|
Mar. 26.
Whitehall. |
1. Minutes by Nicholas of business despatched this day at the
Council of War. Two estimates by the officers of Ordnance were
presented to the Council,—the one, dated March 21, of the charge for
making 120 pieces of cast iron of fine metal turned for furnishing
some of the King's smaller ships, from which divers pieces of
brass ordnance have been taken for supply of ships of greater burden,
the whole charge being estimated at 5,220l. 16s. 8d.; the other
estimate, dated March 20, is of the charge of making 120 pieces
of iron ordnance for furnishing merchant ships to be employed in
the King's service, viz. 4,335l. 8s. 4d., both of which estimates were
approved by the Lords, and Mr. Browne, his Majesty's gunfounder,
was thereupon ordered to attend the Lord Treasurer and Lord
Cottington, who are to accommodate him with money or assignments for performance of those services, of which the making of
the 120 turned pieces to have precedence. The certificate of the
officers of the Ordnance concerning Sir John Suckling's arms for
cavalry being read, the Lords resolved not to have them bought for
the King's service, there being already a sufficient proportion of
arms bespoken, and Sir John's pistols being not of a fitting bore.
The Company of Gunmakers of London having promised to increase
the number of muskets contracted for by the end of May to 10,000,
it was ordered that Sir Job Harby should instruct his factor to
provide only 5,000 muskets in foreign parts, being 2,000 less than
was at first ordered. The Earl of Newport to retrench 80 of the
number of draught horses demanded for the train of artillery, so
that the whole number should not exceed 1,000 draught horses,
which the Earl, being present, undertook to perform. The Earl to
send for South, the cutler, to know what number of halberds he
would undertake to supply, and at what rates, also where more
might be had, before the end of May, and to certify this Council
with all expedition. Ordered that the list of the officers, attendants,
and artificers of the train of artillery, together with their several
entertainments as agreed upon at the last meeting in his Majesty's
presence, should be sent to the auditor to be listed accordingly.
[2 pp.] |
| Mar. 26. |
2. Thos. Phillips, sheriff of Merioneth, to the Council. According
to the King's writ and your instructions, I have with all diligence
and care promoted the service of ship-money within the time
limited, and have fully effected the same, but could not according to
your appointment pay it in to the Treasurers of the Navy upon the
first of April next, by reason of my infirmity of age, and the danger
of carriage of so much money, viz., 416l., but which will be paid in
on the 20th April by bill of exchange from John Prowde and Adam
Webb, two drapers of Shrewsbury. [2/3 p.] |
Mar. 26.
At 2 p.m. |
3. Sir Michael Ernle to Sec. Windebank. I am informed that
letters are newly sent to the ministers and officers of the several
counties to make known what number of men are able to bear arms,
and what arms and ammunition are in the hands of private persons,
to which answer is required by the middle of April. I hear forces
are sent to the north. In these parts the country has warning to
be ready when occasion shall serve, but as yet they have no further
order. They (the Covenanters) say that they have arms and ammunition at Leith for 30,000 men, but that is mere bragging. I
know they have lately received divers arms from foreign parts, but
nothing near that proportion. They report that when the King's
army shall march they will meet him between York and Newcastle,
but this is only discourse, for I have heard from very good hands
that they strive to put a great face upon the business, but were
never so much out of countenance as they now are. I was informed
by General Riven [Lord Ettrick] that four or five Scotchmen have run
out of the castle over the wall in the night, and the Provost has
refused to send them back, although they remain in the town; he
tells me besides that he supposed that when they first brought earth
so near the castle they intended to have raised batteries against the
castle, but now they pretend it is to keep the townsmen from doing
insolencies to those who bring provisions to the castle, which I
confess I cannot understand, but that might be otherwise remedied.
They suffer provision to come quietly in as yet, but no timber or
anything that may serve for the better strengthening of the castle.
I suppose General Riven has informed you of all things in his last
letters; howsoever, I thought good to inform you thus much. Endorsed, "Received 30th at 10 in the morning." [Seal with arms.
1 p.] |
| Mar. 26. |
4. Deputy-Lieutenants of co. Northampton to William Earl of
Exeter. We conceive it to belong to the duty of the place we hold
under your lordship to give you knowledge that at the election of
knights to be sent to Parliament for this county some turbulent
spirits by undue practices caused great clamours amongst the multitude to be raised against the authority of the lieutenancy, the authors
whereof we should have endeavoured to have sifted out and returned
to you but that the Lords who were then present have taken the
care thereof upon themselves, and very speedily intend to certify
them with such information as they have taken against them to the
Council, where we hope you, as occasion requires, will stand up to
maintain the reputation of your servants, who are ready to approve
ourselves to have proceeded in the execution of our places, as well
with pains and diligence as with moderation and faithfulness to the
service of his Majesty and the country. We crave pardon for this
boldness till we shall wait upon you very shortly in person to give
you a more full account of all particulars. [Seal with crest and
arms. 1 p.] |
| [Mar. 26 ?] |
5. Note by Nicholas of the provisions of munition which are to
come from Flanders from Arthur Aynscombe, the correspondent of
Sir Job Harby; viz., 5,000 muskets, 2,500 corselets for foot, 2,500
pikes, 1,500 harquebusiers' arms complete, 650 cuirassiers' arms
complete, 2,150 pair of pistols, 500 saddles with bridles, stirrups, &c.,
and 30 tons of match. [½ p.] |
| [Mar. 26 ?] |
6. Mem. by John Earl of Annandale touching his claim to the
advowson of the rectory of Wigan, in co. Lancaster. The last year,
after the King's pleasure signified for my grant [of his Majesty's
interest in the rectory and church of Wigan, see preceding Vol. of
Cal., p. 54], which then [26th March 1639] should have been expedited, divers persons were desirous to bargain with me, and I was
offered by one five years' purchase for it, whereof I should have
received three immediately, and the other two upon the death of
the Bishop [of Chester], which sum would have amounted to 5,000l.
[2/3 p.] |
Mar. 26.
Freshford. |
7. John Ashe to Nicholas. Our constables of Bath Forum, co.
Somerset, are now summoned to appear before the Lords. I believe
their innocency will move your pity towards them. The case is
this: The sheriff requires them by his warrant to call together the
inhabitants of that hundred, and to make an assessment for shipmoney, which they accordingly did, but viewing the warrant, and
finding that they were overcharged 20l., they therefore omitted
making of the assessment, and informed the sheriff of his mistake.
The constables and inhabitants signified their readiness both to
make the assessment and pay the money in case the sheriff would
charge them with their due proportion, which answer they conceived
to be so fair and mannerly that the sheriff could have no cause to
do them the least unkindness. The constables are now sent for by a
messenger. Let me entreat you to right the great wrong done to
us by the sheriff, our constables being poor, weak men, not able to
speak for themselves. I hope the Lords upon proof of their innocency will award the sheriff to pay their charges; your or your
servants' expenses in that behalf will be readily paid by the hundred.
The year that Sir William Portman was sheriff, he, for the benefit of
Wellow hundred, took off 40l. and laid it upon Bath Forum, which
caused us to complain to the Lords, who referred the matter to the
present Lord Keeper, and he, having heard our just complaint,
promised that in future we should not be charged with more than
our just proportion. I presume he can remember it. Neither that
overcharge by Sir William Portman nor this of 20l. by the present
sheriff is agreeable to any public rate in the county, but is a mere
charge laid upon us at the will of the sheriff. [Seal with crest and
arms, broken. 1 p.] |
Mar. 26.
Wadsley. |
8. George Purefey, sheriff of Berks, to Nicholas. I wish the
office of sheriff had fallen this year upon some more able and experienced man, that so the King might have been better served, and
I freed of a great deal of trouble which now I am like to undergo,
more than other sheriffs have done heretofore in execution of the
writ of ship-money. Truly, sir, I meet with such obstacles I know
not which way to turn myself; the more I press the speeding thereof
according to the Lords' direction, I find the work nothing at
all advanced. For in the first place there are many townships
which have made no return at all of any assessments; secondly,
those that have, return so much short of the sums imposed by me,
that, if I should accept thereof, a fifth of the sum required of this
county would be wanting; thirdly, I can receive from the corporations neither money nor certain answer at all; fourthly, where the
returns are perfect and collectors appointed, they return answers
from some who have no money, and from others who will pay when
they have it, and the like. Truly, sir, to deal plainly with you I
conceive the main ground of the slackness at this present more than
heretofore is the expectation they have of the Parliament, that it
will be represented to the King as a grievance, whereby they hope
to obtain a remission thereof. I beseech you do me all the good
offices you can with his Majesty and the Lords in case they should
be displeased that there is no more expedition in this service, and
that you will be pleased, considering the premises, to advise me how
I may best comport myself in this business, and your favour shall
be always acknowledged. Endorsed by Nicholas, "To be read.
This was read, but gives no satisfaction." [Seal with rose. 1 p.] |
Mar. 26.
