|
| Sept. 9. |
1. "Advices received," being notes from papers calendared above. |
Sept. 9.
4 p.m., Berwick. |
2. M. Scott to Williamson. The post not coming in, there are
fears lest the fire, which a gentleman who arrived on Thursday
reported that he saw in London, has done great destruction. Some
soldiers on guard state that they saw "the likeness of abundance of
ships in the air, which is taken to be but their strong imaginations." |
Sept. 9.
Scarborough Castle. |
3. Pe. Hawkins to Williamson. The governor, bailiffs, and common council met to consider how to secure the town in case of the
Dutch landing, and ordered 150 volunteers raising, under Capt.
Fras. Thompson: this is done, and they with the trained bands will
fortify the place. Three men-of-war, supposed to be privateers,
made several shots against Burlington, fired a ship on shore in
Filey Bay, and are now sailing northwards. The governor is going
to rendezvous his regiment at Malton. With postscript by Sir J.
Crosland, governor, enquiring whether he shall come up to Parliament as he intended, the news of the fire having put all into
doubt. |
Sept. 9.
Royal Charles. |
4. Sir Thos. Clifford to Williamson. The messenger who arrived
on Wednesday with an express from court is a careless fellow, and
instead of leaving on Thursday, was at Portsmouth on Friday, and
not ready to be gone. Gave him 30s., as he pretended to have lost
his money. |
Sept. 9.
Plymouth. |
5. John Clarke to Williamson. The Constant Warwick and
Victory have brought in eight merchantmen from Lisbon and two
from Scanderoon, with four prizes,—three Greenlanders, and one
Dane. "Our hearts are almost broken with the sad disaster that
has befallen the once famous city of London." |
| Sept. 9. |
6. John Clarke to James Hickes. To the same effect. |
Sept. 9.
Plymouth. |
7. Sir Jo. Skelton to Williamson. The Constant Warwick and
Victory have brought in three French ships from Greenland, laden
with whale oil, and one Dane laden with brandy; also five
merchantmen from Lisbon, and two from Scanderoon, laden with
galls and silks. |
Sept. 9.
Plymouth. |
8. D. G[rosse] to Williamson. The loss of London by fire is
much felt there. Arrival of vessels in port. The [Prize] Comrs.
have sent two prizes laden with wine and brandy, and three ships
with other provisions for the fleet. |
Sept. 9.
Whitehall. |
9. The King to the Justices of Peace within the lines of communication, and to the Aldermen of the respective Wards adjoining.
Notwithstanding the care to remove whatever might foment the
late fire, there are still sparks of faggots, bavins, and other combustible materials remaining in some parts; they are to search in
their several quarters for these, to order the owners to remove them
to remote parts within 48 hours, and in case of refusal, to remove
them themselves, taking care, meanwhile, that the parishes in which
such goods remain keep a sufficient watch over them. |
Sept. 9.
Eton. |
10. W. Lord Maynard to Williamson. Having not even a
gazette, people's spirits grow depressed with stories of persons
ruined. Knows not yet whether the fire was by treachery or
chance; some affirm that eight or nine men were taken about
Marybone, who had made great quantities of fireworks; a servant of
his saw one firework that was tried, and it burned though put into
a tub of water; he said that a Papist knight was taken who had
fired a house in Holborn where he lay. There are thousands of
such reports, and people know not what to believe. Hears that the
fleet has come in, having beaten the Dutch, and taken several ships.
Offers him venison, if he will give directions where it is to be
sent. |
Sept. 9.
Hurley, Berkshire. |
11. Examination of Edw. Taylor, son of Jo. Taylor, York Street,
Covent Garden, aged 10 years, before John Lord Lovelace. Was
with his father and uncle Jo. Taylor, a Dutchman, on Saturday,
Oct. 2nd, when they threw two fireballs in at an open window
in Pudding Lane, and the same at Thomas Street, Fleet Street,
and the Old Exchange, and did the same for two or three days and
nights afterwards. Some Frenchmen, Dutchmen, women, and boys
went about the city with fireballs. His uncle gave his father 7l.
to undertake this firing. Went with his father and mother and
fired a great house at Acton, others were with them, whose names
he knows not, but he would know them, if he saw them. His
mother is called Mary Swan, and wears a black silk suit and black
hood. His father wears a black suit and cloak. The examinat
lived with Mr. Whiting, apothecary in Walbrook, two years, but
left him three weeks ago, and stayed with his father till he was
taken. [Copy, 2 pages.] |
Sept. 9.
Coventry. |
12. Ralph Hope to Williamson. Describes the general sympathy
and grief for the fire in London. Many poor Coventry clothiers
are undone by it, their whole estate lying there in cloth. There are
many false reports of the firing of places, discovery of plots,
fireballs, &c. At Leicester, several are seized on eminent suspicion,
and at Bicknell, near Lutterworth, some who were searched had
several fireballs on them as large as tennis balls. The trained bands
are severely strict in watching, and every housekeeper, of what
degree soever, goes personally on duty. A strange robbery has been
committed, many sheep having been killed in the field, and only
their tallow taken away; this was thought to be intended for
making of fireballs, and one malefactor was apprehended, who said
he did it through poverty, and sold the tallow. Yesterday the
mayor and Sir Thos. Norton, a deputy lieutenant, left church, on
notice of a conventicle being discovered; they intend to proceed
against the persons with much severity. |
| Sept. 9. |
Warrant to the Lord General to order the pulling down two
houses built between St. James's and the Mulberry Garden.
Minute. [Ent. Book 23, p. 127.] |
| Sept. 9. |
Lord Arlington to Capt. Strode, lieutenant-governor of Dover.
The prohibition for any vessel to leave the Cinque Ports, given a
few days ago, is to be taken off as soon as the Dutch fleet has passed
eastwards, so as to be no longer in sight of the coasts. [Ent.
Book 23, p. 127.] |
Sept. 9.
Plymouth. |
13. Thos. Waltham to the Navy Comrs. The Constant Warwick
and Victory have arrived, with four prizes and six sail of Londoners from Lisbon. Particulars of other ships in port. [Adm.
Paper.] |
Sept. 9.
Plymouth. |
14. John Lanyon to the Navy Comrs. The Pearl lies ready
laden, waiting for convoy to Portsmouth. A good supply of train
oil may now be had from two of the prizes brought in by the
Constant Warwick and Victory. Note of the ladings of the four
prize ships. [Adm. Paper.] |
Sept. 9.
Portsmouth Dockyard. |
15. Comr. Thos. Middleton to Sam. Pepys. Presumes that the
sad destruction in the city is the reason who no letters have arrived
by the last two posts. Can do nothing at present about the provisions for Plymouth; the stores are exhausted in supplying the
fleet. The captains confess that had they engaged the enemy, they
could not have been more ruined; all the boats are gone and 40
more wanted; has given up his own to the Prince, "much good may
she do him." Knows not how to pay the carpenters and labourers.
Had 60 soldiers from the town to work, but finding them troublesome, paid and discharged them. Begs a supply of money. The
Slothany and Norwich must be left in port as unserviceable. [Adm.
Paper, 2 pages.] |
Sept. 10.
Bristol. |
16. Dan. Furzer to the Navy Comrs. Has supplied himself in
Worcestershire, Shropshire, and Herefordshire, with suitable provisions for the building of the new ship; begs that money may be
ordered to pay for them. [Adm. Paper.] |
Sept. 10.
Bristol. |
17. Fras. Baylie to the Navy Comrs. Was obliged to leave
London during the late calamity; begs that his warrant and
contract may be sent after him by post. [Adm. Paper.] |
Sept. 10.
The Dartmouth, King Road, Bristol. |
18. Capt. Rich. Rooth to the Navy Comrs. Is arrived from
Ireland, conveying the Old Dross of Amsterdam, prize, and several
other vessels. Begs instructions to Sir John Knight to supply the
boatswain's stores, and new cables and rigging; also an order to
Mr. Gauden to furnish needful provisions. [Adm. Paper.] |
Sept. 10.
The Dartmouth, King Road, Bristol. |
19. Capt. Rich. Rooth to Sir Wm. Coventry. Is arrived from
Ireland with the Old Dross prize, and several other vessels in
convoy; Sir John Knight is willing to supply cables and boatswain's stores, if an order be directed to him for the purpose. [Adm.
