Charles I - volume 395: July 1-31, 1638

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1637-8. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1869.

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'Charles I - volume 395: July 1-31, 1638', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1637-8, (London, 1869) pp. 549-581. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/chas1/1637-8/pp549-581 [accessed 25 March 2024]

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July 1–31, 1638.

July 1. 1. Notes by Nicholas of matters wherewith to acquaint his Majesty from the Commissioners for the Affairs of the Household. The commissioners have given order for various alterations in the household below stairs. What concerns the stables is left to be perfected when the Master of the Horse returns. The commissioners have also settled certain orders for the accounts which are to be inserted in the new book of orders for the future. They have also settled an order touching purveyors, and another concerning the diet of the gentlemen ushers daily waiters, allowing them five dishes, but they insist to have six, which the commissioners leave to his Majesty. The quarter waiters' diet is to be provided when the Lords meet at Michaelmas next. The King to be moved for an increase of their board wages. [1 p.]
July 1. 2. Affidavit of Charles Forbench, clerk, M.A. The Eastland merchants having respited their answer to his Majesty's letter for admitting Henry White of their company, deponent accompanied White, being his brother-in-law, to their assembly, in "respective" manner, entreating their answer. Sir Christopher Clitherow, master of the company, with some vehemency alleged that if his Majesty's letters should prevail in that kind they knew not where or of whom to raise moneys for defraying the expense of their assemblies, adding that such admittances were contrary to their oath and orders. White offered to pay whatsoever was due to the uttermost, not claiming any privilege in that kind by virtue of his Majesty's favour. And deponent alleged the respect which the universities showed to satisfy his Majesty's missives, and offered to their consideration his Majesty's expression in the "perclose" of his letter, implying a requital or good turn. Sir Christopher replied, in an unseemly slighting manner, that they all knew well enough what the King's good turns were when they came to seek them, or words to that effect, and withal, taking advantage that some word in the King's letter was not effectual, said he could answer the King's letter well enough. Which speeches, so unrespectively and slightingly uttered in public, deponent conceives were in contempt of the honour of his sovereign, and therefore holds himself obliged in loyalty to disclose the same, being ready to verify his statement in verbo sacerdotis, or upon his sacramental oath. [2/3 p.]
July 2.
Maidstone.
3. Justices of Peace for Kent to the Council. Your letters of the last of May were delivered to us the 2nd inst., whereupon we gave order for the carriage of two hundred loads of timber from Lullingstone Park to Woolwich. As for the two hundred loads to be carried from Warnham in Sussex to Kingston upon Thames in Surrey, we desire you to excuse this county. We never had the assistance of any other county in any such service, it being likewise a thing unknown to go out of this county into another to carry timber from thence into a third. This county having also been of late much charged with carriages, we entreat you to ease us of that part of this burden. [Seal with crest. 1 p.]
July 2. 4. Petition of Sir Samuel Luke, of Woodend in the parish of Copehall [Cople ?] and diocese of Lincoln, to Archbishop Laud. Petitioner's house being distant from his parish church about a mile, and the way thither, especially in the winter, being so foul, and often such sudden inundations over the same that he cannot go thither, he beseeches you to license him and his wife, two men servants and a maid servant, to go to the parish church of Carrington [Cardington ?], where he has another house, or to Hawnes, where his father lives, or to Norrill [Northill], being the adjoining parish. Underwritten,
4. i. "I am content that a licence be granted as desired, provided petitioner and his family duly receive the Holy Communion at his own parish church, and discharge all other duties that are fitting. W. Cant." 2nd July 1638. [1 p.]
July 2. 5. Thomas Barnard to — Webb, secretary to the Duke of Lenox. The privy seal, mentioning the number and natures of the ordnance, with particular directions to my Lord [Newport], is the usual course, and his warrant to the officers of the Ordnance for delivery. The number and nature of iron shot must be likewise expressed, with the quantity of powder. If you procure a privy seal, and send it me, with the expedition you require, I shall serve you. P.S.—I shall be glad to receive your commands to-morrow at Greenwich. [1 p.]
July 2. 6. Certificate of George Fulbert. Eleanor, wife of Edward Browne, has taken the oath of allegiance before me. [⅓ p.]
July 2.
My house at the Old Palace.
7. Similar certificate of Sir William Brouncker. Humphrey FitzWilliam, having occasion to travel into France, has taken the oaths of supremacy and allegiance before me. [⅓ p.]
July 2. 8. The like, of Peter Heywood, Justice of Peace for Middlesex. Walter Steckland [Strickland ?] of Swinton, co. York, has taken the oath of allegiance before me. [⅓ p.]
July 2. 9. Presentment of the Grand Inquest at the Assizes holden at Bath. We present that corn is grown to an excessive rate, which we conceive not to be occasioned so much by scarcity as by other accidents, namely, by the great and heavy taxations by new invented ways, which is so heavy a burthen on the farmers as causes them to sell their grain at high rates to support their charge, by which labourers are not able to get sufficient sustenance, and is a cause of many thefts and felonies. Another cause is, by reason of a late practice of gathering great companies of unruly people at bull-baitings, under pretence of helping some poor man, who brews about 30 or 40 bushels of malt, and spends it all at one of those meetings, and there are many thefts committed after their departure. Also that of late there are come commissions into the country under the hand of the two Secretaries of State to all postmasters, for taking up such numbers of horses as the post-masters shall think fit, and the post-masters take into their stables 10 or 12 horses at one time, and keep them two nights, and then take in so many more, and if they have employment for any of them they pay the post price, otherwise they make the owners pay for their meat and dressing what rate they please, but some upon composition they release, which makes the burthen the heavier upon the rest. We beseech you to present this grievance to his Majesty. Also vagrants abound by the neglect of watch and ward. Also the saltpetremen, having removed their works into other counties, have pressed the inhabitants adjoining the coal-mines to carry, not only their saltpetre and vessels to places far remote, but their fuel also, which we present as a great grievance. [2½ pp.]
July 2. 10–11. See "Returns made by Justices of Peace."
July 3. Petition of the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul's to the King. Your Majesty's predecessors granted to petitioners and the canons of the said cathedral by charters, immunities and privileges, not only in the country, but also within the city and suburbs of London, within their tenements, lands, and fees, which they thankfully acknowledge they have enjoyed and still do enjoy. Differences arise many times between the Dean and Chapter and Canons and the city of London touching rights belonging to the said church, and more may arise, if by your Majesty's accustomed piety they be not prevented. Petitioners, understanding the Lord Mayor and citizens to be suitors for renovation of their charter, beseech you to give order to the Attorney-General to take care that no addition or alteration of any clause or word be made in the city charter which may prove prejudicial to the said church. [Copy. See Vol. cccxxiii., p. 315. ½ p.] Underwritten,
i. Reference to the Attorney-General, to be careful that nothing pass in the charter of the city, when renewed, that may tend to the prejudice of St. Paul's. Greenwich, 3rd July 1638. [Copy. Ibid., p. 316. 1/5 p.]
July 3. Petition of Thomas Killigrew to the King. Your Majesty is entitled to the goods and chattels of Simon Jackson of Botsone [Bottisham ?], co. Cambridge, lately convicted of the manslaughter of Isaac Heath, servant to Lord Rochford. Petitioner prays a grant of your Majesty's right to the said goods and chattels. [Copy. Ibid., p. 316. ¼ p.] Underwritten,
i. Reference to the Attorney-General, to prepare a bill accordingly. Greenwich, 3rd July 1638. [Ibid. 1/6 p.]
July 3. Petition of Robert Smyth and Leonard Stockdale, relators in the Star Chamber, against the Company of Starchmakers, to the same. Petitioners, at their sole expense, discovered the insufferable abuses of the defendants, whereupon it was ordered by the Council, in presence of your Majesty, that Mr. Attorney should exhibit an information against them in the Star Chamber, which was done, and the cause ready for publication ever since Easter Term, and likewise petitioners offered an increase of your revenue, by good caution of able merchants, to pay 500l. the first year, 1,000l. the second, 3,000l. the third, and so to continue, whereas formerly you had only 200l. per annum, and the Earl of Ancram 600l. per annum at most de claro. The starchmakers made an offer to the Lord Treasurer and Lord Cottington, which, presenting the appearance of some improvement upon petitioners' offer, their Lordships thought fit petitioners' should be joined with the starchmakers in the latter propositions, whereupon the starchmakers elected petitioners' into their company. Petitioners, having no warrant to the contrary, did nevertheless not slack prosecution in the suit, which has caused so great a height of malice towards them that the starchmakers now continually labour to circumvent them by false imputations, and having got your warrant for a new patent, now endeavour to exclude petitioners from the company. Petitioners have expended near 1,000l. in prosecution of the cause in the Star Chamber, and in improving your revenue; but such is the malice of the starchmakers that, unless you protect them, they will be surely undone. Pray reference as to petitioners' service and reimbursement to such of your Council as you think fit, and they to certify what they shall think reasonable. [Copy. Ibid., p. 316. 1 p.] Underwritten,
i. Reference to the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Keeper, the Lord Treasurer, and Lord Cottington, to take order for petitioners' satisfaction. Greenwich, 3rd July 1628. [Copy. Ibid., p. 317. 1/6 p.]
July 3. Petition of Roger Hollings and Katherine his wife, to the King. According to a reference heretofore made by your Majesty upon a petition of petitioners, plaintiffs, against Nathan Akeroid, defendant, Henry Garway, alderman, Edward Trotman, and William Armitage, three of the referees, have called before them the parties, and have endeavoured to mediate some end for relief of petitioners, but could not effect the same. Whereupon they have certified that the said Katherine was an orphan, and committed to Thomas Gomersall and Grace his wife, she being her own aunt, and that there is due to petitioners 320l., which they conceive ought to be paid by Akeroid, being the executor of Grace Gomersall, deceased, which he utterly refuses to do, but giveth forth in speeches that it shall cost hotwater, and that he will spend 500l. before petitioners shall have one penny from him. Pray a reference to Archbishop Laud and Lord Keeper Coventry, to make such order for payment of the said 320l., and for petitioners relief and quiet, as shall seem best. [Copy. See Vol. cccxxiii., p. 318. ½ p.] Underwritten,
i. Reference to Archbishop Laud and Lord Keeper Coventry, as desired. Greenwich, 3rd July, 1638. [Ibid., p. 318. 1/6 p.]
