|
| Sept. 10. |
1. Warrant of the Council to Sir John Heydon, lieutenant of the
Ordnance, to issue to Mr. H[enry] P[ercy], who has at his own
charge raised a troop of 100 horse to be armed at his Majesty's
charge for his special service, 100 back and breast pieces with
gauntlets, and 100 cases of pistols, out of the King's stores remaining
in his custody. [Draft in Lord Cottington's hand. ½ p.] |
[Sept. 10?]
Whitehall. |
2. The like to Sir Robert Pye to draw an order by virtue of his
Majesty's letters of Privy Seal of May 22 last, to issue to Mr Henry
Percy, brother of the Earl of Northumberland, on account, 494l. 18s.,
for a month's pay, at 17l. 13s. 6d. per diem, for a troop of cuirassiers,
consisting of 100 horsemen besides officers, which, by his Majesty's
special appointment, he has raised at his own charge as a guard for
his Majesty's person, and 6l. 10s. 8d. by way of advance, for a
month's pay for a waggon at 4s. 8d. per diem, which pays are to
commence the 14th of this instant, that day excluded; the said sums
to be reckoned as part of the 300,000l. by virtue of the Privy Seal to
be issued to such persons and for such his Majesty's services as by
us or any three of us shall be appointed. [Found torn down the
middle and so probably cancelled. 1 p.] |
| Sept. 10. |
3. Jerome Earl of Portland to the Council. Complains he has not
yet received any order for repair of the castles in the Isle of Wight,
for which he desired 800l. I also inform you that on several warrants
from you to the office of the Ordnance for supplies of cannon and
ammunition I never received my full supply, list of arms wanted.
There are some parishes in the Isle of Wight which have their own
brass field-pieces, but of so narrow bore they are not so useful as
those his Majesty lately caused to be made. If, therefore, you think
fit to exchange 15 of those pieces it will be of great service to the
defence of that country and no loss to his Majesty, their pieces being
of much greater weight than his. I have often moved you that the
co. Southampton might have a powder magazine at Portsmouth, and
you have often given order in it, but there is none yet. I desire we
might have powder at the old price of 12d. the 1b., which will be a
great encouragement to the country. If you think fit a proportion
of arms be sent thither the country may the better put themselves
in readiness, according to his Majesty's and the Lord General's late
directions. The horse of that county are generally small and light
and the arms charged on them are cuirasses; we can seldom get 100
of them together, and those ill enough armed. If they be all changed
to pistols and carbines I believe they would willingly find a greater
number; and if to that purpose you think fit to send to Portsmouth
some horse arms, I hope they will take them off apace. If you
please, the money the country shall lay out for powder and armour
may go to repair the castles and forts in the Isle of Wight. [2 pp.] |
Sept. 10,
Berwick. |
4. Robert Rugg, captain of Holy Island, to Sec. Vane. This
bearer being for shipboard, I may with more safety express myself.
The place I command is strong enough; here are 22 men, and as Sir
John Conyers has information he sends me more assistance; but we
have not fire or candles, and are very ill provided with victuals.
Nevertheless, though I understand this fort is aimed at, I have
sworn all my men never to yield unless famine compel us, for
prevention of which I shall drive the cattle of the island into the
castle, for I have provision of salt. We are three quarters pay
behind at Michaelmas; I understand our Lady Day's quarter by Sir
David Cunningham's procurement is at Durham, but there is no way
to get it. Sir John Conyers has prevailed with Mr. Payler to lend
me 10l. on my bill; I wish we might be paid by exchange by him,
otherwise we shall suffer too much. [Seal with arms broken. 1 p.] |
Sept. 10,
York. |
5. Sec. Vane to Sec. Windebank. I now return you your bills,
signed by Sir Will. Barkley, who will give you an account of the Scotch
camp, whence he has returned. A brother of Lord Fleming has come
with Barkley with demands from the Rebels high enough. I have
not seen them, but they are eight in number; to-morrow the Lords
meet upon them, what resolution is taken with a copy thereof you
shall receive by the next. I shall only tell you that I hear that
without confirmation by our Parliament of what shall be agreed, if
these businesses should come to a treaty, they conceive it cannot be
a safe and sure peace. By this you may judge of the rest. His
Majesty is content you should furnish the City with powder for their
money since the Lords advise it. The rebels have to-day in their
answer to his Majesty intimated the same that Bedford declared to
the Lords concerning the meeting of the Peers; and we are advertised out of the south that it is conceived the Peers will not
assemble here, but that some of them will come down and make a
second instance for the present calling of a Parliament; and it is
said also that some of the nobility have come to London and
purpose to stay there to see what will be the issue of these
businesses. To-morrow we shall review all the King's horse and
foot, and some resolution will be taken what shall be done with the
army. P.S.—Dumbarton is taken, and Edinburgh I doubt will soon
follow. I almost forgot to tell you that the Duke gave his Majesty
to-day information of some Turks that were stayed at Dover that
had taken an English ship and were afterwards taken again by a
Dunkirk one. I have taken order with Mr. Webb to send you the
informations, and when you receive them it his Majesty's pleasure
that you advise with some merchants what is best to be done with
them, for if they are Algerines they will tell you if the setting
them at liberty may not be a means to set some of our nation free
at Algiers. [Endorsed: "Received Sept. 11 by Sir Wm. Barkley,
answered 11th." 3 pp.] |
Sept. 10,
Hull. |
6. Capt. Thos. Dymoke to the same. After many rumours of the
Scots proceeding towards Berwick, our regiment, Sir Thos. Glemham's,
was commanded to Newcastle, where we kept strict guard, but
moved not, till the enemy marching within 4 miles of the town
2,000 foot and 1,000 horse were sent in haste to stop them at the
ford by Newburn; their army appeared marching on the hills,
above the ford, when we were drawing into our miserable works
in the valley, where we lay so exposed to their battery that their
great shot was bowled in amongst our men to their great loss and
such confusion as made them quit their works, which the enemy's
horse immediately possessed, seconded by their foot in great
numbers; but first the horse on both sides exchanged a most brave
but bloody encounter, the enemy's cannon extremely afflicting ours,
being within their range. There was another work reasonably
strong but likewise abandoned to the enemy. Our horse retreated
and the flying foot were rallied by Sir Jacob Ashley in a wood
where an ambush was fitly placed, but their rashness prevented
its success which might have been good. Our foot advanced from
the wood to a hill, where six troops of our horse made a stand, and
the enemy's horse coming up fought with them the second time,
but the issue was bad, Commissary Wilmott, Sir John Digby, and
Capt. O'Neale were taken prisoners, and we understand sent into
Scotland. The fight was sharp and short, the flight general, and
the foot being overrun by the horse in a narrow lane fled for
company, less than 300 of ours fell, and more of the enemy. The
next day early Newcastle was deserted by us and possessed by the
enemy, but Leslie and his guards did not enter till Sunday, where
he heard a sermon, and dining with the Mayor for requital turned
him out of doors and seized his house and goods to his own use.
He seems to dispense with the inhabitants, Protestants, but the
arms, ammunition, ships, and provision, besides a levy of 10,000l.,
were made lawful prize. The town they fortify and exact the
profit on coals and the goods of Recusants for payment of their army.
With long and foul marches we came to York, near which we
encamped. Our regiment was sent to fortify Hull, the place now
aimed at by the enemy, and the town is strengthened daily by the
soldiers, who are continually busy in framing an outward defence.
Neither my losses in field and town, which were to the doublet I
now wear can afflict me like the malice of Sir Jacob Astley, which
follows me with an endless persecution, vilifying my best actions.
If I may speak my opinion the first error was in sending out so
few men, the next in placing those in a low valley exposed to
the enemy's ordnance, which almost encompassed us on the hills;
thirdly, our want of ordnance; fourthly, the neglect of two high banks
which, commanding the lane wherein our foot were marching,
might very aptly have been lined with musketeers to destroy the
enemy's horse. We lost many arms to furnish the naked Scots,
whose army consists of 37,000 foot and horse. They have taken
Durham and Sunderland. [Endorsed: "My cousin Dymock from
Hull; received 13 [Sept.], answered 13th October. Seal with arms.]
3 pp.] |
Sept. 10,
Rye. |
7. Certificate of Rob. Orwynn, mayor of Rye, to the same. That
George Edge, ever since he has been postmaster, has been very
diligent in carrying the King's packet, and furnishing passengers
with good horses at reasonable prices, and is a very fit man for the
place though he has been much opposed and hindered in it by one
John Thomas. [½ p.] |
| Sept. 10. |
Notes by Sec. Windebank of his proceedings in the King's
absence. I wrote to Marquis Hamilton and sent him a packet
from Lord Cottington, and gave him notice of the London petition.
[See Aug. 20, vol. cccclxiv., No. 45. 2 lines.] |
Sept. 10/20,
[London.] |
8. Henry Tailler [Taylor] to Robert Read. I must request you
to put Mr. Secretary in mind of the letter the Marques de Velada
desires him to write to the Earl of Marlborough, to the following
effect:—That Mr. Secretary having told the Marques of the
overture Lord Marlborough made him of his intention to sell the
great Spanish ship he had lately bought in Holland, and which is now
in the river about Ratcliff; and having acquainted the King with the
motion, who was pleased to consent to it, the Marques has sent to
Dunkirk for the overseer of the fleet there, who is lately come to
London, to buy the said ship. Whereupon Mr. Secretary gives
notice thereof to the Earl of Marlborough that he may appoint some
one to treat with the Marques and his officers about the sale. If
you please send me this letter, the bearer shall wait till it be written,
and we will send it with an express messenger to my Lord of Marlborough, who we hear is at the Isle of Wight. [1 p.] |
| Sept. 10. |
9. John H[ighlord ?] to Archbishop Laud. To-day near 300 of
the citizens resorted by companies of 20 or 30 to consult and
subscribe to a petition to be presented to his Majesty, a copy
whereof Mr. Moslock's man showed me, which contained all that
was in the Lords' petition, and some other grievances; also Mr. Guard
and Primacombe have informed me there are 30 in the City have
joined together to maintain a press to print seditious and libellous
books, and in particular one entitled "A Reply to a Relation of the
Conference between William Laud and Mr. Fisher, the Jesuit," which
Guard has dispersed to the members of the late Parliament and to
divers others of note, and to some of the Lords, and has promised to
acquaint me with those that contribute to the press. Also he
informs me there are 12,000 Scots against Berwick and 15,000 to
lie against Carlisle, and more are coming to aid those of Newcastle,
and that the Scots had not come into England but were sent for by
the Lo[rds]. And this is he that dispersed the Scotch pamphlets
which this relator told Sir John Lambe of, and lurks about Gray's
Inn in a satin doublet, with his man Primacombe following him
with a cloak bag full of books and has his cloak laced with a great
broad gold lace. [Endorsed: "Received Sept. 12. J.H.'s information." Signature torn. 1 p.] |
| Sept. 10. |
10. John Wynne, escheator of co. Flint, to Lord Treasurer Juxon.
Of the 575l. ship-money charged on this county the sheriff has
returned 460l., and of the 115l. unpaid since receipt of your letter
there is 60l. more by much ado received, which with what may be
got on the sudden the sheriff will send up with the first safe
return he can find for it. Most of what is uncollected is assessed on
impropriations and other lands of great value, which are pretended
to be privileged from assessment, and in most of those places no
distresses are to be found till the corn is ripe, and the owners live
in foreign countries, so I fear the money assessed on such lands will
not be got in without trouble. Some abuses are committed concerning the assessments of the ship-money which I hope the sheriff
will certify to you ere long; if not, if you think fit, I will; for there
be very many who part with their money with much reluctance
because of some wrong wherewith they find themselves aggrieved,
not only in this but in other assessments. [1¼ p.] |
Sept. 10,
Whichford, near Shipston-upon-Stour. |
11. Thomas Fletcher, deputy of John Stephens, escheator of co.
Worcester, to the same. I find the sheriff and his special bailiffs
are very jealous in the ship-money service, and take distresses where
money is not paid, wherein I encouraged them, pressing his Majesty's
urgent need of the ship-money, and acquainting them with his late
proclamation concerning it. About 500l. is collected, which the
sheriff has promised to pay in shortly. But I find many of the
constables are not only negligent but have abused the country,
especially the gentry, by laying imputations on them that they
refuse to pay the ship-money, whereas I have myself ridden to many
of the gentry to know whether it were true, and find most men,
especially the better sort, willing to pay, and that in many places
the constables have not made their assessments nor demanded the
money, and in other places they have collected money and keep it.
William Holland, constable of Cropthorn, and Willm. Horte, of
Elmley Castle, utterly refuse to assess or levy it; and John Wells,
of Tredington, not only neglects his attendance on the sheriff, but
sent him a letter of excuse alleging he could not get in the money,
and that the country took it ill they were pressed to pay sooner
than other places; whereupon I went into his precincts and examined
the truth thereof, and I find a great part of the money is paid into
the constable's hands and not returned to the sheriff; who has appointed another meeting at Worcester the 17th of this month, where all
the constables and officers for levying the ship-money are straitly
charged to bring in all the residue, which I am in good hopes will be
effected, for since my travels about the country I find them more
forward to levy and distrain than formerly. [Seal with arms. 1¾ p.] |
Sept. 10,
York. |
12. Leonard Pinckney to the same. I have hitherto desisted
writing not out of any neglect of duty, but only want of opportunity
wherein I might present my service. I doubt not but you have been
made acquainted with the affairs of these parts and the proceedings
of the Scots by more able means than myself, yet my duty emboldens me to acquaint you with the effect of a message which was
delivered by Sir James [William?] Douglas, sheriff of Teviotdale, to
the mayor and magistrates of Newcastle upon the town bridge, the same
day in the evening that our forces had marched away, and collected
by one of my clerks who remained behind in the town and heard
the whole conference. Sir James signified that he came from a great
Lord of Scotland, their Lord General; that they should acquit their
fears; although they were armed, they came not to oppress nor molest
them, being both their neighbours and friends, and that he hoped
he should so find them, that they were going to speak with their
good King with a petition in one hand desiring the establishing of
their religion, laws, and liberties, which they had often sued for, but
could not obtain, and with a sword in the other hand to defend them
from their enemies, who interpose between their good King and them
and had kept them from being heard or relieved in their many
former petitions, but not to offend their King, or any of his loving
subjects, but that they were ready to lay their hands and their heads
under his feet for him to trample on. That he hoped their good
brethren of Newcastle would not conceive amiss of their approach in
that manner, but would join with them, it being both their causes,
and for the good of both kirks and kingdoms. That if a letter had
been delivered to Lord Conway, which was sent and returned
unbroken open, the disaster the day before had not happened to the
hurt of both nations, which was no way their seeking, but they
were enforced to it in their own defence. They desired a relief of
provisions, as bread, butter, cheese, and drink for their money, and a
supply of ammunition. Answer was made that for provision of
victuals they had none, or, if they had, they would sell them none;
that they were the King's loyal subjects and would so continue.
That for ammunition all was taken from them for the King's service.
They acknowledged their own weakness, and that they were left
destitute and had not [wherewith] to defend themselves, and hoped
that no violence should be used, they both being subjects to one Prince.
Sir James made answer that if fair means might not prevail for
provisions they must use force and so departed. The next day
being Sunday, at noon, they entered the town, guarded the gates
which stood open for them, quartered their horse in the town and
fortified all the adjacent hills against the town, where all their army
of foot remains intrenched. They have seized all the arms and
ammunition in the town, and commanded great store of money
from the inhabitants; and such as deny to enter into the Covenant,
being but few, for I believe that the most part of the inhabitants
were Covenanters before, are enforced to leave their houses, lands,
goods, and all they have to the Scots' disposing. Thus my Lord they
use good words, only to effect their own ends, pretending friendship and
good usage, but demeaning themselves like Lords, for not one man
either in Northumberland or the Bishopric of Durham can or dare
call anything he has his own. I fear I have too much intrenched upon
your patience, but my duty has caused me to present this. [1 p.] |
Sept. 10,
London. |
13. Thomas White to Mr. Mall or Mawle, Groom of the Bedchamber.
Some papers have lately come to my hand which I conceive of such
consequence that I resolved to send them to the King, and to choose
you to present them. Wherefore I pray, for his Majesty's sake, and the
good of his kingdoms, present them in all privacy to him; and for
your better assurance you may show this letter to the King that I
alone may be responsible to him. P.S.—If the King conceive my
personal attendance to be of use to his present service I shall on
your first summons speed to York, and will retard my journey homeward for some time in expectation of your reply. At Mr. Johnston's
at the sign of the Gun, near the Savoy. [Seal with arms. 2/3 p.] |
| Sept. 10. |
14. Examinations of Samuel Cole, clothier, of Dedham, Essex, Anne
Anderson, mistress of the Green Dragon, and Ingleby Procter, her
servant, concerning the disturbances at the Green Dragon, in Bishopsgate-street, August 20, 1640. [2½ pp.] |
| Sept. 10. |
15. The like of John Crosse, clothier, of Dedham. [1 p.] |
| Sept. 10. |
Indenture whereby Thomas Bowlasse, and others, tenants for life
of messuages and lands situated within the manor of Drayton
Magna, Cliffe Grange, and Fearne Hill, co. Salop, agree to surrender
the whole of their interests of and in the same to Sir John Corbett,
to whom the right of reversion belongs. [½ skin of parchment
signed and sealed. See Case E., No. 25.] |
| Sept. 11. |
Warrant of Privy Seal to the Treasurer and Under-Treasurer of
the Exchequer to pay out of the treasure remaining in the receipt
of Exchequer to Thomas Falconberge, or his assigns, 50,000l., to be
by him imprested for such services in the southern parts of England
as shall from time to time be ordered and certified by Archbishop
Laud, Lord Treasurer Juxon, Thomas Earl of Arundel and Surrey,
Earl Marshal, Edward Earl of Dorset, Chamberlain to the Queen,
Francis Lord Cottington, and Sec. Windebank, or three of them. [See
vol. cccxcvi., p. 354. Copy. 1 p.] |
Sept. 11,
Lambeth. |
Archbishop Laud to the King, concerning a plot [discovered
by A. Habernfeld to Sir W. Boswell at the Hague] to destroy the
King and the Archbishop of Canterbury. This letter and the two
annexed were sent to the King at York, who made notes in the
margin and returned it at once to Archbishop Laud, dated York,
Sept. 13. [Addressed by Laud: "For your sacred Majesty," and
re-addressed by the King himself: "Yours apostiled," and endorsed
by Laud: "Received from the King Sept. 16, 1640. The King's
answer to the plot against him, &c." [Printed in Rushworth iii.,
1315. 2 pp. See Holland Correspondence.] Enclosed, |
|
i. Sir William Boswell to Archbishop Laud, enclosing information of the plot. The Hague, Aug. 30, 1640. Endorsed
by Laud: "Sir William Boswell about the plot against the
King, &c. Received Sept. 10." [Printed in Rushworth
iii., 1310. 6pp. See Holland Correspondence.] |
|
ii. The general discovery of the plot [by Andrew Habernfeld].
