|
March 15. |
1. "Advices," being notes from letters calendared above, and also
the following:— |
|
Harwich, March 14: The Speedwell and Drake are gone to the
Buoy of the Nore to receive pay. |
|
Edingburgh, March 9: A Scotch privateer and a merchant ship
are stranded in Kircaldy, and three Dutch men-of-war near
St. Andrew's. |
|
Newcastle, March 12: The convoy from Leith has been driven
back thither again. Three vessels are missing. |
|
Minehead, March 12: A Bristol vessel, belonging to the Forest
[of Dean], laden with tobacco and wines, was wrecked in King's
Road, and two or three hogsheads taken up and rifled by the people.
A small bark from St. Lucas, bound for Apsom, struck upon Newton
Sands, but her men escaped in the boat to Devonshire. |
|
Pendennis, March 11: Arrival and departure of vessels. Capt.
Marshall, once lieutenant in the Have-at-all, has been six weeks in
Salcombe Bay with a prize, supposed rich, and has brought her into
Helford very empty. |
|
Portsmouth, March 14: The Bonaventure is ordered for Barbadoes,
and the Princess for the Downs. |
|
Berwick, March 20: A Scots vessel belonging to the Leith convoy
was cast away near Scrymerston, but most of the men saved. |
|
Weymouth, March 13: 33 great ships have stood W.S.W. A
small caper frequents the road. |
|
Lynn, March 13: The Pearl is said to have sent in a pickeroon
with 40 men to Blackney Haven. Some Dutch seamen have escaped
ashore near Blackney. |
|
Margate, March 11: A Hamburger, laden with deals, was driven
ashore, but the men saved. [2½
pages.] |
March 15. Yarmouth. |
2. Rich. Bower to Williamson. Nine or ten vessels have passed
from the south without convoy; two are of Yarmouth and came in,
the rest are Whitby men, and have gone northward. A Dutch
caper is reported to be taken and carried into Blackney haven. |
March 15. |
3. Jo. Cooke to Williamson. Sends a letter for Williamson which
he found thrust under the door of his office. Asks his directions
concerning M. Petit. Recommends a request of Dr. Duport: the
King, at the Archbishop of Canterbury's motion, has signed his
recommendation, and he wishes an advertisement to be published in
the few next Gazettes. |
March 15. |
4. Col. Anth. Gilby to Williamson. A Swedish vessel from
Ostend reports that the Hollanders are not fitting out their great
ships, nor making any great preparations for war, believing there
will be a peace. |
March 15. |
5. Jo. Carlisle to Williamson. The packet boat is not quite lost,
but may be retrieved. To-day's boat was plundered at sea by a
Dutch caper, who took two hogsheads of sack, and all that was left
by the soldiers and townsmen to some gentlemen who were in the
former wrecked boat, but swam for their lives to Nieuport, and came
over in this. Will narrowly look after the proclamation, if the
person [Duke of Buckingham] come that way. |
March 15. Dover. |
6. John Carlisle to Lord Arlington. The charge of the shallop
of the farmers of the customs, whilst employed by him in His
Majesty's service, was 43l. 14s. 2d. The farmers are willing to pay
it, provided they have an order to the Lord Treasurer for defalcation of the same, which they request. Annexing, |
|
6. i. Account of the expenses of the said shallop in fitting it
for sea, wages, &c. July and Sept. 1666. |
March 15. Dover. |
7. John Carlisle to Williamson. Entreats his assistance in
obtaining the above-named sum, as the seamen want their money. |
March 15. Plymouth. |
8. John Clarke to Williamson. It is not likely that any of the
30 vessels put in will prove Dutch; Tyson is released, not proving
to be the person he was supposed to be. A privateer has brought
in a vessel, pretending to belong to Stockholm and bound for
Hamburg, which is not likely to prove a prize. |
March 15. |
9. John Clarke to Jas. Hickes. To the same effect. |
March 15. Pembroke. |
10. Fras. Malory to Williamson. Has no news this post. |
March 15. |
11. Fras. Malory to Jas. Hickes. To the same effect. |
March 15. Plymouth. |
12. Sir John Knight to the Navy Comrs. Will postpone the sale
of the St. Gertrude and the Noyals and canvas, in expectation of an
order from the Commissioners of Prizes to deliver them for the
use of the service. Wishes they had the pitch which was to have
been sent by the ships that brought the stores for the St. David.
