Charles I - volume 41: December 1-13, 1626

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1625-26. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1858.

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'Charles I - volume 41: December 1-13, 1626', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1625-26, (London, 1858) pp. 485-495. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/chas1/1625-6/pp485-495 [accessed 24 March 2024]

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December 1-13, 1626

Dec. 1.
Waddesdon.
1. Henry Wilkinson to Sec. Conway. Begs that in the present vacancy of spiritual promotions he may be preferred to some place which may stand with his ministry at Waddesdon.
Dec. 1.
From aboard the Globe in Tilbury Hope.
2. Capt. Thos. Philpot to Nicholas. Uncertainty of the merchants whom he was to convoy to Hamburgh. Has carried his ship down ahead of the fleet, and charged the captains of the other ships to put to sea. They say they cannot put over the flats until Tuesday. If the Duke will clear him of the merchants he will stand out through the King's Channel rather than bring scandal on the service by doing nothing. The merchants had put aboard his ship twenty chests of quicksilver. They ought to be summoned to come to some resolution. Abuse of press-warrants by fellows who, being puffed up with an opinion that they have power to bind and loose, hold it a glory to tyrannize over the King's poor subjects. Had supplied his ship with volunteers.
Dec. 1.
Whitehall.
3. Sir Benjamin Rudyerd to Sir Francis Nethersole. The Duke was declared Ambassador Extraordinary into France, and Sir Edward Barrett goes to remain there. Lords Essex, Lincoln, Warwick. Clare, Bolingbroke, Say, and Philip Stanhope had refused to lend the King money. Fifteen or sixteen Lords joining in this recusancy, and the Judges denying to subscribe, would give a great blow to the design. Serjt. Richardson was Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, and it was reported that he was to marry Lady Ashburnham. The sailors had come in tumultuous manner to demand their pay. The Queen is providing a masque against Christmas.
[Dec. 1.] 4. Complaint of Capt. Richard Gyffard and Roger Gyffard against the States of Holland, for not giving them compensation for the plunder of their ship the Fortune. [See 1626, Jan., Nos. 118 and 119.]
[Dec. 1.] 5. Copy of the preceding.
Dec. 2.
Whitehall.
Sec. Conway to Sir Charles Morgan. Recommending to him Sir Thomas Conway and Sir Thomas Huncks, to be preferred to some principal places of command. [Minute, Conway's Letter Book, p. 258.]
Dec. 2.
Portsmouth.
6. Wm. Towerson to Sec. Conway. Has made stay at Portsmouth of seven small French ships, of which he gives particulars.
Dec. 2.
Aboard the Globe at Tilbury Hope.
7. Capt. Thomas Philpot to Nicholas. The merchants request him to resume the wafting of their cloth ships. Desires instructions.
Dec. 2.
The George, in Lombard Street.
8. Edward Nuttall to the same. Has caught a fever in coming to London, and cannot stir abroad. John Rivett, Nicholas's strongest opposer, is dead. The owners of the Anthony wish to get her released, and will be thankful to Nicholas if he can do them this favour.
Dec. 2.
London.
9. Philip Burlamachi to the same. Sends petition of Giles Vandeputt, complaining of wrong done by Capt. Philpot, and begs Nicholas to procure the Duke's order for restoration of Vandeputt's merchandise. Fr. Incloses,
9. i. Petition of Giles Vandeputt above alluded to:—The petitioner sent 20 cases of quicksilver, worth 600l., on board the Globe, Capt. Philpot, to be conveyed to Hamburgh; the Globe being ordered on another voyage, the petitioner prays that Capt. Philpot may be directed to redeliver his quicksilver.
Dec. 2.
High Holborn.
10. Sir Anthony Ashley to the same. Recommends Wm. Wadder for Purser in one of his Majesty's ships.
Dec. 2.
Portsmouth.
11. Capt. Sir John Watts to Buckingham. The Duke's command to restrain all captains from discharging able seamen shall be performed. Nothing was wanting for the Lion but her victuals. Has sent the ships instructions to seize all French ships and bring them into port without pillaging. Begs for order to brew beer; they have only beer for eight days. Also, for some relief for the common seamen.
Dec. 2.