Paper.] |
| Sept. 10. |
The King to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and other Magistrates
of London. Requests them to assist in any way they may be
required Wenceslaus Hollar and Francis Sandford, whom he has
appointed to take an exact plan and survey of the city, as it now
stands after the calamity of the late fire. [Ent. Book 23, p. 128.] |
| [Sept. 10.] |
20. Lord Arlington to the Lord Mayor, &c., of London, Copy of
the preceding letter, mutatis mutandis. |
| Sept. 10. |
The King to Dr. Jonathan Goddard. The residence of Alderman
Backwell being burnt out by the late calamitous fire in the city of
London, and the carrying on of his business being of great public
importance, the doctor is to give up to him such rooms as are in his
possession in Gresham College. [Ent. Book 23, p. 228.] |
| Sept. 10. |
21, 22. Note of the addresses of Roger Tows, of Stokelane,
Somerset, practiser of physic, Hen. Shephard and John Lucas,
cordwinders of St. Margaret's, Westminster. Marked from Capt.
Benet 10 Sept. 1666. With note of the two latter names, endorsed "31 Aug. 1666, security offered for Thos." Two papers. |
| Sept. 10. |
23. — to Sir Roger Langley. Omitted to answer him
earlier, being distracted by the lamentable tidings; prays that the
designers of so unparalleled a cruelty may be discovered, that they
may have their just deserts. Has enquired with prudence and
secrecy, but cannot gain the least notice that [Dr. Richardson] is
come into those parts of Yorkshire; thinks the information of his
being in England is not true, but will give notice should he hear of
him. With postscript [from Sir Roger Langley to Lord Arlington]
that this news is from one in their secrets, who was to give an
account of Dr. R[ichardson]. |
Sept. 10.
Grantham. |
24. Rich. Leeming to Sir Philip Frowde. Fears giving offence
in taking moneys for all letters for London, but thought it necessary,
as many thousands to whom letters may be directed are disinhabited. Encloses a letter from William Talby, harness maker,
St. Martin's Lane, and also some printed papers, eight quires of
which were sent to John Pechell, a quaker, to distribute; they are
full of sedition; the motto on the seal is, "The man of sin shall
fall, and Christ shall reign over all." |
Sept. 10.
Swansea. |
25. John Man to James Hickes. The non-arrival of letters last
week puts all in great fear of the consequences of a sad fire reported
to be broken out in London. |
Sept. 10.
Swansea. |
26. John Man to Williamson. Expects news, because of some
sad bruit of a fire in London; hopes it may not prove as reported. |
Sept. 10.
Pembroke. |
27. Fras. Malory to Williamson. None in these parts received
any letters this week, which puts them in a quandary, but by
accident they have heard of a great treason of the French in
burning 16 parishes. The Dartmouth has gone for Bristol. |
Sept. 10.
West Cowes. |
28. John Knight to Williamson. The Paradox has brought in a
French prize, and a small vessel laden with dowlas, &c., has arrived
from Morlaix, but pretends that the goods belong to Mr. Cole,
merchant of London, and that he has the Duke of York's pass.
All the French wine prizes are dispatched to the fleet at Spithead. |
Sept. 10.
York. |
29. J. Mascall to Williamson. All are sad for the lamentable
disaster in London, but are vigilant to prevent insurrection or
invasion; the trained bands are on duty, and Lord Fauconberg has
caused those in his lieutenancy to be in a fit posture of defence. |
Sept. 10.
Yarmouth. |
30. Rich. Bower to Williamson. The Dutch capers are so bold
that a fisher boat cannot put to sea, and the season for fishing, the only
trade that supports the town, will be lost, unless some care is taken
for convoys; two or three ketches would be sufficient. There is a
prize laden with salt, an article which is much wanted in the fishing
season, but afterwards will fall in price, and therefore it should be
sold now. Two men in the town are offering salt at such a rate that
the townsmen are incensed, and will give His Majesty any price
rather than buy of them. |
Sept. 10.
Walmer. |
31. Ri. Watts to Williamson. Yesterday at 6 or 7 a.m. the
Dutch fleet sailed for the Holland coast. Wrote this news yesterday,
but John Slodden, of Walmer, to whom the letter was sent at
Mr. Carlisle's order, and who owns half the parish, did not forward
it. Such fellows will hinder His Majesty's knowledge of things rather
than charge themselves a shilling. De Witt's son is reported to
have murdered Van Tromp in a cowardly quarrel. |
Sept. 10.
Norwich. |
32. Robt. Scrivener to James Hickes. On the news of the sad
fire in London, the mayor ordered the bellman to cry about the
city, to give innkeepers notice not to lodge strangers till he had
examined them, nor to allow them to go out of the city without
his order; also for inhabitants not to lodge strangers without
knowing whence they come. The county militia are ordered to be
in readiness. Cannot credit the news that the Dutch are totally
routed. |
Sept. 10.
3 p. m., Aldborough. |
33. Rich. Browne to Williamson. Lieut. John Ashby of the
Adventure reports that at Harwich, on Sunday at 4 p.m., the
Holland fleet of 86 sail was seen at anchor five leagues off the
North Foreland, and it had five admirals, five vice-admirals, and
five rear-admirals. |
Sept. 10.
Pendennis. |
34. Fras. Bellott to Williamson. All are in distraction about the
fire, and think there is more villainy than chance in it. Particulars
of ships in the offing; on Sunday several guns were heard off
Mount's Bay; three Frenchmen, some of those who stole a boat
from St. Mawes last week, have been taken in the country by the
bailiffs, and are sent to the adjacent vice-admiral to be secured.
Capt. Lucy's privateer has sailed for Jersey; he says he belongs to
the Duke of Richmond. |
Sept. 10.
Dover Castle. |
35. Capt. John Strode to Williamson. Will take off the embargo
as ordered, for yesterday, 2 p.m., the Dutch fleet went out of sight
and stood towards the Weilings, wind S. W., blowing hard; the
English fleet appears not, except two or three frigates, which have
passed towards the Downs. Will send the packet to Sir Thos.
Clifford by the first vessel. Is glad to hear the citizens take their
loss so patiently; hopes yet to see London the most glorious city
in the world. |
| Sept. 10. |
36. H. Brouncker to Williamson. Desires him to move Lord
Arlington to order the release of Capt. MacGill from the new
prison, Clerkenwell; being a Frenchman, Lord Arlington thought it
better for him to lie there three or four days. |
Sept. 10.
Lynn. |
37. Edw. Bodham to Williamson. Lord Lieut. Townshend has
been there, and very active in sending fanatics to prison and
settling the militia; the town has its own two trained bands, also
Sir Ralph Haire's foot company, and Sir Wm. Howell's troop of
horse. There has been much distress for the sad calamity in London.
The Little Lion is convoying vessels with naval stores and others
to London. |
Sept. 10.
Falmouth. |
38. Thos. Holden to James Hickes. The post not coming in
causes many discourses; begs an account of the fire in London. A
stop is put to all Hamburgers in the harbour. With postscript
that the post due on Saturday has only just come in, but it brings
no letters from London. |
Sept. 10.
Bridlington. |
39. John Bower to James Hickes. Not having heard from him
since 28 August, fears the bad news of the terrible fire in
London is true; good news is reported from the fleet; three Holland
capers chased two vessels into Bridlington Bay, but durst not fetch
them off with a boat; they fired several shots into the town, and
were as well answered from the forts; the country came very well
to assist. The capers fired a small bark of the town, which they
fired about Flamborough. Three men-of-war ran two Scarborough
ships ashore on Holderness coast. |
Sept. 10.
Llyssyn. |
40. Lord Herbert to Williamson. Has received nothing these
four last posts; enquires whether the city was fired accidentally,
or by natives or foreigners; how much is burned; how commodities
are to be exchanged; how the fleet has succeeded, and whether
Parliament will sit at Westminster and at the time fixed; fears
there will be no room for them, as that end of the town will be
filled by those destitute of dwellings. |
Sept. 10.
Whitby. |
41. Thos. Waade to Williamson. Never saw so many sad faces
as in that poor town, which has great trade with London, whence
it derived its rise and life. Attack of the Dutch capers on Bridlington; they came close to Whitby harbour, and put out English
colours, but seeing many crowd to the cliffs, edged off. It is reported that four more are of the squadron. The trained bands are
in arms, waiting orders from Lord Lieut. Fauconberg. |
| [Sept. 10.] |
42. Warrant [by Lord Arlington] for apprehension of Thos. Gaddesby, wheelwright of Islington, for using opprobious words to those
gentlemen who, in the late exigency, were appointed by special warrant, for want of magistrates, to keep watch and ward to keep the
peace, and induce the inhabitants to give what Christian relief and
reception they could to those who took present refuge there. |
| Sept. 10. |
Minute of the above. [Ent. Book 23, p. 229.] |
Sept. 11.