The war stopping all navigation between Bristol and London, no
vessel will take a freight for London; his son will freight a ship,
if required, or send it to Plymouth. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 15. Deal. |
13. Ri Watts to Williamson. A Flemish galliot struck on the
Goodwin, but the Deal men are fetching it off. A French permission ship of 300 tons came in laden with linen, and is gone up to
London. |
March 15. Deptford. |
14. John Cox and J. Uthwat to Sir Wm. Batten. Send an
account of anchors required for fitting ships at four places on the
river. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 15. Buoy of the Nore. |
15. Capt. Robt. Shepard to the Navy Comrs. Has been aboard
with Sir John Mennes, and at his request, sends 53 tickets for their
signature, belonging to men transferred to other ships named.
[Adm. Paper.] |
March 15. The Guernsey, River Tyne. |
16. Capt. T. Fisher to the Navy Comrs. The purser has not been
aboard since the ship victualled at Sheerness, seven weeks since.
Has appeased the men without his help, but as it is not the first
occasion, and causes inconvenience and damage, recommends
Christopher Paine, formerly a purser, and who has supplied his place,
as more worthy of their warrant for the office. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 16. Bristol. |
17. John Badcock to Sir Wm. Penn. Mr. Baylie consented to
calk the rents of the plank, but refused to pitch them, as it was
not in his contract. Told him he would have the work done as it
was executed in the King's yards; asks for their order that it is
to be so. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 16. Gravesend. |
18. Rich. Elkin to the Navy Comrs. The person who committed
the forgery was convicted and sentenced to pay 20 nobles, to stand
in the pillory at Gravesend on two market days, with his crime
written before him, and to be imprisoned until the fine was paid.
Spoke to Sir John Heath to move the judge that the person might
be at their honours' disposal; but to prevent mutiny, he thought it
convenient that his punishment should not be otherwise than that
mentioned. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 16. Gravesend. |
19. Rich. Elkin to Sam. Pepys. To similar effect. Sir John
Heath gave great assistance, for which he deserves particular thanks.
Was advised to fee one of the King's counsel, which he did. The
Eagle is still in port. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 16. Edwinstow. |
20. John Russell to the Navy Comrs. Particulars as to the
means and expense of sending timber from Stockwith to Hull, and
its safety while lying there. Mr. Blaydes of Hull offered to
build a ketch at the rate of 50s. per ton for the purpose, and bargained with Mr. Lester for the hire of his ketches, to carry three or
four loads on trial, at 4s. the ton; but it will be the latter end of
April before he can carry any, as there is no water at Bawtrey to load
to Hull. It would be safer to send by vessels that would carry 50 or
60 loads. If there should be a dry summer, they may come up to
Burton, and thus save 3s. in every load, besides being free from
danger. Wm. Dratton, of Stockwith, will build a ketch in six
weeks, finding all materials but the ironwork, at 40s. the ton.
[Adm. Paper, 1½
pages.] |
March 16. Ipswich. |
21. Andrew Crawley to Sam. Pepys. Victualling of ships. There
is an order to suspend brewing and baking until further orders from
Squire Gauden. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 16. Bristol. |
22. Daniel Furzer to the Navy Comrs. Is prevented launching
the ship this spring tide, by want of conveyances for the timber and
of seamen to help the boatswain. Has inquired about the 1,000l.