Hague, Sept. 6, 1640. Endorsed by Laud: "The plot
against the King." [Printed in Rushworth iii., 1314.
Latin. 3 pp. See Holland Correspondence.] |
Sept. 11,
[York.] |
16. William Earl of Lanerick [to the General and Committee of the
Scots' Army at Newcastle]. You having, as his Majesty ordained,
sent the particulars of your demands, his Majesty has commanded
me to let you know that upon the meeting of his Peers, as was by
him formerly mentioned, he will communicate your petition to that
Great Council, and after their advice speedily return such answer
as shall be just and honourable. And further, I am commanded in
his name to demand such officers and others of his subjects as are
detained by you, which was omitted by a mistake of Sir William
Barkley. [The seven demands of the Scots being delivered by the
Secretary to his Majesty, he commanded Lanerick to return them
this answer. Printed in Balfour ii., 402. Copy. ½ p.] |
| Sept. 11. |
17. The Council to Francis Earl of Bedford and William Lord
Russell, Lords Lieutenant of Devon. We have been made acquainted
by the Earl Marshal with the letters of your deputy-lieutenants
for Devon of the 2nd and 4th of this present, by you put into his
hands, and understand two difficulties they conceive they will find
in the execution of his Majesty's commands for putting in readiness
the trained bands and other forces of the county to march and serve
in the common defence as occasion shall require in this time of
common danger. The first is the distraction of the gentry and
others, as to which service personally to apply themselves, with the
trained bands, or the other, concerning escuage and tenure in
knights service; both commanded by proclamation. The second
difficulty they apprehend is to procure money for the charge of the
trained bands when they shall be required to march. Whereunto
some direction being desired from us, to the first we answer, it is
his Majesty's intention that the service commanded of the train
bands, by his letter and proclamation for the common defence, is
carefully to be executed by every man in his own person. But for
the attendance on his Majesty required by the other proclamation,
according to the tenures in knights service, it will suffice that the
same be done by deputy, or that persons so holding land of his
Majesty give satisfaction by composition as by the same proclamation is more particularly expressed. And for the other difficulty
how to provide for the charge of these forces when they shall march,
we understand that not only the custom and laws of this kingdom
require that in time of actual invasion every man ought to serve in
the common defence at his own charge, but that the very law of
nature obliges us thereto without sticking upon such questions.
And that thus it has been the practice within this kingdom, both in
ancient and modern times, is very manifest; even when only a
doubt or fear was had of an invasion. But whereas the present
danger is past all doubt from the actual invasion of the Scotch
rebels with so great an army, so far advanced that the whole kingdom
may soon be overrun unless by a greater power they are repelled;
and whereas his Majesty's subjects of the north parts of this kingdom cheerfully join together and serve him at their own charge, both
with bodies and fortunes, without trouble to his Majesty or deputies;
we are, therefore, to require you to signify to your deputy-lieutenants
what the sense of the Board is herein, and that we will not doubt
his Majesty's subjects of that county will on this occasion show as
much zeal for the common safety wherein we are all so nearly concerned as is now showed in the north, or has been practised in any
other time of danger heretofore in this kingdom. [Printed in Rushworth iii., p. 1265. Draft. 2 pp.] |
| Sept. 11. |
18. The same to Wm. Earl of Hertford and Philip Lord Herbert,
Lords Lieutenant of Somerset. Solving the difficulty of providing
money for the trained bands in the same way as above. [Draft.
1 p.] |
| Sept. 11. |
19. The same to the Lords Lieutenant of Surrey; ordering the coat
and conduct-money levied in that county for conveyance of the 800
soldiers raised in the county, but since discharged, to be restored to
those from whom it was levied, as is done in the other counties.
[Printed in Rushworth iii., 1266. Copy. 1 p.] |
Sept. 11,
Whitehall. |
20. Council warrant to all Mayors, Sheriffs, Justices of Peace, and
other officers, requiring them to assist the auditor and receivers of
his Majesty's revenues for cos. Northampton, Rutland, Warwick,
Leicester, Stafford, Hereford, Salop, Lancaster, Westmoreland, and
Cumberland, who are now shortly to travel into these counties, for
the keeping of his Majesty's audits and receipts of his revenues
within the same, and to suppress all disorders that may arise from
the trained bands being appointed the same places of meeting for
rendezvous. That they be aiding and assisting to the auditor and
receivers as well at the places of their sitting as in travelling from
place to place with his Majesty's moneys, and if, there be cause, to
help them to convoy, that the money may be safely returned and
the rest of the service performed orderly. [Draft. 1 p.] |
Sept. 11,
Whitehall. |
21. The like to Will. Watts, messenger, to bring before the Board
Lady Elizabeth Lawrance, Samuel Sewster, of Great Ratley, Sir
Lewis Watson, Ch, Parker, Heneage Proby, of Aylton, John Glover,
of Water Newton, and Mr. Riplingham, returned as delinquents for
not showing their light horses at the last muster in co. Huntingdon,
with a clause to discharge such of the defaulters as immediately repair to the Lord Lieutenant of the county or one of his deputies
and promise conformity for the future. [Printed in Rushworth iii.,
1267. Copy. 1 p.] |
| Sept. 11. |
22. Pass for James Barker, gentleman, to repair to the Low
Countries, with two servants, &c. [Minute. 6 lines.] |
Sept. 11,
Whitehall. |
23. Order of Council. That the Sheriffs of London be prayed to
take charge of Mrs. Anne Hussey, who has given information of
some traitorous speeches of William O'Conner, an Irish priest, and
is threatened with violence by some Irish. [Printed in Rushworth
iii., 1266. 1 p.] |
| Sept. 11. |
24. Draft of the above in Nicholas' hand. [1 p.] |
| Sept. 11. |
25. The like. That John Herne, justice of the peace for Middlesex, examine Mrs. Anne Hussey and Will. O'Conner, and all such
others as he shall find to know anything of the matters whereof O'Conner is accused, and hereof the Keeper of the Gate-house,
where O'Conner is now prisoner, and all others are to take notice
and conform themselves. [Printed in Rushworth iii., 1267. ½ p.] |
| Sept. 11. |
26. The like. That the infection of the plague having so much
increased in and about London it is very dangerous to permit any
concourse of people to assemble at playhouses, or in Paris-garden.
It was therefore ordered that the players, both their Majesty's
servants and others, as also the keepers of Paris-garden, be commanded to shut up their playhouses and not to play in them or
any other place within the City or suburbs of London till the infection cease and further order be given by the Board. [Draft.
1 p.] |
| Sept. 11. |
27. The like. That Samuel Cole and John Crosse, of Dedham,
formerly committed to the Gate-house Prison on complaint of Capt.
Watts, shall not be released till they have acknowledged their
offence under their hands. [Minute. ¼ p.] |
| Sept. 11. |
Notes by Sec. Windebank of his proceedings in the King's
absence. I wrote to his Majesty, and gave him account of the
Devonshire petition to the Board concerning the canons and oath,
of the London petition, of the Queen-mother's chaplain, of the Earls
of Essex and Hertford going to York with Sir Francis Seymour.
Letters from the Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Cottington. To
Mr. Treasurer [Vane] at the same time to the same purpose. The
Turkish and Danish ambassadors. Writs to some Lords there
summoning them to the meeting at York. [See Aug. 20, vol.
cccclxiv., No. 45. 8 lines.] |
Sept. 11,
York. |
28. Sec. Vane to Sec. Windebank. The Lords and yourself will
not wonder that the copy of the Scotch petition arrived so speedily
at the Queen's Court, since it was by his Majesty's special order
sent thither by Will. Murray, of which I had no knowledge, but
order to send it you by Mr. Nicholas, with a copy also of the
petition of the Lords of England. By what you have represented
to his Majesty I find you have no apprehension but that the
Lords will be here at the day appointed, though you intimate some
doubt thereof in your despatch to myself; we shall therefore
prepare for them here. Sir Kenelm Digby has made his proposition
to his Majesty, and whatever your opinion may be thereof,
his Majesty bids me tell you, he holds it in nowise seasonable or
practicable at present. I am sorry to understand that the Earl
Marshal [the Earl of Arundel and Surrey] grows every day more
infirm; I could wish, as well in regard of his Majesty's affairs as
of himself, that he had more perfect health in this time of action. I
never doubted of Lord Cottington's and your industry, yet I am of
your opinion that an army without money will rise slowly in this
distempered time, though the law obliges all subjects in case of
invasion to serve at their own charge. You tell me that you
shall advise with the Lords concerning the business of Newcastle,
and the coals, of which they have already great apprehensions,
yet in your despatch to his Majesty you advise that small
vessels, such as ordnance may not be put into to be made shipsof-war, may continue the trade; but here his Majesty commands
me to tell you, that you and my Lords would do well to advise
with the Trinity House, and be well informed, whether that will be
means sufficient to supply the City with fuel or not, or whether any
of the coasters' ships be not such, that should they be seized by
the Scots at Newcastle, they might be made frigates to put small
pieces in, and so infest our coasts; this being secured, his Majesty
approves of your advice, or any other way to supply the City with
fuel that brings not a worse inconvenience with it. Yesterday
afternoon his Majesty reviewed his army, consisting of 16,000 foot,
and 2,000 horse, besides the trained bands of Yorkshire; braver bodies
of men and better clad have I not seen anywhere than the foot;
for the horse, no man that sees them but will judge them able
to stand against any whatever. I have seen far meaner in the
King of Sweden's army do great execution, and by the report of all
they are far better than those they are to encounter; the latter being
but little nags, and few or none at all armed but with lances
and Scotch pistols, and I cannot learn they are above 1,600. So
that if God sends us hearts and hands I cannot apprehend how they
should be able to resist the shock of ours when they meet. His
Majesty has also 44 good pieces of artillery of all sorts, with
their equipage, so that, if you provide us with money in time, I
do not see, though they have made but too far and prosperous
advance already into this kingdom, but that, God being with his
Majesty's army, success will follow; but should money fail for these
three months, no man can foresee the calamities, both to King and
State, that may ensue; and, therefore, by his Majesty's command
you are to impress it on the Lords of the Committee effectually, he
has now and so often recommended it to you by his royal pen, that
I should not have spoken a word to you on this subject had it not
been by his express command. His Majesty to-day returns Mr.
Flemming, with answer to the letter he brought from the Scotch
rebels, the copies of both which you shall receive enclosed, as also
their demands to the town of Newcastle and the bishopric; the
like they have done also to Northumberland, by which it will be
seen how they that fall under the power of the sword are like to
suffer, be their [the Scots'] pretences what they will; and therefore
his Majesty and the Lords here hold it fit their [the Scots']
proceedings should be printed and published amongst you in
the south, to stir you up to a perfect sense of their [the inhabitants'] sufferings, the better to induce a timely and vigorous
supply, to prevent those calamities spreading further which we
now endure. The counties of Nottingham and Derby have drawn
their trained bands to the confines of their several counties,
exercising their foot there till his Majesty send further order; the
horse, which are two troops, to-day joined his army, so that now
with the horse of Yorkshire his Majesty has 2,500 horse; Leicestershire is in the same forwardness, but cos. Stafford and Lincoln are
not so ready, but 'tis hoped we shall hear of them shortly. His
Majesty and my Lords are of opinion it were necessary all the rest
of the counties be put in the same readiness, and now their harvest
is done, be drawn to the confines of their several counties; and if
the Earl Marshal and the rest of the Lords have not given order
for it, it his Majesty's pleasure that you propose it to them that it
may be put in execution, if they find not cause to the contrary.
The President of Wales [John Earl of Bridgewater] has had his
summons from his Majesty to be ready with all the trained bands
and power he can make in his presidency; so I conceive they will
be ready whenever they shall be commanded by his Majesty or the
Lord General of the South [the Earl of Arundel and Surrey], as
there shall be occasion. It is his Majesty's pleasure the Earl of
Dorset attend her Majesty and the Council in the south, so he is
pleased to dispense with his presence at the meeting of the Peers
here. To-morrow his Majesty has appointed a Chapter of the
Knights of the Garter here, when he intends to bestow the
cordon bleu on the Lieutenant General [the Earl of Strafford], whose
health has much mended. P.S.—You will communicate this
despatch to her Majesty, for I have not written to her. Fifty wives
of the better sort of the [Scotch] lords and commanders have
come to Newcastle; by this it is conjectured they will not leave
the place suddenly. [Endorsed: "Received [Sept.] 13, at 8 at
night; answered 13th." 5 pp.] Enclosed, |
|
28. i. Petition of the Commissioners of the late Parliament and
others of Scotland to the King. [Already calendared under
date Sept. 4. Copy. 1⅓ p.] |
|
28. ii. The King's answer by the Earl of Lanerick. [Already
calendared, Sept. 5. Copy. 1 p.] |
|
28. iii. The Covenanters' demands from the Bishopric of Durham.
[Already calendared, Sept. 5. Copy. ⅓ p.] |
Sept. 11,
Ludlow Castle. |
29. John Earl of Bridgewater to the same. Thanks Windebank
for showing him a way to get news more quickly and for his favour
to the postmaster of Chester. Complains of the negligence of some
other posts; a letter from the Earl Marshal dated Aug. 27 not
reaching him till 3rd Sept., late at night. Requests Windebank to
furnish John Castle with all information to be sent to the writer,
for which purpose he has written to Castle to wait on him in London.
P.S. —Yesterday a proclamation, dated at York the last of August,
and imprinted at London, 1640, came to this town for all trained
bands on this side Trent to be in readiness with horse and arms to
serve his Majesty for defence of the kingdom; but none has come
hither yet for Wales. [Endorsed: "Received [Sept.] 13." 2½ pp.] |
Sept. 11,
Leadenhall. |
30. Francis Phelips to Edward Nicholas. If it please you to
compose an order from the Lords for all the auditors and receivers to
be entered in the Council book I will cause them to attend you for
copies, and so each man may have his own, because we and the
receivers part sometimes. [Seal with arms. ½ p.] |
| Sept. 11. |
31. John Newport to [the same]. I know it is news you expect,
and not compliment, yet I am persuaded you have more than is
true, but for certain on this day fortnight there was a skirmish some
4 miles above Newcastle, where Leslie came over with half his
army, and the other half lay against the town. About 4 o'clock in
the afternoon they began to come over, and our men resisted, we
were some 4,000 horse and foot, with two sakers and two 3-lb.
bullet pieces, they [the Scots] were 15,000, with 40 pieces of
ordnance, some whole culvering; our loss was about 100 men and
theirs 300. Sir John Digby, Commissary Wilmott, and Capt.
O'Neale taken prisoners by the Scots and remain in Newcastle.
But no wonder we ran well; for I assure you when Leslie was
within 20 miles of Newcastle we were "very well" provided to resist
so strong an army; for all were confident that he would not come
on. The greater part of the town were Covenanters, and daily
certified him of our strength. For three days before the skirmish we
were about 7,000 musketeers, and not a cwt. of shot amongst them
all, neither had we any in store. But had we had ordnance and
order he had never gotten the town. On the next day he came to
the town, the Mayor entertaining him with great state, where he
lies. On the Sabbath following [Aug. 30] he went to church, four
men bare before him, one lord bareheaded, on whom he lays his
arm, and in his other hand his staff, so walked to the church, and
sat in state in the same place his Majesty sat in when he was
there. He has borrowed 40,000l. of the Mayor and brethren, and
keeps his promise, which was that no soldier nor officer should
wrong any of the inhabitants, but pay for all they take, and so
they do; for there are 4,000 soldiers in the town, and where they
lie look what any of the townspeople bring in for their own provisions, they ask the price of it, and so give the people what
they ask for anything they take, but will not suffer any of the
town to dress any meat for themselves or their servants but
what they buy of them; and so the townsmen sell them
meat at one rate, and they make them give double the price
for it again. On that sennight the skirmish was there was
a sermon in the army some 4 miles from Newcastle, where
some of my acquaintance were, who went on purpose to take
notice of the substance of his sermon; his text was in the Psalms,
the words were "O give thanks unto the Lord, for His mercy
endureth for ever." No prayer before the sermon, nor anything of
consequence in the sermon; only in his conclusion he exhorted to
praise God for his mercies bestowed on them His people. For it
was well known that the day before they came over the water
they had not meat for their army for one day, no not for an
hour; and now God hath brought them into a town flowing with
milk and honey; and so fell to prayer, thus:—"Good Lord bless our
King, and open his eyes, that he may see the truth of our Covenant
Lord bless the Queen, open her eyes, that she may fly her idolatry.
