|
| March 16. |
1. Jonas Shish to the Navy Comrs. Wants canvas and timber
for the new ship. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 16.
Dover. |
2. Thos. White to Sam. Pepys. Begs for some employment in
the navy. [Adm. Paper.] Encloses, |
|
2. i. Certificate by Nich. Eaton, mayor, and Wm. Eaton, George
West, and Rich. Barley, jurats of Dover, recommending
Thos. White, for many years master of attendance at
that port, as still fit for that employment. |
|
Dover, March 16 1665. |
| March 16. |
3. Sir Wm. Coventry to Sam. Pepys. The Royal Katherine is to
be unstowed and iron ballast put in her, and vessels and all other
helps imaginable dispatched for it forthwith. [Adm. Paper.] |
| March 16. |
4. Sir Wm. Coventry to Sam. Pepys. Offers free use of the lodgings
fallen to him upon Lord Berkeley's leaving the office, to any of the
commissioners or persons employed by them in this time of haste,
until his return. Will change lodgings with Sir John Mennes, if he
prefer it. [Adm. Paper.] |
| March 16. |
5. Sir Wm. Coventry to Sam. Pepys. The increase of men demanded for the Harp is reasonable, and the supply of stores
necessary. Wants the names of the vessels lying on the river to
receive men, that they may not be disturbed. [Adm. Paper.] |
| March 16. |
6. Sir Wm. Warren to the Navy Comrs. Finds it difficult to
hire ships to fetch the masts from Gottenburg which he bought for
the King's service. Will pay the freight of a ship sent for them at
the usual rate in times of peace, if they will hire the ship and run
the risk at sea. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 16.
Harwich. |
7. Anthony Deane to the Navy Comrs. Sends a draft of the
careening engine. Has pressed 33 shipwrights at or near Ipswich.
Purchase of timber. Desires two men to look after the lighters.
[Adm. Paper.] |
March 16.
Harwich. |
8. John Browne to the Navy Comrs. Sends Mr. Johnson's bill
for cordage, and a certificate of the defects in Sir Wm. Warren's
Gottenburg masts. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 16.
Victualling Office. |
9. Denis Gauden to the Navy Comrs. Is ordered to supply every
ship of the fleet with four months' provisions, computed from the
last of March, and another two months' by the end of May. Begs
directions about delivering oatmeal in lieu of one day's fish in a
week. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 16.
Cockpit. |
10. Petition of Abraham Robotham to the Duke of Albemarle,
for the command of a frigate or victualler. Served in the Henry
last summer, and was owner of a merchantman for many years.
With note by the Duke, recommending the petitioner to the Navy
Commissioners. [Adm. Paper.] |
| March 16. |
11. Chris. Pett to [the Navy Comrs.] Proposes the cheapest and
most expeditious way of converting timber in Aliceholt for the
frame of the new second-rate ship; viz., to send his foreman with
20 able shipwrights, to have the timber hewed to the moulds in the
wood. Elm timber is wanted for the fourth-rate ship now building.
[Adm. Paper, damaged.] |
| [March 16.] |
12. Warrant to Sir George Carteret, treasurer of the navy, to
pay the salaries of the Admiral's regiment, according to the muster
rolls delivered, and also 20s. per man for such as shall be raised in
lieu of men sent to sea, and to certify the same to the Duke of
Albemarle, who will issue warrants for its repayment. [Draft.] |
| March 16. |
Entry of the above. With note of a similar warrant for Mr. ViceChamberlain [Sir G. Carteret], to pay the Admiral's regiment, to
remain with the Lord General. [Ent. Book 22, pp. 62–3.] |
| March 16. |
Warrant to the Keeper of the Gatehouse to take John Atkinson
into custody for high treason, and keep him close in the dungeon
till further order. Minute. [Ent. Book 22, p. 63.] |
| March 16. |
Order to Sir Thomas Ingram, chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster, for a warrant to Sir John Curzon, Bart., receiver general of
the duchy, to pay 1,000l. to Hugh May, paymaster of the works,
for the King's buildings at Greenwich. [Ent. Book 22, p. 70.] |
| March [16.] |
13. Copy of the above. |
| March 16. |
Warrant assigning the pension of 6,000l. granted to the Duke of
Monmouth to be paid from the receipts of excise for Yorkshire. [Ent.
Book 17, p. 98.] |
| March 16. |
14. Draft of the above. [Two pages.] |
| March ? |
15. Petition of Edw. Traffles, of Winchester, to the King, for his
letter to the electors of Winchester College, that his son Richard
may be sped to New College, Oxford, at the next election. |
| March 16. |
The King to the Wardens of New College and other electors of
Winchester College. Recommends Rich. Traffles, child of Winchester
College, for transplantation to the University, on account of the
loyal sufferings of his parents in the late rebellion. [Ent. Book 19,
p. 34.] |
March 16.