Portsmouth.
12. The same to Nicholas. Solicits him to procure the order for victuals, beer, and seaman's pay, mentioned in the previous letter.
Dec. 2.
Portsmouth.
13. The same to Buckingham. The St. Lawrence, a Frenchship, has been brought in by Capts. Butler and Jewell. Capt. Skipworth, [in the Sarah Bonaventure], and Capt. Burley, in the Convertive, arrived that day. All these ships were without provisions. Desires instructions whether he may supply them out of the King's storehouse. His three ships had returned from the Channel, the weather being very foul. He should victual them for ten days and send them out again.
Dec. 2.
Portsmouth.
14. The same to Nicholas. Repeats the information given above. Capt. Towerson, lately appointed Vice Admiral to Lord Conway, has charge of the ship brought in by Capts. Butler and Jewell. Begs that his wants may be attended to.
Dec. 3.
Whitehall.
15. Order of Council:—For the stay of all French ships and goods, except passage boats, which may pass freely as before.
Dec. 3.
[Portsmouth.]
16. Wm. Towerson to Nicholas. Announcing his appointment as Deputy Vice Admiral under Lord Conway, and also the stay of the seven small French ships, and the arrival of Capt. Butler, with another vessel of larger burthen.
Dec. 3. 17. Sir Heneage Finch, Recorder of London, to Sec. Conway. Repeats the cause of Mr. Wyvell's imprisonment. [See 1626, Oct. 7, No. 44.]
Dec. 4.
Whitehall.
Sec. Conway to the Commissioners for the Sale of the King's Lands. Praying them to forbear the sale of any of his Majesty's lands in the Isle of Wight, until they have heard the reasons which Lord Conway has to present to their consideration. [Minute, Conway's Letter Book, p. 258.]
Dec. 4.
Whitehall.
The same to Attorney General Heath. To prepare a bill for Sir Edward Sebright to be a Baronet. [Minute, ibid.]
Dec. 4.
Aboard the Bonaventure [at Portsmouth.]
18. Capt. Wm. Hals to Sec. Coke. Has made stay of a Hamburgher, laden with salt, which he imagines to have been bound for Dunkirk. Prays further orders.
Dec. 4.
Plymouth.
19. Mayor of Plymouth to the Council. A ship of St. Lucar, bound for Newhaven in France, had been driven into Plymouth. Incloses examination of Jacques Morris, a passenger, respecting the putting to sea of thirty-seven Spanish ships, and the arrival of the Plate fleet at Cadiz. Another passenger was Edward Bambur, a priest, who gave the name of Leonard Helmes. Incloses,
19. i. Examination of Jacques Morris before mentioned.
Dec. 4.
Plymouth.
20. [Mayor of] Plymouth to Archbishop Abbot. Sends examination of Edward Bambur alias Leonard Helmes, the priest mentioned in the last letter, taken on board a ship bound for Newhaven. Incloses,
20. i. Examination of Edward Bambur alias Leonard Helmes in which he details his movements for the last eight years. Had studied at St. Omer and Seville, and had taken successively the orders of Sub-Deacon, Deacon, and Priest. 1626, Dec. 4. [Copy.]
20. ii. Letters testimonial of the promotion of Leonard Helmes, to the Diaconate. 1626, April6. [Copy.]
20. iii. Similar letters testimonial of his promotion to the priesthood.1626, June 6. [Copy.]
Dec. 4.
Dartmouth.
21. Sir John Drake to Nicholas. A Spanish prize brought in by Capt. Tailor, worth 20,000l. Sends a packet of letters which the captain endeavoured to throw overboard. Sir Edward Seymour has a French ship brought into Plymouth richly laden. A Dutch buss found floating at sea laden with salt. It should seem her men were thrown overboard by a Dunkirker.
Dec. 4. 22. Certificate of Ralph Byrd, of the French ships stayed at Falmouth, St. Ives, and Fowey.
Dec. 4. 23. Estimate of the true value of lands of recusants, found by inquisition in co. Durham.
Dec. 5.
Whitehall.
Sec. Conway to Attorney General Heath. To prepare a warrant to enlarge four prisoners out of Newgate at the suit of the Venetian Ambassador. [Minute, Conway's Letter Book, p. 258.]
