Anne: May 1702

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Anne, 1702-3. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1916.

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'Anne: May 1702', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Anne, 1702-3, (London, 1916) pp. 45-95. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/anne/1702-3/pp45-95 [accessed 24 March 2024]

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May, 1702.

[2 May.] Mr. Macky's Memorial in relation to the intercourse of letters between England and France.
During the last war England forbade all correspondence immediately between England and France on account of King James residing there, in order to prevent a correspondence between him and his adherents in England; but, the intercourse of letters being open between France and Holland, it is well known that correspondence passed as easily between England and France (through Holland) as if our packet-boats had gone. Italian and French letters came under cover to Antwerp and Amsterdam, and the only result was that our merchants paid double for their letters; the Dutch had the benefit of the postage, "and had intelligence of all Italian trade and of prices carried into France at least two days before us." "If, therefore, we are to enter again into such a war as will oblige us to throw up all correspondence with France, it will be reasonable that the Dutch be obliged not to send any post to Flanders as well as we no pacquet boat."
The going of the packet-boats during the war, besides the benefit of carrying of letters, will save the nation at least 7,000l. a year, which it lost last war in hiring ships for exchange of prisoners, besides the expense of prisons and of merchantmen in waiting for an exchange to be made. The French will be glad of it, for it will save them the 12 livres a man, which they paid for all their prisoners who were brought to them.
If we continue to exact that sum it will almost defray the charge of the packet-boats, which (for hire of the boats and seamen's wages and provisions) is under 1,600l. a year.
If there is such a war as makes it impossible for anyone, or any letters, to pass from England to France without the penalty of high treason, then some persons at Dover should be joined in commission with Mr. Macky, the present manager of the packetboats, to inspect the passage and take care that these boats carry nothing but prisoners.
P. 1. Endd. as in title, and with date, 2 May. Ibid, 22.
2 May. Note that Sir Charles Hedges became Secretary of State on this day.
S.P. Dom., Entry Book 350, p. 212. Also S.P. Dom., Entry Books 204, p. 317; 101, p. 207, and elsewhere in other Entry Books.
Same. Note that Daniel, Earl of Nottingham, was sworn Principal Secretary of State on this day.
S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, ad init.
2 May.
Whitehall.
Hedges' Letters.
1. To the Postmaster General (fn. 1).
To send away promptly the enclosed letters to the several ports.
P. ¼. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 101, p. 207.
2. To the Mayor of Hull.
A war is about to break out between these kingdoms and France and Spain. I send you news of it that you may warn the shipping in and about Hull. We hear that great numbers of French and Spanish privateers are at sea.
Also note of the like letters to the Mayors of Newcastle, Dartmouth, Topsham, Plymouth, Falmouth, Bideford, Bristol, Dover, and Liverpool.
In all p. ½. Ibid.
Same. Nottingham and Hedges to Pembroke.
Please to order the Commanders at Portsmouth and Plymouth to send away enclosed letters (to the Lieutenant Governors of Jersey and Guernsey, Isle of Wight and Scilly) to announce the coming declaration of war with France and Spain.
P. 1. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 204, p. 317.
4 May.
Whitehall.
Same to the Lord Chamberlain.
The Queen's Declaration of War must be proclaimed this morning with the usual ceremonies. Please give orders to the officers under you that they may be ready to do it before noon.
P. ¼. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 101, p. 209.
Same. Same to the Earl Marshal.
Similar to foregoing. Within an hour you shall have her Majesty's warrant for so doing, "which is yet too early to get signed by her Majesty."
P. ⅓. Ibid.
Same. Nottingham to Sir Robert Cotton and Sir Thomas Frankland, "Postmaster General." (fn. 1)
Queen's command:—That the mails for France and Flanders now lying at Dover, be dispatched in a Dover packet-boat for Helvoetsluyce, and that when the boat returns to Dover it be not sent abroad any more till further order. Also the Corunna packet-boat is not to sail this next ordinary, or till further order.
P. ⅓. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 1.
4 May.
Admiralty Office.
Josiah Burchett to William Aglionby, Secretary to Nottingham.
Sends, by the Lord Admiral's orders, letters describing the seizure of the French caper near Portsmouth and of a French vessel that was stopped at Cowes. They are to be laid before the Earl of Nottingham as Principal Secretary of State. Desires to know if the Earl of Nottingham wishes to send any packets by the vessels which are shortly to leave with despatches for the West Indies and the Plantations, and, if so, when his packets will be ready.
P. 2/3. Signed. Add. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 6, 55. Enclosing:—
a. Captain Culliford, Commander of the Hastings to the Secretary of the Admiralty.
Seeing the squadron sail out at St. Helen's I made the best of my way after them, and that evening, the ebb being done, I anchored a little to the westward of the Reculvers, and the Rear-Admiral off Dunnose. I saw a small vessel come in from out at sea, which anchored between the Reculvers and Dunnose. She turned out on examination [details] to be a French privateer. My lieutenant in the pinnace fired on her when she tried to sail away, and took her. I did my utmost to get up with the flag, but could not do so, owing to wind and towing the captive, till yesterday. I anchored with the sternmost of them then off the Highland of St. Albans. My cable parted in a great sea. I came then for this place and received orders to clean. I shall secure the prisoner and her crew, but will allow nothing to be embezzled. They say they were looking for Dutchmen on our coast, having war proclaimed against them on the 24th April (O.S.), and that they and three other privateers had on 28th captured a Dutchman, but they would not say with what she was laden. There are ten privateers, with 2 to 6 guns each out of "Diepe." Asked for French news, they say they knew of none but that they had no wars with England. The vessel has two pattereroes and several sorts of small arms.
Pp. 1½. Extract. Dated, 2 May, 1702, Portsmouth. Ibid, 55a.
b. Thomas Cole to
On 24th last the Susannah of and for Cherbourg came into the road. She is from St. Malo, but last from Plymouth, Michael Dober, master. At Plymouth they pretended that they wanted to go to Topsham to take in drapery, in order to which Lavalle Poittavin, the pretended merchant, was to go by land to prepare the goods, but in truth he went for London.
When the vessel came in here the like pretences were made; and the master is likewise gone for London. There was a report [details] at Plymouth that for something Poittavin had done, the [French?] Government had offered a price for him. I reported the matter to Sir S. Fairborne, Commanderin-Chief at Spithead, who ordered me to detain the vessel pending a message from the Lord High Admiral. I have had no such message yet; and Sir S. Fairborne is gone to sea.
P. 1. Copy. Dated, 2 May, 1702, Custom House, Cowes. Ibid, 55b.
Latest date
4 May.
List of Winchester Scholars to be elected of New College, Oxford, by recommendatory letters.
1689, 12 Apl., Edmund Killingworth; 21 Nov., 1689, Abraham Stanyan; 9 October, 1690, Richard Glasse; 26 September, 1691, William Bradshaw; 8 September, 1692, Harry Parker; 1 November, 1693, Benjamin Colinge; 26 April, 1694, Same; 4 April, 1695, Henry Thomas; 16 December, 1695, Seth Eyres; 31 December, 1695, Charles Franklyn; 14 January, 1695–6, Nathaniel Trotman[?]; 30 July, 1696, Powle Garrway; 26 November, 1696, William Goddard; 27 January, 1696–7, Henry Overton; 22 March, 1696–7, Hugh Briggs; 169–, John Fortrye; 29 November, 1697, John Sheldon and Mr. Oakley; 18 May, 1699, Thomas Andrews; 30 May, 1699, Nicholas Fen; 28 January, 1699–1700, William Harrison; 23 June, 1700, William Egerton; 14 November, 1700, Richard Roberts; 5 December, 1700, Richard Pyle; 4 May, 1702, William Egerton.
The text of the first letter in favour of Killingworth is given. It sets out that the King has received "a good character" of his "proficiency in learning and good manners," and wills and requires the Warden and other electors of New College "to make choice of him . . . . for New College," Oxford, at the next election.
Of the other letters only the date is given, but it is stated whether they were signed by King William (or Queen Mary, who signed the letters for Bradshaw and Parker in 1691 and 1692) and countersigned. The last letter, for Egerton, was signed by Queen Anne and countersigned by Mr. Secretary Hedges.
Pp. 2¼. Endd. as in title. S.P. Dom., Anne 1, 23.
Also an entry of the Queen's letters in favour of Egerton dated 4 May, 1702. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 163, p. 77.
4 May.
Whitehall.
The Commissioners of Trade and Plantations to Hedges.
As principal Secretary of State you are one of the Commissioners of Trade and Plantations. We shall be glad of your assistance at this board whenever your other affairs will permit.
P. ¼. Signed by Robert Cecil, Philip Meadows, William Blathwayt, John Pollexfen, and Matthew Prior. Endd. S.P. Dom., Anne 1, 24.
5 May.
Admiralty Office.
Josiah Burchett to William "Eglonsby," (fn. 2) Secretary to Nottingham.
Sends the Lord High Admiral's report on the case of Mr. Killegrew to be given to the Earl of Nottingham.
Five lines. Signed. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 6, 56.
Same Pembroke to Nottingham.
Asks that orders be sent to the Corporation of Kinsale to relieve the labourers employed in the Naval service at that port (who have also to act as watchmen to prevent embezzlements) from service on guards. The Custom House officers are exempt, and it may be prejudicial to the public that these labourers should be compelled to do guard duty.
P. 2/3. Signed. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 6, 57.
5 May. Orders by Pembroke to Sir John Munden.
News has come from Spain that about 2,000 men are designed for the West Indies, and with the Duke of Albequerke, who has been appointed Vice-King of Mexico, who was expected at Corunna on 8 May (N.S.), but that on 29 April, though the men were ready there, the eight or nine ships to convoy or take them were not. These vessels were "suddenly" expected from France. It is desirable to intercept or destroy these ships in the harbour. You are to take eight third-rate ships, the most suitable you can find at Spithead, two fireships and the yacht that attends the Commissioner of the Navy at Portsmouth, borrow men from other ships to man these vessels, have them furnished with all necessary stores and provisions, and, so soon as the weather serves, to go to such place off Corunna as may enable you to send in and find out what is going on there. If you find these ships still at Corunna or thereabouts, you are to do your best to take or destroy them. Having done your best against them, you are to return and cruise in the Soundings, awaiting further orders; and you are to send in to Plymouth an account of your service. If you find, on getting to Corunna, that these ships are not there, you are to cruise on and off between Cape Finisterre and Corunna, so as to be best able to intercept these vessels on their way to Corunna, or on the way thence to the West Indies. Conceal your ships and intention as far as possible; and continue your cruise there so long as you have any prospect of doing any service as aforesaid, or till further orders. If, on going to Corunna, you find that these ships have gone, and gone too far to give you a chance of overhauling them, you are to bring your fleet back to the Soundings and cruise there for the protection of the trade of her Majesty's subjects and of her Allies, sending in a report on your actions and describing the place where you will cruise. While so cruising do your utmost to protect her Majesty's and her Allies' ships, and take, burn, &c., those of France and Spain.
Pp. 2½. Copy, with copies of signature of Lord Admiral Pembroke, and countersignature of Josiah Burchett, and a note "Perlect in Cur. 13 die July, 1702. V. Bathurst, Ju(dge) Adv(ocate)." (fn. 3) Endd. Ibid, 58.
5 May.
Admiralty Office.
Pembroke to Nottingham.
Sends enclosed relating to detention of hostile vessels. Desires directions as to how the crews should be dealt with.
P. ½. Signed. Endd. Ibid, 59. Enclosing:—
a. John Sansome, Secretary to the Commissioners of Customs, to —.
The Commissioners, having received the enclosed order for seizing the ships and goods of the Spanish and French Kings' subjects, and all mariners of the said Kings, immediately employed one of their officers on the river to do so, so far as it might appertain to the officers of the Customs. The officer's return is enclosed, showing that there were several mariners in the three ships which he seized. The Commissioners have no power to detain men and suppose it is in the power of the Lord High Admiral to do so. They desire direction in the matter.
P. 1. Copy. Dated, Custom House, London, 5 May, 1702. S.P. Dom., Naval 6, 59a. Enclosing:—
aa. Certificate of Richard Hill.
Having received from Mr. Sansome, junr., a copy of the Queen's Order in Council, I seized the St. Joseph, J. B. Marossa master, bound to Ostend, and the St. Jacob, Alderon Deross master, bound to Bridges [Bruges], both belonging to the Spanish Netherlands and laden with bale goods, tobacco, sugar &c.; also the St. Tannando, Thomas Sampsone master, with "auranges," wine and olives, bound inward from Sevill. The order directed me to seize the men also, and I ask for further directions on this point.
P. 1. Copy, with names of 18 foreign sailors in the margin. Ibid, 59aa.
5 May.
Whitehall.
Hedges' Letters.
1. To Baron Hatsell.
The Queen desires that George Coffin or Corfield be reprieved for a week more whilst the warrant for his pardon, which the Queen has granted, is being prepared.
P. 1/6. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 101, p. 208.
2. To the Mayor of Dover.
I have yours of the 3rd and 4th about escape of some deserters. I can only repeat the Earl of Manchester's directions regarding them. Part with none of them to any officer, but send them by sea to the Thames.
P. ¼. Ibid.
6 May.
Admiralty Office.
Pembroke to Nottingham.
A small French ship, with rozin, was seized at the Nore on the 4th May. As rozin is much wanted in the fleet, pray move the Queen that it may be applied to that service.
P. ½. Signed. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 6, 60.
6 May.
[Royal Assent.]
Act for enabling the Queen to appoint Commissioners to treat for a Union with Scotland.
(This is 1 Anne, c. 8. See Statutes of the Realm, Vol. 8, pp. 48–9.)
Pp. 1½. S.P. Scotland, Series II, 2, pp. 1, 2.
6 May. Proposals by Colonel Thomas Cary, of Carolina.
For safely carrying the Queen's declaration of war to her foreign plantations, I ask, first, for protection for my master, mate and 12 men belonging to the "Mairmaid" galley of Calolina [Carolina], being about 120 ton, "lying at Redriff [Rotherhithe] hole and mounted with ten guns and as good a saylor as any goes to sea."