Edinburgh. |
16. R. M[ein] to Hen. Muddiman. A fleet of 32 ships now in
the Frith is hoped to be the Scots' fleet, with four of the King's
ships in convoy, the granting of which convoy is thought a great
favour. The very being of Scottish trading depends on the 500 brave
seamen ready to go when the convoy returns. They are picked men,
far beyond the others who went up, most of whom perished in the
London. Mr. Mall, laird of Melgem, has a device by which he can
stay six or eight hours under water, coming up to recover breath,
and is most willing and able to serve His Majesty in recovering the
guns, &c. of the London. The Dutch are a false, subtle people, and
lurk for advantages. |
| March 16. |
17. Estimate by Rob. Child and Wm. Bowles, masters of tents
and toils, of the charge of the waggons, toils for the deer, tents, &c.,
for the Queen's use, ordered in 1664, and request for payment of
the same; total, 1,322l. |
March 16.
Whitehall. |
18. Order for a warrant to the Exchequer and to the Receiver
General for Oxfordshire, to pay to the Earl of Lindsey, Lieutenant
of Woodstock Manor, 40l. a year, for wages for the park keepers, and
40l. for provision of hay for the deer, as granted by the late King
to Phil. late Earl of Montgomery, when he had the custody of
the park. [One and a half pages.] |
March 17.
Newcastle. |
19. Rich. Forster to James Hickes. Arrival of the long looked-for
ships. Dined with Sir Ralph Delavale and the three captains, and
saw many volunteers sent aboard the men-of-war. The people are
much encouraged with the fleet, and hope a constant trade. Two
men-of-war passed lately, convoying 23 Scottish ships. |
March 17.
Plymouth. |
20. Da. Grosse to Williamson. The Straits' vessels have arrived
and wait Lord Belasyse's departure. A prize is taken by the Dover.
Arrival of vessels of the town from Marseilles, Leghorn, Genoa,
Majorca, and St. Lucas, all bound for London. Capt. Allin's fleet,
with 30 merchant ships, is eastward of Lyme, beating up the
Channel. The Bear is to carry the pressed men thence to the
fleet. |
March 17.
Plymouth. |
21. Sir John Coryton to Williamson. Has tried the temper of the
people of Kellington, and finds them much altered in their esteem of
him (the writer), because their last members neglected to get them two
fairs, and suffered their opposers to get fairs for the very days which
they desired; also they never had a token of respect from their
members, but were sued by the agents of Mr. Rowley, who is lord
of the manor, and forced to compositions. Paid the poorer sort their
money again, and would have paid the charge of the fairs. Had
they been obtained, Lord Bennet would have secured an interest
in the place for ever. |
March 17.
Serjeants' Inn, Chancery Lane. |
22. Warrant from Lord Chief Justice Hyde to the Sheriff of
Surrey, to command the execution of Wm. Ashenhurst and Rob.
Kilvert, condemned to death for felony last assizes, but the former
reprieved and the latter stayed from execution, without warrant. |
March 17.
Letter Office. |
23. James Hickes to Williamson. Sends letters from Newcastle
and Plymouth. The prisoners being taken from Ilchester gaol to go
to Taunton, to their trial, the under-keeper desired the old witch to
show the people one of her pranks before she went, which she did. |
| March 17. |
Warrant for creating George Rawden a Baronet of Ireland.
Minute. [Ent. Book 22, p. 63.] |
March 17/27.
Chelsea. |
Ambassador Van Goch to the States General. The King has,
accepted the offer of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen to build him
a ship instead of the London, adding that it is to be called the
Loyal London. They meanwhile undertake to support three
ships in the fleet at their own charge; 300 land soldiers, lately
drawn out of the Guards to be sent on board the Duke's ship, were
mustered, when his Highness made a speech, assuring them they
should go no further than he would in his own person, whereon with
a shout and great acclamations of joy, they were sent to the Downs.
The sailors from an Emden vessel, formerly unmolested, are now
made prisoners at Plymouth, on pretence that Emden is garrisoned
by the States; all Dutch mariners are imprisoned. The people
belonging to a Swedish ship are discharged from Chelsea College,
perhaps to be put on board colliers' vessels. [Copy, Holland
Corresp., March 17.] |
March 17.
Chatham. |
24. Commissioner Peter Pett to Sam. Pepys. Wants an order for
deals intended for making a small house to keep provisions in at
Sheerness. Particulars of ships. Timber wanted. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 17.
The Expedition, The Hope. |
25. Capt. Tobias Sackler to the Navy Comrs. Requests a new
master, as his present one does not look after the ship. Is ordered
to the Downs. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 17.
The Prince, The Hope. |
26. Capt. Rog. Cuttance to Sam. Pepys. Wants kerseys and
waste cloth. [Adm. Paper.] |
| March 17. |
27. Certificate by Capt. Rog. Cuttance, that Henry Adams,
master of the John hoy, has waited on the ship Prince since Feb. 16.
[Adm. Paper.] |
March 17.
