|
Oct. 15.
Guernsey. |
22. M. St. Sauveur to the Earl of Salisbury. The Commissioners
have arrived, taking Sark in their way, a strong and important
place, of which Phil. de Carteret is lord. The many important
affairs in Jersey did not permit them to leave before. They proceeded first to seek out His Majesty's revenue, taking the oath of
12 men out of each parish to inquire after the ancient extent, and
the book of the receiver, from which they have prepared a rental
book. The whole is found worth 1,500l. or 1,600l. |
|
Then they proceeded to the appeals, numerous, but most of them
frivolous, their tediousness needing reformation. Then the difference between the bailiff and procurer, proceeding from an inveterate
family hatred, which has caused most of the differences in this
island, to the great hindrance of justice among the poor. This the
Commissioners have reconciled. |
|
The differences between the Governor and justices are harder to
satisfy, and the judgment of the Commissioners does not satisfy the
parties. The Governor claims the right by his patent of assembling
the public council of the island, for nomination of the bailiff and
officers; but they show the great seal of Henry VII. to the contrary.
The King has given the Governor the royal revenues, which brings
him into many differences with the subjects, and is dangerous in
case of hostility with France, lest the Governor (not the present
one, who is a worthy man) should from avarice, reduce the garrison to avoid their pay, and sell the corn of the stores. In the late
French wars, Calais, Montmelian, and Cambray were so lost. |
|
There should be a receiver who should see the granaries well
supplied, and pay all salaries,—Governor, officers, and soldiers;—it
would stay many differences, secure the strong places, and bring
more to His Majesty's coffers. The reformation of the laws should
be done by some judged most fitting by the Commissioners. As to
appeals, nothing is settled, but I think they should be allowed to
King and Council, as a means of reminding a people so distant of
their Prince, and giving them the means of letting them feel the
effect of his clemency. [3 pages, French.] |
Oct. 24.
Hampton Court. |
23. William Lord Knollys to the Clerks of the Signet and Privy
Seal. I require you to make a privy seal for payment of 5,000l. to
Sir Henry Cock, cofferer, for the charge of the Prince's house for the
present year, beginning 1 Oct. 1607. [¾ page.] |
Oct. 31.
Broughton. |
24. Richard Lord Say and Seale to Sir Thos. Lake. I send you
some venison. I entreat your assistance in a suit for a fine of 200l.
to be paid by Mr. Barnes of Dorsetshire, on his renewal of a lease.
I have spent as much on the suit, and only got something from
Mr. Venables, out of the Exchequer, for spoiling 1,000 of the King's
timber trees. [1 page.] |
| Oct. ? |
25. Agreement whereby Sir Thos. Gorges, gentleman usher of
the Privy Chamber, surrenders to John Murray the present possession of the keeping of Guildford park, of which he holds the
reversion, on payment of 250l., and promises to try to obtain for
Sir Edw. Gorges, son of Sir Thomas, the reversion of the keepership of Hurst castle, co. Hants, and of the keepership of the New
park, Richmond. [12/3 pages.] |