Secondly, That I may have convoy from the Downs to Plymouth or the Land's End, and that I may have H.M.'s despatches in a short time. I will then undertake D.V. to deliver them as soon as can be.
P. ¾. Signed. Endd. as in title. S.P. Dom., Naval 117, 14.
[Same.] Seafield's Memorial to the Queen.
It is humbly represented to your Majesty that the Parliament of Scotland addressed the late King and represented that it was contrary to the privileges of the Kingdom of Scotland to impress there seamen from on board Scots' ships. Accordingly the King appointed the Lord High Admiral to grant protections to all such Scottish ships, and the men on board them, as should have certificates from the Secretaries of State, and ever since that time the Secretaries have given certificates and the Lord High Admiral has granted protections, and the aforesaid Order of Council has been duly observed, and commerce between the two nations has been continued. But, there being four ships now in the river belonging to Scotland, and manned by Scotsmen holding the Lord High Admiral's protection, the whole crews of some of them and some of the crews of the others were yesterday imprest, which is an injury to the merchants and a manifest contempt of authority.
It is desired that the Queen will in Council give orders for their liberation and to prevent such disorders for the future.
P. ¾. Endd. as in title and with date. Ibid, 15.
7 May.
Whitehall.
Nottingham to the Duke of Ormond.
The Lords of the Committee of Council desire your presence at the Secretary's office at 11 a.m. to-morrow.
Three lines. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 1.
Same. Hedges to Pembroke.
An expedition to Corunna has been approved by the Queen. Command:—To order Sir J. Munden to go on the expedition with the equivalent of eight 3rd rate ships. Despatch is necessary, and a part of the force equal to five 3rd rates to leave at once if the whole is not ready.
P. ½. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 204, p. 337.
7 May.
Admiralty Office.
Josiah Burchett to Nottingham.
I have perused the instructions to Vice-Admiral Benbow, commanding in the West Indies, and send such part of them as is proper for your information.
P. ¼. Signed. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 6, 61.
Same. Pembroke to Same.
I hear that the merchants trading to Barbados will to-night present a memorial at the Privy Council asking for a convoy for their ships coming thence, which are now laden and ready to come. I can think of no other course for their protection than that the ships cruising in the Soundings be ordered to look out for them and bring them in, unless Vice-Admiral Benbow, when the ships now going to Jamaica join him, is able to detach one to convoy them. I will give him a conditional authority to do this.
P. ¾. Signed. Endd. Ibid, 62.
[8 May.] Petition of Mary Vernon to the Queen, showing that:—
Petitioner, being very young and consumptive, in the year 1685 went to France for her health, on the advice of her physicians. In 1686 her father died, leaving his estate in Ireland much encumbered, and petitioner was forced to continue in France for a maintenance, which she received from a charitable relative till lately.
Though petitioner was never in Ireland, she was in 1697 outlawed there for high treason. All such outlawries were afterwards by an Act of the Irish Parliament made irreversible, and not pardonable by the Crown.
Petitioner's estate, to which she is entitled, is, by the late Act of Resumption of the Irish forfeitures, vested in trustees to be sold. Petitioner was wholly ignorant of the proper method of proceeding, and that it was her duty to make her first address to your Majesty for relief. She was advised to apply to the House of Commons for a Bill to reverse the outlawry and enable her to claim her estate, which is accordingly passed there.
Prays for pardon for having taken this course, which she took through want of good advice and not of duty, and for the Queen's assent to the said Bill, and recommendation thereof to the House of Peers.
P. ⅓. (large). Signed. Endd. "R. May 8, 1702." S.P. Dom., Anne 1, 25.
8 May.
Whitehall.
Hedges' Letters.
1. To the Lord Almoner.
I send several petitions asking for her Majesty's charity. Her Majesty desires that, in future, all such petitions should be sent to you. P. 1/5. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 101, p. 210.
2. To the Commissioners for Victualling the Navy.
Queen's command:— You are to send an account in writing on Tuesdays and Fridays of your proceedings in victualling her Majesty's ships. One of your number is to attend at Lord Secretary Nottingham's office at the Cockpit at 10 a.m. on those days.
Note of similar letter to the Commissioners of Transports in matters of transportation. P. ¼. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 101, p. 210.
8 May.
Whitehall.
Nottingham's Letters.
1. To Seafield.
Pray send the names of the Scotch ships out of which men have, you say, been pressed, and pray let me know how many men were pressed, that I may signify the Queen's pleasure to the Lord High Admiral to discharge them.
P. ⅓. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 2.
2. To the Attorney General.
Encloses the Lords' address about the late King's papers. Queen's command:—To prosecute all such persons as are so criminal as mentioned in the said address.
P. 1/6. Ibid, Enclosing:—
Order of the House of Lords of 4 May, 1702, in the matter of an alleged discovery among the late King's papers of some papers tending to the prejudice of the Queen. See Lords' Journals, Vol. XVII, p. 114.
Pp. 1½. Ibid, pp. 3, 4.
3. To the Procurator General of the Admiralty.
A small French ship laden with rozin was seized in the Thames and ordered up the river. Queen's command:—To proceed against the ship in the manner usual in the Court of Admiralty.
P. ⅓. Add. to "Geffery Glazier, gent., Procurator General of the High Court of Admiralty of England, at Doctor's Commons." Ibid, p. 4.
[8 May.]
Admiralty Office.
Josiah Burchett to Nottingham.
In the Lord High Admiral's absence I opened and read your letter. Sir John Munden has been ordered (by express sent last night) to sail with second rates if he can have them quicker than thirds, or with five third rates if he can at once get so many together. He is to wait for no further provisions if he has two months' supply at full allowance: and probably the ships have much more than this. His orders were peremptory, and I hope bis next will report him ready to sail.
P. 2/3. Signed. Endd. with date. S.P. Dom., Naval 6, 63.
Same. Same to William Aglionby.
Pray ask for the Queen's pleasure as to whether the crew of the French ship recently seized at Cowes may be released. The collector of Customs at Cowes desires orders therein. Please also submit the enclosed statement regarding affairs in the West Indies.
P. ¾. Signed. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 6, 64. Enclosing:—
a. Note from Cowes.
On the 4th the Clover Blade, Nicholas Offdris master, of and for Middlebo[urg], put in here. She left Staches, one of the Caribbee Islands belonging to the Dutch, this day six weeks. It was then said that the English and Dutch fleet under the command of Admiral Benbow were at Jamaica. On 29 January, N.S., five English ships sailed there from Nevis, where Offdris then was. They stayed at Nevis one night.
The French fleet was supposed to be about Martineco and said to be 40 sail.
P. ½. Copy. Dated, Cowes, 6 May, 1702. Ibid, 64A.
b. Thomas Cole to (Josiah Burchett?).
The master of the French vessel lately stopped at Cowes has returned from London. He will not own that he saw Pottavin there. The crew wish to go home. May they be released ?
P. ½. Copy. Dated, Cowes, 6 May, 1702. Ibid, 64b.
8 May.
Admiralty Office.
Josiah Burchett to William Aglionby.
Captain Spann, commander of H.M.S. the Sorlings, has been at the western ports and in Ireland, in an endeavour to get men for the fleet, and sends me a letter of which I enclose an extract.
P. 2/3. Signed. Endd. Ibid, 65. Enclosing:—
a. Extract as mentioned.
I applied to the Lords Justices of Ireland and the Lord Mayor of Dublin as enclosed [missing] show. There were 600 or 700 seamen in and about Dublin, and half of these would have sufficed for the trade of the place; yet neither myself nor my officers were to imprest a seaman on shore on pain of imprisonment, arraignment, and being condemned to death, as Secretary Dawson told my lieutenant. I am told that the lawyers and judges of Dublin have advised that the Lord High Admiral of England has no power to imprest men in Ireland. If so, with submission, English seamen may evade the obligation to serve by merely stepping over to Ireland. This is done, and a proof of it is that, at Cork, I took a man out of a gentleman's pleasure-boat that actually belonged to the Royal William. He had a ticket of leave from Admiral Churchill, which had expired. I have him and his ticket. I am credibly informed that there are at Cork 300, at Waterford 300, and Youghal 200, at Kinsale 150, and in Dublin 700 deserters from the Royal Navy. They serve in the merchant service for less pay than the Queen allows,
Notwithstanding the attitude of the Irish Government, I have procured 65 good English sailors to serve in her Majesty's fleet under Admiral Hopson. I have been much threatened by the Secretary (in Ireland), but never imprest a man without first letting the Government or chief magistrate know.
Pp. 2½. Dated, 5 May, 1702, H.M.S. The Sorlings, in High Lake. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 6, 65a.
8 May.
Admiralty Office.
Pembroke to Nottingham.
I have yours of the 5th enclosing extract of one from Brigadier Selwyn, Governor of Jamaica. In these he shows his uneasiness at two points gained, as he says, by Vice-Admiral Benbow from the Commissioners of the Admiralty before he left. They are:—
1. Obliging such vessels as are commissioned by the Governor to make a distinction in their colours.
2. A permission to the Vice-Admiral to press (with the consent of the Governor) seamen and landsmen that have served at sea.
The first of these points was fully considered by the Admiralty on a report from the Council of Trade and Plantations, dated 9 July, 1701. After consideration, the Admiralty proposed to their Excellencies that ships commissioned by Governors abroad ought to be allowed to wear Jacks to distinguish them from private ships, but should have, on the Jack, a mark to distinguish them from the Royal Navy. This resolution, and a draft of such a Jack, were approved by their Excellencies in Council of 31 July, 1701. I cannot see what hardship it entails on privateers there, or on those fitted out from here, which must be distinguished from the ships of war.
The other point arose from frequent complaints by Sir William Beeston, late Governor of Jamaica, and was settled before Governor Selwyn left England, and approved by him. ViceAdmiral Benbow has now to have the Governor's assent before he presses men, which was, in former times, not required. As pressing men in ships or on shore in the harbour of Jamaica is strictly against his instructions, it is probable that he has had to press them to take the place of sick or dead men. I will specially urge on him in my next that neither the people on shore may suffer nor the public service by discouragement given to the privateers by taking their men. It may also be well to write to the Governor to assist the Flag Officer with men for his squadron, at all events when there shall be occasion, lest that part of the service under his care should suffer.
I agree with the Governor that it would be a very good thing if recruits for the squadron at Jamaica could be sent out by merchant ships trading there; but the need of men for home defence and for service elsewhere makes it very unlikely that we shall be able to do this.
Pp. 2¾. Signed. Add. Endd. Ibid, 66.
8 May.
Whitehall.
Seafield to Nottingham.
Return of the Scotchmen impressed [see above, p. 51, at 6 May]; but the Scotch ships are now stopped by the general embargo which we desire may be taken off. Touching this the Duke of Queensberry and I desire to "wait of" your lordship; and, as we hear you are engaged at five, will wait on you at seven "precislie." We will bring the instructions which we were desirous your lordship should see and peruse.
P. 2/3. (Hol.) S.P. Dom., Naval 117, 16.
8 May.
Victualling Office,
London.
List of Ships provisioned at Blackstakes and the Nore.
Three first-raters, four second-raters and 11 third-raters. Names and complements given in each case. All these are provisioned with water, beer and bread, except the Barfleur. [Details.] These are all the great ships ordered to be victualled at the port of Chatham for this year's service for four months.
P. 1. Examined 8 May, 1702, by Robert Stephens. Endd. Ibid, 17.
8 May.
Guernsey.
Bernard Ellis to [Nottingham].
I have received yours of the 2nd (re declaration of war) and accordingly by beat of drum gave notice to all French merchants and masters of vessels to leave after despatching their affairs with the inhabitants. The Orford and Essex arrived to-day with news of the declaration and bringing nine companies to relieve the force here. They are very thin at present and without arms. When coming in, the Orford took a 20 ton French vessel with brandy and rosin, which, the magistrates tell me, has been formerly prohibited, and restitution made, though in time of war. I humbly wish you success in your office.
Pp. 1¼. Signed. Endd. S.P. Dom., Channel Islands 2, 16.
8 May.
Whitehall.
Hedges' Letters.
1 and 2. To Pembroke.
1. Command:—To direct the Commissioners of the Navy at Portsmouth to send an account of the fleet there and at Spithead, when it will be ready to sail and what stores, men &c. it lacks.
Also to provide small frigates to keep up communication between England and the fleet, and send news home once a fortnight. [Details.]
P. 1. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 204, p. 325.
2. Command:—To take steps to suppress the French and Spanish privateers on the coast, which are doing great harm to British commerce.P. ½. Ibid, p. 318.
9 May.
Spithead.
Abstract of a Letter from Captain Durley from on board the Blackwall at Spithead.
On 3 May we spoke with several Swedes and Danes from Burdeux [Bordeaux] and St. Martin's, but last from Camrett (Camaret) Bay ten days ago. They said that the French were fitting out all their ships at Brest.
On the 4th I spoke with one Severeen Anderson, master of the North Star, from St. Martin's, with salt for Copenhagen. They said the French were fitting out ships as fast as they can.
I also spoke ships [details] which saw seven French men-of-war at Malaga. Yesterday, 5 May [sic], they met a French privateer aboard an English pink, and they let her go.
P. ¾. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 6, 67.
9 May.
Admiralty Office.
Josiah Burchett to Nottingham.
Sir John Munden reports to-day that he has put the eight vessels which he takes with him in a condition by unmanning all the first, second and third rates that he will leave at Spithead, and hopes to sail this morning.
P. ½. Signed. Add. Ibid, 68.
9 May.
New Inn.
Roger Pinckney to Hedges.
About two years since, at Exeter City Sessions, before Sir Edward Seymour, Bart., Recorder, Edmund Diston, alias Cox, and Peter Dyer, were tried and convicted, one of them for robbery and the other for burglary, and were sentenced to death. However, on some circumstances offered on their trials, Sir Edward reprieved them till further order; and they petitioned the King for a pardon. King William referred the case to Sir Edward, who, I am told, made a report in favour of them, but those papers are mislaid. They pray for a warrant that they may be inserted in the next Western Circuit pardon, else they must inevitably perish in jail.
