Charles II - volume 156: May 12-23, 1666

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles II, 1665-6. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1864.

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'Charles II - volume 156: May 12-23, 1666', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles II, 1665-6, (London, 1864) pp. 393-411. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/chas2/1665-6/pp393-411 [accessed 24 March 2024]

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May 12-23, 1666

May 12.
Royal Charles, Buoy of the Nore.
1. Duke of Albemarle to Sir Geo. Carteret. Desires that part of the 156l. due to Seth Thurston, for the use of the Mary ketch, may be paid, to enable him to proceed in the service. [Adm. Paper.]
May 12.
Royal Sovereign, Gillingham.
2. Capt. John Cox to the Navy Comrs. Has called over the West Friezland's pressed company, and finds many absent, and those who did appear very refractory, because the captain had not given in their tickets; some pretending to fetch their clothes, have given the slip and gone to London; is detained by contrary winds. [Adm. Paper.]
May 12.
King Road.
3. Capt. Rich. Teate to the Navy Comrs. Is safe arrived with the convoy and ammunition ships; asks further directions. [Adm. Paper.]
May 12.
Portsmouth Dockyard.
4. Comr. Thos. Middleton to Sam. Pepys. The bearer, Edw. Archer, is the attorney employed to prosecute the ropemakers concerned in the late embezzlements; he will give account of his proceedings thus far. [Adm. Paper.]
May 12.
Plymouth.
5. John Lanyon to the Navy Comrs. Has surveyed the damage sustained by the Nightingale, and begun to fit her with a new mainmast. [Adm. Paper.]
May 12.
The Garland, Plymouth.
6. Capt. Charles Hayward to Sir John Mennes. Begs that Wm. Lovett, who was dispossessed of his employment as master of the Garland without any fault, may again fill his place, and the present master be removed to the Sorlings. [Adm. Paper.]
May 12.
Bristol.
7. Dan. Furzer to the Navy Comrs. The provisions sent down for Mr. Baylie's new ship arrived after she was launched; matters respecting her are somewhat confused; had timber been brought as was expected, his own ship would not only have been launched, but in a capacity to have done present service; hopes that the business may be seen to, and the great dispute of land carriage ended. [Adm. Paper.]
May 12. The King to the Lord Treasurer. He is to take care that John Robinson, son of John Robinson, late searcher in the port of Ipswich, succeeds his father in the said place, any former letter in favour of Nathan. Hewett or any other nothwithstanding. [Ent. Book 17, p. 187.]
[May 12.] 8. Draft of the above.
May 12. Commission for Sir Godfrey Lloyd, to be Captain of a company of foot in Portsmouth, in place of Capt. Clerk. Minute. [Ent. Book 20, p. 108.]
May 12.
Whitehall.
Warrant to the Farmers of Customs to allow the Conde de Molina, Spanish Ambassador, to export 300 barrels of powder to Flanders, for service of the king of Spain. [Ent. Book 23, p. 86.]
May 13. "Loose papers concerning several merchant ships, hired to serve His Majesty," as follow:—
9. Names of eleven merchant ships, The Coronation, Turkey Merchant, London, East India, Castle, Loyal Merchant, Albemarle, London Merchant, George, Royal Charles, and Richard and Martha, with their number of men, guns, &c., and notes when they will be ready, &c.
10. Account of the great ordnance belonging to the East India Company's ship London, 24 guns in all.
11. Account of the same, with 22 guns added from the Ordnance Office for the gun deck.
12. Note of the quality of ordnance belonging to the Richard and Martha.
13. Certificate by Richard Patrick, for Captain Kempthorne, of the dimensions and number of guns of the Turkey Merchant.
14. Account of the dimensions of ten ships named, including several of the above, with the names of their captains.
15. Certificate by Henry Risby of the length of the Loyal Merchant. April 3, 1666.
16. Certificate by James Barker of the length of the Royal Charles. April 3, 1666.
17. Certificate by W. Porter of the number of guns, anchors, and cables, on board the East India Merchant.
April 3, 1666.
18. Certificate by Sam. Greeneway of the length of the East India Merchant. April 4, 1666.
19. Certificate by Thos. Gould of the length of the Coronation, with a note of the number of her guns. April 5, 1666.
20. Obligation by Capt. John Kempthorne, that the Turkey Merchant shall be supplied with 18 demi-culverins and 6 other small guns, and taken down to the Long Reach by the end of April. April 10, 1666.
21. Note by Mr. Greeneway of the dimensions of the Coronation and Turkey Merchant. April 26, 1664.
22. Memorandum of the number of guns intended for the Loyal Merchant, Albemarle, Loyal Catherine, and Maryland. [Adm. Papers.] May 5 and 13, 1666.
May 13.
Plymouth.
23. Thos. Waltham to the Navy Comrs. Particulars of ships; no order for harbour victuals is yet received from Mr. Gauden. [Adm. Paper.]
May 13.
Portsmouth.
24. Comr. Thos. Middleton to Sam. Pepys. If Mr. Harris come not very speedily, he will find only the Mary and Montague in port; the boatswain of the Warwick justifies himself for having thrown the Mars' provisions overboard, by saying that boatswain Henry Avis, who had been an old surveyor, told him it was a usual custom. [Adm. Paper.]
May 13.
Greenwich.
25. Capt. Robt. Robinson to Sir Wm. Coventry. The boatswain has injured himself severely by a fall into the hold of the ship; asks assistance from Deptford for two days, to help to set the mainmast; has prevailed with the Ordnance Officers about brass bases for the guns. [Adm. Paper.]
May 14.
Blackwall.
26. Capt. Robt. Robinson to Sir Wm. Batten. To the effect of the former part of the above.
May 14.
Bristol.
27. Dan. Furzer to the Navy Comrs. Has discharged the surveyor, and put the remainder of the business under the carpenter's care; chain pumps are provided, and Sir John Knight's son has orders to supply tops; asks whence canvas, hammocks, &c., are to be had; wants money. [Adm. Paper.]
