Charles I - volume 494: Letters and Papers relating to the Navy, &c., dated between 20 Sept. and 31 Dec. 1642

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1641-3. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1887.

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'Charles I - volume 494: Letters and Papers relating to the Navy, &c., dated between 20 Sept. and 31 Dec. 1642', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1641-3, (London, 1887) pp. 429-434. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/chas1/1641-3/pp429-434 [accessed 25 March 2024]

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Letters and Papers relating to the Navy, &c., dated between 20 Sept. and 31 Dec. 1642

Date. From To Subject. Reference.
1642. Vol. 494
Sept. 20 Giles Green Commissrs of the Navy. Warrant to take an exact survey with all convenient expedition of all stores, provisions, cordage, ships, pinnaces, &c. in his Majesty's yards at Chatham, Deptford, Woolwich, and Portsmouth, beginning at Chatham; and to certify the defects and wants, that a timely supply thereof may be made now when materials may be had with best advantage. [1 p.] 1
Sept. 26 York House. Thomas Smith The same, at Chatham. The Committee of the Navy, considering that a second-rate ship will not be convenient to remain in Ireland this winter, have thought fit to send a third-rate in the room of the Charles, and desire to know what ship in harbour of the third-rate is fittest and can soonest be made ready for the service, that they may give order accordingly. [¾ p.] 2
Oct. 7 Giles Green The same Requiring an estimate for furnishing with provisions, wages, &c. for six months the undermentioned royal and merchant ships, appointed for guard of the narrow seas and the coasts of England and Ireland through the coming winter. [Much damaged. 1 p.] 3
Oct. 11 Giles Green Commissrs of the Navy. Transmitting an order of the Committee for the Navy that the chief officers of the Navy shall consider the boatswain's and carpenter's stores on board the Lion, mentioned in the enclosed notes, and, if they think fit, send the supply desired on board his Majesty's said ship in the Downs. [Damaged. ½ p.] 4
Oct. 13 From aboard the James in the Downs Robert Earl of Warwick, Lord Admiral. The Paymaster of his Majesty's Navy. Warrant to pay Nicholas Sperman and George Faircloth, whom he has appointed midshipmen on board the James. [Damaged. ½ p.] 5
Oct. 14 Giles Green Commissrs of the Navy. Transmitting an order of the Committee for the Navy for the Commissioners and principal officers of the Navy to consider what is due to Mr. Richard Brook, employed with Bryan Wynn to take the musters of the ships on the coast of Ireland in last summer's expedition, and to pay him accordingly. Wynn is to continue in the said service. [Much damaged. ½ p.] 6
Oct. 14 The same The same Requiring them to give warrant to the Paymaster of his Majesty's fleet, to pay Captain William Batten for the time he was employed as Vice-Admiral of the fleet for guard of the narrow seas this last summer, at the rate of 40s. per diem; an extra month's pay being allowed him for his faithful service. [Much damaged. 1 p.] 7
Oct. 15 The same The same Transmitting an order of the Committee for the Navy to dock the Swallow and Antelope at Woolwich, and any other of the King's ships that may require it, causing the docks to be cleansed for the purpose; and to contract for timber and planks belonging to Mr. Peter Petts, at a reasonable price, there being a great want of timber in the stores. [Damaged. 1 p.] 8
Oct. 15 The same The same Order of the Committee for the Navy for the Commissioners of the Navy to grant Captain Swanly 100l. imprest money, to pay sick men upon the Irish coast, to supply the surgeons' chests for the winter guard of the English and Irish coasts, and to appoint a pinnace of five tons for Captain Swanly to have along with him. [1 p.] 9
Oct. 15 Tho. Smith The same The like order for the Commissioners of the Navy to treat with Mr. Randolph Crew for such masts as he has fit for his Majesty's ships, and to certify the lowest prices thereof. [Damaged. ½ p.] 10
Oct. 25 Giles Green Commissrs of the Navy. Transmitting an order of the Committee for the Navy, for the Commissioners of the Navy to certify what is due to Robert Bramble, captain of the Spanish frigate Rotterdam, and 11 men, for voluntarily bringing the said frigate from Captain Kettleby on the coast of Ireland to Ratcliffe Cross, they having served since April 1. [1 p.] 11
Oct. 25 The same The same The like order for the Navy Commissioners to appoint Captain Harrison and others to dispose of the companies of the ships lately returned from the summer fleet among others of the ships at Chatham, so that they may be best secured from danger, and to appoint Mr. Alcock to provide victuals for them for 14 days. [¾ p.] 12
Oct. 31 The same The same The like order, upon desire of Mr. Vassall, owner, for the Navy Commissioners to certify the accounts of the May Flower, of London, employed eight months last summer, and now continued for the winter guard. Underwritten, 13
i. Note by the Commissioners of the Navy upon the above order. The Clerk of the Check to attend the musters of this ship not having yet brought in his books, whereby the abatement upon the musters should be rated according to contract, we desire Mr. Vassall either to procure the books from the ship, that we may balance the account, or to move the Committee for more moneys imprest on account of the first and second voyages of this ship, till the balance for the first or both services may be made. 21 November 1642. [¾ p.]