P. 2/3. (Hol.) Add. Endd. S.P. Dom., Anne 1, 26.
Latest date,
10 May.
Petition of Henry Bland and Samuel Holden, Merchants, shewing that:—
Petitioners had resided at Narva for some time before that city was besieged by the Czar of Moscovia in 1700. During the said siege petitioners landed a quantity of English manufactures in the river of Narva, having first obtained leave from the King of Sweden to pass with the said goods into Moscovia. The King of Sweden, however, having attacked the Moscovia camp and raised the siege, all the petitioners' said goods were, after being carried into petitioners' own warehouse in the city of Narva, seized by the Swedes. A quantity of cloth and kersies, to the value of about 600l. sterling, was actually taken from them by force.
However, on a letter from his late Majesty, the King of Sweden caused justice to be done to petitioners, granting them an allowance out of the Customs on such goods as they should import into the city of Narva. By letters dated 2 May, 1702 [copy annexed], the General Customs Office at Stockholm gave orders accordingly to the Customs House at Narva.
Nevertheless petitioners have not been paid, and have long waited for payment. (fn. 4)
They pray for an order to the English Minister at Stockholm to ask for payment of the said debt, together with a reasonable sum for interest.
Pp. 1½. Copy. S.P. Dom., Anne 1, 27.
Also copy of the letter last referred to herein, dated 10 May, 1702.
P. ¾. Endd. Ibid, 27a.
About
10 May. (fn. 5)
The Queen's Letter to the Parliament of Scotland.
After the great loss which these nations and all Europe have sustained by the death of our dear brother, we were much encouraged "upon our entering into the administration of the Government" by the hope of having your continued fidelity, of which you gave "so signal proofs in the reign of our glorious predecessor."
We wish greatly that we could have met you in person "that from our own mouth we might have given our own people full assurance of our sincere intentions towards their true wellfare and happiness"; but, being prevented by the multiplicity of important affairs, we would not delay your meeting any longer.
"And that nothing may be wanting on our part for the satisfaction of our subjects, whose affection we shall always look upon as our greatest security, and value above all other advantages, we give you full assurance that we are firmly resolved to maintain and protect them in the full possession of their religion, laws and liberties and of the Presbiterian government of the Church as at present established.
"It pleased God to make the late King the great instrument of delivering our people from Popery and arbitrary power and of restoring to them their ancient rights and privileges, and, through the same Divine Grace, we shall through the whole course of our reign aim at nothing more than the preserving to them these advantages, and contribute as much as in us lies for their further security in the enjoyment of them.
"The exorbitant power of the French King threatening the liberties of all Europe, and his owning the pretended Prince of Wales as King of these our dominions, influencing also Spain to concur with him in that indignity, tending visibly to the subversion of the Protestant religion and to the ruin of our subjects in all that is dear to them, have obliged us, in pursuance of an express article of the Treaty entered into by the late King and our Allies, to declare war in this as well as our other dominions against France and Spain." We expect your concurrence, not doubting but you are affected with the same sense of those wrongs and indignities and the other just causes of war as appeared in the many loyal addresses presented by our subjects on the declaration of war.
We therefore earnestly recommend to you the providing of competent supplies for the war and the provision of sufficient forces to support the settlement which you now enjoy.
"The late King did before his death very earnestly recommend to his Parliament of England the consideration of the Union of the two kingdoms of Scotland and England, which being so necessary for the security and happiness of both, we did at our accession to the Crown again seriously recommend the same to them; and they having proceeded to empower us by an Act of Parliament to name Commissioners to treat of an Union, we doubt not but you will do what is necessary on your part; and we shall contribute our utmost endeavours towards the accomplishment thereof and shall esteem it our happiness to establish the nation upon so sure a foundation."
We have appointed the Duke of Queensberry to be our Commissioner and represent us during the sitting of our Parliament, knowing his ability, which you also know. We have empowered him to give our consent to such laws as you pass for your security, civil and religious. We desire you to give him entire trust and credit. "It will be very satisfying to us that effectual methods be taken for promoting religion, virtue and true piety and suppressing vice and immorality, for advancing and encouraging trade and for employing and providing for the poor." Being now in the beginning of our reign we have recommended nothing but what is for the security and happiness of Scotland. We hope you will despatch with unanimity what comes before you. "And we expect, by your prudence and conduct, this session of Parliament shall be brought to such a happy conclusion as shall lay the foundation of that firm union and true understanding between us and our people as is necessary for the happiness of both."
Pp. 2¼. S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 18, pp. 123–5.
11 May.
[London.]
(Anonymous) to Hedges.
I am informered that Nicholas Wolstenholme, of Enfield, Esq., uttered some scandalous words against the Queen. As I do not desire to be thought an evidence, I send the names of those who heard the words spoken and will, if sent for, justify them on oath.
"Your most humble though unknown servant."
The words were—If the Queen were King James' daughter, I am sorry she is crowned.
Persons' names that heard him:—
Francis Francia, in Leadenhall Street.
John Barker, junr., in Tower Street.
Mr. Burton, in Billiter Square, of the Custom House.
John Potts, oilman, in Gracechurch Street.
Erasmus Norwich, of Edmonton, junr.
Mr. Dove and Mr. Harvy, both of Berry Street, in Edmonton.
P. 1. Add. Endd. "Ignot. May 11, 1702," and "Criminalia, 1702." S.P. Dom., Anne 1, 28.
11 May.
Whitehall.
Nottingham's Letters.
1. To Pembroke.
Queen's command:—That the ships and goods of Spanish and French subjects which were seized by virtue of an Order in Council of 2 May last be discharged. Please give the necessary directions accordingly.
P. 1/5. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 5.
2. To Seafield.
In what station is Harris, the surgeon mentioned in your memorial, employed? The Queen will discharge him.
P. 1/6. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 5.
3. To Pembroke.
The Queen heard your report re Henry Killegrew, late Admiral of the Blue, and considered what was further said by your lordship and the other Lords of the Committee on Sunday last. The Queen's command is to give him a pension of 700l. a year, settled in such manner on the Navy as you think best, in consideration of his long and faithful service.
P. ½. Ibid, p. 6.
Also note that this letter was not sent, but a warrant entered in the warrant book.
4. To Thomas Cole at the Custom House at Cowes.
As the master of the French vessel which you stopped admits having seen Pottavin, Queen's command:—To detain the ship and crew till further order. If the master will discover where Pottavin is, that he may be apprehended, it will be an argument to induce her Majesty to let the ship go.
P. ⅓.Ibid, p. 7.
11 May.
Admiralty
Office.
Josiah Burchett to William Aglionby.
Sends an extract of letters received from Admiral Benbow.
P. ¼. Signed. Add. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 6, 69. Enclosing:—
a. Extract as mentioned above.
We have had information that M. Cotelogon, who commanded the French squadron at the Havanna, has joined Chattereno (Chateau-Regnaud) at Martenico and are put to sea. The inhabitants of Barbados are in great apprehension of his coming there. If a war comes, nothing here can stand against him, for he has 40 sail of as good ships as there are in France. I cannot go there "unless I take this island in a tow." If he comes here we will give him the best reception we can. The country here has given us possession of two merchant ships to act as fire ships.
Since writing above, I hear the French were seen off the south west of Porto Rico four days ago—40 sail and three flags They have not attempted anything to windward.
This morning Captain Vyall died.
P. 1. Dated on board the Bredah, 9 Feb., 170½. Ibid, 69a.
11 May.
H.M.S. Assistance,
Spithead.
Captain Swanton to [Nottingham].
I have yours of the 7th with the Declaration of war. If appointed to command the squadron to Newfoundland, I shall do my best to execute your lordship's orders and send reports from time to time.
P. ½ (small). Signed. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 67, 12.
11 May.
Jersey.
Colonel Collier to [Nottingham].
I got yours of 2 May, re impending declaration of war, on the 7th. I took steps to publish the news and to tell the masters of French boats and barques to go away at once, or they would be made prisoners of war. [Details.] On the 9th, Captain Norris arrived on H.M.S. Orford with five companies of Colonel Mordaunt's new-raised regiment, and with the actual Declaration. I put it in force at once, and seized three barques and two shallops for the Queen, and imprisoned the masters and all the men (27) pending further orders. I have ordered 10d. a day to the masters and 5d. a day to the men for their maintenance. Please send me orders in the matter.
Pp. 1¼. Signed. Endd. S.P. Dom., Channel Islands 2, 17.
12 May.
Jersey.
Same to [Same].
A French gentleman having some trouble in his country has lived here three years and cannot return till his affairs are settled, which, now war has begun, he despairs of. He is a Protestant, well born, and hates the King of France's actions; but will not be known for fear of being ruined. Other details.
Our boats at St. Malo were stopped on the 5th and set free on the 10th. The masters and passengers say that they did not know war had been proclaimed, but knew it was unavoidable; so the merchants of the town, having some 100 sail in Newfoundland, have fitted out two ships to go there and bring them news of the declaration. Our boats were held up till these two ships had got away, lest we should have news of their going; but arrived last night. The merchants at St. Malo fear a bombardment, and some of them have removed their goods. A strong guard is kept on the coast and there is a camp at La Houg, near Cherbourg, with 15,000 horse, foot and dragoons. Privateers are being fitted out at St. Malo, and some of them are ready to go to sea.
P. 2/3. Signed. Endd. Ibid, 18.
12 May.
London.
—Dummer to Nottingham.
I am the adventurer of four vessels of above 100 tons burden employed between this place and Rotterdam. They are much used and thought to have done more than was ever done before for the commerce of the two nations. The Lord High Admiral in his last general orders for impressing seamen to man the fleet excepted them particularly from being disturbed thereby.
Nevertheless the service thereby intended for transporting the officers of the army now going abroad, and for other conveniences to her Majesty's subjects trading to Holland, is prevented, and myself nearly ruined, by the expense I am at by reason of the present embargo, in keeping the companies of these vessels in enforced idleness. Pray relieve me of this burden. I was in hopes it might have been taken off before this, so did not trouble your lordship before.
P. 1. (Hol.) Add. Endd., "Order given herein at the Great Council, May 14, 1702." S.P. Dom., Anne 1, 29.
12 May.
Transport
Office.
Memorial to the Lords of the Committee of Council.
We, Samuel Atkinson and Nicholas Roope, appointed [Commissioners] for transportation of the Queen's forces in obedience to the Queen's command, report that:—
In pursuance to the Lord High Admiral's order of 3 March last, we have hired 5,000 tons of shipping to carry 5,000 land soldiers with the fleet, and have provided bedding and accommodation for the men.
On 2 April his Excellency signified to us that the Commissioners of Victualling were ordered to put provisions for 3,000 men aboard 2,500 tons of shipping, and that the ships, when victualled, were to go to Spithead and await orders.
On 25 April, the said provisions being on board, we gave the masters of the said 2,500 tons of shipping (seven ships) orders to go to Spithead at once.
The remaining ships, we think, will be ready to sail in three or four days.
By order of the late Lords of the Treasury, we have taken up 1,000 more tons of shipping for the aforesaid service, which will be ready to proceed in a day or two afterwards.
On Friday last we informed the Commissioners of Victualling of our taking ships to carry 420 horses [details], and shall have them provisioned (hay excepted) by Friday next. Hay is being pressed night and day.
Pp. 1½. Signed by Atkinson and Roope. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 117, 18.
Same. List of Transport Ships.
These are the ships which are to accompany the fleet with 5,000 land soldiers and 420 horses on board.
Thirty-five names. The names of masters, tonnage and, in some cases, the number of men and horses to be carried are given.
Pp. 2. Signed as foregoing. Endd. Ibid, 19.
12 May.
Whitehall.
William Aglionby to the Proctor General of the Admiralty.
The name of the French ship you are to proceed against is Notre Dame de Bayonne. The master's name is Saubant du Resty.
P. 1/5. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 6.
Same. Hedges' Letters.
1. To the Lord High Treasurer.
Queen's command:—To remind him of the payment of 6,250 crowns due in consequence of a Treaty lately made between the Queen, the States General and the Elector of Triers (Treves).
Four lines. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 101, p. 212.
2. To Sir George Rooke.
Some of the Lords of the Council are to meet to-morrow at 10 a.m. at the Earl of Nottingham's office, to consider matters relating to the fleet. You are to attend with a list of the fleet, and report on the state of it, and what part of it is designed for the expedition, and how the detachment under Sir John Munden may be supplied if the Dutch ships should arrive.
P. ¼. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 101, p. 212.
3. To the Duke of Ormond.
To attend the meeting mentioned in the foregoing and inform the Board on the readiness of the forces under his command for the expedition to embark. Six lines. Ibid.
4. To the Attorney General.
I desire your prompt report on the petition of the aldermen of St. Albans, which was sent you some days ago.
Four lines. Ibid, p. 213.
5. To Pembroke.
Summons to a meeting of the Council. P. ¼. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 204, p. 318.
6. To Same.
Sends memorial of M. Toger Wegerstoff, the King of Denmark's Commissary. Command:—To release the ten Danish ships from embargo, provided they have no English seamen aboard. Details. P. ½. Ibid, p. 319.
12 May.
Admiralty Office.
Pembroke to Nottingham.
The Commissioners of Victuals write re the appointment of a proper agent to look after the victuals provided for the land forces that are to go on the expedition. I have considered the matter, and a sufficient salary has been settled on Mr. Bowles, the agent, and his clerks, particularly 20l. for his chief clerk, which should secure a properly qualified man. I think that this additional charge may be saved, and that, when the fleet separates, Mr. Bowles may go with one part of it, and his chief clerk with the other.
P. ¾. Signed. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 6, 70.
12 May.
On board the Russell at sea.
Memorandum of a Council of War.
Present:—Sir John Munden, Rear-Admiral of the Red, Captains Simcock, Price, Townsend, Fairfax, Elves [Elwes], Walker, Wakelin, Barker, Cotton, Soanes, Keck, Balchen.
The service for which the squadron was designed was communicated to all. It was unanimously resolved that to go into the Groyne with the squadron was impracticable, "We being all strangers to the going in, as also to the formidable strength of the place, there being foul ground and but a narrow entrance, as appears by the Waggoner, and that if the squadron could get in there was no appearance of coming out again, . . . but with different winds"; especially with so many ships. Such an attempt, instead of being an advantage, would probably result in the loss of so considerable a squadron.