Dec. 5. 24. Petition of John Steward to the King:—Bought at Rothsay two butts of currants, but exporting the same to Londonderry, they were seized by the Deputy of Lord Chichester, Admiral of Ulster; prays for order for their restoration. [Underwritten is a reference to the Lord High Admiral.]
Dec. 5.
Aldermanbury.
25. Sir Robert Harley to his father[-in-law] Sec. Conway. Letter of affection. Wishes for Lord Conway's restoration to health from a journey which he had then taken. Had written to Sir Henry Wallop, and hoped he would do that which would clear him from all sinister interpretation.
Dec. 5. 26. Petition of John Griffith to the Council:—Prays payment of a pension of 2s. per day, granted to him by King James, as assistant in Dover Castle.
Dec. 5. 27. Copy of the preceding.
Dec. 5. 28. Case of Capt. Gyffard and company in relation to the Fortune, seized by Peter Cosson, Captain of the Dog, or Hound, of Rotterdam, and for which they have been unable to obtain any remedy.
Dec. 5. 29. Receipt from Sir Wm. Becher for the Earl of Bridgewater, of six lists of names touching the loan in relation to co. Hertford.
Dec. 6.
Whitehall.
30. [Buckingham] to Capts. Robert Orme, Edwd. Cheek, Edwd. Porter, Tristram Stephens, Wm. Cook, Walter Turner, and the other captains of the ships furnished by the City of London. Instructions: Sir John Watts being about to bring his ship to Chatham, they are to ply between the North Foreland and the Isle of Wight. They are to take all Spanish ships, and stay all French ships, and especially to look out for six ships bought in the Low Countries for the French King, and about to pass through the Narrow Seas for France. [Copy.]
Dec. 6.
Bewdley.
31. Wm. Earl of Northampton to [Sec. Conway]. Sends certificates as to the state of his Trained Bands, especially commending the exertions of Baronet Scudamore in Herefordshire, and Sir Thos. Cornewaille in Shropshire. Desires authority to punish the refractory, and to compel payment of the Muster Masters. Incloses,
31. i. Dep. Lieuts. of co. Gloucester to Wm. Earl of Northampton. Report the state of the Trained Bands of the Berkeley division of co. Gloucester. Humphrey Browne, of Bristol, who holds possessions worth 300l. per annum, returned them a disrespectful and contemptuous answer. 1626, Sept. 7
Dec. 6. 32. Particular of sums paid into the Exchequer on account of the new loan. The account is thus divided:—Thirty-five Peers had paid in 7,166l. 13s. 4d.; eight high officers of state, not being Peers, 436l. 13s. 4d.; sixty six Judges, Sergeants, and legal persons, 892l. 13s. 4d.; returns from Essex and Surrey make up the total to 10,088l. 3s. 4d.
Dec. 6. 33. Copy of the preceding.
Dec. 6.
Blandford.
34. Gilbert Raleigh to Nicholas. Desires till next term to render his account of the profits due to the Duke out of Raleigh's Vice Admiralty.
Dec. 6.
Portsmouth.
35. Capt. Sir John Watts to Buckingham. Distress of the fleet for want of victuals. The carpenters are earnest for their pay, and the common seamen grow insolent. Learning there were two ships at St. Helen's, he ordered the Mary Magdalen and the Lion, of Newcastle, to go out to them. The men of the former mutinied, and would neither cross their yards nor weigh their anchors. Has three of the principal mutineers in prison, and intends to punish them severely. Many of the men have run away. Having written to Poole and Weymouth, the Mayor of the former place sent him back four men, from the latter he has no return.
Dec. 6.
Portsmouth.
36. The same to Nicholas. Repeats the information contained in the preceding letter. Prolongs the drink of the men with water and wine beverage, but they much repine, and he can proceed no further without money or materials.
Dec. 6.
Whitehall.
37. Order of Council:—The King having referred to them the complaints of one Bringer against the glass patent granted to Sir Robert Mansell, it is ordered that the same shall stand. Their Lordships think it to be of dangerous consequence, and far trenching upon the prerogative, that patents granted on just grounds and of long continuance should be referred to the strict trial of the common law, wherefore, they order that all proceedings at law be stayed, and that Bringer do not presume further to trouble his Majesty on pain of punishment.
