken, but he knows not whether it was there on the Monday. Also,
Deposition of Rich. Dudbridge of Stroud. On 31 July, was going at night to his father's at Todgmore, but his wife was very angry with him for going forth at such a time, there being then a great speech of a rising in England, and so he went not. The same day he saw Wm. Window of Nether Lyppiat with a naked sword, and heard that he said that [Rich.] Britten, minister of Bisley, had a hand in the rising. Also,
Deposition of Wm. Stringer of Stroud. On 31 July, the day that Col. Massey was taken, Wm. Window said there would be a great rising of the country, and Massey would meet them, and Capt. Page would go with them, and asked deponent to join them. Took his father's horse without leave, and rode with Window towards Hampton Road; others joined them, but he left them and returned home before day. Also,
Deposition of Sam. Watkins of Stroud, to like effect. Wm. Freame of Hales, in Nether Lyppiat, was to be captain of a troop in the insurrection, and said he would ask for, and if refused, seize 30 horses, and would secure the Watkinses, they being the only enemies near. Names of others who engaged to join the rising. [4 pages.]
Sept. 22. 36. Deposition of Wm. Window of Stroud. On the last Wednesday in July, before the rising, Rich. Britten, minister of Bisley, sent for him and urged him to go and meet Col. Massey by Bidfield Farm, where there would be 8,000 men, and said he might take a horse anywhere, for his master (meaning Charles Stuart) would bear him out. Britten complained of Mr. Howe for promising first 10,000 men, then only 5,000, and then he could only make 1,000 who were ready, though Howe was in prison. He said the Anabaptists and Quakers would pull down the light of the Gospel and the ministry, if a course were not taken with them.
The Saturday before the rising, had a white horse sent by Thos. Freame, and rode with others to Simonshall expecting to meet Massey; but finding no one, they returned, and heard that he was taken. Names of others who accompanied them with horses and arms. [1½ pages.] Annexing,
36. i. Depositions of Mary Window, his wife, that she opposed his joining the rising, but Thos. Freame said the land would quickly be subdued, for there were only 8,000 men in arms in it. That after Massey was taken, Freame offered her 100l. and 2 acres of land to clear him. [1 page.]
Sept. 23. Commissioners for Sequestrations to the County Committee for Derby. You are to look on the townsmen secured by the Militia Commissioners as delinquents till they acquit themselves, and to seize and secure their estates, and the estates of all you have summoned, and to sequester them if they do not appear to answer in 10 days; also to secure the estates of all against whom you have informations or probable suspicions. Directions in cases. [G 59, p. 54.]
Sept. 23. Commissioners for Sequestrations to the County Committee for Salop. We are glad to learn your proceedings, and if the persons named do not appear within 10 days after summons to answer the charge, you are to sequester the estates you have secured, returning us inventories and particulars. [G 59, p. 167.]
Sept. 23. Commissioners for Sequestrations to the County Committee for Hants. As John Bremant, one of your appointed commissioners, is an army captain, and resides here in town, send us your commission, and we will insert the name of his father, Thos. Bremant, who was the person intended; but do not let the work be retarded meantime. [G 59, p. 185.]
Sept. 23. Commissioners for Sequestrations to the County Committee for Stafford. We have granted you a new commission, appointing the gentleman you requested. Cancel and return the former one. [G 59, p. 206.]
Sept. 23.
Bodmin, Cornwall.
37. County Commissioners for Cornwall to the Commissioners for Sequestrations. We have received your commission and instructions, and will execute them to the best of our ability. [⅓ page.]
Sept. 23.
York.
38. County Commissioners for York to the Commissioners for Sequestrations. We met to-day at York on your commission and instructions. As Michaelmas is at hand, when the rents are due, should we not secure the estates of suspected persons before we examine witnesses ? as that is a work of time, and meanwhile, they will receive their rents and convey away their personal estates.