However, that the expected service might be most conveniently executed, it is thought best to lie with the squadron so as not to be discovered 15 leagues north-west from Cape Prior, the eastern-most cape at the entrance of the Groyne, to send in a small frigate and smack to see if the ships are there; if they are, to wait for them and intercept them as they come out, but if not then to cruize off Cape Prior so as to intercept the men-of-war expected from France. If it turns out that the ships have gone, then to go to the other station according to orders.
Pp. 1¾. Signed by all the captains. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 6, 71.
12 May.
Whitehall.
Nottingham to the Earl of Romney.
The town of Weymouth has asked for stores as per enclosed list. Queen's command:—To report, if such things were granted them in the late war, if they were, the Queen will consent; but, if not, report what should be granted them. Further pleasure.
P. ¼. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 5.
Also list of the stores desired " for the better security of the borough of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis in any attempt of the enemy":—
Twelve leaker (sic) land carriages, 300 leaker shot, 400 pound shot, four chests of partridge shot in cases, sixteen barrels of cannon powder, four barrels of priming powder, 1 cwt. of matches, 100 small arms, 2 cwts. musket shot, 50 live Granada shells.
P. 1/6. Ibid.
13 May.
London.
William Nent and others (traders to the Spanish Netherlands) to
We ask for passes for the two billenders undermentioned.
The St. Jacob, of Bruges, Adrien de Raes master, cleared at the Customs House in London long since with goods the growth and product of England for Ostend in Flanders.
The St. Joseph, of Bruges, Jean Baptista de Marese master. Both ships were cleared at London and Gravesend before the declaration of war, as witness our hands.
P. 2/3. Signed by William Nent, Charles Bollengur, Louis de Dorper, Francis André, John and John de Berdt [sic] for John Yong. Endd. S.P. Dom., Anne 1, 30.
13 May.
Admiralty Office.
Josiah Burchett to William Aglionby.
I send a copy of a letter from Mr. Randolph, sent me by Mr. Popple, Secretary to the Lords of the Council for Trade. If the terms on which the master of the vessel purposes to carry the packet are accepted, pray ask his lordship (fn. 6) to obtain the Queen's orders for the ship to proceed in spite of the embargo.
His Lordship's despatches for the Government of Jamaica will be sent by the first ship.
P. 1. Signed. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 6, 72. Enclosing:—
a. Copy as mentioned above.
I received your lordship's commands to send forward a letter from the Earl of Nottingham to Benjamin Bennet, Esq., Lieutenant Governor of the Bermudas, by the first ship. There is at present no vessel bound directly thither. Colonel Thomas Carey, sole owner of the brigantine Joseph of Carolina, has proposed to take it if he have protection for James Norman, his master, a Bermuda man, Christopher Hall, the mate of the brigantine, and seven sailors. He will undertake to deliver the letters, wind and weather permitting, and the danger of the sea and enemies excepted.
P. 1. Dated, 12 May. S.P. Dom., Naval 6, 72a.
13 May.
Whitehall.
Hedges to the Lord High Treasurer.
Queen's command:— You are to order the Customs officers to assist the officers of the fleet in procuring seamen to man the fleet and in putting them on board, especially at Bristol, Plymouth, Newcastle, Yarmouth, Hull, Chichester, Bredhamston (Brighton), Hastings, Ferversham (Faversham), Folkestone, Shoreham, Colchester and Rye, or elsewhere where such men may be found.
P. ¼. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 101, p. 213.
14 May.
Whitehall.
Nottingham to the Mayor of Bristol.
Requiring his assistance in the matter of impressing men for the fleet.
P. ½. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, pp. 7–8.
Also list of thirteen other places to the mayors of which similar letters were despatched.
P. ½. Ibid, p. 8.
Same. Hedges to Sir George Rooke.
The Lords of the Committee of Council direct that you order the thirteen men-of-war that are now ready in the river to proceed to Spithead with all speed. You are forthwith to take such measures as you think necessary to make up the number of ships for the expedition to thirty. You are further to take care that the great ships at Portsmouth and Spithead, except the Royal William and St. George, which must be manned, be brought into harbour, leaving on board each a proper number of men.
The rest of the men are to be put for the present into other ships not designed for the expedition, that they may be in condition for service. The seamen are to be assured of being restored to their respective ships.
P. 1. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 208, p. 1.
14 May.
Admiralty Office.
Pembroke to Nottingham.
Sixty French prisoners were set ashore at Weymouth on the 11th from ships taken by the Deptford and Newport, and the officers of those ships desire to be told what to do with the prisoners. Pray get orders from the Queen for receiving them and other prisoners into Dover Castle and the forts at Portsmouth, Plymouth and other places along the coast, and to secure them there till a commission for their exchange can be settled.
P. ¾. Signed. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 6, 73.
14 May.
Whitehall.
Hedges to Seafield.
Sending an enclosure.
Two lines. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 101, p. 213.
15 May. Deposition of Francis Francia and John Barker, of London, Merchants, Robert Burton, of London, Gentleman, and John Pott, of London, Grocer.
Sworn before John Ellis, they say that:—
About 18 April, they were with Mr. Nicholas Wostenholme at the Bell at Edmonton (fn. 7), kept by one John Calvert. Among other discourse Mr. Pott said, "We have now a lawful and rightful Queen of our own country, King James' daughter, and I like her the better and thank God for her." Mr. Wostenholme then said he did not know whether she was King James' daughter or not, but, if she was, he liked her the worse. Erasmus Norris, of Edmonton, Mr. Robert Harvey and a Mr. Dove were present.
P. ¾. Signed by the deponents and countersigned by John Ellis. Endd. S.P. Dom., Anne 1, 31.
15 May.
Admiralty Office.
Pembroke to Nottingham.
Some time since, when the Perrigrine galley was in Rotterdam with Lord Carmarthen, Mr. Chandelor Billingsly, an officer belonging to the said ship, in his lordship's absence, fired at a French ship to make her strike. For this he was confined, and has since been out of employment, for though the late King set him at liberty, the then Board of Admiralty did not receive any order to restore him to a command.
Lord Carmarthen has now sent me a letter in which the Pensioner of Rotterdam expresses the willingness of the magistrates of the City to pass by Billingsly's indiscretion. I send you the letter and desire her Majesty's commands on it.
P. 1. Signed. Add. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 6, 74.
15 May.
Transport Office.
Memorial by the Commissioners of Transport to the Committee of Council.
The remaining ships to carry the 5,000 land soldiers (fn. 8) are ready and we shall to-day order them to go to Spithead. Those to carry 420 horses will be ready next Tuesday. The contractor for hay has not been able to supply it by the agreed date.
P. ¾. Signed by Atkinson and Roope. (fn. 9) Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 117, 20.
15 May.
Whitehall.
Hedges to the Postmasters General.
Queen's command:—The packet-boat that goes from Harwich to Holland to be stopped till further order.
Four lines. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 101, p. 214.
15 May.
Admiralty Office.
Josiah Burchett to William Aglionby.
The Postmasters General have asked the Lord High Admiral to allow the Owner's Goodwill to take stores and necessaries for the packet-boats to Harwich. Pray move the Earl of Nottingham to obtain and transmit the Queen's pleasure for the vessel to go.
P. ½. Signed. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 6, 75.
15 May.
Whitehall.
Nottingham's Letters.
1. To the Earl of Romney.
Queen's command:—Her Majesty having heard of the condition of Portland Castle, directs you to send down some powder there forthwith and do what else you think best in the case.
P. ⅓. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 9. Enclosing:—
Extract from Mr. Charles Langrish's letter, dated Weymouth, 2 May, 1702.
Portland Castle is in a very dangerous condition and will be totally rifled unless some special care be taken by appointing some fit person to look after the same. There is not a grain of powder in the Castle and the gunner, being very necessitous, was forced the Sunday before to quit the Castle and shift for himself. He has left in possession of the sutler's office that is in the Castle yard a miserable poor fellow that sweeps chimneys for his living, and two porters, as so rated in pay, but [these] live not in the Castle; which is the only garrison. Although the said Mr. Langrish has the keys of the Castle, yet the windows are open so that any person may get in and cut away the leads that cover it, which will certainly be done if timely care be not taken, " as Weymouth Castle by neglect was demolished." Portland Castle is of good use and security to ships that come into Portland Road, and the only defence which the island hath.
P. 1. Ibid, pp. 9–10.
2. To Mr. Bowls (or Bowles).
You are appointed agent for victualling the fleet when at sea with an extraordinary allowance to your chief clerk that he may take care of that business in case the fleet should be divided. Take care that the person you "pitch upon" is duly qualified, and inform the Lord High Admiral of his name for his approval.
P. ⅓. Ibid, pp. 10–11.
3. To the Earl of Romney.
Queen's command:—To order the officers in Dover Castle to receive into it all such French and Spanish prisoners as shall be sent to them and detain them till further order.
P. ¼. Ibid, p. 11.
Also similar letter, or notes of similar letters, to the Governors, Lieutenant-Governors, Keepers, or Commanders-in-Chief of the forts at Portsmouth, Plymouth and Pendennis Castle.
In all p. ½. Ibid, pp. 11–12.
4. To the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
Complaint is made to the Lord High Admiral that the labourers who are entertained by the officers of the yard at Kinsale to perform their service at that port, and who are likewise employed as watchmen in order to prevent embezzlements, are compelled by the Corporation to mount guard in their turn, although the Custom House officers are exempt therefrom.
Queen's command:—To send orders for freeing them from that obligation, which keeps them from the proper discharge of their other duties.
P. ¼. S.P. Ireland, Entry Book 3, p. 2.
15 May.
St. James'.
Establishment of pay for the standing forces and garrisons in Scotland for 336 days from 15 May, 1702.
Gives details of pay for the following:—
1. "One troop of Guards."
A captain, two lieutenants, a cornet, guidon, quartermaster, four brigadiers, four sub-brigadiers, four trumpets, a solicitor, kettle-drum and 106 gentlemen.
Total, 122 men and 20l. 5s. 0d. a day.
2. One troop of Grenadier Guards.
A colonel, two captains, two lieutenants, a cornet, two sergeants, two corporals, two drums, and 52 grenadiers.
Total, 64 men and 7l. 3s. 0d. per day.
3. A regiment of Dragoons.
A colonel, lieutenant-colonel, major, quartermaster, captain, lieutenant, cornet, two serjeants, two corporals, a drum and 26 dragoons.
Total, 34 men and 3l. 8s. 4d. a day.
Five troops more of this regiment, as above.
Total of the regiment, 205 men and 21l. 19s. 0d. a day.
4. Another regiment of Dragoons at the same rate and numbers. Total, 205 men and 21l. 19s. 0d. a day.
5. "Our Regiment of Foot Guards."
A colonel (pay as such), lieutenant-colonel (pay as such), second lieutenant-colonel (same), major (same), two adjutants, and a drum major.
Total, 2l. 0s. 6d. a day.
Each company in the regiment consists of a captain, lieutenant, ensign, two sergeants, three corporals, two drums, and 36 sentinels.
Total of a company, 46 men, and 2l. 4s. 0d. a day, and of fourteen more companies, 644 men, and 30l. 16s. 0d. a day.
There is also established a company of grenadiers. This consists of a captain, two lieutenants, two sergeants, three corporals, two drums and 36 sentinels.
Total, 46 men and 2l. 5s. 0d. a day.
A second lieutenant is added to the colonel's company.
Total of this regiment, 806 men and 39l. 14s. 6d. a day.
6. A regiment of Foot.
This consists of:—
(a) A colonel, lieutenant-colonel, major and aid (?) major.
Total, 1l. 8s. 0d. a day.
(b) Eight companies, each of which is as follows:—
A captain, lieutenant, ensign, two sergeants, two corporals and drum and 27 sentinels. Total, 35 men and 1l. 14s. 6d. a day.
Total of seven more companies, 245 men and 4,057l. 4s. 0d. a year.
(c) A company of Grenadiers.
This consists of a captain, two lieutenants, two sergeants, two corporals, a drum and 27 grenadiers. Total, 35 men and 1l. 15s. 6d. a day.
(d) One company more appointed for preserving the peace of the Highlands. It consists of a captain, two lieutenants, three sergeants, two corporals, two drums, and 60 men.
Totals, 70 and 2l. 14s. 6d.
Total of the regiment, 386 men and 6,619l. 4s. 0d. a year.
7. Another regiment, as the foregoing.
Total as before.
9. The regiment at Fort William.
This is made up as the last mentioned regiments except that (a) there are in all eleven foot companies, and each foot company has only 25 sentinels, and (b) that the company of grenadiers has only 25 grenadiers.
Total, 4 regimental officers and 1l. 8s. 0d. a day, 363 company officers and men and 18l. 8s. 6d. a day, and the grenadier company of 33 officers and men and 1l. 14s. 6d. a day.
To this regiment there are further added:—
A 2nd lieutenant-colonel, chaplain, surgeon and mate, marshal and storekeeper, gunner, two matrosses, smith and servant, wright and servant, [allowance for] drugs and medicines, coal and candle; frigate and boats, bedclothes, coverings and blankets.
Total in all, 410 men and 8,218l. 16s. 0d. a year.
10. General Officers.
Major-General of the Forces, Master of Ordnance, MusterMaster, Adjutant-General, Intendant of invalids, Chief Engineer, Physician-General, Clerk of the court-martial and Secretary of War.
Total, 4l. 15s. 6d. a day.
11. Artillery officers.
A captain, lieutenant and bombardier, corporal, ten gunners, six practitioners and a commissary.
Total, 20 men and 1l. 12s. 3d. a day.
12. Edinburgh Castle garrison.
A captain, deputy-governor, two lieutenants, two ensigns, three sergeants, four corporals, two drummers, 120 soldiers, chaplain, master gunner and five gunners, surgeon, porter, gun-smith, and [allowance for] coal and candle.
Total, 145 men and 5l. 19s. 0d. a day.
13. Stirling Castle garrison.
Similar details, only 100 sentinels instead of 120, no surgeon, porter, or gunsmith; otherwise a slightly smaller establishment.
Total, 117 men and 4l. 11s. 0d. a day.