Dec. 6.
Dartmouth.
38. Sir John Drake to Nicholas. Apprises him of a French ship from St. Lucar very richly laden being driven into Plymouth; also of two other prizes, a French ship brought by Capt. Spicer and a Dutchman.
[Dec. 6 ?] 39. Note of the number of the printed instructions [to the Commissioners for the Loan] delivered out of the Council Chamber; total, 200 copies; with receipt for those designed for co. Dorset.
[Dec. 6 ?] 40. Similar receipt for instructions and letters for co. Lincoln, and various towns in the Eastern counties.
[Dec. 6 ?] 41. Similar receipt for cos. of Gloucester, Hereford, and others on the North-western side of England and in Wales.
Dec. 7.
Dover Castle.
42. Sir John Hippisley to Buckingham. Shall want "for the service" 6 or 7 ships of good lading; if they will swim in the sea it is no matter how old they be nor how torn. Victualling the King's ships would be undertaken at Dover, a halfpenny a man better cheap than it is, if they may use the King's storehouse and be paid out of the Custom-house there.
Dec. 7.
Whitehall.
43. Wm. Chesterman to Sec. Conway. On arrival of a letter from Mr. Hawkins, the King commanded the French Committee to attend him. No resolution was come to, but the Committee has met again, and the Duke's journey is hastened. His instructions have been approved by the King and the Lords.
Dec. 7.
Bewdley.
44. Wm. Earl of Northampton to the same. Suggests that if the saltpetre men that worked in that county [Worcester] might make their saltpetre into powder there, it would be a great ease to the country, and a ready way to procure a supply of powder for the public defence. If this be agreed to directions should be sent to Wm. Richardson, who had the patent for those counties.
Dec. 7. 45. Analysis of points to be considered under the Commission for inquiry into the state of the Navy.
Dec. 7. 46 Statement of points to be considered under that Commission.
Dec. 7. 47. Queries respecting the authority given by that Commission, and how far the inquiry should be retrospective.
Dec. 7.
Exeter.
48. Wm. Kift to Nicholas. A prize worth 2,000l. brought into Dartmouth by Capt. Taylor of the Willing Mind. Among ships driven into Plymouth by tempest, one was of 400 tons and the other a French ship from St. Lucar valued at 300,000l.
Dec. 7. 49. Commissioners of the Navy to Buckingham. Ships from the fleet have arrived in the Downs; the King's ships being victualled for only 14 days, and the merchant ships without any victual at all. Recommend that they should all be brought round to Chatham, and money or provisions be sent there. If they be not provided for, the sailors will commit outrages and trouble the Lords in multitudes, being about 3,000 men.
Dec. 8.
Whitehall.
50. Order of Council, founded upon the information contained in the above letter from the Commissioners of the Navy:—The Commissioners are to report the sum required on this occasion, and the Lord Treasurer is prayed to provide the same; as money is ready for any one ship it is to be paid off at Cloth Workers' Hall. The Lord Admiral offered that the goods in the Blue Dove, valued at 60,000 ducats, which belonged to him as pirates' goods, should be applied to this purpose, the amount being repaid out of the loan, which was accepted. [Copy.]
Dec. 8.
Dover Castle.
51. Sir John Hippisley to Buckingham. The French Ambassador departed from Dover that morning in a small bark; the pinnace could not land him where he wished. Sends account of the transaction given by the sailors. Has received order from Mr. Gerbier [Girbeare] that ships must attend him at Calais ten days hence; the two ships of the ports and the two pinnaces shall be appointed for that service. He has put out Cannon as ordered. God send the Duke an honester man in his place. Incloses,
51. i. Report of Mervin Burley, Captain of the King's pinnace, and five others, of the circumstances under which the French Ambassador came to cross, not in the pinnace, but in "a little small" bark of Dover.
Dec. 8.
Dover Castle.
52. Sir John Hippisley to Nicholas. Further information re specting the crossing of the French Ambassador.
Dec. 8. 53. Note of monies disbursed by Sir John Hippisley for repair of armour taken out of the St. Peter, a prize ship, and for making a platform at the North end of Dover Castle; total, 36l. 1s., which he prays may be allowed out of the sale of prize goods at Dover.
