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Feb. 21. |
Petition of the Mayor and Commonalty of the city of York to the
King. Upon the petition of the Dean and Chapter your Majesty,
6th June 1636, was pleased to undertake the hearing of some questions
and differences which had arisen between the Church and this city,
and the better to settle these differences did then order that the
mayor and citizens should surrender a charter granted to them by
your Majesty in the seventh year of your reign, upon which another
charter should be granted to them, which surrender in humble
obedience to your order they have sealed and acknowledged to be
enrolled. Pray your Majesty to confirm to them their ancient charters with all lands, liberties, and privileges granted or mentioned to
be granted by your royal progenitors. Also that the time of their
annual election and swearing of the Lord Mayor, sheriffs, and other
officers, which, by former grants, was to be put off to the next day in
case any of those days happen on a Sunday, may be put off to the next
day; and that if there be not three aldermen who have not been
twice Lord Mayor, or Lord Mayor within six years then last past
according to their former charter, that then the Common Council
may name only two aldermen, such as have not been twice Lord
Mayor, or Lord Mayor within six years, whereof the one of them may
be chosen mayor; and that they may have such justices of peace
for government of their city, and no other, as heretofore they have
had; and that the Attorney-General may prepare a bill for your
signature, with such further clauses to be inserted as may tend to
the good government of that city. Underwritten, |
i. His Majesty is pleased to confirm to petitioners their ancient
charters, lands, and privileges, and to grant such new
powers for their better government as the Attorney-General
shall find fit, without prejudice to the Church or his
Majesty's service; and the Attorney-General is to prepare
a bill for signature accordingly, for which this shall be
his warrant. Whitehall, 21st Feb. 1639-40. [Copy. See
Book of Petitions, Vol. cccciii., p. 167. = 1 p.] |
Feb. 21. |
1. [Sec. Windebank] to Elizabeth, Electress Palatine, and Dowager
Queen of Bohemia. His Majesty having cause to employ some of
his own subjects, now in the service of the States of the United
Provinces, for the defence and safety of this kingdom, though he
doubt not but the States, to whom his Majesty has, by his own
letters, made intimation to this purpose, will readily, in this
exigency, give license to such of the English nation as he shall
desire to repair hither and be absent from their charge there, to
serve their own sovereign, yet his Majesty, knowing how powerful
your Majesty's intervention is with the Prince of Orange, and with
those among the States who have the ordering of their affairs, has
commanded me in his name to desire you to interpose earnestly
with them to grant leave to Sir John Conyers, who has the command
of a troop of horse, to be absent from the service there for six
months, with permission to transport himself hither and serve his
Majesty, without prejudice to him in his entertainments during that
time. This being a business of extraordinary consideration to his
Majesty's service at this present, he desires you to take it to heart,
not doubting but by your favour and instances it may be effected,
which will be very acceptable to him; and himself will, with his
own hand, render you thanks for it. [Endorsed by Sec. Windebank,
"To the Queen of Bohemia in his Majesty's name and by his special
commandment, concerning Sir John Conyers. 21st February
1639-40." Draft. 1 p.] |
Feb. 21. Whitehall. |
2. The same to Sir John Conyers. Upon receipt of yours of
the 3rd of this present month I moved his Majesty for letters to
the Prince of Orange in your favour, which he was pleased to grant,
and at that time thought it unnecessary to write to the Queen of
Bohemia or to the States. But since Lord Conway assured me
that unless his Majesty would make instances extraordinary there
would be difficulty in granting your licence, I have caused other
letters to be despatched to the Prince of Orange and to the States
in a more pressing style, and have also written to the Queen of
Bohemia in his Majesty's name to interpose for leave to you to
repair hither, without prejudice in your entertainments. These
three letters are now delivered to Sir Nicholas Byron to be put
into your hand and disposed of as you shall think fit, and therefore
you may suppress the other letter from his Majesty to the Prince of
Orange, which you will find in my other packet. I crave pardon
for this second trouble, and send you my best wishes that his
Majesty's interposition may succeed according to your desire.
[Draft. 1 p.] |
Feb. 21. Whitehall. |
3. Sec. Vane to Sir Thomas Roe. Your last, directed to Sir John
Coke, came to my hands, and as his Majesty shall give his answer,
either to this or any future letters of yours, I will be ready and
careful to impart the same to you. I doubt not you have been
already informed how gracious his Majesty showed himself by the
pacification he made with the Scots at their request when his army
was upon their frontiers, where it appeared to all the world that
his Majesty, for avoiding the effusion of his subjects' blood, condescended to a peace, which if, according to their duties, they
would have made a right use of, his Majesty would not now be
necessitated to return to arms for the safety both of his person and
his kingdoms, not knowing what their intentions may be, they
persevering still in their disobedience, and casting off all duty which
subjects owe to their sovereign. All which notwithstanding, his
Majesty still continues his gracious inclination. As soon as they
shall return to their due obedience they shall find him a just and
merciful King; but if, by their default, worse effects shall follow,
his Majesty's just proceedings shall manifest themselves to God and
the world. Meanwhile the 13th April is appointed for the
assembling of Parliament, the writs for which were sealed yesterday
and are going out, his Majesty not doubting of the particular contentment he shall reap therein, notwithstanding what rumours
soever are or may be spread abroad by ill-affected persons to the
contrary. [1 p.] |
Feb. 21. |
4. Bond of Robert Bewick, Esq., in 1,000l. for his appearance
before the Council or Sec. Windebank when called for to answer to
such matters as shall be objected against him. [1 p.] |
Feb. 22. |
License to Thomas Yorke to build upon part of Clement's Inn
Field, in the parish of St. Clement Danes, co. Middlesex, being the
inheritance of the Earl of Clare, the buildings to be erected in accordance with his Majesty's proclamations; power is also given to alter
the highways, and to make sewers. [Docquet.] |
Feb. 22. |
Release to Richard Clerke, B.D., of 21l. 0s. 6d., being the firstfruits of the vicarage of Puddletown, Dorset, he having resigned the
vicarage to James Lucin, clerk, in obedience to an order of the Archbishop of Canterbury and others. [Docquet.] |
Feb. 22. |
Warrant to the Treasurer of the Chamber to pay 20d. per diem
as wages, and 16l. 2s. 6d. per annum as livery, to Ambrose Beeland,
one of his Majesty's musicians for the violins, vice James Johnson,
deceased, during life. [Docquet.] |
Feb. 22. |
5. Notes by Nicholas of business transacted at a meeting of the
Privy Council this day, his Majesty being present. Amongst others
are the following entries: 5,000l. to redeem such things as are im-
pawned, in all 35,000l. Earl of Suffolk to entail all but the land in
Dorsetshire. He will not be a pensioner to his son. 1,000l. of the
3,000l. Dorsetshire land to be, after the Earl of Suffolk's decease,
assigned to the younger sons. [½ p.] |
Feb. 22. Whitehall. |
6. Similar notes of business at the Council of War. Resolved
that there shall be added to the list of entertainments for the army
one preacher to every regiment of horse at 4s. per diem. |
Feb. 22. |
The King's pleasure signified by Sec. Windebank. His Majesty
having received information that his title to the houses, wharfs,
docks, and yards encroached upon the river Thames on the north
bank at or near Wapping, Shadwell, Ratcliff, and Limehouse, has
long depended in the Court of Exchequer, which first concerned the
late Earl of Carlisle, but now concerns his Majesty immediately, the
patent granted to the said earl being surrendered back to his
Majesty, and that several orders and decrees have been had thereupon, one decreeing that all the soil between high and low water
marks belongs to his Majesty in right of his crown, and that all
houses, wharfs, and docks built thereupon ought to be abated or
arrented at the King's pleasure, and another decree for nine several
houses, whereof his Majesty and his assignees have possession,
whereupon the inhabitants of those nine houses have turned tenants
to the King, and paid several fines and rents, and that by their
example many other inhabitants of these places, being in the same
estate, have likewise become his tenants, who are now turned out
by suits at common law, notwithstanding that there are informations depending in the Exchequer Court, and thereupon they have
petitioned for relief. His Majesty holding it a matter of great
consequence to him, both in this particular case and in the precedent
thereof, is therefore resolved that special care shall be taken for
recovery of his right and settling thereof, as far as in justice may
be, and has commanded me to signify the same; that the Lord
Keeper, Lord Treasurer, Earl of Dorset, Lord Privy Seal, Lord
Lieutenant of Ireland, Lord Cottington, and the two Principal
Secretaries of State shall have the care and protection of this business, and calling to them the Attorney and Solicitor General, and
other his Majesty's counsel-at-law, shall examine the petitions
and informations hereunto annexed, and inform themselves fully of
all things they conceive necessary for his service in this case, and
of all the former proceedings therein, and also at such times as they
shall think fit shall call to them the Barons of the Exchequer and
confer with them, to the end that their lordships, understanding the
true state thereof, may wait upon his Majesty and deliver to him
their opinions of what has already passed, and what they think
fit to be done for the future; whereupon his Majesty will give such
further directions as he shall find fit, and in the meantime they are
to give such directions for the proceedings or not proceedings therein
as they shall think fit. (Signed.) Francis Windebank. Whitehall,
22nd Feb. 1639[-40.] [Copy. See Book of Petitions, Vol. cccciii.,
p. 154. = 1¼ p.] |
Feb. 22. |
Petition of James Earl of Carlisle, Sir James Hay, and Archibald
Hay, trustees for the estate of the late Earl of Carlisle, and of the
trustees for the estate of Sir Peregrine Bertie and Sir Philip Landen,
knts., deceased, viz., Sir George Theobalds, John Van Haesdonck,
and divers others who are interested and have contracted for divers
parcels of marsh land, to the King. That the marshes and marish
grounds lying between the ebb and flow of the tide in England and
Wales have been reputed parcel of the prerogative, as well in this
realm as in Scotland and Ireland, and in some cases have been
adjudged so in law. Petitioners and others your loyal subjects,
relying on this your undoubted right and title, have been encouraged
to contract and bargain with your Majesty for these lands, paying
great sums of money to your Majesty for the same, besides expending great sums in embanking and reclaiming these marshes and
recovering possession of them at law. Notwithstanding your grant
of these marshes by letters patent, and your command under the
Privy Signet declared to all justices and others for petitioners' quiet
