Charles II - volume 122: May 23-31, 1665

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles II, 1664-5. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1863.

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'Charles II - volume 122: May 23-31, 1665', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles II, 1664-5, (London, 1863) pp. 379-401. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/chas2/1664-5/pp379-401 [accessed 26 March 2024]

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May 23-31, 1665

May 23. Warrant to pay to Sir Edw. Carr and Edw. Halsall, equerries in ordinary to the Queen, 150l. each for board wages, and 30l. standing wages for one year and a half, ending Michaelmas, 1663. [Docquet.]
May 23. Presentation of John Harding to the Rectory of Landilp, co. Cornwall. [Docquet.]
May 23. Reference to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, &c., of York, on the petition of George Finlawson, who served under the Earl of Tiveot and lost both his arms in battle, for recommendation to charity. [Ent. Book 18, p. 164.]
May 23.
Royal Charles.
1. Sir Wm. Coventry to Lord Arlington. The Dutch packet has arrived without letters from Sir George Downing; fears they are stopped on the other side. Sends a letter from the Earl of Sandwich, and a printed paper from Sir Wm. Davidson. The Duke of York keeps a libellous picture about Holmes in Guinea.
May 23. 2. Sir Wm. Coventry to Sir Wm. Batten. Wishes Langley might be continued for the ketch at Wivenhoe, and the other appointed take the ketch at Deptford; guns and carriages for a ketch may be fitted out of the prize ships; sends a hoy for stores. The commander of the ketch at Wivenhoe refuses to give Langley possession, his commission being as captain, and Langley's only as master and commander. [Adm. Paper.]
May 23.
Woolwich.
3. Wm. Bodham to Sam. Pepys. Has received Rundells' new estimate; proposes an interview with him before the Board. As to the hemp, sends Bowden, an indifferent witness, who has been been in the trade for 40 years, to give his opinion on the matter. The sight, touch, and smelling of the hemp will give sufficient information. [Adm. Paper, 2 pages.]
May 23.
Ordnance Office.
4. Edw. Sherburne and two other Ordnance Officers to the Navy Comrs. The Merchants' Adventure and Providence, both of London, are ready laden with shot for Harwich, but cannot sail for want of men. [Adm. Paper.]
May 23.
Plymouth.
5. John Lanyon to the Navy Comrs. Wants money for disbursements upon the several ships in port. Repairs needed for the Little Mary. The Paradox has arrived, and will send ashore some arms to be fixed. The Giles ketch, bound for Tangiers, is the only convoy appointed for the victualling ships; some other ship should see them safe out of the soundings, as several Dutch capers are abroad. A Newfoundland ship, the Reformation of Dartmouth, with 80 men, is taken. The prize ship, St. Mary of Amsterdam, would make a good convoy. [Adm. Paper.]
May 23. 6. Note by Wm. Foster of meat casks found amongst the ballast in the hold of the Unity prize. [Adm. Paper.]
May 23.
London.
7. Wm. Breames to the Navy Comrs. Robt. Moulton, captain of the Centurion, being upon the coast of Holland, has seized a flyboat and galliot hoy, laden with flax, potash, and other commodities; and in contempt of the Duke of York's order, has taken out 290 bundles of the flax and other goods, and disposed of one of the prize boats for his own advantage. [Adm. Paper.]
May 23. 8. Sir Wm. Coventry to Sam. Pepys. They are making all possible haste to get to sea and meet the Dutch. Must be content with less victuals than at first proposed; if three months dry and two months wet can be put on board, will sail forthwith. Casks must furnished for the John and Elizabeth hoy, sent to fill water in the river. [Adm. Paper.]
May 23.
Chatham.
9. Comr. Peter Pett to Sam. Pepys. Has dispatched the hoy with the 19-inch cable and three pinnaces. The Augustine is ready to sail for Dover. Is offered a bargain of elm. [Adm. Paper.]
May 23.
The Augustine, Chatham.
10. Capt. Rich. Teate to the Navy Comrs. Is ready to sail for Dover. Asks whether to go into the pier or remain in Dover Road. [Adm. Paper.]
May 23.
Cockpit.
11. Sir Wm. Clarke to Sam. Pepys. The Duke will appoint a convoy for the Desire hoy to Portsmouth. [Adm. Paper.]
May 23. 12. List of 14 vessels taken up by Capt. Tatnell, but not employed. [Adm. Paper.]
May 24. 13. Certificate by the Masters and Wardens of Barber Surgeons' Hall of the goodness and reasonable price of a list provided by Mr. Solby, of drugs, instruments, &c., provided for Mr. Smart's chest, as surgeon of one of the hospital ships. [Adm. Paper, 3½ pages.]
May 24. 14. Like certificate for another surgeon's chest. [Adm. Paper, 3½ pages.]
May 24. 15. Account of cordage and other things recovered from the wreck of the London, since April 4th. [Adm. Paper, 1½ pages.]
May 24.
Trinity House.
16. Nich. Hurleston, master, and four others of Trinity House, to the Navy Comrs. Will proceed with all diligence to provide six able persons as masters in the merchant ships hired for carrying provisions to the fleet. [Adm. Paper.]
May 24.
Cockpit.
17. Duke of Albemarle to the Navy Comrs. Recommends Robt. Thorpe, sen., as master of a ship when opportunity offers. [Adm. Paper.]
May 24.
Woolwich.
18. Wm. Bodham to Sam. Pepys. Has "ventilated" as much as possible Edw. Rundells' estimates; can but pronounce him a prevaricating knave; admires the audacious impudence of a bold mechanic who dares affront his superiors with such a piece of plain derision. His promise at first was to keep to the rates he set down; shows how, by altering the wording of the second contract, he has untied his hands; wishes to be confronted with him before the Board. Sends an abstract of the first estimates of Rundells and Ellery, contrasted with Rundells'last. Endorsed with a breviate of the following estimates. [Adm. Paper, 1½ pages.] Encloses,
18. i-iii. Estimates by Edw. Rundells, for a gallery from the old hemp loft to the street; total, 15l. 1s.: for repairing 38 feet of wharfing in the gunyard at Woolwich; total, 18l. 2s. 4d.: for altering and raising the shed at Woolwich ropeyard, 25l. 18s.
Woolwich Ropeyard, May 6, 1665.
18. iv. Enlarged estimates for the same works, the prices being 27l. 5s., 22l. 16s. 3d., and 23l. 11s. 4d.
18. v. Edw. Rundells to Sam. Pepys. Was unable to send the papers concerning the enlarged estimates sooner, having to meet Sir George Carteret about his fountain.
Deptford, May 22, 1665.
18. vi. Edw. Rundells' reasons why the estimates were after wards enlarged.
18. vii. Abstract of estimates for three pieces of work, two by Edw. Rundells and one by Robt. Ellery.
18. viii. Note by Sam. Pepys of the occasion and scope of the above papers; showing Rundells' knavery in making his estimate at the lowest rate, and then refusing to stand by it, his purpose being to make Robt. Ellery work at that rate.
