|
Dec. 17. Hampton Court. |
Sec. Conway to Buckingham. Sends instructions for Sir Edward
Barrett, with a letter from the Captains of three Dutch ships
that attend his Grace's directions. News that the Hollanders have
taken St. Domingo; advises upon it. Some ships come home
from the fleet, and order given for disposing of the men. Hamburghers gone for Spain; with directions given to meet them.
[Minute, Conway's Letter Book, p. 240.] |
Dec. 17. Hampton Court. |
Sec. Conway to Charles Lord Stanhope. To confirm the place of
Post-master of Chester upon John Francis on his father's death.
[Minute, ibid.] |
Dec. 17. Tottenham. |
1. Sec. Coke to Sec. Conway. Nine Hamburghers had passed
Dover, and twenty other ships had gone by the North of Ireland,
all bound for Spain, with cordage and munition. Had written to
Sir James Bagg to intercept those in the Channel, and to send
notice of the others into Ireland. The clamours of the Ambassadors
as to the prize goods ought not so to govern our councils as to
hinder the course of justice. If we proceed to work without means,
we shall but expose our actions to the scorn of the world, and draw
upon ourselves more danger than is yet taken to heart. |
Dec. 17. Kinsale. |
2. Sir Thomas Love to the Duke of Buckingham. Gives account
of the attempt against Cadiz, similar to that contained in his letter
to Sec. Conway of 1625, Dec. 11. The Lord President of Munster
had promised to supply them with 80 or 100 men, without which
they should not be able to stir out of that place. |
Dec. 17. Hartlebury |
3. John Thornborough Bishop of Worcester to the Council. Reports
his proceedings in waiting upon Lord Windsor and the Earl of
Shrewsbury to receive their arms. The arms of the former were
delivered by Mr. Blunt, who had charge in Lord Windsor's absence.
The Earl protested that he had no manner of arms, not so much as a
musket, caliver, or birding piece. Ten brown-bills were all he had
provided for defence of his house. Incloses, |
3. i. Inventory of arms in Lord Windsor's house at Bradnam. 1625, Dec. 10. |
3. ii. Note of arms belonging to Lord Windsor, left at the
palace of the Bishop of Worcester. 1625, Dec. 14. |
Dec. 18. Hampton Court. |
Sec. Conway to Thos. Earl of Kellie, Concerning the commitment of his secretary Abercromby, and his Majesty's assurance of
his Lordship's giving way to search for papers, &c. [Minute,
Conway's Letter Book, p. 240.] |
Dec. 18. Hampton Court. |
4. Sir Benjn. Rudyerd to Sir Francis Nethersole. Nothing more
heard of the fleet. The King intends his entry and coronation to be
in the beginning of next term, and presently upon that a Parliament.
Advertisements from France that the Dutch fleet had taken Hispaniola. Sir Dudley Carleton sworn Councillor, but not yet Vice
Chamberlain. Christmas to be spent at Hampton Court in plays; the
common players have leave to come to Court, now the plague is
reduced to six. The demoiselles mean to present a French pastoral
wherein the Queen is a principal actress. |
Dec. 18. Chester. |
5. Wm. Earl of Derby to the Council. Authorised his son Lord
Strange to repair to the house of Lord Morley to receive his arms,
and now sends his report. Incloses, |
5. i. James Lord Strange to the Earl of Derby. Reports what
arms he had found and removed from Hornby Castle,
the house of Lord Morley, with the state of the same,
and information that there were lately there thirty
muskets, which had been removed before his arrival.
Walton, 1625, Dec. 12. |
5. ii. Note of armour of Henry Lord Morley and Mounteagle
removed from Hornby Castle. 1625, Dec. 9. |
Dec. 18. Plymouth. |
6. Sir Wm. St. Leger to the Duke of Buckingham. Indisposition
kept him from the Council of War, in which it was resolved to
return, but both by word and writing he protested against it. He
arrived this day with some 17 sail. Begs leave to kiss his Grace's
hands, although he shall be ashamed to look upon his Sovereign or
the Duke. All the chieftains will fly with open mouth upon the
Lord Marshal, neither can nor will he excuse him; yet he knows
that they that will blame him most are not blameless. |
Dec. 18. Plymouth. |
7. Sir James Bagg to Sec. Conway. Transmits a letter [probably from the Commissioners at Plymouth]. The Convertive and
18 other ships had arrived. |
Dec. 18. |
8. A note of such persons as were found in the house of
Mr. Bradshaw, in Drury Lane. Amongst them is Lady Gerard,
wife of Sir Thomas Gerard; and it appears from the indorsement
that, besides the persons here enumerated, there were two priests. |
Dec. 18. Dorset Court. |
9. Lord Keeper Coventry to Sec. Conway. Had sent the letters
patent touching the King's jewels. The Duke of Buckingham not
being expected at Court until the end of the week, he supposes it
will not be necessary for him to be there, but he shall come unless
he hears that he may defer doing so. |
Dec. 18. |
Certificate of Sec. Conway, that John Morse, of co. Norfolk, in
obedience to the King's proclamation, had quitted the service of the
Archduchess and offered to serve the King. [Minute, Lord
Conway's Foreign Letter Book. France. Vol. clxxviii, p. 248.] |
Dec. 18. |
10. Buckingham to Sackville Crow. Instructions for pawning at
Amsterdam two parcels of jewels and one of gold plate set with
stones. The sum to be raised was to be 300,000l., or as near thereto
as might possibly be. [Draft.] |
Dec. 18. |
11. The same to Philip Calandrini. Has joined him in commission
with Sackville Crow, and prays him to undertake the service, which
would be graciously accepted by his Majesty. [Copy.] |
Dec. 19. Burghley. |
12. The same to Sec. Conway. Returns the new deputations and
instructions for Sackville Crow. Begs they may be sent to Sec.
