Charles I - volume 349: March 1-15, 1637

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1636-7. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1867.

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'Charles I - volume 349: March 1-15, 1637', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1636-7, (London, 1867) pp. 478-500. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/chas1/1636-7/pp478-500 [accessed 24 March 2024]

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March 1-15, 1637

March 1.
Whitehall.
Minute of an order of the Council, that the Officers of the Ordnance should certify whether there be sufficient brass ordnance for supply of the Fleet besides those mentioned in their estimate of the 24th February last as intended for the Postmaster's frigate, the Speedy Post of London; and if not, to state whether that description of ordnance be needful for that vessel, and if not what other ordnance they have that is suitable. [See Vol. cccxlviii. No. 26. ⅓ p.]
March 1. 1. Sir Rice Rudd, Sheriff of co. Carmarthen, to Nicholas. Has sent to be paid in 360l., viz., 30l. received from Carmarthen, 10l. from Kidwelly, and 30l. from the county. The other 400l. he will collect with all speed. [Seal with arms. ½ p.]
March 1.
Ridlington, co. Rutland.
2. Sir Edward Harrington to the same. Finds the way he takes to succeed well. Some opposition he has now and then, but he spares them not, neither will he till he has perfected the work. As soon as he has signed all the assessments he will send a certificate. Hopes very speedily to get in all the money. Has now 400l. in his hands, and is busy procuring a safe return thereof to Sir William Russell. The carrier's name is Sicill; he inns at the Bell in Smithfield, and comes out of town every Monday. [Seal with arms. 1 p.]
March 1. 3. The Journeymen Printers of London to Sir John Lambe. Petitioners have suffered great misery through want of employment in their mystery, one special reason whereof is the multitude of bibles and other books printed in Scotland and transported hither, as may appear from a note stated to have been annexed. Had those books been printed in London many of the poor petitioners might have received maintenance, with their wives and children, in this last disconsolate season, in which had it not happened that one great volume, not heretofore printed in England, was put to the press by one of the Company of Stationers, many of petitioners must have perished for want of bread; some of them, in their great necessity, being enforced to carry the corpses of such as died of the plague, others to carry water, which great miseries some of them still endure. Pray Sir John to stand their friend in the suppressing of the importation of all sorts of books out of Scotland. [¾ p.]
March 1.
The Leopard in the Downs.
4. Capt. William Rainsborough to the Lords of the Admiralty. Received their order to waft the Grace of Weymouth, laden with munition, to Falmouth. She is not yet arrived; doubts not she will be there to-morrow. His surgeon is aboard her with his chest, the Company of Surgeons having detained him so long that he could not come to Rainsborough in the Hope. On her arrival they will not lose an hour's time, for he has an extraordinary desire to be where he may do the business he is set about. [1 p.]
March 1.
Whitehall.
5. List of fourteen ships lent by the King to the Prince Elector. They were the Bonaventure, the Mary Rose, the Unicorn, of London, the Industry, the Mary [May ?] Flower, the William and Elizabeth, the Golden Eagle, the Margaret, the William, the Prudence, the Royal Defence, the First and Tenth Whelps, and the Swan. [¾ p.]
March 1. 6. Minute of an arrangement between the Lords of the Admiralty and Thomas Thornhill, the saltpetreman, for refining a quantity of rough and unrefined saltpetre, purchased from the East India Company. The terms were that Thornhill should deliver as much of the said saltpetre refined, as was equal in value to the sum paid for the whole quantity of saltpetre unrefined. He received 59 tons and 1½ 1b. of rough petre and returned 41 tons 3 cwts. 3 quarters, and 12 lbs. of refined. The overplus which Thornhill had might be about 3 or 4 tons. [1 p.]
March 1. 7. Certificate of Thomas Thornhill and William Blythe of further quantities of foreign saltpetre in the hands of the East India Company and of Mr. Brigges, and as to how much thereof would be wasted in refining. [¼ p.]
March 1.
Office of Ordnance.
8. Officers of Ordnance to Montjoy, Earl of Newport, Master of the Ordnance. Report on Mr. Bagnall's proposition sent to Lord Newport by the Lords of the Admiralty. Cannot give any opinion thereon without conference with the propounder. Cannot understand what he means by made grounds. It will be a great grievance to the country that the price of carriages, which was settled upon a complaint made by the country in Parliament, should be abated, and the writers do not see any reason for it. Nor do they know what is the amount of saltpetre which Bagnall is bound to furnish, the contracts of the saltpetremen not being entered into with that office as formerly. If their opinions be desired, pray that they may first confer with the propounder. [1 p.]
March 1.
St. John's [Clerkenwell].
9. William, Earl of Exeter, to Sec. Coke. Lord Fitz-William has absolutely disobeyed the order of the Board in not showing his horses at the last musters in Northamptonshire, although the DeputyLieutenants allowed him time after the musters to produce them before the Earl. This is a second contempt, and the Earl cannot serve his Majesty if his commands be so affronted. Concerning the recusants' arms the town of Northampton says they were delivered by them to some of the former Deputies, now dead. The Earl has encouraged some of the recusants to lay to their charge the embezzling of their particular arms, for Lord Brudenell told the Earl that he delivered to that town 60 as good arms as are to be had in England. But he and the rest are fearful to aver anything unless they be brought to it by authority. [Seal with crest and garter. 1 p.]
March 1. 10. Statement of the case between Edward Tyringham and Anthony Tyringham respecting a lease of the parsonage of Tyringham granted as security for a loan which had been much overpaid. The particulars are stated in Vol. cccxlvi., No. 39. [½ p.]
March 1. 11–16. See "Returns made by Justices of Peace."
March 2.
Office of Ordnance.
Officers of Ordnance to the Council. There is not sufficient brass ordnance for supply of the Fleet and the Postmasters' frigate. There is no ordnance among the stores in the Tower for furnishing this pinnace, save six brass falcons which the writers think might be spared, but at Portsmouth there are some iron saker drakes which would serve, but that the requisite haste is such as will not admit of the loss of time in sending for them. [See Vol. cccxlviii., No. 26. 2/3 p.]
March 2. 17. Certificate of William Selby, bailiff of the hundred of Higham Ferrers, that together with Roger Tudor, steward to Charles Cockayne, and Richard Astell, an assistant to the writer, he went to Ringstead to collect ship-money. Going first to John Ekins to require his assistance being high constable, by virtue of warrant from Sir Robert Banaster, the now sheriff, Ekins refused except there should be occasion to use him, and being required to pay the money assessed on himself he absolutely refused payment, and chained up his stable door and put a lock thereon and his wife shut the door of the house, so that no distress could be taken. Ekins said that the writer should take no distress from him, but if Mr. Tudor would, he should upon condition that he should enter bond to try an action with him. [1 p.]
March 2. 18. Notes, by Nicholas, of business to be transacted by the Lords of the Admiralty. Appointment to consider Mr. Bagnall's proposition for renewing saltpetremen's deputations, for which purpose the Earl of Newport is to meet the Lords. Mr. Thornhill and Mr. Blythe to give account of the petre they have viewed. Appoint a day to consider the accounts of the Vice-Admirals. [Margin, Monday come sennight.] Mr. South has brought his proofs, and desires letters of reprizal against the Spaniards. [Margin, Instructions to be showed to the C. B. i.e. the Council Board]. Consider draft commission for sale of gunpowder, and having approved it order Mr. Attorney to prepare it for the King's signature. [Margin, Fiat.] Consider Sir Henry Mervin's two letters about the Garland; also a paper presented by the Spanish Ambassador, and his Majesty's reference on Mr. Ackworth's petition. Officers of Navy recommend Rabenett and Reuben [Brodd] to be masters and commanders in the Greyhound and Roebuck. [Margin, Fiat.] Order what shall be done on the Privy Seals for sale of the Anne Royal and Black George. [Margin, Fiat.] [1 p.]