As we have no power to bear the charges of witnesses, or to reward them or the informers, men will be unwilling to attend to discover and prove at their own charge. We have a commission to appoint a clerk and agents, but no directions for their salary, which we request.
P.S.—We suppose Mat. Beck to be put in for Mat. Beckwith. [1 page.]
Sept. 24. Commissioners for Sequestrations to the County Committee for Salop. The Council of State wish us to order the securing of two trunks of papers in custody of Capt. [John] Groom, governor of Ludlow Castle, taken by him from John Herbert, steward to the late Lord Herbert. Repair to Ludlow, take the trunks into your custody, and make and send us a schedule of any writings relating to Lord Herbert or John Herbert, or to any engaged in the late rebellion, keeping the papers safe. Directions in cases. [G 59, p. 167.]
Sept. 24.
Derby.
39. Edw. Heming to Sam. Moyer. We have secured the estates of many ministers and persons of small estate. Col. [John] Shalcross was active, but we cannot find any estate. The other commissioners act freely, and we shall soon have much business. You promised me employment if the recusants' business came into your hands, and Sir Hen. Vane promised me the same when I was in London. Particulars of cases. [1 page.]
Sept. 24.
Leicester.
40. County Committee for Leicester to the Commissioners for Sequestrations. We gave notice to the gentlemen named in your commission to meet on Tuesday last, and then to-day, but they not appearing, we cannot act. [2/3 page.]
Sept. 24.
Worcester
College.
41. County Committee for Worcester to the Commissioners for Sequestrations. The persons named in the Act had no estates in this county, nor were any persons of good estates in the last insurrection, except Sir Henry Littleton and his three brothers, as we secured most of our gentry in Worcester before the rising, and so prevented their rebelling.
Several queries arise on your instructions.
1. Are we to sequester 2/3 of all Papists' estates that are not under sequestration ?
2. Are we to question those that were in arms in Worcester in 1651, when the Scots were there ?
3. If so, are we to proceed against those respited on the former depositions, or take fresh ones ?
4. What is to be done with the estates of those that were sequestered, and have been discharged or compounded since 1653 ?
5. Are those who dispersed Sir George Booth's declarations liable to question ?
6. What is to be done about the rents due for estates of Papists and delinquents now under sequestration ?
7. What is to be allowed our officers for salary and charges? We beg your directions. [12/3 pages.]
Sept. 24. 42. County Committee for [Shropshire] to the Commissioners for Sequestrations. We send you several examinations. Fras. Charlton of Apley, and John Cold of the Isle, have desired examination of witnesses in their defence. We have secured their estates. We cannot send you a perfect list of the prisoners at war, for the governor, Major [Edm.] Waring, and his agents have set all the persons of quality at liberty, and they are gone home. [To send a list of the persons discharged by the governor.] We, thinking them in safe custody, sent for them to be examined and make discoveries of other persons in arms; for want of their testimony our business is much obstructed, and they have used their liberty to convey away their personal estates, so that little is left.
Hill, Major Waring's ensign at Shrewsbury Castle, has sent soldiers, and taken valuable horses from Charlton and other sequestered persons, and sent them to Panckridge fair to sell. [It was before the sequestration, and the horses were in service in the field, but if horses were taken after sequestration, the ensign must be called to account. Major Waring, who is in town, to be sent for.] John Llewelyn of Little Drayton, Jos. Prowd, and Henry Lichfield of Shrewsbury, and Capt. John Groom of Ludlow, added as commissioners. [1 page.]
Sept. 24.
Hertford.
43. County Committee for Herts to the Commissioners for Sequestrations. Particulars of cases. Pray give your orders to Capt. Wm. Gardiner, one of us whom we send to you, that we may act safely and vigorously in sequestered estates. Col. [John] White and Dr. [Gabriel] Barber decline to act. We propose John Kinsey, Major Edm. Rolfe, John Hunsdon, and Thos. Plomer, in their places. [Alex. Wild to be a commissioner with the persons above.] [1 page.]