May 14.
Bristol.
28. Isburn Holland, surveyor, to the Navy Comrs. The proportions of Mr. Baylie's new ship are right; has taken daily care to see the contract answered; can give account of the defaults altered and stopped during the building; begs payment of his wages for eight months three weeks and two days. [Adm. Paper.]
May 14. 29. Certificate, by Jonas Shish and Capt. George Ewin, of the measurement of the London, burden 552⅓ tons. [Adm. Paper.]
May 14.
Yarmouth.
30. Thos. Stollard to the Navy Comrs. Is ready with the Milkmaid at the haven's mouth, with three months' provisions on board, waiting orders and convoy. [Adm. Paper.]
May 14.
Dover.
31. Fr. Hosier to Sam. Pepys. Mr. Wivell still refuses to show his books, saying that Mr. Gauden has given positive orders to that effect, but has agreed that his servant shall read out the accounts; if so, Mr. Gauden orders one thing and writes another. [Adm. Paper.]
May 14.
Whitehall.
32. Phil. Lloyd to Sam. Pepys. Is commanded to enquire which of the merchant ships are most forward, there being soldiers ready to be distributed amongst them. [Adm. Paper.]
May 14.
Yarmouth.
33. Capt. Fras. Saunders to the Navy Comrs. Though many of his pressed men left him, has now got the 140 allowed for the Sweepstakes. Is victualled and manned; if weather prove fine, will sail to the fleet on Thursday. [Adm. Paper.]
May 14.
Exeter.
34. Pet. Yates to Williamson. A cockfight has been held last week, but the gentry are so well acquainted with it that they do not come nigh it. There will be the fair in a fortnight, unless prevented by the Mayor, who has written to the King to stop it. With memoranda of expenditure, and gains and losses at play.
May 14. Warrant for a grant of pardon to Lawrence Clerke, convicted at Hertford assizes for the robbery of Miles Greenwood, a northern carrier. [Ent. Book 23, p. 87.]
May 15. Warrant for a grant of a pension of 1,000l. a year to Thomas Earl of Ossory, as gentleman of the bedchamber. [Ent. Book 23, p. 86.]
May 15. Warrant to the Commissioners of Prizes to deliver the prize ship Black Bear at Hull to Sir Jordan Crosland as a free gift, instead of selling it to him as ordered by a previous warrant. [Ent. Book 23, p. 88.]
May 15. Warrant for a grant to George Porter, in reversion after Thos. Freeston and Hen. Prescot, of the office of Supervisor of small customs and subsidies in the port of London, with a fee of 300l. a year. [Ent. Book 23, p. 88.]
May 15. Warrant from Lord Arlington to Sir Phil. Frowde to pay 35l. 10s. to P. Stanney, letter carrier to the Court, for extraordinary attendance on the King at Oxford, &c. [Ent. Book 23, p. 101.] Annexing,
i. Bill of Peter Stanney, for the above services, allowed by Lord Arlington.
May 15.
Whitehall.
Warrant for a grant to Silius Titus, groom of the bedchamber, of the reversion after John Dawson of the Head Searcher's place for Kent. [Ent. Book 14, p. 93.]
May 15.
Whitehall.
The King to the Dean and Chapter of Durham. Denis Grenville, M.A., archdeacon and prebendary of Durham, and rector of Elwick, who has hitherto been diligent and exemplary in his duties, has important affairs requiring his presence in London. Grants him a dispensation from residence in those parts, he supplying his several places sufficiently, and requests them to continue to him all his emoluments. [Ent. Book 17, p. 188.]
May 15. 35. Draft of the preceding. [1½ pages.]
[May 15.] Lord Arlington to Sir Hugh Smith and Sir George Norton. Sends the assignment from Sir Wm. Berkeley to Sir Phil. Honeywood of 2,000l. militia money, paid on occasion of the late letter of the King, who was well satisfied with their readiness to comply with his service. [Ent. Book 17, p. 189.]
May 15.
Royal Charles.
36. Duke of Albemarle to Lord Ashley. Used the houses mentioned in Sir Thos. Clarges' petition for the King's stable servants at Reading, and would have satisfied him for them, but heard that the Forbury on which they were built was not passed in his lease. On searching the records, finds that they did belong to the petitioner, but rather than pay a rental for them, thinks it would be better to prevail on him to surrender them in exchange for a longer term in the rest of his lease. Annexing,
36. i. Petition of Sir Thos. Clarges to the King. The Duke of Albemarle having taken from him five years ago, for accommodation of His Majesty's grooms and equerries, five houses built on the site of the Monastery of Reading, begs allowance for them for the time past, and a rent settled for the time to come. With reference thereon, April 17, to the Lord Treasurer and Chancellor of the Exchequer, and report of the latter, May 3, that the houses were granted to the petitioner, and that the Duke of Albemarle says they are necessary for the King's service, but he will report further after a survey has been made thereof. [Copies, 2 pages.]
36. ii. Original of the above petition and reference, with report by Lord Ashley, May 13, that the Surveyor General thinks an extension of the petitioner's lease of Reading Monastery from 25 to 50 years would be an equivalent for the surrender of the houses in question.
May 15 ? 37. Petition of Ralph Rymer, prisoner in York Castle, to the King, for a warrant to the High Sheriff of Yorkshire to release him, on sufficient bail for his return to York Castle on summons. Is so reduced by long and close durance, that he cannot expect to continue long. Annexing,
37. i. Certificate by Sir Thos. Gower and three other Deputy Lieutenants of Yorkshire, that the petitioner is dropsical and consumptive, and cannot continue long in that air and durance. May 15, 1666.
May 15.
Whitehall.