May 24. 19. Account by Thos. Harper of 39 anchors in store at Deptford, and of 28 more now received from Mr. Downing. [Adm. Paper.]
May 24. 20. Philip Tandy to Viscount Conway. Private affairs and accounts. Cannot get the creation money. No warrants are come out for the army, hence many of the soldiers mourn.
May 24.
Royal Charles.
21. Sir Wm. Coventry to Lord Arlington. Hears that the Hamburg vessels still remain there. Hopes good luck to the fleet, but only fears about the men; no industry nor philosophy can preserve them, while they gain 8l. ready money more easily on board a collier than 23s. on the King's ships, for which they have to wait a year. The Duchess and her beautiful maids are departing, therefore long letters must not be expected from men under such a calamity; would vent their desperation on the Dutch, were not the victualler as cruel as the ladies. He is said to be there but does not appear, as his method is when he cannot give content. Many ships have been on short allowance, some have drunk water, and some been in danger of neither having beer nor water. [2 pages.]
May 24. 22. Petition of John Reyloffen to the King and Council, for liberty for himself and his son, a boy of 13, now prisoner in Chelsea College, to return home on equal exchange; was master of the King Solomon, serving Wm. Scott of Rouen, and only did what every master of a merchant ship is obliged to do, for preservation of its owners. Annexing,
22. i. Wm. Scott to Reyloffen. Regrets the misfortune caused by the war, but will do his best for his liberation. [Dutch.]
Rouen, April 25, 1665.
May 24.
Whitehall.
Proclamation for further proroguing the Parliament which was appointed to meet June 21. [Printed. Proc. Coll., Charles II., p. 186.]
May ? 23. Petition of the Governor and Company of Merchants trading to the Canary Islands to the King, for a proclamation in the usual form, declaring their incorporation as now granted by charter, several persons belonging to them still continuing the trade, on pretext that they are not bound to take notice of the charter till published by proclamation. [Copy.]
May 25.
Whitehall.
Proclamation for observance of the privileges granted to the Canary Islands' Company, forbidding others to intermeddle with their trade, as by so doing, the prices of those wines have been much enhanced in value, and the manufactures of England debased. [Printed. Proc. Coll., Charles II., p. 187.]
May 25. Reference on the petition of John Patterson, attorney, to the Lord Chancellor, who is to consider how far errors of that nature are capable of pardon, the petitioner having ingenuously confessed his faults. [Ent. Book 18, p. 165.]
May 25. 24. Commission to John Howard to be Ensign to the King's own company of foot, in Col. John Russell's regiment of Guards.
May 25. Minute of the above. [Ent. Book 20, p. 62.]
May 25. Warrant for a grant to George Arnott, of fines due on lands and tenements in the duchy of Cornwall, amounting to 525l. [Ent. Book 22, pp. 142–3.]
[May 25.] 25. Draft of the above. [1½ pages.]
May 25. Warrant for a lease to James Hamilton, ranger of Hyde Park, and George Birch, auditor of excise, for 41 years, of 55 acres of land in the north-west corner of Hyde Park, on rental of 5s., on condition of their enclosing it, planting it with choice apple trees, and delivering one half of the produce for the King's household. [Ent. Book 22, pp. 144–5.]
May 25. Warrant for a release to Francis Phillips, from the covenant on which he holds the residue of a lease of Kempton Park, Middlesex, formerly granted to William Killigrew, on covenant of maintaining 300 deer there, and keeping up the parks. [Ent. Book 22, p. 150.]
May 25. Pass for Thomas Bromley, with five horses, sent by the King to the Prince of Orange, custom free. Minute. [Ent. Book 22, p. 151.]
May ? 26. Petition of John Ogilby to the King, for a prohibition to any persons to reprint or counterfeit the sculpture of any of the following books, which he has printed at expense of 20 years' labour; viz., Virgil, Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, Æsop's Fables paraphrased, and the account of His Majesty's passing through London, and his coronation.
May 25.
Whitehall.
27. Prohibition by the King to any person for 15 years to reprint or counterfeit the sculpture in certain works of John Ogilby, master of the revels in Ireland; viz., Virgil, Homer's Iliad, and Odyssey, Æsop's Fables, and His Majesty's entertainment in passing through London. [Printed.]
May 25. Entry of the above. [Ent. Book 22, p. 151.]
May ? 28. Jos. Walley to his Friends in Christ. Thanks for their kindness to him as a stranger. Thinks the duty of his dispensation is to stand still and see the salvation of God; regrets the spirit of division among God's people; begs their prayers; sends his brother William a concordance. Lives at Whitby, a cheesemonger's, at the Black Horse, Golden Lane. [3 pages.]
May 25. Warrant for apprehending Joseph Walley with all his papers, at Whitby, a cheesemonger's, at the Black Horse, Golden Lane. Minute. [Ent. Book 22, p. 152.]
May 25. The King to the Duke of Buckingham, [Lord Lieutenant of the West Riding of Yorkshire]. Having ordered the 3rd year's militia tax to be collected in Yorkshire before 24th June, and the time being short, directs him to employ Sir Fras Cobb, sheriff of the whole county, to raise and receive the same; an exact account thereof is to be sent to a Secretary of State. With note of like letters to Lords Belasyse and Fauconberg, for the other two ridings of Yorkshire. [Ent. Book 20, pp. 70–1.]
[May 25.] 29. Draft of the above. [Imperfect.]
May 25.
Whitehall.
30. [Lord Arlington] to Lord Fauconberg. Enforces the King's letters on the raising of the militia tax. [Damaged. Draft, altered into the form of a letter from the King.]
May [25].
Whitehall.
31. The King to the [Mayor, &c.] of Newcastle. Requests assistance for Col. Edw. Villiers, governor of Tynemouth Castle, who is ordered to repair and fortify it, for security of the town and of trade, during the war with the United Provinces. Requests them,— especially as convoys are allowed for carrying on the coal trade, notwithstanding the occasions of the war,— to contribute thereto, after the example of London, which has given voluntary expressions of loyalty and affection to the public interests, and thus to ease the King of an expense not convenient in the great and pressing occasions of the war. [2 pages.]
May 25. Entry of the above. [Ent. Book 17, p. 111.]
[May 25.] 32. Draft of the above. [2 pages.]
May 25.
Portsmouth.
33. Capt. Phineas Pett to the Navy Comrs. Has all his gunner's stores on board; intends sailing the Tiger out to-morrow. [Adm. Paper.]
May 25. 34. List of the company of the prize ship Patriarch Isaac, manned with 15 able seamen; with certificate of her delivery to the Commissioners of Prizes, July 4, 1665. [Adm. Paper.]
May 25.
The Coventry, Spithead.
35. Capt. Wm. Hill to Sam. Pepys. Has seized a ship coming from Amsterdam, L'Affection Renaissante; can obtain no order from the Duke of Albemarle whether to deliver her up again to the French, from whom he took her, or to the Commissioners of Prizes. She is square sterned, and carries 40 pieces of ordnance. Asks directions about Mrs. Pley's ships, still at Weymouth, which he is to convoy. Comr. Middleton will not give him orders to call there for them. [Adm Paper.]