enjoyment of the same, [they can obtain no security] by reason
of the common outcry, that your Majesty's title is not likely to
prevail, and that it has become very doubtful in their opinions
whether the matter in question of these marshes will be determined
for or against your Majesty. Petitioners hope that these doubts
may be removed if the beginning, progress, and increase of the said
marshes from the nature, quality, and effects of the flowing and
reflowing of the sea at spring tides, and the certain proofs and
proper marks whereby these marshes may be distinctly known to
differ from all upland grounds thereunto adjacent, were clearly set
forth and declared as being the ground-work of your right and title
to these marshes. For the just preservation of your rights, and to
save petitioners from fruitlessly expending their money in a question
of so great moment and sequence of profit to your Majesty, and yet
so uncertain and doubtful to petitioners, they pray that you would
command some special person of the Privy Council to undertake
the care of this matter, and to consider what petitioners have
digested concerning the nature, quality, and effects of the tides, and
of the true origin and increment of salt marshes, and of the marks
whereby they may be distinguished from all upland and natural
ground, for to inform first your Majesty and the Council of the
truth of the matter, and then that you will vouchsafe to require all
the judges of your Bench, Common Pleas, and Exchequer to meet
the Council and such other persons as you shall appoint, at which
meeting this question may be thoroughly and fully debated and
considered, and such resolutions come to as in their grave judgment
may best sort; wherein it is hoped that no lapse of time or habit of
usurpations shall be admitted in evidence to extinguish or prejudice
what was originally your Majesty's right and chief flower of your
prerogative by infallible proofs of demonstration; and that your
Majesty will be pleased soon after to receive an account of the
consultation and resolution of the judges; and the same to be decreed
to the full satisfaction of your Majesty and your subjects interested
therein, and that accordingly the cases of your petitioners may be
received into the bosom of your clemency and most gracious
consideration. Underwritten, |
i. His Majesty's pleasure is that the Lord Privy Seal, Earl of
Dorset, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Lord Cottington, and
Sec. Windebank shall take the care on his Majesty's behalf
of the marshes, and consider what petitioners have
digested concerning the same, and certify his Majesty
from time to time their proceedings therein, and cause all
such things to be put in execution as his Majesty shall
please to order upon such certificates. Whitehall, 22nd
Feb. 1639-40. [Copy. See Book of Petitions, Vol. cccciii.,
p. 151. = 2 pp.] |
Feb. 22. |
Petition of James Earl of Carlisle, Sir James Hay, and Archibald
Hay, your Majesty's servants, to the King. The late Earl of Carlisle
being seised in fee by your royal grants, amongst other things, of
and in the Caribees or Carlisle islands, and of the powers and
government thereof, which he assigned to petitioners, Sir James and
Archibald Hay and Richard Hurst, since deceased, and their heirs,
upon trust only for payment of his debts, the surplusage to remain
and be to the present Earl of Carlisle, the petitioners Sir James
and Archibald Hay have faithfully endeavoured to perform this trust,
and for all legal matters have taken the advice of the same counsel
as were employed by the late Earl about his affairs. For what
concerned the better government of these islands, they obtained a
commission under the Great Seal to divers commissioners nominated
and approved by your Majesty to give petitioners advice and
assistance relative to the government and furtherance of the plantations there. Your petitioner, the now Earl of Carlisle, conceives
and is advised that the right of government of these islands is
descended to him and did not pass by the grant of the late Earl to
the other petitioners, who nevertheless conceive and are advised
that it belongs to them, as well as the receiving of the profits, which
difference in opinion themselves cannot reconcile, and this difference
is some impediment to the proceedings of this business, which on all
sides they are very desirous may be settled. Their joint suit to
your Majesty is that yourself, or such referees as you shall think fit,
may determine this difference and settle the same for the better
advancement of these plantations, and of the petitioners' profits for
payment of the debts, and that the aforesaid commission may be
renewed to the same and other fit commissioners to be nominated by
petitioners. Underwritten, |
i. Reference to the Chief Justice of Common Pleas, who, assisted
by the Attorney-General and other of his Majesty's
counsel-at-law, is to consider of the above petition and
certify his Majesty to whom the right of government of
the Caribees appertains; and such commission is to be
prepared for the better government of these islands as is
desired. Whitehall, 22nd Feb. 1639-40. [Copy. Ibid.
p. 153. = 1 p.] |
Feb. 22. Whitehall. |
7. Commission of Algernon Earl of Northumberland, as captaingeneral of his Majesty's army and fleet in this present expedition,
appointing Capt. John Mennes to be captain of a troop of carabineers,
which troop he is required to raise and to have in readiness, duly
exercised, to be conducted to the rendezvous for service when
required. [Signed and sealed. Parchment.] |
Feb. 22. Whitehall. |
8. The like commission to Sir John Suckling to be captain of a
troop of carabineers. [Copy. 1 p.] |
Feb. 22. Berwick. |
9. Sir Michael Ernle to Sec. Windebank. By the Council's letter
of the 12th present, I was commanded to give you an account of
the several rents of the houses formerly belonging to this garrison,
the which I have sent hereinclosed. I was also required to have an
estimate made of the charge of repairing the same, which I have
accordingly done. The cost of repairing these houses will be 55l.,
exclusive of a very great oven which is wholly decayed and will
cost to rebuild 70l. No news from Scotland worth your information.
The common people of Edinburgh are so much discontented that
the magistrates should suffer those men whom his Majesty sent to
have such quiet passage to the castle, that they protest they shall
hereafter have no assistance from them. It is reported here that
the Earl of Haddington shall have the chief government of these
parts next Berwick. [Seal with arms. 1 p.] Encloses, |
9. I. A particular of the buildings formerly belonging to his
Majesty within the town of Berwick, with their annual
rents. Total, 56l. 18s. 4d. [1½ p.] |
Feb. 22. |
10. Petition of John Bumsted, lime merchant, prisoner in the
King's Bench, to Archbishop Laud, of Canterbury. Complains that
Richard Hart, LL.D., having sold to him certain timber trees at
Fulham, valued 86l., and sealed a bond of 300l. penalty that petitioner should enjoy his bargain, received 6l., and was to have the
remaining 80l., but meanwhile petitioner discovered that the timber,
in the felling of which he had expended 30l., did not belong to Hart,
but to the executors of Richard Richards, to whom the property had
previously been mortgaged. It plainly appears that Dr. Hart sold
what he had no right to, and that his bond for 300l. is forfeited; yet
notwithstanding, Hart has cast petitioner into prison for non-payment
of the 80l., and there detained him since New-year's day, thus
throwing 40 labourers, employed by petitioner, out of work, and
ruining him unless your Grace vouchsafe some relief speedily.
Prays leave, to avoid contempt, that he may sue or arrest Dr. Hart
upon his bond, when the latter will be content to release petitioner
out of prison, where he is wrongfully detained. Underwritten, |
10. i. Reference to Sir John Lambe to see that petitioner receives
satisfaction from Dr. Hart, or else that he may have leave
to sue him at law. Feb. 22, 1639-40. [1 p.] |
Feb. 22. |
11. Certificate of John Erlysman that Sir William Brouncker,
having command of a troop of horse, had entertained Nathaniel Stevens
under his command [see Vol. ccccxlv., No. 78], when the latter was
arrested by sergeants George Norman and Thomas Measure. [½ p.] |
Feb. 22. |
12. Account by Sir William Russell and Henry Vane of shipmoney for 1638. Total received, 55,003l. 13s. 10d.; in arrear,
14,746l. 6s. 2d. Memorandum.—The mayor of Bridgewater has
made up 25l., which will be paid in next week. [1 p.] |
Feb. 22. |
13. Account of ship-money for 1638 levied and in the hands of
the sheriffs. Total, 770l., making with the 55,003l. paid to the
Treasurers of the Navy 55,773l. The arrears were for 1635, 4,536l.;
1636, 6,954l.; and 1637, 17,002l., no part of which had been paid in
this week. [1 p.] |
Feb. 22. |
14. Certificate by the Treasurers of the Navy of ship-money
received this week upon writs of 1639. Total, 1,463l. 7s. 7d.,
besides 1,666l. in the hands of the sheriffs. [¾ p.] |
Feb. 22. |
15. Receipted bill of Walter Hall, bricklayer, being for 8l. 9s. 0d.
for work done for Edward Nicholas. [2 pp.] |
Feb. 22. |
16. Particulars of fen lands, specifying the quantities set out
between Kime-eau and Lincoln. [¾ p.] |
Feb. 23. |
Warrant to the Court of Exchequer requiring that the cause
against Sir Henry Gibb and others, appointed for the first Thursday
in next term, be heard the first cause that day. [Docquet.] |
Feb. 23. |
Grant of denization to Peter Bell, Peter Barchman, David Gunbard,
and Catherine Cruso, aliens, being part of the number of denizations
granted to David Alexander and John Geddis. [Docquet.] |
Feb. 23. |
17. Mem. of the demands or requests made by Patrick Lord
Ettrick to the King, and delivered at the Committee to Sec. Windebank, 24th Feb. 1639-40, with the answers in Sec. Windebank's
hand to the same in the margin. |
1. Lord Ettrick desires your Majesty to send him your articles
of war, that he may, for the better government of the
soldiers, inflict such punishment for offences as shall be
deserved. Margin: 1. The printed book of orders for the
last army. |
2. He desires your Majesty to signify your pleasure concerning
Sir John Ruthven and Colonel Francis Ruthven. Margin:
2. They shall be entertained in the quality they have
formerly served in, if they will repair hither, and as many
other officers as will come hither, and therefore let as
many be won over as may be. |
3. He desires direction how to behave hereafter in your Majesty's service. Margin: 3. A letter to be written under
the King's hand to Lord Ettrick, giving him power to use
all acts of hostility against the town upon any occasion that
he shall think fit. |
4. He gives your Majesty to understand that he has never
received any means or allowance, but has lived there at
great expense upon his own charge, and humbly desires you
to take into consideration that he cannot receive his own
means in the hands of other men to maintain it any longer.
Margin: 4. 40 marks Scotch per diem to be allowed him
in the meantime as governor of the castle, till his Majesty
may better consider him. |
5. He beseeches your Majesty to let him understand whether or
not he may take on soldiers until he has 300. Margin:
5. The Earl of Traquair to be advised with. |
6. He desires your Majesty to grant this requests in the behalf of
his secretary and the master-gunner. Margin: 6. For his
secretary and the master-gunner already ordered. |
7. He most humbly desires your Majesty to signify to him what
pay you will allow Lieutenant-Colonel Scrymsoure [Scrimgeour], the Constable under him, who lives hitherto upon
his own charges. Margin: 7. Scrimshaw [Scrimgeour] a
captain's pay, 15s. per diem, from the time he entered.