Sept. 26.
Northampton.
44. Rob. Massey to the Commissioners for Sequestrations. I will endeavour to execute my trust, and doubt not the compliance of the rest of the commissioners nominated. We will have a speedy meeting to execute our powers. Note of a case. [1 page.]
Sept. 27. Commissioners for Sequestrations to the County Committee for Chester. You seem doubtful on which commission to act; you had better return both, and we will rectify any mistake. Your letter of 24 Sept. is important. We can give no allowance to wives and children, unless they apply to us. Meantime do not sell any sequestered goods, but only secure them. [G 59, p. 7.]
Sept. 27. Commissioners for Sequestrations to the County Committee for Hants. We have, at your request, added three other commissioners, and granted a new commission. You are to send the former to be cancelled. Directions in cases. [G 59, p. 77.]
Sept. 27. Commissioners for Sequestrations to Rich. Price, Thos. Harley, and Edw. Vaughan, Commissioners for co. Montgomery. Where you find any engaged in the late rebellion who have fled and are absent, you are to seize and secure their estates; and should they live in another county, certify your proceedings to the commissioners there, that they may do likewise.
You are to secure the estates of all prisoners of war, and examine witnesses. Directions in cases. [G 59, p. 134.]
Sept. 27. Commissioners for Sequestrations to And. Ellis, Thos. Ball, Hugh Pritchard, and Gerard Barber, Commissioners for cos. Denbigh and Flint. Use your best means for securing the corn and goods of delinquents. We cannot yet give you power to sell it, or to let the sequestered lands, but hope to do so soon. [G 59, p. 135.]
Sept. 27. Commissioners for Sequestrations to the County Committee for Worcester. In reply to your queries, you are to proceed against all that adhered to the late King of Scots at Worcester, as well as those engaged in the late rebellion. The former depositions are valid, and may be proceeded on. Several were adjudged delinquents by the late Committee for Compounding and Committee for Advance of Money, and all their estates should be sequestered.
We cannot answer your queries relating to Papists and delinquents under sequestration, being authorized only to act against those in rebellion. You must proceed against those who dispersed Sir George Booth's declarations. We hope soon to inform you of allowances for your officers and incident charges.
With list of 9 persons adjudged delinquents by the late Committee for Advance of Money. [G 59, pp. 216, 217.]
Sept. 27. Commissioners for Sequestrations to the County Committee for York. You are to proceed to secure the estates of all informed against as suspected of being engaged in the late rebellion, and do your best to find witnesses. We hope shortly to satisfy you about the salaries of your officers. [G 59, p. 228.]
Sept. 27. 45. Charge before the County Committee of Chester, against John Ratcliffe, late recorder of Chester. That he and others sat at a meeting in the Inner Pentice, Chester, on 9 Aug. 1659, when it was agreed that foot soldiers should be raised, and officers named, the monthly assessments used for their pay, and a constant watch kept for defence of the city; that they had secret conferences with Col. John Booth; and that on 2 Aug., at 4 a.m., by their consent, Mr. Pleyward, one of the sheriffs, opened the city gates to Sir G. Booth, who was received with shouts of joy, and his declaration publicly proclaimed. That on news of the insurrection at Derby, proclamation was made by order of the Pentice, and bonfires lighted, with "God save the King" in the Close; also that Ratcliffe was captain of the city watch in Sir George Booth's rebellion. [½ sheet.] Annexing,
45. i. Answer of John Ratcliffe, partly acknowledging and excusing, and partly denying the above charges. [3 sheet pages.]
45. ii. Order at an assembly in the Inner Pentice, Chester, 9 Aug. 1659,— Gerard Jones, mayor, John Ratcliffe, recorder, 10 aldermen, 2 sheriffs, and 15 others present, and 12 aldermen and 22 others absent—that, in the present danger of the city, 3 foot companies be raised for its defence; that Wm. Wright, Ald. Rich. Bridge, and Edw. Burroughes, be captain, lieutenant, and ensign of one, and John Whitter, Thos. Fernihaugh, and Wm. Street of the other.