Deptford. |
28. Certificate by Thos. Cowley that Rob. Huttson was entered on
the Expedition at Deptford, on Dec. 10, 1663. [Adm. Paper,
damaged.] |
| March 18. |
29. Certificate by G. Bowerman, that 76 persons, a list of whom
is prefixed, have been constantly employed in the ballast office for
three years, and are not to be impressed, nor compelled upon any
other service. Enclosing, |
|
29. i. Reasons offered for preserving a certain number of men
for ballasting in the river, who are poor men, pressed from
country labour, most of them never having been inside a
ship; showing that the rent of 2,000l. could not else be
paid for the ballast office; that they have always been
exempt, and that the supply of ballast is very important,
&c. Of 240, the total number, 75 have entered as volunteers; request that at least 70 may be secured. [Two
pages.] |
| March 18. |
30. Wm. Philpott, master of the Mayflower of Margate, to
Sam. Pepys. Sends dimensions of the Mayflower hoy, offering her
services as formerly. [Adm. Paper.] |
| March 18. |
31. Peter Russell to the Navy Comrs. Has surveyed yarn and
old rope at Mr. Spireman's, at Redrith; the price of the latter is
16s. per cwt. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 18.
Portsmouth. |
32. Comr. Thos. Middleton to [Sam. Pepys]. Will give all
possible dispatch to Sir Wm. Warren's ship of deals, but all are
busy about a prize from which 10,000 or 12,000 deals may be had.
Particulars of stores bought and offered. Account of ships lying at
Spithead. Col. Reymes has recommended two able seamen as
masters of the galliot prizes. Progress of ships. Will not yet
discharge calkers or axemen, lest Capt. Allin's fleet should come in
suddenly, and want all hands at work. Reproved the captain of
one of the merchant ships for not making quicker dispatch, but he
threw the blame on the master of the ship. The embezzlement of
cordage is not proved against the man suspected, or he would have
been hanged. Particulars of timber felling. Money wanted by the
purveyors. Requests press warrants to be sent down to each
captain. [Adm. Paper, four pages.] |
March 18.
Portsmouth. |
33. Comr. Thos. Middleton to [Sam. Pepys]. Cannot fix the date
of his commission, nor send it up as desired before payment of his
allowance, as Morris Eady who was employed in the business, has
it at Dover. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 18.
Dorchester. |
34. John Cole to [Williamson]. Several captains have landed and
gone up to London. The rest of Capt. Allin's fleet, with 30 merchantmen, are near Portland. The Dutch have taken an Englishman off Gibraltar, laden with herrings, and sold her at Malaga.
They, as well as the English, have leave to sell their prizes in any
port of Spain. A shallop built at Cadiz by the Dutch is not allowed
by the governor to go to sea, till further orders from the King of
Spain. |
| March 18 ? |
35. Leonard Williams to Sec. Bennet. Thanks for receipt of 20l.
for himself and 20l. for Mr. Betson. The money is insufficient. Has
run great hazards and spent much money in the cause; a good
reward would encourage Mr. Betson, and tend much to the King's
service. Hears from Capt. Thomas of the taking of Capt. Newbury,
an old officer, and of Terrill the waterman, who has carried persons
up and down about the new design. Knows not either of them. |
| March 18. |
36. Leo. Williams to Sec. Bennet. Has been early and late with
Capt. Thomas, to show him the places where they meet. Atkinson
can confirm what he says. Has sent a paper of their new design to
Sir Roger Langley, a man faithful to the King and well beloved in
the country. Thinks Mene Tekel would confess if fairly treated,
being poor and having a large family. Pleads for a reward, having
caused the taking of 16 at once, some more considerable than
Atkinson. Annexing, |
|
36. i. [Leo. Williams and—Betson] to Sir Roger Langley. In
March 1663, Atkinson was active in the design, and got
a council together, viz., Blood, Lockyer, Capt. Wise, Jones
alias Mene Tekel, Carew, and Major Lee. They meant to
take houses near the Tower and Whitehall, gather arms,
and destroy the King, Dukes of York and Albemarle,
and Lord Chancellor. Atkinson knows where most of
these persons lodge; will tell anything else wanted to
pinch Atkinson to a confession. March 17, 1665.] |
March 18.
Westminster. |
37. Warrant to the Lord Treasurer and Chancellor of the
Exchequer, authorizing certain payments made by them to excise
officers, and to Rowland Laugharne and Sarah Gardiner, out of the
arrears of excise of 6,248l. 7s. 1d., due to His Majesty for so much
paid to Ald. Backwell out of the growing duty of excise, and
ordering that payments be first made from the remainder to the
Duke of York, Capt. Titus, and Mr. Peck, before the rest be
reimbursed to the King. [Two sheets.] |
March 18.
Whitehall. |
38. Examination of John Atkinson, stockinger of Askrigg. Has
been in London ever since the intended rising in the North. Knows
the chief men, Lockyer, Jones, Blood, &c. When any are taken, the
rest dislodge and cannot well be found. Was engaged by Baptists
of desperate fortune, but grew wearied of their selfish designs, and
looked for an opportunity to discover them. Particulars of many of
the plotters and their residences. [Three and a half pages.] |
| March 18. |
Warrant to Sir John Robinson to receive [John] Atkinson, commonly called the Stockinger, prisoner for treasonable practices.
Minute. [Ent. Book 22, p. 63.] |
March 18.
Whitehall. |
Note of the King's approval of Sir Richard Egerton, Sir Richard
Brooke, and Sir Geoffrey Shakerly, as deputy lieutenants of the
county palatine of Chester. [Ent. Book 22, p. 64.] |
March 18.