Underwritten in Nicholas's hand, |
17. i. The Lord Ettrick to send [a note of] what provisions
will be necessary to be supplied for securing the castle
against a siege for 12 months. Men to be sent to
Inch-Keith. The Lord Marquis [Hamilton's] proposition. 600 men to be presently put in readiness, provisions for them for [12] months, for the Castle of
Edinburgh, in the same way that the other 100 were.
If they of Edinburgh [oppose this], then to put them in
Inch-Keith. This within a month. The ground is the
dividing of Edinburgh from the rest of the kingdom.
[Margin: The Lord Marquis' proposition.] 200 men to be
provided and sent to Edinburgh; four months' victuals;
the men before the victuals. Two mortar pieces to be sent
with the 200 men, and a proportion of granadoes. [1 p.] |
Feb. 24. Whitehall. |
Minutes by Nicholas of business transacted this day by the
Council of War. The Lords declared that the distribution of the
list of the 30,000 foot to be raised in the several counties of this
kingdom has been shown to and approved by the King. Resolved
that in the indenture to be signed by the captains of horse, it be
expressed that 2d. per diem is to be defalked out of every trooper's
entertainment for payment of arms till the King shall be reimbursed
the charge thereof, and that the Lord-General be prayed to put
into the horsemen's instructions that if any soldier dies his executors
shall be reimbursed by his successor such moneys as have been
defalked for arms. [Written on the same paper as Feb. 22, No. 6.
= ⅓ p.] |
Feb. 24. |
Similar minutes of the Council of War. [Written on the same
paper as Feb. 8. See Vol. ccccxliv., No. 56.⅓ p.] |
Feb. 24. |
Articles of indenture agreed upon between William Ewer, of
Malton, co. York, and Ursula Catesby, grand-daughter of Richard
Catesby, of Drury Lane, co. Middlesex, on the one part, and Richard
Catesby, the elder, of Drury Lane, of the other part. By this
indenture Ursula Catesby articles and agrees to and with Richard
Catesby, party to these presents, that if the said Ursula shall happen
to die before her marriage, that then she shall give and dispose to
William and Elianor Catesby, her brother and sister, 100l., being
part of 250l. herein expressed to be equally divided betwixt them
in case that William and Elianor, or either of them, shall be then
living at the death of the said Ursula. [See Case E., No. 19.
Half skin of parchment.] |
Feb. 24. |
Letters of attorney by Sir Thomas Lucie, of Charlcoate, co.
Warwick, and Richard Catesby, of Drury Lane, granting to William
Ewer, of Malton, and Ursula Catesby, grandchild of Richard Catesby,
power to implead and prosecute suits in the name of Sir Thomas
Lucie against Sir William Saunders and others named for recovery
of several sums of money upon their bonds. [See Case E., No. 20.
Half skin of parchment.] |
Feb. 24. |
18. John Nicholas to his son, Edward Nicholas. Thanks for your
letter and news. The Sheriff of Wilts prepares to wait on the
judges very bravely, many friends helping to furnish him with men
and horses. I have lent him my man, W. Gauntlett, and my best
horse. I find myself much weakened by my last extreme sickness,
and cannot expect better, since old age is sickness enough. Your
mother is little better than myself, and has recovered her lameness.
You shall receive by the carrier a flitch of bacon, two turkeys, three
capons, and two pullets. [Seal with crest and arms. 1 p.] |
Feb. 24. North Somer-cotes. |
19. John Gray to Endymion Porter. I know your weighty
affairs take off your thoughts from Somercotes, but I pray you
sometimes to think thereon, even though your wishes are that you
had never known it, or not had such cause to have thought on it;
yet have you done good to every one there but yourself for the
present. I acknowledge your noble intention towards me, but the
profit I enjoy thereby is of less value than you imagine, for though
the allowance of 6d. per acre for your whole 1,000 acres be very
small, yet in testimony of those thankful respects I owe you I was
well contented with it, provided that it should be constantly paid
me, and withal that for the lower 500 acres which Cutteris farms
there should be a consideration of 50l. paid me in addition to the
6d. per acre. As for your upper grounds I look for no other consideration than what I have formerly offered to accept. [Seal with
device. 1 p.] |
Feb. 24. |
20. Certificate by William Ryley, Bluemantle, of the funeral of
Rachel Countess of Southampton, late wife of Thomas Earl of
Southampton. She died at her house in Tothill Street on the
[16th] day of February inst., and was buried this day at Titchfield,
Hants. [Draft, incomplete. 1 p.] |
Feb. 24. |
21. Deposition of John Brand, master of the Gift, a small
fishing boat. Was hired by Capt. Sinny to transport 32 passengers,
of whom three were women, into Flanders. The passengers who embarked below Blackwall were all Irish except one boy, and were
going into Flanders to serve as soldiers. [2/3 p.] |
Feb. 24. |
22. Brief of the proofs ex parte John Gardner, plaintiff, in a suit
in the Arches Court against Tydie and Jupe. Dispute as to the
custom of making rates in the parish of Rusper, Sussex. [7 pp.] |
Feb. 25. Hackney. |
23. Edward Misselden to Sec. Windebank. The service so well
prepared, accepted of by his Majesty, and favoured by you, is like
to be lost by some late insolencies and violent opposition of some in
the Company of Merchant Adventurers. Upon the King's pleasure,
signified to the governor, deputy, and others by you on the
25th January, there was a conference, but no encouragement. Since
then, the deputy attending you about the Duke of Lennox' license,
you told him that the King expected an account of that direction of
the 25th January, whereupon at the next general court he read the
letter to the whole Company. The best is that the main thing was
not expressed in the letter, else all had been lost. Though it took
well amongst the principal and more discreet of the Company, yet
some rash and violent men stuck not maliciously to cross that which
no reasonable man could oppose, and amongst those Peter Jones
falsely cast upon me, to answer for myself, then not there, the
aspersion that I was not to be trusted, for that I had committed
perjury in the denial of some petitions presented to the King or
Lords, which was very offensive to all honest men who heard it, but
it caused such a disorder in their court that they rose re infectâ;
I may say defectâ; nothing done, but the service undone, and as
good as lost. Reverence was generally shown to the letter, but
Jones slighted it, calling it a bugbear. You see the King's service
and honour is here engaged, and for myself I have more than ever
cause to implore your favour to vindicate this gross and insufferable
disgrace, which goes to the quick. I pray you to represent these
things to his Majesty, and to signify his pleasure thereupon. [1 p.] |
Feb. 25. Hackney. |
24. The same to [Robert Read]. Though it be my unhappiness
to be trod upon and maligned for well-doing, yet even that may
turn to your honour to help to defend the innocent. I am forced,
you see, oftener upon Mr. Secretary than is meet. But these are
pressing things which go to the quick and must not be let pass or
smothered in silence. I am an earnest suitor to you to put Mr.
Secretary in mind to move the King as soon as is possible. [½ p.] |
Feb. 25. Inner Temple Churchyard. |
25. Allan Boteler to the same. My friend informs me that
Mr. Jones, the Reader of Lincoln's Inn, did yesterday in his reading
touch upon many points of honour, amongst the which it was questioned what honour was due to the Secretaries of State by right or
favour, as also whether they have any place de jure in the Upper
House of Parliament. Messrs. Babor and Tailer having undertaken
[to argue] it, concluded that they had no place in the Upper House
unless made barons or called by writ. This is the effect of all I
have learned in this. I am assured you are so noble and sensible of
my cause that I need not press for answer to the business I moved
you in last night. The writs are known generally to be gone forth,
which makes Dunkirkers lie in wait for me by sea and land, but it
is in your power to release me. [½ p.] |
Feb. 25. |
26. Acknowledgment by Ludovick Earl of Crawford of the receipt
of 100l. delivered to him by his Majesty's commandment. [⅓ p.] |
Feb. 25. |
27. Certificate by Edward Raye, rector of Tunstall, that he had
entertained as his curate at Tunstall Edmond Pratt, M.A. [6 lines.] |
Feb. 25. |
28. Certificate by William Ryley, Bluemantle, of the death of
Thomas Earl Rivers, at his residence, Winchester House, near Broad
Street, London, on this day, and his interment at Chick St. Osyth,
Essex. He married Mary, daughter of Sir Thomas Kitson, of Hengrave, Suffolk, by whom he had issue Elizabeth and Penelope;
the former married Thomas Viscount Savage, lately deceased, and
had issue eleven sons and eight daughters, whereof ten were living
at the time of her husband's decease, viz., 1. John Earl Rivers, who
married Catharine, second daughter of Henry Lord Morley and
Monteagle, and had issue Thomas, now Viscount Savage, John,
Richard, Elizabeth, Jane, Catharine, and Mary. 2. Thomas, who
married Bridget, daughter and coheir of William Whitmore, of
Leighton, co. Chester; she was also heir to her mother Margaret,
daughter and heir to Sir Hugh Beeston, of Beeston Castle, co.
Chester. 3. Francis. 4. James ("died without issue," interlined).
5. William. 6. Richard. 7. Charles. The eldest daughter of
Thomas Viscount Savage at the time of his decease was Jane, who
married John Marquis of Winchester, and had issue Charles Lord
St. John of Basing. The second daughter, Dorothy, married Charles
Viscount Andover, eldest son of Thomas Earl of Berkshire, and has
issue one son, named Thomas. The third daughter, Elizabeth,
married Sir John Thimbleby, of Erneham, co. Lincoln, and has issue
one son, named John. The fourth daughter, Anne, married Robert,
eldest son of Lord Brudenell. The fifth, Katherine, and the sixth,
Henrietta Maria, yet unmarried. Lady Penelope, second daughter
and coheir of Thomas Earl Rivers, the subject of this certificate, was
married, first, to Sir George Trenchard, by whom she had no issue;
and, second, to Sir John Gage, by whom she had many children.