Oct. 31 Order of the Committee for the Navy, allowing the mariners of the merchant ships employed in last summer's fleet, and inferior officers not receiving above 20s. per month, one month's pay as a gratuity, according to an order of the Commons; each mariner who has served his full eight months to receive a full month's pay, and those that have served fewer months less in proportion. [Much damaged. 1 p.] 14
Oct. 31 Giles Green Commissrs of the Navy. Order of the Committee for the Navy, that the Commissioners of the Navy cause his Majesty's ship, the Constant Reformation, moored at Erith, to be brought to Woolwich. [⅓ p.] 15
Oct. 31 Laurence Esmond Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty and Navy. The bearer, Mr. Plunkett, came here with a skiff, 18 feet long, with sail, &c., and as it may be of use about this fort in haling shipping and such like, I thought fit to keep her. Requests them to give bearer a valuable consideration for her. [½ p.] 16
Nov. 1 Committee for the Navy. Commissrs of the Navy. Requiring them to consider what ships in harbour or at sea may be made fit for sea service against next spring, and to cause an estimate for rigging, wages, &c. for setting them out to sea for six months service, to be forthwith made and sent them. [Damaged. 1 p.] 17
Nov. 1 The same The same Mr. Thomas Scovill, purser of the Charles, being disabled by indisposition from going to sea this winter, hath requested that John Packer, who was his steward last summer, may be admitted deputy purser in the said ship this winter. We have granted his suit, provided he give good security the Victualer of the Navy be not damnified thereby. Pray you to give order accordingly. [1 p.] 18
Nov. 5 Order of the Commissioners for the Admiralty. That the Commissioners of the Navy order the Victualer to provide victual for 300 men for 30 days, to be put on board the underwritten ships; that as soon as the stores now at Chatham be put on board the said ships they cause the company of soldiers now there to be dispersed on board the ships to guard them; that to complete the 300 men they endeavour by persuasions and promises to get such seamen on board as they meet with; and they are to stop the month's gratuity of the Victory's company now paying off at Deptford till they [the men] be entered on board these ships; and they are to do the like with the crews of the merchant ships lately come in, employed last summer in the State's service, and to have the like gratuity; and they are to give warrant to the Treasurer of the Navy to imprest 60l. for conduct money for the said men. [Damaged. 2 pp.] 19
Nov. 7 Committee for the Navy. Commissrs of the Navy. Recommend Richard Warren to be muster-master for the Ann and Joyce, a merchant ship lately hired for the service of the King and Parliament for this winter's guard. [⅓ p.] 20
Nov. 9 The same The same To cause Andrew Michell to be entered boatswain in the Charles, with the usual allowances, in place of Thos. Rockwell, displaced for some misdemeanours testified against him by the captain, Richard Swanly. [1 p.] 21
Nov. 9 Order of the Commissioners for the Admiralty. That the Commissioners of the Navy cause the boats at Deptford, appointed for guard of the river, to be forthwith manned with twenty[five] men apiece, and appoint commanders with orders to bring the vessels as soon as ready up the river for defence thereof. [Damaged. 1 p.] 22
Nov. 10 The like order. For the Commissioners of the Navy to make an estimate of the monthly charge of setting out a hulk now above bridge with 40 men, a French frigate with 20 men, and eight shallops with 25 men in each, to secure the Thames. [Damaged. ½ p.] 23
Nov. 19 Committee for the Navy. Commissrs of the Navy. Certificate that by an estimate of the merchant ships employed last summer, made by the late officers of the Navy, the clerks of the Check of every ship were to be allowed 20s. per month above their ordinary pay. [⅓ p.] 24
Nov. 19 Commissioners for the Admiralty. The same Instruct them to call back all the boats, shallops, and pinnaces lately sent up the Thames for guard thereof, and also the hulk lying near Lambeth Ferry; discharge their crews from the present service, and permit them to return to their former employments; to discharge the captains and supernumeraries lately put on board the 10 ships at Chatham, the ships to remain by their former moorings; and to man the Providence, now going forth to sea, out of those taken from the 10 ships; but the Notre Dame frigate, riding near Chelsea, is to continue for guard of the river above bridge at Putney. Underwritten, 25
i. Received the 22nd of October [Nov.] 1642, being Tuesday, one of the clock afternoon, by Wm. Wildy. [Much damaged. 1 p.]