March 2. 19. Edward Boate to Nicholas. The warrant the writer's son formerly had for his place of out-stores having been delivered to the Officers cannot now be found (Mr. Edisbury having delivered it to Mr. Fleming) wherefore the writer prays Nicholas to procure him another, with some words added to prevent any question as to the allowances the writer formerly had. The ships appointed for the present expedition are in part taking in their victuals. Doubts there is some mistake as to the Whelps. The First and Second are completely made perfect in the Docks but are left out, the Fifth and Tenth being appointed, the latter whereof is in so bad state that she can hardly be made fit in time. [1 p.]
March 2. 20. Petition of Peter White to the Lords of the Admiralty. Had been Master of divers of his Majesty's ships for 12 years and never put his Majesty to the charge of a pilot, nor ever lost mast, long boat, cable, or anchor, except one long boat when thwart of Beachy in the Red Lion, in that hideous storm when the Rainbow and the Bonaventure and many other ships were lost at Portsmouth, and one anchor only, riding in the Vanguard at the South head of Goodwin Sands by reason of the cables breaking, nor ever brought any ship into danger until this unfortunate mischance of the Anne Royal in which his own loss was exceeding great. Beseeches the Lords to solicit his Majesty on his behalf for receiving him again into his gracious favour, or if not that he may have the liberty that other prisoners enjoy, which is to go abroad with a keeper for the despatch of some affairs that mightily concern him. [½ p.]
March 2. 21. Petition of Gideon Morris, attorney for the owners of the Swan frigate, of Flushing, to the same. On his application, the Lords lately agreed that the Swan, now at sea in his Majesty's service, should, on her return be "restituted" to petitioner, and an agreement made with him concerning the freight. It being uncertain when the ship may come in, and he being desirous to go home, he prays that an act may be delivered to him of the said resolution, that he may show his principals, and that the Commissioners of the Lords may agree with him as to the freight before his departure. [¾ p.]
March 2. 22. Lords of the Admiralty to Sir Henry Marten. Upon notice of wreck of Spanish money on the Isle of Wight, the Lords employed thither his Majesty's proctor, with a commission to seize the same for his Majesty, by which means much money and silver were found which the proctor has in his custody, and a good part is already adjudged to his Majesty. The Vice-Admiral of that place lays claim to the moiety thereof as due to him. Sir Henry is to take such claim into his consideration and advise the Lords what is the right of Vice-Admirals in such a case. [Seal of the Court of Admiralty. 1 p.]
March 2.
Whitehall.
Nicholas to Sir Maurice Abbot, Alderman of London. The Lords of the Admiralty desired him and the rest of the committee for setting forth the ships which the city was to find for guard of the seas, to attend the King and the Lords on Sunday next at 2 o'clock, in the Council Chamber at Whitehall, when the sheriffs of the city were to be there; also, he was to bring with him a list of the three ships agreed for that service, their burthens, number of men, ordnance, &c. [Copy. Nicholas's Letter Book, Dom., James I., Vol. ccxix., p. 143. 2/3 p.]
March 2. 23. —, a messenger from Lord Carlisle, to Sec. Coke. The Earl wishes Sir John to move the Lords [of the Admiralty] concerning the petition of Capt. Peter Canon. [½ p.]
March 2.
Ludlow Castle.
24. Sir John Bridgeman, Chief Justice of Chester, to the same. Received his letter of the 12th November last, concerning the examination of a project of John Broughton, for making iron with less expense of wood than heretofore. At the receipt thereof being to continue in his Majesty's service at Ludlow, he wrote to the verderors and some of the regarders of the Forest of Dean, to make trial thereof and certify him thereon. Encloses their certificate. Hears, by other persons, that the project is likely to conduce to his Majesty's service. Conceives Mr. Broughton to be an honest and discreet man. [Seal with arms. ¾ p.] Enclosed,
24. i. Certificate of the Verderors and some of the Regarders of the Forest of Dean, of their visit to Mr. Broughton's forge, and its favourable results, already calendared from a copy thereof, placed under its date (Vol. cccxlvii., No. 32). Little Deane, 17th February 1636–7.
March 2. 25. Petition of the Journeymen Printers, being freemen of the city of London, to Archbishop Laud. Having heretofore made known to the Archbishop divers grievances which they suffered by the master printers through their breach of the decree made in the Star Chamber concerning the business of printing, and also of other private orders made by the master and wardens of the Company, they were remitted to the Bishop of London, who, by reason of some emergent doubts, determining nothing, they addressed themselves to the Company, who have thereupon composed certain orders, which are stated to have been annexed. Petitioners submit their case to the Archbishop's favourable consideration, and entreat that he would have an eye to them as poor men, and if he thinks meet, command these orders to be established by the master and wardens of the Company, and the other old order to be revived, and all of them to be recorded in some court of justice under a penalty for breach thereof. [¾ p.]
March 3. 26. Petition of Sir Edward Lloyd and Rowland Pugh, the King's farmers of the manors of Arrowystly and Kevelliock, co. Montgomery, to the King. Petitioners are interested in the said manors during the remainder of certain leases granted by the late King, and are also seized of the inheritance by purchase,—Sir Edward Lloyd, of Arrowystly, from Sir Thomas Middleton, deceased; and Rowland Pugh, of Kevelliock, from Sir Thomas, the son;—both manors having been sold by the King's Commissioners for 1,000l., in 1628, to Sir Thomas Middleton, deceased, with reservation of [a rent of] 143l. 0s. 1d., to the King. Francis Herbert, who was in competition for the purchase with Matthew Price, Meredith Morgan, and some others, who are questioned by petitioners for unjust encroachments upon part of the said manors, have combined, with a common purse, to vex petitioners, and have instituted certain causeless suits against them in Chancery, with an information in the Exchequer Chamber upon a variety of untrue pretences. Pray the King to appoint any persons whom he shall think fit to examine the matter, and take order for petitioners' relief. [¾ p.] Underwritten,
26. i. Reference to the Lord Keeper, the Lord Treasurer, and Lord Cottington, or any two of them, calling to them the Attorney and Solicitor-General, to hear all parties and compose the differences, or certify where the impediment lies. Whitehall, 3rd March 1636–7. [¼ p.]
March 3. 27. Notes, by Sec. Windebank, "concerning Capt. Weddell's commission." Whether "they" should have 18 months to export their goods. "The adventurers" to sell unserviceable ships. The exportation of 40,000l. in foreign gold or silver in five years. Whether his Majesty will "consult it" publicly or have it despatched by Mr. Attorney privately. [½ p.]
March 3/13.
Venice.
28. Thomas Windebank to his father, Sec. Windebank. The ague he left at Rome he found again at Venice, the very night of his arrival. After two or three fits it changed into a quartan, which has persecuted him ever since, and doctors and apothecaries still worse; but they have indifferently recovered him, though they have brought his purse to a consumption. Within three or four days he means to go to Padua, and thence homewards. Hopes for letters at Paris. Spinola has furnished him with 300 pieces of eight rials, which comes to 67l. 10s. [1 p.]