38. H. Muddiman to — Cole. News from Venice, Lembergh, and Walachia:—
The new Messias of the Jews was hanged in chains at Stamboul, having first confessed, after some blows on the feet, that he was persuaded by some Jews.
Hague, May 4/14: The Prince of Orange has more state allowed him than formerly; the peace with Munster is proclaimed, and the States attend to their maritime affairs, having 80 sail ready, well manned.
Ostend, April 16: The French detain the Swedish ships, and their small shallops have taken from the convoy two vessels laden with Rhenish wine. The Governor of Nieuport has forbidden the Ostend waggon to go thither, for fear of the sickness.
Aldborough, May 7: A French shallop has taken a small vessel four miles off.
Royal Charles, buoy of the Nore, May 7: Capt. Rob. Clarke, of the Gloucester, with five vessels, is gone from the Nore, to ply between the Vlie and the Texel, and give intelligence.
The King and Councilhave ordered a collection for Colchester, in such parishes as the Bishop of London thinks convenient. Several wine and brandy prizes have been brought into the Isle of Wight.
Stockholm, April 16: The ambassadors from Sweden and Hen. Coventry, the British envoy thither, are preparing for England.
Copenhagen, April 20: Denmark expects eight men-of-war from Holland; the coasts of Norway are guarded in case of a surprise from the English, but they have more fear from Sweden.
Whitehall, May 11: The King has sent presents to General Wrangel. Capt. Brumingham is found accessory with Lord Morley to the manslaughter of Mr. Hastings.
Dover, May 11: Some of Lord Holles' trunks have arrived; several Dutch pilots are gone to fetch the French fleet into the Narrow Seas.
Ostend, May 20: The French pickeroons have taken 15 Flemish or English prizes to Zealand; they condemn all, and leave the parties to dispute their rights at Paris.
The Lord Chancellor's second son, Sir Wm. Coventry, Sir George Carteret, and Sir George Saville or Mr. May, are spoken of for peerages.
Deaths this week 236, of plague 58. [3 pages.]
May 15. 39. Petition of Willm. Pettyfer to the King, for release. Has been almost five years in Oxford gaol for being a quaker. Hopes the Lord will put it into His Majesty's heart to release him, but whether or not will yet say, the Lord save him.
May 15.
Dover.
40. Thos. White to the Navy Comrs. The Lily is arrived to victual and clean; asks whether small sails may be made for her. [Adm. Paper.]
May 15.
The Lily, Dover.
41. Capt. Thos. Langley to the Navy Comrs. Is come into harbour to victual and clean. Mr. White will not supply sails nor a cable without an order. [Adm. Paper.]
May 15.
Humber Road.
42. Rich. Bone, master of the Maybell, to the Navy Comrs. Has been detained by contrary winds since leaving the fleet, until ordered by the commander of the Dover to go for Humber Road. [Adm. Paper.]
May 15.
Painters' Hall.
43. Sir Wm. Doyley, Sir Thos. Clifford, and Col. Bullen Reymes, Commissioners for sick and wounded, to the Navy Comrs. Will direct their clerks in the several districts to be very careful and punctual in forwarding monthly accounts of the arrival, cure, and discharge of sick and wounded seamen, as desired. [Adm. Paper.]
May 15.
Althorp-on-Trent.
44. Wm. Skinner to the Navy Comrs. The Black Dog hoy is beneaped in the Trent; has been all the last spring tide getting eight miles down, dragging upon the ground several times; the river has not been so bad the last dozen years; has been laden with plank ever since the 4th of the month; asks whether to wait for convoy. [Adm. Paper.]
May 15.
Portsmouth.
45. Comr. Thos. Middleton to Sam. Pepys. Mr. Harris has not yet come; the ships at Harwich have received more damage in their sails than those at Portsmouth. Only one is dead of the plague in six days, "and that was one that may be best spared out of the world, for it was an old woman;" it gets worse and worse at Gosport. [Adm. Paper.]
May 15.
Ordnance Office.
46. Ordnance Comrs. to the Navy Comrs. Ask whether there are any vessels bound for Plymouth, and when they will be ready; also what new ships are ready for gun carriages. [Adm. Paper.]
May 16.
King Road.
47. Capt. Rich. Teate to the Navy Comrs. Promises dispatch in sailing for Milford. [Adm. Paper.]
May 16.
Plymouth.
48. John Lanyon to the Navy Comrs. Mr. Waltham's complaint of the pursers was not unfounded; they are very remiss, and run out much in their provisions. The Tiger will be repaired next spring tide. Cannot please the officers of the Nightingale with a mainmast. [Adm. Paper.]
May 16.
Bristol.
49. John Knight, jun., to the Navy Comrs. Has desired the officers of the St. Patrick to employ the pressed men in the speedy dispatch of the ship; all necessaries can be furnished at Bristol; the furnaces as yet remain aboard the Pearl. Finds upon inquiry that John Guildford is an old pilot, of 60 years of age, who has gone several years as master; wishes the captain would come; at present officers and seamen are all commanders-in-chief. Mr. Furzer takes great pains in forwarding the ship. [Adm. Paper.]
May 16. 50. Thos. Lewis to Thos. Hayter. Sends account of victuals delivered for the ships Duke of Cambridge, Cæsar, and Exeter. [Adm. Paper.] Encloses,
50. i. Account by Thos. Lewis of provisions supplied to Sir Wm. Warren's six Gottenburg ships; total value, 448l. 11s. 7d.
April 19, 1667.
50. ii. Account of victuals delivered to six ships, four of which are in the preceding account.
50. iii. Memoranda relating to the above.
May 16. 51. Petition of Sir William Batten, surveyor of the navy, to the King, for a warrant for possession of the ship the Young Prince of Denmark, valued at 153l., and promised to him if she were condemned as a prize, which is now done.
May 16. Commission to John Lord Berkeley and six other Officers of Ordnance, to make saltpetre and gunpowder during pleasure, in pursuance of several orders from Council. [Docquet.]