Islington. |
43. G. Bodurda to Williamson. Could justify his complaint
against Gaddesby, but considering his poverty and submission, and
the importunacy of his neighbours, begs his discharge; though
taken into custody but yesterday, he has had as much pecuniary
punishment as his condition will bear, and this having made him an
example, will produce a compassionate disposition towards the
distressed people who yet remain in the neighbourhood. |
Sept. 11.
Royal Charles. |
44. Ja. Reade to Williamson. The Prince is industrious in
ordering all things for the fitting of the fleet, and going himself to
the docks and other places to see his orders executed. The blowing
weather has hindered some ships in harbour from coming out; as
soon as it permits, hopes to be at sea. The last intelligence from
the enemy was that they were in Boulogne road. |
Sept. 11.
Dover Castle. |
45. Duke of Richmond and Lenox to Williamson. The wind is
due south; all are troubled at hearing nothing of the fleet. The
Monmouth, having on board Col. Streyton, Sir Peter Wyche, and
the parcel for Sir Thos. Clifford, has sailed for the fleet. Encloses a
packet of great concern for Col. Atkins. Is going to Cobham; his
letters must be left at Rochester. |
Sept. 11.
Rushton. |
46. Lord Cullen to Williamson. Has had Capt. Baynes prisoner
in his house 10 days, and sent accounts of him by three posts, but
received no reply. Asks leave to release him, on security for his
appearance and good behaviour. Wonders there is no order to put
the militia in a posture of defence, when danger is apprehended
by the plots of French and Dutch. |
Sept. 11.
Harwich. |
47. Silas Taylor to Williamson. No posts have come from
London since the fire. Earnestly begs the Gazettes. Some companies of Essex foot, Major Legg's company, and a troop of militia
horse guard the town. Wishes there were arms and formal officers
for the 300 labourers in the yard, who are quite without arms. |
Sept. 11.
2 a.m., Southwold. |
48. Willm. Waynflet to Williamson. Thanks for the tidings
about the fire. Before it came, there were so many reports that no
one knew what to believe. Sir Rob. Brook's foot and Major Marsh's
horse are at Southwold, and horse and foot guard the coast all
along. Sir Wm. Doyley and Serjeant Knight have taken much
pains with the sick and wounded, and many are recovered. Has
sent away 500 or 600 men by tickets to their ships. |
Sept. 11.
Southwold. |
49. Willm. Waynflet to [Williamson]. Knowing by experience
seven years ago, when Southwold was burned, the great want of
many poor people for food, informs him that cheese is very low
there, and if some letters were written to the knights and gentlemen thereabouts, they would load a small vessel and send it to
London, to be distributed among the poor. Wishes not to be
known as the mover therein. Suggests Sir John Rous, Sir Rob.
Brook, Sir Rob. Kemp, Sir John Knevit, Rich. Coke, and John
Bedingfield as fit persons to be written to. |
Sept. 11.
Dover. |
50. Jo. Carlisle to Williamson. The express is on board the
Monmouth to go to the fleet, and the custom-house boat will go out
when the fleet appears. The Dutch fleet of 126 sail is supposed to
have gone home, and seems to have taken no Frenchmen in it.
Had it been possible to fight them, they had been undone. Eight
or nine ships ride in the Downs. It is reported that Beaufort is to
convoy 400 sail of salt ships to Normandy. |
Sept. 11.
Dover Castle. |
51. Capt. John Strode to Williamson. Has sent the packet for
Sir Thos. Clifford in the Monmouth, and kept the servant to bring
back the answer. The wind being S.W., the fleet is hourly expected
in sight. |
Sept. 11.
Newcastle. |
52. Rich. Forster to Williamson. Having no perfect relation of
how so famous a city should be consumed so suddenly, some say
that the Dutch, French, and fanatics had a hand in it, and that
divers were taken with balls of wild fire in their hands. Last night
14 Dutch prisoners escaped out of the castle, but they were discovered before all could get out; some friends helped them to
instruments to break through the wall. The Quakers and other
sectaries meet often, and in greater numbers than formerly, and
little care is taken to hinder them. |
Sept. 11.
Plymouth. |
53. John Clarke to James Hickes. All are in good health, but
every face covered with sadness. |
Sept. 11.
Plymouth. |
54. D. G[rosse] to Williamson. Two frigates from Rochelle
report De Beaufort to have gone with 50 sail, small and large, to
Belle Isle, to join the Dutch fleet. Col. Buller has arrived at
Guernsey with 300 soldiers. The coast is clear of capers. Six
frigates and seven provision ships wait a fair wind to carry them to
the fleet. |
Sept. 11.
Hull. |
55. Luke Whittington to Williamson. Three small Holland
men-of-war seemed threatening to land at Bridlington, but the
place plied on them with all the large guns they had mounted, and
all the small shot they could make, and the country coming down,
horse and foot, very vigorously drove them off. They made several
shots into the town; they drove on shore two ships that they could
not take, and took and fired a third off Bridlington Head. |
Sept. 11.
Barnstaple. |
56. P. Manaton to Williamson. Wants to know by what faction
the city was fired. The trained bands are keeping very strict
guard, hearing that the plot was not only for London, but for the
destruction of the principal cities and towns in England. |
Sept. 17.
Minehead. |
57. John Maurice to James Hickes. Is much troubled with the
great disaster to the glorious city; it is an unspeakable loss to the
nation. Hopes God may bring good out of this great desolation. |
Sept. 11.
Stratford-upon-Avon. |
58. Fras. Oldfield mayor, Edw. Underhill, and Thos. Kept,
of Stratford-upon-Avon, to Sir Hen. Puckering. Peter John,
apprehended at Bideford on suspicion, came thither from Evesham,
was unable to give a good account of himself, was brought to
Stratford, and when under guard, spoke words thought dangerous.
Send him for examination; he is a resolute, peremptory fellow, but
nothing suspicious was found about him. Enclose, |
|
58. i. Deposition of Thos. Field and Ant. Mills, of Haseler, and
Rich. Kempston, of Binton, co. Warwick. Heard Peter
John say that the French and Dutch and two nations
more would be here before Christmas, and no pity if they
be; on being threatened with hanging, he said if he
were hanged there would be enough besides to do the
work. Stratford, September 11, 1666. |
|
58. ii. Warrant by Sir Hen. Puckering and Thos. Temple to the
Keeper of the gaol for Warwickshire to receive into custody Peter John, accused by witnesses of dangerous and
seditious words. [Copy.] |
Sept. 11.
Rome. |
59. John Byam to [Williamson]. Thanks for a packet of weekly
advices of important affairs in England in June and July, for which
he understands that he is indebted to him. |
| Sept. 11. |
60. Certificate by Henry Dunster, master of the Mayboat galliot,
that Thos. Carter, able seaman, served on the said galliot from
23 June to 11 Sept., 1666, when Comr. John Taylor dismissed him.
[Adm. Paper.] Annexing, |
|
60. i. Certificate by Rich. Bond, master, of Carter's service on
the Maybolt hoy, 14 to 22 June 1666. |
Sept. 11.
Rye. |
61. Wm. Castell to the Navy Comrs. Particulars of the damage
sustained by the St. Andrew and Happy Return, with the repairs
needed for each. [Adm. Paper, 2 pages.] |
| Sept. 12. |
62. Inventory of the Flying Greyhound's masts, rigging, &c., taken
by John Stubbing, Sept. 3, 1666; with note by Thos. Partridge of
sails and rigging still wanting; attested by Robt. Warner and John
Smith, Sept. 12, 1666. [Adm. Paper.] |
| Sept. 12. |
63. List of masts and yards supplied to 45 ships of the fleet from
Portsmouth Sept. 3–12, 1666. [Adm. Paper.] |
| Sept. 12. |
Warrant for delivery of 30 tuns of Spanish and French wines,
custom free, for the use of the Swedish Ambassador's family, the
same to be defalcated from the customs. [Ent. Book 23, p. 233.] |
Sept. 12.