July 3. Petition of the Merchants of London to the same. In regard there are many sorts of cloths and stuffs made in this kingdom, for the true making whereof there is no statute law, whereby the makers make them very deceitful, so that if other countries beyond the seas were not busied in wars, but had the benefit of peace, as we have, they would fall to making cloths and stuffs which would far excel ours, and be a great hindrance to the trade of this kingdom. Pray his Majesty to command certain able merchants in London to be committees of inquiry to examine the grievances of his Majesty's subjects which are more than the brevity of a petition can set forth, that they may inform your Majesty, and set down a course how it may be reformed, and that it may be your own proper business. [Copy. Ibid., p. 319. ⅓ p.] Underwritten,
i. Reference to the Lord Treasurer and Lord Cottington, who calling to them the Attorney-General, are to certify their opinions. Greenwich, 3rd July, 1638. [Ibid. 1/6 p.]
July 3. 12. Petition of Lady Carr, wife of Sir Robert Carr, of Sleaford, co. Lincoln, to the same. Petitioner since Michaelmas was two years has endured insufferable usages from her husband, whose wife she has been nine years, having living by him one son and three daughters, in all which time she has been a most loving wife, using all patience in hope of his future amendment. But such are his evil counsellors that have gotten possession of his present estate, that they maliciously cross all good agreement, subtilly practising their separation, to the ruin of them and theirs. Beseeches his Majesty to hear her just complaint, or to refer the examination thereof to some of the Council. [2/3 p.] Endorsed,
i. Reference to Archbishop Laud, the Lord Keeper, the Lord Treasurer, the Lord Privy Seal, and the Lord Cottington, to mediate some agreement if they can, otherwise to certify his Majesty where the impediment lies, with their opinions. Greenwich, 3rd July 1638. [½ p.]
July 3. Copy of the same. [See Vol. cccxxiii., p. 318. ½ p.]
July 3.
Leicester Castle.
13. Edward Lake to [Sir John Lambe]. Upon the 16th inst. the four months for this triennial end. Our course is to go on with the Archdeacon's jurisdiction, without expectation of a relaxation; yet, whether you would have it so now or no I pray let us know, as also your pleasure for the Archdeacon's visitation, for which it is necessary there should be new books of articles. There has been none this long time, saving those for this archiepiscopal visitation, the tenor whereof is much different from those for the Archdeacon's visitation. If there were no difference it now were necessary, for more than a third part of the towns had none this last visitation. I wrote to you, and desired William Heyward to bring your receipt of that 38l. which you received from me of Mr. Halford for St. Paul's, and William Heyward tells me that you said you acknowledged the receipt. I never had any note. [1 p.]
July 3.
Sampson's Place, formerly called Simson's Place.
14. Sir Archibald Douglas to Thomas Young, Clerk to the Signet in Scotland, Edinburgh. My soul and heart rejoice because I hear there is many men both religious and courageous in Scotland, our native land. May show a copy of this letter, but as yet not from him, except to his honoured friend Sir Thomas Hope. Will shortly send to them both unexpected good news. Will shortly bear his buff coat again as a commander at the wars, and will use his Duo Gladii, which is the true emblem of his name Dall Glas, and with the word of God, which is sharper than any two edged-sword, will go against the Lord's enemies. With much other rhapsodical matter, very similar to that written by his wife, Lady Eleanor Davies, now Douglas. [Endorsed by Sec. Windebank as "third intercepted going," with an addition in pencil, in another hand, "Dougle fooleries." 1 p.]
July 3. 15. Brief of the proofs of John Nicholas de Franchis [or Franqui] against Captain Walter Stewart, in a matter respecting ten chests of silver money, containing, 200,000 rials, received by Capt. Stewart at the Groyne on board the Victory, to be transported to England, and thence to Flanders. The chests in question were shipped, with others, by Bartholomew Barillaro, under a licence granted by the King of Spain to Francisco Maria Pichonotti. After they were on board the Victory, Barillaro assigned them to de Franqui, and Capt. Stewart signed a new bill of lading in the name of de Franqui. On arrival in England, Capt. Stewart delivered the ten chests to the Conde d'Oniate, the Spanish ambassador, upon a certificate by Martin Lopez de Ivara, said to be a Spanish Secretary of State, that they had been confiscated by the government of Spain, on the ground that Barillaro had no right to assign them to de Franqui. On the other side it was contended that there had not been any confiscation, and that de Ivara was no Secretary of State, but a notary public. [Endorsed are notes by Sec. Windebank as to the facts of the case. 8 pp.]
July 4. 16. Petition of Mary Coffland to Archbishop Laud. Daniel Coffland, one of the pages of the Back Stairs to the Duke of York. was lawfully made sure to petitioner almost seven years since, with the consent of her father, Richard Lloyd, then of Lambeth, whereupon, almost two years since, he gave her 20s. to provide a wedding ring, and about April 29, 1636, he sent for her over to the Sun Tavern, Westminster, where he had provided a man, who he said was a Romish priest, (the said Daniel being a Roman Catholic,) to marry them. Petitioner suspecting that he was no priest, because he went in coloured apparel, Daniel, with many oaths, affirmed that he was a priest, and that he might lawfully marry them at that time, (it being about one or two o'clock in the afternoon,) and in that place, without danger of the law. Whereupon Daniel and petitioner were married by the priest, none other being present but William Brothers, a friend to Daniel. The marriage being solemnized, petitioner returned to her father's house, where, about eight or nine o'clock at night, her husband came, and asked her father's and mother's blessing, desiring them not to be angry, saying that he had kept their daughter long in hand, but now he had made her amends, for he had married her; but he earnestly desired that his marriage might not be divulged, lest he should lose his place. Thereupon her parents promised secrecy, and permitted them to accompany each other. But since the death of petitioner's father, by whom her husband hoped to have gotten a greater estate than her father was able to give, her husband has not only used her unkindly in words, but has also forsaken her, and denies her means for her livelihood, unless she will deny that she was married unto him. And because she claims him for her husband, he has served her with a process, upon an action of defamation, to appear before Dr. Mason, chancellor of Winchester. By all which unjust dealing, petitioner, being great with child, not only is defamed, but also for want of means cannot answer the law. Prays the Archbishop to cause her husband to associate with her, as becometh him, and to allow her alimony, and to stop the proceedings in the Ecclesiastical Court. Underwritten,
16. i. Reference to the Bishop of Chichester, to speak with the Countess of Dorset concerning the party complained of, that upon signification of her Ladyship's pleasure (he being the Duke's servant) such course may be taken as shall be fitting. July 4th, 1638. [1 p.]
July 4.
Dover.
17. J. Barter to Mrs. [Olive] Porter. Your son G. P. [George Porter] and his aunt Lady Newport arrived here an hour since, as the bearer will tell you. His aunt will not suffer him to come without her, who to-morrow morning will be coming towards you [Seal with arms. ¾ p.]
July 4. 18. See "Returns made by Justices of Peace."
July 5.
Westm[inster.]
19. Edmund Crowne to —. On the 2nd inst. Sir Charles Herbert and Mr. Latch were in the Petty Bag Office looking for the filing or enrolment of the law of the sewers made in the 10th of James, whereby the said King was nominated undertaker for divers fens. The Attorney-General sent the same day to look for the law whereby his now Majesty is undertaker for the Eight Hundred Fen, but neither of them was there to be found. Upon some speeches about the necessity of enrolling the said laws, Mr. Haward, one of the clerks of the office, and the man that exemplified your law, desired me to inform my Lord that he would advise with his counsel whether it be not fit to enrol the exemplification, lest the law itself may happen to be embezzled off the file. You and Mr. Long, if you see cause, may give direction for the inrolment. [¾ p.]
July 5. Herald's certificate of funeral of Paul Viscount Bayning, who died at Bentley Hall, Essex, on 11th June 1638. He married Penelope, daughter and sole heir of Sir Robert Naunton and Penelope his wife, daughter and sole heir of Sir John [Thomas ?] Perrott, by [Dorothy] his wife, daughter of Walter Earl of Essex. Lord Bayning had issue by his said lady one daughter, named Anne, born 1st May 1637, and left his widow great with child. He was buried in a vault on the north side of the church of Bentley, Essex. His executors were his lady relict and Sir Thomas Glemham of Glemham Hall, Suffolk. [Unsigned. ½ p.]
July 5. 20. Affidavit of Richard Woodcock, of Westminster, yeoman. Being watchman of the prison of the Gatehouse, he was upon Wednesday night last about 12 o'clock required by Francis Whitney, a constable of Westminster, to open the gates, and receive the body of Jasper Heiley, messenger. He then saw Heiley show the constable a warrant, signed by Sec. Windebank, directed to Heiley, to apprehend John Mayo, clerk, bearing date the day aforesaid, requiring the constable to read the said warrant, and to repair to the house of Mr. Secretary for further satisfaction. The constable replied that he could not read it. Deponent answered that he was well assured that the warrant was signed by Sec. Windebank. Then Heiley said to the constable, "Now you have seen this warrant, surely you dare not commit me." The constable replied that he had a better warrant (showing his constable's staff) than Heiley had. And presently the constable, with divers of his watchmen, thrust Heiley into the prison, giving deponent charge to keep him safe. Heiley did not give the constable any ill language, nor was Heiley distempered with drink. [1 p.]
July 5. 21–22. See "Returns made by Justices of Peace."
July 6. 23. Sir Henry Marten to [the Council]. Report on the true cause of the great scarcity of oysters. From returns of jurors at courts held to inquire into this matter, it is found that in Essex the scarcity arises by the taking the broods and spats of oysters, and the shells upon which the spats grow, from off the common oyster grounds, and carrying them into private "lannes" and grounds, where the spat and brood for the most part die; also by the extraordinary great quantity of oysters, and many times brood and all, taken and put up in barrels and sent to London; and that the corporations of Colchester and Maldon challenge the waters of Ponte and Colne, which are the best brooding places, to belong to them, and at prohibited times license men to dredge; and that the price is much enhanced by the transportation of oysters beyond seas, and to Hull and the north parts, and by fishmongers and others that go from London into Essex, and contract for all the oysters, and engross them into a few hands. In Kent, the reason of the scarcity is the numbers of oystermen there more than in former time, and the most part poor, unruly, and incorrigible; these men, violating all orders in dredging, have taken away the stock and nursery of oysters. To this is to be added the excessive transportation, under pretence of licences granted for oysters for the Queen of Bohemia and the Prince of Orange. For remedy the writer suggests an order of the board that no oysters should be taken from the grounds in Essex until they be come to some maturity, and in no week more than 1,000 half barrels; that no fishmonger buy oysters to sell again until they be brought to the common quay; and that a fitting proportion be set down for the Queen of Bohemia and the Prince of Orange. That letters be written to the vice-admirals to see this performed, and to the mayors of Colchester and Maldon, forbidding them to license any to dredge at prohibited times. [4½ pp.]