[Signed by Elizabeth Viscountess Savage. 2½ pp.] |
Feb. 25. |
29. Draft of the same. [3 pp.] |
Feb. 26. |
Warrant under the Signet to the Sheriffs of London to deliver to
Capt. Philip Bell the bodies of Robert Smyth and 24 others, condemned prisoners in Newgate, to be transported into foreign parts,
with proviso that if they return without license or pardon, then
they shall be executed. [Docquet.] |
Feb. 26. |
Warrant to the Exchequer to pay to John de Cretz and others
620l. upon accompt for a barge of State to be made for the King's
service against the meeting of Parliament. [Docquet.] |
Feb. 26. |
Grant to Clement Halsey of a gunner's room in the Tower of
London, with the fee of 6d. per diem, to commence from Lady-day
1636, during pleasure, vice Edward Roades. [Docquet.] |
Feb. 26. |
Warrant to the Exchequer to pay to Sir Job Harby and Sir
John Nulles 25,000l. with interest after the rate of 8l. per cent.
from the 8th of July last, that sum having been disbursed by them
for redemption of his Majesty's great jewel, left with the King
of Denmark; also 200l. for transporting of the same. [Docquet.] |
Feb. 26. Whitehall. |
30. The King to Patrick Lord Ettrick. By yours of the 18th of
this present month, and by the relation of this bearer, William
Roberts, we have been particularly informed of the present state of
the Castle of Edinburgh under your charge, and of the reinforcement
of men and ammunition lately put into it, which we hold a very
great service, and acknowledge the success chiefly to your care and
dexterity in the prudent ordering and managing of it. This as it
has been a very great contentment to us, so you must be confident
we will retain it in our princely memory for your advantage upon
all occasions, and therefore we doubt not but upon these encouragements and assurances of our favour and in your own good affections
to the preservation of our regal authority and government, you will
continue your fidelity and diligence, which will be the more eminent
and of the greater honour to you in these times of disorder and disobedience. For answer to your letters and memorials presented to
us by this bearer we find him very worthy of the judgment you
have given us of him, and therefore we have returned him back to
you with the more speed, that our service may not suffer by his
absence; and for allowance to be made him for services already
rendered as secretary to you and paymaster to the soldiers we are
pleased to confirm to him the place of paymaster to the garrison
with allowance of 10s. a day from Christmas last; and concerning
James Goodall, master-gunner of our castle, we confirm to him for
life his present pay according to your desire. Your other memorial
[see 23rd Feb., No. 17] we have likewise taken into consideration,
and according to your desire have sent you by this bearer the
printed book of orders made the last year for the government of our
army [see Vol. ccccxv., No. 116]. You are also now to receive a
commission authorising you to use martial law as well in inflicting
punishment upon those in the castle who may be delinquents, as
in suppressing any insolencies, seditions, or rebellions in the town of
Edinburgh, and to exercise acts of hostility against all such there as
shall raise any insurrection or disorder. For Sir John Ruthven and
Colonel Francis Ruthven you are to assure them from us that they
shall be entertained in the quality they have formerly served, if
they will repair hither, and you are to give like assurance to as
many other officers as will enter into our service here, that they
shall be well received and entertained, and therefore you must use
the best means you can to gain as many officers from the other
party as may be, letting them know they shall be very welcome
hither. That which concerns yourself in this memorial we hold
very reasonable, and we are pleased to allow you 40 marks Scotch
by the day, to begin from the time you first entered into the castle
and undertook that service. This entertainment we do not bestow
upon you as a sufficient remuneration for your service, but as a
pledge and mark of our favour to you in the meantime, until we shall
have opportunity to confer somewhat of better consideration upon
you, and more equivalent to your merit. For the taking in of more
soldiers we will advise further upon it as a business of some consequence, and which will require more deliberation. That which you
move concerning Lieutenant-Colonel Scrymsoure [Scrimgeour], the
Constable under you, we think very fit, and are contented to make
him an allowance of 15s. a day from the time of his first entrance
into that employment. If you will send [word] by an express what
further supplies of men and munition will be necessary for securing
the castle against a siege for 12 months, it will give us great light
what course to take in time for your preservation. This bearer has
recommended to us three gunners to serve in our castle, Richard
Roberts, John MacWharter, and John Pescod, whom we require you
to admit and make them such allowances as are ordinary, for which
this shall be your warrant. [Endorsed by Windebank, "Draft of
his Majesty's letters to the Lord Ettrick, sent by William Roberts,
his lordship's secretary. With this was sent the book of printed
orders, and a commission under the signet. 26th February 1639-40."
3 pp.] |
[Feb. 26?] |
31. The King to the Provost and Bailies of Edinburgh. We understand by your letters to us of the 18th February [see Vol. ccccxlv.,
No. 61] that according to our commandment you have caused the
men and munition lately sent to our castle to be conveyed thither,
which being for your own safety, and to secure you from the disorders of such as are ill-affected to our government and your peace,
it concerned you to further with all readiness. Nevertheless we
like very well the conformity you have shown to our pleasure, and
take it as an argument of your good inclination to comply with
your duties in other our services, which if we shall find really performed you may be confident that no enemies of yours whatsoever
(if any such were near us) shall have power to settle other opinion
in us than that which becomes a just and gracious prince to retain of good and loyal subjects. For these national statutes
you mention, and the common law of nature which forbid the
receiving of any other than natives into the strengths of a free
kingdom, they are nothing to this purpose, seeing that as by the
union of the two crowns of both these kingdoms in the person of our
late dear father of blessed memory, the post-nati of Scotland were
declared and are still accounted natives of this realm of England,
and are as capable of any privileges and immunities here as any
subject whatsoever born in England, and many of them do enjoy
them accordingly; so, by the same reason, our subjects of England
born since the union are of right to be accounted natives of that
our realm of Scotland, and to enjoy all privileges of free-born subjects there, by which that objection appears to be wholly without
foundation. This being evident, you see how little cause you have
of fears and jealousies, that any, by procuring hard and grievous
commandments, do plot and project your ruin, seeing we intend
nothing but your safety and preservation. [Endorsed by Windebank, "First letters to the town of Edinburgh." Draft. 1¼ p.] |
Feb. 26. Westminster. |
32. Patent appointing Sir William Uvedale, Treasurer of the
Chamber, to act as Treasurer-at-Wars for the present intended expedition, with an allowance to himself for the execution of this
office of 40s. a day for diet and a poundage of 12l. 10s. in every
1,000l. passing through his hands for portage, besides which for the
allowance of two deputies 6s. 8d. a day each, for six clerks 2s. a day
each, and for a messenger 12d. These allowances to commence
from 1st March next. [Copy. 2¼ pp.] |
Feb. 26. Berwick. |
33. Sir Michael Ernle to Sec. Windebank. The 22nd of this
present month I gave you an account of what was commanded by
the Lords of the Council concerning the several rents of all the
store-houses formerly belonging to this garrison, and an estimate of
the charge of repairing those houses. I also gave the mayor and
his brethren to understand that they must be ready for his Majesty's
use by Lady-day next. I required the mayor and some of the aldermen
to subscribe to the note I sent, but they refused, because they said
they hoped they should have greater rent for some of those houses,
pretending they had been at much cost in repairing some of the
houses from time to time. It is certain the common people in Scotland begin to be much discontented and jealous of many of those on
whom they most depended, yet I am informed they have taken a very
vigorous course against some particular men who refuse to contribute
to their last order which they made for raising of money. They
think their commissioners have waited over long for access to his
Majesty. Their officers are still in several parts of the country, and
sometimes they exercise the people, who come not with that willingness they were wont heretofore. I desire pardon for having neglected to write to you one whole week. P.S.—Concerning the
works of all sorts Capt. Lloyd will give you particular account. I
desire that a surgeon may be sent hither, for if a man be sick we
cannot so much as get him let blood. If I had your order I could
procure one sufficient. [1 p.] |
Feb. 26. Berwick |
34. George Payler to Sec. Windebank. In my last I begged your
assistance for my coming up to discount, to which I understood the
Lord Treasurer is consenting, but I will not presume to remove
until I have his express commands. If the Lord Treasurer had
enlarged me at once I could have left sufficient money for the garrison until my return, but being delayed the treasure in my custody
will be so much expended that I must solicit for a new supply
before I take my journey. Much of the earthwork newly made
upon the walls nigh the Cowgate is again broken down, and the
wall in many places is in danger to be ruined, owing to the weather.
Capt. Lloyd was very industrious to make it substantial, but his
endeavours are now hazarded after he had expended 677l. 18s. 6d.
Sir Robert Jackson intends to-day to take a muster of all the companies in this garrison. The commanders have denied obedience to
some part of his Majesty's instructions, which cannot be reconciled
but by a high hand. [1 p.] |
Feb. 26. Berwick. |
35. Capt. Charles Lloyd to Sec. Windebank. In my last I sent you
a report of my proceedings with which I hope you were content.
Since then I have been troubled with an excessive quantity of snow
and rain, which has caused some part of the main earthwork to sink
a foot, and so prevented my further progress until more settled
weather, about the end of April. The town is in a good state of
defence against any sudden attack, the small breastwork being
sufficient for the present, seeing no ordnance as yet can be brought
before it. This wet has also broken down part of the stone wall
next the river, but does not prejudice the strength, seeing it was on
the top of the steepest part of the hill, which is inaccessible.
Divers houses which have stood for 40 years have shared the same
fate, and the inland waters, as we hear, have drowned many passengers. The carpenters are in hand with a barricade before the
drawbridge at the bridge and the scaffold for the ordnance, with a
gate for the Newgate, all which I hope to have up the next week,
but the drawbridge at the Cowgate I cannot set up till the weather
permits. The masons are repairing the broken wall in the most
necessary places. Thus I have given you a true relation of the state
of the town. [1 p.] |
Feb. 26. Llewerllyd. |
36. Ralph Hughes, sheriff of Flint, to Nicholas. I received the
ship-money writ with the Council's instructions for that service on
the 27th December, and a letter from the latter, dated the 12th January last, requiring me to pay in to the Treasurer of the Navy such
sums as I should have received by the 20th of this month, with an
account of my proceedings. Forasmuch as I am advertised that my
predecessors, sheriffs of this county, were wont to receive letters of
direction from you touching these affairs, and that their answers to
you were satisfactory to the Board, I make bold to acquaint you
with the difficulties and distractions which I daily meet with in
these my proceedings, and pray you to acquaint the Lords with the
particulars here related touching the assessment of the ship-money
on this county, and the opposition made thereto. There is scarcely
a township in all the county from whence I have not received complaints. Some money is collected, but none has come into my hands,
every collector returning to me, instead of money, either complaints
or professions of poverty. And to be too forward to distrain in this
dead time, when money is so scant and cattle so much impaired
with labour, would in my opinion much dishearten the people, and
make the service more distasteful; but I will use the best means
I can to gather in what moneys I can for the present, and when I
have secured the moiety will hasten to pay it in to the Treasurer.