Coke to be forwarded to the Low Countries. |
Dec. 19. Hampton Court. |
Sec. Conway to Archbishop Abbot. Concerning two priests apprehended in London, and avowed by the French Ambassador to be
his domestics; in which case they are to be delivered to the French
Ambassador, if no charge be against them but only as priests.
[Minute, Conway's Letter Book, p. 241.] |
Dec. 19. Hampton Court. |
The same to —. Warrant to commit Robert Abercromby
close prisoner to the Gatehouse. [Minute, ibid.] |
Dec. 19. Hampton Court. |
The same to Buckingham. Account of the commitment of
Abercromby, and the apprehension of the two priests challenged by
the French Ambassador. A casket taken with them that opened.
With other directions. [Minute, ibid.] |
Dec. 19. Hampton Court. |
The same to Mr. Wolley. Warrant to search for papers, &c.
[Minute, ibid.] |
Dec. 19. |
13. Francis Earl of Rutland to the Council. Sends a certificate of
certain of his Dep. Lieuts. for Lincolnshire, of the names of recusants
in that county, with a list of such arms as were found in their
possession. Incloses, |
13. i. The certificate before-mentioned. |
Dec. 19. |
14. Certificate of Sir Francis Heigham and Wm. Poley, Dep. Lieuts.
of Suffolk, that Richard Moosley, of Owsden, had been there resident
for 15 years, and was charged with a lance, a corslet, and a musket,
which were arms proportioned to his estate. |
Dec. 19. Dowerwall. |
15. Wm. Throckmorton to [—Hambie?]. Promises money for
the vintners' business by the next term. Sends country provision.
Desires patterns of black silk "grogoran;" and asks for news.
Mentions his sister Dale. |
Dec. 19. |
16. Inventory of arms and armour from the houses of Lord Petre
at Ingatestone and Thornden, delivered at Lees to the Earl of
Warwick. |
Dec. 19. Kinsale. |
17. Sir Thos. Love to Nicholas. Recommends Richard Bramson
for Purser of the Anne Royal. |
Dec. 19. Plymouth. |
18. Sir Wm. St. Leger to [Buckingham]. Reiterates his charges
against some of the Council of War in the expedition against Cadiz.
Some of them had no desire they should do anything, because they
would value their counsel given before. The Marshal had not such
abilities as could be wished in a general. Speaks out of anguish
to see so brave and chargeable a business so foully miscarried.
The army is in wretched poor condition for want of health and
clothes, and much decayed in numbers. Hears that the Duke intends a journey into France; should be glad to kiss his hands
before his departure. |
Dec. 20. Hampton Court. |
Sec. Conway to Archbishop Abbot. To give his advice touching
the redelivery of the casket taken with the two priests, wherein
there is a massing suit; and also to certify the conditions of the
men. If they do really belong to the French Ambassador and
nothing be against them but as priests, they are to be delivered.
[Minute, Conway's Letter Book, p. 241.] |
Dec. 20. |
19. Bishop Davenant of Salisbury to the Council. Had received
from Fonthill the arms belonging to the Earl of Castlehaven, who
sent direction to his brother Sir Ferdinando Audeley to deliver
them up. |
Dec. 20. Croydon. |
20. Archbishop Abbot to Sec. Conway. Reports what took place
at an interview between himself and certain messengers from the
French Ambassador, who claimed as the Ambassador's chaplains,
Pettinger alias Wentworth and Dupre alias Forbes, two priests
apprehended in London. Sends letters found on another priest,
which comment on the treatment of Roman Catholics and the
failure of the Cadiz expedition. |
Dec. 20. |
21. Sir Dudley Carleton to the same. Sends suggested addition to the instructions [of Sir Edward Barrett] going Ambassador to France; also a copy of Mr. Quarles's request to the Council
which he recommends to his favour as a case of compassion.
Incloses, |
21. i. Copy of Mr. Quarles's petition to the Council for payment of losses sustained by him on monies remitted to
the Low Countries for his Majesty's service. |
Dec. 20. Plymouth. |
22. Sir James Bagg [to Buckingham]. Sends a letter of Sir
Wm. St. Leger, and a list of ships arrived. Will make a full
report on the victuals remaining, state of the mariners, and condition of the ships. If victory had accompanied the fleet's return,
never had an army been better manned, victualled, or clothed, now,
to cover their shame, they will insist they have wanted in all. If
his Grace will refuse to hearken to general complaints Mr. Lieut.