Whitehall. |
64. Sir Wm. Coventry to Lord [Arlington]. Sends two packets,
marked the way each is to be sent. |
Sept. 12/22.
Rotterdam. |
65. Contents of a letter from [Scott] to Aphara Behn. Thinks
the French will not come this year, though they have given notice
that Beaufort has left Rochelle for the Channel. Bampfield lives at
a high rate, feasting and caressing the States, and continues his addresses to Mdme. Somerdike. Vanderlynden, of Bruges, and Fannius, of Middleburg correspond with Bampfield. Thos. Woodman,
a Parliament captain, is much with Doleman and De Witt, and undertakes to sink ships and block up the Thames; he is sent to the
Dutch fleet with Sidrach Lester, a notorious rogue. Col. Sydney is
in great esteem with De Witt and Benj. Turley, the quaker, but
Sydney and Bampfield do not agree. The East India fleet is not
expected home this year; the Dutch are in great disorder, and a
little blow would bring them to confusion. Lewis Parent, a French
prisoner in the Tower, was employed by the French King and is an
enemy. [3 pages.] |
Sept. 12.
Aldborough. |
66. Rich. Browne to Williamson. The Portland and Adventure
have sailed southward, with a prize that pretends to be a Swede;
35 light colliers have sailed northwards. |
| Sept. 12. |
67. Petition of Rich. Pierce, cook and yeoman of the kitchen, to
the King, for a letter to the master and wardens of the Cooks' Company, to allow him to set up his trade in Cooks' Hall, which is still
left standing in the city, and of which he was master last year;
lost 4,000l. or 5,000l., all that he was worth, in the late fire, and
has no other means of acquiring a livelihood for his large family. |
Sept. 12.
Sunderland. |
68. Benj. Francis to Williamson. Many capers have been cruising
off the coast, most of them pitiful small things, and have taken
three small colliers, and fired a fourth; 15 Dutch prisoners have
broken prison at Newcastle; it is supposed they have over good
friends in that town. |
Sept. 12.
Sunderland. |
69. Ben. Francis to James Hickes. The resentment of the sad
calamity that has befallen London is inexpressible. Fears Hickes
may have shared it. The capers on the coast have taken three colliers and fired one, which quenched herself, and got off safe, after they
left her. |
Sept. 12.
Yarmouth. |
70. Rich. Bower to Williamson. Seventeen sail of victuallers
arrived from Lynn and Boston for the fleet, and are taking with
them other provision vessels from Yarmouth; 70 sick and wounded
are recovered and sent back to their ships. |
Sept. 12.
Walmer. |
71. Ri. Watts to Williamson. Asks an order to any mayor or
bailiff, &c., to take his letters with speed to the next post house, for
if he lands from his boat with intelligence at Hythe, Rumney, or
any other place where no post house is, the packet might be kept
six hours, as was done by John Slodden, deputy at Walmer. Names
of 12 ships in the Downs. A Spaniard has come in and sent intelligence to the court. |
Sept. 12.
Whitehall. |
72. Rules set forth by the King, concerning the precedency of the
several regiments, companies, and troops in the service. As to the
foot,—placing first the the regiment of Guards, then the general's,
then the admiral's; all other regiments and colonels to take place
according to the date of their commissions. As to the horse,—first the
three troops of Guards, the captains to take rank as eldest colonels,
&c.; then the King's regiment of horse, and all other colonels to take
rank according to the date of their commissions. In any place
which has no colonel, the eldest colonel is to command, then the
lieutenant-colonel of the eldest regiment, and so on to the inferior
officers. All except general officers are to obey the governors of any
garrison in which they shall happen to be put. [Copy. 2 pages.] |
Sept. 12.
Chester Castle. |
73. Sir Geoffery Shakerley to Williamson. There is much consternation about the fire in London. The neighbour counties in Wales,
apprehending it to proceed from a design, have made strict surveys
into the strength of the militia, and found themselves so ill-provided,
that in some counties they had not a barrel of powder. Has supplied them with all that could be bought in the city, till they could
be provided, but the garrison itself much needs supply. |
Sept. 12.
Norwich. |
74. Robt. Scrivener to James Hickes. There is a decrease of 20
in the mortality and 24 in the plague this week. All are glad that
the citizens of London take their losses so patiently. The magistrates are very careful after strangers. |
Sept. 12.
Norwich. |
75. Thos. Corie to Williamson. Dares not mention their poor condition, when thinking of the desolation of the chief city; at Norwich
they are in greater fear of the poor than the plague, all their money
being gone, and not a penny yet come in from the country. |
Sept. 12.
Weymouth. |
76. John Pocock to James Hickes. There is no news in those
parts. |
Sept. 12.
Lyme. |
77. Anth. Thorold to Williamson. A vessel in the harbour, laden
with lime for Jersey, took fire, and was sunk to prevent further hurt.
A large and liberal collection is making in the town, for relief of those
in want by the late sad fire in London. Fears some of his late
letters have not come to hand, as they refused to carry any without
money. Supposes it is too late in the season to want seamen; there
are many there, some of whom have come home from the service, and
there is no press as in other places. |
Sept. 12.
Falmouth. |
78. Thos. Holden to James Hickes. Fears he has had his share
in the losses by the late fire, and offers service. A fleet of 30 great
ships has passed eastward, far out at sea. The Milford has returned
from carrying over three foot companies to Scilly. |
Sept. 12.
Falmouth. |
79. Thos. Holden to Williamson. Laments the loss of the city of
London, and the whole kingdom by the late fire. Hopes all will
look on it as a judgment for sin. An order came to the viceadmiral to stop all Hamburgers in harbour, which was executed,
and the sails of two laden with salt, wine, and brandy, taken down
and secured. Also a transcript of part of the preceding letter. |
Sept. 12.
Dover Castle. |
80. Capt. John Strode to Williamson. The master of a Nieuport
vessel says that this day se'nnight he left Rochelle with Beaufort and
80 sail, 40 being merchantmen and only 20 large ships, but full of
men, and left them at anchor under Belle Isle. Will keep his servant till there are tidings of the fleet. The wind blows very hard,
full south. |
Sept. 12.
Dover Castle. |
81. Willm. Freman to Williamson. A vessel has come in which
sailed from Rochelle with the whole French fleet, 40 sail besides
merchant ships and two Dutch men-of-war, and left them at Belle Isle,
very well manned, but only 20 good ships. Thinks the foul weather
detains our fleet; fears the packet sent off to it by the governor
could not get at it. The Duke of Richmond went for Cobham
yesterday. |
Sept. 12.
Dover. |
82. Jo. Carlisle to Williamson. De Beaufort has a great quantity
of bridge-boats; knows not where he intends to land. Fears the
Hollander will appear no more this year at sea. Hopes the contagion will abate at Dover, but Deal and Sandwich are very bad.
Will come up if the Lords Comrs. [of Prizes] wish it, but it would
only be an increase of charge. |
Sept. 12.
Whitehall. |
83. Order in Council for insertion in the weekly printed intelligence of a declaration made on petition of Sir Edmund Turner, that
he is adjudged free from all misdemeanors and illegal proceedings
committed by George Carew, who, on 19 May 1665, had a joint
patent with himself to set out ships against the Dutch, till reimbursed of 151,612l., he acting only in behalf of Sir John Wolstenholme
and the old Farmers of Customs, but not concurring in any of the
indirect proceedings named in the proclamation of 10th August
last. |
| Sept. 12. |
84. "Advices received," being memoranda from letters calendared
in their respective dates. |
Sept. 13.
Harwich. |
85. Silas Taylor to Williamson. There was a report of the
Dutch being in Southwold Bay, but thinks it false; they are generally believed to have passed homewards. Hopes to be in London
next week, but begs the Gazette even there, as usual. |
| Sept. 13. |
86. List of the King's ships and their present stations, viz., 89
vessels, with 9 fire-ships, which had set sail from St. Helen's Road;
12 at Rye, in the Thames, Rolling Ground, or scouting, and 4
gone to convoy ships to Gottenburg and back. |
Sept. 13.
Portsmouth. |
87. Hugh Salesbury to Williamson. The fleet is sailing for the
Downs, to meet the Duke of Albemarle, and look out for the enemy;
they are 80 sail of stout ships, well manned and fitted, and the
damage done by the last great storm has been made good. The
town is clear of the plague, which is a mercy, being so full of
people. |
Sept. 13.