[Seal with arms. 1¾ p.] |
Feb. 26. |
37. Acquittance of William Caldwall for 10l. received of Edward
Nicholas as rent for his house in King Street, Westminster, for the
quarter ending Christmas last. [⅓ p.] |
Feb. 27. |
38. Capt. Francis Trafford to Sec. Vane. Perceiving that great
preparations are made and the superior officers already pricked, while
I am not mentioned or assured of any command, this emboldens me
to acquaint you with what is necesarry for the King's service. 1st.
That the 600 dragoons now lying in Cumberland may be so settled
as to render them useful upon all occasions, for being as they are
now they can do little good, seeing that Sir Richard Gream and others
have, and still do endeavour to render them useless. 2nd. That the
Lord-General will give me order and commission for levying 400
dragoons in Wales to make the regiment of 1,000 complete, each
trooper to be armed with a Scotch pistol, besides musket and sword.
The 600 Cumberland dragoons to remain for their country's defence
upon their own border, for that is their desire. The 400 Welsh to be
disposed of wheresoever the Lord-General shall think fit. 3rd. That
I may be thought worthy to command a troop of arquebusiers,
which will be a great strengthening to the regiment, and make me
capable to quarter myself in an enemy's country, or to attempt anything that I shall be commanded to do. These my requests I
commend to your honour's favour, and desire that you will think I
make suit for no greater a command than I formerly have had in
foreign parts, being fully assured that none can so justly pretend to
cavalry service as myself. [Seal with crest. 1½ p.] |
Feb. 27. Newcastle. |
39. Sir John Marlay to Sec. Windebank. I hope mine of the
5th inst. came safely to hand, since which time I can by no means
learn where Sir John Bohannan [Buchannan] remains; if in Northumberland he keeps very close, but it is supposed that he is gone
for Scotland. I am informed that he has good store of money at
interest in Newcastle, but Allen the attorney, with whom he lodged,
and who is now at London, can inform in whose hands his moneys
are; if not, I think I can learn it. I am persuaded the money may
find him out if there be need. [½ p.] |
Feb. 27. London. |
40. Mr. Harrington to the Alderman and his brethren of Stamford.
My near habitation and three years' education within your liberties has
made such a powerful and affectionate impression that I should seem
infinitely ungrateful did I not labour after a thankful return. A fit
opportunity I have long waited for, which is now effected in his
Majesty's summons to a Parliament, wherein, if you shall think me
worthy, I declare myself cheerfully willing to do you service. To
adapt me for this I desire the favour, though absent by reason of
urgent occasions, to be presently registered a member of your corporation, and I shall shortly attend you to take my oath, and to
express both to you and the town my real thankfulness. This my
request, though unusual, is not illegal, as I am informed, but I
refer myself therein to you and to your learned counsel. I should
here conclude, but that my duty to the republic, whereof we are all
fellow members, commands me to put you in mind of the weight of
the business which God and the King have intrusted you with. Our
Solomon has, by virtue of his writ, made you principal architectors
to choose fit materials for the building of a royal and living house
for the safest peace and glory of his kingdom. Let it be your care
then that it may prove a Bethel, a house of God, not a Babel, a
tower of confusion. This, like the first temple, must be built with
stones ready squared; no hewing, no putting to school; their 30
winters are scarce sufficient to warrant them from mouldering to
dust under the pressure of that employment. To you is committed
both the sword and the balance to divide and to distinguish, These
corner-stones must neither recline, decline, nor incline, but stand
upright and perpendicular to heaven, as being immoveably fixed
upon the basis and foundation of naked truth. The eye of wisdom
and the hand respecting public good, not private and by-ends, must
hold the plumb-line of judgment to each stone, from whose voluntary, not wracked or limited, motion will necessarily follow a right
censure and happy election. I need write no more nor this, as
being assured that your piety abhors to betray his Majesty's trust and
your country's good. If by these honest remembrances I have excluded myself I am well contented with that reverend bishop, rather
to want a place than that the place should want a man. [Signature
torn off. 1 p.] |
Feb. 27. Wood Street. |
41. Certificates under the hands of John Lee and John Helmes
that John Gislingham had withdrawn his action commenced in the
Sheriff's Court, London, against Nathaniel Stephens. [1 p.] |
Feb. 27. Whitehall. |
Minutes by Nicholas of business transacted this day at the Council
of War. Ordered that four companies of foot, each to consist of 100
men besides officers, shall be forthwith raised for reinforcing the
garrison at Berwick; viz., 200 in Yorkshire, 100 in the east and
north ridings, and 100 in the west riding; 100 in the bishopric
of Durham; 60 in co. Northumberland; and 40 in co. Cumberland. The officers of these four foot companies to enter into pay upon
setting forth towards Berwick. Three of these companies to be
armed at Newcastle and the other at Berwick; their arms to be two
parts muskets and one-third pikes. Order to be given to the Lord
Mayor of London for pressing 200 foot within the City and its
liberties, the same to be embarked at the Tower Wharf for the
north. The arms for these 200 foot to be supplied by the Master of
the Ordnance, and sent by sea; three parts muskets and a fourth
part pikes. Ordered that Morgan and Gislingham, who caused a
trooper belonging to Sir William Brouncker's troop to be arrested,
shall remain in the messenger's custody until the trooper and his
bail be released. [Written on the same paper as Feb. 22nd. See
No. 6. 1 p.] |
Feb. 28. |
Grant to Richard Nevill, gentleman of the bedchamber to the
Prince, and to his heirs in fee-farm of the common or waste called
Millhay or Millmore, Millnhayward or Colebrookward, parcel of
the forest of Duffield Frith, co. Derby, and other lands recovered for
his Majesty in the Duchy Chamber by Nevill's prosecution, the
same to be charged with the rent of 45l. 3s. per annum to the
Crown, being an increase to the revenue. These lands are to be
held in free and common socage of his Majesty's manor of Enfield,
Middlesex. [Docquet.] |
Feb. 28. |
Grant and confirmation to George Kirk, his Majesty's servant, of
certain parcels of fen lands in the West and North fens, near Boston,
Lincolnshire, amounting to 2,167 acres, at a reserved rent of 109l., the
same to be held in free and common socage of the manor of Enfield,
Middlesex. [Docquet.] |
Feb. 28. |
License to Edward Russell, Esq. son of the Earl of Bedford, to
travel beyond sea, with two servants, for three years. [Docquet.] |
Feb. 28. |
Congé d'élire to the archdeacon and chapter of Llandaff to elect
a bishop to that see, the same being void by the death of the last
bishop [William Murray]. [Docquet.] |
Feb. 28. |
The King to the same. Recommends Morgan Owen, D.D., to
be elected bishop of Llandaff, by warrant from Archbishop Laud.
[Docquet.] |
Feb. 28. |
Grant to Edward Potterell and others as trustees for the commoners and tenants of Alderwasley and Ashleyhay of 550 acres of
waste or common, called Millhay, parcel of the forest of Duffield,
co. Derby, allotted to them and their heirs for ever at a reserved
rent of 2s. per annum, to be held by fealty only as of the manor of
Enfield, Middlesex, with a free exemption from all liberties and
laws of forest. [Docquet.] |
Feb. 28. |
Warrant to the Exchequer, and to the collector of the new imposition upon strangers' goods in the port of London, to pay out of the
money to be received upon the said imposition for the years 1640
and 1641, to the Earl of Newcastle or his assigns, 10,000l., that sum
having been lent to his Majesty, with interest at 8l. per cent.
[Docquet.] |
Feb. 28. |
42. List of officials and others required to lend money to the
King upon the Scotch business; all were warned to appear at
the Council Board except six, who are described as out of town.
[¾ p.] |
43. Similar list with the amounts subscribed by each. [¾ p.] |
Feb. 28. |
44. Answer of the tinners of Cornwall to the order made this day
at the Council Board, your Majesty being present. The tinners are
altogether surprised therein, and never had notice of any report
made by the Lord Treasurer and Lord Cottington upon the remonstrance of Sir Job Harby, touching the tin mine discovered in
Barbary, mentioned in the said order, nor of the order of the Board
before the 22nd of this present month. The tinners humbly submit
that upon this last increase of price given, the adventuring tinners
have, according to your Majesty's declaration, given an increase of
wages to the labourers about the tin which cannot now be abated
without stopping the tin works in Cornwall; they likewise show
that it is impossible that a tin mine so lately discovered can in any
considerable manner hitherto have prejudiced the vent of English
tin in foreign parts. [1 p.] |
Feb. 28. Whitehall. |
45. Sec. Vane to Sir Thomas Roe. Since my last of the 21st inst.
I have received one from you of the 4/14 of the same month, directed
to Sir John Coke, which I have communicated to his Majesty. The
writs for the summons of Parliament being now issued busy the
people in choosing their knights and burgesses; God give his blessing
to the meeting. I moved his Majesty concerning General King, and
he told me he had already directed Sec. Windebank to write to you
to send King for England, where he intends to give him employment,
or else other contentment. I hold him a gallant man, and think you
have done his Majesty a great service in disposing him to serve his
prince. You may assure him of my service whether his Majesty's
affairs shall settle in peace or war ; the first I hope will still continue,
for the end of war must be peace at last. Three of your letters,
under cover to my predecessor, have been brought to me, in all
which you express your desire to return. I have not omitted to
inform his Majesty thereof, nor to press for his resolution. I find
him inclining [to grant your desire], and nothing but his service can
keep you long abroad, for you have so well acquitted yourself in
your negotiation, and given his Majesty such full satisfaction in all
his affairs, that you may take some comfort therein. In my next I
shall be able to speak more clearly of the time when you are like to
be recalled, for the King of Denmark, in his letter to his Majesty,
intimates his desire of mediation for peace. As he shall advance
therein, and the affairs shall be so well prepared as to come to a
general assembly to conclude of a general peace, Cologne being the
place spoken of, that King will then call upon his Majesty to send
an ambassador either thither or wheresoever else, to co-operate with
his, for the interest of his nephews and the Palatinate; for which
service I know none so able nor so well experienced to perform as
yourself; for, being upon the place, and having a perfect knowledge
both of persons and affairs, it must be from your hand that the great
difficulties that are to be surmounted must be removed, or by your
wisdom and dexterity facilitated, or else to confess my hopes of
success in that great affair will not be great. [2¾ pp.] |
Feb. 28. London. |
46. Sir Richard Cave to Sir Thos. Roe. Yours of the 4th January
has had a cold journey, for it came to me but this morning. Within
two days you will hear of Prince Casimir's liberty, by which the
French, it seems, can make more advantage than by keeping their
word and promises to the King concerning Prince Rupert. The
Prince Elector for these last six weeks has been more strictly and
closely kept than formerly; his usage has been and is most barbarous;
yet they write to me from thence as if they suddenly expected his
liberty, which I fear will not be easily granted without conditions.