May 25.
Portsmouth.
36. Constance Pley to the Navy Comrs. The convoy is arrived, but so tied up in his orders that, although his course is to go out at the Needles, he will not step into Portland Road to take out their ships now ready to sail with him; he "clucks up all the ships along the coast like chickens, as far as Lyme and Topsham," but refuses to call at Portland for those which were chiefly intended; it will be like their last convoy, the King Ferdinando, which went about on the same errand, and lost the opportunity of serving them. Requests peremptory orders to the captain to call for the ships at Weymouth, and to see such as are bound to Chatham safe there before leaving them. [Adm. Paper.]
May 25. 37. Wm. Bodham to Sam. Pepys. Has received Mr. Moll's refused hemp according to order, but with regret, as giving occasion to maligners to cavil; has used the utmost circumspection in examining it. With Sam. Pepys' answer in shorthand, May 27. [Adm. Paper, 2 pages.]
May 25. 38. Report by Capt. John Proud and three others to the Navy Comrs., of their survey and valuation of 21 merchant ships hired into the service. [Adm. Paper.]
May 26. 39. Certificate that Jacob Copping and James Sherland were entered quartermasters on the Defence and changed into the Swallow; and request for payment of wages due to them by Capt. Thos. Rand, for service on board the former ship. [Adm. Paper.]
May 26.
Harwich.
40. Sir Wm. Batten to the Navy Comrs. Is ignorant of Mr. Salisbury's crime; wishes not to countenance abuse of trust, but thinks he should be heard before his dismissal; every man is not born fit for a clerk of the survey, in these active times. Hopwood's hoy is not yet arrived. Pinnaces, oakum, and cordage wanted. [Adm. Paper.]
May 26.
Gravesend 4 A.M
41. Sir John Mennes to Sam. Pepys. Is prevented by contrary winds from sending off the victualling ships. Hopwood's hoy is returned without an anchor; it is strange that five great cables and goods to the value of 3,000l. should be put on board so rotten a vessel with so idle a master; requests that six able seamen be sent to carry her down. [Adm. Paper.]
May 26.
Chatham.
42. Comr. Peter Pett to Sam. Pepys. Finds that Mr. Gregory is only guilty of indiscretion in forbidding the messenger to carry Mr. Barrow's letter; the other charge concerning the labourers is a mistake. As to the disputed priority of signing, both will give their reasons forthwith; they should agree well, but not too well, or the service may suffer, as it does in some places. Requests 618l. for 25 discharged shipwrights and 4 servants. Recommends Capt. Taylor's New England masts. Mr. Wild offers to contract for scuppers. [Adm. Paper.]
May 26.
Chatham.
43. Comr. Peter Pett to Sam. Pepys. Will send the 25 pressed men to Deptford, but could well employ them in the many works now on hand. Fears the dispute between the clerk of the cheque and storekeeper will need the exercise of a higher power than his own to settle. [Adm. Paper.]
May 26.
Woolwich.
44. Chris. Pett to Sam. Pepys. Objects to the plan of shifting the topmast abaft the mast for men-of-war; it may do for merchantmen, they having but little help, and not being so subject to labour in a sea gale; an experiment should be made of it on some of the smaller ships. Has sent the two captains of the Dutch prizes to wait on the Duke of Albemarle, and desired Anthony Deane to furnish Capt. Teddeman with a pinnace and awning. Great want of timber. [Adm. Paper.]
May 26.
The Sorlings, Plymouth.
45. Capt. Jonathan Waltham to Sir Wm. Coventry. Has just arrived, disabled in an engagement with two Flushing men-of-war off Scilly, having two men killed and five wounded; could have secured them both with but one other ship's help. [Adm. Paper.]
May 26.
Cockpit.
46. Sir Wm. Clarke to Sam. Pepys. Sends an order for 10 more soldiers for the Loyal Subject, out of Sir Chichester Wray's company. The Baltimore is to have 30 from Sir John Griffith's company. Lieut. Edwards is not to be employed any more until he has been heard for himself; he says he has impressed 200 men since May 10. Sends Capt. Pett's letter, which does not quadrate with Col. Middleton's. [Adm. Paper.] Enclosed,
46. i. Capt. Phineas Pett to Sir Wm. Clarke. Forwardness of the Tiger. Intends sailing to-morrow; hopes when at Spithead to have some better account of men. Wishes for more particular instructions concerning the victuallers which he is to convoy to the fleet.
Portsmouth, May 25, 1665.
May 26.
Gravesend.
47. Fr. Hosier to the Navy Comrs. Has found out and examined the two waiters who are witnesses of the charge laid against Rich. Stringer, master's mate of the Merlin. [Adm. Paper.] Encloses,
47. i. Deposition of Ga. Saunders. Paid Rich. Stringer 24s. for the discharge of Stephen Sampson, his boatswain, and David Dove, a boy; but the next day they were pressed again by the captain of the Merlin. May 22, 1665.
47. ii. Deposition of Thos. Hall and Fras. Mawhood [King's waiters at Gravesend]. On 11th May, Rich. Stringer came on board the Brotherhood and pressed the boatswain and a boy. Mr. Saunders, master, thought to clear them, and offered 10s.; this was refused, and 15s. accepted. Were afterwards informed by Mr. Saunders that the sum did not satisfy Rich. Stringer, and that 10s. more had been given him. Gravesend, May 26, 1665.
May 26.
Royal Charles.
48. Duke of York to [Lord Arlington]. Thinks it too late to join any one with the victualler for this season, the time of year being past to make new provisions of flesh, but it should be done against next year or winter. Cannot judge whom it should be; that belongs to the Lord Treasurer and a committee of Council; will merely request Mr. Gauden to get what victuals he can for the present, and will then go and seek the Dutch, whose fleet is said to be on the west of the Dogger. A Dutch galliot is taken; thinks it was sent to fetch in things for the fleet, but the papers were chiefly thrown overboard: a private letter found makes the number of the Dutch fleet 112. Capt. Nixon is condemned to be shot; Capt. Stanesby is cleared. [Begun on the 24th. 3½ pages.]
May 26.
Royal Charles.
49. Sir W. Coventry to [Lord Arlington]. For want of men, some ships will have to be left behind to man the rest. The Dutch fleet is variously reported at 106, 110, and 116, in the letters taken. Capt. Nixon is to be executed to-morrow. There is no evidence that Stanesby had sailed from the enemy, or deserted, till ordered by Nixon, who was his commander. A soldier is condemned to day for inciting the rest to mutiny, and to fall upon the seamen. Asks what is done towards encouraging private men-of-war. [2 pages.]
May 26. Reference to Sir Edw. Griffin, treasurer of the chamber, on the petition of Andrew Newport, for the allowance of 20s. a week, promised him on quitting his lodgings to Mdme. La Garde, but now run on two and a half years. [Ent. Book 18, p. 166.]