Whitehall. |
Warrant to the High Sheriff of Surrey for the execution of
William Ashenhurst, the late reprieve notwithstanding. [Ent.
Book 22, p. 64.] |
March 18.
London. |
39. "The Rosie Crucian Heavenly Court and their Throne of Light
discovered and communicated to the world by John Heydon, gent.,
[Greek: Philosophos], a servant of God and secretary of nature." With a second
title page "Hampaaneah Neelamim, or the Emam of Rosie Crucian
philosophy, teaching the wonderful power of the Pantarva, and the
perfect, full discovery of the true Cœlum Terra, or first matter of
mettales and their preparation into incredible extraordinary
medicines or elixirs, to cure all diseases in young or old, being fitted
for the poor afflicted people of the world, admirable for all." Licensed
by Roger L'Estrange. [One hundred and nine pages, imperfect.] |
March 19.
Hull. |
40. Luke Whittington to Jas. Hickes. The rich fleet of 24 vessels
of the town, with the convoy, has sailed from the Humber, and was
joined by the frigate from Scarborough, with the pressed men. Col.
Morley, the present governor of Hull, sent out several files of musketeers to Serjeant Bullock's house, two miles off, where a conventicle of 100 to 300 fanatics was held; only 20 were seized, as their
scouts were out, and they fled. Report that the Hollanders have
landed in Scotland or Shetland. |
March 19.
Hull. |
41. Willm. Gower to Williamson. Sent him a cask of ale by the
fleet that has just sailed; a fleet of 60 ships, with six convoys, has
passed northward. Mr. Comings and Mr. Fairfax will give intelligence from Whitby. Asks Sir Henry Bennet's new title. |
March 19.
Plymouth. |
42. Da. Grosse to [Williamson]. Arrival and departure of ships.
Another prize taken. The rest of the Smyrna fleet has arrived, to
go under convoy of Lord Belasyse, when the wind allows: 100
soldiers put aboard for Tangiers, 50 from Plymouth garrison, and
50 from Pendennis shouted their joy to serve the King, which much
satisfied the spectators. |
| March 19. |
43. J[ohn] I[ronmonger] to Sir Thos. Gower. The last letters
from Holland gave assurance that the French would support the
States. They consent to the stay of all the ships lately built for
them in Holland. The Admiral of France will bring 42 ships from
the Italian seas to Brest in April. Marsden is in London like a
great gallant, and often at Court. Col. Carr promises much to the
States of what will be done in the west of Scotland. |
| March 19. |
44. Examination of [Wm.] Ashenhurst, prisoner in the White Lion.
There are frequent meetings in the prison of 40 or 50 Anabaptists,
some of whom were his judges, and condemned him when he was
in Sir George Booth's business. They rent a chamber there, sometimes stay all night, and some bring arms; looking through the
key-hole, heard them earnest in discourse of something to be done
in April next. |
| March 19. |
The King to Col. Russell. He is to follow the 300 soldiers late
of the Guards, who are ordered on board the fleet to repress the
mutiny which has arisen from some unknown cause, and the Judge
Advocate is to proceed to a speedy trial and execution of the chief
offenders, by a council of war near the place where the offenders
live, according to the Articles of War published at Oxford in the
time of the late King, so as to discourage others from such presumptuous attempts in future. [Ent. Book 17, pp. 99–100.] |
| [March 19.] |
45. Draft of the above [by Sec. Bennet and Williamson.] |
March 19.
Sunday. |
46. Sir Geo. Carteret to the Navy Comrs. The King wonders
that the Dutch galliot lying at Deptford, bound for the north of
Scotland, is not yet dispatched. Asks if the captain's complaint
of not having all his stores be true, or where the fault lies. [Adm.
Paper.] |
March 20.
Deptford. |
47. Thos. Harper to Thos. Turner. Particulars of stores. Timber
wanted; also the standards for the Royal Charles. [Adm. Paper,
damaged.] |
March 20.
Conpill. |
48. Dan. Furzer to the Navy Comrs. Requests a warrant for
felling keel-pieces, plank, &c., in the Lea Baly, for the new ship.
[Adm. Paper.] |
| March 20. |
49. Certificate by Capt. Zach. Browne, that a fresh supply of
medicine is needed by John Powell, surgeon of the Assistance.
[Adm. Paper.] |
| March 20. |
50. Capt. John Taylor to Pepys. Desires a bill for the large
deals at Chatham. The allowance demanded for the Blackcock's
coming into Chatham till a time of leisure is 98l. 8s. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 20.
Dover. |
51. Thos. White to the Navy Comrs. Account of naval stores
which may be bought at that port; viz., sheet lead, cordage, tar,
ironwork, and canvas. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 20.
Bridgewater. |
52. Sir Hugh Smyth, Sir John Sydenham, and five other Deputy
Lieutenants of Somersetshire to the Duke of Ormond, [lord lieutenant]. Could not deposit the month's assessment now in the
late sheriff's hands, as ordered, as the sea affairs and assizes prevented many gentlemen from meeting, but will soon do it; find
that of 4,784l. 5s. 6d., 435l. 7s. 6d. has been disbursed as ordered,
4,348l. 18s. is in Sir George Norton, the late sheriff's hands, and
441l. 9s. 2d. not yet collected. Hope fuller instructions when his
Grace visits the country. Annexing, |
|
52. i. Account [by Williamson] of the arrears of 70,000l. collected in Somersetshire, as certified by the Lord Lieutenant, corresponding with the above statement. |
March 20.