M. de Chavigny and M. de Bellievre were with his Highness about
10 days since, when the latter was left alone with him for three
hours, and as 'tis thought, says Augier, left a paper with him to consider, but whether to sign or not is not said. I have not of late
written to his Highness; I am counselled the contrary; indeed, any
intercepted or even suspected conveyance of letters would increase his
ill-usage; but in those I formerly wrote I always entreated him to
be specially careful not to make himself master of any act or project
of consequence without the King's privity, or, at least, without the
counsel of the Earl of Leicester. The writs calling a Parliament are
issued, and the choice of representatives in divers places already
made. The Scotch business is at the very crisis. Our preparations
continue at the height. Many cavalry officers have already their
commissions, and the infantry colonels are most of them nominated,
yet we cannot hear that any answer is given to the Scotch commissioners. What will become of that great business God knows, for I suppose that many of the greatest who sit at the helm are to seek
what to say, do, or think in this business, and especially in times
when there is so much distraction both in court and country. I
believe you will expect to hear no perfect intelligence from me concerning Curtius, when you perceive he would not impart his instructions to the Queen [of Bohemia], for whose only affairs, or at least
her children's, he is employed. I will very shortly write to Lady
Roe somewhat more concerning Mrs. Rupa and Mr. Gerrard, which
is desired on all parts to be kept very secret. [Seal with arms.
2 pp.] |
Feb. 28. Whitehall. |
Lord Treasurer Juxon and Francis Lord Cottington to Henry
Potter, Registrar of the Court of Admiralty, or his deputy. His
Majesty, by letters patent of the 6th inst., authorised us to give
order to you to pay to Edward Nicholas, clerk of the Council, out
of such Admiralty profits as remain in your hand, the sum of 200l.,
for which, together with Nicholas's receipt for the same, this shall
be your warrant. [Copy. See Vol. cccliii., p. 118. ½ p.] |
Feb. 28. Edinburgh. |
47. Archibald Earl of Angus to William Marquis of Douglas. I
resolved to be the first to advertise you that I have now done that
which I told you I should be necessitated to do, and which I
delayed hitherto chiefly till I should disengage myself to you. The
greatest news here is of the Earl of Northumberland's late patent to
come general against Scotland, the copy whereof you will receive
herewith [see Feb. 14]. The petitioners [from Scotland] at Court got
not presence till Thursday was eight days, at which time, being
brought in by Lord Traquair, the King commanded them to put
their mind in writing, and give the same, with whatsoever else they
had to say, to Lord Treasurer Traquair, from whom they should also
have their answer. They replied that they had something directly
to lay to the Lord Treasurer's charge, therefore desiring his Majesty
not to refer them to him. The King answered they behoved to receive
the way of their hearing from him, and not to prescribe the same to
him, and that Traquair, he knew, was an honest man. [Endorsed
beneath the address: "This letter should have come from Edinburgh
with Patrick Leviston, who said he would be with your lordship
this night. I must complain that he came not near me again." Seal
with crest. 1 p.] |
Feb. 28. |
48. Deposition of William, son of Sir James Scott, of Balwearie,
co. Fife, that about a month since he having cause to speak with
James Colville, the latter said he could do his Majesty good service
if he were employed, as he had been lately in Scotland, and had met
with divers of the chief Covenanters, viz., General Lesley and the
Earl of Rothes, so that it were well he were fairly treated; that they
had much repented them in Scotland that they had not killed the
bishops and done with them, as they had done in Biscay. Deponent
further says that Colville has had some discourses with some of the
Lower House of Parliament here in England, who said that the
Queen's Majesty took upon her to be protectrix of the [Roman]
Catholic religion, and that it was disagreeable to the law here, and
some of the Queens heretofore had been censured and put off the
country for it. Colville also told deponent that the commissioners
who came lately out of Scotland had by the way vented divers
writings, whether in print or no he cannot tell, but supposes these to
have been the little pamphlet lately spread abroad, for they made
mention of all the proceedings between his Majesty and the Covenanters, and of their demands now, and of their proceedings in the
assembly. One of the prime Covenanters said that if his Majesty
entered in blood they had a way for him and his succession; the
party he will discover to his Majesty himself. [In margin:
Mr. Robert Meldrum, if he could be taken by the governor of
Edinburgh Castle, and his papers seized, he might discover great
things. He has intelligence with Sweden, Holland, France, and
others. In Sec. Windebank's hand, but signed "Baluerie." 1 p.] |
Feb. 28. |
49. Points of agreement in the informations returned by Messrs.
Nevill, Wright, and Howson, of Merton College, Oxford, concerning
the breach of Archbishop Laud's orders in that college. [Endorsed
by Archbishop Laud as sent down to the college, 28th Feb. 1639-40.
1 p.] |
Feb. 29. |
Petition of George Bostock, William Burston, Robert Lant, Thomas
Yates, Robert Wild, and George Ransome, constables of the ward of
Aldersgate, London, to the King. Being appointed by order of the
Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen to erect a cage near Aldersgate,
where one anciently stood, petitioners out of their misunderstanding,
being plain handicraftsmen, in doing thereof committed some offences,
for which they received a heavy but just censure in the Court of
Star Chamber, three of them being fined in 1,000l. each, and the
rest 500l. each, besides 200l. to the plaintiff for his damages, which
fines they are unable to pay, having no means but their fingers' ends
whereby to get bread for themselves and families; their goods and
household stuff already sold to pay the charge of the suit and imprisonment in the Fleet, where they remain, like to perish without
your gracious favour and mercy extended towards them. Pray the
King of his innate clemency and goodness to the distressed to remit
and pardon their fines, and to give order for their enlargement.
Underwritten, |
i. Order as prayed for petitioners' enlargement and remission of
their fines, for which purpose the Lords of the Council are
to be attended at their next sitting for mitigation of fines
in the Star Chamber. Whitehall, 29th Feb. 1639-40.
[Copy. See Book of Petitions, Vol. cccciii., p. 160. = 1 p.] |
Feb. 29. |
Warrant to the master and receiver of the Court of Wards to pay
out of that revenue, on the 25th March 1641, 3,835l. 11s. 3d., and
on the 25th March 1642, 4,114l. 5s. 0d., in satisfaction of money
lent to his Majesty by Philip Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery,
the same to cover principal and interest [at 8l. per cent]. [Docquet.] |
Feb. 29. |
The like to Sir John Wolstenholm and the collector of the new
impositions for merchandise outwards to pay out of that revenue,
at Michaelmas 1640, 5,000l., and at Michaelmas 1641, 8,000l., in
satisfaction of money lent to his Majesty by Philip Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery, besides interest after the [rate of 8l. per
cent.] when the same shall be cast up. [Docquet.] |
Feb. 29. |
Grant and confirmation to Philip Hungate and his heirs, at the
nomination of Henry Jermyn, of the manor of Sherburn, Yorkshire,
under the ancient tenures and services, and a discharge to him and
his heirs of a recognisance of 1,600l., entered into by Ambrose
Woolley and Richard Tirrill to Edward VI., of whom they purchased the manor, at 20 years' value, and to pay for the woods as
they shall be valued; conditioned that they reconvey the manor to
the King and his heirs. [Docquet.] |
Feb. 29. |
Grant to Philip Lanyon of a gunner's room in the Tower of
London, with the fee of 6d. per diem during pleasure, to commence
from the death of Nicholas Congan. [Docquet.] |
Feb. 29. |
License to George Speake, Esq., to enclose within his park at
White Lackington, co. Somerset, two highways passing through the
same, on condition that he lay out another highway near the park
as competent for passengers. [Docquet.] |
Feb. 29. |
Warrant to the Exchequer to pay to Cuthbert Collins 60l. without account, for 20 brass trumpets furnished for the King's service
the last summer. [Docquet.] |
Feb. 29. |
Demise to Philip Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery of the
lordship, manor, town, and castle of St. Briavels, and of the manor
of Newland, co. Gloucester, for term of 40 years at the rent of
66l. 5s. per annum. [Docquet.] |
Feb. 29. |
Grant to Edward Stevens and Simon Neale, at the nomination of
William Murray, his Majesty's servant, of several manors, rectories,
tithes, and chantry lands, mentioned to be formerly granted, 30 Eliz.,
to Edward Downing and Miles Dodding, which being of greater
value than was intended by her Majesty, the letters patent are held
to be void in law. This grant is done in consideration of Murray's
charges in discovering of the premises, and of an increase of 500l.
per annum. [Docquet.] |
Feb. 29. |
Minute of a warrant to commit James Wilford to the Gatehouse
prison. [See Vol. ccxcii., p. 114. 3 lines.] |
Feb. 29. |
Another copy. [See Vol. ccccxlvii., No. 1. 4 lines.] |
Feb. 29. Exeter. |
50. Sir Nicholas Martyn, sheriff of Devon, to the Council. I
received the writ for providing a ship of 720 tons for this county,
which by your instructions of the 1st December was apportioned
at 9,000l., whereof the city of Exeter and the corporate towns
should bear 1,280l., and the county the remaining 7,720l. At a
general meeting of the mayors it was agreed that the several
proportions assigned by the Lords to the towns severally should
stand. For my own particular charge I have, in accordance with
your commands, herewith sent you an accompt of my proceedings,
together with a book of the rates of the several parishes confirmed,
and have according to my best endeavours proceeded to the collection thereof. With much ado I have collected and returned to
Sir William Russell 2,060l. 17s. 7d., payable 9th March, and
1,242l. 19s. 1d. on the 23rd of the same month. Albeit I have
made return of this great sum, I thought fit to acquaint you that
some hundreds and parishes do yet stand out and refuse to pay,
concerning which I shall use my best endeavours, and when that
can do no good I shall acquaint you therewith. I have also sent
to each mayor a particular letter to hasten their respective payments
according to your last letters. [Seal with crest and arms, broken.] |
Feb. 29. Ashwell. |
51. Sir Guy Palmes and W. Robinson to the Commissioners for
Saltpetre and Gunpowder. In obedience to your letters of the 19th
January we called Mr. Pinckney, the saltpetreman, and [Richard]
Woulfe, late alderman of Stamford, before us, when the former
avowed the contents of the petition, and the latter confidently
denied them. But Pinckney having brought no witnesses to prove
the same, alleged he could not spare his men from their work to
come to prove it, but earnestly desired us to make an end between
them, so Woulfe gave him satisfaction to his own contentment,
which we gave way to, provided you thought fit to allow the same.