May 26. Reference to the Lord High Chancellor and the Attorney General on the petition of Lord Langdale, for determination about the change of the rectory of Holme, the college [St. John's, Cambridge] having accepted His Majesty's gracious offer. [Ent. Book 18, p. 167.]
May 26. Reference to the Commissioners of Prizes on the petition of Fras. Sandford, for a certain quantity of prize paper towards printing his collection of monuments. [Ent. Book 18, p 168.]
May 26. Memorandum that John Knowles was committed to the Gatehouse for treasonable practices. Minute. [Ent. Book 22, p. 148.]
May 26. Warrant to Lord Ashley, treasurer for prizes, to pay to Arthur Earl of Anglesey 400l. out of prize money, for secret services, without account. [Ent. Book 22, p. 148.]
May 26. Warrant for a grant to Viel Vyvyan, in reversion after Sir Rich. Vivyan, Bart., his father, of the office of Captain of the Castle of St. Mawes, Cornwall. [Ent. Book 22, p. 148.]
May 26.
Leeds.
50. John Bettson to Robt. Lye. The party are high in their expectations from the Dutch, and say the death of the 21 men at York does not discourage them from carrying on the work of God. A man much in their favour will become an intelligencer if he may not be made a witness, and may have 10l. in hand and a salary. Asks whether to engage him.
May 26.
Whitehall.
51. Petition of Sir Thos. Strickland to the King, for the farm for 21 years of a halfpenny per gallon tax imposed by the present Parliament on Scottish salt, at the same rent which he now pays for it, as sub-farmer to the Farmers of Customs. The tax was chiefly promoted by him; it has encouraged English manufactures, and brought in a yearly revenue of 1,800l. With reference thereon to the Lord Treasurer to consider how the grant can be arranged, on expiration of the present farm of the customs; and his report, June 12, that the farmers do not object to the grant, but that he is no friend to minute farms [of customs].
May 26. Entry of the preceding reference. [Ent. Book 18, p. 166.]
May 26.
Whitehall.
52. Petition of Sarah, relict of Capt. Willim. Pestle, to the King, for relief. Her husband was killed at the taking of the forts in the isles of Cape Verd, in Major Holmes' late voyage to the coast of Guinea. With request thereon to the Navy Commissioners for an order to the Navy Treasurer to pay her 50l., and make provision for her future subsistence.
May 26. Entry of the above reference. [Ent. Book 18, p. 168.]
May 26.
Whitehall.
53. Petition of Oliver Cave and two others to the King, for pardon, because when in the company of Phineas and Thos. Hodgson, the said men stole 25l. from some country people, on the Borough bridge road, co. York. With reference thereon to the Attorney General.
May 26.
Whitehall.
54. Petition of Capt. John Strode, lieutenant of Dover Castle, to the King, for as much as shall seem meet of the benefit of three Dutch prizes, the City of Rouen, laden with spices and calicoes, the Jacob, bound for Guinea, and the Golden Sun, laden with linseed, which are condemned in the Admiralty Court; they were got in at his charge, he having fitted out two vessels from Dover for such services; had to give 20l. to the widow of one of the masters who was drowned in boarding. With reference thereon to the Commissioners for Prizes.
May 26. Entry of the above reference. [Ent. Book 18, p. 168.]
May 26. Note of the King's approbation of Roger Clavell and John Lawrence as Deputy Lieutenants of the Isle of Purbeck. Minute. [Ent. Book 20, p. 62.]
May 26. Grant to James Hyde, M D., on surrender of Sir Thos. Clayton, of the office of Reader of Physic at Oxford; fee, 40l. a year. [Docquet.]
May 27. Grant to Anne Hume of all debts belonging to the King, by the forfeiture of John Gaisely, chandler, executed for murder in 1659. [Docquet.]
May 27. Warrant for conveying the Earl of Rochester prisoner to the Tower for high misdemeanors. Minute. [Ent. Book 22, p. 152.]
May 27. Warrant to Sir John Robinson to receive the Earl of Rochester prisoner. Minute. [Ent. Book 22, p. 152.]
May 27. Warrant requiring assistance in the search after divers armed men who aided the Earl of Rochester in taking by force of arms Mrs. Eliz. Mallet, without her consent, and carrying her from the city into the country; also aid for Sir John Warre in searching for the said Mrs. Mallet and restoring her to her friends. [Ent. Book 22, p. 153.]
May ? 55. Petition of the Earl of Rochester to the King, for restoration to favour; inadvertence, ignorance of law, and passion were the occasions of his offence; would rather have chosen ten thousand deaths than incurred His Majesty's displeasure.
May 27.
Chatham.
56. Edw. Gregory to the Navy Comrs. Sends tickets for several shipwrights and calkers discharged by order of Comr. Pett, to be sent to Deptford. Has paid them conduct money. [Adm. Paper.]
May 27.
Newcastle.
57. Capt. J. Lightfoot to the Navy Comrs. Will victual the Speedwell at as easy a rate as possible; sends a bill of exchange for 80l., payable to Sir Wm. Batten. [Adm. Paper.]
May 27. 58. Sir Wm. Coventry to Sam. Pepys. As to the reputed embezzlement by Capt. Moulton, if any of the goods were between decks, they were prize to the seamen, and if in the great cabin, to the commander. Will endeavour to get Col. Middleton's business settled. The Bonadventure brings news that the Hamburg convoy and all the merchant ships are taken; it is a great loss. The fleet sails to Southwold Bay to-morrow. Money is much wanted for the slopsellers. The purser of the Loyal George does not appear; has put another in his place. It is impossible to keep men on board when ships come in to clean; this might be obviated by having scrubbers or brushes made 16 or 18 inches long, of brass wire, a dozen or more to each ship, so that in calm weather the commanders could make their men put them upon long poles, and scrub to the very keel. Asks who is to bear the leakage of beer likely to take place, most of the casks being wood bound. Complains of the delay in victualling; but for that, Eversen had not got into the Texel, nor the Hamburg convoy been lost. Wants some Laws of War to paste up in the ships. [Adm. Paper, 4 pages.]
May 27.
Woolwich.
59. Capt. Wm. Dale to the Navy Comrs. Has received only 17 pressed men out of the 80 ordered from Capt. Tatnell. Is hindered by weather from getting the guns on board. [Adm. Paper.]
May 27.
Dover.
60. Thos. White to the Navy Comrs. Hears no news of the expected ship with provisions and stores. Requests payment of his accounts. [Adm. Paper.]
May 27.
Cockpit.
61. Duke of Albemarle to the Navy Comrs. Desires that the water ships and victuallers be hastened away. [Adm. Paper.]
May 27.
Harwich.
62. Sir Wm. Batten to the Navy Comrs. Is ordered not to leave Harwich while the fleet stays; three Gottenburg ships are come in. The Augustine must be hastened down with cables, and then remain as a store ship. Masts and broom much wanted. Capt. Nixon is condemned to be shot to death. [Adm. Paper.]