ordered, but cannot get it done. Can obtain there all stores
required, but it will be an advantage to send the boatswain and
cook's stores, of which he sends a list, by the vessels bringing the
guns and the gunner's stores. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 16. Whitehall. |
23. H. Muddiman to Sir David Stradling, Glamorganshire. Newsletter. Particulars given in his letter of March 14. Thirty persons
perished in the packet boat from Ostend, chiefly boys belonging to
the St. Patrick, lately lost. The Algerines seized an English ship,
and took it near to Tunis, but whilst the Turks were ashore, the
English brought the ship off; the Algerines will do mischief unless
there be some ships to awe them. The Amsterdam vessel, which
took three Yarmouth fishing boats, is sent prize to Hull. The Rose
of Apsam, coming from Cadiz to Bristol, was cast away near Newton
Nottage. |
|
An uninhabited house in Bishopsgate Street, well situated to
promote a fire, was blown up at 4 a.m., which confirms the jealousy
that the former fire was begun by design; 20 have died at Norwich,
4 of the plague. A new life guard of horse is to be raised under
the Duke of Cambridge, the Duke of Richmond captain, Hen. FitzJames lieutenant, and Hen. Howard cornet. News from Poland,
Turkey, Sweden, and Holland. The Dutch prepare vigorously for
war, though the rise from 400 to 450 in their East India accounts
shows that they expect peace. The East India Company are said
to have given in a memorial of their pretences against the Dutch,
because a treaty is now managed in France, between Van Beuningen
for the Dutch, the Earl of St. Alban's for England, M. de
Lionne for France and M. Petkum for Denmark. The Earl of
St. Alban's is said to have demanded the island of Poleron, which
the Dutch were to have delivered by the treaty of 1662, but
delayed till the war broke out, and then surrendered it to a few
English, whom they immediately dispossessed. [3 pages.] |
March 16. Bridlington. |
24. John Bower to James Hickes. The Guernsey and Hampshire
have sailed for Tynemouth with other vessels, and will convoy back
the laden collier fleet. |
March 16. Newcastle. |
25. Rich Forster to Williamson. Several coasters have come in
laden with corn. Also a Swedish vessel, which was taken by a
Flushinger and detained 20 weeks; she reports that they are going
on fast with their preparations for next spring. |
March 16. Weymouth. |
26. John Pocock to James Hickes. Thanks for his letter of the
12th. |
March [16 ?] Holyhead. |
27. Robt. Leigh to Williamson. Has been long on his journey
from London, through going to see some friends at Lymm in Cheshire, and from the extreme weather in the Welsh mountains. It
still continues, so that no packet boats have come from Ireland
these three weeks, and those in the harbour dare not venture to sea
till the winds grow less. Will go with the first that ventures.
Sends compliments to Mr. Munn and Mr. and Mrs. Chiffinch.
Forgot to deliver the cyphers in his hands; they are in his desk
at his office. Begs his letters forwarding to Dublin. [2 pages.] |
[March 16.] Westminster. |
28. Warrant for a presentation of Andrew Walton to the rectory
of East Mersey, co. Essex. Endorsed with an expedit, March 29.
[Latin.] |
March 16. |
Minute of the above. [Ent. Book 19, p. 57.] |
March 16. |
Warrant to the Justices of Assize for the western circuit to reprieve Thomas Seymour, in case he should be condemned for the
murder of Henry Jones, the King intending to pardon him, as it was
done in the heat of blood. [Ent. Book 14, p. 129.] |
March 16. |
Warrant for admission of George Marsh as assistant to his father
Rich. Marsh, in the office of keeper of the ordnance stores, &c., in
the Tower, and at Woolwich and Chatham; the reversion of the
said place having been granted him 7th Nov. 1649. [Ent. Book 23,
pp. 409–10.] |
[March 16.] |
29. Draft of the above. |
March 16. |
Pass for the Baron d'Isola to go into Flanders and to return.
Minute. [Ent. Book 23, p. 410.] |
March 16. |
Privy seal to pay to George Cock 40,000l., for the sick and
wounded and prisoners of war, out of the 1,256,347l. 13s. granted
towards the maintenance of the present war. [Ent. Book 23, p. 410.] |
March [16.] |
Docquet of the above. |
March 16. |
Warrant for 150l. to George Tomlins. Minute. [Ent. Book 23,
p. 411.] |
March 16. |
Commission for Sir Wm. Browne to be cornet to the Earl of
Cleveland's own troop. [Ent. Book 20, p. 123.] |
March 16. Whitehall. |
30. Estimate of the establishment for a marshal to the Horse
Guards at 9s. a day, besides the pay of a servant who is to be mounted
in the King's troop of Guards, but without doing duty as one of the
troop; 163l. 16s. yearly, beginning March 16, 1667. |
March 16. Harwich. |
31. Silas Taylor to Williamson. Begs that Mr. Lloyd may see
his letter about the threee dogger boats. The great fleet of light
colliers waits convoys to Newcastle. |
March 16. Aldborough. |
32. Rich. Browne to Williamson. Several French and Flemish
vessels appear off the town, and must be expected, as there are no
men-of-war stirring. The Orange and Oxford are in Ousely Bay,
but they never budge. |
March 16 ? 10 a.m., Saturday. |
33. [Lord Chancellor Clarendon] to Lord Arlington. Had just
gone to bed when his letter arrived 11 p.m. last night. Was beginning to write this morning when the King came in, yet thinks this
will reach his lordship before the lady will own being out of bed.
The King having recommended her such a husband, cannot refuse to
take notice of her complaint, and give what redress he can. He
will refer the petition, and all matters arising therefrom, to the
Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Chamberlain, Bishop of London,
Lord Arlington, Lord Holles, and Sec. Morice, to compose differences
if they can, if not, to certify to him the state of the case. Will be
one of the referees if the lady desire, though not wishing to have
anything to do with the knight. Lord Anglesey is her friend, and
might be added to the number if she wish it; any three to proceed.