[of the Tower, Sir Allen Apsley,] and himself will be able to free
themselves from blame. The Lion has long been ready for sea, but
she shall be kept. |
[Dec. 20.] [Plymouth.] |
23. The same to the same. A bark had arrived from Ireland
and in her Edward Philpott, who reported the arrival of various
enumerated ships of the expeditionary fleet in that country. Suggestion that the landsmen should be left in garrison towns in that
country, and their numbers supplied by a new press. Lord Denbigh
at Bristol. One of the prizes at Ilfracombe. |
Dec. 20. Nonsuch. |
24. George Lord Carew to Sec. Coke. Sends petition of John
Browne, his Majesty's founder of iron ordnance, expressing his
inability to proceed with his contracts in consequence of not receiving
an imprest of 1,000l. Incloses, |
24. i. Petition of John Browne above mentioned. |
Dec. 21. Tottenham. |
25. Sec. Coke to Sec. Conway. The Duke directed the deputations
which are to be sent to Mr. Crow to be convoyed by one of the
Dutch men-of-war remaining in the Downs. Sir Henry Palmer
had stayed one of the nine Hamburghers laden with wheat and
wools for Lisbon. Urges the publication of the proclamation for
prohibiting trade with Spain. |
Dec. 21. |
26. Copy, certified by Sir James Bagg, of returns made by pursers
and masters as to the remainders of victuals on board 31 ships
returned from the Cadiz expedition, on their arrival at Plymouth. |
Dec. 21. |
27. Uncertified copy of the above. |
Dec. 21. Durham House. |
28. Bishop Neile of Durham to the Council. Reporting the
results of a search for arms amongst the recusants in his diocese. He
offers to provide an armoury for such arms in the castle at Durham. |
Dec. 21. West Deane. |
29. Attorney General Heath to his kinsman Sir Wm. Becher.
Prays him to acquaint the Council that before he left Windsor he
delivered to Lord Conway the proclamation that soldiers returning
with the fleet were not to depart from their colours. The commission for martial law, and proclamations forbidding traffic with
Spain and directing ships of above 60 tons to be furnished with
muskets, had been sent to Lord Conway that morning. A letter
concerning musters was inclosed. A proclamation that ships carrying victuals to Spain should be lawful prize, was drawn, but he had
no warrant for it. |
Dec. 21. New Alresford. |
30. Deputy Lieuts. of Hants to Sec. Conway. Certify their
proceedings in disarming recusants. Inclosed, |
30. i. List of recusants in the divisions of Andover, Basingstoke, and King's Cleere, with account of arms taken
from them. |
Dec. 21. Imworth. |
31. Sir Dudley Carleton to Sackville Crow. Sends documents
signed by his Majesty and the Duke for engaging their jewels and
plate. His Grace's return not expected until Saturday next; meanwhile all affairs hang in suspense, which because they are great and
require despatch, his Grace is the more missed. Crow is expected
here like the Spanish fleet. [Copy.] |
Dec. 22. Plymouth. |
32. Sir James Bagg to Nicholas. Sends bond of Martin and
Prisman not to break bulk of the Edward and John without leave;
and recommends him to hearken after the ship and make prize of her
for the Duke. Requests for various letters of marque. |
Dec. 22. Hampton Court. |
Sec. Conway to Buckingham. What chief commanders have
returned with part of the fleet. The relation Captain Bruce makes.
What comes from Plymouth in other ways. Directions sent thither
to provide for and keep the soldiers together. The Queen's Secretary
would not take the oath from the Chamberlain, but demanded and
had leave to go for France. The acts concerning the jewels and
plate are sent away by an express, with directions for a convoy.
[Minute, Conway's Letter Book, p. 241.] |
Dec. 22. Hampton Court. |
The same to the Commissioners at Plymouth. To keep the
soldiers together under their Captains; to prevent and punish their
running away; and to have them exercise and perform duties. To see
that the remainder of powder and other provisions be not embezzled.
[Minute, ibid., p. 242.] |
Dec. 22. |
33. Duke of Buckingham to the Commissioners of the Navy and
others. Warrant for the delivery to Peter Priaulx and Paul Mercer
of five bags of ginger stayed in the St. George. |
Dec. 22. |
34. Inventory of armour belonging to Thos. Viscount Colchester,
delivered to Sir Harbottle Grimstone by Robert Earl of Warwick. |
Dec. 22. |
35. Commissioners at Plymouth to [the Council]. About 30 sail
had arrived in that port, with about 4,000 soldiers in such miserable
condition as for the most part to be incapable of such comfort as the
country would afford them. They have billeted them where they
were before, which they hoped the country would for a while undertake, although there was much complaint. Desire to receive the
commission for martial law, and solicit instructions on various points
connected with the payment, clothing, and general management of
the troops. |
Dec. 22. Plymouth. |
36. Commissioners at Plymouth to the same. Desire further instructions for disposing of the ordnance, arms, and munition belonging to the land army, there being no officer of the Ordnance at
Plymouth. |
Dec. 22. Office of Ordnance. |
37. Officers of the Ordnance at the Tower to Sec. Coke. Brown,
the iron founder, not finding any present satisfaction, and having spent
five weeks in attending in hope to receive money, they had not been
able to persuade him to further patience. He had departed into the
country with determination to employ himself in such works for the
subject as would yield him ready money. |
Dec. 22. Plymouth. |
38. Sir John Eliot to Sec. Conway. Had been charged by Lord