March 3/13.
Venice.
29. Francis Windebank to his father, Sec. Windebank. Reports the intended removal of himself and his brother towards Paris. [¾ p.]
March 4. 30. Account by Edward Fenn of moneys received for ship-money for the current year, since the 25th February 1636–7; total, 4,160l. [⅓ p.]
March 4. 31. Account of all moneys paid in on account of the ship-money for the current year; total, 43,054l. 13s. 2d.; with the further sums received by the sheriffs and remaining in their hands; total, 25,498l.; in all, 68,552l. [1 p.]
March 4.
From the Ninth Lion's Whelp, riding at Bristol.
32. William Brooke to Nicholas. They are ready to set sail for Ireland, intending to take the first fair wind. Begs him to acquaint Mr. Railton therewith, that "my Lord" [the Lord Deputy ?] may be satisfied. Solicits Nicholas's favour to procure a purser's place for his son-in-law. [¾ p.]
March 4. 33. Estimate of the charge of powder and other munition for the Postmaster's frigate, the Speedy Post of London, appointed to the seas in his Majesty's service; total, 130l. 15s. 5d. [2½ pp.]
March 4.
Aboard the Leopard.
34. Capt. William Rainsborough to Capt. George Carteret, captain of the Antelope. Long expected him before the writer had news of him and thought long till his ship came down, which was Tuesday, and then they told the writer he would be down that night. Has all this while tarried for him, now his reputation lying at the stake, in being likely to lose a fair wind, he resolves to set sail this morning, but will go with an easy sail that Carteret may fetch him up. Gives him directions for joining the fleet at Falmouth, off the Lizard, or finally in the road of Sallee. Fears if he loses this wind the men-of-war of Sallee will be out before they get there, which would be a great prejudice to their employment. Encloses general instructions. At their meeting will give him further directions. [1 p.] Enclosed,
34. i. Instructions given by William Rainsborough, Admiral of the ships set forth for Sallee, to be observed by all officers and common men in the fleet provided for this expedition. Dated from the Leopard, riding in the Downs, 4th March 1636–7. [5 pp.]
March 4. 35–36. See "Returns made by Justices of Peace."
March 5.
Mincing Lane.
37. Officers of the Navy to Nicholas. Capt. Harrison, captain of the Hercules, one of the Sallee ships in the Downs, has sent the names of about 30 seamen, pressed for that ship, who have neglected their appearance. If some number of these could be taken and the law executed on some now in the first of this year's service, it would terrify all that heard of it and cause them to be wary of such contempt. If any of the known ministers of the Navy should go about it, the plot would be suddenly discovered and no good be done. Suggests a warrant to some of the messengers of the chamber, as is usual in cases of Jesuits or the like, to make search in known parts about the Thames. What is to be done, the sooner the more likely. [¾ p.]
March 6. 38. List of Captains in the Navy employed last year in the King's service under the Earl of Northumberland, compiled for the King's information, and in order that he might select from it such as should be appointed in the fleet fitting out for the present year. Some alterations were made in this list before it was fair copied for presentation to the King. [Endorsed, under date of the 9th March inst. is a list of 23 captains chosen by his Majesty for present service. They were Sir John Pennington, Vice-admiral, Sir Henry Mervin, Rear-admiral, Capt. Johnson, Sir Henry Mainwaring, Walter Stuart, Thomas Ketelby, John Mennes, Povey, Richard Fogg, David Murray, Henry Stradling, Lewis Kirke, Thomas Kirke, Jeremy Brett, Richard Fielding, Price, Sir Elias Hickes, Robert Slingsby, Lindsey, Fletcher, William Smith, Donnell, and Edward Popham. =1¼ p.]
March 6.
Workington.
39. Patricius Curwen, Sheriff of Cumberland, to Nicholas. Sends certificate of the assessment of his county for the ship-money. The greatest part is collected, and with all expedition will pay the same to Sir William Russell. None refuse to pay save Mr. Samuel Knipe, of the lordship of Millom, which the writer refers to his Majesty's consideration. [Seal with arms. ¾ p.]
March 6. 40. Receipt of Sir William Russell for 1,000l., paid by Sir James Bagge on behalf of Sir Richard Buller, Sheriff of Cornwall, in part of 5,500l. assessed on that county for ship-money, under writ of 12th August last. [¾ p.]
[March 6.] 41. Petition of Thomas Shave, soldier in Upnor Castle, Kent, to the Lords of the Admiralty. Richard Tuck, petitioner's fellow soldier at Upnor, has recovered against petitioner a debt of 20l., which petitioner is willing to pay but is not able to do it in one payment as Tuck exacts. Prays them to order the payment thereof in such proportions as they think fit, petitioner having little means besides his stipend of 8d. a day. [½ p.] Annexed,
41. i. Nicholas Bishop, Lieutenant of Upnor Castle, to Nicholas. Certifies to the honest behaviour of Thomas Shave, who has been six years at Upnor. Upnor Castle, 6th March 1636–7. [1 p.]
March 6. 42. Officers of the Navy to Nicholas. Mr. Goddard, one of the master shipwrights, has written of the insufficiency of the Turkish frigate, formerly certified by James Robins that she might have been made serviceable for 57l. Goddard estimates the charge at 160l., and yet she will be but a weak thing. The case being thus, the writers suggest, that there being stores of timber at Portsmouth, a new pinnace should be built by the middle of May, which would not exceed 500l. for the bull. [¾ p.]
March 6.
Mincing Lane.
43. Kenrick Edisbury to Nicholas. When the fleet was at sea last summer, not knowing which or how many were to be prepared for this year, the Officers certified that the Garland might have gone, with the Triumph, into dock at Deptford, so that they might have been launched together. But the Garland having continued at sea, she may now be sooner repaired at Chatham and save the charge of transporting her to and from Deptford. The dock at Chatham is free and may very well receive the Red Lion and Garland. Prays him to move the Lords thereon. P.S. If Sir John Pennington appoint no new business to be made in the Swiftsure, now he has gone to Chatham (by his Majesty's command as Edisbury conceives she may be fitted in 14 days after warning. [Seal with arms. ¾ p.]
March 6.
Oxford.
44. Dr. John Prideaux to Archbishop Laud. Was confident that his brother Goodwin would prevail little in such a cause, before such a Judge, after true information given, for the Archbishop's acceptation of which he is engaged to be always thankful. Wishes that after all this Goodwin could be sensible of his wanderings. Will be ready to further him in any good cause. Mr. Chillingworth's answer he has only heard of. When Dr. Potter returns the writer will acquaint him with the Archbishop's pleasure. In that, or any other thing wherein his endeavours may be serviceable for the Church or common good, no man shall be more ready to execute the Archbishop's commands. [Endorsed by William Dell: "Dr. Prideaux his undertaking to revise Mr. Chillingworth's book, &c." 1 p.]
March 6. 45–47. See "Returns made by Justices of Peace."
March 7.
Westminster.
48. Warrant for payment of 238l. to Réné Augier, agent and secretary of the King's Ambassador in France, for his extraordinary expenses, post of letters, and voyages from Paris to the French Court from 1st August 1636 to the 13th February last past, and also for his journey into England in January last. [10 lines on parchment.]