Good Lord bless the King's bearns. Lord bless our General [Leslie].
Lord bless our army, and send us all well to our own homes." Leslie
has summoned the sheriffs, deputy-lieutenants, and justices of
Northumberland and the bishopric; he has taken Durham, and left
2,000 foot and four troops of horse there; at Sunderland he has taken
away the Receiver of his Majesty's Customs. He has made proclama
tions everywhere where he comes, that everyone that has anything
of his Majesty's shall bring it to him, within 10 days of the publication, on pain of death. His soldiers pillage the country exceedingly,
nearly 30 miles on this side of Newcastle. He is called his Excellency;
and the clothes he goes to church in were never made for 2,000l.
a suit. Lord Loudoun is made Governor of Newcastle. We are
all in good health, but know not what we shall do. A petition
was brought by two lords with 18 lords' hands to it about the
5th of this month, concerning the having a Parliament, which will
be known about the last of this month, for the 24th is appointed for
a meeting about what shall be done. Account of the review of the
army by the King the day before; his Majesty was mightily taken
with the sight, and so were all the spectators, especially your ancient
commanders, who affirmed they never saw more expert soldiers nor
readier upon all commands. It is thought we shall have a winter
service, and that a bitter one; for certainly Leslie intends to come
no further this year with his army, but pillage the countries
thereabout, and take away all their arms. At Darneton [Darlington], 24 miles this side of Newcastle, were some of Leslie's army,
but they made no great pillage of the town, only inquired what
Papists lived thereabouts, and of what estate they were; as if
reformation of religion were the only end they aimed at, but their
actions show the contrary, except the Devil be their god. We lie
by the walls with 24 pieces of small ordnance, and daily look for
larger from Hull, which if we have not we may go towards Newcastle, and return as before, for sakers and 3-lb. bullets will not be
matches for demi-cannons and culverins. We have some who come
from Newcastle daily, but with hazard of their lives. Leslie swears
all the townspeople to the Covenant, and those that refuse he
imprisons. Last Tuesday he began to fortify a hill on this side
the town, which shows he intends to keep that place, and there is
reason for it, because it is worth more to the King in custom and
coals than all the revenue of Scotland by far. [Copy. 2 pp.] |
| Sept. 11. |
32. Account of Sir William Russell, treasurer of the navy, of
ship-money received by virtue of writs of 1639, total 36,513l. 9s. 9d.
[= 2 pp.] |
| Sept. 11. |
33. Account of ship-money for 1639, levied and remaining in the
hands of the sheriffs, total 11,806l., making, with the 36,513l. paid
to the Treasurer of the Navy, 48,319l. This week were paid in
no arrears of former years. The arrears of ship-money were, for
1635, 4,536l.; 1636, 6,896l.; 1637, 16,832l.; and 1638, 13 328l.
[1 p.] |
Sept. 12,
Westminster. |
34. Commission of the King to such of the Council as do not attend
his journey into the north, giving them, or any of them, whereof
Archbishop Laud, the Lord Keeper, Lord Treasurer, Lord Privy Seal,
the Earl Marshal, or Sir Francis Windebank to be one, power to
provide for the peace and safety of the kingdom during the King's
absence, and in case of any sudden accident of State which cannot
endure delay, to make proclamations in the King's name, and to give
such directions in the ship-money business as they shall think meet.
[Printed in Rymer xx., 439. Unsigned. ½ skin of parchment.] |
| Sept. 12. |
35. Copy of the same on paper, with its docquet subjoined.
[13 pp.] |
| Sept. 12. |
36. Bond of Richard Bateman, of London, merchant, in 500l., to
the King, conditioned for his personal appearance before the Clerk
of the Council to answer to such matters as shall be objected against
him, within six days after notice left at his house in Threadneedlestreet. [Latin and English. Seal with arms. ½ p.] |
| Sept. 12. |
37. The like of John Royston in 100l., conditioned for his appearance before Sec. Windebank upon one day's warning, to be left
at the house of Richard Royston in St. Olave-street, Southwark.
[Latin and English. Three seals with crest. 2/3 p.] |
| Sept. 12. |
38. The Council to Sir W. Denny and Henry Lane, mayor of Norwich. We have received a letter of September 4 from the Mayor and
Aldermen of Norwich, wherein it appears by the confession of one
Abraham James that a page of Sir W. Thexton, who came lately to
the house of Mr. Edmund Beddingfield, of Kirkby, a recusant, was
heard to say that Norwich was a fine place, and a proud place, and
that there were 12,000 coming, not naming of whom, and that Norwich should be burnt within a week, and that the houses by Bracondell, being reed houses, would burn bravely; which speeches and
rumours in these troublesome times have much disquieted the common people. The Mayor using all possible means to have the page
brought before him to be examined, although Sir W. Thexton engaged to you, Sir W. Denny, that he should be forthcoming, yet he
is conveyed away or kept up and cannot be met with by the Mayor,
so that it may be conjectured some ill is endeavoured to be practised,
to prevent which, if it be so, we require you, Sir W. Denny, in his
Majesty's name, to command Sir W. Thexton, his lady, and Mr.
Beddingfield, or either of them, without delay to produce the page, and
deliver him to you to be examined by you and the Mayor upon the
particulars he stands charged with, and if you find cause not only to
commit him to safe keeping, but to do your utmost to find out the
ground of the said discourse and prevent the danger, if any be intended, and with all expedition give us an account of your proceedings
therein. [Draft. 1 p.] |
Sept. 12,
Arundel House. |
39. Thomas Earl of Arundel and Surrey to Lord Treasurer Juxon
and Francis Lord Cottington, Chancellor of the Exchequer. I have
appointed Sergeant-Major James Nolan, particularly recommended
to me from the Lord Lieutenant [of Ireland], by Mr. Raylton, to
conduct to his Majesty's army near York some Irish officers and
soldiers that have come from foreign parts to serve in the present
expedition; for performance whereof I have thought fit that 60l. be
advanced them for their conduct thither, being after the proportion
of 15 days' pay for himself and company according to the list of
names under his hand, and according to the pay of his Majesty's
army, as also that 20l. more be advanced to Capts. John Birmingham, Bartholomew St. Lawrence, Thomas Revell, and Maurice
McDonnell, for their speedy conduct thither. I desire your sudden
dispatch of them, knowing how great a scandal they are to this place.
[The Earl Mashal's seal broken. 1 p.] |
| Sept. 12. |
40. Sec. Windebank to [Daniel Tyas], mayor of Worcester. I
have received yours of September 7 with a book of the Scottish
business, and shall not fail to acquaint his Majesty with your discreet carriage in the business, who I doubt not will interpret it as
an argument of your good affection to his service, which pray continue on all occasions. You are to keep Erasmus Astley in prison
till further order hence. [Copy. ½ p.] |
Sept. 12,
Drury-lane. |
41. [The same to Ralph Hughes], sheriff of co. Flint. You are
to allow Mr. Peter to finish his building at Holywell, his Majesty
being satisfied by certificates from some gentlemen of those parts, as
well as by security given by Mr. Peter, that it will not be used as a
meeting place for Roman Catholics. [Copy. ½ p.] |
| Sept. 12. |
42. Sir John Manwood to Sir Dudley Carleton. I did not expect
a contradiction of the letter the Lords had given you order for, let
me know speedily whether it were to the whole substance of the
letter, or to some particular clause [they object], and if the latter
omit that clause and so tender it to the Lords to-morrow, else I shall
lose the opportunity of having any redress by this ship. [Seal
with arms. 1 p.] |
| Sept. 12. |
43. The same to the same. I shall take it as a special favour if
you will move my business about this letter to the Earl of Dorset,
the Lord Keeper, and Sec. Windebank as you find fit, and as this
letter will more particularly show my desire, or you know best to
move in. [Two seals with arms. ¾ p.] |
| Sept. 12. |
44. List of the officers of Sir Nicholas Byron's regiment, at a muster held at York by the Commissary-General of Musters, by order
of the Earl of Strafford, Lieutenant-General of the Army, September 12, 1650. [4 pp.] |
| Sept. 12. |
45. List made out by Nicholas of the sheriffs of several counties
named who are no more to be troubled for arrears of ship-money
due by virtue of writs issued in 1636, 1637, and 1638. [2 pp.] |
Sept. 12/22,
Camphere. |
46. Patrick Drummond to Sir John Hay. The 6/16th of this month
a Scotch ship came to this town which departed from Aberdeen the
1/11th of this instant. The merchants tell us the fourth man of that
town and all the north country were gone to the Dunse Road, and
that they have sent back to levy the eighth man. The Master of
Forbes with 500 naked rogues came to be quartered in that town;
Provost Leslie said they should not be quartered there; LieutenantColonel George Forbes replied that in spite of his nose he would
quarter them there, and did it, for all the people there are disarmed,
having nothing left them but knives to cut their meat. The barons
of the north, with 20 of the chief burgesses of Aberdeen, are fast in
the Tolbooth, because they refuse to pay the fines levied on them.
The silly poor old men left at home in Aberdeen have paid for their
liberty 50,000 marks besides the tenth and twentieth penny. [Lieutenant-Colonel John] Monroe with his regiment remained there for
three months together and made his progress through the noncovenanters houses, so long as there was meal or any edible, except
oxen and kine, which they sold and sold over again at a dollar the
piece. They have pulled up by the roots and buried all the plantings everywhere, not sparing the Marquis of Huntley's, where they
have [not] left one plant; above all, they have made a fearful spectacle of the Laird of Banff's houses and lands, for not content to have
pulled up his planting, they have sawn the joists and taken out
of his houses the doors, windows, and all combustibles and reduced
them to ashes, and have not left on his whole lands a living beast
except Covenanters' lice and such like noisome creatures. I am
heartily sorry to see this noble gentleman receive so hard measure on
all sides. They have razed to the ground all the houses belonging
to the Earl of Airlie. The Earl of Argyle charged the Earl of Montrose
with foul dealing before the Tables for suffering Lord Ogilvie and
his poor lady, enciente, to escape; but they have not left him in all
his lands a cock to crow day. They have restrained the Earl of
Seaforth and set a guard over him in Edinburgh. The Assembly in
Aberdeen has silenced and deprived all the ministers of that town
except the knave Guld, who is now principal of the college of the
old town, and in the new town they have got Mr. Andrew Cant
that "Spurgald sporter." Edinburgh Castle gets in fresh victuals to
let them spare their corn; their men say that 14 days ago 17 of the
King's ships went up into the Firth, but it seems they are there to
little purpose, for another Scotch ship is come to Rotterdam this week
and within these 20 days they have got home from this country.
It is constantly related and believed here that the Covenanters took
in Newcastle the 2nd of this month, that at a rencounter some 9
miles from that town they lost 1,500 and the English 1,100, but in the
end the English all ran away and the others came to the town, Sir
Jacob Astley and Lord Conway running away first and commanding
the Mayor to deliver the keys of the ports [gates] to the Scots.
This is told by an English ship at Amsterdam which came from
Newcastle the day after this happened, bringing many passengers
The King is here [by report] already deposed and the Queen of
Bohemia put in his place, but I hope to see them all hanged or die
a more shameful death that say it or wish it. I shall expect to hear
from you where the armies are, what they are doing, if the Irish be
yet come into England, and if General King is expected from Germany, what has become of the coin, and if all is quiet in the City and
thereabouts. The Prince of Orange is sending his army into garrison
after they have broken their tether. All your friends here remember their service to you. [Seal with arms and crest and the motto
"Duce fato comite fortuna." 2 pp.] |
| [Sept. 12 ?] |
47. Petition of Sir William Howard, second son of the Earl
Marshal, Thos. Earl of Arundel and Surrey, and Mary his wife to
the King. Whereas King Henry VIII. and Queen Mary by letters
patent granted to Henry Lord Stafford and Lady Ursula his wife, and
their heirs, the castle and manor of Stafford and other tenements in
the borough of Stafford, and in the parishes of Bradley, Billington,
Coppenhall, Littywood, and elsewhere in co. Stafford, found by inquisition to be of the yearly value of 30l., and the honours of Gloucester and Hereford, in co. Gloucester, together with the manors of
Thornbury, Falfield, Newnham, and Oldland, in co. Gloucester, found
by inquisition to be of the yearly value of 13l. 6s. 8d.; and whereas
the petitioner, Mary, as sister and sole heir of Henry late Lord Stafford
is by virtue of the said grants tenant in tail of the said premises and
is thereof actually seized, and both petitioners desire to settle this
their estate to the best advantage of them and their posterity, their
father and mother being disposed to settle on them and their issue
lands of good value of their own inheritance, to which their intention
your favour in vouchsafing to pass the reversion now in the Crown
before mentioned will contribute much. May it therefore please you,
the value being small, and there being 12 persons at least of the
issue in tail now living, and so long as any of them or their issue
shall be remaining no benefit by the reversion can come to the Crown,
to grant petitioners the reversion remaining in the Crown of all such
of the castles, manors, &c. as by the aforesaid letters patent descend
to your petitioner, Mary, in such sort as your Attorney General or
other of your learned counsel shall think meet. [1 p.] |
| [Sept. 12 ?] |
48. Summary of proceedings between Sir William Howard and
Roger Stafford concerning the barony of Stafford. This paper sets
forth that after the death of Henry late Lord Stafford [in 1637] Sir
William Howard marrying Mary, his sole sister and heir, came into
possession not only of Stafford Castle, which is the head of that
barony, but of all other the lands granted by Henry VIII. and Queen
Mary to a former Henry Lord Stafford, son of Edward Duke of
Buckingham, beheaded in 1521, which lands were not sold by the
ancestors of the late Lord Stafford. In November 1637, Roger
Stafford, who pretended to be heir male to Henry Lord Stafford
[being son and heir of Richard, younger son of the said Henry]
claimed this barony by Act of Parliament, 1 Edw. VI., and would
have treated with the Earl Marshal concerning the interest to that
barony, but the latter refused to do further than he should be directed by the King. Hereupon Roger Stafford, in December following,
petitioned the King, and having set forth his pretences as well to the
barony as to all the lands which where the late Lord Stafford's,
prayed the King in a summary and short way to restore him to the
said honour and premises. The King having referred the examination of his pretences to the Lord Privy Seal, the Earl of Dorset, and
Sec. Windebank, they upon sight of the several letters patent found
that without controversy all the lands and possessions whereof
Henry Lord Stafford died seized descended to the Lady Mary
Howard, his sister and heir, but, because Mr. Stafford had then no
counsel, he was by the said Lords willed to bring his counsel instructed
in his cause the next day to the Council Chamber, which he did.
That day being the 5th of November 1637 Sir William Howard and
Roger Stafford with his counsel attended the Lords referees at the
Council Chamber, where the title being debated it was by Mr.
Stafford's counsel acknowledged that all the lands descended to the
Lady Howard, which being known to the King, and some learned
men being of opinion that by a reasonable construction of the said
Act of Parliament she was also entitled to the barony, which before
the attainder of the Duke [of Buckingham] descended to the heirs
general of that family, it was his Majesty's pleasure to assume the
cause into his own hands, whereupon both Sir William Howard and
Mr. Stafford submitted themselves to the King's judgment, and subscribed to the submission then made and ratified the 23rd of
September last before the said Lords and afterwards the same day
before his Majesty. After which second submission his Majesty,
considering the pretence of the Lady Howard who has the castle of
Stafford, and all other lands which were her brother's, and that
Roger Stafford had no means to support the title and dignity of a
baron, having no estate at all, nor was himself any way qualified for
such an honour, did declare his pleasure to be that Roger Stafford
should surrender and resign all his claim and interest to that barony
to his Majesty and that the Earl Marshal should secure him 100l.
per annum during his life, which the Earl Marshal has done and
given him 100l. in money, besides above 150l. more which he expended upon him otherwise. In pursuance of which his Majesty's
pleasure Roger Stafford by his deed dated 7th Dec. 1638 resigned the
said title and dignity to his Majesty and acknowledged the same
before a Master in Chancery, which deed is enrolled in the same court
and is remaining in the hands of the Attorney General. [1 p.] |
| [Sept 12 ?] |
48a. Copy of the same. [1 p.] |
| [Sept. 12.] |
49. Warrant [to the Attorney General] to prepare a Bill to pass
the Great Seal, containing a grant of the barony of Stafford to Sir
William Howard, and Mary his wife, sister and heir of the late Lord
Stafford, with the same place and precedence as he enjoyed; the
same to descend to their heirs male, or in default thereof to their
heirs general, as it stood anciently in the entail. [Draft. 1 p.] |
| Sept. 13. |
Warrant of Council to Henry Davis, a messenger, to fetch up
Walter Hungerford, clerk. [Docquet.] |
| Sept. 13. |
50. The like to Lord Treasurer Juxon and Under-Treasurer Lord
Cottington to issue 80l. for the conduct of Irish officers and soldiers to
the army at York. [Printed in Rushworth iii., 1267. Draft. 1 p.] |
| Sept. 13. |
51. Order in Council. His Majesty having directed Lord Goring,
in the absence of his son, Colonel Goring, governor of Portsmouth, to
repair to Portsmouth and there take order as well as may be for
fortifying the place; it was ordered, that the Earl Marshal be hereby
prayed to give warrant, according to the power given by his
Majesty's commission to him as Lord General on this side Trent to
Lord Goring on behalf of his son for levying 200 soldiers and such
officers as he shall think fit for strengthening the garrison according
to a proposition presented to his Majesty by Colonel Goring before
his departure to the north and since approved of by the Lords.