May 27.
Bristol.
63. Sir Humph. Hooke, Sir Robt. Yeamans, and John Knight to Sir Wm. Batten. Received an imprest warrant for 400 men to be sent to London; little progress is made therein, no ships having arrived since the warrant came. Complain of Sir John Knight giving the men their conduct money, after they have received their imprest money. Went aboard all the vessels in Slangroad pill, Kingroad, &c.; find that the Mayor has given protection to 12 men upon the Providence of Glasgow. [Adm. Paper.] Enclose,
63. i. Warrant of protection by John Lawford, mayor of Bristol, to 12 men on board the Providence of Glasgow, now in port. April 25, 1665. Endorsed with a note by Sir Robt. Yeamans to his father, promising to leave no means unattempted to serve the King, if no interruption be given to their employment.
63. ii. List of 29 impressed seamen who have received their tickets and conduct money, and of 20 more who are impressed, but have not appeared.
May 27.
New Forest.
64. Thos. Eastwood to the Navy Comrs. Particulars of 1,400 loads of timber felled; desires an imprest of 200l. for land carriage. [Adm. Paper.]
May 27.
Portsmouth.
65. Account of 69 anchors in store; with note [by Comr. Middleton,] that many of them are unserviceable, and cannot be mended unless sent to London. [Adm. Paper.]
May 27. 66. Thos. Lewis to Thos. Hayter. Begs that the enclosed account may be presented to Mr. Pepys, to determine whether three vessels, hired by the ton as victualling ships, shall now be taken up by the month. Will get water-casks for one of the ships in the river. Wishes Mr. Pepys to be reminded of the certificate for the defective provisions put on shore at Tangiers. [Adm. Paper.] Encloses.
66. i. Account by Thos. Lewis of eight hired victualling ships, four of which are returned from the fleet and relading, and three more returned with empty casks; more shipping is wanted to carry the remaining supply of beer.
May 27, 1665.
May 27.
Cockpit.
67. Duke of Albemarle to the Navy Comrs. Capt. Perriman, of the Swallow, is to be "laid by the heels" for disobeying orders in refusing to release Thomas Gibbs and Henry Kitchin, impressed out of the Hope, contrary to proclamation. [Adm. Paper.] Encloses,
67. i. Capt. John Perriman, commander of the Swallow, to the Duke of Albemarle. Answers the complaint made against him of impressing two men out of the Hope; Thos. Gibbs and Henry Kitchin were impressed by his mate between Gravesend and London; they had liberty the next day to go for their wages, when their master enticed them to decline the King's service; they were afterwards found ashore and pressed by Capt. Jas. Coleman of the Hound; they escaped from him, and came again on board the Swallow. With note, May 29, that the Duke consented to their remaining on board the Swallow. May 27, 1665.
May 27.
Redriff.
68. Capt. J. Perriman to Sam. Pepys. The two men pressed should be put on board the Hound, but they fear Capt. Coleman, and are willing to remain in the Swallow. Wishes the King knew of all the abuses offered to those that have orders to press; coal traders should be compelled not to exceed 3l. a voyage for each man; and west and north vessels should be bound to bring their coals to London, or many seamen will be drawn from the service. [Adm. Paper.]
May 28. 69. Jacob Blackleech to [the Navy Comrs.]. The water-ship Sarah and Elizabeth is returned from the fleet; 30 tons of new cask are sent on board the Swallow. [Adm. Paper.]
May 28. 70. Col. Reymes to Sam. Pepys. The convoys appointed for them are so clogged up with other orders as to be unable to perform what is desired. The captain of the Coventry refuses to call for ships which have waited a month in Portland Road, or to conduct any to Chatham when he returns, and yet is called a convoy; begs that the name may be altered, or new orders given with all expedition; goods to the value of 10,000l. are ready at St. Malo. The report of a breach with France frightens the merchants, lest these goods should be seized. Begs an order for some vessel to make a trip over at once. [2 pages.]
May 28.
Portsmouth.
71. Constance Pley to Sam. Pepys. Urges the necessity of hastening the St. Malo convoy; is troubled to think that so many goods lie waiting for transportation, and the Coventry, designed for a convoy, should remain there all this while. Begs an order to the captain to sail immediately, and call at Weymouth for the vessels waiting his conduct. Encloses,
71. i. [George Pley, jun.,] to his mother, Constance Pley. Has 10,000 lbs. of hemp and other goods ready packed and marked, waiting only a convoy to set sail. Has drawn two bills of exchange. Private affairs. St. Malo, May 23, 1665.
May 28.
Royal Charles.
72. Sir Wm. Coventry to Williamson. The civilians must be consulted whether the alteration in letters of marque is to be done by new instructions or under the great seal, and if the Admiralty Court will not grant blank commissions, he must get as many drawn and engrossed as Lord Arlington thinks fit, there being neither time nor hands to do it in the fleet. Capt. Nixon's execution was prevented first by the storm, now by its being Sunday, and tomorrow will be the King's birthday. The Duke of Monmouth has arrived. Repines that they cannot sail after this storm, which may have scattered or damaged the Dutch.
May 28.
Dover.
73. Jo. Carlisle to Williamson. The coast is clear; two supposed prizes are brought in. The Holland fleet is said to have gone northward, to meet De Ruyter, leaving 17 sail to guard their coasts.
May 29.
Rotterdam.
74. W—to—. Is authorized to correspond with him. Mr. Oates came lately from England, and met Mr. Wiltshire secretly. Their friends in the west are in the best disposition, but do not think this a fitting time to make an offer to the [Holland] senate, or to make a gathering; first, because some of those at the helm, being in correspondence with Mr. Turner, might take advantage of what they offer, in order to advance the peace, which they earnestly seek underhand, notwithstanding their outward confidence; many of the [Holland] senate are in the Zauny interest, and wish their own fleet beaten; second, because the result of the French mediation and of an encounter between the two fleets must be waited for. It is said that the French and English Kings are combining to exterminate the Calvinist religion. C. B. is not in the least suspected of intelligence with the Court; he is of a great spirit and very ambitious, and a Dutchified Presbyterian, so that it is better to avoid intercourse with him. C. Sy. is very precipitate. Zealand and some other provinces, which are for the Prince of Orange's interest, speak of breaking off from Holland, and expect that the King, the Prince's uncle, will grant them all kinds of freedom of commerce with his dominions. [2 pages.]
May 29.
King's Birthday, Royal Charles.
75. Earl of Falmouth to Lord Arlington. They sail to-morrow for Sole Bay, Sir George Downing's letter making them wish to be in deeper water. Hopes to meet the Dutch half seas over. Great skill will be necessary to get men. The decay by sickness and colliers is greater than could be imagined. Hopes soon to be the bringer of good news.
May 29.
Royal Charles.
76. Sir Wm. Coventry to Lord Arlington. Capt. Langhorne has arrived with seven ships, and reports the taking of the Hamburg fleet, with the man-of-war their convoy; mistaking the Dutch fleet for the English, they fell into it. Will sail to-morrow for Southwold Bay, and there finish taking in victuals.