May 16. Warrant for detaining [John] Patshall a close prisoner in the Gatehouse. Minute. [Ent. Book 23, p. 93.]
May 16. Order for a warrant empowering Lord Admiral the Duke of York to grant letters of marque against the Danes to British subjects, on good security to bring in the prizes taken, for judgment in the Admiralty Courts, &c. [Ent. Book 23, p. 93.]
May 16. Order for a warrant to pay to Montague Earl of Lindsey 40l. a year, for wages of the keepers in Woodstock Park, co. Oxford, and 40l. for provision of hay for the deer. [Ent. Book 23, pp. 94–5.]
[May 16.] 52. Draft of part of the above.
May 16.
Whitehall.
Order for a warrant to Sir Nich. Crisp, of Hammersmith, and three others, to whom the farm of the Mulgrave alum works in Yorkshire and Lancashire is granted for 20 years, on payment of 4,260l. for the first four years, and 5,260l. afterwards, to pay out of the said rent 400l. a year for 20 years to Sir John Bennet; also warrant to the Officers of the Exchequer to defalcate the same from the said rent, or to pay it to Sir John Bennet, if it should at any time be paid into the Exchequer. [Ent. Book 23, pp. 96–100.]
May 16. 53. Lord Ashley to Lord Arlington. Sends the form in which, on advising with the Attorney General, he thinks the business should be put, and requests the King's warrant to authorize the same. Prefixing,
53. i. Contract between the Lord Treasurer and Chancellor of the Exchequer on the King's part, and Sir Gervase Lucas, Martha, widow of Sir Hen. Carey, and six others, empowering the latter to treat with owners and tenants claiming rights of common in Dartmoor Forest, part of the duchy of Cornwall, the King wishing to enclose a part thereof, and divide the residue amongst them; the said enclosures and improvements to be made at the expense of the said Commissioners, who are to have a lease of the King's portion for 50 years at a fourth of the value, the rest to be divided among the tenants and held in free soccage, the said Commissioners engaging sufficiently to enclose and improve the King's land. [3¼ pages.] Feb. 27, 1666.
May 16. 54. Ri. Selby to James Hickes. Thanks from Sir N. A. [Nich. Armorer] for the Gazette. Could supply Williamson, as once requested, to a fine nag for 40l.
May 16. Reference to the Attorney General on the petition of Sir John Bennet, K.B., who complains that Mr. Soper detains 13,989l. assessed upon the mises (?) now in his hands, alleging that Sir John has no power to call him to account for it. [Ent. Book 18, p. 205.]
May 17.
Whitehall.
Order granting the petition of the Inhabitants of Hemel Hempstead that the Attorney General may be ordered to cease all further prosecution of a writ of quo warranto, and cause a non pros. to be entered on record, that the city and country may receive the same benefit from their market as formerly. [Ent. Book18, p. 206.]
May 17. 55. Petition of Katherine Rey to the King, for relief, in compensation for her father's services and sufferings as captain of a troop of horse; her credit being gone, is unable either to return to her parents or remain.
May 17.
Dover.
56. Appraisement of the Hope of Bayonne, brought into port by the Castell frigate, 5 November last; value, 365l. 10s.
May 17. Warrant to pay to Sir Allen Apsley, for the use of the Duke of York, 120,902l. 15s. 8d., being a month's tax given by Parliament to the King for the Duke. [Docquet.]
May 17. 57. Sir A. Apsley to Williamson. Wants a warrant for Jas. Roper to be put into Hen. Mordaunt's place as falconer.
May 17.
Whitehall.
Sec. Morice to Leicester, Viscount Hereford, at Christchurch, near Ipswich. The Swedish resident sues for justice, because of the seizure of some corn, the lading of a Swedish vessel wrecked near Orfordness in 1662, by some persons in his lordship's name. Application was made to the Admiralty, but his lordship refused to appear. The King wishes him to make his claim good, if he have any, or some other course will have to be adopted. [Ent. Book 14, p. 73.]
May 17.
Portsmouth.
58. Wm. Povey to the Ordnance Officers. Attended at the dock with carts and laborers, for the promised rakings and shakings. Was offered about four tons of rakings, which were positively refused by the gunners. Such a quantity of combustible stuff could not safely be stowed; the whole yard would have cried shame at it; has sent a sample of it by coach. Begs an order to those concerned to furnish port rope, junk, and wadding as heretofore. Comr. Middleton has given warning to lay no more guns upon the King's wharfs or make any further use of the cranes. Is sorry there is such ill understanding. [Adm. Paper, 2 pages.]
May 17.
Portsmouth.
59. Comr. Thos. Middleton to Sam. Pepys. Reports Mr. Harris's survey of the defective sails; they must in future be sown with tarred instead of white twine. Hears that three bales of canvas were put on board the Crown by Sir Jeremy Smith; knows not what has become of them; wishes some enquiries may be made, lest they be forgotten, as the boatswain has not indented for them. [Adm. Paper, 2 pages.]
May 17.
Dover.
60. Thos. White to Sir Wm. Coventry. The Lily is fitted, and would have sailed last night but for contrary winds. It is a prejudice to the service to have to state the wants of different frigates before furnishing them; their demands generally exceed what is needful, and all the materials expended in refitting them do not cost so much as two days' pay and victuals consequent upon the delay. [Adm. Paper.]
May 17. 61. Navy Comrs. to Sir Wm. Penn. Request him to examine the master and mate concerning the loss of the James ketch. [Adm. Paper.] Enclosing,
61. i. Certificate by John Banton, master, and John Keech, mate, of the sinking of the James ketch of Dover, at the buoy of the Gunfleet. May 15, 1666.
May 18.
Yarmouth.
62. Capt. Fras. Saunders to the Navy Comrs. Is still detained by contrary winds. Is grieved to be unable to answer the expectations of his superiors. [Adm. Paper.]