[Draft. 1 p.] |
| Sept. 13. |
52. The like. Whereas Edward Boulton, Thomas French, and
Margaret Weblyn, owners of lime kilns, complain by petition that
having long supplied lime to all bricklayers and others who use
lime in London and suburbs and the adjacent counties, they cannot
now get coals from the merchants or woodmongers to keep their
kilns going, though the price they ought to sell at is only 19s. the
chaldron, petitioners have offered 21s. the chaldron, and would give
any money in reason to be furnished with coal, being bound by
covenant to supply the artificers with lime who are now building for
persons of quality, which buildings must of necessity suffer. It was
ordered that the Lord Mayor of London be required to send for the
coal merchants and woodmongers complained of, and to deal effectually with them for furnishing petitioners with coals sufficient for
their kilns at prices allowed by the Lords; which if they refuse to
do he his to certify the Board of his proceedings, who will take
further order therein. [Draft. 1 p.] |
Sept. 13,
Hampton Court. |
53. Notes by Sec. Windebank of the proceedings of the Council
held at Hampton Court this day. Capt. Nolan, for the sending away
of the Irish; for 80l. for them. The Lords at Hampton Court have
intelligence that Leslie instead of going to York intends to go to
Hull. Mr. Nicholas to go to the Lord Keeper and desire from the
Board that no corporation of foreign plantations be renewed until
the Board be made acquainted with it. Capt. Venn [Fenn], a son of
Alderman Venn [Sir Richard Fenn], the London petition. [Fortification of] Portsmouth moved to the Board this day, and ordered that
Lord Goring go down presently and orders to be dispatched presently
for it. Lord Goring will be at York at his Majesty's day notwithstanding his going to Portsmouth. Mr. Comptroller [Sir Thos. Jermyn]
has written to the Governor of Jersey concerning the defence of it.
He wants guns. The King to be written to concerning these guns.
The Earl of Danby to be written to to go instantly down. [½ p.] |
| Sept. 13. |
Notes by Windebank of his proceedings in the King's absence.
I wrote to his Majesty an account of what passed in Council at
Hampton Court; of the Irish [officers] sent away by Capt. Nolan;
of Portsmouth, Jersey, Guernsey; concerning guns for Jersey. To
Mr. Treasurer Vane in answer to his of the 11th. [See Aug. 20,
vol. cccclxiv., No. 45. 4 lines.] |
Sept. 13,
York. |
54. Sec. Vane to Sec. Windebank. To-day the Lord Lieutenant
[of Ireland] received the blue ribbon. Here has been much ado to
dispose the gentlemen of Yorkshire to levy two months' pay for
their trained bands; and last night a petition was agreed upon by
the gentlemen in a high strain, concluding as the 12 Peers did for
a Parliament. But this afternoon, the Lord Lieutenant appointing
to meet all the lords and gentlemen of the county in their great
hall, after much debate it was overruled by the majority of voices
to reject the petition, and it was resolved to make a levy in the
country to pay the trained bands until the 24th current, after
which the Lord Lieutenant brought them to the King and declared
so much to him in their presence, with a further declaration that after
the 24th, they hoped with the Peers to give his Majesty further
satisfaction; this was done with much alacrity. Whereupon his
Majesty spoke to the gentlemen and declared that after this present
occasion he would ease them and take off from them 6,000 foot,
free them at present from their escuage, and if any of their colonels
or chief officers were killed in the present service, he would give
them their wardships if their heirs were under age. This gave
them great contentment and his Majesty was therewith so well
pleased he commanded me to make a despatch to you thereupon.
This good example in Yorkshire I hope will induce the counties
in the south to do the like. [Endorsed: "Mr. Treasurer Vane by
Sir Henry Hungate, received 14th; answered 16th." 2 pp.] |
Sept. 13,
Thornton. |
55. Sir Edward Tyrrell to the same. I have in obedience to
yours of August 20th last with my fellow deputy-lieutenants taken
order in the absence of our Lord Lieutenant for the readiness of the
trained band of our county [Bucks.], and according to the honour
given me by your letters I have appointed Lord Weyneman to
bring them to the rendezvous when time shall serve; but though
he refuses not the service he questions my authority and requires
the hands of six of the Council for his warrant. The honour you
do me to appoint the person somewhat troubles my neighbour,
Sir Alexander Denton [late sheriff of Bucks.], who, to use his own
phrase, quarrels at my superintendency and makes doubtful constructions of your commands by those your letters to me; therefore I
entreat, that as you have thought me worthy to appoint the man,
and I having nominated Lord Weyneman to dignify him, who I
conceive takes it not otherwise, that now, unless you dislike the
person, you will justify me in your next and clear me of undertaking
more than you appointed. [¾ p.] |
Sept. 13,
Boothby-Pagnell. |
56. Robert Saunderson to Archbishop Laud. I have according to
your appointment copied out my two sermons on I Cor. x., 23, in the
words they were delivered as near as I could remember, saving
that I have inserted a passage or two, noted in the margin, which
were forgotten in the delivery. After my return from waiting, for
weeks I could not write them because of boils, the dregs of my last
year's ague, stirred with travelling in that hot season, and since I
finished them they have lain by a good while for want of means
to convey them up safely at this dead time of year, till at length
Mr. Ric. Thornton, of Herts., has undertaken to deliver them to
you. But meantime, finding to my great grief, by the speeches
of some in these parts and letters from others further off, the great
distaste in the kingdom generally at the oath enjoined by the late
canons, I held it my duty rather to hazard the reputation of my
discretion than not faithfully to advertise you thereof. The oath
I have perused, and examined such exceptions to it as came to my
knowledge. In all which I find no such just scruple but that I
fully resolve by God's grace, unless I see stronger reasons to the
contrary than I have yet, to take the oath myself, and to endeavour
as much as in me is to remove the scruples of others that boggle
at it as I have already done to some, I hope, with good success.
But I hear there are divers papers that pass secretly from hand
to hand containing large collections of reasons against taking the
oath, two of which I saw in the hands of a stranger who passed
this way, but could only cursorily look over the heads of the chief
arguments, and have never since met with copies of any such
papers. But the sight or at least the buzz of them it seems has
wrought such a prejudice against the oath in both laity and clergy,
that I am much afraid multitudes of churchmen, not only of the
preciser sort, whose dislike is the less to be regarded because they
like nothing not of their own desiring, but of such as are otherwise
every way conformable will utterly refuse to take the oath or be
drawn to it with much difficulty. Whereby how far the disaffection
already too great in most of our people to all public proceedings
may be increased, what encouragement may be given to the Scotch
rebels and their favourers, and what other inconveniences may ensue,
I cannot judge. Unless either by his Majesty's special direction the
pressing of the oath be forborne for a time till his further pleasure
be made known, or some short explanation of such passages in
it as from their ambiguity are most subject to cavil and misconstruction be sent to all persons empowered to administer it, to be
publicly read before tendering it, or some other provision be made
for removing those scruples or prejudices so many are so deeply
possessed with, the peace of this Church is apparently in danger to
be more disquieted, though there be little cause, by this one
occasion, than by anything that has happened in our memories.
[Seal with device. 2 pp.] |
Sept. 14,
Wonastow. |
57. John Milborne, sheriff of co. Monmouth, to the Council. Of
the 1,500l. ship-money charged on my county, I have already paid
400l. and have now sent up 400l. I have also taken undertakings
in writing from the officers for payment of the rest in a short
time which shall be sent up when I receive it. I have been and
am constrained to send my own servants authorized by warrants
to assist the officers, some distresses have been taken, but no buyers
are to be had, and in some towns when they perceive those officers
to come in for execution of the service the inhabitants charged
with payments make fast their doors, so that as yet distress cannot
be had without breaking open their houses. I have also given
warrants to apprehend such delinquents, which cannot as yet be
fully executed; some stand committed and the rest I hope to have.
I beseech your further directions what course to take with those
officers that have undertaken already, if they fail of performance,
and with the townsmen that keep their doors fast from distress and
themselves from apprehension; and that the values of the distresses
which cannot be sold may be allowed in the sum charged till sale
can be made. [Endorsed by Nicholas: "Received 18th October
[September ?], to be read." Seal with device. 1 p.] |
Sept. 14,
Worcester. |
58. Sir John Winford, sheriff of co. Worcester, to the same. According to your command I have sent the enclosed affidavits signifying
the neglect of those gentry and others mentioned in my certificate of
July 13; whereby you will find I require no further assistance
from the constables than what is requisite to enable me to effect
this service, for unless they be compelled to give me the rates and
show me the lands and goods of the inhabitants in their constablewicks, I hope you will conceive me utterly disabled in this service.
And there being none to be hired to assist my servants in carrying
away or receiving distresses, I hope you will think it fit the constables
should assist, seeing that no parish will pay till they are distrained,
and no constable will take a distress but requires assistance from
me; and when I send my servants they will not be at home, or
will do nothing in the service, because, they say, they are so threatened by the country. And if I should be driven to take every
distress to a common inn, which might be 5 or 6 miles distant,
it would take so much time I should be able to give but a slender
account of the service, because there are but few I can get to undertake this employment. I might justly have accused the whole of
neglect but hoped the example of some would reform the rest.
Those constables that are most negligent and accuse their parishioners
of the greatest obstinacy being attached by the messenger can straight
procure the greater part of the money, giving assurance for the
speedy payment of the rest and procure the best of the parish to
mediate for them, which I conceive makes it evident, as some have
confessed, that they dare do nothing but what the parish allows,
and some that have been formerly attached have confessed the
parish promised to bear them out. I wish you knew with what
opposition I proceed in the service, or that I could relate how many
devices I have found in the constables to decline it, that you might
not impute it to my negligence. [Endorsed by Nicholas: "Received
22nd Sept." Seal with arms of the county. 1 p.] Enclosed, |
|
58. i. Affidavit of Meredith Heath of the neglect of the following
constables: Francis Mickleton, of Wickhamford, Richard
Ardway, of Broadway, —Smith, of Blackenhurst, John
George of Badsey, Thomas Montford, of North Littleton, and
Thomas Phillips, of South Littleton, in the ship-money
service, and that John Goodwin, gent., of Combe, John
Clarke, gent., of Mickleton, co. Gloucester, and Richard
Scarlet, of Hampton Magna, rescued distresses of their
goods. 10 Sept. 1640. [1¼ p.] |
|
58. ii. The like of Thomas Solley to the same effect. 10 Sept. 1640.
[1⅓ p.] |
Sept. 14,
The Leaguer, beside Newcastle. |
59. The General and Committee of the Scotch Covenanters to
William Lord Lanerick, Secretary of State for Scotland [sent by
Sir Peter Killigrew]. We cannot leave to represent to you that we
extremely regret the delay of time to the 24th of this month
especially seeing it is for the meeting of the Peers and not of the
whole [English] Parliament, by whose advice only matters can
be composed; and as every day gives occasion of heavier prejudices
to both nations, so we apprehend that the longer our grievances
are in redressing, and our losses in repairing, the more difficult
will be the remedies and the greater our engagements, which we hope
his Majesty will take into his gracious consideration as a business
so often remonstrated and so highly importing the glory of God,
his Majesty's honour, and the weal of his kingdoms. None
of his Majesty's subjects are detained by us but such as were taken
in a military way and who carried arms against us in a hostile
manner, and as we have ever studied to give all dutiful obedience to
his Majesty's just commands, so we are ready to release the officers and
soldiers taken prisoners on assurance of his Majesty's just favour of
the like release to any of ours who shall happen to fall into the like
condition. We have many times humbly supplicated his Majesty
to set free some of our countrymen who were taken in this kingdom,
whereof Alexander Cunningham, who lies in the Fleet, for not
taking an oath contrary to the National Covenant, is one, and the
Laird of Lochtour, who was taken to Berwick as he was going to
his home, is another; and howbeit we have had no answer, yet we
must still humbly petition his Majesty to release these two and all
others who are taken for our cause, who have not committed any
offence against his Majesty's laws censurable in England. [Endorsed
by Sec. Windebank: "Copy of the Scotch rebels' letter to Lord
Lanerick of September 14; received from Mr. Treasurer Vane
[Sept.] 18." 1 p.] |
Sept 14,
York. |
60. Sec. Vane to Sec. Windebank. I perceive by Lord Cottington's
letter as well as yours that 42,000l. is all that is to be expected; he
says it shall come away with all diligence, but specifies not the time;
but it is not this will do the business, and I much apprehend the
Earl Marshal will not be able to divert the citizens [of London] from
petitioning his Majesty for a Parliament, the distemper grows so
universal. It is advertised to this Court, as well as by yours to the
King, that [the Earls of] Hertford and Essex set out from London
towards this place to-morrow, and that few of the other nobility will
be here at the appointed day of meeting; should it fall out so, it
were not well, but in such case it is to be considered whether it
should be held or not, and that I conceive is worthy of the Lords'
advice above, who are at the place and may first and best discover the
same. For the Turkish ambassador, his Majesty's answer is he may
yet stay where he is; for the Danish, he hears nothing yet of his
errand, nor do I, his Majesty bids me tell you, when he doth both
the Lords and you shall have knowledge thereof. At the Lord
Lieutenant's instance, the better to induce the Yorkshire gentlemen
to grant a month's pay for their trained bands, his Majesty has
promised them not only to take off 6,000 of their 12,000 soldiers
for the future, but to remit their escuage, and to give [them] the
wardship of all who shall die in this service. I knew not of it until
his Majesty had declared it to the gentlemen. The other counties
he has sent to to rise with their forces, will no doubt expect the same,
and so will the rest of the counties in the south, if they shall have
occasion to rise; and therefore you will do well to communicate this
business to the Earl Marshal and Lord Cottington, for this of the
wardships may be of consequence, and so I have told his Majesty.
The Lords and you may do well to advise hereupon, and then let me
know your opinions, for in the other adjacent counties I have
advised his Majesty only to remit the escuage, and that concurs
with my Lords' opinions for suspension of the proclamations. The
Scots are busy fortifying Newcastle, where four ships have lately
arrived out of the East country with corn, so their [the Scots']
army is provided for six months, besides Northumberland and the
Bishopric [of Durham are] at their devotion, out of which they will
draw great profit and convenience. I doubt you in the south do not
yet apprehend the conquences of the loss of Newcastle, but a little
time will make them apparent; I cannot find how it is possible, let
his Majesty draw together what force he can, to get them out of that
place this winter; so you may see clearly in what condition his
Majesty's affairs are. They plant garrisons and take up their winter
quarters throughout Northumberland and the bishopric, and so they
may, for his Majesty's army cannot be fit to fight these six weeks;
in what state we shall be by that time for money you above know
better than I, and may better foresee the events, if God Almighty
send not more unity amongst us. [Endorsed by Sec. Windebank:
"Received by Mr. Tyrwhit Sept. 15, answered 16th." 3¾ pp.] |
Sept. 14,
Newcastle. |
Tobias Knowles and William Hamilton, commissioners appointed
by General Leslie and the Committee for ordering the business of the
Scotch army, to George Gray and Anthony Smith, collectors for the
Dean and Chapter of Durham. We, understanding that the tenants
of the Dean and Chapter have rents in their hands due at St.
Cuthbert's Day last and rents that will fall due at Martinmas next.
with tithes and other profits, these are by virtue of our commission
to require you to inquire for and search out all the rents, tithes, and
profits belonging to the Bishop of Durham, the Dean and Chapter, or
any their associates or Papists, enemies to this cause and expedition,
and to give in their names with a schedule or inventory of their
goods, rents, and profits whatsoever, and you are to warn the
tenants of the manors here specified not to pay any rents to the Dean
and Chapter, but towards the relief and maintenance of the [Scotch]
army as they will answer the contrary. Those that shall refuse to
pay as directed we charge you to return their names in writing that
such further course may be taken with them as shall be thought fit
by General Leslie. [Printed in Rushworth iii., p. 1268. See Sept. 4,
vol. cccclxvi., No. 42, p. 32. Copy=12/3 p.] |
Sept. 14,
York. |
61. [Dr. Pocklington to Sir John Lambe]. On August 29 the King
removed from York to North-Allerton, 24 miles, intending to pass to
Durham, and so on to Newcastle, to draw up his army and so keep
the Scots from passing the Tyne, but before he came to NorthAllerton tidings were brought that the Scots had passed the river
and defeated our men, whereupon after service on Sunday morning
[Aug. 30] betimes, we all returned with all speed to York, and his
whole army, horse and foot, followed him, to the great discomfort
and lamentation of the whole country. The Scots marched without
resistance to Newcastle, seized the keys of the town, granaries,
magazines, and castle, and made the Mayor and Aldermen attend their
General in a most servile manner. This mischief might have been
prevented if the town and adjacent countries would have supplied
Sir Jacob Ashley with 3,000l. to draw up an army for their defence,
but they answered they could not possibly levy so great a sum; and
now these very men have compounded with Leslie to pay his army
about 12,000l. every month. About the time the Scots defeated us
God gave them the greatest blow they ever yet received, for the
Lords and others to the number of 150 left to order the affairs of the
country, after the departure of their two armies, one under Leslie
against us, the other under Argyle against the Irish, were by an
unknown accident blown up with gunpowder. The King has a goodly
army of about 30,000 about York, but they move not. The Lords of
the south have petitioned the King to summon a Parliament and
compose the matter without blood. The names of the Lords I have
subscribed are Beds., Herts., Essex, Warwick, Rutland, Bolingbroke,
Exeter, Mulgrave, Say and Sele, Mandeville, Howard, and Brooks.