March 7. 49. Justices of Peace for Norfolk to the Council. In Christmas last past there were brought down into Norfolk three letters from the Lords, intended as the writers presume for the three limits of the county. One directed to Sir William Denny, Dr. Corbet, Chancellor of Norwich, and Thomas Knivett which concerned the limit of Norwich; one other to Sir William Yelverton, Robert Bacon, and Robert Walpole, intended for the limit of Lynn, but Sir William Yelverton deceased about four years since, and Bacon and Walpole, although formerly in the commission of the peace, were never sworn and for some years have been out of the commission. The third letter was directed to Sir Roger Townsend, Sir Hamon le Strange, and John Coke, which concerned the limit of Walsingham, but Sir Roger Townsend was deceased, and John Coke for some years out of the commission. Sir Hamon le Strange had declared these things at the assizes at Thetford that day, where by reason that formerly the Lords had made a general declaration of the matter of maltsters, the writers had consulted what answer might be returned, which by a schedule therewith sent they offer to the Lords. [Signed by 18 Justices. Copy. 1 p.] Enclosed,
49. i. Breviat of the objections made to the new proposals respecting maltsters, by the gentlemen of Norfolk, with references to answers thereto. If it be considered by the Lords upon these objections that the observing of some of the articles is not so fit for Norfolk as for other counties, they pray the Lords to dispense with the observing of such articles for that county. [½ p.]
March 7. 50. Sir John Carleton, Sheriff of co. Cambridge, to Nicholas. Sends certificate of the assessment of his county. No man refuses to pay, but they are backward and slow, as men that are loth to part with their money. He has received 1,000l., of which he is very desirous to be discharged as soon as he has order for it. He hopes to have as much more within this month. [Seal with crest. 1 p.]
March 7.
Melay.
51. William Wynne, Sheriff of co. Denbigh, to the same. Sends certificate of the assessment of his county. There be considerable sums unlevied. He hopes very shortly to bring the same in, and then without delay will pay the amount to Sir William Russell, having no secure way to pay the money as he receives it, in regard of eight score miles distance from London, the danger of passage, and in that country (unless in summer time by drovers) there are no tradesmen that use to make return of money. P.S.—There being very few of the clergy for a personal estate considerable to bear share in the assessment, it was not thought of any avail for their temporal means at all to charge them. [2 pp.]
March 7. 52. Examination of Edmund Chillingden, apprentice to George Kendall, and prisoner in the Compter in the Poultry, taken before Sir John Lambe, Sir Charles Cæsar, Dr. Duck, and Mr. Bray. One Rice Boy, dwelling in Coleman Street, came about October or November to this examinant, and asked him whether he could help him away with some books that he had, of News from Ipswich and the Divine Tragedy, that lay on his hand. Deponent told him that he had some acquaintance in Norwich, and thereupon Rice Boy delivered him 50 of each of the said books, all which deponent sent to John Penton at Norwich, with a letter, to be sold. Penton shortly after wrote to examinant to send him the second part of the said News, whereupon he inquired of Rice Boy for the said second part, but he could not tell of any such. He was to pay Rice Boy 2d. a piece for the News from Ipswich and about 6d. for the Divine Tragedy, and was to receive from Penton 3d. for the News and 8d. for the Divine Tragedy. [1¼ p.]
March 7. 53. Richard Farnam, a prisoner in Newgate, to Archbishop Laud. A petition similar in many respects to that of the 23rd February last (Vol. cccxlviii., No. 13). He states that he petitioned once before that he might come to his trial, but that the Archbishop would not vouchsafe to read the petition that was delivered into his hand, after he understood who the petitioner was, but gave this answer to the party that presented the petition, that she might deliver the petition where she would, for he would neither meddle with the petition nor with the petitioner. Remonstrates against a decision which he affirms to be neither true justice nor true religion, and argues that the Archbishop had no sound religion in him. If he will not bring him to his trial, solicits him to send his pursuivant and free him out of prison, and leave him in Long Lane, where he found him, near Whittington's Cat. At that time petitioner had a house to put his head in, now he has none and his children are dispersed abroad; two of them the parish has taken, and the others a poor widow has received into her house. His resolution is, whatsoever he has written he will stand to maintain it to be truth against all the learned men in the world. He intimates, as before, that if he cannot obtain his request he intends to petition the King, and concludes with a prayer for the Archbishop, if he belongs to God's election: "for it is a sin to pray that the Lord would change his decree." [¾ p.]
March 7.
West Dean.
54. Dr. Matthew Nicholas to his brother, Edward Nicholas. Had seen Edward Nicholas's friend Ashburnham with the Captain his brother there in Dean with Sir John Evelyn, but the writer could not draw them down to his house. Understands that there is some hope that Mr. Love may sell his farm of Norton. It will be a good pennyworth. Mr. Glanville being at the Assizes, sent to speak with the writer to acquaint him that he is at an agreement with Mr. Wroughton and Mr. Constable for the parsonage of Broad Hinton, and that he desires to change those lives of the Wroughtons in being for two of his own children and to add a third. The writer gave his consent, but Glanville voluntarily gave him respite to consider the value. Begs Nicholas's advice thereon. Chief Justice Finch at the last Assizes at Salisbury laid upon the Hospital of St. Nicholas to repair Harnham Bridge before Michaelmas under a penalty of 50l. The hospital was not indicted for it alone, the Close of Sarum and the neighbouring country were included in the same indictment, but he laid the load on the poor for the present, saying they should have a trial for the right when the bridge was repaired. A man more experienced could not have thought of so hard measure. No one had anything to plead for exemption but the hospital. He will pass through Salisbury on his return the 29th inst., and the writer intends to move him to reverse his order until the business be tried. If he cannot prevail he believes he shall not make any purchase with the money he shall have from Mr. Glanville. The writer has had conference with Sir John Evelyn concerning taking up his tithes in kind. He gave a very fair answer, but wished they might continue this year whilst he is full of trouble, to which the writer agreed. The other difference, concerning the exchange of glebe, they had agreed to refer, if they could think of an indifferent man. [Seal with arms. 2 pp.]
March 7. 55. See "Returns made by Justices of Peace."
March 8.
Westminster.
56. Warrant for payment of 300l. to William, Earl of Denbigh, Master of the Great Wardrobe, to be paid by him to Robert Hutcheson in part of a debt of 653l. due to him as perfumer to the late King, for wares delivered and other services done to the said late King. [14 lines on parchment.]
March 8.
Westminster.
57. Similar warrant for payment of 260l. to the same, to be paid by him to Thomas Lisle, on behalf of Anne his wife, widow of Alexander Hume deceased, who was shoemaker to the late King, it appearing by certificate of Sir Bevis Thelwall, that such 260l. was due to the said Alexander Hume, for wares by him delivered for the use of his said late Majesty. [13 lines on parchment.]
March 8.
Westminster.
58. Order of the King in Council. A petition was read of the Lord Chamberlain, Governor of the Royal Fishings of Great Britain, and Sir Thomas Roe, Chancellor of the Order, his deputy, made a relation how the stock first raised had been employed, what returns had been made, what losses had been sustained, and what courses had been settled for the better management in the future. It was resolved that this trade is very honourable and necessary for the kingdom, and likely to prove beneficial for the adventurers now "that the true management thereof is by experience discovered." His Majesty declared his resolve on all occasions to assist this trade and to accept the forwardness of those who expressed zeal therein. For a pledge of his favour he gives the governor and adventurers one of his own ships, and it was ordered that all the adventurers in arrear of their subscriptions, should before the 1st April pay the same to John Harrison, Treasurer of the Company. [Copy. 1 p.]