May 18.
Kinsale.
63. Capt. Wm. Crispin to the Navy Comrs. Begs a full settlement of his accounts. Has sent to the Commissioners for sick and wounded for directions how to provide for his growing charge. There is a daily expectation of some considerable action on the coast. Much shooting has been heard at sea for several days. A Dutch caper has been sent into Cork harbour by the Sapphire, who is in chase of another of 32 guns. [Adm. Paper.]
May 18.
Royal James.
64. Rich. Ward, muster master, to Sam. Pepys. The pursers belonging to the Admirals of the White division are come down. Hopes shortly to send up a perfect muster book of each respective ship. [Adm. Paper.]
May 18.
Plymouth.
65. John Lanyon to Sam. Pepys. Does not know where the Samuel is. The Tiger and Nightingale will soon be ready. A French man-of-war brought in by the Resolution has been the cause of a little dispute, as it was said to have been taken by Capt. Carteret in the Oxford. [Adm. Paper.]
[May 18.] 66. Petition of Joanna Winne, widow, to Lord Arlington, for leave to take her course at law against Thos. Barlow, postmaster in Southwark, who owes her 40l., which has been due three years, and has often been vainly demanded.
May 18. Order on the above petition, that Barlow pay the debt by a certain day, or else be proceeded against by law. [Ent. Book 12, p. 206.]
May 18. Reference to the Lord Treasurer on the petition of the Duke of Monmouth, for the fee farm of lands known as the Holt, co. Hants, under such rent as the revenue officers think fit. [Ent. Book 18, p. 206.]
May 18. 67. John Pettie and Jo. Burniston to Robt. Hiching. He is to receive from Capt. Chas. Farrell 8l. 12s. 2d. acreage for 1,033 acres, and 1l. fees to the Commissioners.
[May 18.] 68. Account by Jas. Hickes of the days and hours of the mails coming from Plymouth the past week, being 56, 55, and 57 hours respectively, or between 3 and 4 miles an hour; also from Yarmouth, 41 and 32 hours, being about 3½ miles an hour; also account of Mr. Vanderplanck of Winchester being 17 or 18 hours riding between that place and Southampton.
[May 18.] 69. Like account for the Bristol road, the riding being 4 miles an hour, and the Gloucester road 3½.
[May 18.] 70. Like account of the Chester and York roads, 4 miles an hour, although the postmasters are bound by their instructions to ride 7 miles an hour from Lady Day to Michaelmas, and 5 from Michaelmas to Lady Day.
May 18. Warrant to Lord Ashley, treasurer to the Commissioners of Prizes, to pay to Ferdinando Mendoza de Costa the proceeds of the sale of 42 chests of sugar out of the St. Peter of Bourdeaux, which chests were granted to him, but sold before the orders reached the Commissioners at Plymouth. [Ent. Book 23, p. 87.]
May. Duplicate of the above warrant, dated May 10. [Ent. Book 23, p. 89.]
May 18. Warrant to— Wilton for discharge of Francis Cook. Minute. [Ent. Book 23, p. 100.]
May 18. Grant of denization to Maria de Mendoza, a Portuguese. Minute. [Ent. Book 23, p. 183.]
May 19. Warrant to Ralph Rutter to apprehend Thos. Leeton, of Denton, co. Northampton, for misdemeanors in taking and destroying the King's game. [Ent. Book 23, p. 84.]
[May 19.]
Whitehall.
Warrant to the Commissioners of Prizes to deliver a packet boat, taken from the French, called the Post Employment, to Sir Philip Frowde. [Ent. Book 23, p. 100.]
May 19. 71. Petition of Elizabeth, wife of John Petshall, prisoner in the Gatehouse, Westminster, to Lord Arlington, for admission to her husband, who has been kept 15 months close prisoner, that she may give him necessary sustenance.
May 19. Warrant to allow Elizabeth Petshall access to her husband in the Gatehouse. Minute. [Ent. Book 23, p. 100.]
May 19. 72. Petition of Willm. Harwood, ensign in Capt. Barker's company, in his Majesty's regiment of Guards, to the King, for the place of lieutenant in the said company, when void. Lost both blood and bones in the late King's war, and was quarter-master to His Majesty's regiment of Guards, till ousted by the junction of Lord Wentworth and Col. Russell's regiments.
May 19. 73. List by John Tooker of 51 watermen found on board 9 vessels on the 18th of May, with corresponding list of 27 remaining on the 19th. [Adm. Paper.]
May 19.
The Fountain, Downs.
74. James Anselin, master, to Sir Wm. Batten. Has been cruelly beaten and ill used by the captain, for having given leave to a midshipman and quarter-master to go on shore. Is still under the surgeon's care and kept a prisoner. Begs to be removed out of the ship. [Adm. Paper, 2 pages.]
May 19.
Bristol.
75. Dan. Furzer to the Navy Comrs. Has received 300l. of Mr. Morgan. The sails are nearly ready. Mr. Knight will see all other necessaries supplied. Would have put the ironwork on board Capt. Teate's vessel, but that he is ordered first to Milford. [Adm. Paper.]
May 20. 76. Robert Mayores to the Navy Comrs. Particulars of the masts offered for sale by Mr. Wood; they are much wanted at Woolwich. [Adm. Paper.]
May 20.
Plymouth.
77. Thos. Waltham to the Navy Comrs. Sends the sea books of the Tiger and Nightingale, and muster rolls of the Foresight and Oxford. Promises further accounts shortly. [Adm. Paper.]
May 20. 78. Certificate by Capt. John Kempthorne of the appearance of the Content ketch, in good equipage, to attend the Royal Charles at the buoy of the Nore. [Adm. Paper.]