[Dec. 8.] 54. Original draft of the above, with alterations by Nicholas.
Dec. 8.
Southampton.
55. Robert Earl of Warwick to Sec. Conway. Sends a packet; supposes it concerns the receiving of certain Spaniards which a ship of his had taken. He is certified that there is an order for "rummaging" the prize. If it be directed to the Mayor and officers at Southampton, begs it may be sent back by the bearer, as time is now precious to the Earl.
Dec. 8. 56. Petition of Sir Allen Apsley, as one of the Surveyors of Victuals for the Navy, to the Council:—From the late mutinous carriage of a few sailors of one ship, what disorder may be feared from twenty times that number without victuals or clothes to wear or pawn; prays the Lords to consider the crying necessity and importance of this business.
Dec. 8. 57. Grievances of the Inhabitants of the liberty of Bartholomew the Great, in being unjustly arrested within that district.
Dec. 8.
Whitehall.
58. Dudley Lord Carleton to Sec. Coke. The King will have no time lost in the French business, and, therefore, has commanded the Committee to come to him to-morrow, at 9 a.m.; he expects the instructions to be then ready. Order is also to be taken in the business which Calandrini is to have in charge for the King of Denmark.
Dec. 8. 59. Wm. Clarke to Lord—. States his opinion, in opposition to that of Sir Robert Travers, concerning the claim of the Lord Admiral to a ship found derelict, being one of those before alluded to. [1626, Sept. 19, No. 20, and 1626, Sept. No. 111.]
Dec. 8. 60. Petition of Roger Langford to the Duke of Buckingham:— After having been embargoed at Malaga, the petitioner's ship was taken by a Spanish man-of-war, which unloaded her goods and sunk her in the sea; petitioner and his crew, being nine Englishmen and thirteen Hollanders, slew the crew of the Spanish ship, being sixtytwo persons, except four principal persons who were saved; after which the Hollanders took entire possession of the ship, kept the petitioner and his companions in fetters for eight days, and finally committed them to the sea in a small boat "in cruel tempestuous weather, without meat or drink;" the petitioner made these facts appear to the Justices of Horne, whither the Hollanders had carried the ship and sold her for 2,700l. and the cargo for 1,500l., but obtained no redress; he now prays the Duke's interference.
Dec. 9.
Whitehall.
61. The Council to Attorney General Heath. A committee of the Council having, on conference with the Attorney General, made various alterations in the Commission touching the Navy formerly prepared by him, he is authorized to draw up, for his Majesty's signature, a new Commission embodying those alterations. [Copy.]
Dec. 9.
Ash.
62. E. Drake to Nicholas. Prizes brought into Plymouth. One brought into Weymouth by a ship the owner of which lives at St. Catherine's, London. He wishes to take her to London; being weak and leaky, he ought to give security for the Duke's tenths before attempting to do so.
Dec. 9. 63. Dr. Rich. Zouch to the same. As ready as any man to argue for the Lord Admiral's profit; yet being consulted, he delivers what he holds to be the truth, and to be agreeable with the Duke's honour. Incloses,
63. i. His opinion concerning the prize taken by Sir Wm. Hall, in opposition to the opinion given by Mr. Clarke.
Dec. 9. 64. Copy of the preceding.
Dec. 9. 65. Commissioners of the Navy to Lord Treasurer Marlborough. In compliance with the order of Council, 1626, Dec. 8, No. 50, they inform him that the Triumph, Swiftsure, Bonaventure, Vanguard, Reformation, and Esperance, having on board 1,130 men, are all out of victuals; there are also 17 merchant and Newcastle ships having 1,070 men also without victuals. The King's ships cannot be supplied for less than 21 days, nor the others for less than 14 days, the amount for which at 8d. per man per day will be 1,290l. 6s. 8d.
[Dec. 9 ?] 66. Estimate of the charge for revictualling the above mentioned ships, the King's ships for 42 days, the others for 28 days, 2,581l. 13s. 4d.
Dec. 9.
Weymouth.