July 6. 24. See "Returns made by the Justices of the Peace."
July 7.
Greenwich.
25. Sir Thomas Jermyn, Vice Chamberlain of the Household, to Sec. Windebank. The King has commanded me to will you to go forthwith to the Lord Keeper, and to let him know that he suffer not Sir Henry Croke's pardon to pass the seal until his Majesty give further order. [¾ p.]
July 7.
London.
26. Edward Fenn to Nicholas. Since the last certificate, I have received of the bailiff of Bishop's Castle, Salop, 15l.; and of the Mayor of Hastings, 42l. 10s.; which is all the money that has come in this week. P.S.—The Sheriff of Carmarthen is in town, and will pay 300l. or 400l., as he says. [½ p.]
July 8.
Dover Castle.
27. Sir John Manwood to Theophilus Earl of Suffolk. There is news come of the French army quitting the siege of St. Omer, and that they burnt their quarters last night. Prince Tomaso and Piccolomini follow the rear of the French army. This is all I can write for the present, and this you may give to the King for news, for I believe he cannot have any fresher. I send enclosed the Lord Treasurer's warrant, which pray return if you find it fit that it may be obeyed. In the interim I will take all the care I can. [Endorsed by Sec. Windebank. 1 p.]
July 9. 28. John Nicholas, to his son Edward Nicholas. Hoped to hear of the time of his coming into the country, but the King's altering his progress hinders it. Is not ignorant of the necessity of his attendance during the Lords sitting in Council, yet the Lords will desire to recreate themselves at their country houses. I endeavour to make you in love with this place. I have almost fitted it for a habitation for one that may spend twice as much as I am able, and will leave it to you as soon as you will. Your mother and I will give over all worldly business, and live privately, for our time cannot be long. Details as to his wife's state of health. The doctor's wife looks every day for a good hour to be delivered. Jack and Ned both want new shirts and more bands. They have but three a piece, and at Winchester they wash but once a month. [Seal with arms. 1¾ p.]
July 9. 29. Statement of Gervase Clifton, that John Alured on the 4th inst. said these words concerning the Scots; that they were brave boys, and would make us all quake. And it being told they could not much avail to do us hurt, he said they would come to our faces, and that they did well; they would reform this land by a parliament as well as they have done theirs already, for the King would be forced to lay down his taxes by their coming into England. Being told they durst not invade us, he said the King would get nobody to fight against them, for they were our own nation and our own blood. [Underwritten.] "These words are not fit for any particular man to question in the Star Chamber, but if they be made known to the Lords of the Council they will give such direction therein as they shall hold fit." [Endorsed by Sec. Windebank. "This Alured dwells in Guilserland upon the borders of Scotland, and hath 4 or 500l. per annum." 1 p.]
July 9.
Grinewige [Greenwich.]
30. Examination of John Alured. I hear say that I, discoursing with Mr. Clifton concerning the Scotch business, said that I heard that the Scotchmen stood upon having a parliament in Scotland, and could not be so content, but desired to have one here too; likewise saying they were mad boys. [½ p.]
July 9.
Clerkenwell.
31. George Long to Sec. Windebank. Declares his knowledge upon a difference between Thomas Izaack and Sir Thomas Reynell. After a decree in the Exchequer Chamber against Izaack, at the prosecution of Sir Thomas, the former, by the mediation of Mr. Lenthall, one of his counsel, left with the writer 200l. for certain arrears grown due to Sir Thomas, which was paid him accordingly. There being further matter of account between them, it was arbitrated by Mr. Lenthall and myself that Izaack should pay Sir Thomas other 220l. in consideration of his charges, and that Sir Thomas should move the then Lord Treasurer Portland for a final discharge of the further account. [1 p.]
July 9. 32. See "Returns made by the Justices of the Peace."
July 10.
Ham[p]ton.
33. George Kirke to Sec. Windebank. Although I now be off the stage of the Court, and can play no useful [part] to do my friends any service, yet I hope to appear again, to be either useful to you or some of yours, though not with the requital, yet with some acknowledgment. The thanks I give you at present is for procuring the letter of draining from his Majesty, which I understand was not without great difficulty, and that you are desired to speak with Mr. Long before you deliver it. Mr. Long is now in the place whither this letter is to be sent, and has the commission there, and expects the letter's coming, and if it be stayed till his return we shall lose the season. At his return I make no doubt but he shall give you satisfaction. The country desires nothing but what his Majesty in his former letters has directed, and the law of sewers has ordained; that is, that the undertakers should perfect the draining, the 2,000 acres should be set out for the poor, and 1,500 acres for maintenance of the work; all which I conceive was the substance of his Majesty's former letters and of this likewise. [Seal with arms. 1 p.]
July 10.
Somercotes.
34. Thomas Butler to Richard Harvey. Hopes Harvey came well to London. Has sent up the four horses. Desires to hear how his master [Endymion Porter] approved of what was done in Harvey's journey. Has written for 200l., with which he entreats Harvey to make all the haste that may be possible, because of the necessity of the poor people. [Seal with crest and initials. 1 p.]
July 10. 35. See "Returns made by Justices of Peace."
July 11.
Greenwich.
36. The King to Elizabeth Countess of Suffolk and Theophilus Earl of Suffolk. After consideration of a decree in chancery between Mr. Harding and you, and many contempts against that court, we were contented to hear your counsel against that decree, and expected that you would speedily conform yourselves to the determination we should make. We found the decree most just, and such as you the countess, as well by law and justice as for the respect you ought to bear to your own honour and to the honour of your deceased husband, are bound to perform. And you the earl, upon many considerations importing the honour of your father and mother, and most nearly reflecting upon yourself, have great reason to assist your mother, if her own estate be too weak, in the observance of that decree. In confidence of your better conformity we forbore at the hearing to insist on that obstinacy which for the space of divers years had been showed in opposing that decree, aggravated with circumstances very scandalous to our justice, and only declared our order, with much favour to you, what ought to be performed. Yet we have not hitherto received any fruit of your obedience suitable either to your duty or to our expectation, and therefore we admonish you, without any further tergiversation or delay, that you apply yourselves to the speedy performance of that our order; which, if you refuse, we let you know that we shall not only resume the consideration of all former contempts, and take order for the punishment thereof, but shall for such an immediate affront against ourself take such course as may vindicate so great an injury against ourself and our justice. [Copy. 1½ p.]
July 11. 37. Petition of Thomas Valentine, rector of Chalfont St. Giles, co. Buckingham, to Archbishop Laud. Having been first suspended about three years since, by the Archdeacon's Court, for not reading the Book of Recreations on Sunday, and after, the book being read by his curate, absolved simply, and not in diem, and again suspended, about a year and a half since, by the same court for the same cause, and an act of sequestration of petitioner's benefice entered in the same court and executed about half a year since, petitioner having formerly moved your Grace you assured petitioner that he should stand right in your opinion, except some other matter appeared against him. As petitioner never made any opposition to the said book, he prays that the punishment he has sustained may satisfy, and that you will order that he may be absolved from the suspension and sequestration. Underwritten,
37. i. Reference to Sir John Lambe. If he finds that petitioner seriously intends the satisfaction of himself in this particular the Archbishop will be content that the suspension and sequestration be released in diem, and that petitioner have twelve months time allowed him to the purpose aforesaid. July 11th, 1638. [1 p.]
July 11.
Wanstead.
38. Sir Henry Mildmay to Nicholas, near Egham. I thank you for letting me see the order made by the Lords before your hand went to it. But whereas it is written "to search from Henry VIII.," may you please, (if you may,) with your pen to put that out, and write "to search from the first of Queen Elizabeth." [¾ p.]
July 11. 39. Peter Heywood, Justice of Peace for Middlesex, to the Council. Francis Gerard, of the [sic] Harrow-on-the-Hill, has taken the oath of allegiance before him. [⅓ p.]
July 11. 40. Information of Car[ew ?] Stockwell. Being in the house of Christopher Hatton, of Kingsthorpe, co. Northampton, innholder, and upon a court day, William Walker, chief constable, prating and grumbling much against the ship-money, uttered these speeches:— 1. Being asked when we should pay our ship-money, he answered that he hoped never, and his reason was, because it was stayed. And being questioned upon what ground, he jeeringly replied, because he thought they were ashamed of it. 2. He said that the ship-money was an intolerable exaction, burden, and oppression laid upon the land. 3. Believed that the ship-money here in England would cause the like stirs that were now in Scotland before it were long. 4. Said the King was under a law as much as any subject, and that he could do nothing of himself without his subjects. 5. He confessed that some judges had determined it to be law, but the best and most honest had not. 5. After much arguing the right and equity of the ship-money, with great stomach he told me that because I stood so much for it I should therefore pay for it in my tax and assessment, and for this purpose he rode over to Towcester, and there moved the high sheriff to have me raised, and because the under-constable, John Green, would not yield to his unjust motion, he told him, with reviling terms, that I had given him a bribe to lay me at an under rate. 7. In gathering the ship-money (to the bad example of the town and hundred) he suffered his corn openly and in the street to be distrained upon, and did not pay his tax till after his return from London, if it be yet paid. [Endorsed by Sir John Lambe as delivered to him on the 17th November 1638. 1 p.]
July 11.
Oxford.