The King has appointed the 24th of this month for all his Peers to
meet at York, and his answer to their petition is that they and the
rest may then propound what they think fit. This may be some
cause why the army advances not, yet some troops of horse are gone
towards North-Allerton. The nobles, gentlemen, and yeomen of
Yorkshire met at York this last week and yielded very cheerfully
to maintain 12,000 of the trained band for a month to do the King
service. Sir Francis Wortley in my hearing told the King he had
brought 100 gentlemen volunteers to do him service at their own
charge, and the King asking what armour they brought he told him
good hearts and good swords. Lord Fairfax has also brought 100
volunteers. I would the south were as forward as the north, the
Scots would then have small joy to stay here long, much less to send
for their wives to Newcastle as they have done. To-day I hear the
Scots have sent the King another petition to this effect, that if he
will summon a Parliament, as the Lords of the south have desired,
they will be content to be disposed of as it shall think fit. Perhaps
you will imagine there is some correspondence between the petitioners
on both sides. It is certain the Scots' first petition came only a
few days before Lords Mandeville and Howard brought the petition
of the Lords of the south to the same effect, and now the Scots have
backed their petition with another to like purpose. Twelve thousand Irish lie ready to land when the King calls for them; six great
pieces of ordnance were yesterday brought through York to the
army, which for the most part lies in tents, and very many soldiers
are billeted in the town. The King has appointed all the bishops
also to meet with the Lords on the 24th of this month, and it is
no more than need requires; if the buzzes about Court are to be
regarded no good is intended to the Church. The King has given the
Lord Lieutenant [of Ireland] the Order of the Garter [13 Sept.], who
well deserves it, for he has wrought both the north and the Irish to
be forward in his Majesty's service with about 24,000 men. The
Irish are said to bring with them half a year's provision. One main
grievance in the Lords' petition is that Irish forces are reported to
be coming, and that the Papists bear arms when by law they are to
have none. This day upon news [being received] that the Scots
had taken Yarme, in Yorkshire, 6 miles from Northallerton, and
so had free passage over the Tees to Cleveland and Hull, and whither
they would, the King sent 2,000 horse and 4,000 foot to entertain
them. The 4,000 foot that were on their march to meet the Scots
are recalled; so hard it is to write any certain news. Their army is
poor, beggarly, and weak, without armour or any considerable
munition; if the King would give our men leave to advance, and they
would fight and not basely run away and throw away their arms, as
they did before, the Scots could not withstand them at all. [1⅓ p.] |
| Sept. 14. |
62. Certificate by Commissary-General Pinckney of bread delivered to several quarter-masters on their receipts out of his
Majesty's magazine at the Trinities, to the value of 20l. 10s. 3d.,
or corrected total, 12l. 15s. 3d. This is followed by a receipt of
Ralph Crippes, deputy to Commissary Pinckney, for the above
sum of 12l. 15s. 3d. from the several quarter-masters and for the
sum of 15l. 4s. 6d. from Matthew Bradley, deputy to Sir Wm.
Uvedale, in full of all those moneys staid mentioned in this bill of
stays given into this office for provisions. 5 Nov. 1640. [1½ p.] |
| Sept. 15. |
63. Petition of the Ministers, Schoolmasters, and Practitioners of
Physic in the county of Dorset and diocese of Bristol to the King.
They have hitherto submitted to the government ecclesiastical by
archbishops, bishops, &c. established within this realm and intend
to do so for time to come. There is at present urged on them an
oath strictly forbidding their consent to any alteration of the said
government at any time hereafter. Now, forasmuch as the oath is
in ambiguous terms and subject to doubtful construction, and because
petitioners conceive it implies a contradiction to the Oath of
Supremacy formerly taken by them, since they must by this oath
swear never to consent to the alteration of things in their own
nature alterable, and which may on just cause be altered by that
supreme power wherewith your Majesty is by the laws of this
realm invested in matters ecclesiastical, which by their former
oath they have acknowledged, and promised to you, your heirs and
successors, all obedience thereto; petitioners therefore, invited by
your promise in your late Declaration of relieving the just grievances
of your subjects, beseech you to order that this oath, so grievous to
the consciences of your loyal subjects, may not be imposed on them.
[Copy. 2/3 p.] Subjoined, |
|
63. i. Petition of the same to the Council. That the Lords would
so far tender the annexed petition of your suppliants to his
Majesty as to procure from him a gracious answer to it,
to ease the consciences of your suppliants. [On same
paper. Copy. ⅓ p.] |
|
63. ii. Part of a letter of intelligence to Bishop Skinner, of Bristol,
concerning the oath in the canon. I sincerely profess to
you, however at several times I have discoursed with divers
about it, and have given a competent resolution to such as
have addressed me for satisfaction, that at the receipt of your
letter I was utterly a stranger to there being any petition
against it; and finding on inquiry that Archdeacon
Rives and Mr. Pitt had not heard anything of that
business, I was forced to seek further for intelligence and
at last certainly learnt, first, that a draft of a petition was
tendered to Mr. Swayne, vicar of Sturminster, who refusing to subscribe, acquainted me that he only saw Mr.
Curry's name set to it, a forward curate in your diocese;
secondly, that Mr. Bernard, rector of Clenston, brought for
the same purpose the like petition to Mr. Talbott, vicar of
Milton, who gave me a copy which I enclose; from whom
I understand that for greater secrecy in the business, Mr.
Bernard signified to him, it was not desired at present
he should set his name to the petition but only afford his
assent, and if he would yield to that that hereafter he
should be called upon for his name; thirdly, that Mr.
Welstead, rector of Bloxford, a Peculiar belonging to the
Dean of Sarum, solicited Mr. Highmore, rector of
Stickland, with the like petition but was denied. So that
the petition stirs very coldly in these parts, though about
Sherborne I have heard they are more active in it.
Endorsed by Archbishop Laud: "Received October 2nd,
1640, from the Bishop of Bristol: 1, the copy of the petition
in Dorsetshire against the oath; 2, a branch of a letter to
the bishop concerning it." [Copy. ¾ p.] |
| Sept. 15. |
64. The Council to the Commissioners of Sewers. By a petition
presented to the Board in the name of Sir Anthony Thomas and his
adventurers, &c., we find they complain of the proceedings of some of
you, the Commissioners of Sewers for the level of the East and West
fens beyond Boston, for taking land from them for defects of works,
and for sequestering the profits of their lands, also for heavily and
needlessly taxing lands, and proceeding to raise the rate with
violence, and have appointed Wednesday next to finish your Acts.
It is the intention of the Board, some time next Term, to hear the
differences complained of, and meanwhile to command you to forbear
to finish or execute any your acts made or intended to be made on
the 16th of this month, concerning the undertaking of Sir Anthony
Thomas, and that you cause the profits you have received on the tax
to be repaid to the parties from whom you received them as also
that they may enjoy the rents and profits of their lands; and for the
works, that you permit Sir Anthony to continue his course without
employing any other to interrupt him until the differences shall be
heard and determined by us; and that you take effectual order that
the banks of the Witham, near Dogdike or Wildmore, and the banks
of the Leam, near Steeping, be repaired and kept without prejudicing
the said undertakings. [Draft. 1 p.] |
Sept. 15.
Office of Ordnance. |
65. Certificate of Officers of Ordnance, by command of the Earl of
Strafford, Lieutenant General of his Majesty's army, of the arms
delivered to the regiments of Colonels Hamilton, Brett, and
Hammond, and of those received from them again at their late disbanding; with an account of the value of those that are wanting.
[92/3 pp.] |
| Sept. 15. |
66. [Statement by Sir Robert Mansell to Sec. Windebank] of the
condition of his works near Newcastle for manufacture of window
glass. I had three furnaces here fully manned and at work when the
Scots came before the town. Window glass, 1,200 cases, worth 1,500l.
made and packed ready to be shipped for the use of London and the
southern and eastern parts of the kingdom. Above 4,000l. laid out
by me in that place and remaining there in building, provisions, and
other necessaries for furnishing the kingdom with window glass.
All three furnaces were in excellent working order with fires in each
and the pots full of metal when my workmen with their wives and
families fled for fear, to the number of 60 persons, who now demand
dead wages, which I must undergo to prevent their leaving the
kingdom, which would disable me from furnishing these parts with
that sort of glass, and for a time hazard the manufacture itself. If
the Scots should continue the possession of that place I shall not be
furnished with sufficient coal to uphold the glass works in London,
which would totally destroy the manufacture, and force all the glassmakers, being strangers, to quit the kingdom and thereby to occasion
my loss of 20 years time and expense of 30,000l., besides the charge
of perfecting the work with coal, which brings a constant revenue to
the Crown and is divers ways beneficial to the whole kingdom. I
am this Michaelmas to pay into his Majesty's Exchequer 750l. for
my half year's rent, and to satisfy the Earl of Kinnoul 300l. by his
Majesty's order, which amounts to 1,050l. The maintenance of so
many families when I can neither have glass made to countervail
my charge nor sell any that is made and paid for may prove an
insupportable loss, which from its uncertainty I forbear to estimate.
My suit to you is that my hard condition may be represented to his
Majesty with the danger I am in from want of glass, wherewith I am
tied by contract to furnish the kingdom, unless his Majesty direct me
some remedy or refer me to the consideration of the Council at Whitehall, who may have power to authorize me to return my workmen
to their employment and to employ two, three, or four ships to fetch
away my glass, and to bring coals with them to enable me to uphold
my works in London, and which will prevent the clamour of very
many families that live by glass, and in some measure relieve the
City with fuel. [Endorsed: "Sir Rob. Mansell, 15 Sept. 1640." 1½ p.] |
| [Sept. 15.] |
67. Thos. White to Sec. Windebank. I understand you have sent
out a warrant for my speedy apprehension, which I could have
wished otherwise, since on your least summons I would without a
messenger have waited on you. The cause, I conceive, may arise
from a paper I sent his Majesty [see 10 Sept., No. 13], touching the
general murmurs, collected out of the public discourse, which on
consideration of the present troubles, and out of a loyal conflict with
myself, I thought in many points might be useful to his Majesty.
How distant some pieces thereof may be from truth and how much
athwart his secret intentions, I do not determine. Wherein if you think
me over busy and without a calling to intrude on the office of his
counsellors of State, I beseech you to understand me aright, and
remember I am one of the mean ones carried in the public bark, now
in a most impetuous tempest, where I aspire not to steer, but would
not be wanting in my labours at the pump, or any office befitting
my condition; for shipwreck is imminent, and I am one of the 40,000
in this kingdom who are now ready to starve with meat in our
mouths through those horrid intestine divisions. I would do what
I can in the common help for my King, especially because I have
somewhat else to offer at his sacred altar, whereunto I was formerly
enjoined by his own command, where I shall loyally prostrate myself
at the instant of his Majesty's return; when I wish his Grace of
Canterbury and you might be made partakers of my loyal oblation.
And I shall give such an account of that mission aud the end thereof as may move you to believe I am neither Papist nor Atheist,
Puritan nor Covenanter, but an honest and most conformable subject.
[Endorsed: "Mr. White; in defence of something he had written to
the King and thereupon sent for by a messenger." 1 p.] |
| Sept. 16. |
68. Council warrant [similar to that already calendared under
date Sept. 11] for his Majesty's auditor and receivers of his revenues
in cos. Northampton, Rutland, Warwick, Leicester, Stafford,
Hereford, Salop, Lancaster, Westmoreland, and Cumberland, or their
deputies. In regard these counties are full of soldiers commanded
to be at their places of rendezvous and there are now more than usual
loose and idle wandering persons who, if they shall understand that
moneys are received and transported from place to place, may plot
and endeavour to make themselves masters thereof to the great
predjudice of his Majesty and danger to the auditor and receivers,
these are in the King's name to charge all mayors, sheriffs, deputylieutenants, justices of peace, and others his Majesty's officers and
loving subjects to be aiding and assisting to the auditor and receivers
not only in suppressing all disorders that may happen at the place
of their keeping the said audits but in their travelling from place to
place with the King's moneys, and for that purpose if required to
furnish them with a convoy. [Draft. 1½ p.] Underwritten, |
|
68. i. The like warrant for William Watkins, receiver of his
Majesty's revenues for cos. Carmarthen, Pembroke, Radnor,
Cardigan, Brecon, Monmouth, and Glamorgan, or his
deputies. Dated Sept. 16. [4 lines.] |
|
68 ii. The like for Mr. Auditor Gwynn for cos. Nottingham, Derby,
Lincoln, and the co. palatine of Chester. 27 Sept. [3 lines.] |
| Sept. 16. |
69. The Council to the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London, to
stop the intended petition of the City to the King. [Printed in
Rushworth iii., 1262. Draft. 2 pp.] |
| Sept. 16. |
70. The same to the Lords Lieutenant of the several counties on
this side Trent, for having in readiness sundry military provisions
and tools for making defensive works, and to take care that the
magazines be stored with powder, shot, and match. [Printed in
Rushworth iii., 1268. 2 pp.] |
| Sept. 16. |
71. Another copy of the same. [A note underwritten to the effect
that "Thomas Worleage, of Thames-street, London, dyer, having been
bound over to attend the Board, entered his appearance." [Draft.
2½ pp.] Annexed, |
|
71. i. List of the counties to which the above letter was to be sent.
[Rushworth iii., 1269, gives this list correctly, except that
he omits Sussex. 1 p.] |
| Sept. 16. |
72. The same to [the deputy-lieutenants of divers counties], concerning the defraying the expenses of conveying the trained men to
their place of service. [Endorsed by Nicholas: "Minute of letters to
divers deputy-lieutenants;" but printed in Rushworth iii., 1269, as
"a letter to the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, and in his absence to his
deputy-lieutenants." Draft. 1½ p.] |
| Sept. 16. |
73. The same to the Mayor and Burgesses of Wilton, co. Wilts.
By a petition presented to the Board by Wiliam Hewes, clerk of the
check to the messengers of the Chamber, whose family reside at
Wilton, we perceive that in 20 years he has been three times elected
mayor of Wilton, which he underwent, and that now without regard
to time or the necessity of his being here in his Majesty's service you
have again chosen him for your mayor this next year and intend on
the 2nd of October to elect him or fine him. We, therefore, because
his Majesty's service requires now more than ordinary his attendance
on his place, expressly command you to forbear not only from choosing
Hewes for your mayor or to fine him but to free him from all other
offices in that town. [Draft. 1 p.] |
Sept. 16.
Whitehall. |
74. The same to Henry Earl of Danby. It is the King's pleasure
you repair at once to your government of Guernsey, and defend the
island against all assaults. [Draft. ¾ p.] |
Sept. 16.
9 a.m., Whitehall. |
75. Notes by Windebank of the proceedings in Council. The
letter to the Lord Mayor from the Scotch rebels dated 8th September.
A copy of the rebels' [letter] to be sent to the King and not the
original. An oath likely to be tendered and ministers ride abroad
frequently. The Earl Marshal's motion to write to the King, that
presently he declare the calling of a Parliament that he may have
the honour of it himself. What the Archbishop of Canterbury has
written to the King now concerning the present declaring of the
Parliament my Lords are fallen upon. This it is thought will stop
all petitions. A letter to the Lord Mayor and Aldermen concerning
the petition, that it is a shameful one and unreasonable; the Lords
cannot believe the City will be so undutiful. The Earl Marshal
is of opinion that this business of the great ships of Newcastle
should be debated at the meeting of the Lords [Peers at York], and
in the meantime the Lords are of opinion there should be no trade.
They are divided here in opinion between the discontentment of the
City and the furnishing of the rebels, and therefore it is fit for the
Great Council of Peers. The Trinity House not to be spoken with.
Printing. Offer of the Earl of Bristol's son. The drawing of the forces
of the counties to the confines not approved, because of the charge
and former disorders; they are mustered every week and as much
is done as amounts to it; they have answered they are ready and
will go when commanded. Any nobleman and gentlemen that will
exercise may do it, and a letter [to be] written to that purpose. The
Archbishop's letter. Earl of Salisbury, pensioners. [¾ p.] |
| Sept. 16. |
Notes by Sec. Windebank of his proceedings in the King's
absence. I wrote to his Majesty, and sent him the rebels' letter to the
Lord Mayor, and a copy of the City's petition, also of the Lords' letter
to the Lord Mayor; advice concerning the present declaring of a
Parliament; the Newcastle trade business to be referred to the
Council of Peers. Earl of Bristol and his son. Drawing the forces
of the counties to the confines not approved. Letters from the
Archbishop of Canterbury and the Earl Marshal to his Majesty. [I
also wrote] to Mr. Treasurer Vane to the same purpose, and to the
Lord Lieutenant [of Ireland], with three letters from Sir Arthur
Hopton to me and one to him. [See Aug. 20, vol. cccclxiv., No. 45.
⅓ p.] |
Sept. 16.
York. |
76. Sec. Vane to Sec. Windebank. Two of the King's ships have
come, and lie before the mouth of the Tyne, and have order to
hinder all trade while the rebels hold Newcastle, so I do not see how
London can be supplied with coal; for concerning the proposition
that vessels of small burden only should trade, it is conceived both
by his Majesty and the Lords here that no vessels whatever should
be permitted to trade thither, and that great and small vessels will
be equally inconvenient. Sir Peter Killigrew has returned to-day
from the prisoners, but cannot procure their liberty from the rebels,
except on the conditions enclosed. The Scots do not yet advance
farther than Durham, having brought that county into contribution, they pay 350l. a day, Northumberland 300l., in which are
comprised the Church and Roman Catholics at equal rates; yet the
horse take hay and oats for nothing; from all those who keep their
houses, nothing more is taken, but if they [the Scots] find no
dwellers in houses in Newcastle or the counties those [houses]
they plunder; but if they take an egg or a chicken from those who
pay contribution they are certainly hanged for it. They keep a
very severe discipline; I wish it were more practised on our side,
for our horse and foot both commit great insolencies, for which two
were hanged yesterday. His Majesty tells me he has sent you
a command for fortifying Portsmouth; he has commanded me to
second it to you, that it may be complied with. His Majesty read
your postscript, and smiled when he met with Monsigot's putting
you in mind of your mortality; and I doubt not, though money
goes out fast at present, that his Majesty, if he is once at an
end of these troubles, will deal graciously with us touching that
office; and it is but reason, for we have done him service in it. We
are in great expectancy of the 24th instant, and of the Lords and
Sir Francis Seymour coming down; though it is not expected by
us here that the meeting of the Peers will produce anything more
than a resolution for a Parliament, which word is thought sufficient
not only to put the Scots out of the kingdom, but a balm to cure
all our sores. If you ask this bearer he will tell you how those of
Newcastle suffer. [Endorsed: "Mr. Treasurer by Sir Peter Killigrew; received 18th, answered 18th [Sept.]." 3¾ pp.] |
Sept. 16.
