|
May 16. |
1. Petition of Capt. Thomas Porter to the King. About December last, a Dutch ship was forsaken and driven ashore at
Holland, co. Essex, out of which great quantities of goods were
taken by divers persons thereunto authorized by the Court of
Admiralty. Notwithstanding the care used by the Commissioners,
some goods which were in the said ship are supposed to be unjustly
taken by some covetous persons without account rendered to the
Court of Admiralty. Petitioner beseeches his Majesty to grant him
all such goods, and to give him power to take forth commissions for
discovery of the same, and petitioner will be at all charges of the
said commissions, and yield his Majesty a full eighth part of all
benefit. Underwritten, |
1. i. Minute that the King has bestowed all such goods upon the
petitioner, and reference to the Lords of the Admiralty to
give order for preparing a bill containing a grant thereof
with reservation of an eighth part, as also for issuing
commissions as desired. Greenwich, May 16, 1634.
[Petition and reference, 1 p.] |
May 16. |
2. Petition of a great number of Poor Mariners to the King.
Recite proclamation of 5th of King James, whereby it was commanded that certain statutes of 5 Richard II., 4 Henry VII., and
32 Henry VIII., against shipping merchandise in strangers' bottoms
should be duly put into execution. Petitioners, through the neglect
of those laws, daily want that employment which otherwise they
might have, and are fallen into much decay and poverty in respect
that strangers, both French and Dutch, having first made their
voyage and had their full freight here, relade in the same strangers'
bottoms back again, as the officers of the Custom House and Trinity
House will testify. Pray that no English merchandise from henceforth shall be permitted to be shipped or exported in strangers'
bottoms. Underwritten, |
2. i. Reference to the Lords of the Admiralty to deliver their
opinion of what may fitly be done. Greenwich, May 16,
1634. [Petition and reference, 1 p.] |
2. ii. Francis Lord Cottington and Sec. Windebank (as Lords
of the Admiralty) to the King. Conceive the business
mentioned in this petition to be of so great importance
that it is fit to be ordered by the Council Board, where it
has already been often debated. Whitehall, July 17,
1634. [½ p.] |
2. iii. Reference to the Council to give further order for redress
of the abuses mentioned. Oatlands, August 30, 1634.
[¼ p.] |
May 16. |
3. Petition of Sir Robert Albany to the Council. In February last
petitioner was sent for by warrant at the suit of Thomas Clarke,
and on the 13th of that month it was ordered that petitioner should
repay to Clarke 7l. 10s., which he had formerly levied on Clarke's
goods, and 3l. 10s, for charges; all which petitioner has repaid. It
was also ordered that an agreement between petitioner and
Clarke, made before Sir Arthur Mainwaring and Sir Richard
Onslow, should be forthwith performed. Clarke has not performed
that agreement, by rooting up all the quicksets that stand within a
foot of petitioner's pales, and the planting of which has been the
chief cause of the suits between them. Prays that Clarke may be
sent for to answer. [¾ p.] Annexed, |
3. i. Deposition of Humphrey Wesden and William Grenall, of
Badshot [Bagshot], Surrey, yeoman. On the 14th inst.
they viewed a quickset hedge in Bagshot of Thomas
Clarke's, planted near the grounds and pales of Sir
Robert Albany. Many of the said quicksets stand within
a foot of Sir Robert's pales and are unrooted up. May
16, 1634. ¾ p.] |
May 16. |
4. Copy of the above petition. [2 pp.] |
May 16. |
5. Petition of James Aysh, John Aysh, Nathaniel Barnard,
Abraham [Co]oke, Thomas Strod, Henry Albin, and Philip Bradford,
on behalf of makers of Spanish cloths, to the same. Of late there has
been a cloth made, called Spanish cloth, which in regard of the
colour being died in the wool, and also the well making thereof, has
gained good liking, and by making thereof the materials are improved to a higher value, and more labour afforded poor people than
by any other drapery ever invented. Divers makers of white cloths
counterfeit the Spanish cloths by dying white cloths in the say (that
is before they are thickened), and, after they are dyed, sewing on such
coloured lists and marks as are usually made in the true Spanish
cloths. Pray the Lords to intreat his Majesty to forbid these frauds
by proclamation. Underwritten, |
5. i. Reference to the Committee for clothing to do therein as
they shall think expedient. Star Chamber, May 16, 1634.
[Petition and reference, 1 p.] |
May 16. |
6. Officers of the Navy to the Lords of the Admiralty. Perusing
the proclamation of the 5th inst., commanding seamen in the service
of any foreign prince to return home, they find one branch omitted,
viz., a strict injunction that no person pressed in his Majesty's
service dare to absent himself from the same without lawful leave
or discharge. It would tend to the advancement of his Majesty's
service and haply to the safeguard of the lives of some of his subjects so offending. [Indorsed by Nicholas, "Mr. Attorney." Seal
with crest. 1 p.] |
May 16. |
7. See "Papers relating to Appointments in the Navy." |
May 16. |
8. Petition of Edward Bulmer, mariner, to the Lords of the
Admiralty. Has continued in custody above three weeks, and
understands that the messenger is suddenly to ride with him to
York. Such is petitioner's weakness, by means of age and infirmities, that he is unable to ride so long a journey without great
danger. Prays that he may have time given him to appear in the
Court of York, upon sufficient security. [Indorsed by Nicholas,
"To present his security for 1,000l." ½ p.] |
May 16. The Unicorn, in the Downs. |
9. Sir John Pennington to the same. According to their commands
will bring up his ship to Gillingham so soon as he can get a pilot and a
ketch to carry him through the King's Channel, for he dares not venture over the flats with her. If the Charles be ready he shall soon
shift all his provisions and men. In the interim has given order to his
vice-admiral that he and the two Whelps range our coast as high as
the Land's End or Lizard, to free it from pirates, if there be any,
otherwise to ply between Dover, Calais, and Beachy, and to look in
here once in four or five days to see if there be any other directions
from the Lords. Has given them a special caveat for maintaining
the King's sovereignty and the regality of the Narrow Seas. [1 p.] |
May 16. The Unicorn, in the Downs. |
10. The same to Nicholas. Repeats the information in the preceding. Fears the intended shifting will not be done so soon as
Nicholas expects, for Capt. Pett writes that it will be fourteen
days before the Charles be ready. Prays the Charles may prove
well. Had rather have had the Vanguard for he knows her. It
grieves him that the King is so abused in his building; but there
must be another course taken before it will be amended. States
orders given to his vice-admiral, as in the preceding. Marvels he
had no answer of his letter, from the Lord Marquess [Hamilton], for
in it was a letter to the King which he prays Nicholas to keep to
himself, but if he happen to hear anything of it, to give Sir
John a touch of it by his next. When Sir John comes to Chatham
Nicholas shall hear further from him. [Seal with arms. 1 p.] |
May 16. Christ Church, [Oxford.] |
11. Dr. Brian Duppa, Dean of Christchurch, to Sir John Lambe.
Understands by Sir John's letter that he who at this time supplies
the place of curate at Harborough is a non-conformist, which the
writer so far distates in him, that he gives Sir John many thanks
for suspending him. The last that had that curacy granted him
under their seal [that of Christ Church] was Mr. Terry, by whom
they are doubly injured, first, that he gave not up the seal upon
his institution to a benefice, and next, that he took upon him their
right in placing his successor, especially such an one who is more
likely to poison his flock than feed it. Sir John does very worthily
therefore, and like himself, to proceed against him. It shall be their
care either to nominate some able honest man of their college, or to
give their seal to Mr. Holmes, whom Sir John recommends. [Seal
with arms. 1 p.] |
May 16. Brocklesby. |
12. Sir William Pelham to Edward Viscount Conway and
Killultagh. This honest old soldier of the Brill, offering the writer
to present his service, and such conveniences seldom happening,
he lays hold of it, though a messenger who came lately from
Mr. Fairfax out of Ireland speaks of Lord Conway's being in
England this spring. His lordship's friends at Court wish
him there. The writer hears confidently that many great ones
have their eyes on him for good. Thinks the inclosed paper
will prove late intelligence of the King and Queen's resolution to
take their pleasure in some part of Lincolnshire this summer, so
that a great part of the [sol]itary way from Ireland through Scotland to the Court will [be very] pleasant. Intends to wait at
Court some part of the [progress ?]. Court news is so variously
reported that he dares write none. The greatest news from the
country is of a huge pack of witches which are lately discovered in
Lancashire, whereof it is said 19 are condemned, and that there
are at least 60 already discovered, and yet daily there are more
revealed; there are divers of them of good ability and they have
done much harm. It is suspected that they had a hand in raising
the great storm wherein his Majesty was in so great danger at sea
in Scotland. Had the honour to wait on Lord Clifford a little
before Easter, who gave the writer great charge to present his love
to Lord Conway. [Seal with crest or badge. 1 p.] |
May 16. |
13–15. See "Returns of Justices of Peace." |
May 16. |
16. Receipt of Robert Smyth, messenger of the Admiralty, for
fifty proclamations, twenty-five concerning the prohibition of
mariners serving foreign princes, and twenty-five concerning the
flag of the Union. [½ p.] |
May 16. |
17. Certificate of Sir Edward Salter, that Sir Edward Randill
had acknowledged a recognizance of 10,000l. to Sir Julius Cæsar,
Master of the Rolls, and John Page, one of the Masters of Chancery,
to abide such order in the differences between himself, Sir Morgan
Randill his son, John Gresham his son-in-law, and Mrs. Bowyer his
daughter, as the Court of Chancery should set down. [½ p.] |
May 16. Bulwick. |
18. [Sir Thomas Roe] to George Lord Goring. Thanks him for
his free answer, but fears he mistook Roe's purpose in the delivery
of his petition to his Majesty. His suit was that the Queen would
have vouchsafed to make it her request to the King, for Roe has
tried the value of his, and, but those six of Our Father in Heaven,
had never any heard. Presumes his Majesty would not deny her,
if she would grace Sir Thomas's cause with the virtue and sweetness of her expression, nor certainly could he deny the writer if he
considered the reasons, but it seems Roe was condemned in massâ
corruptâ, among the crowd of pensioners. It is the excellency of
a king to judge and separate cases, and Roe's is singular; a pension
bought, confirmed by the great seal, a sacred evidence, and such as
he wonders how any man dare counsel to innovate or weaken.