14. Dumbarton Castle garrison.
A captain, lieutenant, ensign, two sergeants, two corporals, gunner, drum, 50 soldiers, coal and candle.
Totals, 59 men and 2l. 7s. 0d. a day.
15. Blackness garrison.
Deputy-governor, gunner, porter, coal and candle.
Totals, 3, and 6l. a day.
Total of the establishment, 2,934 men and 65,740l. 14s. 0d. a year.
Pp. 9. S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 18, pp. 175–83.
16 May.
Whitehall.
Nottingham to the Lords Lieutenants.
For helping the Vice-Admirals and press officers and press men. (fn. 10)
P. 2/3. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, pp. 12–13.
Also note that it was sent for the inland counties to:—
The Duke of Bedford for Bedford
Cambridge.
Middlesex.
Lord Wharton for Buckingham.
Oxford.
The Earl of Abingdon for Berkshire.
The Duke of Northumberland for Surrey.
The Duke of Devonshire for Derby.
The Duke of Shrewsbury for Hereford.
Worcester.
The Duke of Newcastle for Nottingham.
The Earl of Essex for Hertford.
The Earl of Manchester for Huntingdon.
The Earl of Rutland for Leicester.
The Earl of Peterborough for Northampton.
Lord Sherard for Rutland.
The Earl of Bradford for Salop.
Lord Pagett for Stafford.
The Earl of Northampton for Warwick.
Wiltshire, Monmouth, Brecknockshire and Radnor were under the Lord High Admiral himself. Letters to the Lords Lieutenants of the maritime counties were sent from Hedges' office.
Pp. 1¼. Ibid. pp. 13–14.
16 May.
Whitehall.
Hedges' Letters.
1. To the Earl of Stamford.
The Queen finds it necessary that the letters sent you from the Privy Council for procuring seamen should be put in force at once. This she desires done, and you are to give all assistance to the ViceAdmirals and others appointed by the Lord High Admiral to press men in the county where you are her Majesty's Lieutenant. Her Majesty expects lists to be sent up of the men procured.
P. ½.
Also note that a similar letter was sent to:—
The Dukes of Bolton, Ormond and Newcastle, the Earls of Radnor, Scarborough, Romney, Oxford, Berkeley, Pembroke, Carlisle, Dorset, Lindsey, Burlington and Rivers, Viscounts Townsend and Irwin and Lord Cornwallis.
In all p. ¾. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 101, p. 211.
2. To the Postmasters General.
Reversing the order of 15 May re stoppage of the packet to Holland at Harwich.
Three lines. Ibid, p. 214.
3. To the Lord High Admiral.
Command:— To clear six Danish or Swedish ships of the embargo, provided they have no English sailors aboard. Details.
P. ½. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 204, p. 326.
Same. Nottingham to Josiah Burchett.
Please take care of and forward enclosed to Major-General Selwyn, but not by the vessel that is designed to the Bermudas. I shall send a duplicate of this and letters to the Governors of other Plantations to you to-morrow, that they may be all sent as has been proposed by Mr. Randolph to the Governor of Bermuda.
P. ¼. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 12.
16 May.
Guernsey.
Bernard Ellis to Lord Secretary Nottingham.
Corroborates Colonel Collier's information of the 12th, q.v. The English ships from St. Malo will pay large duties, being bound for Southampton with wine and Morlaix cloth. When they arrived there were six French boats freighted on the sole risk of merchants here, which they offered to confirm on oath. On this assurance I said I would do what I could to protect them and let them return and gave them a guard to save them from attempted plunder, by men-o-war's men, in the harbour here.
Since getting her Majesty's order of 2 May to the Commissioners of Customs empowering them to seize and detain all French and Spanish ships and cargoes, I have had no more to do with them. I send copies of the French King's orders to M. Pontchartrain and the Commissioner of St. Malo's letters to me.
Pp. 1¾. Signed. Endd. S.P. Dom., Channel Islands 2, 19. Enclosing:
a. M. [de] St. Sulpice to Bernard Ellis.
I send the ships of your island, to which I gave all the time they needed to settle their business. I hope ours with you may have the same treatment.
P. ⅓, in French. (Hol.) Dated, St. Malo, 21 May. Endd. S.P. Dom., Channel Islands 2, 19a.
18 May.
Whitehall.
Nottingham's Letters.
1. To the Postmasters General.
Queen's command:—The packet-boats that go between England and Holland are not to be armed. You must forbid the masters to carry any goods whatever to or from Holland.
P. ¼. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 15.
2–5. To the Lord High Admiral.
2. Queen's command:—She is pleased to pass by the offence of Mr. Chandelor Billingsly, committed on the Peregrine galley. He may be employed in the Navy.
P. ¼. Ibid, p. 16.
3. Queen's command:—To direct the Navy Board to provide for the French or Spanish prisoners that are or shall be brought in as was done in the last war with France; and to consider of some proper place to keep them in, Portsmouth not being thought convenient for that purpose.
P. ⅓. Ibid.
4. I send a letter from the captain of La Trompette, brought into Spithead as prize. Queen's command:—To examine whether this be not the ship that brought over Poitevin or Levingston.
P. ¼. Ibid p. 17.
5. Queen's command:—To take off the embargo on two Portuguese ships, the Jesus Maria Joseph (Bras. Emanuel de Carvalho, master), now in the Thames and bound for Portugal, and the Nortra Senhora de Penha de Franza (Marcos Manuel de Mocais, master), detained at Portsmouth and bound for London.
P. ⅓. Ibid.
18 May.
Admiralty Office.
Josiah Bruchett to William Aglionby.
Sir George Rooke asks how the French prisoners on board the ships at the Nore are to be disposed of. Pray move the Principal Secretary of State for orders to the Governor of Sheerness to receive them, if it is not done already.
Orders were lately sent to the Nore for supplying from the ships there 50 men, the better to enable the transport ships to sail from the river. Sir G. Rooke, meeting with this order at his arrival at the Nore, has acquainted his Excellency that the complying with it will unman one of the ships, for which reason, and the want of men for the ships necessary for the intended expedition, he proposes discharging the transports for the 1,000 men last ordered and placing them among the fire-ships, bombvessels, store-ships, victuallers and tenders. The Lord High Admiral desires the Queen's commands in this matter. When this matter of transports for the additional 1,000 men was first mooted, it was thought by some that the additional men might be accommodated in the fleet.
In answer to a letter from Lord Nottingham—two vessels have been appointed to cruize on the coasts of Kent and Sussex to prevent intelligence to France, namely the Despatch and Fly, brigantines. They cruise between Arundel and Hastings, and Hastings and Dover.
Pp. 1¾. Signed. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 6, 76.
18 May.
Admiralty Office.
Josiah Burchett to William Aglionby.
The French vessel with rozin on board was seized at the Nore on the 4th of this month. The small French ship Trumpet [or La Trompette] was captured between 7 and 11 May and brought into Portsmouth on the 11th.
P. ½. Signed. Endd. Ibid, 77.
18 May.
Whitehall.
Hedges to Blathwayt.
As you dispatched on the other side of the water the letters sent by the late King to the Princes and States invited by him to enter the Grand Alliance, I desire you to let me know the names of those to whom they were sent and of those who have assented, if any assents have come into your hands. Mr. Hugk has given me a memorial demanding arrears for the King of Denmark by commission, as he says, from that Court. I send you a copy of the account and ask you how the matter stands, as you were formerly well acquainted with it. I send you, as a matter pertaining to the Army, the Mayor of Dover's account for expenses incurred in connexion with deserters. Please procure him satisfaction.
P. ½. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 101, p. 214.
Latest date,
19 May.
Petition to the Queen of William Viscount Montgomery, shewing that:—
Having received a licence, dated 25 Dec., 1688, from the late King (when Prince of Orange) to travel beyond sea, petitioner soon after went into France. Recites the provisions of the Act of 1697, making it high treason in certain cases to return from France without leave from the King or Queen. Proceeds:—Petitioner in obedience to the said Act, though not directly included in the same by reason of the licence aforesaid, retired with his family into Spanish Flanders. He has lived there above four years to the great prejudice of his private concerns and the undoing of his creditors; for, at this distance, he cannot by sale of part of his estate or otherwise raise money to pay his debts.
Prays for licence to return to the Queen's dominions.
P. 2/3. Signed. Endd. with order dated at Whitehall, 11 May, 1702, referring the petition to the Attorney General for consideration and report. S.P. Dom., Anne 1, 32, followed by:—
Report of Sir Edward Northey, Attorney General, on the foregoing petition.
Recites the facts. Adds:—After going into France under the licence of 1688 the petitioner at some time, but I do not know when, returned into England. On 27 May, 1696, he was at the sessions of Oyer and Terminer for the City of London indicted for high treason for adhering to the French King then at war with the late King and Queen, and endeavouring to procure the French King to invade England.
The petitioner absconded by reason of the indictment till 15 December, 1696, when, to prevent his being returned outlawed, he rendered himself and was imprisoned at Newgate. He pressed for trial, but on affidavit that Cardell Goodman, one of the witnesses against him, was gone beyond seas, his trial was deferred; and therefore on 19 June, 1697, he was bailed out of Newgate. At several later sessions he moved the sessions to be tried on the said indictment, but was refused, as Goodman was still beyond sea.
Recites the provisions of the Act of 1697, requiring all persons who had gone to France &c. to leave the kingdom by 1 February, 1697–8, unless licensed to stay by the King, and forbidding their return without licence.
Proceeds:—Thereupon petitioner prepared to go, and went, beyond sea. I think he was bound to do this, as the King's licence given to him to go beyond seas was not "a licence within the intent of that Act to go into France." The King's Attorney being not then ready to try him, his bail was discharged, but the indictment remains against him, and is an objection to any persons buying any part of his estate which he may wish to sell to pay his debts.
The Act of Parliament is the only thing which prevents his returning, and "I am humbly of opinion that it will not be prejudicial to your Majesty or the public," if you grant your licence to him to return, he giving security as your Majesty shall direct for faithful behaviour.
Pp. 12/3. Signed. Dated, 19 May, 1702. S.P. Dom., Anne 1, 32a.
Also entry of the petition and reference. S.P. Dom., Entry Book, Vol. 239, p. 3.
19 May.
General Post Office.
Ath. Frowde to John Ellis.
In the last war the Secretaries of State employed a person at Harwich to examine passengers and to return an account to them. If they have thoughts of employing anybody in that way, I desire to recommend Mr. Henry Bickerton. He speaks French and Dutch perfectly. Pray recommend him to Mr. Secretary.
P. ½ (Hol.) Add. Endd. S.P. Dom., Anne 1, 33.
19 May.
Whitehall.
Nottingham's Letters.
1. To Wm. Blathwayt.
The Duke of Ormond presented a memorial to the Committee of Council setting out that less than six men were not enough for the Provost Marshal at sea. The Committee agreed that he should have six as desired.
The additional sergeants and corporals to the detachment of the Guards which goes to sea are to be forthwith allowed on the establishment.
P. ⅓. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 18.
2. To the Lord Treasurer.
On the Duke of Ormond's memorial, Queen's command:—That 60l. be allowed to the Provost Marshal's men for the sea expedition for furnishing horses and accoutrements for them, and also 35l. for the provided shackles. Pray order these sums.
P. ⅓. Ibid.
19 May.
Admiralty Office.
Pembroke to Nottingham.
Poitevin came over from France in the Susannah of Cherbrooke [Cherbourg], and Levingston was seized near St. Helen's in the John, hoy, of London.
P. ½. Signed. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 6, 78.
Same. Josiah Burchett to William Aglionby.
Asking that the Queen may be moved to remove the embargo in the case of certain ships now loaded with butter and cheese, at Harwich, Hull, Whitby and Stockton-on-Tees. This is asked at the request of certain wholesale cheesemongers, who supply cheese and butter for the Navy. It is desired that the ships, which will also bring supplies for the city of London, be allowed to come there.
P. 2/3. Signed. Add. Endd. Ibid, 79.
Same. Same to Same.
Desires that orders for receiving sick and wounded French and Spanish prisoners, pending exchange, may be sent to the civil magistrates at Dover, Southampton, Plymouth, Dartmouth and Falmouth. Such orders have already been sent to the Governors of garrisons on the coast. The Governors and civil magistrates should be ordered to send an account to the Navy Board from time to time of what men are sent to them, whereon allowance will be made for their support as in the last war.
P. ¾. Signed. Add. Endd. Ibid, 80.
19 May.
H.M.S. Russell,
15 leagues
N.W. of Cape Prior.
Minutes of a Council of War.
The Council was held as in margin. Present:—Sir John Munden, Rear-Admiral of the Red, Captains Sincock, Price, Townsend, Fairfax, Elwes, Walker, Wakelin, Barker, Keck and Balchin. (fn. 11)
On inquiry made, only two persons were able to give an account of the strength of the Groyne. Lieutenant John Babb, 3rd lieutenant of the Ipswich, who lived there eight months, said:—
The entry is narrow and foul ground on both sides.
There is a very strong castle at the entrance on the starboard side, with near 100 guns upon a rock, and platforms between Hercules' Pillars and that castle.
On the larboard side is a mud fort with 20 guns, and on the same side a platform near the church, which commands the harbour; at the easternmost part of the town is a strong citadel, which commands every angle of the harbour.
Different winds are required for going in and coming out, in so much that the packet-boats have often to warp out.
Gilbert Dobson, midshipman on the Restoration, has been a pilot with Biscayers and Portuguese for three years or more during the late war. He knows the harbours thereabouts well, and says that:—
The going in is difficult. It is three cables over (across) with foul ground on both sides. In the Sound without there is foul ground, and dangerous to anchor there, it being deep water. Corroborates Babb as to the forts and difficulties of wind. Proceeds:—Guns are mounted on the town walls. When Dobson was last there a French Governor with officers and soldiers were there and possessed of the fortifications, and were adding to them by mounting more guns.
On these reports being considered, it was unanimously resolved that to sail into the Groyne would be to expose the fleet to certain loss without service to the nation, or injury to the enemy.
As the Dolphin and Salisbury, sent in to look at the Groyne and get information, have not returned, and as Sir J. Munden has waited in vain for them at the rendezvous (off Cape Prior) it is thought advisable to sail to the rendezvous off Cape Finisterre in hopes to find them there or get information otherwise.