Godolphin. |
77. Sir Francis Godolphin to Sir Thos. Jermyn, Comptroller of the
Household. The deputy-lieutenants of this co. of Cornwall having received directions from our Lord Lieutenant to address ourselves to you
in matters concerning his Majesty's service, and having since received
command from the Earl of Arundel for the trained bands to be
ready to march on 24 hours' warning, I hold it my duty to offer to
your consideration the condition of this most western regiment,
which has usually been a supply, in case of alarm, to Pendennis
Castle or Scilly, and as it is convenient for the former, so the latter
has no other speedy way of aid; not that this regiment is not as
forward as any to wait on the King's commands wherever he
requires them, but perhaps it may not be his pleasure to have them
taken from two places of such consequence, and so likely to be
within the design of any foreign state ill-affected to this kingdom.
[Seal with arms. 1 p.] |
| Sept. 16. |
78. List of the officers and artificers of the Ordnance appointed
for the garrison of the Tower, with their several entertainments, by
the day, month, and year; total, by the year, 656l. 10s. 0d. [2/3 p.] |
| Sept. 17. |
79. The Justices of Peace for co. Herts. to the Council. Before
your letter of the 6th of this month, concerning inquiries to be made
of riots and profanation of churches with other disorders, came to
our hands, we had directed a precept to the sheriff for an inquisition
at Watton the 15th of this month, and warrants to the constables
in the hundred of Broadwater, and half-hundred of Hitchin,
for strict inquiries to be made after the rioters and their countenancers and abettors. The sheriff having returned 24 for jurors,
we selected 17 of them, freeholders, and the constables and others
present at the riots, or who immediately after saw the rioters,
informed them; which being done, we made proclamation
that if any could inform for the King they should be heard. The
jury gave their verdict in writing, that the rails in the chancels in
five churches in Broadwater Hundred were pulled down by soldiers,
and declared the certain day and number, in no place exceeding
five persons, and their entry into the churches by finding the door
open, or procuring the key. But they seriously affirmed to us, on
oath, they could not discover the name or dwelling of one rioter.
In the half-hundred of Hitchin, only the church of King's Walden,
had the rails pulled down; on Sunday during Divine Service, 24
soldiers entered it, and sat in the chancel till the sermon was ended,
and then, before all the congregation, they tore down the rails and
defaced the wainscoat, invited themselves to the churchwardens to
dinner, exacted money from the minister, brought an excommunicated
person into the church, and forced the minister to read evening
prayer in his presence. By no means could we discover the names or
dwellings of any of these malefactors, save that they were soldiers
billeted in Beds.; and three days afterwards, openly in the daytime,
they entered the ground of Periam Docwra, Esq., and took thence a
fat ox, which they brought into the next market town, with a drum,
the owner and his servants looking on, and not daring to resist; it was
restored to the owner for 16s., drink money. The jurors presented
that Edward Dickenson, of Luton, Beds., was one of them. As for
those mentioned above, the truth is some vagabonds were impressed who wander through this and other counties, whom neither
the House of Correction nor any other punishment will reform;
some of these commanded by Capt. Brockett, lived all that time
as orderly as could be expected from men of their condition, but
the day after their disbanding, which was the 26th of August, the
rails in three churches were pulled up; probably by these vagabond
soldiers, for the servants, labourers, and tradesmen impressed, after
their disbandment, returned immediately to their homes and callings.
These men change their names and places of abode, and are so desperate
in these distempered times, that countrymen, for fear of fire and other
outrages, are readier to relieve than accuse them. Four days after
their disbanding five of these vagabond soldiers went to a gentleman's
house in Broadwater Hundred, where Capt. Brockett was, and
pretended the captain detained their wages, and threatened to have
money, or his blood; when the captain wounded one of them with
his sword, whereof he died next day. The soldier so slain, the
master of the House of Correction informs us, was an incorrigible
rogue, born and bred of vagabond parents, and, it is thought, the
leader of those who profaned the churches; from which time there
has been no riot, so far as we know. [Endorsed: "Received
30 Sept." 1½ p.] |
| Sept. [17.] |
80. Rodulph Warcopp, sheriff of Oxon., to the Council. I have
done my utmost to collect his Majesty's ship-money, but find the
country so generally averse to pay, and all officers so slack in the
execution of my warrants, that the service is very much retarded;
few or none will pay but by distress, nor will any assist an officer
therein, but threaten to sue them, and tell them a sheriff's warrant
is not sufficient to bear them out; so they are thereby much disheartened. I have sent warrants, according to your directions, to
the bailiffs of the liberties, for the sheriff has no bailiffs, the whole
county being granted out into liberties, for the speedy collecting of the
ship-money; but Thomas Banister, bailiff of Dorchester Hundred,
and Thomas Sterne, of Thame, sent them me back again, and said
they would not meddle with the business. Others have proceeded
to execute them, but most of their distresses have been rescued from
them by force, or taken out of the pound in the night; and while
they are taking one distress in a town the rest lock up their goods
in their houses, and will not suffer them to enter. Nor will any
constable assist a bailiff in taking a distress, but only in keeping the
King's peace; nor will any other man aid, or be hired to aid, in
distraining; nor will any buy any distress. Mentions distresses
rescued, or taken out of the pound. There was one, William Davies, of
Mongewell, gentleman, whose son and servants I formerly returned for
resisting me in distraining, whose example, I believe, has much
damaged this service; for the country took great notice of the affront,
being the first resistance ever offered to the high sheriff, and never
hearing of any punishment inflicted on the offenders, I verily
persuade myself their example made others more refractory. This
William Davies told me of late he was bound over by you to pay
me his Majesty's ship-money, and demanded what his assessment
was, I told him 6l. 18s. 0d., he answered he would pay but 6l. 11s. 9d.
I told him again I must have 6l. 18s. 0d. of him, which he refused
to pay, and went his way. [2 pp.] |
Sept. 17.
Whitehall. |
81. Warrant of the Council to Sir John Heydon and the Officers
of the Ordnance to furnish Sergeant-Major James Nolan with arms
and ammunition for arming a company of foot for service in the
north. [½ p.] |
| Sept. 17. |
82. The like to Francis Taylor, messenger, to bring up George
Edgley, head constable of Nantwich Hundred, John Skragg, and
John Hulse, of co. Chester. [Minute. ¼ p.] |
| Sept. 17. |
The like to Edmund Barker, messenger, for Constable Dongcastle, Harrison Kettle, John and William Kilshaw, of co. Chester.
[On the same paper. Minute. ¼ p.] |
| Sept. 17. |
83. Warrant of Sec. Windebank to [a messenger] to search
Matthew Taylor's house on Tower-hill and seize all the papers he
finds there. All justices of the peace, mayors, and other officers
to aid him in execution of this warrant. [¾ p.] |
| Sept. 17. |
84. The like of Francis Lord Cottington to Thomas Webb,
messenger of the Chamber, to take into custody and bring before
him Robert Pearson, Matthew Luggrone, and Daniel Pyeman.
[Seal with arms and crest. 1 p.] |
Sept. 17.
Arundel House. |
85. Edward Walker to Sir William Beecher. The Earl Marshal
has signed the warrant you sent for arms for Sergeant-Major Nolan,
and conceives it most fit he be furnished only with muskets for his
company as here specified, you may see the muster roll of them
under his own hand. [Seal with arms and crest. 2/3 p.] |
| [Sept. 17.] |
86. Petition of Sergeant-Major James Nolan to the Earl Marshal,
to allow him his charges for keeping 82 soldiers for 16 days. [½ p.]
Annexed, |
|
86. i. Note by Sergeant-Major Nolan of his charges with his
officers and soldiers by the day in their march to his
Majesty's army in the north; and the arms they require.
[Endorsed by Nicholas: "I know nothing concerning any
order touching the persons within named. Sept. 11,
1640." 1 p.] |
| Sept. 17. |
87. A list or establishment of officers and attendants belonging
to a train of artillery for the south part of England, signed by the
Earl Marshal, and to continue till he shall give order to the contrary. Estimated by the day, month, and year. Total per annum,
327l. 12s. 0d. [1 p.] |
Sept. 18.
Whitehall. |
88. The Council to the King. Whereas we understood of a
petition signed by 12 lords sent to you concerning divers evils
grown into this kingdom, and their remedies, to which you gave a
very gracious answer; and that some of the most eminent of the
said lords professed before us, that if at the time of framing the
petition they had understood of the Scots' invasion into this kingdom,
and the surprise of Newcastle, they would never have signed it;
we hold it our duty to advertise you that since your answer and
the profession made to us by some of the lords, we are informed
some other lords have signed the petition and divers others are
laboured to do the like, to our great wonder, considering the present
conjuncture of affairs, and that you have called to you the great
Council of Peers to give you their advice in this great exigency.
[Draft. 1 p.] |
| Sept. 18. |
89. The same to the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London.
Whereas we wrote to you on the 16th of this month to take some
course to stop a petition to his Majesty contrived in the name of
the citizens of London in an unwarranted manner; and did further
intimate to you by Sir W. Beecher, who was sent with the letter,
that in case the same were sent away before, or you could not stop
the proceeding thereof, that at least you and the rest should express
to his Majesty your dislike of the said petition so proceeded in.
And whereas we have not yet received any such satisfactory answer
as we might justly expect to our letter and message. We have
thought fit to require you forthwith to give us an account in
writing how you have proceeded in stopping the petition, or at least
in expressing your dislike of it. [Draft. 1 p.] |
| Sept. 18. |
90. Order of Council. The Lords being informed that unusual
numbers of Irish have lately repaired to London and Westminster,
and remain in the suburbs and liberties of these cities, did this day
order that the justices of peace for Middlesex and Westminster be
hereby required to take a present course not only for sending away
all such vagrant Irish as wander in and near the cities, but also of
all others that cannot give a good account for their coming and stay
here. [Draft. 2/3 p.] |
| Sept. 18. |
91. Warrant of the Council to Lord Treasurer Juxon and Lord
Cottington to issue to Mr. Henry Percy, for the troop of cuirassiers
he has raised at his own charge for his Majesty's body guard, one
month's pay according to the rate of pay for cuirassiers, and one
month's pay for a waggon at 4s. 8d. per diem, to begin the 14th of
this month, that day excluded. [Draft. ½ p.] |
| Sept. 18. |
92. Council warrant [to a messenger not named] to search the
house of Marshall, a tailor in Stillyard, Tower-hill, and seize all his
papers, &c. All mayors, sheriffs, and other officers to assist in the
execution of this warrant. Written above, |
|
92. i. Memorandum of four warrants of the effect following: to
search the houses, &c. of Marshall, a tailor, Dolman, a
merchant, Jones, a dyer, and Matthews, a tailor, all of
London. [Draft. ¾ p.] |
Sept. 18.
Whitehall. |
93. The like to search the house of Cornelius Burges, D.D., on
London Bridge. [Copy. ¾ p.] |
Sept. 18.
Whitehall. |
94. The like to search the house of the same at Watford, Herts.
[Copy. 2/3 p.] |
Sept. 18.
Whitehall. |
95. The like to search the house or houses of Jones [a dyer], or
any other person whatever suspected of having Popish or seditious
books, which are to be brought away. [Copy. 1 p.] |
Sept. 18.
Whitehall. |
96. The like to make diligent search for and take into
custody George Downing, D.D., and bring him before the Board.
[Copy ¾ p.] |
Sept. 18.
Whitehall. |
97. The like to the Keeper of the Gate-house or his deputy to put
the Irish priest O'Connor in close hold, and permit no one to speak
to him. [Draft. ½ p.] |
| Sept. 18. |
98. The like to release James Crichton from Newgate. [Minute.
3 lines.] |
| Sept. 18. |
99 The like to guard his Majesty's treasure through the several
counties to York. [Minute. ¼ p.] |
Sept. 18.
Whitehall. |
100. Notes by Sec. Windebank of the proceedings of the Council.
The Lord Mayor could not draw the Court of Aldermen to disclaim
the petition; it being contrary to the custom of the City to write to
the King they never presume to write to him, but they ought to
answer the letter from the Board, and the Lord Mayor to begin and
set his hand first. [In Margin: "A letter to the Lord Mayor that
the Lords look for an answer to their letter, wherein they are to
show their dislike of the petition."] The petition of the lords,
signed since it came back by some [other] lords. A letter to be
written to the King from the Board disavowing it. Dr. Burgess
gone down with a petition to the King, a very black man of
middling stature; it is said he has been in Scotland. Knollis' wife
to be sent for and her house searched. That the King will keep
those messengers that carry the petition; to know what warrant they
have from the City. [In Margin: "The like for the clergy."] Those
counties that shall rise and serve at their own charge are to have the
like privileges to those of Yorkshire in the Lords' opinion; or else the
King will not be served. There are two ships of his Majesty's at
Tynemouth and they will be out of victual by the 19th of next
month, and so will all the winter guard; the charge of supplying
them will be 4,160l., because his Majesty's command is so express for
not diverting money, his Majesty's present answer [is desired]. To
day 10,000l., and within four or five days 10,000l. more, and after
that the like within three or four days. The removing of my Lord
[Bishop] of Lincoln out of the Tower. The Lord Treasurer, no help;
rather squander away; a miracle; pepper; Abdy; Ricault in
danger. The Vice-Admiralty that Sir Lionel Talmage had for
Sir Thos. Glemham. [Printed in Appendix No. VI. of Camden
Society's vol. Notes of the Treaty of Ripon, p. 80. ¾ p.] |
| Sept. 18. |
Notes by Sec. Windebank of his proceedings in the King's absence.
I wrote to his Majesty with a letter from the Archbishop of Canterbury, and another from the Board, concerning their dislike of those
lords that have since his Majesty's answer signed the Lords'
petition; to know his pleasure concerning the wardships of those in
the south; and concerning the ships at Tynemouth; with a duplicate
of a letter from the Board to the Lord Mayor concerning that
petition. Like letters to Mr. Treasurer Vane; to the Lord Lieutenant
[of Ireland] with one from Sir Arthur Hopton; to the Lord Marquis
Hamilton. The Lord Con's superior; no help. [See Aug. 20,
vol. cccclxiv., No. 45. ¼ p.] |
Sept. 18.
York. |
101. Sec. Vane to Sec. Windebank. I have little at present to
trouble you with, more than to tell you that notwithstanding the
Council's advice for a Parliament, I do not find in his Majesty yet
any certain resolution for it. The papers you sent enclosed to his
Majesty he has put into my hands, which require no reply; and for
the printing of the papers he commands me to tell you he holds it
most fit you should print them in the south, as we do here also on
the like occasions. We are here in expectation of the meeting of
the Peers, so until then you are not likely to hear much from me.
Besides we have had so great rains these two days, and the waters
are so out, that it is scarcely possible to pass anywhere upon the
roads, and no further intercourse is likely to be between this camp
and the rebels until the Peers assemble. You may rest confident
of his Majesty's care to regain what the Scots have got upon this
kingdom, so you furnish him with money in time, and according to
the hopes given to his Majesty since his coming hither. In a word,
if 42,000l. come not, and speedily, the army being now out of pay
what inconveniences may follow the Lords and yourself may apprehend, considering but how the times are at present conditioned, and
the rebels within five or six days' march at furthest. I send you
enclosed the Captain of Holy Island's letter to me by his Majesty's
command; you are to show it to the Lords Treasurer and Cottington, and move them to give order for his present relief. I have
spoken often to the Lord Treasurer concerning it before my comingout of the south. The best way to supply him now will be by the
paymaster of Berwick, for which it is his Majesty's pleasure present
order be given, lest it fall into the enemy's hands, it being a place
of too great importance to let fall through neglect. P.S.—The enclosed is from the Condé [Earl of Holland], which please address to
the Lady Carlisle, for which you will thank me by your next
[Endorsed: "Received 20th." 2 pp.] |
Sept. 18.
Gorham Bury. |
102. Edward Earl of Sussex to the same. Please represent me
to his Majesty as one that has a most affectionate heart to his
service, but my great age, nearly 90, makes me altogether unable for
a journey to York. [Seal with crest and coronet. 2/3 p.] |
Sept. 18.
York. |
103. Sir John Borough to the same. Since my coming into these
parts the body of the Council here never met except last Monday
the 14th of September, when the Bishop of Durham and other chief
men of the bishopric and Northumberland, made known to the
Board, his Majesty being present, that whereas the Scots at Newcastle formerly demanded of the bishopric 30,000 lbs. weight of
bread, 40 oxen, 100 sheep, and 20 tuns of beer every day, they had
now altered that demand and required 350l. in money daily from
the bishopric, and 300l. from Northumberland, in lieu of the provisions, and to secure their cattle and corn from spoil. In regard
whereof the inhabitants desired the direction of the Board what
course to take. What direction was given I am not able to write;
but it is reported here they have agreed to the contribution of the
sums demanded. This and the convention of Sir Henry Anderson
for disaffection to the present service and contemptuous words
touching the training of men in the place where he lives, who was
dismissed with a sharp reprehension, was all that was then done;
except some warrants and letters for bringing provisions to this
city for relief of our army. It is commonly reported here that our
horse has already marched to several parts of the Tees from
Richmond to Yarum Bridge; whereby it is intended the enemy
shall neither advance further towards us, nor spoil the outermost
parts of this county, especially being re-inforced by 2,000 foot now
on their march thither. For the bodies of both armies, considering
the time of year and continual rains that have fallen and yet fall,
there is little likelihood they can meet this winter. [Endorsed:
"Received 21st [Sept.], answered 23rd." Seal with arms. 2½ pp.] |
| Sept. 18. |
104. William White to Thomas Earl of Arundel and Surrey. This
bearer, Mr. Threele, calling at my house on his way to London told
me you had sent for him, which he conceives may be upon a false
report that he kept 31 armed men in his house, which I hearing of
only last Sunday morning went to the Mayor of Rye to know what
he could say in it; he told me three boys saw them, whom I
caused to be sent for. One said he saw two driving up the
kine, another saw four or five shooting at conies, and the third
saw 31 men with muskets, but as soon as they saw him they laid
down their arms and ran into a hedge; it was in a field that every
man about the town must see them, it being Saturday last about
sunset, but I cannot hear anyone saw them but the three boys.