67. Gilbert Raleigh to Nicholas. Sends examinations of the Portugals that came in the sugar prize, the St. Matthew, of Lisbon. Finds no commission or letter of marque on board the captors, and therefore has seized the prize to the Lord Admiral's use. The captors say their commission is aboard the Transport. Disastrous consequences to that country from the stoppage of the trade with France. Incloses,
67. i. Examinations of Emanuel Gonzales and Antonio Gorjano, the "Portugals" before alluded to. They give account of the lading of the prize.
Dec. 10.
Whitehall.
68. Order of Council:—That all Frenchmen's goods detained or arrested being of a perishable nature, except wines, might be sold on the request of the owners, the proceeds being deposited in safe custody until further order.
Dec. 10.
Cowes.
69. Edwd. Reed to Sec. Conway. Accounts for his not being at Southampton to meet Lord Conway. Is engaged in unlading the prize, which he hopes to complete next week. There is only one French ship stayed which lies at Yarmouth; she has no papers on board, except one which he incloses; the Captain will give no information. The commission for the loan is well accepted in the Isle of Wight; all most willingly lend to the King. Twenty-six Spaniards landed out of the Jonathan, the Earl of Warwick's ship; they were received on land out of charity, and lodged in an empty house; desires to know what is to be done with them.
Dec. 10. 70. Will of Robert Reade of Linkenholt, co. Hants:—He provides for his wife Mildred, and leaves legacies to his brother Henry Reade, his nephew and cousin Francis, his brother-in-law Francis Windebank, his brother George, and his cousin Nicholas Blake. [Copy.]
Dec. 10. 71. Deed of appointment by the said Robert Reade, declaring the trusts on which Francis Windebank, Henry Reade, and Nicholas Blake should hold the manor of Linkenholt, which was conveyed to them on the 7th Dec. 1624. [Copy]
Dec. 10. 72. Note of the lading of the Love, of Havre de Grace, Capt. Jacques Lambert, master, described in the endorsement as the rich French ship driven into Plymouth.
Dec. 10. 73. Report of Dr. Everard's sermon on St. Matthew xiv., 30, 31, delivered at St. Martin's-in-the-Fields, in explanation of a sermon formerly made the subject of complaint.
Dec. 10. 74. Names of French ships stayed at Plymouth.
Dec. 11.
Blachington.
75. Capt. Richard Gyffard to Nicholas. Details his progress in fitting out a ship for a voyage under letters of marque, in the risk of which the Duke was to adventure 500l. The money was not forthcoming, and Gyffard mourns over the inconveniences to which he was put in consequence.
Dec. 11. 76. Capt. Phineas Pett to [Nicholas]. Recommends Thos. Large for Cook of the Warspite.
Dec. 11.
Dover Castle.
77. Sir John Hippisley to Nicholas. One of the ships which carried over the French Ambassador's horses had been cast away, both men and horses. The Duke of Buckingham's commodities, of which Mr. Gerbier was so full of care, had arrived at Margate.
Dec. 11.
Calehill.
78. Sir Robt. Darrell to Sir Norton Knatchbull. On Saturday night last two soldiers broke into the house of Mr. Sharpe, and holding swords against his breast and that of his wife, robbed them of their money. So many have been the abuses of that kind that honest men are weary of their dwellings, and will betake themselves to towns. The soldiers threaten to cut all the watchmen's throats. Begs him to acquaint the Lord Lieutenant. Sir Robert had sent that day, his wife being in great weakness, to Sir Norton's keeper for the lungs of a fox, which are said to be good for the lungs.
Dec. 11.
Dover.
79. John Reading to Nicholas. Wishes to know what answer had been given to a letter in his behalf to the Bishop of London, forwarded to Nicholas by Sir John Hippisley. Whether Dr. Warner was like to speed with the preferment for which he sues ?
Dec. 12.
Bristol.