The Golden Fleece, in Little Britain. |
9. Certificate of the Commissioners for gold and silver thread to
[Nicholas]. If you please to move the Lords for a warrant for
apprehending Godfrey Poole, George Ballard, and David Waddington,
who have been employed in the late working of "the Symons," upon
their examination such others as have been offenders and partakers
with them in this disorder may be discovered, which we conceive
fit for his Majesty's service. [½ p.] |
| Mar. 26. |
10. Certificate of the Company of Gunmakers of London. We
have delivered into the King's store 4,280 muskets, and have 2,000
more proved, which will be delivered by Easter. By the end of
May we can increase the promised number of 6,280 to 10,000, after
which time we will supply above 2,000 muskets monthly if needed.
We have in hand 500 pair of pistols, marked, part whereof are of
the old bore, and the residue of the new; also 500 carabines, all
which will be finished by the end of May. [¾ p.] |
Mar. 27.
London. |
11. Sir Richard Cave to Sir Thos. Roe. Yesterday I received
yours of the 10th inst. I intended to have sent you a copy of the
letter which I wrote this day to the Queen of Bohemia, but it is
very late, and there is no great matter in it, more than that the
King is already very well satisfied with the Prince Elector's proceedings, at least in outward appearance, and I believe will approve
of his reasons, which I received only yesterday. I am to have
audience to-morrow morning. I have been very busy all day, and
have scribbled off the Prince Elector's letter, which goes by two of
his gentlemen, who begin their journey for Paris in the morning. I
must defer to write to my lady by the ship which within four or
five days will be ready for Hamburgh with arms. You are named
for the office of Comptroller of the King's Household, but Sir Peter
Wiche has offered 6,000l. for it, which shows that some money
must be disbursed, yet not above half that sum is expected from
you. Thus goes the story, which I believe you have had from other
hands before I knew thereof. I pray God send you health and well
home. If my wishes may take place, you shall be very happy
according to your own heart's desire. [1 p.] |
Mar. 27.
Cornwall. |
12. Richard Trevill, sheriff of Cornwall, to Nicholas. I have
received several commands from the Lords for levying the shipmoney, in which service I have used more than ordinary diligence,
whereby I am condemned to be much more forward than former
sheriffs in not giving time to the country to provide money, especially the sum demanded being proportionably far greater than
other counties, and this last quarter of the year a time when little
money is to be raised in these parts, the general inhabitants being
labouring tinners and fishermen, who get very little in the winter
season. The people protest that they have no money, but as soon
as they can get it they will pay it; notwithstanding I have levied
some parcel thereof, which I will pay in by bills on London, unless
Sir Wm. Russell has employment for the money in these parts. I
entreat that I may not be straightened of the time for payment of
the residue allowed to my predecessors, for there shall want neither
care nor diligence in me to effect so weighty a service. [Seal with
arms. ¾ p.] |
Mar. 27.
Tring. |
13. Edward Baughe to John Driver [under-sheriff of Herts]. I
have commissioned my brother to pay in the [ship]-money to
Mr. Nicholas within this week, which I trust he has performed. I
pray remember my service and love to Nicholas when you shall see
him. [2/3 p.] |
Mar. 27.
Chester. |
14. Thos. Murden to Sir Thos. Smith, at the Naked Boy, in the
Strand. Family matters. The carrier who is intrusted with the
plate and other things you wrote for will be at Boston's Inn, in
St. Lawrence Lane, upon Thursday next. Upon Monday last yourself and [John Ratcliff], recorder [of Chester], were elected knights
for this city. There was no opposition as it fell out, but it was well
stickled, for upon Tuesday sennight there was a jealousy raised by
Mr. Francis Gamul's friends that the recorder had an intention "to
loosen the causey" in this Parliament, so that here was new labour
made to have preferred Mr. Gamul in the recorder's place, but Sir
Richard Grosvenor, the chancellor, and some others mediated to
quench this spark, and received so good satisfaction from the
recorder, that they desisted and agreed to choose the recorder. Yet
was he so jealous of the truth of this reconciliation, that he sent to
me and to other of his friends to send our tenantry on Monday in to
give their voices, and so I did. When it came to the point there
was a very free election of yourself and the recorder without any
dissent, but only the prattling little Bennet, who named my cousin
Throp, and Mr. Walley and some four persons more scattered their
voices on my old cousin Gamul; these were all the dissentients. For
the county the labour is indefatigable, and the contestation grows
high. Sir William Brereton and Sir Thos. Aston were both lately
with me, and both of them are pretty confident and full of reproaches against the two popular patriots, Sir G[eorge] B[oothe]
and Sir R. W., neither of whom will appear at the election, it is
said, or, if they do, they are sure to be boldly accused in the face
of their country as adversaries to the peace of it. [John] Lord
Savage, [now Earl] Rivers, and Lord Cholmondeley are most peremptorily absolute for the baronets and against the esquires. I am
sorry in my heart to see the preparations of discord, and I sit
down in silence to see what God will do in the ambition of these
men, who all joined in their own profit where there was a bare
pretence of a public good, and now rend the bowels of it to advance
their own interests and popularity. The Lord Strange, who takes
the barons' part, though very temperately for aught I can discern,
sets forward towards London upon Monday next. My lady and
the Prince follow after on the Monday after, and lodge the first
night at Cholmondeley, though the Lord Cholmondeley will be then
in Chester. My wife intends to write herself, and therefore I have
only my own affectionate and faithful service to you and your lady.
P.S.—I cannot but blot the case of my letter to tell you our greatest
news, that yesterday an apprentice of Alderman Edwards, named
Eaton, robbed his master of 200l. Our assizes will be held the
week after Easter, and then, I am yet afraid, I shall be compelled to
see you at London. Since I wrote this letter here are letters this
morning both from the King and Council for raising and furnishing
100 men in this county, to be ready before the 8th April. 28th
March 1640. [Seal with arms, broken. 5 pp.] |
Mar. 28.
Edinburgh Castle. |
15. William Roberts to Sec. Windebank. The hourly employments I have had by reason of these late troubles here, and the
present haste I have to despatch so many letters for my lord, will
not at this time give me leave to yield you as large an account of
passages here as in my last letters. I beseech you to receive this
my excuse until I can obtain a fitter opportunity to express my
true desire to obey your commands. [Seal with crest and arms.
1 p.] |
| Mar. 28. |
16. Lawrence Squibb to Mr. Davies, secretary to Lord Keeper
Finch. I cannot get a copy of the warrant you told me of; I have
therefore prepared the warrant according to my apprehension, which
I desire you to peruse, and if the Lord Keeper and yourself do not
approve it, I know no man better able to set it right than Mr. Beale,
the Attorney-General's Clerk of the Patents. When you have made
it according to your mind, I pray return it, that I may get my
lord's hand to it. Prewritten, |
|
16. i. Draft of a warrant to the Attorney-General to prepare a
bill for a grant to pass the Great Seal, authorising the
officers of the Court of Wards to make repayment of
2,000l., together with interest at the rate of 8l. per cent., to
Lord Keeper Finch, being the sum lent to his Majesty and
paid into the Exchequer. Also to authorise Sir Miles
Fleetwood and the rest of the officers of the Court of Wards
to deliver to the Lord Keeper four bonds entered into by
the guardians of Heneage, now Earl of Winchelsea, or
their sureties, for payment of 2,000l. into the Court of
Wards, in part of the fine of 6,000l. for the wardship of
the said Earl. [2¼ pp.] |
| Mar. 28. |
17. Account by Sir William Russell and Henry Vane, Treasurers
of the Navy, of ship-money received by virtue of writs of 1639.
Total, 7,052l. 1s. 7d. Also 90l. paid in by the late sheriff of Cardigan [for 1638]. [2/3 p.] |
| Mar. 28. |
18. Account of ship-money for 1639 levied and remaining in the
hands of the sheriffs. Total, 2,407l.; making, with the 7,052l. paid
to the Treasurers of the Navy, 9,459l. This week were paid in 54l.
of the 1638 arrears. The arrears of ship-money were—for 1635,
4,536l.; 1636, 6,896l.; 1637, 16,832l.; and 1638, 14,024l. [1 p.] |
| Mar. 28. |
19. An estimate, signed by the Lord-General, the Treasurers of
the Navy, and others, of the charge for transporting 200 landmen
from England to Holland, and 100 from thence hither, together with
a supply of victuals for 42 days. Total, 382l. 5s. [2/3 p.] |
| Mar. 28. |
20. Similar estimate for victualling and transporting 100 landmen
for 56 days, with other incident charges. Total, 518l. 2s. 8d. Also
for 200 men for 112 days, excepting beer, which is to be but 42
days. Total, 919l. The like for victualling 60 men for 196 days,
to be sent from West Chester, with their clothes, transport, and
other incident charges. Total, 643l. More for the pay of 160
soldiers for 84 days at 8d. a man per diem, besides the entertainment of their officers, with a surgeon, and the charge of furnishing
his chest, with other incident charges. Total, 858l. 4s. Grand
total, 2,938l. 6s. 8d. [2 pp.] |
| Mar. 28. |
21. Receipted bill for saddlery and other goods delivered by
Edmond Hillyard to Capt. Porter. Total, 47l. 19s. [1 p.] |
Mar. 29.