Conway's son to send to his Lordship a copy of the general letter of
the Commissioners to the Council. The miseries before them are
great. Capt. Bolles, who died since their coming in, declared the
occasion of his sickness to be scarcity and corruption of the provisions. Great numbers of the soldiers are continually thrown overboard; yesterday seven fell down in the streets; the rest are weak,
and unless there be a present supply of clothes there is little hope to
recover them. Incloses, |
38. i. Copy of the letter of the Commissioners at Plymouth to
the Council, dated this day. |
Dec. 22. |
39. Bill of Mortality for Westminster, Lambeth, Newington,
Stepney, Hackney, and Islington, from Dec. 30, 1624 to Dec. 22,
1625; total burials 8,736; of the plague 5,896. |
Dec. 23. Sudeley. |
40. Geo. Earl of Castlehaven to Godfrey Goodman Bishop of Gloucester. He would be ready on the morrow to deliver up all such arms
as he had at Sudeley. He will not expostulate, but from his infancy he
has been ever conformable to the Church of England, and is ready to
take the oaths of allegiance and supremacy. He desires that this
declaration may be made known to the Council, for he fears some
malicious suggestions have traduced his loyalty. |
Dec. 23. Tottenham. |
41. Sec. Coke [to Sec. Conway]. There being 16 ships come into
Plymouth, and the Lord Marshal and four others being at Scilly,
whence they would presently make for the coast, he suggests that the
Treasurer should have notice from the Council or his Majesty to
provide money for the wages of the sailors, and that order should be
taken for billeting the soldiers, with a proclamation against all
buying and receiving of the King's stores. The merchant and Newcastle men as soon as they have landed their troops should be ordered
to the Downs. He hears nothing of the Lord Admiral's return,
without whom the businesses in hand will suffer very much. |
Dec. 23. Tottenham. |
42. The same to the same. The Samuel at Portsmouth is victualled
for two months, all saving beer, for supply of which the bearer is to
apply to Sir Allen Apsley. Conceives that this ship might reinforce
the fleet under Capt. Pennington. |
Dec. 23. |
43. List of ships arrived at Plymouth, Dartmouth, Falmouth,
and St. Ives. |
[Dec. 23.] |
44. Copy of the preceding, but without date. |
Dec. 23. Plymouth. |
45. Thos. Valentine to the King. Bond for 100l., conditioned to
be void if the said Thos. Valentine shall personally appear before
Sec. Conway four days after warning, and not depart without
leave. |
Dec. 23. |
46. Sir Wm. St. Leger to the Duke of Buckingham, General of
his Majesty's army. Requests his commands for disposing of companies whose Captains have miscarried. Recommends Capt. Andrew
Judd for one of the companies in Sir William's own regiment. |
Dec. 23. Pendennis Castle. |
47. Capt. John Bonython to Sec. Conway. In reply to complaints of
the French Ambassador respecting his treatment of Mons.de Menti, he
sends certificates of Capt. Quaster, the Lieut. of Capt. Washinghoven,
and also of the town. He has written a letter to the King, as well
as he can, but he was maimed in his right hand in a sally at
Manheim, in respect of which he solicits a pension out of the receipts
of Cornwall. Incloses, |
47. i. Certificate of Capt. Quaster above mentioned. |
47. ii. Like certificate of Teunis Masman, Lieutenant to Capt.
Washinghoven. |
47. iii. Certificate of the Mayor and Justices of Penryn, of all
passages between the companies of the King of France and
Mons. de Soubise, since their arrival at Falmouth. |
Dec. 23. Pendennis Castle. |
48. The same to the King. Utterly denies the allegation of the
French Ambassador, that he commanded Mons. de Menti out of the
harbour, although when two of the French ships moved up to attack
the St. John, which had placed herself under the town, he warned
those two ships to return to their former anchorage. |
[Dec. 23.] |
49. Capt. Bonython's answer to the French Ambassador's complaint;
being an abstract of the above letter. |
[Dec. 23.] |
50. Petition of Joshua Downing, and seven others, officers of the
King's works at Chatham to the Commissioners of the Navy. Increase of employments at Chatham, and likelihood of more from the
removal thither of works from Deptford and Woolwich. The
accidents which occur are more than John Pawson, the surgeon, can
attend and cure. The petitioners pray that John Norton may be
recommended to the Duke for a warrant for joining him with John
Pawson. |
Dec. 23. |
51. Joshua Downing to Nicholas. Begs him to recommend to the
Duke, John Norton, as an able surgeon and good physician, for
appointment as above. The fee from the King is only 20 marks per
annum, the cures being paid for out of the chest to which every
seaman contributes. Also recommends Henry Hubbert for boatswain of the Constant Reformation, if Peter Cannon be removed on
his appointment as Serjeant of the Admiralty of the Cinque Ports. |
Dec. 23. |
Certificate of Sec. Conway that Capt. Thos. Markham had returned
from foreign service in obedience to the King's proclamation. [Minute,
Lord Conway's Foreign Letter Book. France. Vol. clxxviii., p. 249.] |
Dec. 24. Hampton Court. |
Sec. Conway to the Earl of Antrim. To call home his two sons.
[Minute, Conway's Letter Book, p. 242.] |
Dec. 24. Hampton Court. |
Sec. Conway to Sir Robert Naunton, Master of the Wards. Concerning Sir John Pakington's grandchild. [Minute, ibid.] |
Dec. 24. Hampton Court. |
Proclamation to forbid subjects of England to have any trade with
the dominions of the King of Spain or the Archduchess. [Coll.