That the money due for the monthly assessment be levied for its defence, and paid by order of the mayor, each member of the assembly to pay in his portion in the afternoon.
That watch be continued at the Pentice, the mayor to appoint the captain.
That the assembly approves what has been done by the mayor and justices.
That John Whitter, ironmonger, is to be commissary for all the city companies. [2 sheets.]
45. iii. Order in an assembly at the Pentice Chamber, Chester, 19 Aug. 1659,— the mayor and recorder, 12 aldermen, 2 sheriffs, and 12 others present—that Major Jolly command the third city company with Jon. Goldson, lieutenant, and choose his own ensign.
That all who have not appeared at this assembly, and reside in town, have payment levied on them, if they refuse to make it.
That Capt. Wright and Whitter's soldiers assist in levying the assessment, if requested.
That every householder be ready, in person or by procurement, to assist in repairing the city walls, on the appointment of the mayor. [1 sheet.]
45. iv. Order in a like assembly, 8 Sept., that in the urgent need of money, every justice of peace lend 40s.; the rest of the aldermen and sheriffs, 20s.; every sheriff's peer, 13s. 4d.; and every other common councilman, 10s., to be collected by George Baggott, sword-bearer, and repaid from the city treasury.
Also order on request of Ald. Wright, John Whitter, Wm. Street, Thos. Fernihaugh, Rich. Bridge, and Edw. Burroughes, now prisoners—for care to be taken for their freedom and indemnity, as they undertook their employment in obedience to the city and for its safety—that endeavours shall be used accordingly. [2 sheets.]
45. v. Examinations before the county committee on the charge against John Ratcliffe, recorder. [14 sheet pages.]
45. vi. Interrogatories by Ratcliffe for examination therein, tending to prove that he and the city had acted in self defence, there being armed forces in and outside it, and the city walls too weak for defence; that the companies raised were volunteers, and did not act against the Parliament forces, and that he acted under order, and had no secret correspondence with Booth. [2 sheet pages.]
45. vii. Examinations on the above interrogatories. [10¼ sheet pages.]
Sept. 28.
Winchester.
46. Thos. Muspratt to the Commissioners for Sequestrations. I send you our commission that you may correct the mistake of putting John for Thomas Bremant. Pray return it speedily, that we may fall upon our work. [2/3 page.]
Sept. 28.
Middle
Lambrook, Somerset.
47. Geo. Sampson and Thos. Collins, County Commissioners for co. Somerset, to the Commissioners for Sequestrations. We should take it as a favour to be excused acting; we should utterly deny it, did we not know you to be persons whom we have cause to honour. We will enquire after the commission and send it you to rectify the mistake about Col. Bovett, and acquaint the other commissioners of your desire. ["The commissioners do desire the gentlemen to proceed in the work."] [2/3 page.]
Sept. 29. Commissioners for Sequestrations to the County Committee for Bedford. We have received yours of 19 Sept. touching your willingness to act; as there are mistakes in some of your names, return us the commission to be rectified, but meanwhile proceed on your instructions. [G 59, p. 2.]
Sept. 29. Commissioners for Sequestrations to the County Committee for Leicester. By yours of the 24th, you state that you cannot act because your fellow commissioners have not appeared. We send you a new commission, nominating two as a quorum, whereby you will be empowered to act alone, in case the others shall not assist you. Cancel the former commission, and return it to us. [G 59, p. 89.]
Sept. 29. Commissioners for Sequestrations to the County Committee for Salop. Thinking well of the fidelity of Jos. Prowd, we have added him to you as commissioner. We send you a new commission, and desire a return of the former one. [G 59, p. 168.]