March 8.
Westminster.
59. The King to Lord Treasurer Juxon, the Earls of Lindsey and Dorset, Lord Cottington, Sir Henry Vane, and Secs. Coke and Windebank, and the Commissioners of the Admiralty for the time being. The King having assumed into his own hands all the saltpetre in the kingdom to be converted into gunpowder, and being minded to sell to such of his subjects as desire the same so much thereof as shall not be necessary for his own service, and being also minded that the making of saltpetre and the sale thereof shall be hereafter managed by the same persons, recites the contract recently made with Samuel Cordewell and George Collins as gunpowder makers, and authorizes the Commissioners appointed by this commission to give warrant from time to time to the Master of the Ordnance to sell out of the King's stores, to such persons as the Commissioners shall direct, such quantities as shall be required, at 1s. 6d. per pound, the money to be paid to the Lieutenant of the Ordnance and to be accounted for in the way prescribed in this commission. [Copy. ¾ p.]
March 8. 60. Consent of Edward, Earl of Dorset, to a grant to Thomas Twysden of the Inner Temple for the lives of Richard Crane and Robert Willett, clerk. [½ p.]
March 8.
Widdrington.
61. Sir William Widdrington, Sheriff of Northumberland, to Nicholas. The constables in that place are much meaner than in other parts of the kingdom, both in respect of quality and abilities; he had therefore appointed meetings in every division with the justices of peace, whither were summoned two of the ablest men in every parish, with the parsons and constables, and according to information thus received he had assessed every parish. As soon as the whole money is collected he will be with Nicholas and give him the account required. On the 20th February he received 270l., which with what more he shall receive in the interim he will bring up in the beginning of Easter Term, it not being in his power to get the money returned sooner. [Seal with arms. 1¼ p.]
March 9.
Westminster.
62. Warrant for payment of 800l. to Sir Richard Wynne, Treasurer to the Queen, to be employed for the use of her Majesty. [Nine lines on parchment.]
March 9. 63. Bond of Sir John Wentworth of Somerleyton, Suffolk, Robert Melling of the same place, esquire, and John Wentworth of Lincoln's Inn, to his Majesty in 500l., conditioned for the appearance of Sir John Wentworth before the Council, on six days notice left at Somerleyton. [1 p.]
March 9. Form of letter to be sent by Nicholas to the Churchwardens of various parishes in London and Westminster. Sends a copy of an order of the Council, with the names of persons in every parish who have compounded for buildings erected contrary to the King's proclamations. The Lords desire the churchwardens to send for these persons into their vestry and there to read to them the order which they are required to observe at their perils. [Letters in this form were sent to 15 parishes on this day, and to nine other parishes on the 14th of March. Nicholas's Letter Book, Dom. James I., Vol. ccxix., p. 143.]
March 9.
From his house at Parke.
64. William Lewis [of] Anwill, Sheriff of co. Carnarvon, to Nicholas. His deputy-sheriff will prepare the required account. Has received 400l. and all shall be brought to London, together with the certificate. Carnarvon is so far from London that he hopes he may be tolerated from sending the money up by piece meals and in sending every fortnight a certificate. It shall be all paid in Easter term. [1 p.]
March 9. 65. Receipt of Sir William Russell for 2,500l. paid by George Buller on behalf of Sir Richard Buller, Sheriff of Cornwall, in part of 5,500l. ship-money charged on that county under writ of 12th August last. [¾ p.]
March 9. 66. List of Captains of the Navy employed last year under the Earl of Northumberland. [Endorsed by Nicholas, "This is a copy of the list that was then presented to the King." 1 p.]
March 9. 67. Answer of John Crane, Surveyor of Marine Victuals, to the particulars complained of to his Majesty and the Council concerning the badness of the victuals this last year, 1636. After a minute reply to the several items of complaint which had been made, he informs the Lords that in victualling the King's ships he deals with the most able, honest, and substantial men of their trades in London, and those that are of the most experience in the victualling of the Navy, and that he gives valuable prices and provides his victuals in the most seasonable times of the year. Invites them to appoint some men of experience in sea causes to examine the beef and pork now in his Majesty's stores, and all the rest of the provisions as they are sent to the ships, to prevent future complaints. And to give orders to the Officers of the Navy to appoint sufficient men to approve of the victuals as it shall be put aboard, to the end that in future cases of fault the blame may be laid on those who are appointed to take care of the victuals. [3 pp.]
March 9. 68. Petition of Thomas Thornhill, saltpetre maker for London, to the Lords of the Admiralty. Petitioner having contracted with Edward Lee of Harwich, master of the Elizabeth, and John Moore of Redriffe, master of the William, for transporting coals from Newcastle to London for his Majesty's saltpetre works, prays warrant that none of the men employed in that service may be pressed. [½ p.]
March 9.
London.
69. [Lord Treasurer Juxon] to the Officers of the Customs in the port of London. To provide the deputy of the town of Southampton a room in the Custom House, London, for the collection of the duty of 20s. per butt on malmsies and other sweet wines brought into the port of London. [Unsigned; perhaps only a suggestion; see Vol. cccxlvi., No. 49. =1½ p.]
March 9. 70.–73. See "Returns made by Justices of Peace."
March 10.
Rushton.
74. Charles Cockayne, late Sheriff of co. Northampton, to Sir William Becher. Is enforced once more to send his servant to attend the Lords touching warrants for levying the arrears of ship-money. Except he may have a supply of warrants from the present High-sheriff they shall not be able to effect the service. He has but one warrant to employ his servants and that no way directed to them. And withal, except a servant of the writer's be present, no officer will do any service; moreover all high constables and most petty constables absolutely refuse to make any distresses, so as the burden lies wholly on Sir John Dryden and the writer. There are some high constables that slight the service as this bearer can testify. [Seal with arms. ¾ p.]
March 10.
Glyne in Merionethshire.
75. William Wynne, Sheriff of Merioneth, to Nicholas. The certificate of the assessment shall be sent by Easter Term, together with the ship-money, if he can receive the whole by that time. Has not yet paid in to Sir William Russell, which he hopes will be excused, Merionethshire being so far off. [Seal with arms. ½ p.]
March 10. 76. Receipt of Sir William Russell for 700l. paid by William Lowther on behalf of Francis, Earl of Cumberland, Sheriff of Westmorland, being the sum charged on that county for ship-money under writ of 12th August last. [¾ p.]
March 10. 77. Receipt, by Henry Kyme, messenger, for 15 of the letters from Nicholas, to the churchwardens of several parishes in and about London calendared under date of 9th March inst., with further underwritten receipt of George Lewis, dated the 14th inst., for nine more of the same letters. [1 p.]
March 10.
Mincing Lane.
78. Officers of the Navy to Lords of the Admiralty. Having been eye-witnesses and received notice of how dangerously the Vanguard and Rainbow ride at Chatham, "sewing" every tide, pray warrant for removing them, without putting his Majesty to the charge of entering into sea victual before the rest of the fleet. [1 p.]
March 10.
Office of Ordnance.