41. Sir Nathaniel Brent, Warden of Merton College, to Archbishop Laud. At my coming to Oxford on Friday last, I found at the college two letters sent to us by you. This day I read them to the Fellows, and gave order (as the letters enjoined) that they should be fairly written into our register book. Other things required shall be most punctually observed. But concerning the time of our audit, you have been misinformed. Our last bursar's quarter ends on Friday night next before August, after which he has four weeks to make up his account. After this we are to make up our general accounts. This will require time, first to make it up, then to pass it by the approbation of the company, and last to copy and send it to your Grace. It shall be done with all speed. We have nominated three of our senior Fellows to wait on you at Lambeth the 2nd October next. These we hold fittest to give information concerning the discipline and thrift of the college, rather than three young men who have more passion than experience; and yet these also may come up if they please, and so it is declared to them. The choice of our officers has been made ever since I was warden according to our statute and our custom inviolably observed. [1 p.]
July 11.
Merton College.
42. Dr. Peter Turner to the same. According to your directions, when our sub-warden came home I gave him your letter to the company concerning the nomination of two or three fellows to prosecute the complaints exhibited in the visitation, together with the act made on publishing the said letter, requiring him from you to enter them both presently into the register, which he promised to do. This Wednesday morning, Mr. Warden called a meeting of the fellows, in which he caused your letter to be read, and made a proposal whom they would nominate. Upon this proposal, together with the Warden's exceptions against the three formerly chosen (as men obnoxious to sundry complaints, and unacquainted with the discipline or husbandry of the College), they have nominated French, Fisher, and Gibbs (men that have made no complaints at all) to prosecute the complaints of other men, partly against themselves, partly concerning the general misgovernment, in which they find nothing to complain of, but omnia bene. Whether these men be not likely to prevaricate in the prosecution of other men's complaints, I leave to your consideration. The business of which I principally desired to inform you is, that at this meeting the sub-warden declared that he had entered into the register neither your letter nor the act made thereupon, and desired to know of Mr. Warden what he should enter. The warden wished him to enter your letter and this last act concerning the nomination of French, Fisher, and Gibbs, to which three (to make up a mess) they have added me. Which act of theirs, how far it crosses the act allowed by you and your direct precept to the sub-warden concerning the entry of the former act, I leave to you to estimate. [1 p.]
July 12. 43. Petition of Anne, wife of William Gilbert, to Archbishop Laud. Having been married 21 years, at her marriage her husband poor, not able to buy clothes for himself, yet had a reasonable portion with petitioner, and is by profession a cook. During most of that time they endeavoured themselves and gained above 100l. clear, which occasioned her husband to grow haughty and proud, insomuch that he would beat petitioner in such barbarous manner that she was enforced to run into the streets in the dead time of the night out of her bed, without any clothes to cover her, [through] the continuance of which violent usage petitioner is become a cripple, and her husband has now lately left her, destitute of all relief, and has made proclamations in sundry market towns that none should trust petitioner or relieve her. As her husband has much money at interest, prays order for him to allow her competent maintenance, or to admit her to sue him for alimony in formâ pauperis, and allow her some relief in the meantime. Underwritten,
43. i. Reference to Sir John Lambe to take such further order as he shall find to be just. July 12th, 1638. [¾ p.]
July 12.
Westover.
44. John Ashburnham to Nicholas. I am to receive 400l. out of the Exchequer, for which I have a tally upon the collectors of the diocese of Exeter, which tally I have left with Mr. Swettnam, into whose office the money is to be paid. I pray you to receive the said 400l. for me, and whatsoever acquittances you give I oblige myself to confirm. [¾ p.]Annexed,
44. i. Memorandum to send to Mr. Swettnam, in Mr. Squibb's office, for the tally above mentioned. [4 lines.]
July 12. 45–46. See "Returns made by the Justices of Peace."
July 13. 47. Sir Richard Fenn, Lord Mayor, and Thomas Atkin and Edward Rudge, Sheriffs of London, to [the Council]. "The petitioner," Richard Chambers, has paid all the ship-money which was assessed upon him, being 10l., and so we leave him to your Lordships further directions for his discharge. [½ p.]
July 13. 48. Sir John Lambe to Archbishop Laud. The bearer is a suitor for the poor rectory of St. Mary's in Stamford, worth about 12l. per annum. The Bishop of Lincoln has twice collated to it as by lapse, for we know not who is patron; nor will any be hasty to own it as patron, nor any to take it as parson, unless the parish shall like, and so contribute, because the means are so small. The last incumbent left it a year ago, and has gone into Ireland, and has there taken a good benefice. Before he went he delivered his instruments of collation and induction to the bearer, his fellow collegiate, thinking that that had been a sufficient resignation. But all these will well amount to a cession in law. If you will collate it to him per cessionem no more needs. If you had rather put off the imputation and question in law from yourself, I have drawn a presentation, and will stand to it myself, and pray you to do nothing in it but as ordinary, viz., to institute him at my presentation, that will defend it well enough. I understand by the registrar of Hertfordshire that Mr. Archer, parson of All Saints, Hertford, has been above a year gone, and not like to return; he stands suspended. So that if you will collate per cessionem, I make no doubt it will be well enough. Mr. Keeling promised me to procure the parson's resignation, which perhaps cannot be had so soon, and the church is at an ill stay the whiles. I [think] if a discreet man have it the parishioners will freely contribute. St. Mary's, Leicester, has been void many years, and so in lapse, and held by sequestration from me, worth 30l. per annum. If you will get the Lord Keeper to present Mr. Daniel, it may be now fittingly done, because I hear that the curate there that holds by sequestration has got a benefice in Rutland. I shall think of some more of them for you, that you may do good to the church in that diocese while your jurisdiction there lasts. [Draft. 4/5 p.]
July 13. 49. Copy of entry on the Register of the Court of Arches of the appearance of Thomas Valentine, rector of Chalfont St. Giles, co. Buckingham, who sought that he might be absolved from the sentence of suspension pronounced against him, and from the sequestration of the fruits to the said rectory belonging. The judge absolved him from the said sentence until the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, and released the sequestration aforesaid until the same day. [½ p.]
July 13.
Boston.
50. Estimate of the charge of the several works [of drainage] to be done between Kyme Eau and Bourne during the remainder of this year. Total, 8,333l. [1⅓ p.]
July 13. Henry Earl of Holland, Chief Justice and Justice in Eyre of his Majesty's forests on this side Trent, to all Officers of his Majesty's forest of Shotover. Upon the application of the county of Oxford, the Earl gives licence to Richard Powell, verderer of the said forest, to dig and carry within the same so much stone and gravel as will be needful for mending the highway leading through the forest to the city of Oxford. [Copy. See Book of Orders concerning Forests. Vol. ccclxxxiv., p. 17. 1¼ p.]
July 14.
Burderop.
51. Sir William Calley to Richard Harvey. His wife and daughter have received their gowns. Desires Harvey to purchase two pair of linen socks and two codpiece points of musk colour silk, and bring them with him, together with other things specified in former letters. [Seal with arms. ½ p.]
July 14. 52. Account by Sir William Russell of ship-money for 1637. Total received, 110,078l. 15s. 1d.; leaving 86,335l. 12s. 7d. unpaid. [1 p.]
July 14. 53. Account of ship-money levied and remaining in the hands of the sheriffs. Total, 5,540l.; which makes the total collected 115,618l., which is 32,581l. less than was levied this time twelvemonths, being 15th July 1637. [1 p.]
July 14. 54. Notes upon the state of various churches in co. Bucks upon a visitation of that portion of the diocese of Lincoln. They are in continuation of those calendared under the dates of August 1637, No. 79, and 11 October 1637, No. 59. The churches dealt with are Stoke-Mandeville, Weston Turville, Buckland, Bierton, Quarrendon, Fleet Marston, Upper Winchendon, Ashenden, Wootton Underwood, Dorton, all visited this day; Brill, Oakley, Boarstall, Ludgershall, Waddesdon, visited the 16th inst.; and Hardwicke, Whitchurch, Pitchcott, and North Marston, visited the 17th inst.; and Hoggestone, Swanbourne, Mursley, and Drayton Parslow, on the 18th inst. [11 pp.]
July 14. 55. See "Returns made by Justices of Peace."
July 15. 56. "The Duke of Lennox's opinion." This is a pretended speech, the object being to dissuade the King from entering upon a war with his Scottish subjects. It professes to have been delivered at a sitting of the King's Council, and was popularly attributed to the Duke of Lennox; but this copy is endorsed by Sec. Windebank, who could not but know whether it was the Duke's or not, thus:— "D. of Lenox, his supposed speech." The pretended speaker's argument treats first of the uncertainty of war. "The worst of wars is commonly in the close . . . The most advantageous war that ever was waged, all reckonings being cast up, the conqueror has had little whereof to glory." He then deals with the unnatural character of a war between a sovereign and his subjects, and passes on to the asserted necessity of the proposed war as upholding the King's royalty. He cites Louis XI. of France and Henry VII. of England as having counted it no dishonour to yield to their subjects demands, though sometimes unjust and unreasonable. "These wise Kings considered," it is added, "that the end of war is uncertain, the event various, and that he who commits one error in the war, especially when the seat of it is in his own kingdom, seldom lives to commit a second. We need not go far for instances. Richard II. and Edward II. will be fresh precedents for any that desire to buy experience thereof upon such dear terms they did." He then urges the King to remove the occasion. The wisest Kings have had their oversights in government, which a wiser day has taught them to recal. Secondly. If this like not, let time work it forth, by which means they will learn to endure the proposal with less regret. Thirdly. Cannot your Majesty remove the obstacles by degrees, turning the humour some other way ? The things in agitation are not such as are worth hazarding a kingdom for the gaining of them. My advice to your Majesty is never to use war but where the end is either certain or probable peace, and when there is no way left but that only. [3¼ pp.]
July 15. 57. John Crane to the Council. I pray you give order to Sir William Russell to make me payment of 11,025l. 8s. 8d. in full of the estimate for this present year, which will enable me to discharge my credit for 2,828l., already disbursed for victuals put aboard his Majesty's ships, and for making timely provision for the ships his Majesty shall continue at sea for his winter service. [¾ p.] Annexed,
57. i. Account by John Crane of the charge of victuals already delivered for the extraordinary service in the present year; total, 26,755l. 0s. 4d. 15th July 1638. [1 p.] Written under the letter.
57. ii. Reference of the King in Council to the Lord Treasurer and the Lord Admiral, to give order therein as they shall find most convenient for his Majesty's service. Theobalds, 22nd July 1638. [¼ p.]
July 16.
Waresley.