Berwick. |
22. Sir Michael Ernle to Sec. Windebank. Sir James Lesley
came to me this morning in great haste, having ridden all night, to
tell me that on the 27th inst. the Covenanters had taken and
imprisoned the Earl of Southesk, the Bishop of Argyle, Mr. John
Pape, Sir Lewis Stuart, John Dougall, Alexander Hulme, with
16 more, and they intend to proceed in like manner with all the
non-covenanters both in the town and country. I am informed
that they have planted 24 pieces of cannon against the castle, but
no shot has as yet been fired on either side. They are sending
forces immediately to Aberdeen with intention to burn it down to
the ground. Upon these borders there is no stir as yet, only they
are commanded to be in readiness when order shall come. I believe
that General Riven [Ruthven Lord Ettrick] is so brave and so
honest a man that they will not dare to venture upon a place of
such strength as Edinburgh Castle, especially being so well provided.
This is all I can inform you at this time. [¾ p.] |
Mar. 29.
Morton. |
23. Sir William Bellasis, sheriff of co. Durham [to the same].
I received yours of the 17th inst., and acquainted the Bishop of
Durham with what was expected of him concerning the shipmoney, but he, being to come away so soon after, could not do much
therein. For my own part, I hope his Majesty shall be well satisfied
that as I have never been wanting to my power to do him faithful
service, I shall not now be slack, being very sensible of the state of
these times, which requires the duty of every good subject, and I
pray God we may all be careful to perform it. Yesterday I received
about 400l. of the ship-money, and the high constables have all
promised me to be diligent in their office, and if I find any rubs or
opposition I shall give you notice, but I hope the best; only I would
desire advice whether I should proceed roundly with distresses and
imprisonment in case any refuse or be sparing in that course, for
some are backward, alleging that, if they could hear that other
counties paid, they would willingly do the like, but that this county
should be the first in all charges, and most of them higher than in
other parts of the kingdom, seems much to trouble them. My Lord
Bishop will acquaint you with some particulars of that kind, which
makes me forbear them here. The arrears of ship-money for 1637
amount to 430l., which I am called on for, and could never get up,
of which 100l. is behind for the city of Durham. I have with much
labour got about 160l., and shall get in what more I can, but some
are dead, while others have nothing to distrain on, and much of the
remainder was rated on some collieries laid in and not wrought.
You may remember that I moved the Board to have assistance of
the mayor of Newcastle, but could not have it granted; so that I
hope if I make it appear to his Majesty and the Board that I have
done my endeavour, but could not levy it, and give a just account of
the particulars, I shall not be enforced to pay it out of my own
purse. In this I shall crave your assistance. For the 100 men to
be levied in this county for Berwick, we could not with any
conveniency take them forth of the 300 at Berwick, without making
a distraction in the trained-bands; so we have raised them according
to his Majesty's letter and the Lords' instructions, and they will be
at Berwick by the day appointed. Our gentlemen and freeholders
are still very desirous to have knights and burgesses like their
neighbouring counties, and they have with a general consent entreated my brother Darcy and myself to solicit the business. I shall,
therefore, desire you to signify, as soon as conveniently you shall
think fit, what is fit to be done in it, and how his Majesty stands
affected to the motion. All the country relies wholly on you, and
they have desired me to move you in this business. I have made it
one of my arguments to them to pay the ship-money more cheerfully,
or else they cannot expect it from his Majesty. The truth is, if they
find me still an instrument to press payments, and can do nothing
else, I shall not have that credit amongst them that may be so
useful for his Majesty's service as were needful. You may consider
what use to make of this, which I shall press no further. This
bearer, my son William, and your honour's servant, being sent for
by Sir Jacob Astley, comes first to present his duty, and his and my
humble thanks to you for all your noble favours to us. Sir William
Brouncker's troop marched from Durham yesterday to Newcastle,
and your son is in better forwardness than I expected, but I have
not seen him since Thursday, having been waiting on my Lord of
Durham, who took journey on Friday last. I shall desire to know
from you whether if I get in any considerable sum of ship-money
I may not be assigned to pay it over here by exchange, there being
like to be so much money made down into these parts. My Lord
Bishop wrote to the justices of peace at his going away to perfect
the book of rates. Thus, fearing I have been too troublesome, I take
my leave, but rest your most faithful servant. [3 pp.] |
Mar. 29.
Red Cross Street. |
24. George Bingley to Nicholas. I received yours of the 27th
inst. by Stockdale, the messenger, with answer concerning the surgeons' mates, but in my paper I omitted setting down 25 surgeons
for the 25 regiments of foot, and therefore desire that this point
may be moved, whether they shall not have two mates apiece
likewise, there being but one surgeon for every regiment of 1,200
men, and no surgeon allowed in any particular troop of foot, which
resolution I desire I may be satisfied upon. [In margin: 50 mates
to be added.] I heartily desired, as you wished, that I might
to-morrow have attended the Lords to have received their full
directions for the lists both of the army and the garrison at Berwick,
and also to have received the list for the train of artillery, but I dare
not adventure abroad so soon. I have been confined to my room
with cold and cough these eight days, so if I be called for by the
Lords I pray you make my excuse. [Seal with arms, broken. ¾ p.] |
| Mar. 29. |
25. Remonstrance by Sir John Lucas, complaining of the improper
conduct of the saltpetremen in the house of Mrs. Lucas, called
St. John's, near Colchester. Mrs. Lucas being from home in London,
they took advantage of her absence, insulted over her servants,
broke open doors, forcibly entering and digging in rooms which were
both unfit for their purpose and unlawful for them to dig in. It
is neither fair nor equal dealing for these saltpetremen thus to
trouble the house of a person of Mrs. Lucas' quality, while there were
many inns and other houses in Colchester fit for their purpose, where
they had not been at all. [=2 pp.] |
| [Mar. 30.] |
26. A proclamation against libellous and seditious pamphlets and
discourses from Scotland. [Draft in Sec. Windebank's hand, but
wanting the last clause. 3¼ pp. Printed in Rushworth's Hist.
Collect., iii., p. 1094.] |
| Mar. 30. |
27. The King to Patrick Lord Ettrick: By your letters of the
24th and 25th inst., sent by this bearer, we perceive the unwillingness of the town of Edinburgh to give obedience to our commands
in furnishing you with timber and other materials necessary for the
reparation of the walls and works lately fallen down there, by which
we have reason to ground a judgment of their affections, and of
what we are to expect from them in other like occasions of our
service. Besides we find by yours of the 25th that, notwithstanding
your forbidding them to bring more earth and requiring them to
raze the works begun, you conceive, nevertheless, they will proceed
with these works. In all which, though they heap more guiltiness
upon themselves, yet it is a great contentment to us to find you
so resolute to reduce them to obedience by force, according to our
letters of the 19th, which we do again hereby require you to pursue
punctually and with expedition, judging that by this means you
will gain many advantages, and not only free our castle of such a
bridle, but in consequence of that, in procuring materials for the
works and all necessary supplies for yourself and the garrison,
preserve our honour and interests, and rally these rebellious people
to that duty which they owe us. This we acknowledge will be a
work of some difficulty, considering, as you observe, how much the
place is weakened by the ruin of the walls, and what just cause of
distrust you have of the Scotchmen there. But your glory will be
the greater in venturing rather to preserve it gallantly than in lying
still and suffering the yoke to be put upon you quietly and without
opposition by a company of seditious burghers. You are therefore
to go on cheerfully, and to be confident you shall have supplies with
all the speed that may be. Your desire concerning the stay of
Captain Shipman there we hold very reasonable, and do hereby
require him to continue with you, and to assist you in our service
as occasion shall require. The two Scotch captains desired likewise
by you, have order to repair to you with this bearer, and we are
contented to allow them the entertainment of 10s. by the day
from the time of their entering into the castle, as the other captains
have. You are to allow such pay to Captain Shipman as other
captains there have. [Draft. Endorsed by Sec. Windebank, "His
Majesty's letters to the Lord Ettrick in answer to his of the 24th
and 25th of this present. 30th March 1640. 2 pp.] |
Mar. 30.
Whitehall. |
28. Minutes by Nicholas of business transacted this day at the
Council of War, his Majesty present. It was resolved and ordered
that the lieutenant of every troop of horse shall be allowed four
horses, and the cornet three horses, being one each more than
formerly, and that every troop of horse shall have three corporals.
Resolved that there be added to the list of the army a president of
the Council of War, who is to be appointed by the Lord-General,
and to have for his entertainment 15s. per diem. Resolved that
the cavalry in garrison at Berwick and Carlisle shall be paid according to that belonging to the army, and that the foot in garrison
be paid according to the old list of the last year, till such time as
the army now raising shall come to the general rendezvous in the
north, and that the principal officers of the train of artillery for
these garrisons shall be paid as is expressed in the lists lately prepared. Resolved that there shall be allowed to the surgeon of every
regiment of foot two mates, for that there is no surgeon allowed to
the foot companies, and that the mates, shall have the same pay
that was the last year allowed to the surgeons' mates of the army.