May 20. 79. Comr. Thos. Middleton to [Sam. Pepys]. Men have been put on board the Francis when judged unfit to go their own ships, as the only convenient place, on their return from the sick houses, where they could wash their clothes and air themselves. Did not know they ought to have been on petty warrant all the time. Is glad that proper orders are sent about the delivery of junk and portrope. Has been troubled to see good cables cut for wadding; if it be lawful to speak truth in such a matter, cannot but admire the profuseness of the allowance made to gunners; shall forget he ever was himself a gunner if one third of that allowance be not found sufficient. Has orders to let them have junk "fit for nothing but wads"; fears such junk will never be seen in the King's stores. Wishes the Ordnance officers would find some other way to provide wadding. [Adm. Paper, 2¼ pages.] Encloses,
79. i. Notes of warrants granted for the supply of provisions to the Francis. October23rd, November 1st and13th, 1665.
79. ii. Certificate by St. J. Steventon of the correctness of the accounts passed by the boatswain of the Francis.
19th May, 1666.
May 20. Warrant for a grant to James Roper of the office of Falconer, void by decease of Hen. Mordaunt, with the annuity of 38l. 0s. 5½ d. [Ent. Book 23, p. 102.]
May 20.
Sunday.
80. J. Hamilton to Williamson. Understands his business is signed, and therefore begs that the warrant for 1,000l. may be sealed and directed to his wife.
May 20.
Royal Charles, Buoy of the nore.
81. Sir Wm. Clarke to Williamson. Capt. Clarke, sent with six sail to the coast of Holland, writes that he reached his station between the Vlie and Texel on the 14th; on the 15th he saw twelve sail, N.N.E., and after much chasing, took seven, laden with oakum, fir, potashes, &c. They pretend to be Swedes, bound for Amsterdam; he sent them into Harwich; he also retook the Hunter, a merchant ship taken by the Dutch 11 March last; the Admiralty have ordered her to the Commissioners for Prizes of London. Two more prizes have been taken. A Sweedish man-of-war passed with the Swedish ambassador; they fired a salute of eleven guns, and were answered with eight.
May 20.
Royal Charles, Buoy of the Nore.
82. Jas. Hayes to Williamson. Want nothing but a wind to carry them abroad. Will write in turns with Sir Wm. Clarke.
May 21.
The Victory, Buoy of the Nore.
83. S. Taylor to Williamson. The Victory is fitted at all points. The Council of war resolved to sail to the Downs, but the easterly wind prevents. There is a report that Capt. Clarke of the Gloucester, sent with six frigates to the coast of Holland, has taken five prizes. Few in the fleet are acquainted with much intelligence, except those on board the General's flag.
May 21.
Royal Charles, Buoy of the Nore.
84. Duke of Albemarle to Lord [Arlington]. A small vessel lately built at Harwich might attend the packet boat and take any sloops that interrupt it. Thanks for the intelligence constantly sent by Williamson. Is glad the ships with Lords Sandwich and Belasyse are returned, and requests that they and the rest of the ships left behind may be hastened to the fleet. Is detained by contrary winds. Wishes the English in Portugal could be sent to Tangiers, if that King has no use for them.
May 21.
Royal Charles, Buoy of the Nore.
85. Prince Rupert and the Duke of Albemarle to the King. There are no provisions for victualling the ships there; the Straits' fleet are out of victuals, so that unless the victualler be more careful, the service will suffer. The fleet has been wind bound, but will sail to the Downs the first fair wind. There are many ships yet to pay off; if the moneys resolved on when they left London fall short, others should be appointed, as all Sir Jeremiah Smith's squadron and many others have still to be paid off. The fleet stands well in health; wish the merchant and other ships to be hastened as soon as possible.
May 21.
Exeter.
86. Lord Ashley to Lord Arlington. Col. Gifford is to have the reversion for two lives, after Cadwallader Jones, of the King's Customer's place at Sandwich, on his resigning his warrant for the place of Assay Master in the Mint.
May ? 87. Petition of John Grice to the King, for relief according to a promise to the Lord General, to whom he discovered in open court the whole design of the late horrid plot, and was the chiefest witness; his Grace has written to Lord Arlington thereon, but meanwhile the petitioner is starving, and unable to be of service in discovering other grand agents in the plot.
May 21.
Whitehall.
88. Petition of Winifred Grice to the King, for an order for her husband's release from the Tower; he was signally serviceable in discovering the late plot, and by his evidence, several of the prisoners have been brought to condign punishment. With reference thereon to Lord Chief Justice Kelynge, who sat on the trial, and his report, that without the petitioner's husband's evidence, the eight traitors lately executed could not have been brought to trial.
May 21. Entry of the above reference. [Ent. Book 18, p. 207.]
May 21. 89. Gilbert Thomas, marshal, to Lord Arlington. In his anxiety to secure the remaining traitors, employed Rob. Clifton and Rich. Bowers to satisfy the Commissioners on his behalf, but they have acted for themselves and left him in the lurch, 12l. out of purse, and indebted 20l., after five months spent in the service. Begs satisfaction for his disbursements and service.
May 21. 90. Chr. Crafford to Viscount Conway. Arrangements for payment of 1,200l. to his lordship, 500l. of it to be paid on his bond to Lord [Chief Justice] Bridgeman and Sir Heneage [Finch], executors of Lady Finch, deceased.
May 21. Pass and post warrant for Sieur Spindler to Dover. Minute. [Ent. Book 23, p. 100.]
May 21. Warrant to Carter, the messenger, to apprehend William Burden for treasonable and seditious practices. Minute. [Ent. Book 23, p. 101.]
May 21. Warrant to the Board of Greencloth to increase the allowance to Dr. Clarke, now sole physician to the household, to 12s. a day, from the allowance heretofore paid to the late Dr. Whittaker. [Ent. Book 23, p. 187.]
May 21. Grant to Sir John Bennet of the yearly sum of 400l. out of the rent of the alum mines, with liberty to sue Sir Nich. Crisp and the other farmers of alum therefor. [Docquet.]