Procs., Car. I., No. 32.] |
Dec. 24. Hampton Court. |
Proclamation for well manning and arming the ships of this realm
on their setting forth to sea. [Ibid., No. 33.] |
Dec. 24. Blandford. |
52. Dept. Lieuts. of co. Dorset to the Council. It being His
Majesty's intention to billet part of his army in their county, they will
do their best endeavours. Recommend Wm. Whiteway and Edmund
Dashwood, bailiffs of Dorchester, for Treasurers. Had sent a list of
names for Privy Seals to the Lord Lieutenant. |
Dec. 25. Hampton Court. |
Sec. Conway to Captain Cheek. Order given for landing and
billeting the soldiers in his ship in Hampshire. That ship is to stay
there, and the preservation of victual, &c., is referred to his care
[Minute, Conway's Letter Book, ibid.] |
Dec. 25. Hampton. |
Proclamation against embezzling armour, munition, and other
military provisions. [Ibid., No. 34.] |
Dec. 25. Audley End. |
53. Thos. Earl of Suffolk to Sec. Conway. Sends list of Privy
Seals for Dorsetshire, amounting to 1,788l. 6s. 8d. |
Dec. 26. Belvoir. |
54. Francis Earl of Rutland to Sec. Conway. Desires him to
acquaint his Majesty with the inclosed aspersions against the Duke
of Buckingham and the Earl. Prays that if either of them have a
thought to hurt his Majesty "sweet Jesus" will damn him perpetually. Incloses, |
54. i. Wm. Carr to Francis Earl of Rutland. Informs the Earl
of the information of Martin Danby against Christopher
Hogg [see 1625, Nov. 26,] and of Hogg's examination [see
1625, Nov. 30]. The writer had committed Hogg to the
gaol of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. 1625, Dec. 3. Incloses, |
54. ii. Copy of information of Martin Danby before mentioned. |
54. iii. The like copy of examination of Christopher Hogg. |
Dec. 26. The Downs. |
55. Sir Hen. Palmer to [Nicholas.] Was glad to hear of his
recovery. Desires a speedy despatch for two ships from Lubeck.
Entreats that the St. Peter may be speedily made ready, according
to the Duke's own directions at the Hague. Desires Capt. Fogg's
commission for the St. James, of Calais. |
[Dec. 26.] |
56. Duke of Buckingham to Sir Wm. St. Leger. At the first coming
home of the fleet there may be much disorder prevented by Sir
Wm.'s presence, the Duke therefore entreats him not to stir from
Plymouth; he might write to the Duke or Nicholas. When
Captains' places were void, the Colonels should recommend to the
Duke persons to be appointed. In proof of the attention he should
give to such recommendations, he approved of Capt. Andrew Judd
to be Captain of one of the vacant companies in Sir Wm.'s regiment.
[Copy.] |
Dec. 26. |
57. Fr. Beda of the Barefooted Carmelites to Silvester Pardo
of Ypres. The persecution of the Catholics increased, but without
effusion of blood at present. The officers robbed the houses of the
Catholics, and made good prize of their books, beads, images, and
priests' vestments, with their money and other things not pertaining
to their commission. In the country the Justices tender the oath of
allegiance, and they who refuse it are thrown into prison and their
goods confiscated. They were hoping that the Queen or the French
Ambassador might interpose on their behalf. The fleet had returned
from Cadiz with the loss of 4,000 or 5,000 men. Four or five
priests had been put in different prisons, and last week 300 Catholics
were accused in one district near London. Spanish. |
Dec. 26. |
58. English translation of the above. |
Dec. 26. |
59. The same to the Prioress of the Barefooted Carmelites at
Ypres. The agents for Spain and Flarders having left England, his
means of receiving news from Flanders had failed. He had written
to the Father Provincial of France to arrange some means of communication. Similar account of the persecution of the Catholics, to
that contained in the last letter. Spanish. |
Dec. 26. |
60. English translation of the above. |
Dec. 26. |
61. Fr. Beda to the Father Provincial of the Barefooted Carmelites of France at Paris. Has recourse to his reverence to find
means of performing the duty of sending intelligence, to which he
is bound by his holy obedience. Suggests a communication through
Giovanni Baptista Grimani or Peter Requesens. Reports the progress of the persecution, and the failure of the expedition to Cadiz.
Italian. |
Dec. 26. |
62. English translation of the above. |
Dec. 27. Peterborough. |
63. Bishop Dove of Peterborough to the Council. As directed, he
had applied to Lord Vaux for his arms. He replied that he had no
armour; his progenitors left him none; neither did he ever buy any.
He led them through all the rooms of his house, and they found none. |
Dec. 27. Hampton Court. |
64. Theophilus Lord Walden to the same. Information having
been given to the Council that Roger Widdrington was trusted
with the government of Lord Walden's estates, near the Borders of
Scotland, he replies that Widdrington has not held any office
under him for the last five or six years. In proof how "curious"
he has been to employ any man of Widdrington's religion, he
refers to James Douglas, Dep. Secretary of the Scottish affairs at
Court. |
Dec. 27. Dover Castle. |
65. Sir John Hippisley to Buckingham. Suggests to the Duke to
obtain from the King a commission to grant letters of marque out
of the Cinque Ports; no man will go to London on account of being
bound not to break bulk until they come thither. Advantages of
bringing ships stayed into Dover; suggests a general order to that
effect; this was done in Sir Richard Bingley's time. Reports
proceedings in the Admiralty Court, and begs the Duke not to doubt
that he will make a business of it worth his acceptance. |
Dec. 27. Dover Castle. |
66. The same to Nicholas. If letters of marque be issued from the
Cinque Ports, Dover will be the port in England for the Duke and
Nicholas. Desires a warrant for swearing in Roger Chesterman as a
Gunner of Dover Castle, in place of John Chesman. Mr. Reading
requests that Mr. Byng may have leave to exchange his place. |
Dec. 27. London. |
67. Commissioners of the Navy to Buckingham. Recommend
Robert Ambrose for boatswain of the Rainbow, in the room of Wm.