58. Sir John Hewett, Sheriff of co. Huntingdon, to Nicholas. It was the 12th July before I received the order of the Board of the 8th July which related to a letter of the 30th June, but which was not delivered me until the 12th July, and then by much enquiry, I received it of a servant of Sir Sidney Montagu's, that I am scanted of some of that short time allotted me to bring in the money, little or none being to be got but by coercive means. Some moneys I got by sending servants of my own to each particular town, and I would desire as much time as I should have had if the letter had come to me as to others, otherwise I will send up money already collected, and return such persons as neither obey nor regard my warrants. So cheap is the authority of the sheriff grown amongst them, that I am constrained, with my purse, person, and pains, to do that that none of my predecessors were put to; but with zeal and faithfulness to the service I shall effect it as soon as possible. P.S.—Send your letters to the Seven Stars in Fleet Street, over against St. Dunstan's church, and they will come speedily to me. [Seal with arms. 1 p.]
July 16.
Coggs.
59. Sir Thomas Penyston, Sheriff of co. Oxford, to Nicholas. I received from the board a letter of the last of June, which I conceive might be mistaken in the direction, for the arrear of 2,400l. does not agree with what is paid by me. There are also other particulars which differ from what I have formerly written, which I only observe because I would not willingly take upon me the blame laid upon that sheriff of remissness in his Majesty's service. I have received upon my last warrants almost 300l. more, and find that divers towns have paid their money to the petty constables, who have kept it, which I purpose to enquire of, and commit such constables to prison. By these last warrants I required a particular answer of every man that denied, whereby the general reason of their nonpayment appears to be an expectation of another trial the next term, not conceiving the last to be a determination of the right. I intend to make collectors in every hundred, for ease of the country this harvest time, but all men refuse to take that employment. I desire to know what I shall do upon their refusal, for I do not conceive there is any power given me to compel them, neither can they distrain; and I want sworn bailiffs, who by the law are only to execute that service, for there is not one hundred in all the shire that belongs to the sheriff, being all granted to private men, who make the bailiffs themselves, and are in many places such poor and mean fellows as I dare not trust them, except the lords of the liberties may be answerable for their bailiffs. There shall no neglect be justly laid upon me, for I shall ever prefer his Majesty's service before anything that shall concern myself or mine. [Seal with arms. 1 p.]
July 16. 60. Report addressed to Francis Paulett, Recorder of Lynn Regis, Norfolk, of meetings of the Queen's tenants at Walton in Marshland, Walsoken, and Walpole in Norfolk, to treat with Commissioners appointed by the Queen for an improvement to be made for her Majesty by draining the marshes in the said parishes. The tenants generally declined to treat of any improvement, and claimed their rights of common, the precise nature of which in each manor is here set forth. [1¾ p.]
July 16. 61–64. See "Returns made by Justices of Peace."
July 17. Petition of your poor subjects, the Inhabitants of the Isle of Portsea, to the King. Petitioners always have been commanded by the Lord Governor of Portsmouth and Isle of Portsea to do their service with persons and carts in the said town and island, and there are exercised in their arms at all commands, as also for keeping continual watch by the sea-side, which costs them above 27l. per annum, and which none other of his Majesty's subjects thereabouts are charged withal. For which cause they have been heretofore freed (until of late years) from doing any service elsewhere, the said town and island being places of as great importance to be strongly fortified as any in the kingdom. But of late the constables of the hundred of Portsdown have commanded petitioners to serve with persons and carts in remote places, sometimes above forty miles from the said town and island, which is not only the impoverishing of your subjects, but makes them unable to perform service in the said town and islands. Pray order that they may not be commanded to do any service elsewhere than in the said town and island. [Copy. See Vol. cccxxiii., p. 320. ¾ p.] Underwritten,
i. Minute of his Majesty's pleasure that petitioners' shall enjoy their ancient privileges, and be not otherwise charged than they have been; and the Viscount Wimbledon, governor of Portsmouth and Isle of Portsea, is to take order in this business according to his Majesty's pleasure. Theobalds, 17th July 1638. [Copy. Ibid. ¼ p.]
July 17.
Aynho.
65. Reginald Burdyn to [Sir John Lambe.] Acknowledges receipt of letter in which Sir John gives an overture of his coming down, and of various other matters relating to Leicester. The writer had returned an answer by Mr. Bankes, the new parson of Sharnford. Saw also his letter to Mr. Heaward, and has enquired of a house for Sir John at Leicester. The great house wherein Mr. Poultney dwelt is vacant, and is at the disposal of Mrs. Poultney, his widow, who lives with Sir Alexander Denton, her brother, who lives at Hillington [Hillesdon]. There is also the house where old Mrs. Hunt dwelt. The writer has spoken to Mr. Gipps, who has bought, and he is ready to pleasure you. All matters at the Leicester Assizes passed fair, saving that Mr. Gery of Barwell, who preached from Rom. xiii. of the higher powers, construed the words to be of temporal magistracy, to the exclusion of ecclesiastical magistracy, which I take to be a gross and pestilent error, and questioned him for it. [1 p.]
July 17. 66. Sir John Lambe to Archbishop Laud. The bearer is the curate of Kingston, that for three years has supplied the place (in Dr. Stanton's suspension time) out of which he had occasion to show his ability and discretion among so many malignant eyes that were upon him. It may please you to give order for licensing him. For the books of Dr. Cowell, I will get all brought in that can be had. I monished them before. If they be sold or gone they [the company of Stationers] may be severely punished for disobeying their own master and wardens and my monition. If they be brought into their hall, they promise to be accountable for them without diminishing of any (which the other side so much fear), and also to give a good account of all that have been seized and brought into their hall for these seven years, or longer, as you shall please, which I like well, for it is said many hundred pounds will not make them up, and so some good for Paul's by them that are able to pay, and well worthy if any be embezzled or seized as unlawful, and yet made benefit of. For this of Dr. Cowell, if the ill carriage had not been, the book had not been so much prosecuted, much less persecuted, with such their eagerness. For my Lord of Norwich's Articles, I learn that two impressions have been here already, one his Lordship caused of 1,400, of which he took but 1,200, and left 200, which are sold, and they begot another stolen impression, so one of the wardens saith, who, with their hall-clerk and others of their company, I have sent to search and seize, who can do it better, and with less open noise, than the pursuivants. For much noise of seizing doth but make them more desired, and encrease the price, which is 18d. or 2s. now. His Lordship disavows the impression here as false printed in many places, and will reprint them, I hear, at Cambridge, and then he may suppress his own 1,200, if he has not sent them forth already. The articles I have perused, and as I have altered them may pass; but I hope his Lordship will peruse them better than I could have time, at 12 o'clock last night. The writer then enters at great length into a controversy at Norwich about a proposed inhibition of a pending archiepiscopal visitation. P.S.— The master and wardens are come. They now say that 1,400 were printed for my Lord, and since 500, whereof they have seized 354; the rest it seems are sold. [Endorsed as relating to the Bishop of Norwich's Articles and Cowell's Interpreter. Seal with arms. 21/6 pp.]
July 17. 67. Extract of a part of the above letter relating to the visitations. [2½ pp.]
July 18. 68. Peter Heywood, Justice of Peace for Middlesex, to the Council. Thomas Stanton, of London, has taken the oath of allegiance before me. [¼ p.]
July 19.
Milton Abbas.
69. Sir Francis Fulford, Sir Walter Erle, and Thomas Clarke, to the King. Report upon a reference of a petition of James Rawson, vicar of Milton Abbas, calendared under date of the 2nd May last No. 14. We find that the demesne lands being exempted, the parsonage is not worth above 120l. per annum, and that instead of 20 marks per annum, limited to the vicar by the letters patent, his maintenance is increased by the gift of Mr. Tregonwell to 30l. per annum, besides his house and garden, worth about 5l. per annum more, and he never heretofore complained. The chancel has always been repaired by Mr. Tregonwell and his ancestors; and the Bishop of Bristol lately, upon hearing the petitioner's pretended title to the chancel, ordered him to leave it to Mr. Tregonwell, and advised the vicar to reconcile himself to him, and not make any further claim. Lastly, the petitioner has not proved any of the oppressions complained of. Mr. Tregonwell's proceedings at law have been upon great occasions for assaulting his only son, a child not above 12 years of age, by a son of petitioner's in time of divine service in the church, of which the child is not fully recovered. We endeavoured to make an accord between the parties, but were not able to effect the same. [1 p.]
July 19.
Woodhall.
70. Endymion Porter to Richard Harvey. I have sent you the warrant for Mr. Banks. Let Daniel give the enclosed letter to Lord Edward Pawlett's man, and within these two days I will send you word what is to be done. [Seal with arms. ¾ p.]
July 19. 71. Extracts from the Principal Register of the See of Canterbury. of entries of releases issued this day to the Archdeacons of Buckingham and Bedford. [Endorsed by Sir John Lambe as relating to releases of the visitations of those countries. ½ p.]
July 20. 72. Petition of Sir John Manwood to the King. Upon your grant to petitioner of the custody of a boom at Dover harbour, and of receiving such droits as the Commissioners for that harbour should find fit. The Commissioners have expressed themselves as is hereunto annexed; but petitioner, in obedience to a command of your Majesty in a letter of the 17th inst., directed to the Mayor and Jurats of Dover, and in the last place to the Lieutenant of Dover Castle, did presently deliver the custody of the boom to the mayor. Albeit petitioner finds that neither your Majesty nor himself were clearly dealt withal in the information whereupon that order was obtained, the letter importing that petitioner had kept from your knowledge an order of Council whereby the boom was committed to the town of Dover, whereas that order was both informed and is mentioned in the grant to petitioner. For that neither petitioner, nor any one on behalf of the Lord Warden or Lieutenant of Dover Castle, were heard when the town obtained that order, petitioner beseeches your Majesty to take into consideration the disablement that your immediate officers in that castle and port shall receive to serve you in your Admiralty jurisdiction if the custody of the boom should remain in the hands of the corporation, as also how far it trenches upon their rights, the boom having, when the same has been used, been entrusted to the lieutenant of the castle. [1 p.]
72. i. Certificate of the Commissioners for Dover harbour above referred to. It recites the appointment of Sir John Manwood as keeper of the boom, and declares it fit and reasonable that he should receive such droits for the same as are taken by the officers of Calais, Dieppe, Dunkirk, and other foreign ports where his Majesty's subjects trade, and that a table be forthwith made for the view of all persons whom it shall concern. Dover Castle, 20th July 1638. [1 p.]