Guildhall. |
53. Order at a meeting of the Lord Mayor and Justices of the
Peace for London, Middlesex, Kent, and Surrey, that the Earl of
Newport and Lord Craven be desired to move the King to order
no ships laden with coal to be stayed at Harwich or other ports
at the river's mouth, except for supply of the said ports, in order
that the City and neighbourhood may be supplied. |
March 20.
Guildhall. |
54. Order in the said meeting, that from March 22, the price of
coals shall not be more than 30s. a chaldron; none are to refuse to
sell at that rate, and the justices of peace to see the order put in
execution. With marginal list of 14 persons present. [One and a
half pages.] |
| March 20. |
55. John Madden and Thos. Agar to Lord [Treas. Southampton].
Report the state of the several coppices in Whittlewood and Saulcey
forests; their total value is 554l., after deducting 82l. for fencing;
but if the value of the acres or half-acres claimed by the lord
warden, lieutenant, ranger, and verderers be deducted, it will be
495l. 10s. [Two and a half pages.] |
March 20.
Derby. |
56. Sir Chas. Dallison, Wm. Ellis, and Nich. Wilmot to Attorney
General Palmer. Calton was the only evidence against Wright and
Howe, and the other prisoners at Derby, therefore they were not
proceeded against. It was proved against Wild that he knew of
the plot for which several were executed, and knew that Lockyer
would raise 500 men at Nottingham; that he often spoke of the
plot, offered press money to enlist persons, and said there would
soon be an alteration. The prisoner's defence was that he remembers nothing of this, but that his head was once hurt and a piece
of his skull taken out, that his brain was sometimes distempered,
and that he had been drinking. He proved that he did not act at
all in the late troubles, and that he frequented church. The judge
has ordered the execution for Easter week. [One and a quarter
pages.] |
March 20.
Leicester. |
57. Edw. Barwell to Matthew Johnson, at the Attorney General's
chambers, Brick Court, Middle Temple, London. Phil. Wild was
the only one tried, the others were released on bail, there being only
one witness against them. The gentry think the verdict against
Wild is hard, his defence being that he was sometimes distracted, and
was in drink at the time. |
March 20.
Derby. |
58. Anchitell Gray and H. Every, justices of peace of Derby, to
Mr. Boulteale, the Lord Chancellor's secretary, Worcester House,
London. Ask whether Phil. Wild, condemned for treason, may be
capable of pardon. The jury were satisfied that he was drunk
when he tried to enlist soldiers, and that he is distracted on the
changes of the moon. He has confessed who employed him therein.
Thos. Calton, now prisoner in the gaol, was witness against him.
Encloses, |
|
58. i. Confession of Phil. Wild. Was employed by his master,
Col. Hutherson, and his son Thomas, to enlist soldiers
against the Yorkshire rising, Oct. 12, and had a horse
given him; went to Thos. Greensmith of Coventry,
and George Hollis, of Newbold, near Chesterfield, to
know if they were ready. Being at Milton, in drink,
tried to enlist his brother, Timothy Wild, Lieut. Wild,
Allin, and Roper. Before this, Hutherson had threatened
to fall on a troop of the King's horses, and to take
Warwick Castle. |
| March 20. |
Grant to Anthony De Choqueux of the office of Surgeon in ordinary, fee 80l. a year, to begin from Midsummer, 1661. [Docquet.] |
| March 20. |
Warrant to pay to Anthony De Choqueux 883l. 12s., due to him
from the late King. [Docquet.] |
| March 20. |
Grant to James Earl of Suffolk of an annuity of 1,000l. as gentleman of the bedchamber. [Docquet.] |
| March 20. |
Warrant to pay to the Earl of Sandwich, master of the great
wardrobe, 5,000l. on account, for extraordinary charges in his office
since Michaelmas, 1664. [Docquet.] |
| March 20. |
59. Arthur Trevor to [Williamson]. The only business on hand
is about the length of the hoods of Capuchins and Recollets, the
black and grey monks at Coventry, and the bishop whose head was
broken with his own crozier in trying to settle the question of
precedency with his pastoral staff; also about a pig, said not to be
one because he was whole-hoofed. A miller, when indicted, justified
taking excessive tolls, because the rector on Palm Sunday said
"Tolle, tolle, &c." |
| March 20. |
60. Information by Thos. Gray, an Englishman who sailed with
the Dutch two years, and has now escaped by way of Ostend, with
loss of 18 months' pay. There are 56 men-of-war at Texel preparing under young Trump, 50 at Flushing under Evertsen, 5 at
Camphire under young Banckart, and 30 at Helvoetsluys under
Opdam. There are few English amongst them, and those cannot
get away. They have 12 fire-ships. Many of De Ruyter's men
are ill or dead at Guinea, and they want provisions. |
March 21.