Ward, deceased. |
Dec. 27. Exeter. |
68. Mayor of Exeter to the Council. In obedience to their order
he had taken on himself the office of Mayor, and had personally
attended to that service. By reason of the continued absence of the
other officers and magistrates there had been dangerous tumults, the
poorer sort resisting the officers and threatening to relieve themselves. The number of poor, being about 4,000, daily increases;
almost all the able and better sort have abandoned the town; and
tradesmen have removed their wares to other places and there keep
shops and markets, to the ruin of Exeter if not timely remedied. |
Dec. 27. Exeter. |
69. Mayor of Exeter to Wm. Earl of Pembroke, Lord Chamberlain.
Stating in brief the circumstances mentioned in the last letter, and
beseeching the Earl to continue his favour to the city of Exeter.
The city's agent to the Council table would relate to him the particulars of their present state. |
Dec. 27. Hendon. |
70. Lord Chief Justice Crewe to the Council. Recapitulates the
facts established by the examinations of Price, Tonnery, and Burling,
Roman Catholics, committed to Colchester Gaol for seditious
speeches. |
Dec. 28. Charborough. |
71. Sir Walter Erle to Sec. Conway. Extraordinary concourse in
Dorsetshire to the houses of persons ill affected, daily increase of
recusant strangers, and continual passing to and fro in covertly
manner. These things argue some great business in hand. The
letters for disarming coming late took little effect. The house of
John Arundel of Chideock contains arms for 100 men, not to be got
at without digging up a floor, or making a hole in a wall. Means
by which a serviceable body of horse might be obtained. Incloses, |
71. i. A note of the recusants' houses to which the late concourse has
been; also of the names of recusants lately come out of
other counties, of the houses that have not been searched,
and of the passage of carriages to and fro by night;
with observations on the best mode of raising a body of
100 carbineers. |
Dec. 28. Hampton Court. |
Sec. Conway to Eliza Lady Hatton. To borrow her house in
Holborn for the French Ambassador. [Minute, Conway's Letter
Book, p. 242.] |
Dec. 28. Hampton Court. |
72. Order of Council that the St. Peter of Newhaven, and all
such goods therein and in the other prizes as appertain to subjects
of France, or of the United Provinces, or of other states in friendship
with his Majesty, should be delivered to such persons as should
reclaim the same. |
Dec. 28. Audley End. |
73. Thos. Earl of Suffolk to Sec. Conway. By some omission his
Dep. Lieuts. for Dorsetshire had been returned in the list of names
for the Privy Seals. Desires that, as in other counties, they may
be spared, especially as in these hard times they had advanced the
service 400l. more than heretofore it was in days of plenty. |
Dec. 28. |
74. Dep. Lieuts. of Monmouth to Edward Earl of Worcester,
Lord Lieut. They forward a list of recusants disarmed, with an
account of the arms taken from them. Inclose, |
74. i. The list above mentioned. |
Dec. 29. Hampton Court. |
Sec. Conway to Archbishop Abbot. To deliver the two priests to
the French Ambassador, they being found to be his Almoners.
[Minute, Conway's Letter Book, p. 242.] |
Dec. 29. Buckden. |
75. Bishop Williams of Lincoln to Sir John Lambe, Commissary within the Archdeaconry of Leicester. Charges him to
perform whatever is enjoined upon the Bishop by a letter from the
Archbishop of Canterbury, of which a copy was inclosed, so that the
Bishop might be able to make a return before the last day of March.
He is particularly to examine the number of recusants, and if he
shall find any increase within 7 years, is to set down what he conceives to be the reason. |
Dec. [29.] Hatton House. |
76. Eliza Lady Hatton to Sec. Conway. Was sorry to receive
commands from his Majesty which neither her health nor her fortune
would allow her to obey. Had no other house fit for her to reside
in but that in Holborn. Begs he will present that answer to the
King. |
Dec. 29. Hampton Court. |
77. Order of Council that Lord Conway, Lord Vere, and Sir John
Borlase [Burlassie] should consider what officers were fit to be kept
with the forces which are to be lodged on the seacoast, and upon
what entertainment. |
Dec. 29. Cornwall. |
78. Dep. Lieuts. of Cornwall to Wm. Earl of Pembroke. Fowey, a
safe port to receive a great fleet of ships, lying between Falmouth
and Plymouth, is open and unfortified. Recommend the consideration of the same, and that if any fortifications be ordered they
may be placed under the command of the Lord Lambert. Inclose, |
78. i. Petition of the inhabitants of Fowey to the Dep. Lieuts. of
Cornwall, praying them to present their request that their
port may be fortified. |
78. ii. Statement of reasons why the port of Fowey should be
fortified. |
Dec. 29. Plymouth. |
79. Commissioners at Plymouth to Sec. Conway. At present, the
miseries of the soldiers are such that the recovery of their healths
and the hope of new apparel keep them together, but they are
forced to dispense with their ordinary duties. The extremity of
their wants being past, and the soldiers once settled in fitting places,
the Commissioners hope that all things shall so sort as to give his
Majesty satisfaction. Care shall be taken to prevent embezzlement. |
Dec. 29. Plymouth. |
80. Commissioners at Plymouth to the Council. For the present
they are of opinion that the army should be distributed into petty
garrisons along the sea coast, but before that can be accomplished,
they must receive some fourteen days or three weeks refreshing
where they are now lodged. In their present state it is impossible
they should go any whither, and to defer their apparelling is to
suffer a multitude to perish. They might be transported along the
coast in the ships that brought them. May be disposed of in
Somersetshire and Dorsetshire, and five regiments in Devon and
Cornwall. The payment of 2s. 6d. a week is complained of; it is
desired that it may be 3s. The list of allowances for the officers
is also objected to, especially as the serjeants are omitted. Commissions for martial law are much needed. Care shall be taken of
the remainders of provisions. |
Dec. 29. Plymouth. |
81. Sir Wm. St. Leger to [Sec. Conway.] Incloses a list of Captains and companies arrived in England. The gentlemen of the
country, now they have seen the men, agree that it is not possible