79. Officers of the Ordnance to the same. By order of the 2nd inst. the writers were required to certify the state of the ordnance provisions for the two new pinnaces to be employed against the Turks in Sallee, as also for the 20 ships designed for guard of the Narrow Seas. The estimate for the 20 ships amounting to 19,758l. 16s. 2d., whereof 2,556l. 12s. 0d. is for store and 17,202l. 4s. 2d. for emptions, was left with Mr. Nicholas, but no part of the money being yet issued, the merchants refuse to deliver the provisions, by reason of the great arrears which are owing to them. For the two pinnaces, Mr. Browne, his Majesty's founder, assures them that the ordnance will be ready by the time allotted, which is Lady Day. [¾ p.]
March 10. 80. John Nicholas to his son, Edward Nicholas. Sends him a copy of a condition in an old lease to satisfy counsel whether the bishop's re-entry were legal. The question is whether if that be not legal, the writer surrendering the lease to this bishop he may not make a good lease to Edward Nicholas. Enters at length into the legal difficulties, and concludes that this bishop will do any thing for the writer, but he fears some about him will be apt enough (to win favour of his successor) to put some thing into his head to question the lease, and the clergy will have favour in their suits, their colour being for the Church. [1 p.]
March 10/20.
Venice.
81. Pass or letters commendatory of Basil, Viscount Fielding, ambassador from the King of Great Britain to the Princes and States of Italy in favour of Thomas and Francis Windebank, sons of Sir Francis Windebank, Privy Councillor to the King of Great Britain, who are journeying to England. [Latin. Seal of Lord Fielding attached. 1 p.]
March 10.
London.
82. Sir Thomas Roe to Bernhard, Duke of Saxe Weimar. Having been victorious over his enemies, he has descended into the shades to subjugate by his courtesy the minds who dared not aim at the greatness of being reckoned among the number of his servants. Roe will not deny himself the honour to which all men of honour aspire, and therefore prays to be admitted among those who admire his great qualities and heroic renown. [French. Copy. ½ p.]
March 10.
London.
The same to Mons. de Ponice. The noble knight, the bearer, is despatched to make trial of the generosity of France, the stay of princes oppressed by tyranny. It is reasonable to hope that the offer of such a prince, the first in Germany, will be received with welcome. That will be the surest means to oblige the King, Roe's master, who is warmly inclined towards the Prince Elector, and all his friends. It will be for de Ponice to drive that nail to its head. He commends the cause to the prudence and skill of de Ponice and the management of this gallant gentleman. [Written on the same paper as the preceding. French. Copy. 2/3 p.]
March 10. 83.–86. See "Returns made by Justices of Peace."
March 11. Grant to John Glassington of the forfeiture of a lease by the outlawry of Edward Foxley, until a debt of 140l. be satisfied. [Docquet.]
March 11.
Dodington.
87. Sir Thomas Delves, Sheriff of co. Chester, to Nicholas. Has had much trouble about the ship-money, from private wranglings betwixt neighbours, and difficulties to judge of moneys personal, which change from moneys to inheritance daily. He finds no great men to stand out against the assessment, but the moneys come slowly in by reason of the badness of trading. He has received 957l., which he has endeavoured to return but cannot accomplish it unless he gives two months time, but he hopes to pay it wholly in before that time. [Seal with arms. 1 p.]
March 11.
Pileton.
88. Sir Edward Littleton, Sheriff of co. Stafford, to the same. With much difficulty caused the high constables to bring in these assessments which are according to the customary taxes of the county. They were very unwilling that he should lay upon them the last 1,000l. Much fearing them, something, but little, he laid upon the country, by reason of the clergy having many prebends, and their moneys not easy to gather. If any of them should stand out, there being no distress of many of them to be taken, he prays direction what way he shall take. What is overcharged shall be equally repaid. Has received some more moneys which he has taken order for returning. Has taken order for distresses, which are hundreds; besides John Cocks, high constable of Seisden hundred, who has not paid in any money nor brought in his assessment. Doubts be shall trouble Nicholas with him before long. [1 p.] Enclosed,
88. i. Account of assessment of co. Stafford. Lichfield was rated at 150l., the Close at 10l., and Stafford at 30l. The parishes are mostly thrown into groups of two, three, or more, and one amount set upon the whole. [Paper roll.]
88. ii. Separate assessment of the clergy. The Dean and Chapter of Lichfield are taxed at 13l. 15s. 5d. and a separate sum upon each of 29 prebends. [The like.]
March 11. 89. Account, by Edward Fenn, of sums received for the current ship-money since the last certificate; total 2,159l. [½ p.]
March 11. 90. Account of the whole sum received and levied on the same account; total received 45,213l. 13s. 2d.; levied but not yet paid in, 26,684l. [1 p.]
March 11. 91. Sir Francis Nethersole to Mr. Savile. Requests him to pay Robert Osbolston 100l. on Sir Francis's annuity of 200l. due upon a debenture for the half year ended Michaelmas 10th Charles I. [½ p.]
March 12.
Sarsden.
92. William Walter, Sheriff of co. Oxford, to Nicholas. Presently after his last letter, wherein were inclosed the refusing answers of the chief constables of the hundreds of Bloxham and Banbury to assess the towns within their divisions, he received the like answers from the petty constables in those hundreds to his warrants for assessing the particular persons within their parishes, he having himself assessed the towns. Whereupon he summoned them together and went into those parts to meet them, where he prevailed so far that he has gathered instructions to make up a book for certifying what is set upon each parish and upon every clergyman. This book is delivered to the undersheriff to be conveyed to Nicholas's hands. Has not collected above 400l., and his undersheriff much less. Banbury, Woodstock, Chipping Norton, and Burford are backward, whereof the two last now begin to dispute the extent of their liberties, which has also troubled the business in the hundreds, but he has taken order that on both sides the money shall be deposited until the state of the question be agreed upon, and then he will petition for the opinion of the Lords, for that their common payments in the county (which is the rule given him to resolve such questions by) are in some cases the same and in others differ. The leaving this undecided has been one of the errors in the last year's proceedings which has retarded those of the writer. [1½ p.]
March 12. 93. Officers of the Navy to all masters of his Majesty's ships, prestmasters, and others appointed to press for the Navy. The Prosperous of London, now in the Thames, is bound for the Straits, and at present laden with "merchandizeing goods," but by reason her men are daily taken from her she cannot proceed thereon, which tends to the disadvantage of his Majesty's customs, and a great prejudice to the merchants by hindering commerce. His Majesty having signified his pleasure that his subjects should not suffer in this particular, the persons addressed are to forbear pressing any of the 50 men whose names are mentioned on the other side. [1 p.] Annexed,
93. i. List of the 50 men above mentioned. [=2/3 p.]
March 12.
Southampton.
94. William Hapgood to William Watkins at Twickenham. The writer and his sister Rigges, with the assent of Mr. Watkins, a brother of the person addressed, entreat him to procure a warrant for 32 men bound for Newfoundland on a fishing voyage, in the Charity of Southampton, master, Richard Gardner; charges and "gratulation" shall be paid. [1 p.] Enclosed,
94. i. Names of the 32 men above mentioned. [1 p.]
March 13. 95. The King to the Mayor and Chief Officers of Worcester. The King is given to understand that the service in the quire of the cathedral there is very much neglected and almost utterly deserted by all that are of the best rank in the city. It is the King's pleasure, as well for the solemnity of God's service, as the preservation of due honour to the cathedral, being the Mother Church, as also for the maintenance of the public and outward state of the corporation, that the mayor and his successors, with the aldermen and all the chief officers of the city, shall not cease from time to time upon all Sundays and other holy days, morning and evening, to repair to the beginning of the Divine Service, and then to hear the sermon, after the manner observed in London, and therein they may not fail, without sufficient cause to be approved by the Diocesan or in his absence by the Dean, to whose cognizance the King commits the continual care thereof. And whilst in that holy place, they are expected to carry themselves as becomes them in all obedience and conformity to the canons of the Church and to the reverend customs of that and other cathedrals. This royal injunction is to be entered among the acts of their city, and a copy to be delivered to the Dean and Chapter to remain upon record in their registry, and by them to be transmitted to the registrar of the bishop. [Copy. 1 p.]