Pp. 2. Copy with signatures (copies) of the Rear-Admiral and Captains. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 6, 81.
19 May.
Whitehall.
Hedges' Letters.
1. To the Earl of Romney.
The late King promised the King of Sweden 2,000 barrels of powder, and the Queen desires to send it. You are to report in what time that quantity may be ready to be shipt on a vessel that is now going to Sweden.
P. ¼. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 101, p. 216.
2. To the Lord High Treasurer.
The Queen hears that the clothing of the Duke of Schonbourg's and Brigadier Windham's regiments of horse are embargoed on the Dutch hoy the Justice, Peter Callier master. Queen's command:—To order the clearing of the vessel that she may sail with the first convoy to Holland.
P. ¼. Ibid.
3 and 4. To the Lord High Admiral.
3. Similar to the foregoing letter.
P. ⅓. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 204, p. 327.
4. Queen's command:—To provide convoy for the transport ships bound from the river to Portsmouth.
P. ⅓. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 204, p. 327.
19 May.
Whitehall.
Nottingham's Letters.
1. To the Governor of Sheerness.
Queen's command:—To take in all such Spanish and French prisoners as shall be sent to you. Keep them so that they may not be able to make any observations to the public prejudice.
P. 1/5. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 19.
2. To the Lord High Admiral.
Reports his having written the foregoing. The Committee did not approve Sir G. Rooke's suggestion that the transport ships for the 1,000 men last ordered should be discharged and the men placed on the fireships &c. The transports must be manned, but the manner of manning them is left to you.
P. ¼. Ibid.
20 May.
St. James'.
Royal Warrant to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and to the Paymaster-General and Muster-MasterGeneral there.
The late King by warrant dated at Kingston on 19 February last directed that the several regiments of foot then in the army of Ireland should be augmented in their number by recruiting each company of each regiment to two sergeants, three corporals, two drums and fifty privates (servants included), and by adding two companies to each regiment so that each should consist of twelve companies. By our warrant of 13 March last we ordered (sets out the terms of the warrant, for which see above, p. 5). In order that the two new regiments and newly raised companies be paid as well as the others, we direct you to add all of them to the military establishment of Ireland, and that they be paid as the rest of the army there are paid under the establishment of 1 August, 1701.
Further you shall cause the Muster-Master to muster all the regiments of foot that are to remain in Ireland on the first day of June next and, in case they shall then appear full and complete, to allow them the prescribed pay from 1 March last. In the case of incomplete regiments, you shall order the levy-money for each deficient man to be stopped and also the subsistence appointed for them from 1 March.
P. 2/3. S.P. Signet Office 14, p. 449.
Same. Same to the Lord Lieutenant and Lords Justices [of Ireland], the officers of the Exchequer there and all others whom it may concern.
You inform us that many payments have been made out of our Exchequer in Ireland by way of concordatums over and above the establishment, and that the sums so issued in excess between 14 November, 1700, and 31 December, 1701, have been paid out upon urgent occasions, and for our special service. We are satisfied of this, and direct that the said sums be allowed to the Receiver or Paymaster-General there on his producing vouchers of the payment thereof, notwithstanding any previous direction or restriction. The sums so paid in exceess amount in all to 1,767l. 18s. 9½d., which is made up as follows:—
1700. l. s. d.
Ralph Bucknall, clothes for the game-keeper at the Curragh of Kildare 11 0 0
Controller of the Ordnance for taking the remains of stores round the kingdom 103 2 2
1701.
1 Jan. to
1 Aug.
The Pursuivants-at-arms, for extra attendance, two payments 30 0 0
To — Jordan and Arthur Bush to distribute to poor prisoners. 72 17 3
To Simpson's children for discovery of books 30 0 0
To — Bucknall for firing to the Park Keepers 9 0 0
To do. for hay for deer in the winter 10 6 0
To Humphrey May for transcribing the Secretary's books 70 0 0
To George Lorinan for carrying of Protestants out of an island during the siege of Limerick 26 0 0
To Alexander Irwin for bringing in Tories 21 7 0
To Henry Pratt in part for making a map of Ireland 30 0 0
John Bates, game-keeper at the Curragh 10 0 0
To — Crooke, extra charge for printing rules for the army and quartering in barracks 81 16 11
Captain Coward for trunks and charges in bringing Acts of Parliament. 58 9 2
Henry Ringwood, Keeper of the Records 25 0 0
To Thomas Price, arrears as town-major(?) at Dublin 171 5 0
To Robert Heath for firing in the Wardrobe 15 6 0
To Thomas Burgh, extraordinary expenses at Charlemont for drawbridge, gates &c. 120 12 9
To Humphrey May for extraordinary expenses at the Secretary's office. 58 7 9
Half a year's rent for the Parliament House 90 0 0
To Baron Virazell [Virazeil?] for extraordinary charity for the French Protestants 40 0 0
To the partners in the hempen manufacture for the King's share therein 128 3 11
To Humphrey May as before 267 18 6
[Aug.-Dec.] To Thomas Burgh for extraordinary expenses for repairs at Limerick, Kinsale &c 30 0 0
To Thomas Revy for taking a Tory 11 0
To John Bates, game-keeper 10 0 0
To Robert Heath, extras in the Wardrobe 91 8 0
Ralph Wilson, for rent of a store-house in Limerick 15 0 0
To half a year's rent for the Parliament House 90 0 0
Masons for extra repairs in the Park 2 15 6
To Henry Ringwood as before 25 0 0
To Captain Thomas Burgh for sentry boxes 12 2 9
Pp. 1¾. S.P. Signet Office 14, pp. 450–1.
1702.
20 May.
Royal Warrant to the Lord Lieutenant and Chief Governor of Ireland.
We have directed that levy-money be paid to the officers appointed to raise two new companies which are to be added to each of the five regiments in Ireland designed for our service at sea this summer; and by our letters of 28 March last we directed you to give orders to the Muster-Master-General to cause those other regiments in Ireland that were not to serve at sea to be mustered on 1 July, with this direction—that if at that date they should be found complete in all respects he should close the rolls as such from 1 April, and allow them such whole musters, the better to enable the officers to make their levies and recruits; but if any of the companies should be found defective on the said 1 July, the Muster-Master should respite not only the men who were wanting but also all other men who had been raised for that company. On further consideration we find it much more convenient for our service to allow to such regiments the like levy-money as we give to the regiments that are to serve at sea.
We therefore order that our directions of 28 March last (mentioned above) be not carried out. Instead, issue the necessary orders to the Paymaster-General to pay 40s. for every private sentinel taken in to fill up the said regiments and for the two new companies to be added to each of the said five regiments (servants excluded), provided the said regiments shall appear and muster full by the first day of June next. In case they shall not so appear full and complete at that time, the levy-moneys so advanced shall be proportionately deducted from the pay of such officers as shall not have their companies complete.
P. ¾. Ibid, p. 452.
20 May.
Whitehall.
Nottingham to the Lord Mayor [of London].
I have considered the depositions against James Clifton and examined him as closely as I could and laid the matter before the Lords of the Committee of Council. They think there is not enough evidence to detain him as a prisoner. If therefore you have no other charge against him, take order for his release.
P. 1/6. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 19.
20 May.
Admiralty Office.
Pembroke to Nottingham.
Sends a memorial and asks that it be communicated as soon as possible.
Five lines. Signed. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 6, 82. Enclosing:—
a. Memorial for the Queen in Council.
It has been decided to divide the fleet into two parts, and that part which is designed abroad will proceed so far as to leave the greatest naval strength of France on this side of them. This is quite different from what it was in the last war, when the Earl of Orford proceeded into the Straits with the major part of the fleet; for then the greatest naval force of France was at Toulon and the English and Dutch between England and them.
I therefore propose to the Queen that steps be taken to hasten the States General to send (1) their twenty-one ships designed for the expedition, (2) the other nine of their forty-eight sail for the line of battle and at least half of their eighteen according to the agreement in that behalf, as, pending their arrival, the part of the fleet designed for service abroad cannot be sent off without danger to the trade and coasts within the Channel.
P. 1. Dated, 20 May. Signed by the Lord High Admiral. Countersigned by Burchett. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 6, 82a.
20 May.
Report by Pembroke.
Admiralty Office I have considered the petition of the Royal African Co. referred to me by the Queen. It sets out that the French Guinea Company have made a contract at Madrid for supplying the Spanish West Indies with negroes, in which they are very much supported and encouraged by the French King. The African Company have heard that three French men-of-war were cruising early in the year off the south part of Africa. The petitioners say that they have forts on that coast which cannot be supported but by frequent supplies of men and stores, "and are of absolute necessity for the preservation of the trade of those parts to her Majesty's subjects and supplying her Majesty's plantations with negroes"; and that they have therefore fitted out the ships in the annexed list, which cannot sail owing to the war with France and Spain. They therefore pray that in place of the Bonadventure, which is now ready to return home from the south parts of Africa, the Queen will spare them some frigates to cruise on the African coast and protect the Queen's subjects and their trade, and that these ships may go out as a guard to the others in their list.
I report that the Bonadventure will "suddenly" be coming home, and a fourth rate and fifth rate will then be left on other parts of that coast. It is of great importance to the trade of England in those parts that their ships should proceed, and the trade would be much encouraged if a fourth rate could be spared to go there. I cannot find that any ships of war were allowed them in the last war, but no doubt if the French mean to supplant them in their trade for negroes they will have ships of war there for the purpose. But foreign services have already taken up so many cruising frigates that there are not left at home a sufficient number to answer the many pressing services which daily call for them.
Pp. 2¼. Signed. Countersigned by Burchett. S.P. Dom., Naval 6, 83. Enclosing:
a. List of Ships mentioned in foregoing.
Name. Tons. Guns. Men. Passengers. Captains.
Serelion Brigantine 80 10 18 16 George Cockerell.
Royal Africa 370 30 48 30 Alexander Gates.
Angola Frigate 125 12 24 12 Thomas Arnall.
St. Winifrid 160 10 24 William Owen.
P. ¼. Endd. Ibid, 83a.
20 May.
Admiralty Office.
Josiah Burchett to William Aglionby.
The Lord High Admiral has sent a ship to Falmouth to bring the two packet-boats to Plymouth, where they are to be fitted for the service of the fleet. Pray have orders sent to the Postmasters-General to the direct their being handed over to the captain of that vessel, who is advised to give a receipt for them to the Customs officer at Falmouth.
P. ¾. Signed. Endd. Ibid, 84.
21 May.
Admiralty Office.
Same to Same.
I have yours with the duplicates of letters of my Lord Secretary Nottingham to the Governors of the Plantations.
I thought my Lord had no other duplicates to send but those to Jamaica. I will send these despatches to the Commanderin-Chief of the two ships going there with orders to him to take special care of them; but I do not know how to contrive to send on the letters to Barbados, New England, Virginia, Pennsylvania, the Leeward Islands, Carolina, and Bermuda. The vessel that carried the originals to the Continent (which were all forwarded from Virginia) sailed some time before I knew of his lordship's intention to send duplicates. I at present can find no other vessel to take charge of them, but I can if desired send those to Barbados and the Leeward Islands to Vice-Admiral Benbow, with orders to him to forward them. If the vessel which Mr. Randolph lately proposed to send is permitted to sail, she may take the letters to Virginia and elsewhere on the Continent. The Governor of Virginia will send them on. The vessel may also touch at Bermuda and deliver there the letters addressed there and to Rhode Island. I believe the master of the vessel will take this upon him in consideration of being allowed to sail. Details. I desire directions.
The packet to the commander of the Newfoundland convoy I will send off to-night. I find the merchants very uneasy at being thus long embargoed, which prevents their repairing to the western ports and awaiting the convoy there. "Nor do I find them under less difficulty how to dispose of their fish when their vessels are loaden, in regard of the dangers they will be exposed to should they go up the Streights," and the little advantage they will get if they sell their fish in Portugal. It is difficult to know how to instruct the Commander-in-Chief of the convoy in the matter.
Pp. 2½. Signed. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 6, 85.
21 May. Deposition of William Howard, of "Convent Garden," Esq.
Says that he was an ensign in the Duke of Norfolk's regiment and was pricked down for a captain in Colonel Skelton's regiment, but his commission was not taken out. He does not know the hand in which a letter which Secretary Hedges showed him was written, nor the hand in which it was addressed to Captain Lewis Conyers at the Rose Coffee House, Convent Garden. He owns that on Friday last he was at the Dog at Richmond, going down thither by water with Captain and Mrs. Murray and Mr. Conyers. The rest of the company he did not know, except Mr. John Wiche. The names of the rest were Mr. Auburn, Mr. Tudor, Mr. Projers, Major Wythe and Mr. Townsend. After dinner they drank the Queen's health and prosperity to her armies by sea and land. Asked what he meant by an expression in his letter to Secretary Hedges saying that he had an affair in hand which his imprisonment would greatly prejudice, he says it referred to the fact that, having lately married, he has a lawsuit depending in the Court of Chancery with his wife's trustees and guardians for her fortune.
P.S.—He further says that he knows of no design against the Queen or her government, and declares on his honour that if he did he would disclose it. Hearing that there was a warrant against him he came down to both the Secretaries' offices to surrender the day before he was taken.
In all pp. 1¾. The deposition and p.s. signed, and the p.s. countersigned by John Ellis. Endd. S.P. Dom., Anne 1, 34.
21 May. Deposition of Lewis Conyers, of "Convent Garden," Gentleman.
Was never an officer in any army. Does not know the hand of the letter or of the address of the letter shown him (&c. as in preceding deposition). Proceeds:—The meeting at the Dog at Richmond was an accidental meeting for diversion and not for business. Believes that the information given against him to the Secretary of State on which he was "taken up," was given by malicious people for the putting off a trial in Doctors' Commons, where his presence was requisite, and the deferring whereof will greatly damage him.
P.S.—The examinate knows of no design against the Queen or her government; and says on his honour that if he did he would disclose it.
In all pp. 1½. The deposition and p.s. signed, and the p.s. countersigned by John Ellis. Ibid, 35.
22 May.
Whitehall.
Nottingham's Letters.