Sept. 29. John Leech to Phil. Nicholas, one of the County Committee for Monmouth. The Committee for Sequestrations have sent a commission to you and the John Thomas who is employed about the Excise (there being many of that name in your county), and do not doubt of your care. If the work is more than you can do, send the names and addresses of qualified persons, and also your own and Mr. Thomas' addresses. [G 59, p. 189.]
Sept. 29. Commissioners for Sequestrations to the County Committee for Stafford. In our commission we omitted the name of Capt. Wm. Burslem, who has appeared before us and declared his willingness to act, so we send you another commission with his name added, and request you to cancel and return the two former ones. [G 59, p. 206.]
Sept. 29. Commissioners for Sequestrations to the County Committee for Wilts. You are not to sequester farms in Little Battington, Steeple Langford, and Wily Bourne, belonging to Thos. Mompesson, who was in the rebellion in the West in 1655, as Parliament intends to settle them on Major Unton Crooke, in reward for service. [G 59, p. 212.]
Sept. 29.
Leicester.
48. County Commissioners for Leicester to the Commissioners for Sequestrations. We have met to-day, and being a full number, intend to execute the Act. We recommend John Birkhead as our clerk, and And. Horton as our agent, both qualified persons. [2/3 page.]
Sept. 30. Commissioners for Sequestrations to the County Committee for Lancaster. We hope you know the great wants of the State, and will not contract a greater charge than needful. We are willing you should employ 6 agents for present dispatch, but hope you will soon reduce the number. We will try to get your salaries allowed for registrar, clerks, agents, and messenger, but we cannot allow of any other officer, nor was it desired by the former committee. All charges to be defrayed out of receipts in the county. [G 59, p. 94.]
Sept. 30. Commissioners for Sequestrations to Rob. Massey, a commissioner for co. Northampton. Do what you can to further the proceedings according to your commission. Directions in a case. [G 59, p. 126.]
Sept. 30. Commissioners for Sequestrations to Rob. Owen, Hugh Evans, and the other commissioners for cos. Montgomery and Merioneth. Proceed in sequestering the estates of those who are known to be fled, or who do not appear 10 days after summons, and of all others credibly informed against. As to young men who have only estates in expectancy, get their delinquency proved on oath, and give them notice to make their defence, that we may adjudge them. [G 59, p. 135.]
Sept. 30. Commissioners for Sequestrations to the County Committee for Salop. There is in yours a seeming accusation that the governor of Shrewsbury released all or most of the persons of quality, by which the business is like to suffer; send a list of them, that we may require satisfaction. The horses were taken before sequestration, and were prizes of war. [G 59, p. 168.]
[Sept. 30.] Commissioners for Sequestrations to the County Committee for Somerset. In your commission there is a mistake, Col. Bovett's name being written Buffett; return it to us that we may rectify it, but meantime let not the work be retarded. [G 59, p. 175.]
Sept. 30. Commissioners for Sequestrations to Geo. Sampson, Thos. Collins, and the other Commissioners for Somerset. We are glad that from your knowledge of us you are willing to undertake this service. It was our confidence in you that led us to nominate you. Settle to the work, and let us hear further. [G 59, p. 175.]
Sept. 30. Commissioners for Sequestrations to Thos. Muspratt, and the rest of the County Committee for Hants. We return your commission with Bremant's name altered. Promote the work with care and diligence. [G 59, p. 185.]
Sept. 30.
Haberdashers' Hall.
49. Commission by the Commissioners for Sequestrations to Capt. Wm. Pickering, — Tisford, and John Moody of Cambridge, and John Boord of Trinity Hall, to be Commissioners for the city and county of Cambridge. [Parchment, signed.]
Sept. ? 50. Capt. P. Backhouse to the Commissioners for Sequestrations. I have received your last commission for co. Stafford, and return the former. I have appointed an early day of meeting, and we hope to give you a speedy account. Egerton had made away with his stock, cattle, and household goods, before my servant came, but I have seized the growing corn, and ordered care in getting it in. [1 page.]