For my part I am confident there was no such thing, for had I not
been assured it was impossible I should have searched Mr. Threele's
house, which he offered me. There was a report there was a waggon
load of armour brought him a few days before, which when I heard
I sent for the party who denied that he said any such thing. [Seal
with arms and crest. 1 p.] Enclosed, |
|
104. i. Proclamation of the Mayor and Jurats of Rye that
having examined the rumours concerning Mr. Threele,
a resident, but who has always behaved peaceably and
lovingly to his neighbours, "we can find no proof whereby
we should be persuaded to believe the timorous fantasies
of two or three such inconsiderate boys; therefore we
verily believe all the rumours are altogether untrue,
"whereby we conceive Mr. Threele is grievously injured."
[Sealed with the seal of the Mayoralty. 1 p.] |
|
104. ii. Evidence concerning the rumours about Mr. Threele,
taken in the presence of Henry Barrington, alderman of
Colchester, Samuel Goss, of Aldermanbury, London, and
Wm. Fletcher, St. Lawrence-lane, London. [1 p.] |
| Sept. 18. |
105. Note by Sec. Vane for the strengthening of the fort and
garrison at Portsmouth. That a warrant be given to the officers
of Ordnance for the delivery of such provisions as are in store
according to a proportion now in the office, also new arms for the
200 new men. Another order for 32 demi-culvering and sacre
carriages to be sent to Portsmouth. Warrant to be issued for supply
of the adjacent counties with gunpowder at the rate of 5l. per
barrel. The Lord General has already given commission for levying
200 new men for the re-inforcement of the garrison; order is also
given for deepening and scouring the ditch. [1 p.] |
| Sept. 18. |
106. Account by Sir William Russell, treasurer of the navy, of
ship-money received by virtue of writs of 1639, total 38,072l. 8s. 10d.
[1 p.] |
| Sept. 18 |
107. Account of ship-money for 1639 levied and remaining in the
hands of the sheriffs, total 12,306l., making with the 38,072l. paid
to the Treasurers of the Navy 50,378l. This week no arrears were
paid in for any former years. [1 p.] |
| Sept. 19. |
108. The Mayor and Aldermen of Stamford, co. Lincoln, to the
King. Certify that they have elected William Panke for their townclerk on the death of Ric. Bulcher, and craving his Majesty's approbation of that appointment. [Strip of parchmen.] |
| Sept. 19. |
109. Bond of James Crichtone [prisoner in Newgate] in 200l. to
the King. Conditioned that he appear before the Board within six
days after warning left at the house of William Armstrong, the
Anchor, near the new church, in Westminster. [Latin and English.
2/3 p.] |
| Sept. 19. |
110. Draft of the same, dated Sept. 18. [½ p.] |
| Sept. 19. |
111. Note of a report that Alford, a linen draper, of Cheapside,
Shewte, a merchant, and Maurice Thompson, merchant, went last
Wednesday afternoon with the petition from the citizens of London
towards York; that [Captain Henry Percy required ?] 20s. per diem
more than other captains of cuirassiers, alleging that Lord Lisle has
it, and both are "repugnant to the list signed by his Majesty."
[Endorsed: "Mr. Remembrancer." ½ p.] |
Sept. 19.
York. |
112. Thomas Earl of Strafford to Sec. Windebank. I understand
by Capt. Legg that you and the Lords conceiving there might be use
of some spades which where designed to be sent hither for the train
of artillery, have stayed them at London; and for want of them his
Majesty's service here suffers exceedingly. Wherefore I am by his
Majesty's command to desire you to take off your hands and cause
3,000 of those spades and other materials to be sent hither with all
possible speed. [Seal with arms. 1 p.] |
| Sept. 19. |
113. Letters of Attorney from Edward Nicholas giving power to
Richard Green to receive possession of Middleton Farm in Long Parish,
Somerset, for him from Mr. Nicholas Withers. [Copy. 1 p.] |
[Sept. 19.]
Edinburgh. |
114. John Lord Balmerino, President of the Committee of the
Estates of the Scotch Parliament, resident at Edinburgh, and others
of the same Committee, to Lion King-at-arms and his brethren
Heralds and Pursuivants. The Estates of the Parliament, held at
Edinburgh the 11th of June last by the King's authority, by a
special Act of that session having given full power and warrant to
the Committee of Estates aforesaid for directing in their names
precepts for Lion King-at-arms and other heralds, to warn and charge
in name of the said Estates the particular persons signified in that
Act, and such others as the Committee might suspect to have been
the leasing makers and tale tellers and false accusers of the Estates of
this kingdom and their proceedings to the King as seditious,
rebellious, and treasonable; and to have been the instigators,
framers, and drawers up of the strange proclamations and declarations made against his Majesty's subjects and Estates as rebels and
traitors, or to have risen in arms and concurred with the adversaries
for subduing this kingdom, their natural country; or to fortify, keep,
or detain strengths or castles against the Estates of this kingdom
who standing to their Covenant for defending religion, Crown, and
country; or wittingly and willingly withdraw their assistance from
their mother country in this extremity and contribute their help
and countenance to the adversaries; and last all those who are either
authors, abettors, maintainers, or have any hand in countenancing our
adversaries to the subduing and destroying of this kingdom and
especially those who have seemed to join with us and have subscribed
the Covenant, to appear personally before the Parliament at
Edinburgh, or where it should happen to be appointed to be holden
for the time at the next session the 19th of November, to answer to
the particular crimes above written, and all others of the like kind
which may be laid to their charge under pain of forfeiture, for their
contumacy in case of non-appearance; likewise the Estates of Parliament have declared by Act that these precepts subscribed by us,
the Præses and Quorum of the aforesaid Committee of Estates residing at Edinburgh, shall be as sufficient as if the same precepts
were subscribed in Parliament as the Act more fully bears; and true it
is that [names omitted, but blank of 2½ lines left. See Balfour's
Annales ii., p. 403], and ilk one of them are culpable and guilty of
the crimes particularly and generally before rehearsed, therefore we
have ordained this precept and charge to be directed by us John
Lord Balmerino as President for the time and the Quorum of the
Committee of Estates to Lion King-at-arms, the heralds, pursuivants,
and messengers, commanding them immediately after the sight
hereof, in the name of the Estates of Parliament, peremptorily to
summon, warn, and charge the afore-named noblemen and others to
appear personally before the Parliament in next session at the day
and place herein specified under the pains respectively mentioned.
We charge you that immediately upon sight of this our precept
you proceed in name and authority of the Estates, having your full
coat of arms displayed, to the market cross of Edinburgh, the
pier and shore of Leith, and there command, warn, and charge with
sound of trumpet and public reading of these presents such of the persons above named as are presently out of this realm upon 60 days
warning by open proclamation there made, and that you command
such others of the persons above named as are within the country
personally, if they can, to be apprehended, and failing thereof that you
summon them at their last dwelling-places to appear before the
Estates of Parliament at Edinburgh on the 19 November next, to
which time and place the Parliament is continued and declared
current, to answer to such crimes, facts, and deeds as before are
rehearsed, under pain of treason and forfeiture, with certification to
the disobeyers, when the Estates will instantly proceed against them
and all who disobey as traitors and guilty of high treason against
this state and kingdom, to the forfeiting of their estates, lives, and
lands. [Copy. 2 pp.] |
Sept. 20.
Hampton Court. |
115. The Council to the Officers of the Ordnance. Whereas you
were required by warrant from the Board to deliver to SergeantMajor James Nolan 77 swords and 70 muskets, &c., with three rounds
of powder and shot to each; we have now thought good to require
you to forbear issuing any powder or shot, but otherwise to follow
our former directions. [Draft ¾ p.] |
| Sept. 20. |
116. Note of the appearances of Thos. Banister, bailiff of Dorchester, and Thos. Sterne, of Thame, before the Board; they are to
remain with the messenger till discharged. [4 lines.] |
Sept. 20.
Hampton Court. |
117. Notes by Windebank of the proceedings of the Council. To
know his Majesty's pleasure what shall be done with the Scotch ships
detained, whether they shall be sold or no, considering it is one of
their demands to have restitution of them. A list of the ships to be
sent. To know his Majesty's pleasure whether Mr. Percy's troop
shall be paid now presently, considering the King's command that
no money shall be diverted. [⅓ p.] |
| Sept. 20. |
118. Petition of Nathaniel Sikes, their deputy for making saltpetre for the counties of Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk, to the Commissioners for Gunpowder and Saltpetre. Petitioner wanting seacoals to perform his Majesty's service, sent a servant to Mr. Browning,
coal merchant, of Maldon, Essex, who had then between 200 and
300 chaldrons lying ready by him, to furnish him with coals, but
Mr. Browning refusing, petitioner went to the bailiffs of the town,
and according to his commission required them to set a price on the
coals, who did so. Still Mr. Browning refused to deliver petitioner
any coals, whereby he is much damaged, and his Majesty's service
greatly hindered. His suit is you will send for Mr. Browning
and take such order with him that petitioner may have coals to
perform his Majesty's service according to his commission, and be
satisfied for his damages herein. Underwritten, |
|
118. i. Let Browning see this petition and either furnish
petitioner with sufficient coal for his Majesty's saltpetre
works, according to his Majesty's commission, and satisfy
his damages through his refractoriness, or else attend us,
the Commissioners for Saltpetre, within four days after
sight hereof to answer his contempt. Hampton Court,
Sept. 20, 1640. |
|
118. ii. The true copy of this petition was left at Browning's
house with his wife, Sept. 25th, 1640. [1 p.] |
| Sept. 20. |
Copy of the same. [See vol. ccxcii., p. 122.] |
| Sept. 20. |
Notes by Sec. Windebank of his proceedings in the King's absence.
I wrote to his Majesty with a note of the ship-moneys and a list
of the Scotch ships taken this year and dismissed, and of those still
under arrest, whether they shall be sold according to Payler's proposition. Mr. Percy's pay for his troop. The like letters to Mr.
Treasurer Vane and to the Lord Lieutenant [of Ireland]. The Spanish
moneys. The ambassador of Denmark's proposition concerning a
better intelligence with the House of Austria. The passage in the
letter from Camphere. [See Aug. 20, vol. cccclxiv., No. 45. ¼ p.] |
| Sept. 20. |
119. Sec. Vane to Sec. Windebank. This afternoon arrived the
Danish ambassadors, who to-morrow at 1 o'clock are to have
audience of his Majesty. When your Covenanting minister and
the Londoners arrive here his Majesty will resolve what to do with
them. I never doubted since the 12 lords had presented their petition that many more of the nobility would sign with them. Since
my last Lieutenant Smith, who commanded Sir John Digby's troop,
with 60 horse surprised Sir Alexander Douglas, Major to Colonel
Ramsay, that took Sir John Digby prisoner who came into Yorkshire
over Tees with 60 horse and were plundering the house of a
Mr. Pudsey, who gave our troops notice of their being there.
Captain John Digby, the Earl of Bristol's son, with three or four
troops cut off their passage at Croft Brigg, the great rains made the
river not fordable, so that 10 of them offering to swim the river were
drowned, 21 that resisted were killed on the spot, 37 taken prisoners,
besides all the officers and the horses of the whole troop with such arms
as they had, which are but mean and so are their horses. By this
you see we begin to recover our hearts and courage. You are not
to expect voluminous despatches before the meeting of the Peers;
nine of them came to Doncaster last Saturday and will be here tomorrow. We expect a full assembly from the assurance you give us
here. [2 pp.] |
Sept. 20.
York. |
120. The same to [Sir Thos. Rowe]. Yours of the 14th with the
news of Germany came to my hands safely. The Danish ambassadors,
shall be treated with civility and your treaty of commerce not
forgotten; when I understand what they have to say you shall be
advertised thereof. It is probable the King is upon altering the principles of State with his allies in foreign parts, as others have done;
and if he take not the better care it may be with the same success.
It is high time both he and other northern princes and states united,
that they may sustain the public good; for should a general peace
be once settled amongst the Roman Catholic princes, as the end of all
war must and will be peace, it may then be too late; sure am I it
will be more difficult. The Lord Privy Seal arrived yesterday and
seven more of the Peers will be here to-morrow, all men being expectant of what this Assembly will produce, so until it be at an end
much you cannot expect to hear. Account of the surprise of Sir
Alexander Douglas' troop of horse by Lieutenant Smith as given
above. Sir John Finett has been with me and delivered your
commands, which I shall be mindful of. [2 pp.] |
| Sept. 20. |
121. Sir Richard Harrison to Sir Dudley Carleton. I enclose the
copy of Mr. Attorney General's warrant and therein the names of
those that were committed for refusing press-money; they stand
bound over to the quarter sessions were nothing is likely to be done
to them, therefore desire Sec. Windebank to send some order from
the Board for their discharge; for seeing Mr. Attorney has direction
to deal with them, it is fit the sessions should be quit of them. I
wonder what will be done with all the soldiers that were coated at
the great charge of the country; if they escape without questioning
it will be well for them, but ill for the King if he have occasion
to use men hereafter. The weather begins to clear, and I hope for
a fair season yet before winter, which will be a motive for you to
hold to your purpose of visiting these parts once more, which I shall
be very glad of, and I hope to wait upon you at better leisure than
when you were here. God send us good news out of the north and
prosper the King's affairs there. [1 p.] |
| Sept. 20. |
122. Note by Nicholas concerning Mr. Percy's pay. By the list
of entertainments only one troop of cuirassiers is appointed for guard
of the Lord General, the captain whereof has at least 20s. per diem
more than any other captain of horse; if his Majesty please to appoint
another troop of cuirassiers for his own guard, and that the captain
thereof shall have the same allowance as the captain of the Lord
General's guard then there ought to be a warrant for it under his
hand, for the list signed by his Majesty will not warrant it. [½ p.] |
Sept. 20.
Richmond. |
123. Capt. John Digby to [Edward Viscount Conway]. I have
sent the Scotch officers with such a party of horse as is by us
thought fit for their secure convoy under Lieutenant [Thos.] Woodall,
who will inform you in any particular of our action in which my
letter may have failed to satisfy you. As for the other prisoners, if you
will send a convoy for them you will ease us of much trouble as our
horses are exceedingly harrassed and the townsmen wholly destitute
of arms; they seem sensible of the charge of keeping them, wherefore
I conceive they are desirous to have them suddenly removed, as well
as for the strong guards they are forced to keep over them there being
no convenient place for their imprisonment. We have been always
careful to keep the town well guarded, for whilst I had the command
a good part of our horse were always in out-guards and the rest under
arms all night in the market place, which course is held by Sir
Chas. Lucas. I am exceeding glad the foot will soon be here to ease
us of some duty, for with this we could not long subsist. [1 p.] |
| Sept. 20. |
124. Certificate of Robert Keylway that John Trigoll, constable of
the hundred of Cranborne, co. Dorset, was, by warrant of the sheriff,
William Churchill, to receive in his part of the hundred 66l. 13s. 4d.
ship-money, whereof he has paid me 35l. 7s. 10d. and has returned
upon several men in arrears 31l. 5s. 6d. [⅓ p.] |
| [Sept. 20.] |
125. Note by Nicholas of several sums certified by the escheators
to be levied by the sheriffs of the counties named upon the writs for
ship-money issued in 1639. That in Carmarthenshire the most part
was levied 3 Sept. and all will be by Michaelmas paid in. That
all is levied in Glamorganshire, except 60l. payable by the town of
Cardiff, which will be paid by 1 Oct. In Worcestershire there is
much money collected by the constables and not paid to the sheriffs.
In Flintshire there is collected and returned by the sheriff 520l. but
only 300l. [received] waiting for the 220l. In Rutlandshire there
is only one hundred in the county refractory, and yet no money
is paid in by the sheriff. The escheator justifies both this sheriff and
him of Northamptonshire. The escheator of Lincoln justifies the
sheriff of Lincoln and yet he is behind 6,610l. The escheator of
Hertfordshire justifies the sheriff who has paid in but 650l. of 3,000l.
Similarly of Gloucestershire, where the sheriff has paid in only 100l.
The escheator certifies that the sheriff of Dorset has levied half the
money, and the sheriff of Somerset 300l. The escheator of Bucks. and
Beds. that the sheriff of Bucks. has levied only 50l. and that of Beds.
only 10l. The Mayor of Hereford has 210l. and will pay it in. [1 p.] |
| Sept. 20. |
126. List of Scotch ships that have been arrested this year, 1640.
and are since released, followed by a similar list of Scotch ships staid
and not [yet] released; besides what ships are staid at Berwick and
Holy Island. [12/3 p.] |
| Sept. 20. |
127. List of incumbents and curates in the diocese of Norwich
who desire license to preach. [2¼ pp.] |
Sept. 21.