1. To the Lord High Treasurer.
Similiar to his letter of 18 May, 1702, to the Lord High Admiral (see p. 72) for releasing two Portuguese ships. Queen's command: — The order taking off the embargo shall stipulate that none of her Majesty's subjects be on board those ships.
P. ½. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 20.
2. To Sir Charles Cotterel.
Queen's command:—That the Venetian Ambassador may be admitted to a private audience without ceremony by her Majesty on Sunday next, 24th inst., at about 5 p.m.
Five lines. Ibid.
22 May.
Admiralty Office.
Josiah Burchett to William Aglionby.
I send an extract from Vice-Admiral Hopson re pressing men.
The Vice-Admiral adds that the officers of the Customs are ready to co-operate in the getting of men if they have orders.
Please communicate this to Lord Secretary Nottingham.
P. 2/3. Signed. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 6, 86. Enclosing:
Extract as mentioned in foregoing.
The officers who lately went hence to press men at Chichester, Brighthelmston and Shoreham are returned without having pressed any, for as soon as they heard of the officers coming, they fled into the woods and are in such bodies there that no county gang dares attack them.
P. ¼. Dated, Spithead, 21 May, 1702. Endd. Ibid, 86a.
22 May.
Whitehall.
Hedges' Letters.
1. To the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
The Bishop of Cloyne's petition for continuing the rectory of Youghal in that see, and annexing Aghada thereto, is referred by the Queen's command to you for your opinion.
P. ¼. With note that the petition and the Attorney General Rochfort's report on it were sent with this. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 101, p. 215.
2. To Colonel Morgan.
Queen's command:—Admiral Allemonde has been permitted to land the land men and mariners on his fleet, for refreshment, in the Isle of Wight. You shall give them straw for their use and such other necessities as they want, and use them civilly on all occasions.
P. 1/5. Ibid, p. 216.
Same. Nottingham's Letters.
1. To Mr. Harcourt.
Your report concerning the murder committed in Mayfair was laid before the Queen in Council. I hear that two of the persons concerned in the riot are since taken. If so they will probably discover the rest. The justices should examine them and give me a further report for the Queen, whose directions for further action I will then receive.
P. ½. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 21.
2. To Josiah Burchett.
Mr. John Baker, of London, merchant, says that he has the disposal of the Charles galley of Bristol, now there, and that the galley is ready to sail and will take any express to Jamaica or Barbados without other reward than the Queen's permission and protection. The Queen is inclined to this method rather than to sending an advice-boat at her own charge. [Details.]
Direct Baker to have the ship made ready at once, and that the Queen will release the embargo on the vessel on Sunday next, he undertaking to deliver the packets with care and speed.
P. ½. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 21.
3. To the Postmasters General.
Queen's command:—That the packet-boats that used to go to Corunna go to Lisbon and so continue till further order; and that you write to some proper correspondent of the Post Office in France to know of the Postmaster General whether if we continue to send the packet-boats as usual to Calais they will continue the intercourse on their side as formerly.
P. ½. Ibid, p. 22.
25 May.
Admiralty Office.
Josiah Burchett to William Aglioney.
Sends copies of letters from the Earl of Nottingham to the Governors of the American Plantations.
Four lines. Signed. Add. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 6, 87.
25 May.
Whitehall.
Nottingham to the Lord High Treasurer.
I have received an account from the Admiralty of the great difficulties the press-masters have in trying to press seamen, especially in Sussex, where the men fly into the woods "and gather themselves into bodies able to resist the country." The ViceAdmiral of that Coast represents that the Customs officers at Brighthamsted and Shoreham are ready to help in pressing men if they have orders for that purpose.
Queen's command:—To give orders to the Customs officers for this purpose.
P. ½. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, pp. 22–23.
Same. Entry on the Proposals of William Plowman.
Plowman "with a deep sense of his duty to her Majesty at this present juncture, when the French expect to render themselves absolute masters of the Mediterranean seas," makes the following proposals:—
To build a galley of a new invention at his own expense, burthen 320 tons, 26 guns, 120 seamen and 40 marines, to row with 20 oars, which in the Mediterranean, when calms frequently happen, is necessary. Plowman, "by a long experience of the Streights," (fn. 12) did act so vigorously in opposition to the French designs in the last war by destroying 13 of their vessels and annoying the enemy in the Levant and their passage to Turkey, where they have a large trade, that they have "on all occasions persecuted him with implacable hatred as the only private man that attempted doing them such considerable damage."
He asks that the Queen will accept of the said galley into her immediate service, and victual and man the same, to be employed upon any despatch into the Mediterranean. She will be of great service to the fleet there and constantly get intelligence of the enemy's motions and designs, being a fit vessel to serve with despatches on all occasions. He begs that instead of any hire, he may have what prizes he takes after deduction of 1/10, he allowing the usual shares to mariners and officers as appointed by law.
By the arbitary proceedings of the Great Duke of Tuscany, at instigation of the French, he was detained 32 months in a dungeon at Florence, and his estate seized and given to the French, "so contrary to the laws of nations that her Majesty has demanded satisfaction and reparation of damages." Plowman prays for a further opportunity to do the Queen and his country service, "for besides the advantage to the nation in general it will be of no small moment to let the Italians, Turks, Algarines, and Barbarians see that where the French think themselves secure and safe we can, with a small expense, spoil their tranquillity even in sight of their own ports."
Order, 25 May, Whitehall. Referred to the Lord High Admiral (Prince George of Denmark) (fn. 13) for consideration and report. Further pleasure.
Pp. 2. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 238, pp. 496–7.
25 May.
Harwith (Harwich).
Examination of Francis Lawrence (fn. 14) taken before Daniel Smith and Simon Sandford.
Deponent is commander of a privateer smack the St. Barb, about 15 tons, of Dunkirk. Sworn, he says:—
Born in Westbury parish, Gloucestershire. Lived in Bristol till 1684. In 1686 went to Dunkirk, and has since lived there. In 1688 his wife and family came over and joined him at Dunkirk. After the declaration of war between England and France on 15 May, 1702 (English style), he received letters of marte or reprisal from the French King and to take the ships and goods of the King's enemies under Seal of the French Admiralty. Took (i.e. manned) a smack of 15 tons under this commission and armed her with 16 men and two boys, and took on board a small amount of ammunition. Fell in on Friday night last with H.M.S. Flamborough, Captain Hughes, which was at anchor off Southwold. The Flamborough fired on his smack, took her and brought her into Harwich.
P. 1. Signed by Lawrence and countersigned by Smith and Sandford. Endd. S.P. Dom., Anne 1, 36.
25 May.
Harwich.
Examination of David Jones, Dominicus Wiseneall, Jacob Marrells and Bartholomew Seamans, taken before Daniel Smith and Simon Sandford.
They confirm generally the evidence given by Francis Lawrance [see foregoing] concerning the capture of the St. Barb by H.M.S. Flamborough. Lawrence threw his commission of mark from the French Admiralty overboard, and would have blown up the ship if not prevented by Captain Hughes.
P. 1. Signed by the deponents and countersigned by Smith and Sandford. Endd. S.P. Dom., Anne 1, 36a.
25 May.
Guernsey.
Bernard Ellis to Nottingham.
A shalop came in on the 23rd from St. Malo, brought by two [French] men and a boy, bringing an English merchant who had been given time to clear all his concerns. The merchants there are so afraid of our fleet that they have withdrawn with their effects, as have all the richer inhabitants. The poor stay, and a company in the castle. They have hauled all their ships high and dry, and only two small privateers are afloat. As security had been given for return of the men and boy, I allowed them to return at once; and I hope I have not transgressed in doing so. I desire orders on such cases to guide me in the future. Merchant ships which will pay some thousands in duty have lain here near three weeks awaiting convoy to the Isle of Wight or Spithead; so we badly need a frigate.
Pp. 1¼. Signed. Endd. S.P. Dom., Channel Islands 2, 20.
25 May.
Kirby.
Lord Hatton to Same.
I have many complaints from Guernsey. One is that the four companies sent there are very thin and ill-armed, so that the garrison is weaker than it has been for a long time. Secondly, the merchants there hoped to have time to get all their ships and goods from French ports back; but this they will not be given unless we release a small French bark which was taken in the very road of Guernsey by the frigates which brought the relieving companies. Pray let her be released. A frigate is badly wanted there. [Details.] There are causes depending before the Committee of Council relating (1) to the election of a jurat, (2) to the church property, (3) to some forms of their laws and customs. On these pray hear what Sir Edmund Andros has to say and act thereon as you think fit.
P.S.—Pray appoint Peter Martin and Robert Lee to be Commissioners of Prizes in Guernsey, and Lee to take care of sick and wounded and exchange of prisoners. Priaulx, one of the candidates for the post of jurat, is a factious and turbulent fellow and is backed by men of his quality. His opponent is an honest man.
Pp. 1¾. Signed. Endd. Ibid, 21.
24–26 May. Petition of Edward Gould and others, Legorn [Leghorn] Merchants, to Hedges. Shewing that:—
Some of the petitioners waited on your honour this morning and have since told the others of what passed at the deputation.
The whole body of your petitioners request that, to avoid the present danger to their factory at Leghorn, you will move the Queen to address fresh letters to Sir Lambert Blackwell, her envoy with the Grand Duke of Tuscany, to supersede the former. The earlier letters intimated to the Leghorn merchants to withdraw their goods from the territories of Tuscany.
They desire to be now satisfied in the Queen's name that they may carry on their trade as before till further orders from the Queen, there being no place whither they can transport their large concerns nor security to protect them from loss or injury during removal.
From the intimation already given, petitioners have become odious to the people of the country, with whom they must necessarily deal. Their persons are in danger from the populace and the concerns of all the Queen's subjects in their hands are damaged by the necessity of selling for ready money and granting large discounts to get in their debts under urgency and fear. Their losses in this way are so great that petitioners believe they have already suffered more damage than any loss pretended by William Plowman.
Petitioners reckon that "the English estates" now at Leghorn amount to not less than 500,000l. They expect from Leghorn no fewer than 50 ships (some of which have lately arrived), though without convoy. All these carried out their full ladings of woollen goods, lead, tin, fish, and other products of the Queen's dominions. They have also at present several ships in the Thames lading with valuable cargoes of the same kind for Leghorn. Many have gone to Newfoundland to catch fish and bring them to Leghorn, and others gone to Russia and New England bound further to Leghorn. It is not now possible for them to recall any of these vessels.
The season is now opening for the new fisheries in divers parts of the Kingdom, the undertakers for which will be wholly ruined if the traffic to Leghorn is prohibited, "no other commodious port of trade remaining to the petitioners in the Mediterranean Seas."
They pray for a reference of their suit to the Queen and Privy Council that they may be "directed to such measures as may be for the safety of their partners and factors abroad, and their estates and trade now in danger." They are ready, by "councill" and otherwise to offer evidence to disprove the loss pretended by Sir Alexander Rigby, Shepard and Plowman. Petitioners believe they can disprove their pretences and shew that they are merely disturbers of the government and ruiners of the trade of the nation.
Pp. 2½. Signed by Edward Gould, Benjamin Burdett, John Wright, Joseph Jackson, Richard Horsey, Charles Hensh[aw] and John Lodington. Underwritten with address to Hedges. Dated, 24 May, and Endd. "Read, 26 May, 1702." S.P. Dom., Anne 1, 37.
26 May.
Whitehall.
Nottingham's Letters.
1. To the Postmasters General.
"The Lords of the Cabinet Council" approve the letter sent by you to me. Their lordships further desire that it be sent by a small vessel to the Governor of Calais to forward it to Paris. You are further to give directions for the two old Corunna packet-boats which are at Falmouth to be repaired, so that they may be in readiness to sail as occasion shall require.
P. ⅓. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, pp. 23–4.
2. To Josiah Burchett.
Please lay before his Royal Highness that "the Lords of the Cabinet Council" think that Commissioners for the sick and wounded soldiers should be instructed to care for their safe custody as well as maintenance, and also to arrange for exchanges as soon as a cartel can be settled. My Lords think it necessary that his Royal Highness should issue directions for such instructions, and should consider of proper persons to be on such a commission.
P. ½. Ibid, p. 25.
3. To the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
Queen's command:—That such French and Spanish ships as have been detained by the embargo in Irish ports be kept till the Queen's pleasure be known.
P. ¼. S.P. Ireland, Entry Book 3, p. 14. Also S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 24.
Same. Hedges to Seafield.
Sends an enclosure (not entered).
Four lines. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 101, p. 220.
26 May. Memorandum on a Cartel for Sick and Wounded Prisoners.
On May 26 the Earl of Nottingham, then Secretary of State, wrote to Mr. Burchett, Secretary to the Prince of Denmark, to lay before him that the Privy Council thought that instructions should be prepared for commissioners of sick and wounded prisoners, as well for their safe custody as exchange when a cartel should have been settled. Commissioners are accordingly chosen, and the Count de Mornay, having been taken on board a French man-of-war and brought to London, had leave to write to M. de Pontchartrain about a cartel. M. de Pontchartrain's answer was sent to the Commissioners of sick and wounded, who drew up some proposals for settling a cartel at sea. These were approved by the Queen and sent to the Prince's Council, with order, if they had no objection thereto, to deliver them to Count de Mornay for transmission to France.
Pp. 1½. Endd. S.P. Dom., Anne 1, 38.
26 May.
Guernsey.
P.M. to Nottingham.
The soldiers sent here to occupy Castle Cornet and garrison the island are raw and quite unfit for so important a duty. I am credibly informed that the Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey would not trust Castle Elizabeth in their hands, but bade the inhabitants keep it till further order. The inhabitants of this island would gladly do the same. Their loyalty has been unquestioned since the time of the Norman Conquest, as testified in many Royal Charters.
I pray for orders to the Lieutenant-Governor to keep the officers, and especially the French, in reasonable duty and not to allow them to interfere, as they usually do, with the people or their rights. The French officers beat and abused the High Constables as complained of to King William III.
Pray do not disregard this appeal, which comes from a loyal English subject and member of the Church of England.
P.S.—If this complaint is overlooked I shall be obliged to prefer it to some other Minister of State.