Dover. |
88. Jo. Carlisle to Williamson. The Dutch fleet is said to be
on their own coasts, waiting for De Beaufort; hopes our fleet will
meet with them; the custom house boat is carrying a packet to it
from Lord Arlington. Capt. Desborough's creditors are very earnest
for the remainder of his debt of 20l. 18s. 4d. Must pay it in 14
days, and begs that Desborough may be sent to, to remit the money. |
| Sept. 13. |
89. Petition of Ann, widow of John Lloyd, late groom of His
Majesty's stable, to the Queen, to move the King to receive her into
the place in the almshouse, Clerk's Alley, Bishopsgate Street, void
by decease of Alice Wyat. Her husband left her very poor, but she
earned her livelihood till her house and all she had was burned in
the late fire. Marked "Recommended by Her Majesty." |
Sept. 13.
Truro. |
90. Hugh Acland to Williamson. Imputes his silence since
Aug. 30 to the trouble occasioned by the late fire. Prays to God
to divert His judgments, and to give grace to all so to live as to
divert the fierceness of His anger. |
Sept. 13.
Swansea. |
91. John Man to Williamson. If the sufferers in that great
devastation yield so patiently to the hand of God, those whose
interest is only in sympathy may well do so. A Hamburger laden
with salt and brandy, going from France to Ireland, was chased and
taken near Land's End, by a French pickeroon of 12 guns; the
master of the Hamburger set the pilot on shore in the boat, and then
returned to the vessel; the same pickeroon took two or three
more vessels at the same time. |
Sept. 13.
Portsmouth. |
92. Hugh Salesbury to James Hickes. The fleet is setting sail,
well repaired, 80 sail of good ships, well manned and in good
health. |
Sept. 13.
Dover Castle. |
93. Capt. John Strode to Williamson. Will send the packet to
Sir Thos. Clifford in the Royal Charles as soon as possible. There is
no news of the fleet. |
| [Sept. 13.] |
94. "His Majesty's declaration to his city of London upon
occasion of the late calamity by the lamentable fire." No man's
loss in the late fire is comparable to his, but he hopes to live to see
a much more beautiful city than that consumed, well provided
against accidents by fire. Praises the courage of those who have
undergone the greatest losses; rules and directions for rebuilding
cannot yet be given, but the inconveniences of hasty and unskilful
buildings must be avoided, and lest any should obstinately erect
such buildings, on pretence that the ground is their own, the Lord
Mayor and others are authorized to pull down the same. Yet to
prevent delay in rebuilding, any number of men who address themselves to the Court of Aldermen, and show where they design to
build, shall receive speedy directions. Brick having been found to
resist and even extinguish fire, all houses are to be of brick or stone,
and strongly arched cellars are recommended. Rules will be issued
for the breadth of the principal streets, and no alleys allowed unless
absolutely necessary. No houses are to be erected within some feet
of the river, and those built are to be fair structures for ornament.
The brewers, dyers, sugar bakers, and others whose trades are
carried on by smoke are to live together in some quarter to be
assigned them. A survey is to be made of the whole ground, and
each person to have his land secured to him by Act of Parliament.
A model is to be made by men of experience for rebuilding ruined
places. Recommends the rebuilding of the churches to the charity
of well-disposed persons. Will use all expedition in rebuilding
and enlarging the custom house, and will part with any rights
belonging to him to advance the service of the city. The hearth
money duties for seven years are to be remitted to those who
shall erect any buildings according to this declaration. [Draft,
signed, 6 pages. The last two lines in the hand of Lord Chancellor Clarendon.] |
| Sept. 13. |
95. Copy of the above. [Printed, 10 pages.] |
Sept. 13.
[London.] |
96. — to Phil. Pedder, of Newport. Is too much affected
with the deplorable sight of London's ruin ever again to value
the things of this world, seeing all man's labour and riches but a
portion that an hour may consume. Heard many cries and complaints, but some gave glory to God in the fire, and wished the portion
consumed had been more laid out for his glory. In three days the
most flourishing city in the world is a ruinous heap, the streets only
to be known by the maimed remainder of the churches. Men differ
about how it began, but all agree that it was the anger of the Lord
for the sins of the people, yet the great ones, like Israel of old, say,
"the bricks are fallen, but we will build with hewn stones." Pestilence and fire have come; Jesus the Lord will empty his quiver of
wrath, unless the nation improve its privileges. Has lost nothing in
the fire; people were quite stupified and surprised by it. Private
money affairs. [3 pages.] |
Sept. 13.
Whitehall. |
Proclamation ordering Oct. 10 to be observed as a day of
humiliation and fasting on account of the late fire, whereby the
greatest part of London within the walls, part of the suburbs, 80
parishes, with churches, chapels, hospitals, &c., are become one
ruinous heap; also ordering the distressed state of the people to be
earnestly recommended to general charity in collections to be distributed by the Lord Mayor of London, as he sees fit. [Printed,
Proc. Coll., Charles II., p. 230.] |
| Sept. [13.] |
97. Draft of the above. [2 pages.] |
Sept. 13.
Whitehall. |
98. Petition of Rob. Hope, chief clerk of the spicery, to the
King, for a review of his accounts and restoration to his place, from
which he has been suspended because his accounts are charged with
heavy arrears for goods spent in the privy lodgings, &c. before any
regulation was made in the household. With reference thereon to
the Board of Greencloth. |
| Sept. 13. |
Entry of the above reference. [Ent. Book 18, p. 221.] |
| Sept. 13. |
Warrant for a release to Edward Gray and five others of 1,000
marks' rent formerly reserved on their grant for licensing pedlars
and petty chapmen, on account of the late visitation, &c., and for
reduction of the said rent to 100 marks. [Ent. Book 23, pp. 230–1.] |
| Sept. 13. |
Warrant for a grant to Charles Earl of Derby of the Royal mines
in the Isle of Man, reserving to the Crown the twentieth part of the
profits. [Ent. Book 23, p. 231.] |
Sept. 13.
Whitehall. |
99. Sir Wm. Coventry to Lord Arlington. Cannot doubt De
Beaufort's being at Belle Isle, but wonders he should think of coming
into the Channel this time of the year, the Dutch having retired
and the English fleet at the Isle of Wight being ready to intercept
him; even should he pass, knows not what great ships would do in
those seas this winter. Thinks there must be some other design in
it, and suggests whether he may not have taken troops on board
intended for Ireland. |
Sept. 13.
Portsmouth Dockyard. |
100. Comr. Thos. Middleton to Sam. Pepys. The fleet has
sailed to Spithead. The York is so much out of repair that she must
be half rebuilt. Has taken out of one of the fire-ships the best parcel
of oak plank ever seen. The Norwich is left behind to be fitted.
[Adm. Paper.] Encloses, |
100. i. Account of the defects of the York frigate.
September 6, 1666. |
Sept. 13.
Portsmouth. |
101. John Shales to Sam. Pepys. Account of provisions issued
to 15 vessels since September 4; the brewers and bakers continue
at work. A month's extra victuals is demanded for the whole fleet,
which will carry away most of the dry provisions in port; a
quantity of French wine has been distributed instead of beer.
[Adm. Paper.] |
| Sept. 14. |
102. Receipt by Robert Swan of the Little Gift, Roger Baker of
the Dartmouth, and James Sharland of the Mary yacht, from Wm.
Sarsfield, purser of the Harp, for printed instructions, muster books,
and blank printed warrants, received 27 August, 14 September, 10
July, 1666. [Adm. Paper, 1¼
pages.] |
Sept. 14.
Yarmouth. |
103. Rich. Bower to Williamson. The light fleet of colliers has
sailed towards Newcastle, and 14 vessels from the west country have
come to fish. |
Sept. 14.
Pembroke. |
104. Fras. Malory to James Hickes. Vessels from Ireland and the
south coast have met with no men-of-war. |
| Sept. 14. |
105. Fras. Malory to Williamson. To the same effect. |
Sept. 14.
Aldborough. |
106. Rich. Browne to Williamson. Fourteen sail of west country
fishermen have gone northward, with a small convoy frigate. There
is no news of the Dutch fleet. |
Sept. 14.
Barnstaple Custom House. |
107. P. Manaton to Williamson. A Newfoundland vessel arrived
from Cork reports all things quiet there, and says that a single manof-war amongst them might have taken several bankers. |
Sept. 14.