Deal. |
61. Ri. Watts to Williamson. Arrival and departure of vessels.
Great guns and broadsides have been heard all day, and it is
thought that the fleet under Sir George Ayscue is engaged. Our
ships are 18 sail, the rest being on the scout. |
March 21.
Sandwich. |
62. Capt. John Strode to Williamson. The fleet has sailed
from the Downs eastward, and a great many guns have been fired
from seaward. Can send him white wine, but there was not a
drop of claret in all the prize ships. |
| March 21. |
63. Deposition of Robt. Westcomb. Being sent with Gilbert
Thomas, provost marshal, to apprehend — Terry, Terry said
"you have missed your prize; you came to take Doctor Johnson, and he is far enough out of your reach." When in Flanders,
Johnson told him that he was the best artist in the world for
making rich metals, and could live well in England, if he could find
some one that could adulterate mercury. Johnson showed him an
ingredient which would change brass to the colour of perfect silver. |
| March 21. |
Licence to Alice De l'Ecluse to pass into Holland on her particular
occasions. Minute. [Ent. Book 22, p. 65.] |
| March 21. |
Warrant to Sir Edward Griffin, treasurer of the chamber, to deliver to Humphrey Lord Bishop of London, chief almoner, or the
sub-almoner, 133l. 6s. 8d., to be distributed in alms on Maunday
Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter week. [Ent. Book 22, p. 68.] |
| March 21. |
Grant to Rich. Swift of the office of Falconer in ordinary, in the
place of Hugh Wright; fee, 2s. a day, and 13l. 13s. 9½d. for yearly
livery. [Docquet.] |
March 21.
Harwich. |
64. Anthony Deane to the Navy Comrs. Sends particulars of
the dimensions and use of the careening wheel. Justice Scrivener
refuses to meddle with the carriage of his timber; it must be bought
on the place. Sir Philip Parker makes the same agreement. These
bargains will come to 700l. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 21.
Deal. |
65. John Culmer to Sir John Mennes. Offers to convert two
long boats in his possession into water boats, for the use of the fleet.
[Adm. Paper.] |
| March 21. |
66. Sir Wm. Coventry to Sam. Pepys. Complains that Capt. Fortescue does nothing towards restoring the arms to Sir Chichester
Wray. Desires orders for it to be done whatever it costs. Suggests
iron stone ballasting for the ships building at Bristol, as cheaper in
the end. Timber wanted at Deptford. [Adm. Paper.] |
| March 21. |
67. Sir Wm. Coventry to Sam. Pepys. The stores demanded by
Sir Wm. Penn for the Charles must be hastened into the King's
Channel, and not into the Downs. [Adm. Paper.] |
| March 22. |
68. Sir Wm. Coventry to Sam. Pepys. Desires stores for the Lily,
against her coming up to Woolwich. [Adm. Paper.] Encloses, |
|
68. i. Capt. Amos. Beare to Sir Geo. Askew, commander of the
fleet in the Downs. Is ordered to ply between the buoy
of the Nore and North Foreland, calling sometimes at
Margate for orders. Wants a cable and other provisions.
The Lily, Margate Road, March 19. |
March 22.
Woolwich. |
69. Wm. Bodham to the Navy Comrs. Three men, strangers by
their language, have been observed to walk and pry suspiciously
round the ropeyard. In these times of hostility with the Dutch,
some worse mischief than thieving is feared. Advises a third
watchman for the yard during the war, and arms to be ready;
200 deals wanted. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 22.
Woolwich. |
70. Richard Dowson to the [Navy Comrs.] The joiners' work for
the new ship will cost 190l., or 216l. deducting for work already
done. [Adm. Paper.] |
| March 22. |
71. Sir Wm. Coventry to the Rulers of Watermen's Hall. Complains of pressed watermen hiring others in their places, whereby the
service is encumbered with useless men, while able seamen are left
at home. The same persons are to be impressed again, notwithstanding their having hired others, in order to make people more
cautious. [Adm. Paper.] Encloses, |
|
71. i. List of 70 men given in by order of the Rulers of the
Watermen's Company. |
March 22.
Chester. |
72. Capt. Rich. Rooth to the Navy Comrs. Has drawn a bill of
exchange on them for 224l., for provisions. Has 130 pressed men
on board, besides his company, and hopes that the number imposed
on Cheshire and Lancashire will soon be complete. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 22.
Dover. |
73. Thos. White to the Navy Comrs. Wishes navy stores brought
in by prizes to be delivered into his charge, appraised by four
men when landed, housed in the stores, and delivered out by the
Prize Commissioners when required by the King's ships. [Adm.
Paper.] |
March 22.
Chatham. |
74. Peter Pett, jun., to Sam. Pepys. Writes during his father's
absence to transmit certain packets. Asks if the contracts received
are to be kept till his father's return, or sent to London. [Adm.
Paper.] Encloses, |
|
74. i., ii. Account of provisions required for Dover, noting
such as are ready to be sent. Two papers. |
March 22.