Ordered that the half-pay formerly allowed from the 20th of this
month to the officers, from the colonel to the sergeant inclusive, shall
be according to the old list, and that the Lord-General may likewise
give order for the like half pay to be henceforth given to the corporals and drummers as they shall come in and be listed. Ordered
that the General of Ordnance and the Sergeant-major General of
the Field, ought to march with their regiments before the colonels
of the brigades, and to have precedency of those colonels even in
their own brigades. That all such officers in his Majesty's army
as have been employed in the King's army and service are to precede any officer of the same rank who has not formerly served his
Majesty, albeit such officer has been a more ancient soldier abroad
in other parts. Ordered that there shall be 500l. impressed out of
the Exchequer to Sir Nicholas Byron, Governor of Carlisle, for
making fortifications for his Majesty's service at Carlisle. Warrant
to Sir Wm. Uvedale to imprest 2,000l. to John Gibbons, commissary
for the horse, to provide oats and hay. Resolved that the LordGeneral be prayed to give warrant for pressing 300 drummers and
a sufficient number of trumpeters for the horse now raised. Resolved
that the Lord-General shall give warrant for every drummer so
pressed to have 8d. per diem. whilst learning to beat. Ordered
that Sir Jacob Astley and Sir John Conyers shall view the arms
belonging to the Lord Dungarvon and Sir John Suckling, and
certify the Council of War of their goodness and condition, that
further order may be given for his Majesty's service. Ordered that
Mr. Lloyd, his Majesty's engineer at Berwick, being quarter-master
general of the army, and having other charges for which he has
several entertainments, shall at his own charges find an able man to
execute the place of engineer at Berwick during his absence. [3 pp.] |
| Mar. 30. |
29. Notes of instructions by Sec. Windebank for the Committee
appointed to give audience to the Covenanters sent from the
Parliament of Scotland. What to say to the petitioners and when.
Give them short verbal answers to the most material heads of their
propositions; though they have had no powers, and though his
Majesty be not satisfied, referring them to the Declaration. The
time to be respited. The resolution likewise of the Parliament
to be respited. Not to be communicated yet to the Council here.
The declaration to begin from the pacification. To show the true
intent his Majesty [had] to go into Scotland. Why he did not.
[In margin: While they have sent petitioners they have committed
acts of hostility.] Their barbarous usage of his officers. Their refusing the coming of his subjects when he sent for them. All the
breaches [of the pacification] that they have made, and the unreasonable demands in Parliament. [In margin: Keeping up their
tables and meetings. Their raising the fortification against the castle
at Edinburgh. Importation of arms and ammunition. They have
raised men.] To show why the Parliament was prorogued. The
reason why these men came hither. The grounds of the pacification to be set down. Not only his Majesty's intention, but their
desire not to alter anything in religion or law. [1 p.] |
Mar. 30.
London. |
30. Certificate of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of the City of
London to the Privy Council. You were pleased to direct your
letters [see Vol. ccccxliii., No. 41], by reference from his Majesty, upon
a petition of the poor water-tankard bearers of the city, that certificate should be made by us what number of pipes or quills are laid to
intercept the water from coming to the several conduits in London.
Besides furnishing the Queen's house in the Strand with a pipe
running 80 gallons an hour, the 19 noblemen and others here named
have quills granted them running eight gallons, six gallons, and four
gallons per hour. If some or most of these might be cut off, or if
your Lordships would be mediators to his Majesty that the work
which the city has begun at the cost of 2,000l. in bringing part of
the waste water from the Round Head, properly belonging to the
citizens, might go on, it is conceived there will be water sufficient
to set the poor tankard bearers on work, and fill the city with as
much plenty as heretofore. Signed by Henry Garwaie, Lord
Mayor, and 13 of the Common Council. [1 p.] |
| Mar. 30. |
31. Petition of the inhabitants of co. Denbigh to the Council.
Upon complaint made to your Lordships in May last, on behalf of
petitioners, remonstrating that for the supply of forces then lately
sent for the expedition into the north the supply of men from their
county exceeded the number required of Carnarvon and Montgomery shires, whereas in former times it was less in proportion,
your Lordships, taking the same into consideration, then declared
that, for the future, Denbigh should be rated equally with those
counties. Petitioners are informed that there is now a new supply
of men for the King's service to be sent out of the said counties, and
that the number to be raised in Denbigh far exceeds the proportion
laid upon the other counties, though less able than either of them
to bear the charge. They therefore pray that this inequality of
proportion may be redressed. Underwritten, |
|
31. I. Reference to John Earl of Bridgewater, Lord President
of Wales, to consider of this petition and certify his
opinion, whereupon his Majesty will signify his further
pleasure. Whitehall, 30th March 1640. |
|
31. II. Report, in compliance with the above reference, by John Earl
of Bridgewater, that it were reasonable that the counties of
Denbigh, Montgomery, and Carnarvon be either reduced
to equality, or else that, 100 being deducted from the
first, the other two should be augmented respectively by 40
and 60. This opinion is grounded upon the particular
informations furnished by the several counties, but is
fixed more especially upon the Order of Council made
26th May 1639 and referred to in the above petition, which
perhaps will be insisted on, but I submit all to his
Majesty's judgment and determination. (Signed) J.
Bridgewater. 30th March 1640. [1 p.] |
Mar. 30.
Apethorpe. |
32. Mildmay Earl of Westmorland to Sec. Vane. Noble Cousin,—I
received from Mr. Pey what you delivered to him, wherewith I
must be satisfied, though not contented, either to lose the inheritance left me or to contend in law with his Majesty. If I had not
been assured that his Majesty did usually forget those poor things,
by some who had twice petitioned for one thing, and that this was not
the same request, though about the same thing, I would not have
put it into your hands, which if I had without those two grounds,
it had been in me a fault inexcusable; for his Majesty to refuse to
be informed is of dangerous consequence, and therefore it is to be
wished he may be in that altered, which was all the scope of this
my petition; the other had in it, to have liberty to amend my title
if any defect were, seeing it had been so long since valuably paid
for. It is but 16l. per annum in the King's books, and therefore
no great living. If his Majesty's care be of the Church, I hope he
knows me so well that my chaplains or my own son, for whom I
reserved it, would be as likely to be for the good of the Church and
religion as my Lady Coventry's kinsman on whom her lord had
bestowed it, and the only cause why I desired to have it now under
reference was to keep him out of a sudden possession, when the
incumbent should have died, that I might the better have defended
the right which I hope I have, that the bishop might not have
admitted either his clerk or mine till the title had been tried, for
now he that gets it will have the profits to defend his suit, though
he have the worser cause. I assure myself the Archbishop and the
Lord Keeper will find much conscience to relieve me, but I fear
they will not certify unless it were referred to them, or unless you
dare say to them that his Majesty's pleasure is such. My house
has ever been obedient without dispute to his Majesty's commands
and unwilling to contend with him; yet when we have any request
to him, we find no more favour than his absolute opposers do. God
send that way of his to work him no inconvenience, and then for my
particular, let it go which way it will, I care the less, and so I
leave it to your best consideration. [Seal with arms and coronet.
[1 p.] |
Mar. 30.
Llewerllyd. |
33. Ralph Hughes, sheriff of Flint, to Nicholas. Thanks for his
kind reception of his certificate. I have since received another
letter from the Council, reciting their former letter, and imputing
much blame to me for remissness and neglect. I am charged either
to provide a ship completely furnished and equipped as by his
Majesty's writ is required, or else to pay in all the ship-money
charged upon this county by 1st of April, otherwise an exemplary
course should be taken with me according to my demerit. Truly,
before I received this last letter, I had not been either idle or
negligent in this service, but, meeting with those distractions and
defects specified in my former certificate, I was much hindered
in my proceedings. On the receipt of this letter I caused it to be
published to all officers and in all places of the county, and directed
my warrants in the strictest manner I could devise for the collection
of these moneys. I confess I never found any unwillingness in any
to pay this mize as their abilities served, so now most of those who
are able I find more quick to do their duties than before; yet I am
afraid a great part of this mize, on account of the general poverty
of the country, cannot possibly be had before the summer fairs,
when people may make money of such corn and cattle as they have.
May it please you to be advertised that this county of Flint is as
small as poor, having much waste, and extending scarcely 20 miles
in length by seven in breadth; to charge which with furnishing a
whole ship, as implied in the Lords' letter, wherein, by his Majesty's
writs, many counties are contributory, I hope is no part of their
Lordships' meaning. Of the 575l. charged on this county I have
in hand 300l., which I will pay in to the Treasurer of the Navy by
the beginning of May at the furthest, and the rest so soon as it can
be got in. Common experience teaches that it is difficult to deal
with a multitude in business of this nature. Howsoever it be meet
that the Lords should sharply reprehend such as are indeed refractory and negligent in this service, yet I am confident they will have
an honourable and charitable consideration of myself and others
who are willing and careful to execute the commands of his
Majesty and their Lordships to their uttermost power. [Seal with
crest and arms. 1 p.] |
| Mar. 30. |
34. Memorial addressed to Lord Treasurer Juxon in the name of
the Merchants Adventurers, stating the particulars of the dispute
between the said merchants and the Duke of Lennox, relative to the
farming of his patent for the export of white cloths. The Company
having a great mass of cloth lying on their hands, which, notwithstanding this discouragement, they had bought up at Twelfth[day]
market and every week since, even when they were most vexed the
last week at Lady Day market, which has not in many years been
so great, they first chartered four ships, and have now added two
more, hoping the state would apprehend what service they had
done therein, although the Duke's servants do slight the same, and
profess to omit no vexation they may bring upon the company.