May 21.
Dover.
91. Thos. White to the Navy Comrs. The Lily has set sail. The Fountain frigate is to be victualled and careened with all speed, to join the fleet. Has furnished all things needful, fearing that the delay in procuring an order might be prejudicial. [Adm. Paper.]
May 21.
Weymouth.
92. Geo. Pley, [sen.,] to Sam. Pepys. Requests a credit on the receipts of Weymouth for 800l.; 300l. has been lately paid by himself and son for customs on goods imported. Can do nothing without a constant supply of money, having to deal with mean, close manufacturers. Has advice from Rochelle that the ship laden with canvas will at last be cleared at the cost of 500l.; not another piece of canvas has been permitted to be shipped off, so strict are the French King's orders. [Adm. Paper.]
May 22.
Plymouth.
93. Rich. Long and three other officers of the Nightingale to the Navy Comrs. Particulars of the damage sustained by the ship through stress of weather during her last voyage. [Adm. Paper.]
May 22. 94. Thos. Perring to the Navy Comrs. Requests orders for the survey and measurement of the new ship at Blackwall. [Adm. Paper.]
May 22. 95. Note, by John Tooker, of the names of nine masters who have given their protections for securing watermen put on board their respective ships; as their attendance is so uncertain, requests provisions for ten more pressed watermen. [Adm. Paper.]
May 22.
House de Swede, Long Reach.
96. Capt. Jeffery Dare to the Navy Comrs. Has 310 men, including 30 soldiers, on board. Hears that but 280 are allowed; it will not be convenient to clear the supernumeraries in the river, or the ship would be in bad condition on joining the fleet, they being the best men on board. [Adm. Paper.] Encloses,
96. i. List of 34 supernumeraries on board the House de Swede, and of the ships from which they have respectively been pressed.
May 22.
Portsmouth Dockyard.
97. Comr. Thos. Middleton to Sam. Pepys. The gunners have never been refused shakings for wads; rakings they will not use. There is no junk in store, and portropes have been furnished them. Shows the danger and inconvenience arising from heavy guns being laid upon the King's wharf. The Officers of Ordnance will be unwilling to build it up again if it fall in. Guns are also placed under the great crane, which hinder the landing of timber. The other place where guns are laid is ready to fall with the weight, and must speedily be repaired; besides all this, great expense is incurred for labourers to remove them from place to place, and much injury done to the guns by the falls they receive in being tumbled one upon another. Cannot hear of Mr. Dering's deals. Is afraid to go into the town on account of the plague. [Adm. Paper, 3 pages.]
May 22.
Plymouth.
98. John Lanyon to the Navy Comrs. The Nightingale is refitted; her officers promise a satisfactory account of the loss of her mainmast. The Tiger is off the ground. Recommends Erasmus Joy as master of the French prize sent in to be cleaned and fitted; the commander proposes Caleb Hall as surgeon. [Adm. Paper.] Encloses,
98. i. Certificate by Geo. Jones, shipwright, and three others, of the damage sustained by the Nightingale in a dispute with a Dutch caper, and the fall of her mainmast in a storm. Plymouth, May 12, 1666.
May 22.
Buoy of the Nore.
99. Prince Rupert to Lord Arlington. Wishes him to use no ceremony in writing. They are still ignorant of the King or Duke's commands, and time is precious. If they had orders, would not stay an hour in the Downs, when the wind served. Hopes to be an instrument to do His Majesty service.
May 22.
Royal Charles, Buoy of the Nore.
100. Prince Rupert and the Duke of Albemarle to the King. Have been there a month, but still the four months' provisions for the ships are not completed, and the ships from the Straits have no provisions at all. Some of the provisions from outports are unfit for use, or will be in a month's time. Unless some course is taken with the victualler, the service will suffer much this summer.
May 22.
Whitehall.
101. Petition of Willm. Goldby, cooper, prisoner in the Tower, to the King, for orders for his release. Was committed to the Tower as a plotter in September last, but confessing all he knew about the plot before the Duke of Albemarle and the scout master-general, was promised his liberty if he gave the same evidence at the sessions, which he has done accordingly. With reference thereon to Lord Chief Justice Kelynge, and his report, that Goldby confessed that Wm. Sanderson, a traitor lately executed, told him there were 10,000 men ready to rise in arms against the King, and wished him to bring men to join, and that there is no evidence against Goldby but his own confession.
May 22. Entry of the above reference. [Ent. Book 18, p. 207.]
May 23.
Whitehall.
102. Petition of John Bubb, prisoner in Bedford gaol, to the King, for pardon. Is condemned to death because, grappling with a person who picked a quarrel with him, the man fell and hurt himself with his tobacco pipe, and died a month after, though not of that wound, as attested by the surgeon who attended him, and who offered oath to the Earl of Bedford and others that the wound was not mortal, on which the petitioner was reprieved. With reference thereon to the Earl of Bedford and others; their report in favour of the petitioner; order thereon, June 11, that mercy be granted, if approved by Sir Wm. Moreton, who sat on the trial; and his report, July 2, that the evidence on the trial went to prove that Bubb provoked the quarrel, knocked Edwards down, and struck the pipe into his left eye. Annexing,
102. i. Examinations of Rich Gregory, surgeon of Eversholt, Dorothy Sparkes, of Woburn, co. Bedford, surgeon, and four others, to the effect that Bubb did not first provoke the quarrel with Edwards, and that the wound inflicted on the latter was not mortal. Taken before the Earl of Bedford and the other referees. Whitehall, May 23, 1666.
May 23. Entry of the preceding reference. [Ent. Book18, p. 207.]
May 23. Reference of the petition of Wm. Pawson, indicted for coining, for pardon, to Baron Rainsford, before whom the petitioner was indicted. [Ent. Book 18, p. 207.]
May 23.
Whitehall.