Whitehall. |
Warrant for a grant to Horatio Lord Townshend of two thirds of
certain marsh lands in or near Walton and other places, cos. Cambridge, Lincoln, and Norfolk, as settled upon the late King when he
undertook to drain the same, and spent 6,000l. therein, on condition of his lordship's prosecuting His Majesty's right and title
thereto at his own expense, and paying such fee-farm rents as may
be agreed upon. [Ent. Book 14, f. 53.] |
March 22.
Whitehall. |
Warrant to Lord Townshend to examine the King's claims to the
land mentioned in the preceding warrant; to agree with persons
interested therein for restoring and perfecting the embankment, two
thirds to be for the King, and the other third for pretension of soil
and common; and to require all evidences or writings relating
thereto to be produced. [Ent. Book 14, f. 54.] |
| March 22. |
The King to the [Dean and Chapter of Christ Church, Oxford].
The legacy of 900l. a year, bequeathed by—Thurstan to that
college, having come to their hands after long suit, and the present
dean and chapter having greatly improved the revenue of the college, the money is to be employed in increasing the salaries of the
singing men 5s. a quarter, and in adding one to the 100 students
founded there. [Ent. Book 19, f. 35.] |
| March 22. |
Warrant to the Commissioners of Prizes, to restore certain
brandies and wines, seized on board the Crowned Pen, to Sire
Tavart and Dr. Lopes of Bourdeaux, their owners. [Ent. Book 22,
p. 71.] |
| March 22. |
Warrant to Sir Ralph Freeman and Henry Slingsby, masters and
workers of the Mint, to allow three pennyweights Troy in the pound
as a remedy in weight on 3d. and 4d. pieces, and four pennyweights
on 2d. and 1d. pieces, since great exactness cannot be observed in
the small coins, of which a great quantity is to be made. [Ent.
Book 22, p. 72.] |
| [March 22.] |
75. Draft of the above. [Imperfect.] |
March 22.
Whitehall. |
76. The King to the Duke of York. Has prepared a great and
powerful fleet to assert his right to the dominion of the Narrow
Seas, and has, at his request, given him the command of it, confiding
in his wisdom, valour, and conduct, by God's blessing, for happy
success. He is to act by advice of the Council of War, either sailing
to the North, into the Channel, or to the coast of Holland; to
endeavour directly to secure the mastery of the seas and safety of
navigation, and for this object to fight or not fight, as he thinks
best. [Two pages.] |
| March [22.] |
77. Draft of the above. [Two pages.] |
| March 22. |
Entry of the above. [Ent. Book 21, p. 162.] |
March 22.
Deal. |
78. Ri. Watts to [Williamson]. The shooting that was heard
was only salutes. A Straits prize has come in, and other ships. |
March 22.
Hull. |
79. J. C— to James Hickes. Three strong Holland men-ofwar have been seen off Bridlington. |
March 22.
Plymouth. |
80. J. C[larke] to James Hickes. Lord Belasyse, his officers and
200 soldiers, have sailed in the Foresight, Elizabeth, and Eagle, along
with the Smyrna fleet and some ships bound for Leghorn, Cadiz,
Barbadoes, &c. Vessels have arrived from Portugal, Seville, and the
Canaries, all bound for London. |
March 22.
Whitehall. |
81. Order in Council, revoking the word Ireland from the dispensation lately granted in reference to certain clauses in the Act of
Navigation, suspending the said Act as to commodities from Norway
or the Baltic; also from Germany, Flanders, or France, if the owners
be the King's born subjects; empowering not only subjects, but
merchants of any nation in amity, to import hemp, pitch, tar, masts,
saltpetre, and copper; and authorizing English merchants to employ
foreign ships, or seamen of any nation at amity, provided no goods
be imported into the plantations except direct from England and
Wales, nor from thence except to ports in England and Wales, for
which the custom house officers are to take bonds and other securities. |
March 22.
Whitehall. |
82. Sir Wm. Coventry to Lord Arlington. Sends a paper given him
by the Duke, but thinks it cannot be dispatched during his Royal
Highness's short stay, as he will be cautious in granting passes to
foreign ships without positive directions from the King or Council,
or at least the opinion of the Prize Commissioners that the service
will not be prejudiced thereby. |
| March 22. |
83. Sir Rob. Wiseman, advocate general, to the Commissioners for
Prizes. As to the account required of French claims on prizes, nine
tenths of the claims made in the Admiralty Court are on the plea of the
goods being French. Although the Dutch were known to be the great
traders at sea, and these goods are in Dutch vessels, going between
Dutch ports, and the crew Dutch, yet they are sworn to belong only
to Frenchmen. Those French who went on with their claims were
soon dispatched, but some would not proceed in them, saying they
could right themselves elsewhere; this failing, they resumed them,
and on their own proofs, without any proof on the other side, have
been discharged. This has been done because the court was ordered
to respect the alliance of the two crowns, and to prefer French claims
before those of any other nation. If the charges complained of are
those incident to seizure and detention, and the court proceedings,
they are justified by law, as the French gave ground for seizure by
using Dutch vessels and equipage, and sailing between Dutch ports.