July 20. 73. Petition of John Wharton, close prisoner in the Fleet, to the Council. Petitioner has been close prisoner these three weeks, locked up in his chamber with a young man, and not suffered to have the presence of his wife or servant to help him in his great extremity. Being 85 years of age, he is so weak and sickly that of himself he is not able to get to bed, or to rise, or to turn himself in his bed, and by reason of his close keeping is much impaired in health. Prays for his liberty. [¾ p.]
July 20. 74. Archbishop Laud to Sir Nathaniel Brent, Warden of Merton College. I have received your letters of July 11th, but being sent by the Wednesday carrier they came so late to Croydon that I could not give answer till now. I read in your letters a promise of punctual obedience to mine, but see the contrary. You tell me you found two letters of mine at the College, and that on Wednesday last you read them to the fellows, and gave order that they should be written into your register book. But my letters required so much of the sub-warden before your coming, and I will have an account of him at Michaelmas, why it was not done accordingly. For if you be not at the College, the sub-warden shall not make bold with my commands, at his pleasure to do them or leave them undone, till your return. In the next place, you say, that the time of your audit is mistaken in my letters. If it be, the matter is not great, so that at your audit, whenever it is, all those things be done which my letters require, and of which I shall call for an account. Thirdly, you write you have nominated three of your senior Fellows to attend me at Lambeth the 2nd October next, and withal that they are three fitter men than the three which were named before. But my visitors here think not so, nor I either. For they who made no complaint themselves cannot be held fit to be prosecutors of other men's complaints, which perhaps they thoroughly understand not. But howsoever, they other three were first named, and at a meeting commanded by me, and therefore they three shall stand, yet with this indifferency, that they who are now named, or any other, shall have liberty to come if they please. And further, I commanded the registering of that act of the choice of those three, as well as of the registering of my letters, which yet (it seems) your sub-warden either refused or neglected to do. But I shall call him to an account for this, as well as for other things, at Michaelmas, and in the meantime I require this of you, that you see that act registered of the choice of the former three. For the choice of your officers, perhaps you have made them according to the words of your statute, and as custom has been in that house for these 40 years, which is but your own time and Sir Henry Savile's, if all that. But I am sure it is against the true meaning of your statute, and a very ill custom for the college, that any one man should be subwarden so many years together, and live among his fellows like another head of a college in your absence. And therefore for this I refer myself to my former letters, and require you, that there be not only a choice, but also that a new man be chosen yearly, as I have directed, and that another be now chosen at your next election, which I take it is at the beginning of August, and then for other things I shall after settle them according to your statutes and that justice which belongs to a visitor. So for this present I leave you. P.S.—This I would have you and the fellows further know, that whosoever comes to prosecute the complaints shall not thereby have any testimony of their own taken off by the putting of this thankless office upon them. [Copy. 1p.]
July 20.
London.
75. John Pym to John Wandesford, his Majesty's agent and consul at Aleppo.
"I have passed thorough much variety of occasions since I last writt to you, and they afford me matter of excuse of several kinds, which will not leave any the least charge or touch of disrespect or forgetfulness to be laid upon me. Now being again to go into the country, where I have been for the most part of those two years last past, and it being a time which threatens great change and trouble, I have thought good now to salute you with this short letter, and to assure you that you have always had a place in my thoughts and affections of much estimation and respect, and that I think myself indebted to you for many kindnesses and expressions of love which I cannot deserve. How God will dispose of me I know not? If the public peace continue, I hope to write to you again in Michaelmas Term; if distemper and confusion do overwhelm us, in whatsoever condition I am, I shall live in a resolution, both by my prayers and endeavours, always to express myself your very assured friend and servant. Jo. Pym." [Seal with arms. 1p.]
July 20. 76. Archbishop Laud to Sir John Lambe. Authority to appoint a general apparitor for the diocese of Lincoln, during the suspension of the bishop. [¼ p.]
July 21.
Huntingdon.
77. Attorney-General Bankes to Sec. Windebank. We, his Majesty's Commissioners of the Great Level, have now spent almost four days in this service, and have by letter given account to the Lord Treasurer, that he may represent the same to his Majesty. In some things we desire his directions, and desire you to be a means for a despatch by this messenger. If my Lord Treasurer be not at court on Sunday, then we request you to open the letter to him, and to present the same to his Majesty, either privately or in Council, as his Majesty shall direct. When Mr. Surveyor-General and myself, on Tuesday sennight, waited upon his Majesty at Greenwich, touching this business of the Great Level, his Majesty took notice of complaints that men, whole townships and hundreds, were excluded from the possession of their lands and commons, whose grounds were not drained, and thereupon gave us directions to restore such possessions until the lands were adjudged drained, which directions we have observed, yet so as we admit none to this grace but such as make due proof that their grounds are not bettered by the Earl of Bedford's draining, and that they have the order of the court for it, and that they shall not pull down any hedges, but make a gap, and enter in a peaceable manner. This order is pursuing [pursuant] to the decree made touching this Great Level, 19th James, when King James was undertaker, and is agreeable to the rule of justice, and has given a great contentment. This inclosed warrant was couched by my Lord of Bedford's counsel; whereupon, after the court risen, the Commissioners sent for the messenger, because, under pretence of this warrant, he might apprehend such whom the court restored to the possession, and so impediment his Majesty's service, After consultation, we resolved not to acquaint his Majesty with it nor my Lord Treasurer, but to send it back to you, and request you to call in some other like warrants. I meet here with rumours that this undertaking for the Great Level is for the benefit of some private suitors. His Majesty has by his letters declared that it is for himself, and I desire you to move him that it be so really, otherwise the work will be stifled in the birth, and receive many impediments. I write not to hinder his Majesty's grace towards the Earls of Exeter and Bedford, and their participants, who have expended great sums of money about these works, for his Majesty has declared that he will have a princely care of their interests. I cannot foresee when we shall end this session, but I shall attend this service until I see things settled, or his Majesty shall otherwise command. [Seal with arms. 1½ p.] Enclosed,
77. i. Sec. Windebank to Jasper Heiley, messenger. Warrant to apprehend disturbers of any of the Earl of Bedford's works in the Great Level of the Fens, similar to that already calendared in Vol. cccxc., No. 89. Whitehall, 16th May 1638. [Sec. Windebank's seal impressed. ½ p.]
July 21. 78. Edward Fenn to Nicholas. I have received this week upon account of ship-money 10l. of the bailiff of Maldon, and 35l. of the mayor of Plympton, which is all that is received since the last certificate. [½ p.]
July 22.
Brackley.
79. Dr. Robert Sibthorpe to [Sir John Lambe.] Had I been assured of your being at Brickhill Court or at Rothwell, I would have waited upon you. I send these lines to acquaint you with a new misdemeanour, or rather multiplied misdemeanours, in Mr. Miles [Burkitt], vicar of Pattishall, who having caused the communion table to be often brought down from the east end of the chancel, administered the communion disorderly out of the cancelling. The poor clerk, Henry Sutton, by the appointment of the other vicar, Mr. Powell, watched that it should not be carried down again, and to that purpose, after ringing a peal to Morning Prayer, sat in the church porch, from whence he was called upon occasion, and being watched as well as he watched others, no sooner had he turned his back but two horses which were in the churchyard went, or rather were driven, into the church, whereupon Mr. Miles, whose reverence to that holy place may be collected by his comparing it to a hogsty in his sermons, is so much incensed at this accidental profanation, that he turns the poor old clerk out of his office without his fellow vicar's consent. Hereupon the business was complained of to Dr. Clerke and myself. We enjoined Sutton penance for his neglect, and sent a note to both the vicars to receive him as formerly upon performance of his penance. These he delivered, but Miles rejected him, and in his stead elected John Bennet, a notorious puritan. Thereupon Miles was cited to answer his contempt, inhibited to prejudice Sutton, or to admit Bennet, &c. The inhibition was served upon Miles and Bennet. They contemptuously disobey it, and are cited to the next court, where perhaps suspension of Bennet and excommunication of Miles (being judicialiter monitus) may be their reward. But there is feared an appeal to the Audience, where Sir Charles [Cæsar] may drive a good trade, if that place may be (as is boasted) the Asylum of the Brethren. I beseech you therefore to take notice of these practices, that conformity as well as inconformity may find patronage under his Grace's jurisdiction, and that these by ways may be prevented.—P.S. How Dr. Clerke has been used for meddling with this faction I have partly acquainted you, and leave the rest to him; I conceive it worth your hearing. [1½ pp.]
July 23.
Oxford.
80. Sir Nathaniel Brent to Archbishop Laud. It is a grief unto myself and others that you should conceive amiss of us upon private information given by those who are notoriously ill-affected. The sub-warden will be able to give you absolute satisfaction when he shall appear before you at Michaelmas. He long since registered all that was required of him; he did it at the first in papers, according to the custom of the college, and since in the register book. For choosing a new sub-warden every year, no man has made any question since we received your commands. But I much wonder that any man should inform that the present sub-warden lords it over his fellows. I assure you that he is an honest and a moderate man, every way conformable to the Church of England, extraordinarily well esteemed of in the university, both for his learning and preaching, and I wish that his accusers were in any near degree to be compared to him. I hope you will not conceive it either of him or others, until it appears how private informations can be made good by proof. When I called the fellows together to consider of your commands, we found that we were required to send up some to give information concerning the discipline and thrift of the college. We were all of opinion, except three or four of the younger sort, that the seniors were more fit for this employment than the juniors, who know least of the state of the college, and are, or at least some of them, the greatest corrupters of our discipline. But now that we understand your pleasure by your last letter of the 20th inst., we will accordingly conform ourselves. On Lammas Day, which is the time of our solemn meeting, and when in likelihood no man will be absent, your directions shall be made known. I humbly desire you, as before, not to think amiss of any of the company until the hearing, when it shall be made clear that the chiefest complainants are most notoriously malicious and perjurious. I am very sorry that I have cause to say so much. [1¾ p.]