to remove them until they have recovered their strength and are
clothed. They stink as they go, and the poor rags they have are
rotten and ready to fall off if they be touched. This is the general
condition of the men, and some of the inferior officers are in no
better plight. Insufficiency of the 5,000l. remitted by the Lord
Treasurer. The bare clothing will come to 15,000l. Incloses, |
81. i. The list of Captains and companies already arrived before
mentioned. |
Dec. 29. |
82. Accompt of the remains of victuals aboard the ships of the
fleet which are at Dartmouth. |
Dec. 29. Plymouth. |
83. Mayor of Plymouth to the Council. Requests instructions
how to proceed with the Spaniard or Portuguese who arrived in
that town in a ship of Colchester. [See 1625, Dec. 9.] |
Dec. 29. |
84. Certificate of the remainders of powder and ammunition in the
ships arrived at Dartmouth. |
Dec. 29. Westminster. |
85. Peter Heywood to the Council. Had warned all persons in
whose houses the sickness had been to cleanse and air the same,
with all bedding, apparel, and household stuff. Publication to the
same purport had been made in every church, with a rule how to
effect the same. He had also seen personally to the execution of
these directions, so that what was possible had been done. Westminster as clear from infection as any place in the world. Only four
died of all diseases last week; not known so few these 30 years. |
Dec. [30 ?] |
86. Edmund Bolton to Sec. Conway. King James suffered him
with his wife and family to live in peace to the conscience in which
he was bred, and also gave him power for any three or four priests,
but he only named John Colleton, a man of about fourscore years of
age, and of so great integrity that he had leave to live free abroad
under Queen Elizabeth and King James. Prays Lord Conway for
a supersedeas to remove from him and Mr. Colleton all vexation until
his Lordship should be spoken to. |
[Dec. 30 ?] |
87. Petition of John Colleton to the King. Requests him to
peruse an annexed case, and give order that he might have the
benefit solicited therein. Annexed, |
87. i. Case of John Colleton. The late King, by warrant dated
April 5, 1622, freed him from the penalties of recusancy;
he solicits a confirmation of that warrant. [The petition
and case are in the handwriting of Edm. Bolton.] |
Dec. 30. St. John's. |
88. Edmund Bolton to Buckingham. The late King bequeathed
a necessary war to his royal son, but counsels and successes are not
relatives. If his Grace would once again move in Parliament for the
College or Society of Honor, besides what his Lordship conceived
high and hopeful in that proposal in point of gain and glory, it
would undoubtedly make a diversion of many bitter and curious
fancies and turn them to benevolent. |
Dec. 30. Dorset Court. |
89. Lord Keeper Coventry to Sec. Conway. It is usual at coronations to summon gentlemen of likelihood to come and take the
degree of knighthood. Sends a warrant to be signed by the
King for that purpose, similar to the one which passed in the King's
father's time. He also sends the commission for executing martial
law, and the writs [for electing Members of Parliament] for the
remote counties of Devon and Cornwall, that he may charge the
messenger to see them delivered to the Sheriffs. |
Dec. 30. Dorset Court. |
90. Note of so much of the above letter as refers to the warrant
for the writs of summons to take the degree of knighthood. |
Dec. 30. Hampton Court. |
Sec. Conway to Lord Keeper Coventry. The King will not sign
the writ to summon gentlemen to come up to be knighted at the
coronation. [Minute, Conway's Letter Book, p. 242.] |
Dec. 30. Hampton Court. |
The same to Mr. Wray, a Justice of the Peace in Yorkshire. For
sending up one Hogg, a prisoner for speeches against the Duke of
Buckingham and the Earl of Rutland. [Minute, ibid.] |
Dec. 30. Hampton Court. |
Proclamation for removing the restraint upon the citizens of
London in repairing to fairs, the sickness having now ceased.
[Coll. Procs., Car. I., No. 35.] |
Dec. 30. Canterbury. |
91. Sir George Newman, Judge of the Admiralty of the Cinque
Ports, to the Council. Their Lordships having referred to him a
petition of Jacob Borrell, claiming certain goods seized at Dover, he
certifies that the matter has been examined by Sir. John Hippisley
and himself, and that they find the goods in question to belong to
the said Jacob Borrell. |
Dec. 31. Hampton Court. |
Sec. Conway to Sec. Coke. Whether Privy Seals shall be sent
forth before the Parliament or respited. [Minute, Conway's Letter
Book, p. 242.] |
Dec. 31. Hampton Court. |
The same to Bishop Neile of Durham. To lend his house in the
Strand for the use of the French Ambassador. [Minute, ibid.] |
Dec. 31. York House. |
92. Duke of Buckingham to Sec. Conway. To speak to the Lord
Treasurer to give order for drawing a Privy Seal for 3,000l. out of the
first money that shall come in of the loan, to be employed privately
for the business of Rochelle. |
Dec. 31. Hampton Court. |
93. Sir Ben. Rudyerd to [Sir Francis Nethersole]. The Parliament is to begin on February 6; the coronation to take place
on the 2nd. Sir Dudley Carleton is Vice-Chamberlain. Lord
Holland and he are going to France about the staying of merchant
ships at Boulogne, on pretence of French goods being detained here
in the prizes which were taken. All our merchant ships are stayed
in Spain on the same reason. The Ambassadors are also to demand
the ships lent against Rochelle, and if they be denied, we are to
take a forcible course. The Bishop of St. Andrews and various
noblemen have arrived from Scotland by his Majesty's command,
on refusal of propositions made by the King in a convention at
Edinburgh. The Court removes on Tuesday next and keeps the end
of Christmas at Whitehall. The Queen intends to act her pastoral
at Denmark House. |
Dec. 31. Tottenham. |
94. Sec. Coke to Sec. Conway. Sends a letter from a Fellow of
King's College, Cambridge, respecting a relapsed scholar of that
college who was said to be about to visit the Queen's Court, that he
might be apprehended and examined. Has sent notice to the
outports. The Archbishop of Canterbury would find means to
intercept him. The man himself of less importance than his corrupters and abettors. Incloses, |
94. i. William Aufeild to Sec. Coke. On Christmas eve Richard
Carpenter, a Bedfordshire man and scholar of King's
College, openly professed himself of the Romish religion.