P. 1. (Hol.) Add. Endd. S.P. Dom., Channel Islands 2, 22.
27 May.
Whitehaven.
Sir John Lowther to the Earl of Carlisle.
As to the press, many men of this town are now serving in the fleet, though not taken here in the way proposed. In the great storm of October last 48 out of the 53 ships then in port [here] broke their moorings. All drifted ashore, and the damage done was a great blow to this town. It took up to five months to repair. Several seamen were driven elsewhere to seek employment, and on January 8, when we were in some forwardness with our repairs, came the embargo on all ships except coasters. Our trade with Dublin was ever reckoned as coast-trade. This embargo was taken to be a prelude to a press, so all the seamen left the town; but, no press being put in force, many returned later. The ships laden were allowed to go for Dublin, with intention to take the men when they returned; but unexpectedly most of them were taken by the press ketches at Dublin, which is a cheaper way than to send them to Newcastle. To take more here suddenly will lay up all our ships, for we never have more than one-third of the men our ships require: the men going on one ship as soon as they return from another: the second loading while the first is away. When our convoy comes we may get more, for the high wages offered in war-time always bring out men whom neither the press-gang masters nor the civil magistrate can find. When I was in the Admiralty we always thought that the best way to get men was to keep the coast trade open and get men as they came to the ports. I understand that two small ships are to attend the orders of the Lords Justices at Dublin, and no doubt they will send us one of them, for coal is already very dear there. The coast trade embargo is no help to the press, but the contrary, and I hope we shall be allowed to trade to Dublin. I use another's hand as I have lately had gout. Please forgive this.
Pp. 1½. Signed, and the part in italics autograph. S.P. Dom., Naval 117, 21.
27 May.
Whitehall.
Nottingham's Letters.
1. To the Lord Mayor of London.
By order of the Committee of Council encloses an information of John Albery against James Taylor, a tanner, for treasonable words. Four lines. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 25.
2. To the Commissioners of Trade and Plantations.
The Committee [of Council] have decided that Mr. Dummer's proposal for corresponding with her Majesty's plantations be carefully examined. I send it, by their order, for your consideration and report.
P. ¼. Ibid, p. 26.
3. To the Earl of Romney.
Encloses a petition of the inhabitants of the Island of Purbeck, which was to-day laid before the Committee of Council. My Lords desire such stores to be allowed to the petitioners as were allowed the last war.
P. 1/6. Ibid.
4. To Mr. Blathwayt.
The Governor of Guernsey has complained that the four companies of Colonel Mordaunt's regiment, which have been sent to relieve the garrison there, are very thin and ill-armed, which makes the garrison weaker than it has been for thirty years. By direction of the Council, I send you their complaint that you may take proper steps for recruiting and arming the said regiment.
P. ¼. Ibid.
5. To Josiah Burchett.
The Governor of Guernsey complains that there is no frigate appointed to attend that station, which has never been so long wanting for thirty years. I am to acquaint you with this, that you may lay the matter before his Royal Highness.
P. ¼. Ibid, p. 27.
27 May.
Admiralty Office.
Josiah Burchett to William Aglionby.
Asking, under order of the Navy Board, for the release of the Hopewell (George Tickner master) from embargo. She is to bring hemp from Russia for her Majesty's service, and is embargoed at Ramsgate or Margate.
P. 1 (small). Signed. Add. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 6, 88.
27 May.
Whitehall.
Nottingham to Colonel Collier, Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey.
I laid yours of the 11th before the Lords of the Committee of Council, and am to say that only 4d. a day was allowed for prisoners in the last war, and that no more will be allowed now. You are to send an account to the Navy Board from time to time of what prisoners come under your care.
As to the vessels which you have detained, you shall have orders what to do therein.
P. ⅓. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 28.
27 May.
Whitehall.
Hedges' Letters.
1. To Sir J. Clarke.
To consider, with Dr. Newton and Dr. Bramston, the Queen's declaration for encouraging privateers, her instructions for them and her declaration touching observance of the article in the Treaty of Ryswick and the laws of nations regarding ships seized before the declaration of war. To send an opinion as to amendments therein.
P. ½. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 204, p. 329.
2. To Mr. Clarke.
Sends, by the Committee of Council's order, drafts of commissions for privateers and for the Court of Admiralty to sit in prize causes; also of declarations and instructions as to men-of-war and privateers. His Royal Highness to consider them and report, please, his objections (if any) by Friday morning. The Committee propose that captor men-of-war get 2/3 of a privateer and ⅓ of a merchantman. They desire it to be considered whether anything can be done to prevent the ransoming of prize ships taken by French privateers.
P. ¾. Ibid, pp. 329, 330.
28 May.
Whitehall.
Nottingham's Letters.
1. To Josiah Burchett.
The old packet-boats now at Falmouth are very much out of repair, and the Postmasters have had orders to repair them promptly, so that they may be used for the same service as in the last war. As the Admiralty have sent for these boats, I am to give you this information to be laid before his Royal Highness.
P. ¼. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 27.
2. To the Mayor of Dover.
Dover Castle is not sufficient for all such French and Spanish prisoners as may be taken. You are therefore to take care for the safe custody (elsewhere) of all such prisoners. Send an account to the Navy Board from time to time of such prisoners as you take. An allowance will be made to you for them.
P. ⅓. Ibid, p. 28.
Also text, or note, of similar letters to the Mayors of Plymouth, Dartmouth, Falmouth, Southampton, and Ipswich.
P. ½. Ibid, pp. 28, 29.
28 May.
Whitehall.
Hedges to the Mayor of Dover.
Yours of the 17th. I am sure you have by now received directions as to the men taken out of the Dunkirk privateer. I send you copy of a warrant for your expenses in connection with deserters, and the original is here for your agent to call for. The thirteen Dutch deserters whom you have should be set on the fleet as it passes by Dover, to be delivered to the Dutch officers at Spithead. Let me know with what ship and commander you place them. As to the eight Englishmen who landed at Dover from Dunkirk you will hear further.
P. 2/3. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 101, p. 217.
28 May.
Admiralty Office.
Josiah Burchett to Nottingham.
Steps will be taken speedily for a vessel to attend particularly at Guernsey, and I have told Lord Hatton so. In the meantime there are three frigates appointed to cruise between the islands and the French coast.
The commission to his Royal Highness to grant letters of marque and the instructions relating thereto were considered this morning.
P. 2/3. Signed. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 6, 89.
29 May. Memorial of Prince George of Denmark as Lord High Admiral of England, &c., and Generalissimo of all her Majesty's forces.
He has considered of several complaints of the unserviceableness of English canvas, wherewith the sails of her Majesty's ships are made. He sends a memorial thereon. The material was introduced instead of Holland's duck for benefit of the English manufacture. Its use may be of great prejudice to her Majesty's service.
P. ½. Signed. "George," and countersigned by Burchett. Endd. Ibid, 90. Enclosing:
a. Complaints of English sail canvas as aforesaid.
From Commissioner St. Loe, Plymouth Yard, 7 November, 1701.
Reports the Berwick and Kent forced in by stress of weather. They had sprung their main and fore masts, which is supposed to be due to bad rigging and sails. The sails were of English canvas.
From Captain Jennings in the Hamoaze, 7 November, 1701.
Same complaints. The English canvas supplied blows away "like brown paper in a gale of wind."
From Admiral Benbow in the Bredah, Port Royal Harbour, 9 December, 1701.
Wants a new suit of sails for each ship. The English canvas will not do the service of the third sort of duck. Is assured that not a single ship has sails which would hold in a gale of wind.
From Same, 24 December, 1701.
Same complaint. Has to husband his sails till there is absolute necessity for going to sea.
From Captain Cornewall on board the Exeter at Spithead, 9 April, 1702.
Same complaint. All the sails he had were blown from his yards even when it was not very bad weather. Had he been at the time on a lee shore he would probably have lost his ship. There is not a captain in the Navy who does not make similar complaints.
From Sir Stafford Fairborne on board the Sterling Castle in Cork Harbour, 12 May, 1702.
On Sunday last when we came in here the wind was not too strong for topsails reefe(d), yet every vessel except mine lost one or both topsails split. By this means the Bedford, which was on a lee-shore, was actually put ashore, but luckily on a soft "owsy" place within the harbour, and, next tide we got her off. The Eagle had nearly the same fate. She did tail upon the "owze," but suffered no damage. The only remedy is to give us better sails, whether of Hollands duck or English canvas.
Pp. 2½. S.P. Naval 6, 90a.
29 May.
Admiralty Office.
Josiah Burchett to William Aglionby.
Sends news from Sir Stafford Fairborne.
P. ¼. Signed. Add. Endd. Ibid, 91. Enclosing:
a. Extract from a letter from Sir Stafford Fairborne.
Yesterday off Mounts Bay I spoke with a Swede who came from Ostend on 13 May, o. s. He said that at that time eight French men-of-war lay under the Isle of Aix, near Rochfort, and four sail, the least of 70 guns, were near the Isle of Oleron ready to sail. They talked of sailing in three or four days for the Spanish West Indies.
P. ½. Dated on the Sterling Castle off the Lizard, 23 May, 1702. Ibid, 91a.
Same. Same to Same.
Asking that the Earl of Nottingham will move for releasing the embargo on the James pink, Mr. Robinson master, to go for hemp for her Majesty's service to Russia. The convoy to Russia is about to sail.
P. ¾. Signed. Add. Endd. Ibid, 92. Enclosing:
Memorial by the Lord High Admiral.
Vessels engaged in the coasting trade are still hindered by the embargo. Convoys are now appointing for their security so far as is practicable. I "humbly offer my opinion to her Majesty" that it is reasonable to take off the embargo from all ships and vessels trading coastwise, as also from all such as trade to Hamburg, Russia and the East countries. This is necessary because the said ships bring naval stores from those parts.
P. ½. Dated, 30 May, Admiralty Office. Signed. Countersigned by Josiah Burchett. Endd. Ibid, 92a.
29 May.
Royal Sovereign,
off Dover.
Sir George Rooke to [Nottingham].
I met the fleet off the N. Foreland last night, and hope to be at Spithead to-morrow. The advance does not help us much, as the transport ships, victuallers and naval store-ships are left behind and must be kept with this wind.
The Prince George is left behind by neglect of the captain. I think she should be reduced and the Hampton Court and Content, which are useful ships, manned with her crew.
Pp. 1½. Signed. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 67, 13.
29 May.
Transport Office.
The Commissioners of Transports to the Committee of Council.
All the transports hired to go along with the fleet have now gone down the river. The pilots would not take down the two biggest ships till they got a good opportunity. No doubt all the smallest ships are by now at the Nore, and the rest will be there in a day or two, "if the wind does not over blow, which is now N.N.E."
Yesterday, the wind favouring, we shipped horse for Holland,—recruits for the Duke of Schonbergh's, Brigadier Windham's, Major-General Lumley's and Lord Raby's regiments; and all Col. Ross' dragoons except forty which did not come in the morning. In the afternoon, the wind veering round, we thought it better to ship no more men, so sent back to quarters the other horses vizt. Lord Teviot's dragoons, the Earl of Arran's horse, and Colonel Wood's recruits, with above forty of Colonel Ross' dragoons.
P. 1. Signed. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 117, 22.
30 May.
St. James'.
Commission to William Blathwayt.
Appoints him Secretary of War to all the Queen's forces raised in England, Wales or Berwick-on-Tweed. He is to observe all orders received from time to time from the Queen or the General of the forces.
P. 1. Copy. With copy of Sign Manual, and counter-signature of Secretary Nottingham. Endd. S.P. Dom., Anne 1, 39. Also S.P. Dom., Entry Book 170, pp. 21, 22.
30 May.
Admiralty Office.
Memorial by the Prince Consort [Lord High Admiral] to the Queen in Council.
Recommends that, as there are many French prisoners ashore here, arrangements be made for a cartel for their exchange. This will relieve the Queen from the charge for their maintenance.
P. ½. Signed. Countersigned by Burchett. S.P. Dom., Naval 117, 23.
30 May.
Whitehall.
Hedges to the Mayor of Ripon.
Captain Minshull, of Colonel Stringer's regiment, informs me that, besides the ordinary difficulty of raising men for the service of the Queen and public, he finds others in your town by reason of vexatious actions that are brought against them that have enlisted themselves, and of not assigning them quarters. As these are great obstructions to the service, I desire that you, as the Queen's chief magistrate there, would give all possible assistance to the officers who are raising men and to the men who enlist.
P. ½. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 101, p. 215. Entered again, p. 218.
Also note that a similar letter was written to the Mayor of York, leaving out the italicised words.
Ibid, p. 215. And the letter in full Ibid, p. 218.
May. Note for the Divident for May, 1702. (fn. 15)
Mentions 51 grants, including Lord Godolphin (office and revocation), the Duke of Grafton (to pass a recovery), Mr. Culliford (pardon), Sir George Rooke (offices and gr[an]t and mark), Earl of Nottingham (office and revocation), Secretary Hedges (same), Prince George of Denmark (office and revocation), Bishop of Carlisle (Congé d'élire and also Royal assent), Mr. Fleetwood (prebendary), Dr. Prideaux (deanery). The total in the left column is 39l. 13s. 4d., and in the left 120l. 13s. 4d.
Pp. 1½. Endd. as in title. S.P. Dom., Anne 1, 40.

Footnotes

  • 1. So in the margin of the entry; but the letters begin "Gentlemen."
  • 2. or Aglionby. This name is spelt in several different ways.
  • 3. Probably this is one of the documents used in the court martial on Sir John Munden.
  • 4. So this petition must be later than May, 1702. It is placed here, as this is the latest date in it.
  • 5. Undated, but entered between 6 May and 12 May.
  • 6. i.e. Secretary Nottingham.
  • 7. Here spelt "Edminton."
  • 8. See above, p. 62.
  • 9. Hereinafter, when these Commissioners sign, their letter or memorial is simply calendered as "signed."
  • 10. See next entry for text.
  • 11. Also spelt "Balchen."
  • 12. Used here for the whole Mediterranean Sea.
  • 13. Appointed the 20th day of May, 1702.
  • 14. Here spelt "Lawrance," but signed "Lawrence.
  • 15. See above, pp. 15–16 at 31 March, 1702.