Cornbury. |
128. Henry Earl of Danby to the Council. I have given such
directions for the safety of Guernsey as are requisite according to
the small garrison allowed and the provisions there, nor fail
I to prepare for my own going over; but since the occasion seems
not pressing by all intelligence from my Lord of Leicester or the
Islanders, I beseech you to be so indulgent to old age and so to
satisfy his Majesty that I may stand free from censure of neglect,
for I fear not to be there in time enough to perform that duty
which can well be expected at my hands so soon as ever the condition of my health and fairer weather permit me to pass that
shrewd sea. [Seal with arms and coronet. 2/3 p.] |
Sept. 21.
St. Peter's Coll., Cambridge. |
129. Dr. John Cosin to Archbishop Laud. I lately received a
duplicate from my Lord Keeper, and after that a direction from you,
sent by the Bishop of Ely, about the taking and administering of
the oath in this university. I beseech you let me know if I shall
expect any other direction therein than what I have already. A
great noise is made by them that have got sight of it elsewhere,
about the omission of the word "Popish," which I believe is nothing
but the scribe's error, and about the uncertainty of the "&c.," whereat many froward men are likely to stick. If there be any thought
of altering the former and sending out a new commission, I would
represent to you an observation concerning this university. By
the commission already sent the Vice-Chancellor is to administer
the oath to the several heads of colleges and all others that have
taken Holy Orders, all masters of arts, all bachelors and doctors of
divinity, law, or physic, &c., "resident in the university." And then
the heads of colleges are likewise commanded to administer the
same oath to all persons resident in their several houses that have
taken the degrees above mentioned. Now the former words comprehending all that live in colleges, unless an exception be added
after this manner "resident in the university and not members of
any college or hall," both the Vice-Chancellor and the heads are
required to give the oath to the same persons; though I presume
the meaning is not, as the words imply, that the same persons
should take the oath twice. These times are exceedingly bad. I
was about to crave of you in two or three lines to signify his
Majesty's pleasure, signified to you when I was first chosen ViceChancellor, to the Dean of Durham for the allowance of my dividend
there this year, wherein I have been wholly tied to residence in the
university. But if all be true I hear reported at all hands, I doubt
there will be neither any dividend nor any church or other place
left for me in that country, where all I have to live on is in the
hands of the rebels. I beseech God send us better times and long
preserve your Grace in health, courage, and safety against the malignant enemies of the Church. [1 p.] |
Sept. 21.
Hereford. |
130. Richard Herring, escheator of co. Hereford, to Lord Treasurer
Juxon. Mr. Sheriff continues his diligence in levying the ship-money,
but many of the chief, and most of the petty, constables are very
negligent in this service. And though the sheriff has every week
or 10 days a meeting for the business and then new warrants are
directed to the collectors and constables, yet most of the collectors
utterly refuse to do any service. By the constables return the
greater part of the more able men in the county have refused or
delayed payment and their example has encouraged others of
meaner quality to do the like, which has caused the sheriff by
himself or his servants to distain them; he has been and is so
willing to undergo this burden, that by his warrants to all constables
and collectors he has intimated his readiness on notice given him
by any of them, and reasonable cause shown why they forbear to
distrain particular persons, by himself or his servants lawfully
authorized to perform the same, that his Majesty's service may be
effected. He has imprisoned many constables, yet little is done
except by himself and his servants. He lately returned 250l. and
is ready to return 200l. more; he is greatly maligned in the county
for his forwardness therein, and threatened with suits for it. [1 p.] |
Sept. 21.
Cholmondeley. |
131. Robert Viscount Cholmondeley to Edward Viscount Conway,
concerning the title to an estate of William Edowes, the latter's
servant. There is a descendant of his father's by a former wife
who has a prior title to Edowes. [Seal with arms and coronet.
1 p.] |
Sept. 21.
York. |
132. Endymion Porter to his son, Capt. George Porter. Has sent
him the clothes and a letter from his mother. To send word if he
continues to wish to leave the army, and it shall be done. [Seal.
with arms. 1 p.] |
| Sept. 21. |
Commissioners for Gunpowder to the Officers of the Ordnance,
to issue two lasts of gunpowder at 5l. per barrel to James Dyar or
Capt. Aldworth for the use of the city of Bristol. [Minute Book
of Warrants for Gunpowder. See vol. ccclv., No. 61, p. 11. 1/5 p.] |
| Sept. 21. |
Similar warrant to deliver 40 barrels of gunpowder for the use
of Thomas Frere, of London. [Ibid. 1/5 p.] |
Sept. 22.
Worcester. |
133. Daniel Tyas, mayor of Worcester, to the Council. Of the
233l. ship-money rated on this town I have only been able to
collect 80l., which I have sent to the Treasurer of the Navy. Some
distresses I have taken but they remain on my hands for want of
buyers, and I am threatened with law-suits for taking them.
Divers men of ability, but refractory, do not absolutely deny payment but say they have no money and by such answers have
delayed me, seeming to affront the service rather than to be at all
obedient to it. The names of the most refractory I have enclosed,
for such further course to be taken as shall seem meet to you. [Seal
with monogram. ¾ p.] Enclosed, |
|
133. i. List of refractory refusers of ship-money in Worcester.
[1 p.] |
Sept. 22.
Berwick. |
134. Sir John Conyers to Sec. Windebank. Many of our letters
have lately been retained by the Scots or else broken open, so that
the passage being so difficult I have not written to you since
the 2nd of this present, and have not heard from you since Aug.
22nd. Now I can be no longer silent but send this upon hazard.
There is a great alteration in these parts since my last, for most of
the chiefs have fled and the rest are inclined to the Scots. They
willingly give a great contribution to that army but will not afford
us corn for our money. I have had order to put men in arms for the
preserving these parts and for our safety but can by no means effect
that command. I am advertised from all parts we shall be blocked
up or besieged, and therefore have written for the two companies
of trained bands. One has promised to try and come to our help,
but of the other I hear not. We want money, our store being
wholly spent long since and not a penny for the next pay-day and
no credit. I beseech you assist us to the Lord Treasurer that we
may presently be supplied, else all will be spoiled. I am making a
little fort on the hill over against the town on the Northumberland
side and cause the town with the country and some men out of the
companies to do the work, for we have no money to give them, so
that it goes slowly forward, yet it is most needful for securing the
town and our haven on that side. The Scots raise again all the
strength they can either to reinforce their army or to come against us,
some say to do both. General Riven [Lord Ettrick] and Sir John
Henderson are both here, the one from Edinburgh Castle, the other
from Dumbarton, and stay only for a safe-conduct from General
Leslie to bring them to the King's army. I had once order to
repair to the army but was presently countermanded, so I now stay
here to attend the King's pleasure, though I fear I shall not be able
to do him much service except I have more strength for which I
have interceded by divers letters, as also for provisions and ammunition [Endorsed: "Received 5th October, answered 13th October."
Two seals with crest. 1½ pp.] |
Sept. 22.
York. |
135. Sec. Vane to the same. To-day many of the Peers arrived,
so I conceive it will be a full Assembly. I do not think it can last
many days, being but preparatory to a Parliament, without which it
is believed impossible to settle men's hearts and minds. To-day the
petition from London was presented to his Majesty, you were not
well informed thereof, for there are to it four aldermen's hands and
I think more than 10,000 others. It is not the opinion of
his Majesty or any of the Council that, as this time is conditioned,
either they, Burgess, the minister, or any other, that have or should
deliver petitions of this kind should be committed [to prison]. His
Majesty has commanded me to signify to you his pleasure upon a
letter lately sent hither from the Lord Admiral representing the
necessity of maintaining a winter guard at sea, the dishonour of
letting it fall till he see more clearly through the difficulty of his
affairs, as also the ill consequence to his Majesty's forces here,
together with the great prejudices the rebels suffer by his ships
lying at Tynemouth, as has also been made known to him by the
Lord Lieutenant [of Ireland]. Upon these considerations you are
to let the Lords Treasurer and Cottington know that they are
presently to take order for the despatch of these services importing
much the honour and safety of the State, but the moneys designed
for the army are not to be made use of, for even that which was
promised falls short, yet some means must be found for the other, as
you will understand from his Majesty's sacred pen by this despatch,
though in his last to you he commanded the contrary. I have
written to the same effect concerning his Majesty's pleasure about
this sea service to the Lords Treasurer and Admiral by his Majesty's
express order. It is his Majesty's further pleasure that with all
diligence you send me in formâ all the proceedings and acts that
passed last winter at the Council table concerning the Scotch
business. Edinburgh Castle is delivered up by General Ruthven
[Lord Ettrick]. He and his men are to come to Berwick and with
him two pieces of cannon. The rebels have taken Caerlaverock
and put all to the sword but the Earl of Nithsdale, his lady, and his
page; they killed 40 of the name of Maxwell and many of the
besiegers were killed before it was delivered up. [Endorsed: "Received 24th at 5 in the evening; answered 25th." 2 pp.] |
Sept. 22.
York. |
136. Capt. John Gibson to Edward Viscount Conway. I received
orders from you to march to Sand Hutton within 4 miles of
Northallerton. I was to-day with the Lord Lieutenant General
[Earl of Strafford], who wished me to acquaint you that my troop is
not yet furnished with money to advance, and that you would please
excuse us until we be; with all expedition, ready to attend you.
[Seal with crest. 2/3 p.] |
Sept. 23.
Whitehall. |
137. Warrant of the Council to Sir John Heydon and the other
Officers of the Ordnance, and to Capt. Will. Legg, master of the
armoury, or his deputy, to issue to Sir Will. Balfour 64 pikes and
corslets, 136 muskets with bandoleers and rests, 4 halberts, one
partizan and colours, and 4 drums for the Tower Garrison. [Draft.
1 p.] |
Sept. 23.
Whitehall. |
138. Notes by Sec. Windebank of the proceedings of the Council.
The Lord Herbert desired to repair to York having left Somersetshire
in very good order; but the Lords thought not fit to give him leave
without the King's knowledge. To write to the King to write
to the Lord Treasurer concerning the respiting of the payment of
the money due to the lords that have lent. The Mint to be removed to Leaden Hall; the Mint men are afraid of the soldiers and
the City are afraid to bring in their money. Many go in and out
about this business of the Mint. To know the King's pleasure
12,000l. now sent down. [⅓ p.] |
| Sept. 23. |
139. Note of the appearances before the Council of William Davis,
of Mongewell, co. Oxford, Walter Hungerford, and Samuel Brewster;
and that Sir Lewis Watson, Bart., being sent for by warrant for not
showing a horse, has conformed himself and is discharged. [1 p.] |
| Sept. 23. |
140. Francis Lord Cottington to Nicholas, to procure a warrant
to be signed by those of the Lords in town for issuing the arms
here specified to the 200 soldiers garrisoning the Tower, for tomorrow morning they will be all there. [1 p.] |
| Sept. 23. |
Notes by Sec. Windebank of his proceedings in the King's absence.
I wrote to his Majesty about Lord Herbert's going to York; the
Mint to be removed to Leaden Hall, his Majesty to write to the
Lord Treasurer concerning the lords that are to be treated with to
forbear their money. The Frenchman in the Tower belonging to
the Queen-mother not to be removed, 12,000l. sent now. [I also wrote]
to Mr. Treasurer Vane and Sir Henry Gibbs, the rest as to the King,
to the Duke of Lennox, Will. Murray, Lord Conway, and Sir John
Borough. [See Aug. 20, vol. cccclxiv., No. 45. ¼ p.] |
Sept. 23.
Newcastle. |
Committee of the Scotch Covenanters to William Earl of Lanerick. It is our part still to insist in our humble supplications to his
Majesty for redress of our grievances, reparations of our laws, and
with as great patience as may be to await his royal pleasure. This
has made us yet again to send our renewed supplications to put his
Majesty in remembrance of our former, which we entreat you in our
names to present and to beg for us a gracious answer, with as much
haste as his Majesty in his wisdom shall think convenient. [Copy
=½ p. See Sept. 4, vol. cccclxvi., No. 42, p. 7.] |
| Sept. 23. |
Warrant of the Commissioners for Saltpetre and Gunpowder to
Montjoy Earl of Newport. To issue 24 barrels of gunpowder at 5l.
per barrel to Bartholomew Hutchins, of Tower-street, London, waxchandler, for furnishing certain ships and for supply of his shop.
[Minute. See vol. ccclv., No. 61, p. 11. 6 lines.] |
Sept. 23.
Drury-lane. |
141. Sec. Windebank to Edward Viscount Conway. The same
defence you made for that intermission of our correspondence which
has happened by the torrent of business, which the torrent of rebels
has brought on us both, I beseech you to accept in justification of
my silence both before and since yours of the 9th September. It
is very true your services there have been censured here by those
that understood them least. But for myself I always had that
opinion of your worth and abilities in your profession, that I was
not moved by anything that detraction suggested to your prejudice.
Besides, the Archbishop Canterbury has abundantly cleared you
concerning the neglecting to fortify Newcastle, which it is evident
you did propose in your letters to his Grace in time to have preserved it from surprise. How the rebels now will be unnested is the
business, and it will be hard work unless those that have been
besotted with a belief of the Scots entering England as their
redeemers will at last open their eyes and understand they come as
conquering and tyrannous enemies and so join unanimously with
his Majesty for their expulsion. [1 p.] |
Sept. 23.
Pumphrett, [Pontefract.] |
142. Ludovick Earl of Crawford to the same. Excuse my long
stay but the blame is not in me, for we received our pay before the
23rd of this month, and the cornet and arms my Lord Lieutenant
gave order for are not come yet; but I shall see you again on
Friday night. Please give order for our quarters for we shall be
above 120 horse. [Seal with arms and coronet. ½ p.] |
Sept. 23.
Langton Magna. |
143. Capt. Richard Herbert to the same. I am yet in a doubtful
sense to the world worthy or unworthy the condition of my place;
and shall be until my cornet and I be declared worthy of death or
punishment. As you are judge in the case, the time is yours; and
because my own attendance is not all, I have rather chosen to
offend in good manners than put my witnesses to an uncertain
journey, and make the neglect double without command to do it.
I beseech you direct me by your secretary. [Seal with crest. ½ p.] |
| Sept. 23. |
144. Modern copy of the same. [½ p.] |
| Sept. 23. |
145. The Society of Soapmakers, London, to Lord Treasurer Juxon.
John Robinson, searcher of Ipswich, has given security to deliver
the soap in question to such as we direct; and has promised for
the future faithfully to search and seize such foreign soap as shall
come into that port; of which we thought fit to acquaint you,
leaving him to the favour of you and the rest of the Council. [½ p.] |
Sept. 23.
Carlisle. |
146. Orders of the Deputy-Lieutenants, Justices of the Peace,
and gentry of co. Cumberland. Ordered that a general muster be
forthwith taken by the landlords of each hundred of the exact
number of their freeholders, tenants, and cottagers; and that they
choose one able man out of every five under their command, the other
four to furnish with arms and daily allowance the fifth man employed
to defend them and their country. It is further ordered that all freeholders shall come themselves, or send an able man, with arms and
allowance, to be employed in the service; the trained band of horse
and foot being excluded because of their more immediate service; and
this to continue from time to time, so long as there be a necessity for
such service; the rendezvous of the men chosen to be next Wednesday at Carlisle with seven days' provision, together with schedules
from the landlords of men and arms sent. It is further agreed that
the country in general shall contribute towards the charge of
making such works as shall be thought fit by the Governor for
defence of this City. For disposing of the freeholders, it is agreed
the landlords or their stewards shall order it according to their
discretion, in which it is desired that no partiality be used, and
that all burghers and inhabitants of any town or corporation be
also accounted into their numbers, and every fifth man chosen out
of them as the rest. Ordered also that the private arms bought
last year for the country's use shall be delivered to the parties in
proportion to the money they disbursed. Ordered also that after
these men are chosen exact order be given, on pain of death,
that on firing of the beacons they repair with all speed to Carlisle,
with seven days' provisions. Whereas divers landlords live in other
countries but have tenants and freeholders in this county, and were
omitted in the former order, made by the deputy-lieutenants,
justices of peace, and gentry of the county; it is therefore
ordered by us [some of the deputy-lieutenants], and we desire the
rest of the deputy-lieutenants to join us, that some of the deputylieutenants shall muster all the tenants and freeholders whose
landlords do not live in this county, and choose able men from them
according to the former order. It is further thought most necessary
that every soldier bring, besides his arms, a spade, shovel, or
pickaxe to the rendezvous at Carlisle, whence they shall be carried,
for their ease, in carts to places where there shall be occasion to
use them; the chief and petty constables to see these things
observed. [Endorsed by Sec. Windebank: "Received from the
Marquis Hamilton, 8 October at 8 at night." Copy. 1½ p.] |
| Sept. 23. |
147. Note of the words interposed by Mr. Hazard, of Bristol, in
the late prayer: viz., "and now and evermore detect and reveal unto
him [the King] all those traitorous enemies in this kingdom that
disturb the peace of the realm, and that vex and molest the hearts
of Thy Church and faithful people," instead of these words, left out
by him: viz., "especially against those his traitorous subjects, who,
having cast off all obedience to their anointed Sovereign, do at
this time, in rebellious manner, seek to invade this realm." With
some other alterations here and there. [2/3 p.] |
| [Sept. 23 ?] |
148. John Nicholas to his son Edward Nicholas. The news of
your safe return [to London from York] was most welcome; I
feared only the hazard of your health, riding post so long a journey.
Your mother has not been well ever since your going but extremely
melancholy, apprehending more fear for your safety among the
Scots than there was cause for. I shall be most glad to see your
wife, but sorry the coming of the Scots near London should be the
cause. When your waiting month is ended you might spend some
time with us, but these troubles I fear may hinder you. [Damaged
by damp. 1 p.] |