Endorsed [by Williamson] "Lady Honora Howard." |
March 17. |
Reference to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Earls of Clarendon,
Manchester, and Anglesey, Lords Holles and Arlington, the
Bishop of London, and Sec. Morice, of the petition of Lady Honoria,
wife of Sir Rob. Howard, representing how far he is fallen from the
contract made at the time of their marriage, and desiring relief.
[Ent. Book 18, p. 246.] |
March 17. Berwick. |
34. M. Scott to Williamson. Has no news this week. |
March 17. Falmouth. |
35. Thos. Holden to James Hickes. Some Swedes, Ostenders, and
other vessels, which had been some time waiting a fair wind, have
sailed. |
March 17. Deal. |
36. Ri. Watts to Williamson. The ship fetched in by the Deal
men from the Goodwin is in the Downs, taking in ballast; she is a
Hollander, bound for Nantes. The small rain gives hope that the
great frost now thawing will go away without a flood, which is
almost a miracle, considering the abundance of snow. |
March 17. Plymouth. |
37. D. G[rosse] to Williamson. Rear-Admiral Utbert and his
squadron have brought in two Dutch and two French prizes, and
taken four more, which were separated by storm. Several colliers
have come in from Wales, which it is hoped will allay the high price
of 40s. a quarter now paid for coals; yet the danger is great for
want of convoy. |
March 17. Plymouth. |
38. Thos. Waltham to the Navy Comrs. Arrival of eight ships
named with three prizes; three others are not yet come in. The
Garland and Adventure sunk a man-of-war bound for Jamaica, laden
with supplies for ships on that coast. Mr. Lanyon complains
of the want of supplies for the ships; although he has received
sails, rigging, &c., from ships' officers, he will give no account of
credit for them without the Commissioners' order, alleging that
what is so received is in lieu of other goods delivered; is informed
to the contrary by the ships' officers. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 17. Portsmouth. |
39. Hugh Salesbury to Williamson. Several frigates are going
to convoy some merchant ships to the Thames. |
March 17. Exeter. |
40. Sir Jo. Skelton to Williamson. Has come to Exeter to the
Assizes. Can only say, in reply to his of the 12th, that he believes
no goods were entered or proffered to be entered. |
March 17. Whitehall. |
41. Certificate by Lord Arlington, on Lady Chesterfield's petition
for allowance according to privy seal of June 10, 1664, for extraordinary service in the Post Office, from 30 June 1665 to 30 Sept. 1666,
on examination of her accounts, that 6,377l. 17s. 11d. should be
allowed her for letters of the Dukes of Albemarle and Ormond, and
Lord Lauderdale, and for the extra expenses incurred by war, plague,
&c. [Copy.] Annexing, |
41. i. "A true representation of the mistake of the 10th of June
for the 31st of August, in the certificate." |
March 17. |
Entry of the above, noting an alteration in the date of the privy
seal, from June 10, to August 31, 1664. [Ent. Book 23, p. 408.] |
March ? |
42. Report on a petition of the Countess of Chesterfield for extra
allowances in the Post Office, that she should be allowed for expresses
sent out of course to or from the Dukes of York and Albemarle, on
Admiralty and Navy business, and also for packets and letters sent
by ordinary mails, to or from the Commissioners for prize goods.
[Draft.] |
March 18. The Mary, Dublin. |
43. Capt. Jas. Sharland to the Navy Comrs. A bill drawn on
them in November last for 68l. for two new cables received of Wm.