Dover. |
108. Jo. Carlisle to Williamson. There have arrived 25 seamen,
late prisoners in Holland, from Nieuport, but they had heard
nothing of the Dutch fleet; it is supposed to have gone northwards
to meet their East India fleet. Our fleet cannot get from Spithead
in these south-east winds. Postscript, 4 p.m. The fleet of 90 sail is
just seen off the Ness, and packets are sent to the Prince. At
Newport nine Frenchmen are secured, having been noticed viewing
the place; it is found out that they intended to fire it. |
Sept. 14.
Bristol. |
109. J. Fitzherbert to Williamson. Sends news from Rochelle.
None have died of the sickness last week. The merchants, regarding
the embargo as resulting from private rather than public interest,
want it taken off, as many ships are ready for the West Indies and
Virginia, and those places must sink unless relieved. The King
would then have more seamen, for many slink out of sight who
will come out to go to sea in merchant ships. |
Sept. 14.
Newcastle. |
110. Rich. Forster to Williamson. A Dutch man-of-war has taken
a Yarmouth vessel laden with fish from Ireland and a fly boat, supposed to be from Scotland, and fired a small vessel, which escaped
and got safe under the castle. Three more Dutch prisoners are
brought in, eight of those that escaped being now taken; 100 ships
are ready, but will not stir without convoy. |
Sept. 14.
Whitby. |
111. Thos. Waade to Williamson. The destruction of London by
fire is reported to be a hellish contrivance of the French, Hollanders,
and fanatic party. At the first notice of it there, the trained bands
were in arms, those for the North Rriding endezvousing at Malton, Sir Jordan Crosland's regiment at Easingwold, and Sir Thos.
Strickland's foot company was sent to guard Whitby. The country being alarmed with the men-of-war, Alderman Shipton of
Lythe raised 200 men in a moment, with such arms as they could get
who were very willing to engage the enemy if they durst land, but
seeing such a flocking of people, they weighed anchor, and are
cruising off, expecting laden colliers from Newcastle or Sunderland. |
Sept. 14.
Lynn. |
112. Edw. Bodham to Williamson. The Lord Lieutenant has
ordered the discharge of both horse and foot in arms in the town,
and the release of all the fanatics imprisoned, except three who
abide his pleasure. Fifty light colliers have sailed for Newcastle.
The coast is clear of Dutch and French. |
Sept. 14.
Plymouth. |
113. John Clarke to Williamson. Names of frigates in port, with
merchantmen from Portugal and Scanderoon and a small vessel from
Morlaix with linen cloth. |
Sept. 14.
Plymouth. |
114. Sir J. Skelton to Williamson. Thanks for his attention to
his business, and moving Lord Arlington on his son's behalf. The
Prince of Denmark of Rotterdam, brought in by the Warwick, laden
with salt, wine, &c., was so leaky that the Commissioners [for Prizes]
ordered the sale of ship and goods. The salt was appraised at 6s.
the bushel of 18 gallons, but no offer was made for it. A new sail
was ordered, but stopped by Lord Arlington, and the ship was
ordered to be kept from embezzlement. There has been none
since she came into that port, but thinks there was some both of
lading and ropes before. The crew are all sent to Exeter, except
one Scotchman, who lies sick in the hospital. |
Sept. 14.
Dover. |
115. Jo. Carlisle to Williamson. The mayor and magistrates
desire him to give a true account of the bill of mortality; from
Sept. 8–15, 150 died of the plague, and 96 houses are shut. Wishes
this to be put in the Gazette. |
Sept. 14.
Bridgewater. |
116. Wm. Symons to James Hickes. Laments the misfortune of
the city, and prays that the loss may be sanctified. God has
shaken his rod over that poor town; two houses began to be fired
by accident, but were quenched without hurt done. |
Sept. 14.
Royal Charles. |
117. Ja. Reade to Williamson. Refers him for information to
Sir Thos. [Clifford]. Offers service. |
Sept. 14.
Cockpit. |
118. Sir Thos. Clarges to Williamson. As the King's letter was
delivered to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland before notice came of
the mistake, his grace will not let it be rectified, so that another
must be offered for signature. |
Sept. 14.
Dover Castle. |
119. Capt. John Strode to Williamson. Has sent the packets to
the fleet, now between Dungeness and the Downs. The Dutch fleet
is thought to have been put northward by the late storms. |
| Sept. 14. |
120. [Aphara Behn to Mr. Halsall]. Her letters from Holland
say that the French fleet cannot be got ready to join the Holland
fleet, and that a speedy battle may prevent the joining. There are
disorders in the States, and another is displaced from the Council
for visiting Buat in prison. It is said that if our fleet win, the
Prince [of Orange], who is at Cleves, will return with an army, and
the army in Holland is generally for him. Also, that Benjamin
Turley is the quaker in whom the fanatics so confide, but his name
is not to be mentioned. [Partly in cypher, decyphered, 2 pages.] |
| Sept. 14. |
Recommendation to the Lord Treasurer of the petition of Rich.
Irwing, sewer, for relief, the King being sensible of his great
extremity and want. [Ent. Book 18, p. 221.] |
| [Sept. 14.] |
Note that Capt. Searle's petition is referred to the Duke of
Ormond. [Ent. Book 28, p. 221.] |
| [Sept. 14.] |
Recommendation of the petition of Denis Riordan to the Duke
of York, to give a pass for the importation of the French ship
with wine, and for its export with English commodities. [Ent.
Book 18, p. 222.] |
| Sept. 14. |
121. Request by Thos. Dixon, messenger of the chamber, for
payment of 8l. 11s. for expenses of a journey to Rainham,
Norfolk, with an express for Lord Townshend, Aug. 30, 1666. |
| Sept. 14. |
Commission for Walter Rosse to be surgeon to the Duke of
Monmouth's regiment. Minute. [Ent. Book 20, p. 133a.] |
| Sept. 14. |
Commissions to Jo. Crudge to be lieutenant, and John Pickford,
ensign to Sir Fras. Godolphin. Minute. [Ent. Book 20, p. 133a.] |
| Sept. 14. |
Warrant to Lord Cullen to send up Capt. Baynes to London.
Minute. [Ent. Book 23, p. 230.] |
| Sept. 14. |
Warrant to the Lord Chancellor to issue a writ of summons to
Thos. Earl of Ossory to sit in the present Parliament as a Peer
of England. [Ent. Book 23, p. 232.] |
Sept. 14.
Westminster. |
122. Warrant to Lord Chancellor Clarendon to issue a writ of
summons to Sir Thos. Butler of Moore Park, son and heir apparent
of James Duke of Ormond, to attend the ensuing Parliament as a
Baron of England. |
Sept. 14.
Whitehall. |
123. Warrant for confirmation of certain agreements made
between Sir Gervase Lucas, Martha, widow of Sir Hen. Carey,
and others, being the owners and tenants of the common lands of
Dartmoor Forest, co. Devon, as composition for their rights of
pasture therein, according to a contract entered into Feb. 27, 1666,
between the Lord Treasurer and Chancellor of the Exchequer on
behalf of the Crown, and the said Sir Gervase Lucas and others,
empowering them to make the said compositions, with promise to
ratify the same, they being commissioned to enclose part of the
said lands for His Majesty's use, apportioning the residue among
the said tenants; the portion assigned to the Crown to be let to farm,
at a fourth of its yearly value, to the said Sir Gervase Lucas and
others for 500 years, they enclosing and improving the same within
three years at their own cost, and the lands to the said tenants to
be granted in fee soccage. [5 pages.] |
| Sept. 14. |
Entry of the above. [Ent. Book 23, pp. 233–7.] |
Sept. 15.
Whitehall. |
124. The King to the Company of Cooks. Requests them to
permit Richard Pierce, who having suffered greatly in the late
calamity, has no place wherein to exercise his trade as cook, to use
their common hall, till he is in a condition to procure a dwelling
of his own. |
| Sept. 15. |
Entry of the above. [Ent. Book 17, p. 203.] |
| Sept. 15. |
125. [Wm. Wardour] to Lord Ashley. States the sums hitherto
received from the several counties in England and Wales for the 18
months' assessment, 959,354l. 0s. 9d.; for the assessment of October
1660, 65,883l. 11s. 2½d. [2½
pages.] |
Sept. 15.