80. Wm. Willett to the same. On the 4th inst., the Fortune, said to be of Amsterdam, was driven into that port by foul weather. Willett suspects that she has been taken by Dunkirkers, and that the men on board are Dunkirkers. They have made sale of their lading, but Willett will stay the payment of the money until a Commission can be sent down. [In the margin is Nicholas's direction to issue a Commission accordingly.] The goods of the Mary, taken by the George and the Abraham, had been claimed by a Portuguese residing at Rouen, and a citation had come down from the Court of Delegates. The goods of Capt. Ellis's wrecked prize much damaged by salt water. Inconveniences resulting from the stay of French goods. Whether wines in French ships which have been driven into Bristol and are stayed there, may be sold ?
Dec. 12. 81. Capt. Richard Gyffard to Buckingham. Had followed the Duke three years, and would do so all his life if his Grace would command him to any service. Finding that could not be the case at present, he determined to go to sea with one ship and a pinnace; and his Grace having consented to adventure 500l., Lord Willoughby and others agreed to make up the remainder; but now, when the monies are needed, they hold back until the Duke gives order for payment of his 500l. As Gyffard's credit is "upon the stack," he submits the matter to the Duke's consideration.
Dec. 12. 82. The same to Nicholas. Sends him particulars of the money advanced on account of the adventure towards which the Duke was to contribute 500l. That sum can be no great matter to him, but Gyffard will not press him nor any man. A friend tells him that he has had great wrong done him at Court. Gyffard's enemies are such as dare not show themselves, or of such little worth that they glory in outward shows. Shall be glad to hear what the Commissioners do. This world is nought; virtue is accounted vice, and modesty imbecility.
Dec. 12. 83. The King to Lord Treasurer Marlborough, the Lord Admiral, Robert Earl of Lindsey, the Earls of Pembroke, Bridgewater, Totness, and Denbigh, Viscount Wimbledon, Wm. Lord Harvey, Edward Lord Herbert, Sec. Coke, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir John Savile, Thos. Aylesbury, one of the Masters of Requests, Sir Wm. Heydon, Sir Robert Cotton, Sir John Trevor, Sir Sackville Trevor, Sir Henry Mainwaring, Sir Thos. Love, Sir John Watts, Sackville Crow, Capts. John Pennington, Richard Gyffard, and Phineas Pett. Commission to inquire into certain alleged abuses in the Navy, and view the state thereof, and also the stores thereof. [Unsealed.]
Dec. 12. 84. Articles to be inquired into by the above mentioned Commissioners, with contemporary marginal observations.
Dec. 12. 85. Copy of the same, endorsed by Nicholas.
Dec. 12. 86. Another copy.
Dec. 12. 87. List of Commissioners "for the Navy Royal," with various names queried.
Dec. 12. 88. Another similar list.
Dec. 12. 89. Another similar list, but dated Dec. 15.
Dec. 13.
Whitehall.
90. Order of Council:—For the removal to Dover of the prisoners mentioned in the inclosed list, with a view to their exchange. Annexed,
90. i. Names of the King of Spain's subjects prisoners in England.
Dec. 13. 91. Commissioners for Trade to the Council. Report touching the differences between the Eastland Company, of London, and the Brethren of that Company residing at York, respecting a "broake or fine" imposed upon the latter for landing and selling their goods at Dantzick during the sickness at Elbing. The report is against the Brethren at York.
Dec. 13.
Whitehall.
Sec. Conway to Dudley Lord Carleton. To discharge two men out of the King's entertainment for their misdemeanours according to his advice. [Minute, Conway's Letter Book, p. 258.]
Dec. 13.
Star Chamber.
92. The Special Commissioners for inquiring into the state of the Navy to the Commissioners for the Navy. Requiring them to send all instructions, books, accounts, and contracts belonging to the navy, and then remaining in their custody, to the Special Commissioners at the Star Chamber, on Wednesday next. [Copy.]
Dec. 13.
Star Chamber.
93. Interrogatories administered to Roger Parr, Clerk to the Commissioners for the Navy, by the Special Commissioners for inquiring into the state of the Navy, chiefly relating to the nature and custody of the books and papers of the Commissioners for the Navy. Annexed,
93. i. Form of oath administered by the Special Commissioners to the said Roger Parr.
Dec. 13. 94. Fair copy of the preceding.
Dec. 13. 95. Copy of the oath, with the clause of secrecy struck out.
Dec. 13. 96. Copy of the full oath, with minutes of evidence of Roger Parr.