July 24. Petition of John Bell to the King. Your Majesty granted a filazer's place in reversion in the Court of Common Pleas to petitioner, in recompense of 1,000l. acquitted to your Majesty in Scotland, secured by a privy seal of that kingdom, of which reversions there are six before this, and half of them for two lives apiece, and therefore, it being so remote in expectation, is not worth, to be sold, 100l., besides the charge petitioner has been at in suing for the said 1,000l., and in passing of this grant, which is now stayed at the great seal, whereby petitioner is likely to be utterly undone, in regard he shall both lose this suit, being very small, but also his charges, without your Majesty's favour in giving special directions to the Lord Keeper for passing it under the great seal, for which petitioner prays. [Copy. See Vol. ccccxxiii., p. 321. ½ p.] Underwritten,
i. Reference to the Lord Keeper and the Earl of Stirling. If they find petitioner's allegations true, then the Lord Keeper is to pass the grant under the great seal. Theobalds, 24th July 1638. [Ibid. ¼ p.]
July 24.
Faringdon.
81. Sir Robert Pye to [Robert] Reade. Letter in relation to transactions between the Earl of Antrim and his wife, the Duchess Dowager of Buckingham, on the one part, and the Duke of Lenox, who had married the Duchess's daughter Mary, on the other part. The writer assures Mr. Reade that a security given to some one not named was the best that Lord Antrim could make, after he had passed away for security of 10,000l. Bramshill and some other things. The whole transaction had been made known to his Majesty, and Sir Robert is confident that no danger or loss can be if the Duchess live until next term; and if she should die in the meantime, all will be secured by her consent and decree in the Court of Wards. [1 p.]
[July 25 ?] 82. Petition of Richard Knightbridge, M.A., and one of the Fellows of Wadham College, Oxford, to the Council. Petitioner being a young man desirous to see the universities beyond the seas for his preferment in learning, prays a pass for three years to travel. [Underwritten a note by Robert Reade that petitioner had taken the oath of allegiance before him. ½ p.]
July 25. 83. Bond of John Alured, of Charterhouse, in Sculcoates, co. York; Sir Frederick Cornwallis, of Brome, Suffolk; and Thomas Westrop, of Cornbrough, co. York, to the King, in 2,000l., for the appearance of Alured before the Council upon 20 days' warning to be left at his house in Blackfriars, London, to answer such matters as shall be objected against him. [1 p.]
July 25. 84. Acknowledgment made by James Rawson, Vicar of Milton Abbas, Dorset, clerk, in the presence of Lord Chief Justice Finch, in open court at the assizes at Dorchester, of wrongs done by him to John Tregonwell the elder and John Tregonwell the younger, his son, in his petition to his Majesty, calendared under the 2nd May last, No. 14, and in accordance with the report of Sir Francis Fulford and others, calendared under date of the 19th July inst., No. 69. [1 p.]
July 26.
Westminster.
85. The King to Lord Treasurer Juxon and Francis Lord Cottington, Chancellor and Under-Treasurer of the Exchequer. We have appointed 200,000l. to be employed in our especial affairs of great weight and importance, by the order and direction of you the said Lord Treasurer, and of the Earl of Arundel and Surrey, our Earl Marshal, of Algernon Earl of Northumberland, our High Admiral, and of you our said Chancellor of the Exchequer, and of Sir Henry Vane and Secretaries Coke and Windebank. We command you, out of the receipt of our Exchequer, to pay all such sums not exceeding in the whole the sum of 200,000l., to such persons and for such our services as shall be ordered by you our said Treasurer and Under-Treasurer and the Lords of the Council above-named, or any three of you, whereof you our said Treasurer and you our UnderTreasurer be always two. [Copy. 1p.] Endorsed,
85. i. Lord Treasurer Juxon to Sir Robert Pye. To draw an order by virtue of the above privy seal for issuing to John Quarles, merchant, 15,230l. on account of the 200,000l. above-mentioned. [Copy. ½ p.]
85. ii. Notes of various payments made on account of the said 200,000l., amounting altogether to 58,292l. In several payments to Sir John Heydon, 17,303l.; Mr. Comptroller, for secret service, 1,000l.; John Quarles, as above, 15,230l.; Marquess of Hamilton, 5,000l.; Sir Thomas Morton, 295l.; Mr. Pinckney, 500l; Sir John Heydon, for repair of the fort in Holy Island, 129l.; more to him for completing the arms, as by estimate dated 14th September 1638, 8,835l; more to John Quarles, on account, for providing 2,000 harquebuziers with pistols and carbines, Dated 30th September 1638. [½ p.]
July 26. Copy of the above Privy Seal for the payment of 200,000l. [See Vol. cccxcvi., p. 1. 1½ p.]
July 26. 86. Another copy of the same. [1 p.] Annexed,
86. i. Draft in the handwriting of Nicholas of a direction to the Clerk of the Signet, to prepare a similar privy seal, for payment of 300,000l., by order and direction of the Lord Treasurer, the Marquess of Hamilton, the Lord Deputy of Ireland, Lord Cottington, the Treasurer of the Household, and Sec. Windebank, or any three of them, whereof the Lord Treasurer or the Chancellor of the Exchequer to be always one. [½ p.]
July 26. Copy of the above direction to Sir Robert Pye to pay to John Quarles (No. 85, i.) 15,230l. [See Vol. cccxcvi., p. 2. ½ p.]
July 26. Petition of Dame Mary Powell to the King. Petitioner's late father and mother, Sir Peter Vanlore and his lady, left to her a very good real and personal estate, intending the same or most part thereof should be in her dispose. Jointure she has none settled, unless about 40l. per annum, albeit 400l. per annum was promised. Her present and former allowance from her husband has been and is so mean that she cannot therewith provide necessaries of livelihood; his usage of her so unworthy that she suffers in mind and reputation. The trust reposed in him by petitioner's late mother, acknowledged under his own hand and seal, he has broken and turned to his own use, and he enjoys near 2,000l. per annum by petitioner and in her right, and she cannot enjoy so much as peace with him unless she will submit to make him master of all her estate, which, though not de jure, yet de facto he exercises, for he receives and keeps great sums of money, as also divers deeds and specialties, from the executor of her late mother, who is only trusted to dispose of all that estate as petitioner shall direct under her hand, and not otherwise. Nevertheless Sir Edward takes upon him to compound debts and otherwise to do what he pleases. Her suit is that his Majesty will take the hearing of her many grievances into his own determination, and give some final order for petitioner's redress, and appoint some time for that purpose, and in the meantime some convenient maintenance to be allowed petitioner; and that all suits concerning "the state" [estate ?], against the executor of petitioner's late mother and others commenced by Sir Edward may by command be stayed. [Copy. See Vol. cccxxiii., p. 322. 2/3 p.] Underwritten,
i. Minute of his Majesty's pleasure to hear this business in person on Sunday the 7th October next, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, wheresoever his Majesty shall then be. Somerset House, 26th July 1638. [Copy. Ibid. ¼ p.]
July 26. 87. Copy order of the Lord Treasurer and Lord Cottington for payment to John Quarles of the said 15,230l., with underwritten memoranda of the several amounts by which the whole sum was paid, and of the names of the tellers of the Exchequer by whom the said amounts were paid. [=½ p.]
July 26. Copy of part of the before-mentioned note of payments made on account of the said 200,000l. (No. 85, ii.), containing the first payments made, amounting to 39,328l., with an underwritten memorandum that the warrants for those payments were written by the Committee before Mr. Nicholas was appointed to attend to this business. [See Vol. cccxcvi., p. 3. ½ p.]
July 26. 88. Return of Robert Heallam, [constable] of Ware, co. Hertford, of those that have not paid to the ship-rate; total, 10l. 10s. due from thirteen persons, Robert Heallam being charged with 3l. 5s. Underwritten it is stated that none of these "refuse to pay," but "it has pleased God to withold his blessings from many of them, being farmers, that the earth has not yielded her encrease, as at other times, therefore they desire 'your worship' to spare them as long as you can." [¾ p.]
July 26. 89. Presentment of the Grand Inquest for Wilts at the assizes at Sarum. The jury received information from divers constables of hundreds and others that they were much oppressed by warrants sent out from the postmasters of New Sarum [Salisbury] and Shaston [Shaftesbury] for bringing in post horses under pretence of his Majesty's service, by reason whereof all the tithings within six miles of the said city and town were charged with great payments for the continual supply of horses, which being not able to supply they were forced to hire them at extraordinary rates. The jury knowing the truth of the complaint present the same as a great burden, humbly craving the assistance of this court for redress. [1 p.]
July 26. 90. See "Returns made by Justices of Peace."
July 27. Warrant to the Master of the Great Wardrobe, to pay to his Majesty's servants, tradesmen, and artificers, for service and goods for his Majesty and the Queen in the stables, according to his Majesty's orders. [Docquet.]
July 27. A like, to the same effect, for the stables also. [Docquet.]
July 27.
Donington.
91. Henry Earl of Huntingdon to [Sir John Lambe]. I have been a suitor to you and the court that those seats which formerly belonged to my ancestors in the church of Loughborough might be allotted to me, whereupon, at Dr. Roane's visitation in May last at Leicester, he granted a commission, under the seal of the Archbishop, to Mr. Blount, Mr. Beverege, Mr. Foster, and Mr. Henry Robinson, who came to Loughborough, and appointed forth the places and dimensions of the said seats. Not long after I caused the seats which were placed there to be taken up, having provided timber for making them. Since which time Henry Skipwith has caused a seat to be placed there. I desire nothing but what is my right, and to enjoy those seats which many of the inhabitants will depose did belong to my predecessors. In all my time, which is 33 years since the decease of my grandfather, George Earl of Huntingdon, I was never so confronted, nor such an indignity offered to be put upon me. I beseech you to see me righted. [1 p.]
July 28.
Deptford.
92. Sir William Russell to Nicholas. I received yesterday a letter from my son Chicheley, sheriff of co. Cambridge, by which I understand that he was to attend the Lords to-morrow concerning the ship-money, which by reason of sickness he cannot do, and has desired that the Lords will excuse him. In which request I must join, well knowing that what he writes is very true. He has expressed in his letter his diligence in pursuing his Majesty's and the Lords' directions, and has endeavoured to the utmost of his power, but finds his county so backward and refractory that it has aggravated his sickness, for little or no moneys can be got but by distress and forcible means. He promises to attend the Lords next week, to give account of the service. In the meantime he has sent up 250l., with entreaty to you to acquaint the Lords that his Majesty has not any sheriff or subject that more truly affects the furtherance of his service, and is obedient to the Lords' commands. [Endorsed by Nicholas "To be read." ¾ p.]