Grantham. |
126. Thos. Hanson, alderman of Grantham, to Lord Arlington.
In obedience to his letter, asked the assistance of Sir Rob. Markham
and Thos. Skipwith, justices of the peace for Kesteven, and they
have examined John Pechell on the interrogatories sent and on
others, but he would only answer that he was not bound to accuse
himself. His trunk had no directions, and several papers in it
being precedents of proceedings, &c., related to his profession when
a clerk. Thinks he has not published any papers of the same
kind; he is thought by the neighbours to be mad or distracted, is
of a deep melancholy and silent disposition, and has behaved quietly
one and a half years. |
| Sept. 15. |
127. Proposals by Sir Edw. Ford, for maintaining the fleet and
rebuilding London, by bills to be made payable on the taxes to be
given to the King by Parliament,—arguing that certainty of
payment, though at a remote date, and portableness are most
preferable in money, both of which will be attained by these
bills. |
Sept. 15.
Coventry. |
128. Ralph Hope to Williamson. It is impossible to persuade
the people into any other belief than that the Papists have a design
to rise and cut their throats, and they impute the late sad conflagration solely to their continuance and propagation; this has been
insinuated by what happened at Warwick. A boy gathering blackberries sees a man doing something in a ditch, who hastily puts
something into a bag and goes away; the boy finds at the place a
blackish-brown ball, and carries it before the deputy lieutenants then
met. There is no appearance of anything combustible in it, but all
take it to be an unfinished fire-ball; the boy describes the man and
takes his oath; the whole town takes the alarm; hue and cries are
sent out every way to apprehend the man, but all in vain; the
town is in a tumult all day, every man in arms, besides the
militia horse keeping strict guard all night. Next day Sir Henry
Pickering comes with his troop, dismisses the horse guard, and
commands the townsmen home; they peremptorily refuse to obey,
and after some high words, tell him that for aught they knew, he
had a design himself to betray the town. Sir Harry grows angry
and commands the troops to fire unless they disperse; the townsmen dare them to do it, cocking their loaded muskets, so that had
not the prudence of some prevented, much mischief had been done.
The tempest calmed at last, and the townsmen by degrees dropped
home. Though the Mayor of Warwick says it was a fire-ball,
an ingenious gentleman says it was no such thing. The Papists
thereabouts are very high, well armed, and have frequent and suspicious meetings. Mr. Dormer, of Grove Park, a noted papist, is
bound over to the assizes for some dangerous speeches. There
are strange ridiculous reports, one of which is that the General is
poisoned. The trade of killing sheep and taking out the tallow
only is still followed in several places thereabouts. |
Sept. 15.
Kendal. |
129. Dan. Fleming to Williamson. Not knowing what influence
the fire in London might have amongst the discontented, issued
orders to call together his foot company in Kendal, and sent a
messenger to the colonel, Sir George Fletcher; he communicated
with the deputy lieutenants and the Earl of Carlisle, who ordered the
several troops to rendezvous,—the colonel's at Appleby, major's and
his (the writer's) at Kendal, lieutenant-colonel's at Branton, Sir
Wm. Carleton's at Penrith, Sir Thos. Salkeld's and Mr. Huddleton's at Cockermouth, and the train band horse at Penrith; also
all suspected persons to be secured, but they were soon ordered to
be released, and the troops to be disbanded. The Quakers write
word that George Fox is set at liberty, and they hope great things
from him on his arrival in London. His release will much
discourage the justices from acting against Quakers. The Quakers
intimate no sorrow for the late burning down of so many "steeple
houses," as they call them, in the city, and write more boldly than
formerly. The Lancashire gentry are fallen in pieces, the Papists
"stomaching" that some of their houses should have been searched
for arms; both parties have addressed the King and Council. Asks
whether to discharge Walker, who was imprisoned on Lord
Delamere's letter, or to bail him, or to keep him prisoner.
[2 pages.] |
Sept. 15.
Langard Point Fort. |
130. Edw. Suckley to James Hickes. Asks whether his letters
have been received, and those he sent to his wife. The Dutch fleet
is still abroad; 2 frigates were chased into Aldborough the other
day, which had like to have gone into the Dutch fleet instead of
our own. |
Sept. 15.
Dover Castle. |
131. Capt. John Strode to Williamson. Sir Thos. Clifford has just
landed and is going to London. Lent 2l. 10s. to Mr. Yale, the
messenger sent yesterday, who had no money to carry him back. |
Sept. 15.
Rye. |
132. Jo. Dallett to [Williamson]. On the 14th the fleet passed
by and lay at anchor at Ness, near 100 men-of-war, beside smaller
vessels. On the 15th they sailed towards the Downs. |
| Sept. 15. |
133. List of 19 ships cleared [at Newcastle] for the week ending
15th September. |
Sept. 15.
Newcastle. |
134. Rich. Forster to Williamson. No vessels have arrived
since his last. Sends a paper cast into an alderman's house
Encloses, |
|
134. i. Lines by Bs. sp. st. bidding Newcastle beware lest it be
laid low like London. |
Sept. 15.
West Cowes. |
135. John Lysle to Williamson. Account of two prizes brought
in by Capt. Chris. Gunman, of the Orange. They report that Beaufort's fleet came to St. Martin's in August; the ships foul, leaky,
and much shattered, and not to be made tight because they had
been so long in the Straits, and were spoiled by worms. They
were preparing to conduct 60 French and 6 great Holland ships,
laden with salt for the grande partie of France; most of their men
have the flux. Thousands of foot were drawn to Rochelle, St.
Martin's, and adjacent ports, but it was not known whither they
were to be shipped. |
Sept. 15.
Lyme. |
136. Anth. Thorold to James Hickes. They have shown their
sympathy with distressed brethren in London by a collection of
100l. towards their relief. Is glad of the rational account of the
fire in the Gazette, after such a diversity of reports. A great fleet of
merchantmen has arrived at Plymouth, from Portugal, the Straits,
&c. Is obliged to pay for all his letters, as none are taken without
pay. |
Sept. 15.
Weymouth. |
137. John Pocock to James Hickes. Fry of Shaston scruples to
carry his letters without being paid for them. |
Sept. 15.
Hull. |
138. Luke Whittington to Williamson. All are melancholy at the
great loss in London. Trade is dead. A Norway merchant ship
with Danish seamen, laden with deals for a Russian merchant at
Newcastle, has arrived, and says Alderman Smith of London was
to procure a pass for him from the Duke of York; meanwhile the
skipper and all his men have given security for good behaviour, and
are persons well known by the Russia merchants. |
Sept. 15.
Boston. |
139. Robt. Gray to James Hickes. Has no news this post. |
Sept. 15.
Chester Castle. |
140. Sir Geoffery Shakerley to Williamson. Again urges necessary supplies for the garrison. On Thursday the whole city was
put into a fright by a fire at a tanner's kiln, next the post office, in
Forest [Foregate] Street, caused by a careless fellow making too large
a fire to dry his bark, but the industry of the people overcame it
with little damage. |
Sept. 15.
Chester. |
141. M. A[nderton] to Williamson. The news of the fire made
people fear lest the King's person might be in some danger, and
quickened them to duty to preserve public peace, and compassionate
the calamity of their afflicted brethren. The magistrates and officers
bestirred themselves like good Christians, and are much relieved by
the good news of the patience and calmness of the Londoners, and
their applause of the King, as a principal instrument in preserving
what was rescued from the fire. At first all feared it was some plot of
the enemy; all in that country and city are so zealous in His Majesty's
service that no danger is to be dreaded from foreign or intestine
enemies. Particulars of the fire on the 13th in Foregate Street,
quenched by the activity of the magistrates and noble governor,
with extraordinary labour of the people. |
Sept. 15.
Canterbury. |
142. Ri. Watts to Williamson. Mr. Cooley will write to his
honour in future, and refuse others. Mr. Muddiman much abused
Cooley's judgment in inducing him to refuse before. Lord Middleton, who was waiting for the fleet at Walmer, joined it about
Dungeness. One of the King's ship's boats was taken up in Thanet,
and carried to Minster; wants an order for her delivery to him, to
use in the service. The distemper is ceasing in Deal. |
Sept. 15.