The notion that the King's declaration of February 22 was made to
condemn all French goods taken in Dutch vessels before that time is
disproved, because it runs altogether in the future; and because, since
its publication, the Admiralty Court has discharged many French
goods taken in Dutch ships. [Two and a half pages.] |
| March 22. |
84. Copy of the above. [Four and a half pages.] Annexing, |
|
84. i. List of 11 French ships and their goods discharged without trial in the Admiralty Court, from January 28 to
March 22, 1665. |
March 23.
Dover. |
85. Jo. Carlisle to Williamson. Vice-Admiral Allin has sailed
with 11 ships, and Sir Wm. Berkeley with 13, bound for Sole Bay,
which will be the rendezvous. Sir And. Browne has arrived from
Lord Fanshaw. Report that six Holland ships are taken. Sends
him a box of oranges and lemons, the first fruits of his labour as
storehouse keeper. |
March 23.
Deal. |
86. Ri. Watts to Williamson. Sir Willm. Berkeley's fleet and
prizes have arrived. Twenty King's ships are in the Downs. |
| March 23. |
Warrant for leave to Henry Killigrew to fell, cut down, and
carry away the coppices and coppice wood in the forests of Whittlewood and Saulcey, co. Northampton, as the King's free gift. [Ent.
Book 22, p. 66.] |
| March ? |
87. Petition of Capt. Rob. Holmes to the King, for pardon under
the great seal for whatever passed in the Guinea expedition, His
Majesty having declared himself well satisfied with his explanations
thereon. [Draft by Williamson, damaged.] |
| March 23. |
Warrant for a pardon and release to Capt. Rob. Holmes of all
debts and demands concerning shipping or ammunition, and all
felonies and offences in England or elsewhere, up to the present
time. [Ent. Book 22, p. 69.] |
| [March 23.] |
88. Draft of the above. |
| March 23. |
Warrant to pay to Stephen Fox 3,500l., for secret services, without
account. Minute. [Ent. Book 22, p. 73.] |
| March 23. |
Warrant to pay to Stephen Fox 1,000l., for secret services, without
account. [Docquet.] |
| March 23. |
89. Thos. Kendall to Williamson. The two East India ships
being ready to sail, wants the letters to Sir Abraham Shipman.
Left with the Navy Commissioners copies of the contract about
bringing home and sending to Fort St. George the men he has
left. |
| March 23. |
90. Agreement between the Navy Commissioners and the East
India Company for the hire of the African and the St. George, for
the transport to Surat or Fort St. George, of such of the King's
forces as remain at Anjadiva, under command of Sir Abraham
Shipman, at 15l. per head. [Adm. Paper, damaged.] |
| March 23. |
91. Capt. John Taylor to the Navy Comrs. There are 28 New
England masts and 160 large deals delivered at Chatham. [Adm.
Paper.] |
March 23.
Chatham Dock. |
92. Phin. Pett to the Navy Comrs. Particulars of timber. The
Monk is ready to launch. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 23.
Victualling Office. |
93. Certificate by Thos. Lewis that Devereux Wyatt, purser of the
Adventure, has cleared his accounts. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 23.
Portsmouth Dockyard. |
94. Commissioner Thos. Middleton to Sam. Pepys. Account of
St. John Steventon's wife, a drunken and debauched woman, being
burnt to death; had the house taken fire, it would have burnt ships
in dock, storehouse, &c., and happening at low water, could not well
have been put out. Asks how to dispose of ships when ready. A
press warrant wanted. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 23.
Portsmouth. |
95. Commissioner Thos. Middleton to Sam. Pepys. Particulars
of stores. Repairs of ships. The Greyhound is come in with about
100 poor pitiful men on board, and no order how to dispose of them.
Will put them on board the Ferdinand, Eagle, and Fox. [Adm.
Paper, one and a half pages.] |
March 23.
Victualling Office. |
96. Denis Gauden to Sam. Pepys. Recommends the Hopewell.
pink, and Cane Merchant, as victualling ships. [Adm. Paper.] |
| March 23. |
97. Sir Wm. Coventry to Sam. Pepys. Has come to Queensborough
and got under sail. White and blue colours are wanted for the fleet.
The ketches, smacks, and hoys hired must be allotted to the great
ships, and the rest sent down to the Gunfleet, that they may not
hide themselves in holes whilst they eat the King's bread. The
merchantmen must be hastened. The rulers of Watermen's Hall are
to give an account of the number of men pressed by them, and the
men to be viewed when sent, for they have lusty fellows, if they
will send them. Stores wanted. Forwards the Duke of York's warrant to the Marshal of the Admiralty, to send away some prisoners
in his hands. [Adm. Paper, two pages.] |
March 23.
Royal Exchange, Downs Road. |
98. Capt. Giles Shelley to Capt. John Bugby. Notifies his arrival.
Account of his charges for graving, repairs, &c. Is troubled at the
order to go into harbour, being so perplexed with the men taking
liberty to themselves to go and see their friends; "it is an
epidemical disease among the sailors when they come into harbour,"
and then they are pressed into other men-of-war. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 23.
Deptford. |
99. Thos. Harper to Sam. Pepys. Is ordered to hasten stores to
the Prince; asks what sort of hammocks are to be sent. Proposes
some abatement to be made in kerseys and cottons, for want of
breadth, as well as in canvas. [Adm. Paper, damaged.] |