March 13.
Whitehall.
96. Minute of order of the King in reference to some proceedings in the Court of Honour "touching Mr. Copley," as is stated in the endorsement. The King well considers the most immediate relation which this court has to his own person, and will be very sparing in granting appeals. For this particular, that there may be expedition used for his Majesty to see the truth, and for saving charges to the petitioner, his Majesty is pleased that the Earls of Northumberland and Dorset, Mr. Comptroller [Sir Henry Vane] and Sec. Windebank shall hear whether, upon the proof made before the Earl Marshal, the petitioner has just cause of appeal from the sentence, as also shall examine petitioner's carriage and behaviour in the prosecution of the business, to the end that if there be just cause his Majesty may admit the appeal, or otherwise remand him back to the Earl Marshal for putting the sentence in execution. [Copy. ½ p.]
March 13. 97. Notes, by Nicholas, of business to be transacted by the Lords of the Admiralty. Appoint when ships now at sea shall come in. Officers of the Navy and the Victualler attend with answers to complaints of abuses in the Navy and the Fleet of last year. [Margin by the Lord Treasurer, Respectuatur.] Hear commission for sale of gunpowder and give order what shall be done thereupon. The Lords appointed to consider accounts of Viceadmirals. [Margin by Lord Treasurer, Respectuatur]. What shall be done with the Turkish frigate which came from Hurst Castle; also upon Mr. Ackworth's petition for reversion of the office of Clerk of the Navy. [1 p.]
March 13. 98. Answer of Sir William Russell, Treasurer of the Navy, to sundry articles objected against him and John Holland, his paymaster. These are the articles adduced by the Earl of Northumberland on his return in October 1636 from the command of the fleet. They principally relate to some alleged hardships upon the sailors in the mode of payment; to a per-centage of 2s. in the pound deducted upon advances; and to the retention in the hands of the treasurer of sums owing to the chest at Chatham. The articles and answers are both here stated. [4½ pp.]
March 13. 99. Answer of the Officers of the Navy to similar articles adduced against them. The articles related to the state of the King's ships and their cordage, the mean kind of persons employed as pressmasters, the impropriety of laying into ships so large a quantity as six months' store of victuals, and the necessity for sending out a treasurer with the Fleet. [3 pp.]
March 13. 100. Return by the same, of the names of all his Majesty's ships not appointed to go forth to sea for this year's service, with the reasons of their non-employment. [1 p.]
March 13.
Whitehall.
101. Orders of the Lords of the Admiralty as Commissioners for the Sale of Gunpowder, that there should be taken by the Clerk of the Council for drawing, getting signed, and registering a warrant for sale of a last of gunpowder, or under, 13s. 4d., and no more, and if it be above a last, at the rate of 13s. 4d. a last, and the Clerk of the Ordnance and Clerk of the Stores should take a similar fee, and no more, for keeping the accounts of powder sold. [½ p.]
March 13. 102. Draft of the same by Nicholas. [¾ p.]
March 13. 103. John Daulby and William Halford, High Constables of Rothwell hundred, to Sir Robert Banaster, Sheriff of co. Northampton, at his house at Passenham. Upon the "general's" complaint of almost their whole hundred of Rothwell, of the inequality of their former tax for the ship-moneys, they have, according to the direction of his warrant, made a new tax, which they send him, with the manner and way of taxing, which they hope will please the whole hundred. Pray him to return the former tax, and a warrant to levy according to this new one, made upon the true value of all the lands in the hundred. [Seal with arms. 1 p.]
March 13. Petition of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens of Worcester to Archbishop Laud. Within the city of Worcester there are nine parishes, whereof many of the incumbents are not preaching ministers, whereby a great many of his Majesty's subjects are not so well instructed in the Word of God as they ought to have been. For remedy whereof the citizens, at their charge, with the consent of the bishop, and without exception of the dean and chapter, for many years past made choice of a learned preacher in the cathedral, to preach every Sunday after evening prayer done at the parish churches, and before evening service in the cathedral, there being no parish church sufficient to contain half the company that resorted thereunto, and would willingly continue but they are restrained by Mr. Dean, and the cause alleged is that they did not on Sundays and other festival days resort to the quire prayers in the cathedral, whereof, as soon as they were admonished, they presently did, and will apply themselves to be conformable to what the Archbishop shall command. Therefore they pray that they may continue their former liberty, and present to the bishop a sufficient preacher to preach in the cathedral. [Fragments of the Common Seal attached. Case D., Car., I., No. 12.]
March 13.
West Dean.
104. Dr. Matthew Nicholas to his brother Edward Nicholas. He was inducted into the prebend of Wherwell and read his articles on Friday last, and there remains nothing more to be done (if the young Lady Lawarr do not prosecute her pretended title) than the writer's thanks to his noble patron. The old Lady Lawarr withdrew her caveat and the young lady sent in no man at the day appointed by the bishop to show her title, whereupon the bishop took a bond of 200l. of the writer to save him harmless and gave him institution. The writer's father tells him that Dr. Henchman informed him that the bargain being made between Mr. Ashburnham and Mr. Strode in Edward Nicholas's house for the parsonage, he interposed on the writer's behalf for the prebend His intelligence was by one Mr. Hinton, a neighbour to Mr. Ashburnham, who was an importunate suitor for the prebend. Ashburnham intends to survey Laverstock again, but the writer urges Edward Nicholas to see it himself. Gives him particulars of another purchase within three miles of Hungerford; the name of the place is Fosbury. It is a lease for 32 years in the possession of Mr. Mullens, a recusant, and holden of Edward Skilling, the value of 300l. per annum, the price 3,600l., Lord Gorges is also selling New Court. Acquainted his cousin Lane of the hope Edward Nicholas had to get him sworn the King's servant, if he desired it. He intends to make use of it to keep off Toomer whose demands are unreasonable. Great grief throughout the family at the bad circumstances of "brother Butterworth," who seemed to desire Edward Nicholas to procure him a protection, which was thought to be neither just nor feasible. The writer intends to christen his child the next week. His intended gossips are his cousin Polden, his sister Kate, and Mr. Davy. [2 pp.]
March 13. 105–6. See "Returns made by Justices of Peace."
March 14.
Westminster.
107. Warrant for payment of 1,869l. 2s. 3d., to Edward Bradburne, silkman, being the amount of three accounts, one of 1,326l. 1s. 8d., for gold and silk laces and fringes delivered for the King's service in the stables, in 1633, and certified by the Earl of Denbigh, Master of the Great Wardrobe; another account of 374l. 12s. 11d. for gold and silver fringes for making "a caroch" for the Queen against May Day 1636, certified by Lyming Dickenson; and a third account of 168l. 7s. 8d. for suits and cloaks for the footmen, coachmen, and postilions of the Queen against May Day, certified by Sir Gregory Fenner. [19 lines on parchment.]
March 14.
Whitehall.