Some hold their dear titles, some their lands, some their lives, most
all they have originally by it, and this is the King's high prerogative
that all is derived from him. And shall this be laid up among
cobwebs and be no stronger than a thread ? Surely his Majesty
doth not think of it ? But to look upon his humble, despised self;
shall it be taken from him that has served so long, so faithfully;
who never valued his life, nor all he has or had, at any rate in
comparison with his master's honour; that never received fee nor
recompense; that never diminished a feather of the eagle's wings,
but rather helped to imp them, and brought into the Treasury ?
From him that has carried the King's glorious name through so
many regions; that has sweated and fried in both Indies, and
frozen in the cold, and thawed in the middle climates ? From him
that yet has not one drop of blood, nor ounce of mettle, that he will
not shed and melt for him ? He can never believe it, if his Majesty
were but rightly informed, which the writer can as little believe he
has been by them that were so careful to husband the King, by
leaving Roe out of the white list. Lastly, he considers who are
paid, great men and ladies, and young men, such as have friends,
which are above merits. These things considered, he presumes the
suit would not be so difficult for her Majesty, for it is but to set the
writer right, to show him in another glass to his Majesty, which if
she will vouchsafe, he will hold it of her as a grace far above the
benefit. Would not urge one reason why she should do for him;
would not alloy the purity of her goodness with any mixture of
cause in him, yet prays leave to tell Lord Goring that he has still
owing, which he cannot get, no not assigned, 2,500l. for those
pendants sold his Majesty now three years and a half past. The
jewels are much more of value, and he lost 500l. in the offered price
to serve her [Majesty], and loses above 1,000l. by forbearance of the
money, and is like to lose more, and to forbear longer, unless her
Majesty thinks it her interest to help him. But this shall not be
pleaded as a merit, nor will he have other title to her favour than
his vows to serve her ingenuously. [Copy. 1 p.] |
May 17. London. |
19. Thomas Moulson, Lord Mayor of London, to the Council.
Has made survey of all the shops of chandlers within London, and
finds that the quantity of oats in store at this present is three
hundred and twelve quarters of Flemish and French oats and
forty quarters of English and Scotch. [½ p.] |
May 17. |
20. Petition of Edward Thornhill, saltpetremaker for the cos.
Hertford, Bucks, Bedford, and Northampton, to the Lords of the
Admiralty. Prays the Lords that Richard Faldoe, who has had
some experience in the saltpetre service, which he is desirous to
better, may be joined with petitioner for making the same in those
counties. [Indorsed by Nicholas, "If Faldoe be fit." ½ p.] |
May 17. |
21. Petition of William Marsh, late captain of the Great Seahorse, to the same. Petitioner upon a reference from his Majesty
has attended almost six months for the payment of his wages, yet
can obtain no relief, whereby he is utterly disabled to maintain
himself and his family, and is constrained to neglect his calling.
Petitioner hoped to have received his wages upon Sir James Bagg's
coming up, but Sir James having been there now three weeks, in
which time the ship and goods might have been brought up, the
petitioner still remains unsatisfied. Prays for speedy satisfaction or
for the re-delivery of his commission that he may present it to the
King. [½ p.] |
May 17. Wallingford House. |
22. Minutes, by Nicholas, of business to be transacted by the
Lords of the Admiralty:—Determine appeal in the cause between
the Portugals and the Dutch: [Margin, "Put off till they have
considered of the validity of this appeal."] Minute of a letter to be
sent with the proclamations concerning mariners and carrying the
flag: [Margin, "Approved."] The Earl of Warwick's desire that
forty barrels of powder may be changed for Landguard: [Margin,
"This is ordered."] Letters from Officers of Navy and Sir John
Pennington: [Margin, "Dispatched."] Petition of Lady Button:
[Margin, "Referred."] Petitions of Bristol, Bulmer, and others:
[Margin, "Referred to Sir Henry Marten."] Divers businesses
touching saltpetre: [Margin, "Thursday next."] Lord Mohun's
letter: [Margin, "Mr. Sec. Windebank."] |
May 17. Wallingford House. |
Lords of the Admiralty to Officers of the Navy. The Earl of
Southampton's officers are making sale of a great quantity of oak
timber in his wood near Pharam [Fareham ?], Hants. The Officers
are to send a shipwright to mark such trees as are fit for the Navy,
and make certificate of their number and value. [Copy. Vol. cclxiv.,
fol. 13. ⅓ p.] |
May 17. Wallingford House. |
The same to Horace Lord Vere. It appears that in June 1628
there were returned from the fort at Tilbury into the Ordnance
Office two brass falcons, that there have been taken out of the
said fort two demi-culverins, two port pieces, and four chambers of
iron, being all unserviceable, and that the platforms in the said fort
are utterly decayed. Pray him to order the platforms to be repaired,
and the fort supplied with necessary ordnance and ammunition.
[Copy, Vol. cclxiv., fol 13 a. ½ p.] |
May 17. Whitehall. |
Order of the Lords of the Admiralty on petition of Margaret
Baxter, widow of Andrew Baxter, late captain of the Morning Star
of Dover. Petitioner prayed the Lords to call Sir John Hippisley
to account touching a ship employed to the Isle of Rhé, for transporting victuals. The Lords desire the Officers of the Navy to call
to them Sir John Hippisley and petitioner, to examine the truth of
the petition, and to certify to whose account the payment of this
charge belongs. [Ibib., fol. 13 a. ½ p.] |
May 17. Whitehall. |
Order of the same on petition of Capt. John Talbot, of the King's
blockhouse at West Tilbury. Petitioner prayed the Lords (among
other things) that a boat might be allowed for necessary occasions
incident to the fort. The Lords refer the same to the Officers of the
Navy to consider and certify. [Ibib., fol. 14 a. ¾ p.] |
May 17. |
23. See "Returns of Justices of Peace." |
May 18. |
24. Petition of Sir Philiberto Vernatti and John Battalion, of
Yardley, co. Herts, to the King. Battalion had about a dozen years
since been often admitted into the late King's presence, acquainting
him with the secret of making excellent saltpetre and powder, of which
also his Majesty has within these few days been likewise made
acquainted by Sir Philiberto. Pray the King to vouchsafe their personal attendance to acquaint him with the impediments of their due
proceeding, the chief being that his Majesty had granted a patent for
making of petre, out of the city excrements, to Thomas Russell, upon
a suggestion of his, that he would furnish the storehouses with 300
tons of petre every year, being seven or eight years since, yet never
served in any at all. Pray that Russell may be called before the
Council and demanded a good reason for the non-performance of his
covenants, and upon information that he cannot do it, his patent
may be disannulled and granted to petitioners. Underwritten, |
24. i. Reference to the Marquis of Hamilton and Sec. Windebank
to call Thomas Russell before them, and certify his Majesty
thereon. Greenwich, May 18, 1634. [In all 1 p.] |
May 18. |
25. Petition of Robert Earl of Lindsey, one of the undertakers for
draining fens in co. Lincoln, Edward Earl of Dorset, Sir John
Brooke, and other interested persons, to the same. His Majesty, by
letters to the Commissioners of Sewers for the level of fens in co.