Dover Castle. |
143. Capt. John Strode to Lord Arlington. Whilst the Dutch fleet
lay in sight, and London was still burning, took up Hen. Woodward
coming to town in the night. He pretends to be sent to stop
Mr. Henges, a Dutch merchant, who had fled from London, and
come to Dover to ship himself away. Detained him till he could
procure a certificate from Sir John Langham, who, he says, knows
him, but since hearing from Sir John Griffith that Mr. Henges is his
prisoner, and something alleged against him, asks what to do with
the other. |
| Sept. 15. |
Papers relating to the Loyal Subject, viz.:— |
|
144. Memoranda of her hire, refitting, payment and discharge,
&c. June 6 to Sept. 15, 1666. [1½
pages.] |
|
145. Certificate of measurement, 100 feet by 32¼ feet, by Phineas
Pett. July 12, 1665. |
|
146. Note by W. S. to Mr. Hayter, of her date of muster, June
30, and time of sailing July 3. |
|
147. Certificate by Capt. Geo. Erwin, of her readiness to sail on
the 10th of June 1665, excepting for her guns. July 20,
1665. |
|
148. Memorandum that the ship is to be borne on the King's
charge from Aug. 13 to Sept. 15, &c. |
|
149. Certificate by Capt. John Fortescue of the delivery of
the ship to its owners, Sept. 15, 1666. |
Sept. 15.
Gravesend. |
150. Rich. Elkin to Sam Pepys. The Malaga Merchant fire-ship
has set sail for the fleet; no victuallers are at present in port.
[Adm. Paper.] |
Sept. 15.
Edwinstow. |
151. John Russell to the Navy Comrs. Want of money makes the
men unwilling to engage in felling timber; has bought a mast,
bowsprit, and other provisions for the Adam and Eve; she must
have new sails and the shipwright must be paid for her repairs;
cannot go on with the employment without money; 200l. was due
for land carriage before the last imprest bill was granted; it is impossible to float the timber down to Hull in the present condition of
the river; desires a warrant for John Huntington to be master of
the Adam and Eve; the Black Dog is laden and gone to Chatham;
Note of her bill of lading. [Adm. Paper, 2 pages.] |
| Sept. 15. |
152. List of 20 ships hired by the victuallers to carry provisions
to the fleet. [Adm. Paper.] |
Sept. 15.
Ipswich. |
153. Andrew Crawley to Sam. Pepys. Forbore sending his
account sooner, not knowing what might have become of the Navy
Office during the late sad and lamentable fire; the Lord be praised
that it is preserved; the Maybolt, Abigail, and many victuallers are
still loading bread and beer for the fleet; 20 or 30 oxen are killed
every week; there is no want of provision. [Adm. Paper.] Encloses, |
|
153. i. Account by Thos. Clarke and And. Crawley of cask, iron
hoops, and biscuit bags, received from ships during the
month of August 1666. |
|
153. ii. Schedule of letters of credit for provisions granted to
27 ships during the same month. |
Sept. 16.
Dover. |
154. Fr. Hosier to Sam Pepys. Fears that the former accounts
have not come to hand, by reason of the late sad disaster; part of our
fleet are upon the French coast; eight victuallers are ready to sail
to them as soon as they have convoy; list of provisions in store.
[Adm. Paper.] |
Sept. 16.
Rye. |
155. Wm. Castell to the Navy Comrs. Progress of the repairs of
the St. Andrew; wishes some person sent to suvey her. The Happy
Return is ready to sail. The fleet has passed, anchored one night
off Dungeness, and is now out of sight. [Adm. Paper.] |
Sept. 16.
Portsmouth Dockyard. |
156. Comr. Thos. Middleton to Sam. Pepys. Asks whether the
ships left behind by the fleet are to have full repair, or only to be
fitted for present service. The Slothany is a sad ship; Mr. Tippetts
and Mr. Byland think that a fourth-rate might be built with the
charge that must be laid out to make her fit for service. Was
obliged to hire soldiers from the town to land the oak plank found
in a fire-ship, the poor labourers being almost dead with getting
provisions into the boats and other work on shore. Has had no
time to make up any accounts, all has been done in hurry and confusion. It is not to be believed the many things delivered and
nothing returned, some of the captains knew not how "to distinguish a horse head from a roman S" in their demands. Particulars of hemp tendered and stores required. "Without straw it will
be hard to make brick," and without money the King's business must
stand still. There is not a boat left belonging to the yard; workmen of all sorts are lessened, carpenters discharged, and townsmen
dead; begs that these wants may be supplied before urgent necessity
calls. The plague decreases; the governor will not admit any of the
King's servants into the town. The labourers suffer during the wet
and dirty weather, by being obliged to live four or five miles away
from the yard. Has no cordage in store; the sails intended for
Plymouth had to be issued out for the fleet; others shall be made in
lieu of them. The fleet is at St. Helen's. [Adm. Paper, 4 pages.]
Encloses, |
|
156. i. Survey by John Tippetts and Edw. Byland of the defects
of the York, Crown, Malaga, Slothany, and Norwich.
[2 pages.] Sept. 15, 1666. |
Sept. 16.
Hull. |
157. Luke Whittington to James Hickes. A hundred sail of
colliers, with two convoys, have passed by for Newcastle. Two
Holland privateers appeared a little to the north, and shot many
shots ashore. The country, being jealous lest they should land, went
down to the shore in great numbers, with such arms as they had,
so that the vessels stood to sea again. |
Sept. 16.
Dover Castle. |
158. Capt. John Strode to Williamson. Has a certificate from
the parish in London where Woodward lived that he is a silk
weaver, and well affected to government. Prince Rupert writes
word that he is going with the fleet to Cape Cogue, and will
ply between there and the Isle of Wight to meet with the French
fleet, there being no news of the Dutch. |
Sept. 16.
Portsmouth. |
159. Hugh Salesbury to James Hickes. Two days after the fleet
sailed, the wind blew so hard easterly that they were expected back
again, but they kept the sea. The ketches that attend Jersey and
Guernsey have cleared the coasts of shallops and pickeroons. |
Sept. 16.
Berwick. |
160. Mark Scott to Williamson. All is peaceable there and in
Scotland. Last week there was a muster in Edinburgh and Leith,
before the new Major-general Diell; 5,000 pretty men appeared,
marching in arms from Edinburgh to Holyrood Palace, where the
Commissioner resides. In returning, a dispute arose between the
merchants' apprentices and the mechanics' apprentices, in which one
man was killed, and if the Lord Provost had not carried the business
wisely, it might have proved very hazardous. The coast is infested
by French capers, and they have taken two small Scots' vessels;
one of Berwick that was with them, being a good sailer, escaped. |
Sept. 16.
Falmouth. |
161. Thos. Holden to James Hickes. Has no news. The people
much lament the loss in the late dreadful fire. |
Sept. 16.
Dover. |
162. Jo. Carlisle to Williamson. Sends letters from our fleet,
which lies before St. Valery's; hopes it may meet with the French
fleet. Our ships chased two of the enemy's ashore, and blew up
one yesterday. A fifth-rate frigate has sailed by with a prize.
Longs to hear what is done about his accounts. |
Sept. 16.
Bridlington. |
163. John Bower to James Hickes. Several men-of-war have
been daily on the coast; 200 sail of light colliers with only two
convoys have come in; they met one Holland men-of-war, and are
in danger of meeting more. The coast will be much damaged unless
a man-of-war is sent to guard it. |
Sept. 16.
Northampton. |
164. J. Summer, [postmaster], to Williamson. Will post away
the King's commands to Lord Cullen. Thanks for his speaking to
Sir Phil. Frowde on his behalf; begs pardon for the past, when he
was negligent and did not know his office. |
Sept. 16.
Walmer. |
165. Ri. Watts to [Williamson]. On Friday the Dutch fleet was
in Ostend road, and had suffered much in the late storm; another
Dutch admiral blew up, and not a man was saved, and several
vessels were stranded. Our fleet is to ride at Dungeness to wait for
the French and Dutch; the French are said to be about Ussion.
Alderman Leonard Brown, a person of good worth, a great sufferer
and in everything well qualified, was elected mayor of Canterbury.
The boat mentioned before proves too little for the service. |
| Sept. 16. |
166. Leo. Williams and Willm. Frear to Lord Arlington. Have
been at great charge in buying horses, &c., to go to Ireland, and
now hear that the resolution of sending them is altered; beg consideration for their expenses, and for their care about the city since
the fire began. Think his honour has a fancy to some others who
will not serve him as well as they; were never public witnesses
against any of their party; beg encouragement to serve him. |