108. Copy of the form of letter to be addressed by Nicholas to various churchwardens, already calendared under date of the 9th inst. The present copy was intended to be addressed to the churchwardens of a parish in Blackfriars, and, besides a list of the compounders for buildings in that parish, who were to be specially affected by it, has prefixed to the letter a copy of the order of council of the 25th January 1636–7 which is referred to in the letter. [1½ p.]
March 14.
His Majesty's fort at Plymouth.
109. Capt. Thomas Ketelby to [Sec. Windebank]. Sends under cover to the Secretary a letter for Sir James Bagg, which much concerns him. The Nicodemus is returned from the western coast. Her captain and company report her to be the most absolute sailer in the world. She runs from every ship she sees (to use the captain's own words) as a greyhound does from a little dog. On the 6th they met the Leopard and the two merchant ships bound for Sallee, off the Lizard, who had the day before convoyed a ship with ammunition into Falmouth, but the Antelope they saw not. But she touched at Plymouth and took in some men she wanted and went hence the 7th inst. [1 p.]
March 14. 110. Certificate of Sir Henry Palmer, that having received order from the Lords of the Admiralty to take bond of Capt. Goodlad, employed by the Greenland Company, not to carry in the said voyage any men belonging to his Majesty's fleet then ready in the Hope, he had done so, and that having taken Goodlad's musterbooks from him, and examined them, he had found none of his men to have been pressed into his Majesty's service. [½ p.]
March 14.
Mincing Lane.
111. The same to Nicholas. The shipwrights who build the two new pinnaces have acquainted the Officers of the Navy that they intend on the Monday then next to launch them. There being none as yet warranted to take charge of them, the writer desires that the masters appointed for them may have order to that purpose. Expected to have heard somewhat concerning the five ships they nominated yesterday to the Lords. Unless the resolution be speeded they will not be able in the time proposed to perform the service. [Seal with crest. ½ p.]
March 14.
"My lodging."
112. Anthony Langston to Mr. Pike, servant to Lord Bayning. Angry letter, complaining of ill usage, and requesting Pike to pay the 40l. remaining in his hands to Sir Thomas Baker. [Underwritten is a memorandum that the payment was made to Sir Thomas Baker and Mr. Herring on the 18th inst. 1 p.]
March 14. 113–114. See "Returns made by Justices of Peace."
March 15. 115. Examination of Humphrey Dymock, taken by Nicholas, as Clerk of the Council. Examinant states that his brother, Edward Dymock, being employed by Humphrey Fullwood, about three or four years since, to keep the papers belonging to the Council chest when examinant was sick, delivered to one Neland, a bookseller, one book of entries of the Acts of Council in the reign of Edward VI., which book examinant understanding to be in Neland's hands, he repaired to him for the same, when he told him that he had lent examinant's brother 5s. upon the same, and that there was a gentleman would buy the said book, and afterwards Neland brought him Mr. Hall, belonging to Sir Thomas Fanshawe's office, who gave examinant 4l. for the same. [¾ p.]
March 15. 116. Petition of the persons whose names are to the annexed certificate subscribed, and others of the parish of St. Giles-in-the-Fields, Middlesex, to the Council. Most humbly deploring the miserable estate they are in by the great increase of those of the Romish church in the said parish, where they are so exceedingly multiplied that in that part of the parish called Bloomsbury there are as many or more than Protestants. Pray the care of the Council of a reformation. [Endorsed, "Newton's petition in name of the officers of St. Giles's." ¾ p.] Annexed,
116. i. William Haywood, rector, George Hope and George Nurse, churchwardens, and John Hyde, constable, of St.-Gilesin-the-Fields, to the Council. Certify, at the instance of Francis Newton, one of the messengers, that by the instigation of Henry Morse, a Jesuit, John Souther, a prisoner in the Gatehouse, and James Smithson, a prisoner in Newgate, certain persons who are under-named, and many others, had been drawn to adhere to the Church of Rome. There follow the names of the persons who are stated to have been "perverted," most of whom were plague patients, who, in the time of their sickness, were reconciled by Morse. The converts named were about 20 persons, one half of whom had died of the plague. March 8th, 1636–7. [2½ pp.]
116. ii. Order of the Lords on the above petition. They think fit that the parson of the parish and others who have certified as above should take care to have the persons complained of to be convicted as recusants, whereupon the Lords will give further order. Whitehall. 15th March 1636–7. [Written under the petition above-mentioned. ¼ p.]
March 15.
Ridlington, co. Rutland.
117. Sir Edward Harrington to Nicholas. In his last letter certified that he had 400l. ship-money in hand. In this time of Lent, finds it very difficult to get any returned, and to bring or send it up is full of hazard and danger. He has now received the greater part of the money, except some few towns wherein some particular persons obstinately refuse to pay (as they pretend out of a matter of conscience), and so not only hinder the towns wherein they live, but encourage other towns to do the like. He has distrained some of them, and is resolved to take the same course with the rest, and he punishes the chief of them that have good personal estates by raising their assessments to a greater proportion than they were before. He is now busy in sending money to all the towns that have paid for easing the poorer sort that have contributed to this assessment, which gives the poor great content. Will send up a certificate, and endeavour to return to Sir William Russell what money he can, and about Easter send up all. [Seal with crest. 1 p.]
March 15. 118. Receipt of Sir William Russell for 1,449l., ship-money, paid by Morgan Price on behalf of Sir Lewis Mansell, Sheriff of co. Glamorgan, in part of 5,000l. charged upon South Wales. [¾ p.]
March 15.
Whitehall.
119. Order of Council. Certificates having been presented concerning the great decay of the Turkish frigate, lying in the graving dock of the King's yard at Portsmouth, and Sec. Coke signifying his Majesty's pleasure that it should be sold, it is ordered accordingly. [¾ p.]
March 15. 120. Notes, by Nicholas, of Admiralty businesses, respecting which his Majesty was to be spoken with. Concerning giving the owners of merchant ships 3l. 6s. 8d. a man per mensem, to set forth ships for the King's service. Touching the proposition of the Master of the Ordnance to license retailers of gunpowder. [Margin: Fiat.] To show his Majesty the Lords' opinion on Mr. Ackworth's having the reversion of the office of Clerk of the Navy. [Margin: This not to proceed.] To acquaint his Majesty that the two new pinnaces appointed for Sallee will be ready to be launched on Monday next; that he will appoint some one to name them. [Margin: The Earl of Northumberland.] [¾ p.]
March 15.
Mincing Lane.
121. Officers of the Navy to Lords of the Admiralty. Having considered the difficulty of procuring able mariners for the King's service, and that insufficient men are sent in, and many that are pressed appear not, but by stealth ship themselves away upon merchants' voyages, and render to the press-masters wrong names and false places of abode, so to prevent the ensuing punishment, the Officers request an order to the Deputy Lieutenants, Mayors, and Justices of the Peace, to undertake to send in such numbers from each place as the necessity of the service will require, and that if pressed men return home without a lawful discharge they may be sent up as delinquents for punishment. [1 p.]
March 15.
Whitehall.
122. Notes, by Sec. Windebank, of proceedings of a Committee of the Council for treating with the city of London, respecting the surrender of their lands in Ireland upon a remission of the fine in the Star Chamber, but the city to retain the fishing. The notes conclude with a suggestion of Archbishop Laud, that the city should offer 10,000l. and continue the fishing. [¼ p.]
March 15. 123–124. See "Returns made by Justices of the Peace."