Lincoln, appointed petitioners and others undertakers for draining
the same, but it is found that less than 30,000 acres will not suffice
to do the work. Because his Majesty has exempted out of petitioners'
undertaking the Eight Hundred Fen, being a third part of the whole,
the remainder will not yield the proportion of 30,000 acres. The
Eight Hundred Fen must of necessity be drained by the petitioners'
work, and yet, contrary to the law of sewers, reason and equity, will
not contribute to the charge thereof, but be contracted to a few
titulary men in name, to one in effect, who can contribute very little
to the advancement of the work. Beseech his Majesty to signify to
the Commissioners that the Eight Hundred Fen shall come into the
undertaking and contribute proportionably to petitioners' work,
notwithstanding the former exception, or otherwise to vouchsafe
petitioners a hearing, or to refer the examination of their desires to
the Lord Keeper, the Lord Privy Seal, the Earl Marshal, Lord
Cottington, or any other. Underwritten, |
25. i. Reference to the Lords above named, or to any three of
them. Greenwich, May 18, 1634. [In all 1¼ p.] |
May 18/28. Blois. |
26. Sir John Beaumont to [Sec. Windebank]. Thanks for his
good news of his Majesty's gracious care not to let the writer suffer
in his absence. Great expectation in France as to which way the
King [of France will] turn his army. Most are of opinion that he
will begin with Savoy, for the Great Cardinal told the Savoy Ambassador that his master's undutiful carriage would force the King
to treat him as he had done Lorraine. All things at Brussels are in
confusion. Monsieur having suspicion that the Queen-Mother would
detain him prisoner, went in a French boutade and disarmed her
servants in her house, upon which she demanded him prisoner of the
Marquis d'Aytona, who convented him to his presence; but he sent
one of his servants, M. Lannoy, who for his bold speech is imprisoned.
M. Puyloran keeps his chamber in fear. Some papers [being]
strewed about threatening him with another pistol, he sent a
challenge to the Duke d'Elboeuf, who refused it as from his inferior.
Windebank will easily imagine how le grand Cardinal smiles at
these proceedings, which all make on his side. The Spaniards are
much afraid, as being not yet prepared for any real defence, and
therefore their ambassador at Paris makes legs and gives good words.
[1 p.] |
May 18. |
27. See "Returns of Justices of Peace." |
May 19. Greenwich. |
Proclamation concerning tobacco. No tobacco thereafter imported
into England is to be landed at any other port than at that of
London, nor at any other place than at the Custom House Quay. All
planting of tobacco in England or Ireland is again strictly forbidden,
as also the bringing in of any seed of the same. The tobacco grown
in northern and moist climates is declared to be not only unwholesome for man's body, but to make fertile grounds for a long time
less fruitful. [Coll. Procs., Car. I., No. 177. 2 pp.] |
May 19. |
28. The King to Lord Treasurer Portland. Lewis Frarin being
desirous to import into England a rope of great round pearls, that
his Majesty may have the first view thereof, the Lord Treasurer is
to permit him to import the same without paying duty, and if the
same be not sold in this country to export the same in like manner.
[Minute. ½ p.] |
May 19. |
29. Petition of Roger Gregory the younger, of Stockwith, co.
Lincoln, to the King. Has been imprisoned in the county gaol one
year and upwards, partly for his own debts, but especially by being
surety for others. Cannot give present satisfaction, and his creditors
have no commiseration of his distress. Petitioner is in great hope
in a short time to pay them, if they would release him and give a
reasonable time for that purpose. Prays reference to Sir Philip
Tyrwhitt, Sir John Bolles, Sir William Thorold, Thomas Sanderson,
Willoughby Hickman, and John Estoft, Justices of Peace for the
same county, to call his creditors before them and compound some
charitable end for his relief. Underwritten, |
29. i. Reference to the persons above mentioned, to call the
creditors before them, and to endeavour to draw them to
some charitable composition. Greenwich, May 19, 1634.
[Petition and reference, ¾ p.] Annexed, |
29. ii. Sir William Thorold and Willoughby Hickman to the
King. In accordance with the above reference they called
before them John Bradley, executor of Sir Peter Chapman,
at whose suit Gregory has been imprisoned for a year and
"near hand" three-quarters, upon an execution for 200l.,
whereupon Bradley absolutely disclaimed therein and
acknowledged he never prosecuted any suit against
Gregory, nor was the same prosecuted by his consent or
privity. [1 p.] |
May 19. Barnstaple. |
30. Mayor and others of Barnstaple to the Council. The daily
complaints of many thousands of the poorer sort of people enforce
the writers to implore their direction, what course to take, for
by a general refusal of receiving farthings there is a distraction
amongst the poorer sort, and they brought into that miserable estate
as they cannot get bread, beer, or meat or other necessaries. They
receive little or no other money for their work, or for such commodities of low price as they have used to sell, but farthings, which has
brought their small stocks into that coin (silver being exceeding scarce
in the country) and now their farthings being refused, although
they would depart with them at half their value, they have neither
wherewith to set themselves on work nor for present relief. Pray
that some course may be taken for redress of this general grievance.
[Seal with arms. 1 p.] |
May 19. Yarmouth. |
31. Bailiffs of Yarmouth to the same. Capt. Derrickson in a Dunkirk man of war having chased a Hollander at sea, on Saturday the
10th inst., pursued her into the harbour of Yarmouth, boarded her
and took away her boat with some of the company's clothes and
moneys. The Dunkirkers afterwards shot at the Hollander, being still
in the haven, with ordnance and muskets, whereupon the Hollanders
got ashore on the piers at the haven's mouth and shot at the Dunkirker. During the fight the Dunkirkers were called unto by some
of the town to desist, but they continued their furious assault and
killed a Hollander who was on the pier. The writers then ordered
the gunner of the town to shoot two pieces of ordnance at them
from the town, which they scoffed at. The writers then sent the
marshal and others to command them in his Majesty's name to desist
and begone, but they answered with unseemly gestures and scorn.
The writers then sent down a drum and musketeers, whom when
the Dunkirkers espied, they went their way, and next day encountered two Holland men-of-war, who chased them on shore against
Lowestoft. Then there came an Englishman from Hull and complained that these Dunkirkers had taken a hoy laden at Hull for
Hamburgh, whereupon the writers sent out hue and cry after them,
when the captain, the master (the Scrivano as they call him), and
two boys were apprehended, and are now in Yarmouth gaol, waiting
the Lords' orders for disposing of them. On the 16th six men of
Capt. Norman of Dunkirk brought in there a fly-boat, a prize, which
they sold to some of that town for 160l. Pray to be informed
whether such sales are lawful or not. [1 p.] Indorsed. |
31. Reference to the Lords of the Admiralty to consider this
letter and give order therein. Star Chamber. June 18,
1634. [Unsigned. 4 lines.] |
May 19. Taunton. |
32. Mayor and others of Taunton to the Council. Of late such
extraordinary quantities of farthings, of several sorts, are brought
into the county of Somerset, and into their town especially, that the
poorer sort of people, as weavers, and all day labourers, are constrained
to receive their wages, or the greatest part thereof, in farthings; and
now a general rumour being raised, that the greatest part of the
said farthings shall not hereafter be allowed current, being suspected
to be brought into this kingdom by some indirect means, all sorts of
people are ready to deny the receipt of any farthings. By means
whereof, the poor people are not able to provide themselves with
necessaries for their livelihood, so that on several market days, and
especially on Saturday last, a great tumult was like to have been
made. The poor people are like to perish unless some speedy course
be taken for their relief. The writers desire directions. [Seal with
arms. 1 p.] |
May 19. Taunton. |
33. Mayor and another of Taunton to the same. According to
the proclamation lately published [see 18th February 1632—33]
the writers certify that William Lantroe of that town, vintner, sells
his wines at unreasonable prices, contrary to the said proclamation;
viz., Gascony of all sorts 8d. the quart, Sack, and wines of Malaga,
12d. per quart, Alicant 20d. per quart, and some other wines 2s per
quart, yet are none of those wines carried 30 miles by land and
many not above eight. [Seal with arms. ¾ p.] |
May 19. Whitehall. |
Lords of the Admiralty to the Mayor and Aldermen of Southampton. Have been made acquainted with their letter to the
Lord Treasurer [see Vol. cclxvii., No. 81] advertising the stay of
Esay Whittiffe, shipwright, and Alexander Crocker, ship-carver.
Thank them for the discharge of their duty. Have sent a messenger
for the offenders. Pray them to send the name of the English
shipwright who sent the letter to inveigle Whittiffe, and to prevent his wife and children from leaving the kingdom. [Copy.
Vol. cclxiv., fol. 14. ½ p.] |
May 19. Whitehall. |
Lords of the Admiralty to a messenger not named. Warrant
to fetch up the before-mentioned Whittiffe and Crocker. [Copy.