Particulars of the interruption of their trade by the Duke's servants.
The company pray that at present the protestation made upon
oath, to the effect that the cloths detained cost not above 6l. a cloth,
may be admitted, so that the ships may not be longer detained.
The ships cannot be despatched without these cloths, and to stay
them till the next term, in order that this dispute might be tried
at law, would almost undo them, this being their first fleet this
year. Without some timely relief the company will be utterly discouraged to proceed in their trade for the coming year. It is prayed
that this expression may not be understood as a communication,
but as the very issue which must needs follow upon such unreasonable vexations, where no satisfaction will be admitted or any relief
be obtained. [2¾ pp.] |
| Mar. 30. |
35. Notes received from John Davenport, dwelling at Whatcote
in Warwickshire, concerning some things fit to be amended in this
Parliament. 1. That by the common law no man should be troubled
with any writ from above for any debt under 40s., but that for
the ease of the subject such trifles should be sued for, either in
the county or some other inferior court. This law is by every
puny attorney, but newly crept out of the shell, made void and of
none effect, either by laying the debt above 40s., though it be not
10s., or by making it an action of the case, and so they may trouble
a man for 5s.—yea, or even for 12d.; by which means the charges
of the first writ oftentimes amount to twice the value of the debt.
This is thought to be through the connivance of the judges, and
therefore may be the easier reformed. 2. That commissioners
betwixt party and party are not put to their oaths that, without
respect to persons, they will do their best endeavour for finding out
of the truth. Then the deponents would not be so wrested, as
usually they are, by the commissioners on both sides, who hold it a
matter of great repute to them if (though by sinister means) they can
gain the cause on their side of such as have chosen them, albeit their
own conscience tells them it is against the truth. 3. The decay of
timber, which in my time is raised in price from 5s. or 6s. to 20s. a
load, and instead of being obtainable within six or seven miles, we
must now go 17 miles for it if it be oaken. This might be remedied
by his Highness taking order that none should build any hell wall or
side wall of timber when stone or brick might be had within two
miles, which would save many thousand tons of timber a year. 4.
This may seem to be but a bauble, yet duly considered it is a general
wrong; the abundant increase of an unprofitable creature, which
in two or three months devours more of the best grain than would
suffice 20,000 men for bread all the year; and that is the sparrow;
whose numbers may be abated, if not extinguished, if either the
churchwardens or overseers for the poor might be enjoined to pay
to those who should take them, 3d. a dozen for the first year, 4d. the
second, and 6d. the third; by which time there would not be so
many left as to do 12d. hurt in a parish all the year, instead of from
5l. to 20l. as at present. There is no hurt intended by me in all
these suggestions, therefore I hope no offence will be taken, but if
there should I crave pardon for this presumption. Mem.—The
clergy to pay within their own deaneries. [1 p.] |
Mar. 30.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne. |
36. Examination of Anthony Errington, senior, merchant, of Newcastle, and warden of the Company of Merchant Adventurers, taken
30th March 1640. Being examined touching a petition which he
preferred to the mayor and corporation of Newcastle this day, saith
that upon Saturday last in the afternoon he went to the mayor and
acquainted him with so much of a supposed grievance as is subscribed
under his hand. He then told the mayor that there used to be a
committee which might present to the burgesses chosen by this town
for the Parliament such things as the [committee] conceived might
be for the good of the town, to which the mayor replied that he
intended to have a common council on Monday, and if examinant
had anything to communicate he might then prefer it. He subsequently met Mr. Ralph Gray, who accompanied him to his house,
and then examinant acquainted him with so much as is subscribed
by him; and afterwards Henry Lawson, Henry Holme, and Edward
Man came to his house also, when he acquainted them with the
same paper, which they, being all merchants, approved, and desired
a copy that they might add something to it against Monday. This
morning examinant coming down called on Edward Man for the
paper, which he gave to him, and examinant then asked Man if he
had drawn out any other grievances, who said they had, and that
they were a-copying out. Man entreated him to stay and take the
paper with him, which he did accordingly, this examinant and Man
having first read the same to see if it were rightly copied, and so
examinant, being in haste, brought it up and preferred it as aforesaid,
as also the other paper with the other grievances which are added
under[neath] this examinant's signature, as he supposes, by Edward
Man. [1 p.] Annexed, |
|
36. I. Petition to Robert Bewick, mayor, the aldermen, and
Common Council of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The humble
desires of us commons are that Sir Peter Riddell and
Mr. Thos. Riddell, now chosen burgesses for the ensuing
Parliament by this corporation, if it stand with your
good liking, may have instructions to this purpose:— |
|
1. That they be careful to maintain the orthodox
faith of our Church, and wholly to oppose any innovations both in doctrine and discipline.
|
|
2. To stand out for the liberties and freedom of the
subjects, which is principally in the maintenance of
Magna Charta and the other fundamental parliamentary laws.
|
|
These two particulars being faithfully preserved will no
doubt settle both Church and State in truth and peace, but
if in either there be a sufferance of alteration we may in
short time fear a loss of both. What distractions some
few innovations in the Church have produced, no observant
man can be ignorant of. What burdens the intrenching
upon the freedom of the subjects by monopolies of soap, salt,
coal, tobacco, starch, and many other such like are palpable,
together with the new great impost on wine, lead, and all
other commodities, especially the unparalleled taxation of
ship-money upon us. All these are so felt by the merchants
and others, that our estates are squeezed from us, and we
now become only to have the name to be rich, but are
in truth miserably poor. And, lastly, this particular
body suffers, in regard within the walls and without
strangers are suffered to injure both merchants and
tradesmen in their privileges, and consequently the whole
commonalty of this town is burdened in regard these
encroachers are generally beggars, who, dying, leave commonly a great charge and burden behind them. These
particulars we desire may be taken into your wise considerations, or what otherwise may be thought upon by
you, and, if you so please, that some understanding person
may be chosen to perfect instructions herein to be delivered
to our burgesses, and, as duty binds us, we shall ever pray
for the prosperity of you all. [Damaged. 1 p.] |
|
36. II. An address signed by Anthony Errington, senior, merchant,
of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and warden of the Company of
Merchant Adventurers, to the burgesses representing the
borough of Newcastle in the Parliament, 1640. You are
humbly entreated to take notice of the grievances of the
commonwealth hereunder specified. It is a great grievance that the making of soap should not be free to be made
in all parts of the kingdom as formerly; these great and
spacious northern parts, which were wont to be supplied
from Newcastle with coarse soap, suffering much by the
restriction of the manufacture to London, Bristol, York,
&c. Before this restraint coarse soap, without tallow, was
sold wholesale at 2s. the firkin, or 2¼d. per lb., and retailed
at 2½d., and sweet or best soap at 12s. 6d. by the firkin
being 2½d. per lb., and retailed at 3d. per lb.; while now
the former is sold at London by the maker at 16s. 6d.
the firkin, or 3¼d. per lb., and retailed at 4d. per lb., and
the latter at 18s. 6d. by the firkin, being 3¾d. per lb., and
retailed at 5d. or 6d. per lb. It is to be wished that permission may be procured for the making of soap to
furnish these northern parts as formerly. A soap-house
was erected here [at Newcastle] 26 years since for the
benefit of the poor and these spacious countries. You are
prayed to refer to a petition preferred 20 years since by
Anthony Errington, senior, to Mr. Henry Chapman,
mayor, and the corporation of Newcastle, concerning privileged places, &c., and to do as occasion offers in the particulars thereof for the good of this corporation. Newcastle,
26th March 1640. [Endorsed, "Copy of that I gave to
the two burgesses, 1640, to do therein as they could or they
saw fitting." 1 p.] |
|
36. III. Copy of the above address of Anthony Errington, to
which are subjoined these additions. We find it a great
grievance that any stranger by virtue of any patent for
tobacco should be privileged within the liberty of the town
[of Newcastle] to keep open shop as free merchants. Here
set down the grievances of Shields, Gateshead, Castlegarth, Westgate, and all adjacent places, as to starch, cards,
pins, iron pots, the great impost on wine, and the
grievances of butlerage, increase of Custom House fees,
pretermitted dues, and all other impositions set down in the
Book of Rates, above the subsidy of tonnage and poundage.
We also groan all heavily under the taxes and assessments for ship-money and other intolerable burdens,
insomuch that if they should not be layed, in short time they
will utterly beggar this corporation, no part of the kingdom being burdened in that proportion. Newcastle,
26th March 1640. [1 p.] |
Mar. 30.