As concerning his dovecot, he promised that the floor of the chamber
therein should be pulled down, and the house so left that saltpetre
may hereafter be got. All which we submit to your Lordships.
[1 p.] |
Feb. 29. Brussels. |
52. John Lanyon to Sec. Vane. After several disasters on the
voyage I came to Brussels, and thence to Antwerp. I was then by
Mr. Henchcombe, correspondent to Sir Job Harby, brought to
several large quantities of arms mostly sent from Liege on purpose
to be viewed. All these arms I find in some particulars to vary
from those desired by you. The differences are here specified and
explained. The saddles in these parts are generally well wrought,
but made of russet dry leather, and the parcel required is undertaken to be made within six weeks. Represents the exceeding
charges the writer had been at ever since his departure from
London. [Seal with crest. 1½ p.] |
Feb. 29. Brussels. |
53. The same to Sec. Windebank. To the same effect as the
preceding. [1½ p.] |
Feb. 29. |
54. Petition of Thos Badger, printer, to Archbishop Laud. About
two years since Thomas Purfoot, one of the ancient master printers
in the decree, being advanced in years, desired petitioner, who from
his infancy had been trained up in the art of printing, to assist in
managing his trade, which being communicated to your Grace by
petitioner's father, Richard Badger, you were pleased to appoint him
to acquaint Sir John Lambe therewith, who directed petitioner to
print as assignee to the said Thomas Purfoot. About Christmas
last Purfoot having resigned all his right and interest to petitioner
is lately deceased. Prays his Grace to grant consent that petitioner
may be elected a master printer in the place of Purfoot. Underwritten, |
54. i. If there be no inconvenience by doing what is here desired
I shall not be against it; and therefore before I grant
the petition I desire Sir John Lambe to consider well of
it and give me an account. W. Cant. 29th February
1639[-40. 1 p.] |
Feb. 29. |
55. Account of ship-money for 1639 levied and in the hands of
the sheriffs. Total 3,907l., making with the 1,622l. paid to the
Treasurers of the Navy 5,529l. It is added that during this week
130l. was paid in upon writs of 1637, and 277l. upon writs of 1638,
but none of the arrears for 1635 or 1636. |
Feb. 29. |
56. Certificate by Sir W. Russell and Henry Vane of ship-money
paid in this week upon writs of 1639, 1638, and 1637, viz.,
1,622l. 11s. 7d., 277l. 9s. 7d., and 130l. respectively. [1½ p.] |
Feb. 29. |
57. Depositions of Anthony Smith and George Grey, tenants to
the Dean and Chapter of Durham, taken by Sec. Windebank.
[5¼ pp.] |
[On the 11th March 1639-40 Walter Balcanqual, dean of
Durham, complained of George Grey and Anthony Smith, two
of the tenants of the Dean and Chapter of Durham, for misdemeanours committed by them in getting divers of the tenants
of the said Dean and Chapter to set their hands and seals to
divers papers and petitions of complaint against the Dean and
Chapter, their landlord, and to contribute money for prosecution
of their complaints; and, as the dean did allege, they did not
make known to the Dean and Chapter their grievances before they
came up to complain. |
The said Grey and Smith appearing before the Lords of the
Council, acknowledged that what was alleged against them was
true as to the subscribing petitions; but declared they had cause
to complain against the Dean and Chapter, for that contrary to
a decree entered in the court of York and elsewhere, in the time
of Queen Elizabeth, which did contain their right in the renewing
their leases, &c. Rushworth, iii., p. 1052.] |
Feb. 29. |
58. Bill and acquittance of John Tully, coachmaker, for 26l.
received of Edward Nicholas for a coach. Besides this sum
Nicholas paid 13l. for cloth and fringe, and 5l. for two horse
harness, bits, &c., "so all appertaining to my coach and harness
cost me 44l." [¾ p.] |
[Feb.] |
59. Petition of James Lord Walden to the King. That by
conveyance made by petitioner's grandfather, Thomas, late Earl of
Suffolk, upon great and valuable considerations, divers of his lands
were estated upon petitioner's father, Theophilus, now Earl of
Suffolk, for his life, the remainder to petitioner in tail, and the
residue of the lands upon petitioner's father in tail, to which
estate petitioner is heir-apparent. That divers other honours,
manors, and lands of great value descended to petitioner in feesimple as heir to his mother, who was daughter and one of the
coheirs of the late Earl of Dunbar. That Sir Edmund Sawyer
and others procured of petitioner's father fines and other conveyances, not only of lands which he had in tail, but also of
some of the lands which he had only for life, to sell the same
for payment of certain debts wherein they were then engaged for
petitioner's father. Sir Edmund and others upon a petition to
your Majesty, in the name of petitioner's father, therein undertaking that so much of the said lands so conveyed as should
remain after those debts were paid would amount to a greater
value than the lands whereof petitioner had the inheritance from
his mother, and would be of more benefit and convenience for
him, and that the same should not fail to be settled, your
petitioner thereupon obtained one or more privy seals for him to
convey these lands to them, which was done accordingly, with
intention to satisfy those debts and engagements which lay upon
the other lands, and to make provision for the younger children
of petitioner's father, that so those lands formerly engaged might
be settled upon petitioner free and clear from all encumbrances;
and thereby they have not only sold most part of the inheritance
descended to petitioner from his mother, which, though sold at a
far under value, have yielded to them about 34,000l., but also by
the said privy seals have endeavoured to make good the former
conveyance of the land, whereof petitioner's father had only an
estate for life as aforesaid, and thereby raised above 14,000l. more;
and also by colour thereof have taken upon them to sell divers of
petitioner's lands not within the privy seals, whereof petitioner
should have had possession and profits ever since the death of
his mother, and yet have not estated upon him the other lands,
nor discharged the debts, or raised provision for the younger
children. On the contrary, Sir Edmund Sawyer, with William
Allington and Robert Naper in March last petitioned your Majesty
to have sold all or any the said lands, and since the two last named
by agreement between them and Sir Edmund preferred a bill in
Chancery against Sir Edmund and petitioner's father, Lawrence
Whitaker, Marmaduke Moore, and others to enforce the sale thereof
for payment of new and other debts, besides those for which the
lands were first conveyed to be sold, and have felled woods and
disparked parks, and threaten to fell the residue of the woods, and
to deface and disfurnish the houses, and to obtain leases of the
lands, whereof petitioner's father has only an estate for life, upon
pretence that he has an estate without impeachment of waste,
and has power to make leases. Petitioner's suit is that your
Majesty, who best knows your royal intention in granting the
privy seals, would upon hearing all parties make and settle such
order in and concerning the premises for relief of petitioner as
you shall find most agreeable to justice and equity and to your
gracious intention therein. [¾ p.] |
[Feb. ?] |
60. Petition of Richard Forster, citizen and vintner of London, to
the Council. In the new buildings to be erected in Southampton
Garden, next Chancery Lane, the same being 80 houses, there being
but one house for a tavern, petitioner in January last, at a fine of
103l. and 70l. rent, took the same for 21 years, and bestowed great
charges in fitting the house, besides 400l. for furnishing and storing.
Upon information that there are five taverns already in Chancery
Lane, and that petitioner's house, which is fit for the reception of a
person of quality, would lay open to disorderly persons the privacy of
Lincoln's Inn Garden, and be a great annoyance to that society, and
to persons of quality next thereto, petitioner's house was ordered to
be suppressed from being a tavern. The intended tavern lies in
the most convenient place for sale of wines to the inhabitants, and
cannot interfere with the taverns in Chancery Lane, or with Lincoln's
Inn. Appeals to a certificate of good behaviour, and prays to be
suffered to proceed in the contemplated employment of his house.
[2/3 p.] |
Feb. |
Warrant under the Signet to George Kirk, gentleman of his
Majesty's Wardrobe, to pay to the tradesmen and artificers belonging
to his Majesty's robes 2,423l. 13s. 8½d. for wares delivered and
work done for the half year ended Lady-day, 1637. [Docquet.] |
Feb. |
The like, to pay 1,883l. 0s. 7d. for the like work and service for
the half year ended at Michaelmas, 1637. [Docquet] |
Feb. |
Warrant to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to compound for disafforesting all lands of the King's manors within the
hundred and forest of Peake, co. Derby. [Docquet.] |
[Feb.?] |
61. Petition of Capt. Henry Bell, prisoner in the Gatehouse,
Westminster, to the Council. Petitioner, in the depth of his present
misery, receives some comfort in that he assuredly knows God has
endowed your Lordships' hearts with true godliness, and given you
ears that are willingly open to hear the just cries and complaints
of the poor oppressed. Petitioner is content to suffer the cruelest
death if he makes it not appear to your Lordships that in every
particular he is guiltless of all the crimes wherewith he is charged.