May 29.
Chatham Dock.
77. Phineas Pett to the Navy Comrs. Forwardness of the Victory. Timber wanted; a considerable quantity can be supplied by Robt. Morecock of Chatham. [Adm. Paper.]
May 29.
Chatham.
78. Edw. Gregory to the Navy Comrs. Denied the storekeeper a messenger to carry up a single letter, in virtue of the enclosed warrant, but did not refuse him labourers for shipping provisions; as to pre-eminency of signing, urges the undisputed custom of the yard, and the superiority of the office of clerk of the cheque, as shown by his being named first in all warrants, &c., his salary being higher than that of storekeeper, &c. [1¼ pages.] Encloses,
78. i. Warrant from the Navy Comrs. to the Officers of the Yard at Chatham, to discontinue the employment of labourers for the carriage of letters, unless in cases of necessity. [Copy.]
Navy Office, August 21, 1662.
May 29.
The Success, off Scarborough.
79. Capt. Edw. Grove to the Navy Comrs. Sailed for Fleeckery and Mardow in Norway, with four other vessels, to seize or destroy the enemy's ships coming out of the Sound, or failing this, to go for Elsinore; received there from Sir Gilbert Talbot, Envoy Extraordinary to the King of Denmark, 8 convoys,—one a galliot hoy laden with shot and 36 pieces of brass and copper ordnance, as a present for the King. Has made all haste to return to the Gunfleet, notwithstanding bad weather. Saw no enemy. Asks where to find the fleet if already sailed. [Adm. Paper.]
May 29.
Cockpit.
80. Sir Wm. Clarke to Sam. Pepys. Sends tickets for John Robinson, late surgeon of the Phœnix. Desires payment and some allowance for the loss of his chest. [Adm. Paper.]
May 29. 81. J. Uthwat to Thomas Hayter. Recommends John Hunt as master of the Black Dog galliot hoy in Deptford dry dock. [Adm. Paper.]
May 30.
Harwich.
82. James Locke to the Navy Comrs. Desires a bill of imprest for present necessities on board the Bachelor ketch, hired for three months certain, and now to be continued. [Adm. Paper.]
May 30.
Plymouth.
83. John Lanyon to the Navy Comrs. The damage sustained by the Sorlings in her late skirmish is repaired. Masts cannot be bought for money. The Mary is dispatched. The Giles ketch bound for Tangiers is in for repairs and victualling. Proposes the Monk as a watering boat for the port, until another be built. The eight tons of hearth pitch lying in the Prize Office would be useful. [Adm. Paper.]
May 30.
Chatham.
84. Philip Barrow to the Navy Comrs. Justifies his own conduct in the late dispute with the clerk of the cheque; the signing above him will appear no offence by the enclosed reasons, once debated before the Board. Did not charge the clerk of the cheque with denying labourers to carry provisions on board some vessels; the obstruction met with was from the boatswain and his foreman. Encloses,
84. i. Statement by Phil. Barrow of the grounds on which the storekeeper claims precedence in signing above the clerk of the cheque. [Four pages.]
May 30.
Cockpit.
85. Duke of Albemarle to the Navy Comrs. Desires that some of the prize ships which are to be appointed as provision ships may be for Harwich. The Truelove is to be victualled at Newcastle. [Adm. Paper.]
May 30.
Harwich.
86. Sir Wm. Batten to the Navy Comrs. The victualling ships have arrived, after much loss from ill weather; of all the new boats sent, only four are brought in. Pinnaces, anchors, bowsprits, and masts are much wanted. The fleet is about to sail for Sole Bay. Lock's ketch, arrived from the Hamburg River, passed through the Dutch fleet off the Texel, and was chased by 15 of them. Carpenters and calkers wanted. Urges the immediate dispatch of stores, as the whole fleet depends upon Harwich. [Adm. Paper, 2 pages.]
May 30.
Royal Charles.
87. Sir Wm. Coventry and Sir Wm. Penn to the Navy Comrs. Are under sail for the northward. Provisions wanted, especially beer; anticipate a battle with the Dutch; desire a sufficient supply of masts, yards, boats, &c., to be hastened to Harwich in case of need. [Adm. Paper.]
May 30.
Portsmouth.
88. Hugh Salisbury to Sam. Pepys. Will hasten to London immediately upon notice of Sir Wm. Batten's arrival. [Adm. Paper.]
May 30.
Woolwich.
89. Wm. Acworth to Sam. Pepys. Has taken the 80 cradles out of the Loyal Katherine; the 300 soldiers ordered for that ship refused at Greenwich to come on board until their arrears, amounting to 23s. 4d. a man, were paid; the arrears were promised at Woolwich, but only 120 came on board; many are gone away. [Adm. Paper.]
May 30.
Victualling Office.
90. Certificate by Andrew Boult and John Milton of the neglect of three coopers named, pressed for service at the Victualling Office, in wilfully absenting themselves 10 or 14 days, and request for their punishment. [Adm. Paper.]
May 30. 91. Jacob Blackleech to [the Navy Comrs.] Account of water put on board three water ships. [Adm. Paper.]
May 30? 92. Petition of Thos. Old, of Deptford, mariner, to the Navy Comrs., to be admitted as master of one of the Flemish hoys now fitting out at Deptford; has served in a small vessel of his own ever since the King came to England. [Adm. Paper.] Annexing,
92. i. Certificate by Capt. Wm. Badiley, and three others, of the fitness of Thos. Old to take charge of one of the galliot hoys. May 25, 1665.
May 30. Warrant to Thomas Chiffinch to retain in his hands 250l. from moneys paid on composition by persons charged with goods, furniture, &c., of the late King, in reward for his zeal and industry in recovering the same. [Ent. Book 22, p. 182.]
May 30. Warrant to Thos. Chiffinch to pay to Colonel William Hawley and Thomas Beauchamp, his fellow commissioners, 250l., for like services. [Ent. Book 22, p. 182.]
May 31.
Royal Charles, Gunfleet.
93. Sir W. Coventry to Lord Arlington. The Dutch fleet will see their Hamburg prizes safe into the Texel and will then return to meet the English fleet. Delay of provisions is the mother of many mischiefs, and has lost the Hamburg ships, for if the fleet had been well victualled, it would have been at sea, and must have been beaten before the other could be taken, though that might have been safe, had it come within the 10 days prescribed. Thinks the King's ships are superior, a third rate being able to compare with Opdam's own ship, of whose guns they boast much, being 24 or 36 pounders. Comparison of the reported ordnance on the Dutch ships with that of the English, in favour of the latter. Sir George Downing's caution is observed, and no commander, with one exception, has any interest in his ship, nor have the owners even chosen the masters; thinks well of the commanders; there are only eight or ten of the good old commanders left on shore, and they either declined service or were unfit to be invited. The supply of ammunition is very complete; reasons why he thinks the suspicions of embezzlement of powder false. The Dutch packet boat brings no letters from Sir George Downing nor intelligence. Asks whither in this case it should still be allowed to come to Harwich, which—as being the place where stores are kept, preparations made, and whither the fleet must resort on its return,—is the most unfit for an enemy to be at; Woolwich or Chatham would be better, and Sir George Downing should be told to send his packets another way. It is resolved not to leave any ships behind for want of men, as those worst manned can ply the guns on one side. The Maryland Merchant, being defective, is left. [6 pages.]