Newcastle. |
37. Examination of Edward Man, merchant, of Newcastle, taken
30th March 1640. Being examined touching a petition preferred
this morning to the common council by Anthony Errington, saith that
whereas it was reported that Sir Peter Riddell, one of the present
burgesses for Parliament chosen by this town, wondered that no
instructions were given to the burgesses for their proceedings,
and thereupon should say that the fault must be either for that
they [their constituents] supposed them too wise, or otherwise
did undervalue them. Thereupon Mr. Anthony Errington, being
warden of the Merchant Adventurers' Company, at divers times
earnestly solicited this examinant to come to his house and see what
he had prepared by way of petition for the mayor and common
council, but he as often refused, alleging his other occasions, insomuch as Errington said divers times to this examinant that we
were all beasts that would not take a good opportunity when it
was offered, meaning by petitioning as before; whereupon on Saturday last, at night, Mr. Errington, continuing his resolution, came
to examinant's shop, and then this examinant and Henry Lawson
being together, Henry Holmes came and entreated them to go
along with him to Mr. Errington's house, where they found him and
Ralph Gray, perusing some drafts of Errington's, which seemed to
examinant very tedious, and so he said it was not convenient to
trouble the common council with such longsome work, but recommended that it be put in a briefer space. They then desired
examinant to take the heads of things and put them in form, he
being secretary to the Company of Merchant Adventurers, and
accustomed on other occasions so to do. He then inquired of them
whether or no he should insert anything in the petition touching
the Church, in regard the Church was mentioned in the King's writ
as well as the commonwealth, which they all approved; whereupon
he framed this petition, but with no intent that it should have been
delivered without their perusal and approbation, whereas Mr. Errington alone read it, and then hastened to deliver it to the mayor and
common council, saying it was so well done that there could be no
exceptions taken against it, and only willed examinant to subscribe
his name, which he refusing, Mr. Errington was about to write
when examinant told him it was not proper for one or two to sign
unless more had seen and approved of it. This examinant then
willed him again to see to get the approbation of the others; after
which Errington went away in great haste, as he supposes to deliver
the said petition. [1½ p.] |
| Mar. 30. |
38. The like examination of Ralph Gray, merchant, of Newcastle,
taken the 30th March 1640. Deposes that he never read either of the
two petitions, nor was acquainted with them till now that they were
showed to him. His interview with Anthony Errington touching
the preparation of some instructions for the burgesses of this town
for the Parliament. The complaints now showed to him were exhibited to them at Anthony Errington's house, and they then added
the other grievances at the bottom of the first side of the paper.
He neither himself nor any other to his knowledge spoke anything
touching the Church. [1 p.] |
| Mar. 30. |
The like examination of William Braithwait, merchant, of Newcastle, taken 30th March 1640. Being examined whether he wrote
the petition showed to him, saith that this morning Edward Man,
keeping a shop next to examinant's, brought a petition and entreated him to copy out the same, which he did, Anthony Errington
waiting while he copied it; after which Man and Errington perused
it to see if it were rightly copied, and then the latter took it and
carried it away, but no other person saw it to his knowledge.
[Written on the same paper as the preceding. 2/3 p.] |
| Mar. 30. |
39. Note of goods supplied to Edward Nicholas, comprising cloth,
haberdashery, gold-lace for a livery, &c.; total 23l. 9s. 2d. Underwritten in Nicholas's hand, "Mem.—This 30th day of March 1640,
my cousin Nevill and I made even all money accompts, when he
remained in my debt only 1l. besides the 100l., for which I have his
bill of hand. E. N." [1 p.] |
| Mar. 30. |
40. John Nicholas to his son, Edward Nicholas. Thanks for a
present of cloth and figs. I see no colour for Mrs. Humber's claim
to the farm of Horsebridge, even if all were true in the note she
sent you. If Mr. Ryves, deceased, kept not promise with the
Humbers in taking the farm for their lives, but for years, what is
that to the ward to whom he has left it; she must seek remedy of
his executors, and that will be a poor suit to compel an executor
to perform a promise of a testator made so long since; neither is
there law nor equity for it, as I conceive. We shall see what will
be proved at the com[mission]. Narrates the particulars of his
interview with the late Mr. Ryves touching his intention of making
provision for the children of the writer's daughter, his nearest
relatives. In this suit I am a party, and will follow it for the ward
according to the trust reposed in me, and I hope that I may find
some ancient friends who will stead me what they may. For
Mrs. Humber's seeking higher powers I am not a jot troubled at
it, for the higher and greater the better; let her do what she
pleases. I am sorry to trouble you with so long a discourse.
I think you have before this heard that [Philip] Lord Herbert
and Sir Francis Seymour are knights of the shire for Wilts
without any opposition, and that Edward Herbert, SolicitorGeneral, and one of the Howards [Sir William] are returned for the
Old Castle [of Sarum]; Edward Hyde, the lawyer, and Mr. [William] Whitaker for Shaftesbury; Sir Edward Gryffyth [Griffin] and
William Eyre, the lawyer, for Downton. This day the election for
Salisbury takes place, where some think they will leave out Mr.
[Robert] Hyde, the recorder. You shall know all by my next. I am
very weary and have kept my chamber three weeks; God only knows
whether I shall ever get strength again. My wife and I commend
our love to yourself and wife, praying daily for God's blessing on
you both and all yours. [Seal melted. 3 pp.] |
| Mar. 30. |
41. Mem. for the Council of War. That they would be pleased
to give an order for the arms belonging to Sir John Suckling,
either according to the rates set down by Captain Legg or by the
officers of the Tower, as directed by the Council. For the difference
of bore the owner undertakes to put new in the place [of those not
answering the test], being a very small number; or at worst, since
the arms, if not used this expedition, are lost things, that they will
allow as much to arm his troop as the King allows another. This
Sir John conceives to be but reasonable, since he believes these to
be much better than those arms the King sends for. [1 p.] |
| Mar. 31. |
Presentation of John Armorer, clerk, to the vicarage of Eyworth,
Beds, void by death, and in his Majesty's gift by reason of the
wardship of Dorothy Anderson. [Docquet.] |
| Mar. 31. |
The like of Abraham Forbes, clerk, to the rectory of Strelley,
Notts, void by death, and in his Majesty's gift by reason of the
wardship of George Strelley. [Docquet.] |
| Mar. 31. |
Warrant to the Exchequer to pay 1,800l. to Sir James Palmer,
Knt., Deputy Chancellor of the Order of the Garter, so much being
due at Lady Day, 1640, upon the assignment of 1,200l. per annum
for defraying that charge. [Docquet.] |
| Mar. 31. |
The like for payment of an allowance of 20s. per diem to Peter
Morton, Esq., employed in his Majesty's service at Turin, to commence
from Christmas last, and to continue till his return. [Docquet.] |
| Mar. 31. |
Grant and confirmation to Anthony Houbelon and his heirs of all
the King's interest in two copyhold messuages and two acres of land
in the parish of Islington, Middlesex, purchased by John Holland in
trust for Margaret Taylor, an alien, which by decree of the Court of
Request Houbelon, brother and heir of the said Margaret, recovered
against Holland as her trustee in the said purchase, and his Majesty
was entitled thereto at the charges of the said Houbelon. [Docquet.] |
| Mar. 31. |
License to John Davys to build a house upon a plot of ground
leading to Lincoln's Inn Fields, begun by Cornelius Hudson, and
is done upon certificate from the Commissioners for Buildings.
[Docquet.] |
| Mar. 31. |
Pardon to William Yalden, gent., of all offences by him committed
before 17th May 1636 in destroying divers woods for the smelting
of iron in cos. Surrey, Sussex, and Hants. [Docquet.] |
Mar. 31.
Whitehall. |
42. Minutes by Nicholas of business transacted this day at the
Council of War. Ordered that Sir Job Harby shall send to his
correspondent in Flanders and to Mr. Lanyon to hasten the sending
over of such of the horse-arms as were ready from thence directly
to Hull, and to advertise by their next letters when all those arms
may be expected. Upon the report of those appointed to view the
arms of Sir John Suckling that they were as good and serviceable
as any that come from foreign parts, it was ordered that the Master
of the Ordnance should take order for purchasing them, and, upon
his certificate of the prices and charge thereof, order is to be given
for the money required. In regard the muster-master-general of
the army is to take more than ordinary care to see that there be no
deceit used in the musters, and is not to connive at any false muster,
whereby former muster-masters raised benefit to themselves, it was
ordered that the muster-master-general shall have his pay of 1l. per
diem raised to 1l. 10s. per diem. Ordered that Mansell, the petardier
shall receive such daily allowance whilst employed in making
provisions for petards for the King's service as the Lord-General
shall think fit, as also the other petardiers and artificers belonging
to the train of artillery. Ordered that the master-general of the
ordnance shall cause to be taken out of the grand estimate of the
charge of provisions for the train of artillery, and set apart distinctly
by itself, the 50 pieces of ordnance which are appointed for a train
for the moving army, also the pieces for the other lesser train, and
all provisions incident to each of these trains respectively. The
rest of the grand estimate to be set down to remain in a magazine,
and to cause the same to be transcribed against the next meeting of
this Council to be signed by the Lords. [1¾ p.] |
Mar. 31.
Orton. |
43. Sir William Armyn, Bart., sheriff of Hunts, to the Council.
I received the writ and instructions for levying 2,000l. ship-money
on this county the 27th December last, and proceeded to distribute
the charge upon every town and parish with all possible diligence,
but cannot prevail with the inhabitants to make their particular
assessments, though I have issued out sundry writs to that effect.