Vol. cclxiv., fol. 14 a. ⅓ p.] |
May 19. Whitehall. |
34. The same to Sir Thomas Southwell, Vice-Admiral of Yar
mouth. Complaint is made by the Resident of the King of Spain,
that a frigate of Dunkirk, whereof one Mallean is captain, being
for safety put ashore at a village near Yarmouth, has been assaulted
by two men-of-war of Holland, and carried away and made prize
of. Request him to inquire and certify the truth. [Copy. 1 p.] |
May 19. |
Another copy of the same. [Vol. cclxiv., fol 14 a. ½ p.] |
May 19. |
The same to the Officers of the Navy Send copy petition of
Lady Button, widow of Sir Thomas Button, to the King. [See
Vol. cclxvii., No 54.] Pray them to consider such part thereof as
relates to sea-service or to the Office of the Navy, and to certify
what sums of money were in arrear to Sir Thomas at the time of his
death, and for what services the same were due. [Copy. ¼ p.] |
May 19. |
35. Petition of Robert Powlett, sometime customer of Bridgewater
and Minehead, to the Lords of the Admiralty. Petitioner has a
long time sued for reparation concerning the unsupportable losses
which more than three years since he sustained by the manifest
piracy of certain Dutch of Rotterdam, as also by the open injustice
of that Admiralty, before whom the petitioner's grievances have been
often debated and taken into consideration. Forasmuch as petitioner's losses happened in a service designed for the benefit of his
Majesty's customs, as also for safe convoying merchants who in the
last war traded from Minehead to Ireland, his Majesty has written
several letters in favour of petitioner to the States General, nevertheless it has since been made appear that petitioner has no hope of satisfaction by any further prosecution in the Netherlands, and that it
only remains that petitioner should be repaired by an act of State
here. Prays relief, there being no one who has suffered so much by
the Dutch as he has, and that his grievances may not be annexed to
those of divers others who are now also suitors for reparation
concerning their losses by the Dutch. [¾ p.] |
May 19. |
36. Petition of William Drake, late collector of tenths of prize
goods brought into Bristol for three years and a half, to the same.
Has been at very great charge in his collection, there being only
allowed him five per cent. on the net money arising from goods
by him sold, and petitioner is now besides former expenses at great
costs in preparing the declaration of his account with three or four
duplicates. In consideration whereof, and that he now tenders his
account for final passing, and has paid in all money collected excepting 24l. 13s., he prays the Lords to allow him towards his
extraordinary expenses the said sum of 24l. 13s. [¾ p.] |
May 19. |
37. See "Papers relating to Appointments in the Navy." |
May 19. New College. Oxford. |
38. Thomas Read to his uncle, Sec. Windebank. Knows that
not the shortness of letters but their rarity is most displeasing to
him, he therefore writes although so oppressed by private and
public business that he is scarcely able to do so. Latin. [Seal with
arms. ¾ p.] |
May 19. |
39. Receipt of Dr. Richard Baylie for 68l. 5s. 1d., being the sum
of three payments made by Dr. Duppa for Archbishop Laud, towards
his buildings at St. John's College, Oxford. [¼ p.] |
May 20. |
40. Sir William Becher and Thomas Meautys to the Council. According to their reference of the 7th inst., they certify the result of
an examination of certain accounts in relation, as appears by the
indorsement, to a difference between Robert Morecroft and Richard
Whyte and Robert Marshall, all aldermen of Lincoln. [1 p.]
Annexed, |
40. i. Copy certificate of certain Commissioners of a request of
Morecroft and his refusal to render accounts demanded
upon certain conditions. The dispute related to payments made on account of some work in connection with
the River Foss. [1 p.] |
May 20. The Unicorn, in the Downs. |
41. Sir John Pennington to the Lords of the Admiralty. On
Saturday the 17th, at four o'clock in the morning, he sent away
the Garland and the two Whelps to the westward to scour the
coast, understanding the day before that there were two small Turks
men-of-war which lay off and on between the Land's End and
Scilly whom he hopes they will meet with. Was sorry that his ship
would not omit [permit ?] his going with them. The wind hangs
so far northerly, and blows a fresh gale, that he cannot get about
the North Foreland to be coming up. He has put her to it, but
she stoops so with a little wind that he can do no good upon it,
but must attend a fair wind. [1 p.] |
May 20. Admiral Office. |
42. Thomas Wyan to Nicholas. Some deputies of Mr. Murray,
who has a grant of concealed prizal goods, desire a sight of judgments passed in the Admiralty concerning such goods, with the
inventories and appraisements. Remembers that he heard Nicholas
once say that the Lords willed Nicholas to take an abstract of that
grant, that consideration might be had, whether it trenched upon
the jurisdiction of the Admiralty. Not knowing what Nicholas had
done therein, the writer forbears to let them see any of their records
until he understands from Nicholas what the Lords' opinion is of
that grant. It seems strange that Admiralty droits should be
inquired after by the authority of the Exchequer. [Nicholas has
indorsed, "The Lords' directions upon this, vide 22° Maii 1634."
1 p.] |
May 20. |
43–4. See "Returns of Justices of Peace." |
May 20. |
45. Account of sums received towards repair of St. Paul's, and
also for procurations, on a visitation of the Archbishop's peculiars at
Bow Church. Total of collection for St. Paul's, 11l. 13s. 4d., of sum
for procurations, 4l. 11s. 6d. By subsequent additions it appears
that the same sum was received for procurations in 1635. [¾ p.] |
May 21. Greenwich. |
46. The King to Francis Lord Cottington and the rest of the
Commissioners for the Fleet Prison. Having been informed of
many misdemeanors committed by the warden of the Fleet, the
King has granted a commission to divers men of quality to examine
into the truth thereof. Directs the Commissioners to appoint Philip
Smith to be clerk and solicitor to the said commission. [1 p.] |
May 21. Mincing Lane. |
47. Kenrick Edisbury to Nicholas. The Officers of the Navy had
sent for the Masters of the Shipwrights' Hall, and Trinity House,
and questioned them about their certificate, approving the James
and the Unicorn for very able and good men-of-war, seeing the
Unicorn proves altogether unserviceable. Their answer was, that
some of them were of opinion that she would prove tender-sided, but
rather than disgrace any workman, they put their hands, hoping the
ships might prove well. The Officers not being satisfied with this
answer desired their reasons in writing, which they have promised
next week. In the meantime, the writer has been advised to procure
order for the Officers to survey the ship at her coming to Gillingham,
and to examine the cause of those defects, and deliver their opinions
how to reduce her to an able man-of-war, wherein if there be a
branch to reprehend those masters for the fault they committed, it
will make them more wise hereafter how to abuse a State for any
private respect whatsoever. Prays Nicholas to move the Lord
Treasurer and Mr. Chancellor [of the Exchequer] for a warrant to
take a survey., The bruits of this disaster have spread far, and
some make great doubt how the Charles will prove. [1 p.] |
May 21/31. Paris. |
48. Philip Warwick to Robert Reade. His last letter makes
manifest his old affection and his new language. The writer returns
thanks in the same language. French. [Seal with arms. ¾ p.] |
May 22. Whitehall. |
Notes, by Nicholas, of business to be transacted by the Lords of
the Admiralty. Amongst other things,—to give directions upon
Mr. Wyan's letter touching Mr. Murray's patent: [Margin, "A copy
of this to be brought in, and tell them nothing to be shewed."]
Mr. Edisbury desires warrant for survey of defects of the Unicorn:
[Margin, "Fiat."] Bulmer's bond: [Interlined, "Read and approved."] John Williams's petition: [Interlined, "Granted."]
Letter from Sir John Pennington: [Margin, "Read."] Order
touching directions when other ships are to be built for the
King: [Margin, "Read and approved."] [See present Vol., No. 22.
¾ p.] |
May 22. Whitehall. |
Lords of the Admiralty to Sir Henry Marten. Send copy petition
of Mayor of Bristol to the King, referred to them, and by them to
the Attorney General. Desire him to consider the petition and
report of the Attorney, and certify what is fit to be done. [Copy.
Vol. cclxiv., fol. 15. ¼ p.] |
May 22. Whitehall. |
Lords of the Admiralty to Horace Lord Vere. The Earl of Warwick has caused forty barrels of unserviceable gunpowder to be
delivered to the Tower, which were formerly issued for Landguard
Fort, Suffolk. Pray him to order the exchange of the same for
serviceable powder. [Copy. Vol. cclxiv., fol. 15 a. ¼ p.] |
May 22. Whitehall. |
The same to the same. Warrant to survey the remains of
ordnance and ammunition in Calshot Castle, co. Hants, to receive
account from the captain how the provisions have been expended,
and to supply the gunner's stores required. [Copy. Ibid., fol. 15 a.