May 31.
Whitehall.
94. The King to the Earl of Bridgewater, lord lieutenant of Buckinghamshire. Has given directions that out of the militia money now raising for the third year, shall be paid the militia ex penses and those for under officers, trophies, and 14 days' duty; the arrears of the two former years' tax are to be kept in a safe place. Thinks that in these distracted times, the Tower of London is the safest place, and requests him to send the money thither. [Draft, signed.]
May 31. Commission for James Howard to be Ensign to Col. Atkins, in Col. Russell's regiment. Minute. [Ent. Book 20, p. 62.]
May 31. Commission to Robt. Sydney to be Colonel of a regiment of foot. [Ent. Book 20, p. 63.]
May 31. Pass for Sir Thomas Higgons to go to France and return. Minute. [Ent. Book 22, p. 154.]
May ? 95. Petition of Thos. Ross to the King, for permission to nominate Rich. Pearson, now his deputy, as his successor in the place of Keeper of His Majesty's library, to which he was appointed 22nd Aug. 1661; is now at service in the fleet, and uncertain of subsistence for his family if he should die.
May 31.
Whitehall.
96. Warrant for a grant to Rich. Pearson, in reversion after Thos. Ross, of the office of Keeper of the King's libraries; salary 200l. a year.
May 31. Entry of the above. [Ent. Book 22, p. 154.]
May 31. Order for a warrant for erection and incorporation of a Scottish hospital in Westminster, to be under 41 Scots as governors, with licence to purchase in mortmain lands not exceeding 500l. a year. [Ent. Book 22, p. 155.]
May 31. Pass for a vessel called the St. Pierre of Bayonne, employed by merchants of that place, to go to France and return. Minute. [Ent. Book 22, p. 157.]
May 31. Pass for George Porter, employed by the Queen-Mother, to go to France. Minute. [Ent. Book 22, p. 157.]
May 31. Privy seal for 200l. to George Porter, gentleman of the privy chamber to the Queen Consort, for his expenses on his journey to France. Minute. [Ent. Book 22, p. 157.]
May 31. Pass for the St. Peter of St. Malo, belonging to French merchants, to go to Dantzic and Riga, without touching at any port within the United Provinces. [Ent. Book 22, p. 158.]
May 31. Warrant to pay to Sir Edw. Turner, Attorney General to the Duke of York, 2,000l., as the King's free gift. [Docquet.]
May 31. Warrant to pay to Sir Willm. Boreman, keeper of the dwarf orchard at Greenwich, 589l. 17s. 8d., for keeping Greenwich Park, with 16 coppices and the orchard, for three years past, and building the garden house, and to allow him 148l. yearly, for paying gardeners and other services. [Docquet.]
May 31. Warrant to allow on the account of Farmers of Customs all moneys which have been or may be remitted for five years, from Feb. 18, 1664, on imposts of the growth and production of Jamaica. [Docquet.]
May 31. Grant to Thos. Offley, gentleman of the privy chamber, of the office of Groom-porter, in place of Sir Rich. Hubart, deceased. [Docquet.]
May 31. Warrant to pay to Stephen Fox 3,000l., for secret service, without account. [Docquet.]
May 31. Warrant for delivery of 30 tuns of wine, half French and half Spanish, custom free, to the Count de Molina, ambassador extraordinary from the King of Spain, and for defalcation to be made for the same to the Farmers of Customs. [Docquet.]
May 31. Grant to Edw. Halsall of 225l., the King's moiety of 450l., forfeited by Connistant Cant, of Lynn Regis, for embarking wool to Guernsey, not entered in the Custom House, with power to compound and sue for the same. [Docquet.]
May 31. Warrant to pay to George Arnott 525l., being fines and sums due from George Ward and others to the Receiver of the duchy of Cornwall, with power to recover the same, and to receive them from the Exchequer, in case they have been paid in. [Docquet.]
May 31.
Dover.
97. Thos. White to the Navy Comrs. The Augustine is arrived from Chatham with stores. [Adm. Paper.]
May 31.
Gravesend.
98. Fr. Hosier to Sam. Pepys. Found such disorder on board the Loyal Katherine that there was great difficulty in mustering the seamen; many of the men were too drunk to appear, and the master absent on shore; begs excuse if anything be wanting in the musterbook. The serjeants for Gravesend soldiers have carried money down to pay the men their arrears. Asks if it be necessary to muster victuallers or ammunition ships. Cannot be sure of letting none pass Gravesend without muster, as they may pass in the night, on Sunday, or in a gale of wind. [Adm. Paper.]
May 31.
Gravesend.
99. Note of the arrival into port of the Merlin with 81 men, and the Cygnet with 46 men, giving good attendance on board. [Adm. Paper.]
May 31.
Chatham.
100. Comr. Peter Pett to Sam. Pepys. Complains of the master of the Black Cock going away to London and losing the opportunity of a fair wind to sail to Blackwall, after being furnished with men on purpose; begs that Sir Wm. Warren may be informed of his neglect. [Adm. Paper.]
May 31.
Shipwrights' Hall.
101. Masters, Wardens, &c., of the Shipwrights' Company to the Navy Comrs. Have received the copy of contract made with Wm. Castell and Hen. Johnson, for building two ships, and nominate the master, two wardens, and three assistants, to overlook the work. [Adm. Paper, 12 signatures.]
May 31. 102. Geo. Phenney, owner of the William and John, to [the Navy Comrs.] Recommends Geo. Wescott and John Clarke as boatswain and carpenter. [Adm. Paper.]
May 31.
Sherwood.
103. John Russell to the Navy Comrs. Finds Lord Byron's timber in Newstead Woods good and fit for the service. Arrangements for transporting it to London; hoys wanted. [Adm. Paper.] Encloses,
103. i. Proposal by Lord Byron for the delivery of 2,000 loads of timber at certain prices.
May? 104. Petition of John Burrowes, Navy slopseller, to the Navy Comrs., to be indemnified for the loss of clothes, value 512l. 3s. 7d., in the wreck of the Hopewell. They were delivered to Mr. Tooker according to directions from the Board, and shipped on his responsibility, the petitioner refusing to be answerable for any hazard. [Adm. Paper.] Annexing,
104. i. Affidavit of Luke Noon, servant to John Burrows, that at the special importunity of Mr. Tooker, messenger of the Navy Commissioners, clothes, shoes, and bedding, to the value of 512l. 3s. 7d., were delivered on board the Hopewell, going with provisions for the fleet, 2d May, 1665.
May 30, 1665.