Wherefore in discharge of my duty I thought it fit to set the sums
of every particular town upon the chief constables and bailiffs of the
hundred, the petty constables of each parish, and some of the best
men, whose names I could learn, dwelling amongst them, until they
brought me in a more equal assessment according to my former
warrants. I send enclosed a brief account of my proceedings for
the Lords' consideration. [Seal with arms, broken. 1 p.] Encloses, |
|
43. I. Account exhibiting the manner in which the assessment
of ship-money has been distributed on the hundreds and
parishes in Hunts, with the names of the chief constables,
bailiffs, and others answerable for the same. March 31,
1640. [4 pp.] |
| Mar. 31. |
44. John Ashburnham to Nicholas. I received yours of the 13th
inst., together with copies of two letters well worth reading, for which
I thank you. I cannot but smile to think how Long-Phill trembles
for fear of peace, and prays for war, lest there might be an opportunity
for that Covenanter to come hither and stretch Phill's ears as long as
his baker's legs. I was yesterday by appointment at Sarum, where
the Dean feasted us more like a cardinal than a meaner prelate,
which being ended we repaired to Mr. Recorder for his advice in our
business, who well approves of every particular, and has taken till
to-morrow morning for drawing up the assignment, and will then
convey it to me that I may peruse it, prior to its being engrossed.
I likewise carried with me Lady De la Warr's jointure, having
contracted with her for the payment of the money by July 20th,
and the Recorder is in hand with that assignment also, for I intend
to have them both sealed in one day, Wednesday in Easter-week,
therefore if you can be spared from your other occasions, I pray you
heartily to comfort your faithfullest with your company on Tuesday
night. I intend to go to Winchester this week to see Mr. Withers before
I seal, and for the Lady De la Warr she is the very same I ever knew
her. I cannot as yet hear of any geldings suitable for your coach. I
pray you thank the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports in my behalf for
the favour he did me in writing for me in the first place to Hastings,
where though I failed, yet I have nothing to blame but my own
negligence in [not] looking after it; for they inquired much after
me and resolved to have chosen me, but that my Lord of Dorset's
White told them I was to go provider for the army into Scotland,
and so persuaded them to choose Mr. [Robert] Reade, for whom,
they say, either he or some others made large promises to the town;
first, that he would give 20l. per annum to the town during his life,
and next, that Mr. Reade should procure them as much powder out
of the King's storehouse gratis as they had occasion to use, with
two or three like engagements, upon which score and the Lord
Warden's letters he was chosen. But truly I conceive that I have
done Mr. Reade some service, for finding that Sir Thos. Parker and
some others were minded to question his election, I satisfied them
in those parts that the gentleman was, without doubt, abused, his
discretion being far greater than to commit such follies as those,
and that certainly he will disavow them, which, let me tell him, will
be no ill advice for him. I can assure you were he not my friend
I should question his election myself, and Mr. White's impertinences
and over-busying himself in that place. P.S.—If you come on
Tuesday bring with you the 50l. for Mr. Withers. [Seal with crest
and arms. 1 p.] |
| Mar. 31. |
45. Thos. Earl of Cleveland to [Sir John Lambe]. I understand
that Mr. Thorne has informed you that this bearer, [Robert] Collyer,
of Bedford, is an inconformable man and a great favourer of Nonconformists; I have long known him, and am confident that there is
rather a misunderstanding of the man than any just ground for
that information. If you please, for my sake, to permit him to have
some conference with you, I doubt not but he will clear himself
from any such imputation. And if I did not believe him, in all
things the Church commands, exactly obedient, I should not trouble
myself to write in his behalf. I am sorry my occasions call me to
London, so that I cannot be so happy as to enjoy your company as
you pass by. [¾ p.] |
| Mar. 31. |
46. Petition of Edward Watts, gentleman, of the Middle Temple,
London, to Archbishop Laud. That petitioner and his predecessors
in that estate he now holds have been seized in fee beyond memory of
the patronage and right of presentation to the vicarage of Blakesley,
in Northamptonshire, by virtue of which title Nicholas Short, clerk,
was lately presented and inducted vicar; nevertheless Erasmus Dryden, Esq., detains from the vicar the herbage of the third part of
the old churchyard, and refuses to suffer burials therein, paying to
the churchwardens for the same but 6d. per annum, it being well
worth 6s. 8d. per annum. Represents that Blakesley is a great and
populous parish, requiring the whole of the churchyard; also that,
as evidenced by a court roll dated 18th April, 1 & 2 Philip and
Mary, the holder of the lands now possessed by Mr. Dryden were
wont to pay 6s. 8d. annually to get a man to ring the bow bell
there at 8 p.m. and 4 a.m., which is now discontinued; whereby that
laudable usage and custom, so long time there continuing for the
good of that parish and direction of travellers passing at such times
there, is now like to be quite omitted and lost, because Mr. Dryden
will not both pay the money and find a man to ring the bell.
Petitioner, out of his religious care of the general Christian good of
that parish, prays your Grace to take the premises into consideration,
and grant redress therein as in your judgment shall seem fit. Endorsed by Archbishop Laud, "For Sir John Lamb. Received
31st March 1640." [Seal with device. 1 p.] |
| Mar. 31. |
47. Thomas Lord Cromwell to Edward Viscount Conway and Killultagh. I am as glad of every good that befalls your lordship
as any servant or friend you have in the Christian world, and as I
have ever honoured you and truly loved you, so I shall to my last
hour. My noble Lord and General [Strafford] has so demeaned
himself, in the time of his government here [in Ireland], that the
subjects speedily and cheerfully have given the King four subsidies
of 45,000l. each, and the clergy have given six subsidies, besides
three more they owe; so that their nine subsidies and our four
subsidies will all be paid in three years, if God say Amen. I
did hope I should have had charge of a regiment here or in England,
but none I have, so must go as a private captain in my Lord-General's
regiment, though I have had a regiment of horse and of foot and
300l. a month pay. But such is my zeal to the King's service and
my obligations to the Lord Lieutenant, that I will go in any condition rather than stay, seeing my Lord [Strafford] goes in person.
Good my lord, if you know how to accommodate me with any charge
here or with you which you think fit for me, tell me and remind my
Lord Lieutenant of me. I pray tell me how you do by my lieutenant,
who is gone over for buff coats and other necessaries of war; also
what is the conclusion of the treaty with the Scotch Covenanters.
Endorsed, "Mr. Cromwell. Intelligence from Ireland. 31st March
1640." [Seal with arms and coronet. 1 p.] |
| Mar. 31. |
48. Observations by Mr. Nevill, of Cressing Temple, about the
knights of the shire and their election in Essex. Before the election
the Earl of Warwick made good use of his Lord Lieutenancy in
sending letters out to the captains of the train-bands, who having
power to charge the people with arms [they] durst not offend,
which brought many [to be] of his side. Sir Thos. Barrington and Sir
Harbottle Grimston on the morning of the election went from their
own to the Earl of Warwick's lodging, and whilst they were there,
thousands of people shouting, a man drew a sword and flourished
it about his head in great glory before the window. It was said
amongst the people that if Nevill had the day they would tear the
gentlemen to pieces, for which words a man was apprehended, but
bail was accepted by the Earl of Warwick, Sir Cranmer Harris and
Captain Barnard being his bail, to his great popular glory. Lord
Maynard entreated Sir Henry Mildmay, of Chelmsford, to take bail,
seeing the affront was offered to the Earl of Carlisle, Lord Maynard,
and the rest of the gentry in those threatening speeches. Those
ministers who voted for the Earl of Warwick, as Mr. Marshall and
others, preached often out of their own parishes before the election.
The corporations in Essex consist mostly of Puritans, who having
had their voices in electing their own burgesses, then for them to
come to elect knights is more than the greatest lord in England has.