Bushell at Liverpool, and accepted, is not yet paid. Bushellrequests
him to let them know that he is still without his money, but is
willing to supply another cable, in lieu of that delivered to the
Harp frigate by the order of Lord Ormond, as well as sails, cordage,
&c., provided he has encouragement. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 18. Yarmouth. |
44. [Rich. Bower] to Williamson. Strange reports are spread to
make the people believe there is a design to bring in popery; that
Lord Townshend is to be put out of the deputy lieutenantship and
Mr. Howard put in his place; that the Duke of Albemarle and two
or three lords are clapped up in the Tower; that the trained bands
in London and about Dover and Deal are disarmed; that the Duke
of Buckingham's prosecution arises from his disarming Papists in
Yorkshire; that forces are coming down to disarm the trained bands
about Yarmouth; such reports gain credit and cause strange
jealousies. Thos. Parris, gunner of the port, was sent for before the
bailiffs, for spreading some of these, and is bound to appear at the
sessions; but the originator of the report is not traced. There are
frequent conventicles, and no care taken to suppress them, nor can
there be, as the wife of one of the bailiffs is continually amongst
them; 200 lately met at Albertson's, within a door or two of bailiff
Thaxter's; he told the informer, a chief constable, that he would
send for his partner and consider of it, but they considered so long
that the birds were flown; the wife of bailiff Huntington was
there. The town is not to be trusted in its present condition. Sir
Wm. Doyley cannot say so much, lest he should be ungrateful to his
friends who brought him in burgess for the town, which friends were
afterwards purged out of the house at Yarmouth by the commissioners, and slighted, but have since been so countenanced by him
that those who were most zealous for the King's interest have been
dejected and are quite cowed out. These are no times either for
flattery or aspersion. Will send to the bailiffs the names of some
of those who disperse these strange reports. |
March 18. The Jersey, 90 leagues S.W. of the Lizard. |
45. John Scott to Williamson. Lord Willoughby of Parham, in
the John and Margaret, sailed on the 11th, passed the Needles, and
was off the Lizard on the 12th; on the 13th, the Jersey gave chase
to a ship of Bruges, from Rochelle, which reported that the Holland
fleet of 19 sail, from Nantes, Rochelle, &c., was near Ushant.
Account of the wind since. Begs to be mentioned when he writes
to Lord Willoughby. [1½
pages.] |
March 18. Truro. |
46. Hugh Acland to Williamson. Two frigates have brought in
two salt prizes to St. Ives. |
March 18. The Adventure, Plymouth. |
47. Theophilus Wells to Williamson. Left Plymouth on the
24th, with the Garland, to convoy four vessels 40 leagues without
the Soundings. On March 2, a prize was chased, attacked, and
struck sail to the Adventure, but the Garland, which had been
behind, came up and sent in a boat to take the prize; she refused
to surrender to any but the vessel to whom she struck. The lieutenant and 20 men from the Adventure were accordingly sent on
board her, and her captain and 16 men sent on board the Adventure.
On this the Garland ran into the prize, and broke her down to the
water; the men tried to save their lives by getting into the Garland, but one was knocked on the head and drowned. The prize
belonged to the States of Flushing, and was bound for the West
Indies to wait on some ships, and thence to Guinea to destroy all
belonging to the English, but had obeyed orders in throwing her
packet of letters overboard, if she met with any English ships of
war. The Adventure has taken three Dutch vessels since, one after
a long fight, but the noble captain worked the ship bravely. There
is great press for seamen in France, and as fast as two or three
ships are manned, they are sent out. They have several ships of 60
or 70 guns, which threaten to destroy all before them, and a great
army of men on the shore, and they pity the miserable condition
that will befall England. [2 pages.] |
March 18. |
Warrant for a grant to Horatio Lord Townsend, on surrender of a
similar grant, of the 4s. per chaldron, part of the duty payable on
sea coals, on rent of 1,000l., with allowance of defalcations of sums
received for forfeitures from fraudulent exports of coal. [Ent.