104. ii. Deposition by Alexander Harwood, one of the company of the Hopewell of Lynn, that the said vessel, employed as a victualler, and lost through damages sustained by ill-usage from the master of the Resolution, had on board at the time of her sinking the packs of clothes, shoes, &c., sent by John Burrowes.
104. iii. Certificate by Richard Beckford, that in the late Dutch wars he received 25l. for 47l. worth of clothes lost in the Mary Rose. May 31, 1665.
May. 105. Petition of John Burrowes to the Navy Comrs., to the same effect, urging payment in consideration of losses of more than 1,000l. in several other ships.
May ? 106. Petition of Sir John Lowther, Bart, to the King. By the cunning practice of some Commissioners for enquiring after derelict lands, his salt houses and staythes at Whitehaven were said to be within high-water mark, and his petition thereon for a grant of the premises for corroboration of title was referred to the Lord Treasurer and Lord Ashley; begs that no other grant of the premises may pass till their report be made.
May? 107. Petition of the Company of Skinners, London, to the King and Council, for a hearing of the dispute between them and the feltmakers, who have entered a caveat against the solicited confirmation of their charters, on the ground that the cutting and clipping of skins and furs belongs to them. [See June 23, infra.]
May.
Whitehall.
108. Pass for the St. Nicholas, laden with oils, &c., at St. Malo, to go to Holland and Gottenburg and return, on certificate that she belongs solely to merchants of France. [Draft, 1½ pages.]
May. 109. Memoranda [by Williamson, from the Signet books], of warrants, grants, &c., passed during the month, the uncalendared entries of which are:—
Note that moneys paid out or assigned on the revenues of the duchy of Cornwall are to be allowed by the auditor of the duchy, on the receiver's accounts.
Order for the money for the Royal aid to be brought up in specie in carts well guarded, to be hired by Sir Hen. Vernon, Sir Wm. Doyley, and Robt. Scawen, with power to allow fitting salaries therefor.
May ? 110. Warrant to issue from the Tower stores 30 barrels of powder, 2 hogsheads of flints, and other arms, formerly directed for the Admiral's regiment, to be delivered to Sir Chas. Littleton, Major. [Draft.]
May ? 111. The King to Katherine Lady Mohun, Boconnock, Cornwall. Wishes her speedily to give up to her son, Lord Mohun, the deeds and writings touching his estate, which she detains in spite of a decree of Chancery. He is going to sea with the Duke of York, and wishes to settle his estate before he goes. [Draft.]
May. 112. Henry Planchy to Lord [Arlington]. Throws himself on the compassion of a peer, one of the chief ornaments of the age. Has never been a villain, but has led an ill life, and put some little slurs on merchants or women to supply his wants, but so cleverly that the law could not take hold of him; yet sees men worse than himself preferred. Begs for some livelihood, without which he will be obliged to return to his former life. [Partly in Spanish; 3 pages.]
May. 113. G. Bowerman to the Navy Comrs. After sending down ballast, according to order, to the St. Paul and Marmaduke, finds them already ballasted by Smyth the boatswain. Complains that by this practice he not only loses the benefit of that for which so great a rent is paid, but is liable to pay considerable sums for the lighters and hoys employed. Begs redress, and that Smyth may be compelled to make good his losses. [Adm. Paper.] Encloses,
113. i. John Lewes' account for ballast; total, 15 tons 8qrs. 9 lbs.
May. 114. Ellis Osborne, master of the Sarah and Elizabeth, [to the Navy Comrs.] Recommends Robt. Johns as his boatswain. [Adm. Paper.]
May. 115. Fr. Barham, Mr. Johnson's partner, to [the Navy Comrs.] Requests an order to keep some shipwrights employed on the new ship building in the East India yard; also a warrant to press barges and hoys for the service. [Adm. Paper.]
May ? 116. Shorthand notes by Sam. Pepys, endorsed "Several papers relating to the masts bought of Mr. Wood." [Adm. Paper.] Enclosing,
116. i. Tender of deals, timber, cant spars, &c., by Caleb Veren.
February 23, 1665.
116. ii. Tender of 40 pieces of elm timber, at 55s. per load, by Edw. Buckley.
February 23, 1665.
116. iii. Tender of 80 loads of dram timber, at 55s. per load, by Edmund Lee.
February 23, 1665.
116. iv. Tender of deals, timber, and masts, by Mr. Wood and Mr. Graves.
116. v. Comparison of some of the above tenders.
February 23, 1665.
116. vi. Survey and report of Edw. Gray's masts. May 26, 1665.
116. vii. Tender of masts, timber, and deals, by Caleb Veren and Robt. Walker.
116. viii. Account of masts tendered by Veren and Walker; with note by Robt. Mayors of their good condition.
116. ix. Account of old masts contracted for with Mr. Wood; with comparison of tenders made by Warren, Veren, and Gray, and abstract of the case by Pepys.
May. 117. Names of three masters of lighters employed to transport timber out of Essex for building the Loyal London, and of 15 shipwrights engaged on the work, for whom protections are wanted. [Adm. Paper.]
May ? 118. Account of the dimensions of eight ships taken up for the service, from Jan. to April. [Adm. Paper.]
May. 119. Similar account by John Fortescue and Jonas Shish of the dimensions of 13 ships. [Adm. Paper.]
May? 120. Reasons why a proclamation should be issued on the patent granted to Col. [Edw.] Gray, [Thos.] Killigrew, and others for licensing pedlars and petty chapmen; that otherwise no public notice would be taken of them; that the conveniences of licensing industrious and honest pedlars, and suppressing rogues will be many; as preventing the dispersion of Quakers' and other sectaries' books; stopping robberies and murders by rogues who wander on pretence of selling wares, and supply those who live remote from market towns; none are to be licensed without a certificate of good conduct from a justice of peace, and a recognizance for good behaviour. [Patent granted May 3, 1665.]
May. 121. Request by Lord Holles, ambassador extraordinary to France, for a privy seal for payment of 400l. expenses, due 29th April 1665, in addition to 800l. ordered him 27 June last.
May ? 122. Statement that Dr. Paul, Bishop of Oxford, being possessed of the rectory of Chinner, had, before his accession to the bishopric, obtained from the Archbishop [of Canterbury] a dispensation to retain it, confirmed by the King; the presentation to cures void by promotion belongs to the King, who, on the death of Dr. Paul, claims the right of presentation, which is denied by the patron.
May ? 123. Proposal of expedients for prevention of the plague, showing that the infection greatly spreads by the present attempts at concealment, and by not shutting up a house till some one in it dies, as many persons may have visited the house and spread the infection in the interim; but if it were published that every infected person shall have medical attendance, &c., and payment for loss of time, persons would not conceal their misfortune, and 40 houses thus provided might prevent the infection of 10,000. With proposal that a stock may be raised, physicians appointed, and commissioners accountable to the King bejoined with the physician for their management.
May ? 124. Petition of Sir Charles Berkeley, treasurer of the household, to the King, for the estate of John Somerset, of Wells, value 100l. a year, and forfeit to the Crown for want of a lawful heir.