In their boroughs the multiplicity of the people are mean conditioned, most factious, and few subsidy men, therefore no way
concerned in the election. A man having but 40s. a year freehold
has as great a voice in the election as any, and yet this man is
never a subsidy man, and therefore no way concerned in the result
of the election for his own particular. When the statute was made,
fixing the qualification at 40s., that sum was then worth 20l. in
present value. It were a great quiet to the state if it were fixed
at that, for then gentlemen would be looked up to, and it would
save the ministers a great deal of pains in preaching [away] from
their own churches. [3 pp.] |
| Mar. |
49. Latter half of draft of the "Large Declaration," of which the
former portion has been already calendared. [See Vol. ccccxxii.,
No. 128. 13¼ pp. Printed in Rushworth, iii., pp. 1031-1039.] |
| Mar. |
50. Notes and emendations for the draft of the "Large Declaration." [¾ p.] |
| [Mar.] |
51. The King to [John Leslie, Earl of Rothes]. We understand
that after the last return of the Earl of Traquair, our Commissioner,
into Scotland, you not only questioned him for somewhat that by
our special commandment he had represented to ourself and the
Lords of our Council here in England, concerning our affairs in
Scotland, and required him to give you account of it, but likewise
charged him to have delivered sundry untruths in that report, and
thereupon branded him with a note of infamy and of being an
enemy to his country. We have further understood that of late
you have directed a letter [see Jan. 29, p. 397] written with your
own hand to the Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery, wherein you
desire his assistance, pretending him to have been heretofore a
favourer of your party, and laying much foul scandal and aspersion
upon him to that purpose, all which he avows to be most false, and
desires to clear himself in your presence. This being a charge of a
very high nature, and trenching deeply upon the honour of a person
of his quality, he appeals to us for justice and reparation, besides
the instances of the Lords of our Council here in England, who are
very sensible that anything spoken in Council should be discovered,
or that any of their body should be questioned or called to account
for it. We have therefore for these considerations thought fit to
require you, and by these our special letters we do will and command you upon your allegiance, all excuses and delays set apart,
to make your immediate repair hither into England to our court,
to answer to these and any other matters that shall be objected
against you. Hereof you are not to fail upon peril of our highest
indignation, and of incurring the uttermost of those punishments
which may be inflicted upon any wilful contemner of our royal
pleasure. [Fair copy. 1⅓ p.] |
| [Mar.] |
51a. Draft of the preceding in Windebank's hand. [2 pp.] |
| [Mar. ?] |
52. The Earls of Rothes, Montrose, Marr, Montgomery, Loudoun,
Lord Forrester, and Sir A. Leslie to [Louis XIII]. Your Majesty
being the refuge and sanctuary of afflicted princes and states, we have
found it necessary to send Mr. Colvile to represent to your Majesty
the candour and ingenuousness, as well of our actions and proceedings as of our intentions, which we desire to be engraved and written
to the whole world with a Beam of the Sun, as well as to your
Majesty. We therefore beseech you to give credence to him in all
things touching us and our affairs, being most assured, Sire, of an
assistance equal to your wonted favour heretofore, and so often
shewed to this nation. [Printed in Rushworth iii, p. 1037. Copy,
French. 1 p.] Endorsed by Sec. Windebank. |
|
52. I. Covenanters' letter to the French King "endorsed Au Roy."
|
|
52. ii. The original of this letter was delivered to me by his
Majesty at Whitehall, 10th of April 1640. When I had
made this copy of the Covenanters' letter to be sent to the
Earl of Leicester, I delivered the original letter, after this
copy had been compared with it by his Majesty himself,
to his Majesty's own hand at Whitehall in presence of the
Lord Marquis Hamilton, the 11th of April, 1640. |
| Mar. |
53. The King to [John Leslie, Earl of Rothes, and the six others of
the Scotch Covenanters who subscribed the draft of a letter to the
King of France]. By some advertisements not long since received,
we have too just ground to suspect that you are fallen into a very
high offence, and of such a nature as, if it be true, cannot but be
very dangerous to our state and government; but, because we are
not willing to condemn you unheard, nor to make a business public
which concerns you both in life and honour, until we shall have
heard your justification, and because you cannot clear yourself but
by your personal and immediate access to our presence, we hereby
will and command you upon your allegiance, all excuses set apart,
to make your immediate repair hither to our presence, as you will
answer the contrary at your utmost peril. According to your readiness to obey these our commandments we shall judge of your innocence or guiltiness, being confident that a person of your quality will
be impatient to live under the suspicion of so foul a crime, and
under the just jealousy of your Sovereign. [Endorsed, "His
Majesty's letters to the Earls of Rothes, Montrose, Marr, Montgomery,
Loudoun, Forrester, and Sir Alexander Lesley. March 1639-40."
Draft in Windebank's hand. 2/3 p.] |
Mar.
Whitehall. |
54. The same to John Earl of Loudoun. Whereas, for the better
settling of business in that our kingdom of Scotland, we have
occasion to speak with you, both concerning our own service and
your own particular, we do hereby will and require you, all excuses
set apart, to make your immediate and personal repair hither to our
presence for this our weighty and important service, wherein you are
not to fail at your utmost peril. [Form unfilled in. ½ p.] |
| Mar. |
55. The like form intended for Archibald Earl of Argyle. [½ p.] |
| Mar. |
56. The like for John Lord Balmerino. [½ p.] |
| Mar. |
57. Draft of same in Sec. Windebank's hand. [½ p.] |
| [Mar.] |
58. Brief of proceedings instituted by the Attorney-General concerning encroachments made on the precincts of his Majesty's Palace
of Westminster. The suit being pressed in the Exchequer Chamber,
a decree was made for the King, and an injunction awarded, but the
then sheriff of Middlesex delayed to demolish the encroachments, Sir
Humphrey Styles, who follows this business, being absent with the
King in the north. Application being made for renewal of the injunction, the present sheriff for awhile excused his delay, but now he
utterly refuses to execute his office, being, as Sir Humphrey believes,
dealt withal by the defendants in the suit. Sir Humphrey requests
that, in consideration of his great expense and trouble in this business, and in regard he demands nothing but justice for the King,
and that no other but such as the laws afford between subject and
subject, that he may be assisted in this his service for his Majesty,
and that the sheriffs may be punished for their neglect of their
duties and contempt of his Majesty's authority. [1½ p.] |
| Mar. |
59. Note of documents concerning Recusants, viz., a special plea
and a confession of the same plea by the Attorney-General for Sir
Edward Carey, of Exeter, and Margerie, his wife, upon a composition
for Recusancy at the rent of 136l. 13s. 4d., for two parts of his lands.
A letter of grace for Lady Catherine, wife of Thomas, now Lord
Windsor, dated 7th Feb. 1638-9. The enrolment of the letters
patent upon a composition for Recusancy made with Sir Anthony
Roper de Farningham, in co. Kent, for himself and his wife. [2/3 p.] |
| [Mar.] |
60. Sir Edward Bramfield and Dr. Daniel Featley, Justices of
Peace for Surrey, to the Council. We have received a reference
from you, dated the Inner Star Chamber, Nov. 20th, 1639, requiring
us to call before us Bartholomew Hall, keeper of the Marshalsea,
and William Davis, turnkey there, and as many of their witnesses
as have not been heard already, and to hear what they can say
therein, and, upon full examination of the business, to report to the
Board. In obedience thereto we have called before us Hall and
Davis, with their witnesses. All the witnesses say is, that Davis
told Harwell that the prisoners would be more enraged at his
coming than they were, and that if he would go in, he should go
upon his own peril; to which testimony, being proved to the
contrary by Richard Wright, hereafter following, we give no great
credit, and the rather for that it proceeds from them, being but
three, who at Harwell's coming in were and now are prisoners;
two whereof were as forward, for aught appears, in the tumultuous
outrage as any of the rest, and howsover they prove not that the
constable was not commanded by the justice to go in. Moreover it
is alleged in the petition of Hall and Davis that Harwell received
his injuries through his own forwardness, and by the affidavit
annexed to the said petition it is pretended that Hall and Davis
never had any notice of the reference granted by your Lordships to
us concerning Francis Harwell, nor of any time of meeting us in
this business. We certify that both the petition and affidavit are
untrue. For we are fully satisfied that Harwell went not to the
said prison voluntarily, but upon command of Richard Wright,
justice of peace of the corporation, who testified under his hand that
there was no violence used in the going in, nor no dissuasive words
by Davis to the contrary, but that they were let in peaceably and
could not get out, but were beaten and misused. Wright went in
and got out before the constable. Their affidavit is untrue, for we
sent for them both, but Davis only came, saying that Hall, being
busy in the Marshalsea Court, desired to be excused from his
personal attendance. [1 p.] |
| [Mar.] |
61. Certificate signed by Sir Nicholas Martyn, sheriff of co.
Devon, setting out in a tabular form the particular sums rated and
assessed on every parish and tithing within that county for raising
of 7,720l. ship-money, besides 1,280l. laid on the city of Exeter and
corporations within the said county, together with the particular
sums whereat every clergyman was taxed in 1639. [17 pp.] |
| [Mar.?] |
62. Brief in a suit in the Court of Arches ex parte Sir Thomas
Holland, Knt., against [Sir Arthur] Terringham and others, touching
a license granted by several bishops of Bangor to Sir Thomas and
his father to build and annex a chapel to the chancel of the parish
church of Llanfihangel-Esceifiog, co. Anglesey, for his own use, notwithstanding his residence, Berowe House, is situated at Lourden,
in the neighbouring parish of Llanidan, that church being three miles
distant, whilst Esceifiog is only one mile. [18 pp.] |
| [Mar.] |
63. Brief in a suit in the Court of Exchequer, prosecuted by the
Attorney-General on the part of the Crown, by way of information
against William Hugessen and Richard Sladden, the former being
son of Sir James Hugessen, lord of the manor of Walmer, in Kent
[see Feb. 8, vol. ccccxliv., No. 61]. The parties named above hold
certain secret estates under Sir James, and by colour thereof have,
without any good right and title, intruded into certain grounds lying
between the outward part of the moat of Walmer Castle and the
sea, and do claim the same as belonging to the manor. [17 pp.] |
| [Mar.] |
64. Abstract of the proceedings in the above suit concerning
Walmer Castle, co. Kent. Points contained in the information of
the Attorney-General, with the defendant's answers, and the proofs
ex parte complainant. [1 p.] |
| [Mar.] |
65. Map or plan of Walmer Castle, showing the position of the
wall built to defend the castle from the encroachments of the sea,
and the ground pretended to belong to the lord of the manor. |