½p.] |
May 22. Whitehall. |
The same to Lord Treasurer Portland. Send two proclamations,
one for calling home mariners, the other respecting flags. Pray him
to take order that the same be published at all ports within his
vice-admiralty. [Copy. Ibid., fol. 15 a. ⅓ p.] |
May 22. Whitehall. |
The same to Sir Edward St. Maur and Sir James Bagg. Similar
letter. [Copy. Ibid., fol. 16. ⅓ p.] |
May 22. |
Minutes of similar letters sent to Viscount Chichester, Earls of
Warwick, Pembroke, Mulgrave, Nottingham, and Suffolk, the Lord
Deputy and Lord Chancellor of Ireland, Sir Thomas Walsingham,
Sir Lionel Tollemache, Sir Thomas Southwell, Sir Edward Rodney,
Francis Bassett, and John Griffiths. [Ibid., fol. 16. ¼ p.] |
May 22. |
49. Petition of William Burrowes, one of the deputies for making
saltpetre, to the Lords of the Admiralty. Petitioner has for many
years been deputy in cos. Nottingham, Leicester, Stafford, and
Derby, and has ever faithfully demeaned himself, and delivered a fuller
proportion of saltpetre than ever was raised out of those counties,
until by the last commission he was restrained from most part of the
ground fit for the same. He has always in the summer time performed this service, but in the winter he could not by reason all
men have their barns filled with corn, so that he could not dig for
saltpetre therein, and most of the dove-houses in those counties are
lofts built from the ground, which, in other counties, afford much
petre; of late also two potash works have been set up on either side
of him, that ashes are not to be had but at double rates. In consideration of these hindrances, and as he has near such a quantity
ready to come into his Majesty's store as will supply his past defects,
he prays to be granted better assistance by the new commission than
he had by the last. [1 p.] |
May 22. |
50. Petition of Robert Smyth to the same. They conferred the
office of Marshal and Water Bailiff of the Admiralty of Ireland on
petitioner in the place of William Ellsworth, deceased, to which
purpose he passed his patent under the Admiralty seal the 1st June
last. But the Lord Chancellor [of Ireland] pretends that petitioner's
patent will not carry both Marshal and Water Bailiff's office,
although it is granted in the very express words that Ellsworth held
them by, viz., Officium Marescalli et servientis ad clavam. Further,
his lordship assumes to himself the gift of that place, as he is ViceAdmiral of Leinster, when in truth it is exempted out of his grant.
Beseeches the Lords to refer the consideration of his petition to
Sir Henry Marten. [½ p.] |
May 22. |
51. Petition of Edward Alchorne, of the Inner Temple, to the Lords
of the Admiralty. Petitioner travelling between Gravesend and
Rochester was assaulted by William Boreman and John Cheeseman,
the one with a staff, the other with a sword, who so wounded him
that he lay a long time in danger of his life, and lost the use of his
left hand. Having spent much in surgery for recovery of health, he
commenced a suit against the offenders, and obtained a verdict.
Since which Boreman and Cheeseman have petitioned for relief,
pretending to be servants in the Navy, who are indeed but hired
workmen, upon which petitioner was summoned to appear, who
appeared without compulsion, although defendants to do petitioner
disgrace kept the messenger longer in the country than needed, and
upon the Sabbath Day went to the church with the messenger and
divers others to apprehend petitioner coming from the communion,
but missing him there, went to his house with all that company on
purpose to disgrace him, sending for his neighbours to take notice
thereof. Prays leave to proceed in a legal course for satisfaction of
his great loss, and that he may be discharged from the messenger.
[1 p.] |
May 22. Blackwell Hall. |
52. Capt. Philip Skippon to Sec. Windebank. Prays Windebank
to procure him a pass to the Netherlands for himself, his man, and
twelve men besides. [½ p.] |
May 22. Deptford. |
53. Henry Lord Maltravers and three others [of the Lord
Treasurer's Association for Fishing] to Nicholas. Desire him to
procure certificates from Commissioners for the Royal Fishing of
Great Britain and Ireland for the agents of the writers who shall
be employed at the Isle of Lewis, the main of Scotland, in Ireland,
or elsewhere, and for their ships and masters, whose names shall be
delivered to him by their accountant Thomas Eyre. [¾ p.] |
May 23. |
54. Petition of Sir John Lambe to the King. John Waldram
died about nine years since, seised of lands in co. Leicester holden
of his Majesty in chief by knight service, leaving his son and heir
above age. An office was found, and the King entitled to livery and
primer seisin. The heir going over to Ireland about three years
since left one in trust to sue out his livery, who neglected, whereby
the mesne rates became forfeited to the King, for which William
Lucas petitioned to compound and a survey was made by one Bent,
sequestered feodary of that county, who, to please Lucas surveyed
the same at a higher rate than any former survey of the like nature.
Petitioner, being a purchaser of the same, complained of the
immoderate survey to the Court of Wards, and direction was given
for a new survey, but through the violent carriage of Lucas,
petitioner cannot obtain the same. Prays order to the Court of Wards
for petitioner's relief. [Sir John Lambe has indorsed that this
petition was "answered by reference, 23 Maij 1634." 1 p.] |
May 23. |
55. Memorandum and promise of Edward Reade. Thomas
Witherings had been ordered to pay 1,000l. to the Earl of Arundel,
whereupon the sequestration of the profits of the place of postmaster for foreign parts granted to Matthew de Quester was to
be dissolved, and the place settled upon Witherings. The 1,000l.
having been left by Witherings, by direction of Sec. Coke, in the
hands of Edward Reade, he promised not to pay over the same to
the Earl until the sequestration was dissolved and the place
settled upon Witherings. [1¼ p.] |
May 23. Hamburgh. |
56. John Durie to Sir Thomas Roe. Came soon enough to
Hamburgh. Sir Robert Anstruther's commission to the Diet was
brought yesterday by Mr. Hurst, so they are to take their journey
next week. Going to Frankfort shall have occasion to meet with
many of the Lutherans. Rumours of German military movements.
[Damaged. 1 p.] |
May 23. |
57. Copy of the same. [3 pp.] |
May 24. |
58. Petition of Thomas Reynolds, a secular priest, to the Queen.
Has been more than five years in Newgate, where by the
unwholesomeness of the air, the strictness of imprisonment, and his
great age, he is fallen into many dangerous infirmities. Prays her to
move the King to liberate him. [½ p.] Annexed, |
58. i. Certificate of Robert Lloyd, Thomas Cademan and three
others, doctors, that petitioner is affected with sciatica,
colic, defluxion of rheum, and the stone. He is 58 years
of age. [¾ p.] |
May 24. Trinity House, Ratcliff. |
59. Master, Wardens and Assistants of the Trinity House to the
Council. Have considered the petition of Sir Richard Brooke
[Vol. cclxv., No. 40], and after consultation with divers masters
and shipwrights of Ipswich conceive, that the erecting of a quay
and making a dry dock at Dunham Bridge near Ipswich will be
very beneficial for the navigation of those parts, and generally for
the good of the commonwealth. [Seal with arms. 1 p.] |
May 24. |
60. See "Returns of Justices of Peace." |
May 24. Whitehall. |
Lords of the Admiralty to the Officers of the Navy. To repair
aboard the Unicorn on her arrival at Gillingham, and before any
of the furniture or provisions be taken out to search for her defects,
and the causes thereof, and consider what alterations are requisite
for the amendment of the same. [Copy. Vol. cclxiv., fol. 16. ½ p.] |
May 24. The Unicorn, at Gillingham. |
61. Sir John Pennington to the Lords of the Admiralty. Has
arrived with the Unicorn at Gillingham, and on Monday purposes
to shift the men, victuals, and ordnance into the Charles if she be
ready. Hopes by the end of next week to set sail again for the
Downs. [1 p.] |
May 24. |
62. Declaration of the Governor, Assistants, and Fellowship of
Eastland Merchants to Sec. Coke. State the circumstances under
which a law was made in Poland that no foreign cloth should be
vented unless first sealed by the city of Dantzic, letters thereon
between the King of Poland and his Majesty, and the sending over
Theophilus Eaton by petitioners as the commissioner to settle their
affairs. Further state the failure of his negotiation by the refusal
of the hundred men or common council of Dantzic to confirm what
the Senate and Gericht of that place had agreed to. Their trade
will more and more decay if means be not used to repeal the Act
for sealing cloth, which the Danskers got indirectly and will not use
with moderation. [¾ p.] |
May 24. |
63. Bishop Morton, of Durham, in the name of the Commissioners
for Causes Ecclesiastical in that diocese, to Sec. Windebank.