103. Petition of the Inhabitants of East Moulsey to the King, to order the removal to a distance of two powder mills which the usurped powers permitted John Samyne to erect, which caused many inhabitants to let or sell their houses; also of two others which he has lately erected, to the danger and terror of the whole town, one of which is opposite to His Majesty's own house at Hampton Court. With reference thereon to the Ordnance Comrs. [13 original signatures.]
May 23. Entry of the above reference. [Ent. Book 18, p. 208.]
May 23. 104. Request of the Earl of Castlemaine, that as he is going abroad by the King's leave, no one may be permitted to take advantage of his absence, and defraud him of his tenant right to obtain a renewal of his lease of tenements near Charing Cross, left by Henry Earl of Northampton to Greenwich Hospital, leased by the Mercers' Company,—who have the care thereof,—to Sir Rob. Brett, and transferred to Sir Roger Palmer, from whom they came to the Earl, as his nephew.
May 23. 105. Informationexhibited to Attorney General Palmer against Samuel Speed, by John Streater and others. Extracts from a book entitled "The Power and Practice of Court-leets," printed in 1666 by Speed, which are scandalous to government, being reprints of what was written in Cromwell's time; also notes of other law books printed or sold by him, tending to unloose the frame of government, and keep up the memory of treasonable things. [The Act of Parliament, 14 Charles II., provides that the publishers of seditious and treasonable books be committed for such offences.]
May 23. 106. Bond of Samuel Speed, stationer of St. Dunstan's parish, and two others in 300l., for his not composing, printing, selling, nor publishing any seditious or unlicensed book or pamphlet, nor countenancing any designs against government.
May 23.
Sandwich.
107. Ben. Harrison to the Archbishop of Canterbury. Sends fresh information, obtained at great hazard; is in a condition deserving of pity, as represented to his Grace by Sir John Mennes. Begs his Grace to remember him, and think of Sandwich, which wants help; would gladly serve the Church of England, if his Grace thought fit to employ him. Encloses,
107. i. Information of the [Dutch] gentleman. Thos. Lord, the porter, introduced him to Wm. Sylvester, a tailor, formerly an ensign, appointed by Capt. Not to try him. Asked Sylvester how their country could be delivered from oppression, and his own country from their enemies; he said the Dutch had only to land 500 men, and were blind if they did not see the tyranny by which the people are oppressed. Told him the Dutch would not help without certainty of good assistance from the English; he said 100 or 200 would rise in Dover to assist the invaders, and the work would have been done two years ago, but they waited for the war; he said this was the best opportunity, for there were navy provisions at Dover that would enable them to keep the castle three years, and it might easily be surprised with 100 men; he mentioned as corresponding with Holland, Mr. Hopkins, lieutenant to Col. Kelsey, late governor of Dover Castle, a stout resolute man, though seeming to live quietly as a quaker; also Capt. Clarke, who left London, his house being plundered on the Restoration, and Capt. Taverner of Deal, an Anabaptist preacher, but a fighting man; was invited to a meeting of these men, at the house of Partridge, at Gunstone, where almost none but Independents live; they confidently hope the landing of foreign forces, and think it will be in Sussex Sylvester says the master victualler at Dover is brotherin-law to Col. Kelsey, and would be for them, though seeming against them. The Governor of Dover Castle has forbidden the soldiers to have acquaintance with Sylvester; they tell him they are slaves, and ask when there will be a change of government which many, otherwise well content, earnestly desire, because of heavy taxes, &c., Sylvester was acquainted with Tongue who was executed, and Toomes, a traitor, who died in prison. [2½ pages.] May 3 and 4, 1666.
May 23. 108. Petition of Walter Braems to the King, for permission to purchase the Hope of Bayonne, brought into Dover, at the appraised value of 365l. 10s.
May 23. 109. Petition of the Yeomen of the great chamber in ordinary to the King, for speedy relief, lest they and their families shamefully perish in the streets, being turned out of their houses and wanting bread; beg part of their arrears, three and a half years being due, and settlement of their pay monthly, as before.
[May 23.] 110. Petition of Joseph Sheldon, registrar of the office of Commissary of London, commonly called Paul's Chain Office, and Richard Butler, his deputy, to the King and Council. During the raging of the plague, Rob. Pirry, of St. Gregory's parish, clerk in the said office, dispatched the business, and thus became possessed of many original wills and records belonging to the office, which he refuses to deliver up; request that he may be summoned, and ordered to restore the same. [An Order in Council for Pirry to attend and answer the complaint, was passed May 23, 1666.]
May 23.
Whitehall.
Warrant for a grant to Montague Earl of Lindsey of a further lease of 31 years of the waste ground in the forests of Shotover and Stowood, co. Oxford, on rent of 50l. to the Crown, and 50l. to the Bishop of Oxford; granted in consideration of his great charge in improving the premises. [Ent. Book 14, p. 96.]
May 23.
Royal Charles, Buoy of the Gunfleet.
111. Sir Wm. Clarke to Williamson. Prince Rupert and the Duke of Albemarle, with 58 ships and 9 fire-ships, besides victualling ships and ketches, sailed this morning from the Nore. Capt. Clarke's squadron is in sight in the Rolling Grounds.
May 23.
The Friezland, King Road.
112. Capt. Rich. Teate to the Navy Comrs. Will soon be ready to sail for Milford; wants an order for payment for the boatswain and pilot. [Adm. Paper.]
May 23.
East India House.
113. Sir Andrew Riccard, governor of the East India Company, to the Navy Comrs. Acknowledges their letter relating to the freight of the Leopard and other of the King's ships; the Company desires to do what is just and right. [Adm. Paper.]
May 23.
Yarmouth.
114. James Johnson to the Navy Comrs. The Sweepstakes has set sail towards the fleet; her supplies amount to 305l., those of the Milkmaid to 190l.; hears nothing of his bill of imprest for 1,350l., though daily disbursing money. [Adm. Paper.]