He purposes to set forth towards Rome. His lands in
Bedfordshire conveyed to a certain Lord. Has had entertainment in the Queen's Court and is minded to be
there this Christmas. |
Dec. 31. Plymouth. |
95. Sir John Eliot to the same. Solicits that his father-in-law,
Mr. Richard Gedie, may be freed from a Privy Seal of 40l. with
which he was charged, (notwithstanding his being in debt and
having last year served Sheriff of Cornwall at a great expence,) out
of some particular disaffections, and during Sir John's employments
abroad in the service of the Duke. The sum they value not, but the
circumstances give it another taste. Returns the name of another
for that supply, rich and a usurer, which Sir John believes made
him a passage out of the first certificate. No intelligence from the
ships in Ireland. The sickness and mortality of the soldiers continue. Lord Conway's son had passed the holidays at Eliot's house. |
Dec. 31. Hampton Court. |
Proclamation that all ships carrying victuals or munition of war to
the King of Spain or his subjects shall be esteemed lawful prize.
[Coll. Procs., Car. I., No. 36.] |
[Dec.] |
96. Wm. Betts, Master Gunner of the Victory, to Sec. Conway.
Had found means to cast 1,000 guns in a day, and had also invented such a fireball that one ship provided with it might fight
many. Entreats a trial of these inventions. |
[Dec.] |
97. Petition of the orphan children of Captain Burton to the
King, for payment of 190l. due to their father for service under
Count Mansfeldt, in which he died, and also for compensation for
his expenditure of 70l. in building a house for his residence in
Pen[dennis] Castle, of which he had been Lieutenant. |
Dec. |
98. Richard Daye to Sec. Conway. A proposal made by him for
sowing Windsor Forest with acorns was favourably received by the
late King. Desires to have it submitted to the present King.
Appended, |
98. i. Copy of the petition presented to the late King, with an
extract from Bodin on the importance of a stock of timber,
and suggestions as to the way in which the charges of
such a work might be defrayed. |
Dec. |
99. Particulars of such Privy Seals as Sir Wm. Parkhurst had in
charge as one of the collectors for Surrey. Sum received, 290l.
Lists of such as made excuse, or were mistaken, or dead, or made no
answer. |
[Dec. ?] |
100. Petition of Robert Ambrose, mariner, to the right gracious
Prince, George Duke of Buckingham. Went master's mate and acted
as boatswain in the Prince Royal in the voyage to France for the
Queen; was afterwards appointed boatswain to the Convertive,
but on a picked difference by the master's mate was dismissed by
the Earl of Denbigh; as the ship has now returned to Plymouth
he prays that he may be restored to his office. |
[Dec.] |
101. Sir George Chudleigh to the Council. Suggestions concerning the distribution of the soldiers returned from the expedition to
Cadiz. |
[Dec. ?] |
102. Notes upon Dunkirk:—The ships building there; the pay of
the sailors; their share of prize ships; strength of the fleet there; and
mode of access to the harbour. [Written by Sec. Coke on the blank
pages of a cover of a letter addressed to him from the Downs on
Dec. 26, by Sir Henry Palmer.] |
[Dec. ?] |
103. Petition of Grooms and Pages of the Chamber to the King.
The late King, by Privy Seal of December 31, 1603, granted
the petitioners an annual free gift of 100l. payable at Christmas;
they pray that the same may be continued. |
[Dec.] [Newgate.] |
104. Richard Quarles to Sec. Conway. He made a supplication
some few weeks ago for his release from Newgate, where he is
imprisoned by the Lord Mayor on suspicion that he is a priest. The
Ambassador of Savoy had moved the King on his behalf, and the
Duke of Buckingham had recommended his case to Lord Conway,
who had replied that he must have patience. He has waited a full
month, and now renews his application. |
[Dec.] |
Regrant to William Earl of Pembroke of the offices of Captain of
Portsmouth Castle, during pleasure, and Constable of Porchester
Castle, and Lieut. of Southbere Forest, for life. [Docquet.] |
[Dec.] |
105. A collection of several grants of the office of Constable of the
Castle of Porchester and Lieutenant of Southbere Forest, before the
granting thereof, together with the office of Captain of Portsmouth,
extending from 1 Henry VIII. to 1 Charles I. |
[Dec.] |
106. Copy of the preceding collection. |