Returns account of the process against Robert Brandling, for adulteries, incest, and impious profanations, especially in vilifying the
order of ministers, and using violence against their persons; and
at one time locking the church door and impounding the archdeacon's official and clergy, in the time of his exercise of his Ecclesiastical jurisdiction: and all this done, not upon provocation or
hope of any benefit, but merely in a scurrilous malignity, long
habited in him, wherein he has shown himself insolent beyond all
others. For these causes, as also for his refusal to answer articles,
and his escape out of prison, the Commissioners imposed upon him,
first 520l.; after, they added upon intimation, after his non-appearance, 500l. more; and after that, added upon the like intimation, four
times 500l., but all these in terrorem. At last they gave him his
heaviest load, by censuring him in 3,000l., reserving themselves notwithstanding until the day of mitigation yet to come for an exact
sum, to be certified into their exchequer, which, in the intendment
of some was to be 4,500l., and not of any above 5,000l. All which
they refer to his Majesty, whether to mitigate or exact, being all
suppliants to his Majesty, to intrust them with the disposal of some
competent proportion of this fine in pios usus, which the desperate desolation of divers churches in Northumberland and other
spiritual occasions do beg of his Majesty. [Seal with arms. 1 p.] |
May 24. |
64. Note [by Kenrick Edisbury] of the ancient salary paid to the
principal Officers of the Navy, and the subordinate ministers under
them, since the first institution, and the total now granted to every
one of them. All the salaries had been increased, and some of them
very considerably, (the Treasurer of the Navy from 270l. 13s. 4d.
to 645l. 13s. 4d.) except the Comptroller, Surveyor, and Clerk of
the Navy, who remained at their ancient fees of 155l. 6s. 8d.,
145l. 6s. 8d., and 100l. 3s. 4d. [1½ p.] |
May 24. |
65. Reasons [by the same] for an increase of salary to the
Surveyor of the Navy. The principal reasons are the withdrawal
of perquisites worth 174l. 2s. 3½d. per annum, and the decrease in
the value of money since the institution of the office by King
Henry VIII., which is estimated thus:—then 20s. was the full
weight of a pound sterling, whereas now 3l. sterling is but a pound
weight, and consequently all manner of expenses have risen to the
like excess. [1¾ p.] |
May 24. London. |
66. Statement by Sir John Heydon, of the account of his late
brother, Sir William Heydon, treasurer of the auxiliary forces
sent to the Palatinate, which makes a balance due to Sir William's
estate of 1,362l. 1s. 8d. [2 pp.] |
May 28. |
67. See "Papers relating to Appointments in the Navy." |
May 26. Over against Mount's [?] Bay. |
68. Capt. Thomas Ketelby to Sir John Pennington, gentleman of
the privy chamber and admiral of the fleet in the Narrow Seas.
The fourth day after they set sail from the Downs they got so high
as Falmouth, notwithstanding he sent his pinnace into Dartmouth
and Plymouth for intelligence, where a great rumour of Turks and
pirates about the Land's End made all men afraid to go to sea.
The fifth day, being Thursday, he met in Mount's Bay with a
Falmouth man, who, that morning, coming about the Land's End,
was pillaged by two Biscay men-of-war. The next day, Friday, the
23d inst., the wind at south-west, but foggy thick weather, they
plied off and on the Land's End, and so likewise the 24th; that
night stood close in for Scilly, and on Sunday morning at daybreak sent his boat to the captain of the castle, from whom he
understood three weeks before their coming there, eight or nine
Turks were there seen for certain days together always chasing
such as they could see, so as their fishing boats could not go to sea.
That these were Turks the captain conceived, for that the fishingboats brought in a French bark, come from Ireland, with rape seed,
all the men, sails, cables, and anchors taken away; and likewise five
days before the writer's coming, a French hull had chased in a
west country ship (which she also conceived to be a Turk), and on
Wednesday last there were two Flemish pinks under the island,
which, in all probability, were the same which pillaged the Falmouth man; two other small Biscayners of fourteen or fifteen tons
a-piece have been hereabout pilfering, which, with the rumour of
the Turks have put these parts in a mighty fear and uproar, but the
writer plies there and searches all likely places, but sees nor
hears of any thing more. Purposes to ply up and down, and if he
find no cause longer to detain him will look into Plymouth for
further directions, and if none, he shall return for the Lizard and
Land's End for eight or nine days more, and then look into Plymouth
and again return as before, till he receives order to the contrary,
and that in regard of the great fear of the people in those parts.
[Seal with arms. 1 p.] |
May 26. |
69. Philip Pinckney to Nicholas. Hopes Nicholas has received
his children in safety with these lines. States John's progress in
Latin. [1¾ pp.] |
May 27. Henley Park. |
70. [Arthur Squibb] to Robert Tirwhitt. Has been lately at the
Holt, where he met with one of the verderers, all the keepers
and divers of the regarders. They had conference of many things
amiss in the Forest. On Thursday he is to meet Sir Walter Tichborne, about examination of those deer stealers whom they suspected
heretofore. There are two businesses of special consequence that
must be presently put in execution. There has been a great fall of
trees in the Holt for building ships for his Majesty this year
past, and last summer there was proclamation made for all the
country to come in and buy lops and tops in the fawning time, and
by the multitude of disorderly people that came under that colour,
all the fawns for the most part were destroyed, and many of the old
deer stolen and feared away. The Commissioners have resolved to
proclaim the sale of the lops and tops of trees now felled, which
will be in the principal time of fawning, and if Tirwhitt does not
prevent it, he must look to the utter decay of the game, not to be
raised again in seven years. Recommends him to acquaint Lord
Cottington that the freeholders (who are fit to have some respect
more than strangers) and the keepers, will buy all the lops and tops
at such rates as they sell to strangers, and will take such reasonable time for fetching them away as shall no ways annoy the
game, and to get Lord Cottington's letter to the Commissioners for
that purpose, or otherwise his warrant for staying their proclamation for sale till fawning time be passed. [Signature and
small part of the letter torn off. Seal with arms. 1 p.] |
May 28. Whitehall. |
Lords of the Admiralty to the Officers of the Navy. The two
ships building at Deptford and Woolwich are in a good state
of forwardness. Conceive it fit that they should be surveyed
before their decks are laid, that their defects (if any) may be discovered. The officers with the masters attendant, master shipwrights, the ablest brethren of the Trinity House and of the Shipwrights' Company are to survey the same accordingly and deliver
their opinions freely. [Copy. Vol. cclxiv., fol. 16a. ¾ p.] |
May 28. |
The same to the same. The Unicorn having come into Gillingham,
they are to shift and turn over the men, ordnance, and stores of the
same to the Charles without staying to make any survey, notwithstanding the letter of the Lords of the 24 inst. [In the margin
is written "This letter was not sent because the survey was past
before it was full signed." Ibid., fol. 17. ⅓ p.] |
May 28. |
The same to Sir George St. George. Enclose proclamations for
calling home mariners and respecting flags, to be published. [Copy.
Ibid., fol. 16 a. ⅓ p.] |
May 28. |
The same to the Earl of Derby. Similar letter. [Copy. Ibid.,
fol. 17. ⅓ p.] |
May 28. |
Minute of a similar letter to the Earl of Lindsey, Vice-Admiral
of co. Lincoln. [Ibid., fol. 17. 2 lines.] |
May 28. Southampton. |
71. Mayor and others of Southampton to Lords of the Admiralty.
Reply to their letters of the 19th inst. touching Esay Whittiffe and
Alexander Crocker. The name of the English shipwright who
sent the letter to inveigle Whittiffe is Robert Newman, who whilst
in England inhabited in the Isle of Wight. Have delivered
Whittiffe and Crocker to the messenger. [1 p.] |
May 28 |
72. William Hunton to his brother Nicholas. Hopes neither he
nor the writer's brother Jay will be offended if the writer sell the
sheep-house and some old trees on the hill at Bushton. Complains
of great poverty, he and his wife have been near selling themselves
to put bread (according to the common phrase) into their own and
their children's mouths. [1 p.] |
May 29. |
73. Mayor and others of Exeter to the Council. In obedience to
their letter touching the merchants' affairs in France and the disturbance of trade there, whereby they were required to send up
some persons instructed to proceed in the settling thereof, they have
made choice of the bearers, Christopher Brodridge and Thomas
Knott, two merchants of that city, for that purpose. [Damaged
seal with arms. ¾ p.] |
May 29. |
74. Lord Treasurer Portland to Sec. Windebank. Received even
now from Sec. Coke a command to attend the King after dinner.
The letter was dated yesterday, but came to his hands about nine
o'clock this morning, after he had taken some physic, having been
ill most part of this night. The reason why he tells Windebank
of this is, Sec. Coke told the writer a short discourse of what
passed between Coke and the Polish minister. The writer told
Coke he liked no part of it, at the least (wishing so well to the
business as he does) he thought it all untimely yet, that is, the communicating it with the French; the treaty of peace for the Swedes.