Dec. 3 Order of the Commissioners for the Admiralty. That the Commissioners of the Navy forthwith direct his Majesty's ships, the St. Andrew and Leopard, now in dry dock at Deptford, to be put in hand that they may be fit to launch with all possible expedition, and the like to be done to the Antelope and Swallow, that they may be ready for sea next spring; and an estimate of the charge of repairing the last two ships is speedily to be returned to this Committee. [Damaged. ½ p.] 26
Dec. 6 Order of the Committee for the Navy. That the Commissioners and clerks of the Navy make up the account of the Maidenhead, one of the 15 merchant ships employed in this summer's fleet for eight months, which is continued for the winter guard, and certify the same to the Committee. [½ p.] 27
Dec. 6 The like order. For the Commissioners of the Navy to make up the account of the Richarden, of Dover, late employed for King and Parliament on the Irish coast, according to the articles of agreement annexed to the petition of the owner and captain, Anthony Shernoll, and certificate of the mayor of Dover, and return it to this Committee. [½ p.] 28
Dec. 7 Giles Green The Commissioners of the Navy. Thomas Polding, master and part owner of the Neptune, of Weymouth, was hired by the Committee for the Navy for three months, and afterwards the Earl of Warwick put on board him eight men above his number for five weeks. Polden [sic] received ordnance and ammunition, which he hath delivered up by order of Captain Batten, saving so much as amounts to 11l., which the Committee are content to allow with the 6l. Capt. Batten hath already paid him for the diet of the said men. Ordered by the Committee for the Navy, that the Commissioners of the Navy make up his account for his freight for three months and six days, and the wages due to the eight men, and return it to this Committee to-morrow afternoon in the Treasury Chamber. [1 p.] 29
Dec. 8 Order of the Committee for the Navy, upon information of Captain Thomas Trenchfield, who commanded the Sovereign, by order of the Close Committee, for removing her into some place of safety, with the rest of the King's ships under several captains. Ordered that the Commissioners of the Navy do return an estimate of the charge thereof, and what is due to Captain Trenchfield and the other captains. [½ p.] 30
Dec. 13 Tower St. Commissrs of the Navy. Commissioners for the Admiralty and Cinque Ports. Captain Leonard Harris, of the Paragon, taken up by your order to serve the King and Parliament in this last expedition, demands his allowances for his ship's freight and company's wages; but we cannot agree upon the determination of the ship's voyage, she arriving at Tilbury Hope 2 Nov. 1642, and as the captain pretends it was the 24th of Nov. before he paid off his company, to which date he craves allowance, for which we know no cause, unless he stayed by your commands, and therefore crave your order herein, and also by what warrant he exceeded the eight months specified in his contract. Underwritten, 31
i. If you allow the ship's pay unto the 10th of November, being a convenient time to come to Blackwall, the place of the ship's discharge, it is thought very indifferent. Giles Green. [1 p.]
Dec. 13 Order of the Committee of Lords and Commons for the Admiralty and Cinque Ports. That the Commissioners of the Navy consider the enclosed copy of an order, and send us an estimate of the charge of taking up a ship in the Thames to transmit the clothes for seven regiments, mentioned in the copy, to Carrickfergus in Ireland. [Damaged. ½ p.] 32
Dec. 21 Committee for the Navy. Commissrs of the Navy. To treat with fit persons to furnish the stores of timber, &c. wanted for the King's ships, and to take some convenient time for payment of the moneys, which shall be paid by Parliament out of the customs, and to certify this Committee from time to time of the parcels bought, the prices, and the times of payment, that money may be provided. [1 p.] 33
Dec. 21 The same The same Four colliers, the Hector, Edward and Elizabeth, Recovery, and Dragon, are to be employed for the King and Parliament in the North Seas, to intercept and seize arms and ammunition coming to the prejudice of this kingdom. Mr. John Taylor hath covenanted to provide them with men and victuals, and Mr. Robert Clements is to see them furnished with ordnance out of the King's stores, and the principal officers of the Navy are to see they perform their charges according to covenant. [Damaged. 1 p.] 34
Dec. 23 The same The same We have appointed Wm. Sparkes, well recommended to us by you, to be purser of the Tenth Whelp, and pray you to enter him as such with the usual allowances. [1 p.] 35
Dec. 24 The same The same The like for Herbert Cadman, as boatswain of the Rainbow. [Damaged. 1 p.] 36
Dec. 29 The same The same Certificate that the Paragon, merchantman, employed in last summer's fleet, was by the agreement of the owner with this Committee to enter into pay 17 March 1641[-2]; her dimensions were returned by the Corporation of Shipwrights as 356 tons, and she was allowed 30 men to every 100 tons. [½ p.] 37
Dec. 30 The same The same Having appointed Richard Bridge to be gunner of his Majesty's pinnace, the Swan, now upon the Irish coast, we pray you to enter him as such with the usual allowances. [Damaged. 1 p.] 38
Dec. 30 The same The same The like letter for Richard Dormot to be purser of the Swan. [Damaged. 1 p.] 39
Dec. 31 Order of the Committee of Lords and Commons for the Admiralty and Cinque Ports. That the Commissioners of the Navy deliver out of his Majesty's stores at Deptford or Woolwich to each of the four ships here-under named, contracted for to guard the northern parts of England, the under-mentioned stores. [Damaged. ¾ p.] 40