In commiseration of his seven years' imprisonment, through which
his health and strength are much decayed, prays the Lords would
be pleased but only to hear him speak, or else to order such an
end to his business as shall be found agreeable to justice. [¾ p.] |
[Feb.?] |
62. Petition of the same to the same. Whereas his Majesty has
lately given directions to Sec. Vane to despatch petitioner's business
depending at the Council Board, which cannot be done until his
return, petitioner knows not what shift to make until the Secretary's
return, being utterly destitute of means. Letters of Privy Seal
remain in Sir Robert Pye's office for payment of 550l. to petitioner,
disbursed by him for the King's special use and service, of which
sum he has received 420l. during his imprisonment, leaving still
unpaid 130l. Prays the Lords to recommend his suit to the Lord
Treasurer, for order to pay the said 130l., or else that they would
be pleased to commit him to prison again as before, his cause as
yet not being heard, until Mr. Secretary's return, and petitioner's
business be despatched according to his Majesty's directions. [¾ p.] |
[Feb.?] |
63. Petition of George Durant, clerk, vicar of Blockley, co.
Worcester, to Archbishop Laud, of Canterbury. Petitioner having
lately entered as surety for his natural brother to one Woodward,
the latter, upon the bond becoming forfeited, prosecuted petitioner
in the Marches of Wales [Court] upon the penalty of the bond, but
never troubled the principal for the same. Because the court could
not hold plea for all the penalty, therefore the judges there directed
that there should be two several judgments, and thereupon granted
out of that court a sequestration against petitioner, directed to the
sheriff to sequester all the tithes of the spiritual means of petitioner.
Thereupon the sheriff made a special warrant to some of Woodward's
friends as bailiffs to execute the same, who, out of malice, rode
through Blockley on a Sunday morning, in time of divine service,
and at the close of the service read their warrant in the church,
forbidding the parishioners to pay any tithes to petitioner. All
which, petitioner is advised, is in evasion of the ecclesiastical and
common law of this realm. Prays the Archbishop to direct the
King's advocate to prosecute the offenders therein in the Court of
High Commission. [1 p.] |
[Feb. ?] Gracechurch Street. |
64. Edward Bolde to Sec. Vane. Had not a little mischance
befallen me, I had not thus long neglected to wait on you. By
these I will only let you know that the Covenanters have one
George Wachop come with letters, who is, after their first speech
with his Majesty, to return with order to Scotland what the country
shall do. He came post, and has challenged me for speaking against
the Scots' proceedings; he has also written to Scotland of it, and
letters are come from thence to divers Covenanters and intelligencers
here, which I have seen, that if I turn not my tongue and speak
well of their actions it shall cost me my life. This confirms my
assertion, that the north part of this kingdom is too well affected
to their proceedings, who tell them what is spoken in his Majesty's
favour. It were good to attend Wachop's departure and try for the
men who told him what I said, and see his letters; I know his
lodging. The Scots' commissioners have a prefixed time to stay
here for his Majesty's answer, in which if they get it not, they will
slip away. I can hardly find in all this country six men together,
but two or three incline to the Scots' cause; therefore some speedy
remedy should be taken to give the whole kingdom true information. If his Majesty get not contentment of his subjects here in
Parliament, then were it necessary to let the Scots rise in arms, who
will invade. This may be done by sending ships to the Forth.
When the last Scotch army should have trained before his Majesty,
it was rumoured among them, his Majesty was to have 6,000 men
to go for the Palatinate, whereupon every man ran home; so it is
vain to think his Majesty will get these men to go upon foreign
service; only commanders will. I pray you remember my own
business. If in his Majesty's service under you I may have any
place for employment suitable to the way wherein I have been
bred, Sir William Bellasis knows my ability, and, God willing, my
actions shall be just. This I wish to know shortly, before I engage
myself in the way of merchandise. [Seal with devise, broken. 1 p.] |
[Feb.] |
65. Sir James Douglas to Sec. Windebank. Prays Windebank
to inform the King that he has made ready in Berwick some quantity
of limestones, intending the same for his own use, but finding that
for his Majesty's works about Berwick there is need of such
materials, he has most willingly offered the same to his Majesty's
officers there for that use, at as easy a rate as any such things can
be had there or elsewhere; nevertheless, these officers, not contented
herewith, will needs bring other townsmen to work at their pleasure
in his grounds, and thereby to possess themselves, as it were, with
a right to the same to his great prejudice. He therefore entreats
Mr. Secretary to move the King to give order to these officers to
forbear putting men into his grounds, he furnishing the service at
as cheap a rate as they will or can do, as he did the last year furnish
for the same works before the King came to Berwick, when those
who are now so forward only for his vexation could not do it.
[½ p.] |
Feb. |
66. Indenture made between Sir William Uvedale, Treasurer at
Wars, on the behalf of his Majesty, on the one part, and Sir Nicholas
Byron on the other part. By which Sir Nicholas, having received
by way of imprest 960l. for providing and furnishing 64 horse for
the service of his Majesty's garrison at the Castle of Carlisle, agrees
with Sir William Uvedale to provide at his own proper costs and
charges 64 horse able to serve in the wars, the same to be in
readiness, together with horsemen well furnished, expert, and able
to manage the said horses according to the discipline of war, at such
day and place as his Majesty shall appoint. Nevertheless, it is
intended that all armour required for these 64 horsemen shall be
furnished to Sir Nicholas at his Majesty's charges. Sir Nicholas
further covenants with Sir William that he will faithfully serve
his Majesty during the time of this his employment there with the
said number of horse, and will maintain that number complete and
fit for that service. For the repayment of the 960l. advanced by
the King for the present accommodation of this service, Sir Nicholas
agrees that, out of the entertainment to be allowed by the King to
him as captain of this troop of horse, his Majesty may defalk 12s.
a day, and 3d. a day out of the wages or pay to be allowed to each
soldier of his troop, these deductions to be continued until the
960l. shall be fully repaid to his Majesty. [Draft. 3 pp.] |
Feb. |
67. Memorial of such things as concern the garrison of Berwick
requiring to be resolved. That a perfect list or establishment of
the forces appointed for the garrison of Berwick may be settled and
signed by his Majesty. [Margin: Granted.] That a sufficient supply
of money may be seasonably advanced to the paymaster of the
garrison, as well for payment of the forces in garrison, now consisting of 1,300 foot and four troops of horse, which amounts to
2,565l. monthly, as for defraying the charges of fortifications and
other emergent occasions which may happen there. [Margin: To
Payler.] That if Captain Lloyd, the engineer, be absent from the
garrison, that then some other skilful person may be nominated
and timely provided for carrying on the works. [Margin: Lloyd
is to find another for that entertainment, he being sent from the
King to execute that place in his absence.] That all such lands,
houses, fishings, and other privileges which heretofore belonged to
the government of that garrison, and were given for the better
maintenance thereof, may now be restored. That the Lord Treasurer
will be pleased to treat with the Lord-General concerning the return
of his moneys in the north country. [1 p.] |
[Feb.?] |
68. Considerations concerning the Castle of Dumbarton in Scotland, which commands a sea town and the two rivers Clyde and
Leven. That the castle, having a store of ammunition, will require
to be furnished with more men and victuals. The place will commodiously contain 200 men, and a less number will not warrant it
if an army should come before it, and in the meantime these men
would keep their ill neighbours in some obedience, or do them harm
as they shall see their occasion. It has now in it between 55 and
60 men; the rest must be supplied, as also victuals, arms, and clothes,
the place being extremely cold. The last advertisement from thence
desired more match, for these long nights the sentinels consume
much, to prevent which, for the future 40 or 50 muskets with
fire-locks would be of good use. If more men be sent, one is desired
to be a gunner. There may be sent along with the men in the
ship some deal boards, nails, and handmills. Lastly, there must be
a settled provision for the payment of these men, or else little good
can be expected from the common soldiers. These things being
done in time, and with secrecy, may prevent the retaking of the
castle, which in all likelihood, if things go ill, will be attempted.
[1 p.] |
Feb. |
69. Docquets of the several grants of offices in the Royal Mint,
extending from May 1596 to Feb. 1639-40, extracted from the
Signet docquet books. [2½ pp.] |
Feb. |
70. Order made by the Lord Treasurer for the postponement of the
hearing of the difference between the Surveyor-General of Customs
and the merchants and seamen of Hull and Newcastle, appointed
to be heard at the first sitting of the Board in February 1639-40.
[Draft. ⅓ p.] |
Feb. |
71. Articles objected by the Commissioners for Causes Ecclesiastical against Richard Walker, clerk, charging him with schismatical
preaching, thereby to bring his auditories into dislike with the
present government of the Church of England. That on Friday
the 7th of February he, preaching at St. Leonard's, Eastcheap,
London, for Mr. Roburrow, did set forth the signs of decay of religion
amongst us, contrasting the pitiable condition of England, where the
light is hindered with fogs and mists of Pelagianism and other heresies,
with the blessed condition of New England, where the truth breaks
forth and shines. [2½ pp.] |
Feb. |
72. Thos. Alderne, sheriff of co. Hereford, to the Council. Having
received the King's writ for levying 3,500l. ship-money, with your
directions I proceeded at once to put the same in execution, but
find the inhabitants of most parishes refuse to join with the constables
in making the assessments; whereupon I endeavoured to procure the
making of the same by the petty constables of each parish, assisted
by the chief constables of the hundred, but this also has taken small
effect. I have precepted the chief and petty constables to attach
such of the petty constables as stand out in contempt and to bring
them before me, to undergo such commands as I am required in
your directions to lay upon them. I also required the chief constables to inform themselves of the estate of all persons in every
parish within their respective hundreds, and to make the required
assessments, which they have very readily performed, and I have
returned the same with warrants to levy the money. No part,
however, has as yet been received, the inhabitants returning answer
that they have neither money nor means to raise money by reason
of the low prices of corn and cattle; wherefore I have directed my
warrants to distrain and sell their goods according to your commands,
and expect the return thereof by the 25th inst. [Endorsed as
received on 1st March. 1 p.] |
[Feb.?] |
73. A list of pay for an army consisting of 6,600 horse, to be
distributed into 11 regiments, 1,000 dragoons in ten companies, and
14,400 foot in 12 regiments to be 1,200 in ten companies. The pay
estimated by the month, the half being deducted from that of the
Commander-in-Chief and others, amounts to a total of 45,480l. 8s. 7d.,
besides the pay of the train of artillery, 1,788l. 12s. 6d., making
in all 47,269l. 1s. 1d. Endorsed, "An establishment drawn up
according to his Excellency's establishment, deducting half pay,
1639." [1¼ p.] |
[Feb.] |
74. Similar list of pay, but estimated without deduction, and by
the day as well as the month. Total, including train of artillery,
47,628l. 2s. 6d. per mensem. Endorsed, "Second establishment."
[1 p.] |