The sending ambassadors for that purpose might advance other ends
and hinder this, when, if they be resolved to go together, they may
bring forth great effects. This is his conceit, which he beseeches
Windebank to present to his Majesty, and his excuse of not
attending through the fault of the messenger, whom he hopes Sec.
Coke will lay by the heels. The writer's heart is set upon this, and
he would willingly have heard what could be said in it before the
dispatch had been made. Windebank "must not be known of this
letter" to any but his Majesty. [Indorsed by Windebank as received
at Lambeth. Seal with arms. 1 p.] |
May 29. |
75. Sir Thomas Brereton and nine other gentlemen of co. Chester
to Sec. Coke. There have been [writs of] justicies granted out of
the Exchequer at Chester to all inhabitants in that county palatine
(whereof the memory of man is not to the contrary) for trial of
actions above 40s. in the County Court or Sheriff's Court, (as is
usual in other counties to take out such writs out of the Chancery of
England,) until of late, by reason of some untrue surmises, there is an
order made that the justicies shall not be granted unless the plaintiff
make oath that the defendant will remove his goods forth of the
county, by which order the inhabitants of that county are debarred
recovery of their debts in a more speedy manner and with less
charge than in any other of his Majesty's courts. It is for the public
good to have justicies as formerly granted, and the exacting of
such an oath is contrary to the usage in other counties, wherefore
they desire redress. [Seal with arms. 1 p.] |
May 29. |
76. See "Returns of Justices of Peace." |
May 30. |
77. Petition of John Wells, storekeeper of the Navy, to the Lords
of the Admiralty. By their order the Officers of the Navy have
directed their warrant to petitioner and Edward Falkener, clerk of
the check at Deptford, requiring that such clerk should—1st, Keep
counter books with the storekeeper; 2d, that he should make out all
bills for provisions received; and 3d, that he should keep the keys of
the timber yards at Deptford, where the stores are laid. Petitioner
complains of various irregularities and inaccuracies in the bills made
out by the clerk of the check, for which petitioner is liable, and offers
to show that from the 1st Edward VI. bills were signed by the
officers and storekeeper without the clerk of the check: wherefore
he prays that the bills may be made out again as was done by his
predecessors, and the rather because the clerk of the check has
assumed power to receive and issue provisions without the privity
of the storekeeper. Prays also that for his security the key of the
storehouse may be delivered back into his custody. [1 p.] Annexed, |
77. i. Reference to Officers of the Navy to certify what has been
the ancient order observed in these businesses, and upon
what consideration it has been altered. Whitehall,
19th June 1634. [½ p.] |
77. ii. Order of Officers of the Navy, that Mr. Falkener should
peruse the above petition and give an answer on 2d July.
26th June 1634. [¼ p.] |
May 30. |
78. See "Papers relating to Appointments of Navy." |
May 30. Whitehall. |
Lords of the Admiralty to Sir John Pennington. Having
appointed him Captain of the Charles and Admiral of the Fleet
employed in the Narrow Seas, he is to assume the command of the
said ship accordingly. [Copy. Vol. cclxiv., fol. 17 a. ½ p.] |
May 30. The Garland. |
79. [Capt. Thomas Ketelby] to Nicholas. Recapitulates the
contents of his letter of the 26th inst. [see this present Vol., No. 68.]
to his Admiral, Pennington. He is just with the Whelps come to
an anchor in Plymouth Sound, to water, wash, and ballast the ships,
and see for any order. If no order, shall return to the west again,
in regard of the much fear the people have to send their ships to sea,
and once in seven or eight days shall look back to Plymouth till he
receives further directions. [Signature cut or worn off. 1 p.] |
May 30. |
80. Propositions of Lord Chief Justice Heath for reconciling the
differences concerning the ballast shore erected at South Shields.
The erection in question was objected to by the town of Newcastleupon-Tyne as calculated to draw trade from Newcastle and encourage
building at South Shields and other places along the River Tyne.
The Lord Chief Justice proposed a variety of restrictive regulations
by way of allaying the fears of the town of Newcastle. [Indorsed
with the assigned date by Sec. Windebank. 1 p.] |
May 30. |
81. Copy of the same. [Indorsed "1 June 1634," by Sec. Coke.] |
May 30. |
82. Answer of John Wells, storekeeper of the Navy, to the
examination of Thomas Tuke, of Deptford, ropemaker, concerning
the sale of certain old junk sold out of the stores at Deptford. Wells
admits the sales deposed to by Tuke, with certain others, all which
were under warrants from the Officers of the Navy. The sum produced was 46l. 5s. 9d., which Wells, notwithstanding his poverty,
his wages having been unpaid these fourteen years and a half, did
not strike off from the sum due to him, but accounted for the same
to the Treasurer of the Navy and received his discharge. [1 p.]
Annexed, |
82. i. Copy deposition of Thomas Tuke above mentioned. [¾ p.] |
May 31. |
83. The Council to the Mayor of Oxford. By former letters
directions were given to demolish certain houses lately erected upon
Magdalen Bridge. They have been informed by the Earl of Berks
that these directions have been obeyed, but that the owners desire
recompense. The mayor is to take order that the city restore whatsoever benefit it has received on that behalf, to be divided among
the owners, and if that be not sufficient, to make up the rest out of
the profits of the next assignment of the lease which was made by
Dr. Saunders. [Copy. ½ p.] |
May 31. |
Order of the Lords of the Admiralty upon the petition of
William Boreman and John Cheeseman, ship carpenters. Petitioners
claimed privilege against Edward Alchorne as being in the King's
service. The Lords ordered that Boreman and Cheeseman paying
what was due to Alchorne for damages and costs he should release
them from any further actions, and that Alchorne should pay onehalf the messenger's fees and Boreman and Cheeseman the other
half. [Copy. Vol. cclxiv., fol. 17a. 1¼ p.] |
May 31. |
84. Draft of the same. |
May 31. Whitehall. |
85. Lords of the Admiralty to Sir John Pennington. He is to
follow the same instructions in the Charles as were previously given
him in the Unicorn. Have advertisement that divers Turkish
men-of-war and pirates ply near Scilly and Ushant. He is to take
care that those parts be carefully ranged so that such sea-rovers may
be apprehended. [1 p.] |
May 31. Whitehall. |
Copy of the same. [Vol. cclxiv., fol. 18. ¾ p.] |
May 31. Whitehall. |
The same to Capt. Thomas Ketelby. Have lately received
complaints out of the west country of divers outrages lately
committed in those parts by Turks and pirates, insomuch as the
poor fishermen dare not put to sea, and the inhabitants are afraid of
being taken in the night out of their houses. Further understand,
that Ketelby being on the 17th May sent by Sir John Pennington,
with the Garland and two Lion's Whelps, to scour the western
coast and to suppress the Turks that lay between the Land's End
and Scilly, he has neglected that important service, and spent his
time in putting into Plymouth Sound and other Roads. He is to
hasten and scour the western parts, especially between Ushant, the
Land's End, and Scilly. [Copy. Vol. cclxiv., fol. 18a. ¾ p.] |
May 31. Whitehall. |
The Lords of the Admiralty to [Horace Lord Vere]. On certificate from the Trinity House, pray him to give order that the
ship London Merchant of London (having already twenty pieces
of cast-iron ordnance) may purchase two whole culverins, two
demi-culverins, and two sakers. [Copy. Ibid., fol. 19. ½ p.] |
May 31. |
Entry on the Admiralty Register of appearance of Esay Whittiffe
and Alexander Crocker. They are to remain in the messenger's
custody. [Ibid., fol. 19a. ⅓ p.] |
[May 31 ?] |
86. Petition of Esay Whittiffe, shipwright of Southampton, to
the Lords of the Admiralty. After receipt of a letter [Vol. cclxvii.,
No. 81. i.] that he should be well entertained if he would come over
to France for repairing the upperwork of a ship, petitioner being in
great distress besought the Mayor and Aldermen of Southampton to
take some course for his relief, or grant him leave to get his living
where he could, to which they condescended, and petitioner thereupon published the said letter to divers in the town. The mayor
and aldermen having notice thereof, committed petitioner to prison,
kept him there 16 days, and then accepted his bond of 200l. that
he should not go. Notwithstanding such security, a messenger
has been sent to fetch him. Has thus been molested out of the
evil will of adversaries. He never intended to go to France in
respect of his inability to travel, being about 80 years. Prays his
discharge without paying fees and recompense for his losses. [¾ p.] |
[May 31 ?] |
87. Petition of Alexander Crocker, carver of Southampton, to
the same. Has been often invited by strangers of his profession
residing beyond the seas to travel to them for bettering his
knowledge, and, although scarcity of work and hardness of the
times are great inducements, he never would attempt any such
course unless he had lawful leave. A little before the late proclamation for calling home nautical persons from foreign services,
(out of which petitioner conceives he is wholly exempted,) the Mayor
and Aldermen of Southampton, on pretence that petitioner should
steal over the seas, committed him to prison, and since he is fetched
thence by the messenger. Is ready to make affidavit of his
innocency. Prays for discharge and recompense for his losses. |
May 31. Whitehall. |
Lords of the Admiralty to a messenger unnamed. To bring up
Sir Henry Samborne, of Moulsford, Berks, to answer such matters
as shall be objected against him. [Copy. Vol. cclxiv., fol. 19a.