July 28. 93. Account by Sir William Russell of ship-money for 1637. Total received, 111,643l. 15s. 1d.; outstanding, 84,770l. 12s. 7d. [1 p.]
July 28. 94. Memorandum of Sir William Russell of ship-money received on account of arrears for 1636. Total, 142l. 3s. 8d. [¼ p.]
July 28. 95. Account of ship-money for 1637, levied and remaining in the hands of the sheriffs. Total, 6,340l., which makes the total collected 117,983l., which is 33,812l. less than was paid in on the 21st July 1637. [1 p.]
July 29. 96. John Crane to [the Council]. Recites letter of the 15th inst. (No. 57), wherein he craved an order to receive the remainder of the estimate, which was 11,025l. 8s. 8d., but since that time the Lord Admiral has given order what the winter guard shall be, which will cause a less charge. My desire now is, that I may have order to Sir William Russell for 7,000l., to enable me to discharge my credit for what I have done, and to provide victuals for ships to stay out this next winter. [1 p.]
July 29.
Sion.
97. Algernon Earl of Northumberland to [Sir John Pennington]. The Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery, Lord Chamberlain, having, on behalf of the Fishing Association, presented to his Majesty, that, notwithstanding the Dutch fishermen employed and lately taken in his busse called the Salisbury were made free denizens, thereby to assure them of his Majesty's protection, and notwithstanding his Majesty's mediation, made by his agent Mr. Gerbier to the Infante Cardinal, on behalf of the said Dutchmen, taken by the Dunkirkers, they still remain in miserable prison, so that two of them are already dead and others lie very sick. His Majesty has thereupon given me order to take some course for their satisfaction. These are, therefore, to require you that whensoever you, or any of the captains under you, encounter any Dunkirk shipping at sea, stay is immediately to be made of such as may give satisfaction for this wrong. Ships of this nature are not to be surprised in harbour or road, and therefore you must have care to caution the captains therein. Concerning the business between the Nicodemus and the Hollander, his Majesty is of opinion that Woolward was a little too forward, and yet does not discommend him; but as things now stand his Majesty will be contented if they make reasonable acknowledgment upon their encounter with his Majesty's ships. You are also to advertise the captains to desist from any further prosecution of the Bull of Amsterdam for this particular. [1¼ p.]
July 29. 98. Estimate of the Officers of the Ordnance of a proportion of ordnance and munition appointed to be brought into his Majesty's store, for the 2,000 men designed for Sir Thomas Morton, and for better supply of the magazines, and to be delivered out upon any occasion required by the Master of the Ordnance, according to instructions prescribed by special committee of some of the Lords of the Council. Total, 12,010l. 2s. 7d., of which 8,245l. 15s. 11d. could be supplied out of the stores, and the remainder must be purchased. [12¾ pp.]
July 30. 99. Sec. Windebank to Algernon Earl of Northumberland. His Majesty has commanded me to signify to you his pleasure that you order a ship of the lesser rank to transport Mons. Monsigott, an envoy from Queen Mother, with his followers, to Rotterdam or other port in Holland. And you are to give private instruction to the captain that shall transport him, not to make any stay in Holland after he shall have landed him, nor to receive any other into his Majesty's ship that shall desire to come from those parts, but to come back immediately, and return to the Downs, or such place as you shall direct. [Draft. ¾ p.]
July 30. 100. Account of the state of the Fishing Society at this date, showing the loss from the institution of the society in 1633 to the end of 1637, with a Dr. and Cr. account of the state of the society at the latter period. [=2 pp.]
July 30. 101. Estimate of the Officers of Ordnance for pistols, carbines, muskets, bandaliers, and rests to be brought into store, being ordered to be provided by the Master of the Ordnance, according to instructions from a special committee of the Council. Pistols with firelocks are estimated at 3l. 10s. apiece; carbines, with bolts, swivels, &c., at 2l. apiece; muskets at 18s. 6d. apiece; bandaliers at 3s. apiece; rests for muskets at 1s. apiece; total, 5,375l. [1 p.]
July 30. 102. Copy of the same, with an endorsed account, dated the 14th November 1638, of the numbers of the several articles at that time brought in under that estimate. [2 pp.]
July 31.
Oatlands.
The King to [Henry Earl of Holland, Chief Justice in Eyre of all Forests on this side Trent]. We have sent you a schedule in which are mentioned such number of deer of this season as we are pleased to bestow upon the ambassadors and agents of princes residing with us, with the parks and walks wherein we purpose the said deer shall be killed. We command you to cause your warrants to be directed to the keepers, authorizing them to kill and deliver the said deer. [Copy. See Book of Orders concerning Forests. Vol. ccclxxxiv., p. 18. 1 p.] Underwritten,
i. Schedule above alluded to. The ambassadors had each three bucks. They were those of France, Venice, and the States. The agents had two bucks each. They were those of Spain, the Queen of Bohemia, Sweden, Savoy, and Florence. One buck was to be taken from Hyde Park. [Copy. 1 p.]
July 31. The same to the same. Similar letter and schedule for deer to be bestowed upon the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Recorder of the city of London, 23 in all. [Copy. Ibid., p. 20. 1½ p.]
July 31. 103. Petition of Robert Whitfield, clerk, to the King. Petitioner has been 23 years incumbent of Liddiard Millicent, Wilts, and he and his predecessors have time out of mind enjoyed common for their cattle, levant and couchant, upon the glebe lands of that church; upon a purlieu in Liddiard aforesaid containing about 230 acres, being now the lands of Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper, his Majesty's ward; and upon another purlieu in Liddiard, being now the lands of Christopher Richmond alias Webb, containing about 550 acres. Sir Anthony and the said Christopher Richmond having enclosed the said purlieus, they and Edward Tucker, the said Sir Anthony's committee, have for two years past refused to suffer petitioner to enjoy his common, and intend to wear him out with suits. Petitioner beseeches, for avoiding suits, (the said parties being so potent in the country as petitioner is hopeless of receiving right there,) a reference to some of the Council to take order for petitioner's relief. [¾ p.] Underwritten,
103. i. Reference to Archbishop Laud, the Lord Keeper, and the Lord Treasurer, or any two of them, to make such end for the good of the church and petitioner's relief as shall be according to equity. Oatlands, 31st July 1638. [¼ p.] Endorsed.
103. ii. Appointment, by Archbishop Laud and Lord Treasurer Juxon, of the 25th January next, for hearing this business. 22nd November 1638. [¼ p.]
July 31. 104. Petition of Lady Theodosia Tressam [Tresham], wife of Sir William Tressam, to the King. Your Majesty having given several commands to Sir William to repay the 4,000l. which he had with his wife in marriage, by reason he liveth not with her, and that he should not leave this realm until he had performed the same, yet he is returned the second time into Flanders, without yielding obedience, so that petitioner remains in insufferable distress. Prays command to Sec. Windebank to send royal letters to the Prince Cardinal of Austria to send home Sir William, that he may not live in Flanders, to enjoy so great an estate, without yielding obedience to your Majesty, and upon his return that the said Sir William may remain in the Fleet until he has repaid the said 4,000l. [¾ p.]
July 31. 105–6. See "Returns made by the Justices of Peace."
July. 107. The King to his Officers and Sub-searchers at Gravesend. Divers seizures of gold, silver, jewels, and merchandize have been lately made by our officers at Gravesend, which should have been brought to Edward Watkins, our head searcher in the port of London, he being the only person trusted by us for that service, and who has given security to answer our part of all seizures made in the said port and members. The persons addressed are, therefore, upon sight hereof, to deliver to Edward Watkins all such seizures as they have made or shall make. [Rough draft of a suggested warrant. 1¾ p.]
July. 108. Petition of the Inhabitants of St. Neots and Eynesbury, co. Huntingdon, to the Council. Complain of the great inconvenience and wrong they suffer by innkeepers and victuallers being restrained from brewing ale and beer, whereby petitioners might any day in the week, or any hour of a day, have four quarts of wholesome small beer for a penny, two for a halfpenny, and one for a farthing, which was a daily comfort to themselves and families. Now they cannot have any small beer for their money, but only on those days the brewer tuns his beer, and then it is so bad it does them no good; and if they fill a vessel of three or four gallons, it is so rawly brewed that it dies in the vessel before it be half drank out. Pray the King to license the innkeepers to brew as formerly. [Signed by 16 persons, of whom 11 or 12 are marksmen. The last name appended is "Will. Cranwell" or "Cromwell." 1 p.]
July. 109. Analytical Digest of Facts in controversy between John Barnwell, plaintiff, and Anne, now the wife of Robert Walthew, defendant. The facts arose out of disagreements between the plaintiff, who was a servant of the Countess of Exeter, and Elizabeth his wife, who had been taken away from him by her mother, the said Anne. There had been a decree against the defendant in the Court of Requests, which she had ineffectually endeavoured to get reversed in the King's Bench. [= 2 pp.]
[July ?] 110. Supplication of the Nobles, Barons, Burgesses, Ministers, and Commons of Scotland to the Marquess of Hamilton, his Majesty's Commissioner. They are far from any thought of withdrawing themselves from their dutiful subjection and government, which, by descent and under the reign of 107 kings, is most cheerfully acknowledged. Their quietness depends upon the King, as upon God's vicegerent set over them for maintenance of religion and administration of justice, and they have sworn with their means and lives to stand to the defence of the King's person and authority in the preservation of the true religion, laws, and liberties of the kingdom. Pray for the indiction of a free general assembly and parliament. [5 pp.]
[July ?] 111. Petition of Robert Heallam and Daniel Field, Collectors of Shipmoney for Ware and Tring, co. Hertford, to the Council. Upon the complaint of the sheriff, petitioners have been sent for by warrant, and brought up by a messenger. They have to the uttermost of their power executed their places, and duly paid in all moneys received, and returned the names of defaulters, and are ready to pay all moneys assessed upon them; and this being their chief harvest time, and they sorrowful for having incurred your displeasure, they pray acceptance of their submission and discharge. [½ p.]
July. 112–120. See "Returns made by the Justices of Peace."