⅓ p.] |
May 31. Whitehall. |
Order of the same Lords on the petition of Thomas Thornhill,
praying that his son Timothy might be joined with him in the
deputation for London for working saltpetre, and his son John in
the deputation for the counties which Hilliard formerly had. The
Lords ordered that petitioner's two sons should be joined with him
as desired, so as petitioner give good security for performance of his
Majesty's service. [Copy. Vol. cclxiv., fol. 19. ⅓ p.] |
May 31. |
88. Petition of Capt. John Derricks [Derrickson], of Dunkirk, to
the Lords of the Admiralty. Two Holland men-of-war pursuing a
shallop of Dunkirk, of which the petitioner was captain, forced her
to run aground not far from Yarmouth, and there violently seized
upon her and carried her away in sight of many thousands who
were spectators of the whole business. Petitioner and his company
for safety of their lives were compelled to abandon their ship and
fly from the shore to the next village, hoping there to find relief.
They were contrarywise treated with much cruelty, and particularly petitioner and some other of his company were apprehended
as malefactors, and being first rifled and their money taken from
them, were with their hands bound and their feet tied, carried on
horseback to Yarmouth, where they have ever since remained in
miserable captivity. Pray that order may be given to set them at
liberty, their money to be restored, and satisfaction to be made them
for injuries. [1 p.] |
May 31. |
89. Petition of Capt. Andrew Montano, of the St. Antonio of
St. Sebastian, to the same. The St. Antonio, employed in the
service of the King of Spain and with his commission, coming
before Christmas last into Plymouth, was there stayed, but upon
examination of the business the ship was ordered to be restored to
the Resident of Spain. Since the restoration, certain Hollanders,
pretending her to have been unlawfully taken from them, have
caused her to be arrested by warrant out of the Court of Admiralty.
Petitioner contends that by virtue of the treaty of peace the proprietors are entitled to be continued in possession, and prays
warrant to restore her to the Resident of Spain on caution, which
is ready. [1¼ p.] |
May 31. |
90. Officers of the Navy to the same. Have examined what
arrears were due to Sir Thomas Button, late Admiral of the coast
of Ireland. Lady Button's demand enclosed amounts to 1,876l.
State the particulars of his services and the payments made to him
from 1627, but know not how to frame an account of Sir Thomas
Button's due without the expression by the Lords of what he shall
be allowed per diem for the time he served in the Ninth Whelp,
and whether his Majesty will allow him entertainment for the time
he had no ship, and after what rate. [1 p.] Inclosed, |
90. i. Account of Elizabeth Lady Button of amount due to Sir
Thomas Button, for his entertainment as Admiral upon
the coast of Ireland from 1st December 1828 until the
6th April 1634, being the day of his death: total, 1,876l.
[1 p.] |
May 31. |
91. List of saltpetremen, with the counties allotted to them, and
weekly proportions to be supplied by each. [1 p.] |
[May 31.] |
92. List of counties in each saltpetreman's district and amounts
to be supplied weekly and yearly. [1 p.] |
[May ?] |
93. The King to Attorney General Noy. The compounders for
provisions for the King's household have ever since the 35th of Queen
Elizabeth detained part of the royal allowances for the same, collecting greater sums than will perform that service. The Attorney
General is to draw a commission to some Lord whose name is left
blank, John Wallace, John Symonds, and Philip Smith, giving them
power to inquire of such abuses and compound for the same. [Draft.
Sec. Windebank has written in the margin, "His Majesty to have
a third part and the rest to the Earl of Ancram or his assigns
for satisfaction of the informers." ½ p.] |
[May ?] |
94. Statement of the results which were desired to be accomplished by the above commission. The amount stated to have
been concealed in the manner above mentioned varied from 200l.
to 350l. per annum ever since the 35th Queen Elizabeth. [Indorsed
"Mr. S. his paper," and in another handwriting "Earl of Ancram."
¼ p.] |
May. |
95. Lord Treasurer Portland, Thomas Earl of Arundel and Surrey,
Francis Lord Cottington, and Attorney General Noy, to the King.
Report as referees on the questions in dispute between Sir Cornelius Vermuyden, and Sir Philiberto Vernatti, and the other participants in the draining of lands in Hatfield Chase. The referees
report six conclusions at which they had arrived, most of them mere
matters of detail, in which their opinions were in favour of Sir
Cornelius Vermuyden. [5 pp.] |
[May ?] |
96. Petition of John More, the King's servant, to the King. Petitioner was lately sentenced in the Star Chamber to demolish many
buildings wherein others besides himself are interested, and to pay
1,000l. fine, for which he has found sureties. The sentence is just, but
the fault is through ignorance. In respect that he has shown such
respect to proclamations as to have foregone 500l. by forbearing to
build on a plot set out for building in 1615, and in regard of his
service to the King, and that others who are engaged with him are
the King's domestic servants, and that the execution would bring
great confusion on the estates of all parties, petitioner prays the
King to command the stay of execution until consideration be had
of what has not yet been produced, and especially of a debt of 3,400l.
owing by petitioner and the others interested with him. [¾ p.] |
[May ?] |
97. Petition of Daniel le Clerke, Peter de Grave, Jacob Vermine,
and John Blockmortier, with their partners, owners of the Salamander
of Flushing, to the Lord Treasurer, Robert Earl of Lindsey, Edward
Earl of Dorset, and Sec. Coke, judges in the appeal of the Nostra
Signora de Rosario. Set forth the course of past proceedings, and that
by unjust practices their adversaries have delayed them for almost
three years. Pray the Lords to confirm the sentence of the Judge of
the Admiralty. [¾ p.] |
May. |
98. Certificate of Francis Lord Dunsmore that having a warrant
for the preservation of his Majesty's game within the hundred of
Knightlow, co. Warwick, and by virtue thereof power to take from
all who are suspected to be destroyers of game their greyhounds,
setting dogs, "staule" curs, guns, and other engines, one of his
servants going with the same warrant to the house of Thomas
Robinson of Brinklow in the same county, to take a brace of greyhounds which he kept, he refused to let them go, but questioned the
validity of the warrant, and said he did not care for it. [½ p.] |
[May ?] |
99. Thomas Witherings to [the referees of his business respecting
the Foreign Post Office]. John Hatt has certified that he received
from the Earl of Arundel 984l., which Witherings is ready to pay
on the Earl assigning his patents again, and that the sequestration
may be dissolved. The 200l., due to Mr. Kirkham, he may receive
out of the money in the hands of De Quester, provided the balance
be paid to Witherings, who is contented to give security to perform
their orders respecting Frizell. [1 p.] |
[May ?] |
100. Minute of the contents of a certificate of John Hatt respecting the amount paid to him by the Earl of Arundel, for a debt due
from Thomas Witherings to Hatt: total, 984l. [½ p.] |
[May ?.] |
101. Thomas Witherings to [Sec. Coke]. Proposes terms of
settlement of the demands against him of the Earl of Arundel, Mr.
Porter, the Countess of Taxis, Mr. Kirkham, and William Frizell.
[This and the two preceding papers relate to the same subject, the
purchase by Frizell and Witherings of the place of postmaster for
foreign parts, and the subsequent purchase by the latter of Frizell's
moiety then vested in Hatt. 1 p.] |
May. |
102. Griffin Spencer, minister to the Navy at Chatham, to Nicholas.
Formerly spoke to him about a petition to the Lords, for granting
the writer liberty to put in a deputy at Chatham, which, if Nicholas
will procure, he will give him very good content and satisfaction.
[¾ p.] |
May. |
103. Note of current payments due to Sir Francis Nethersole this
month: being annuities of 200l., granted to him as secretary to the
Queen of Bohemia, and 165l. as his Majesty's agent with the Princes of
Germany. [Sec. Coke has indorsed "To know his Majesty's pleasure
for this allowance." ¼ p.] |
[May ?] |
104. See "Returns of Justices of Peace." |
May. |
105. Observations on behalf of the Clergy of London, on the decree
for payment of tithes after the rate of 2s. 9d. in the pound rent
of every house, and, in opposition to the assessment thereof on the
rent as the same stood at the date of the decree, and not on the
present value. [7 pp.] |