Book 23, p. 412.] |
March 18. |
Warrant for acceptance of a surrender of the former grant of 4s. a
chaldron on sea coal to Lord Townshend, for which he was to pay
2,000l. rent. [Ent. Book 23, p. 412.] |
March 18. |
Order for a warrant for payment of 2,000l. for repair of Richmond
Park wall, lodges houses, gates, &c., according to a report thereon
by the surveyor general. [Ent. Book 23, p. 413.] |
March 18. Peudennis. |
48. Fras. Bellott to Williamson. Two Holland salt prizes have
been sent into St. Ives; one was preserved by the men who took
her, being ready to sink, and her own men wearied out with pumping. Another prize laden with wine and brandy is gone for
Plymouth. |
March 18. London. |
49. James Hickes to [Williamson]. Wrote to Mrs. Barrow Morton
in Berwick, to second his desires about Lady Catherine Murray's
business. Wants the four-sheet map, to draw a new scheme of the
post roads. Sends such letters as have come to hand. |
March 18. Swansea. |
50. Jo. Man to Williamson. Met two seamen belonging to the
Robert of Dover, which was separated from the rest of the fleet in
returning from Smyrna, and taken 10th December last by a French
privateer, who kept the chief mate, boatswain, and a boy, and gave
the rest of the crew the boat to go ashore. They landed at Malaga,
where the Spaniards took their boat and all they had. They sailed
thence in the Hannah of London; she was cast away near Kinsale
in January, and all the lading and company lost except five men,
and they came thence in the Jonathan of London, now in Milford
Haven. |
March 18. Lyme. |
51. Anth. Thorold to James Hickes. Four vessels arrived from
Guernsey report the islands in good condition, and expecting the
intended recruits. Three frigates were left with them, also four
privateers, which are all gone cruising. |
March 18. West Cowes. |
52. John Lysle to Williamson. The easterly winds have long
prevented ships coming in. The Fortune of Ghent has arrived;
she came from Nantes, stayed ten days in Conquet Road, left with
seven French vessels laden with salt for the Grande Partie of France,
but was plundered by a French privateer, which is gone to cruise in
St. George's Channel. She reports 70 good ships of war and fireships in Brest, men daily impressed, even the clowns from the
plough, and thinks an invasion is intended, either on England or
Flanders. Hopes good care is taken about fortifying. Hears that the
post office is to fall into Lord Arlington's hands at Lady-day. Asks
the place of post-master for the Isle of Wight; would thus be able
to give large intelligence, especially through foreigners who resort to
the post. [1½
pages.] |
March 18. Southwold. |
53. John Wickens to Williamson. A French privateer chased
a small hoy bound northward, but she escaped into Barnard Sand.
Begs to have news as Mr. Waynfleet had, and will write on all
occasions. |
March 18. Aldborough. |
54. Rich. Browne to Williamson. Has no news. The Oxford
and Orange are still in Ousely Bay. |
March 18. Weymouth. |
55. John Pocock to Williamson. Three out of several French
masters kept prisoners in the town broke away, stole a small rowing
boat, and got away; hopes no mischief to the town may follow;
begs that this be not put in the Gazette. |
March 18. Newcastle. |
56. Rich. Forster to Williamson. There are 10 coasters in port,
but they will not stir till the convoys daily expected from Scotland
come in. |
March 18. Dover. |
57. Jo. Carlisle to Williamson. An embargo is reported to be
laid in France, on account of 1,000 Frenchmen sent to Holland, to
fetch ships to join De Beaufort; it is also said that in France
they cry up for peace. Capt. John Holmes, in the Lenox now
called the Dover Castle, has taken a fine Holland vessel, laden with
cables, which was going to join Beaufort's fleet. There is 43l. 14s. 2d.
additional due for the men and tackle of the custom house shallop;
the men must be paid, though the expected service was not done,
but Lord [Arlington] must decide whether he will allow for tackling.
This is beside the 12l. 5s. for men employed last month. |
March 18. Bristol. |
58. Daniel Furzer to the Navy Comrs. Wants warrants for
carriage of 300 loads of timber from Dean Forest to Lydney Pill,
160 loads to be charged on Gloucestershire, and 80 on Herefordshire; also warrants for 200 loads ready on the other side
of the Severn. Gives the names of the justices to be inserted
in the warrants. Asks if the anchors for the new ships are to be
made at Bristol, that timely provision may be made. After much
trouble, has procured a bill of exchange for the 1,000l. from Sir
Thos. Langton, mayor of Bristol, on his brother, Joseph Langton of
London, payable at two days' sight. Shall not receive one penny of
it until Sir Thomas hears from his brother that the money is paid.
Begs them to hasten payment, as he is very much straitened for
want of money. [Adm. Paper, 1½
pages.] |
March 19. Harwich. |
59. Silas Taylor to Williamson. The Duke of York is expected
about noon. Several vessels came in on Saturday, fearing a storm.
There is a report from Yarmouth that six or seven Dutch men-ofwar have been seen, and therefore the great collier fleet attempting
this morning to go out was stopped. |
March 19. Plymouth. |
60. John Clarke to James Hickes. Rear-Admiral Utbert, with
eight frigates, has taken five or six Dutch and French prizes, laden
with wine, brandy, and salt. |
March 19. Plymouth. |
61. Sir Jo. Skelton to Williamson. The merchants interested in
the linen cloth ship report that the ship Fortune arrived from Morlaix 15th January, and was seized by the Vice-Admiral on the 16th;
her cargo was bought in October last, all for Englishmen, but was
seized by the French, and cost much trouble and charge to get it
clear. Gives the names of six merchants of London, two of Exeter,
two of Lyme, and three of Tiverton concerned. The vessel was
bound for Ostend, but forced in by contrary weather. RearAdmiral Utbert, with six frigates, has taken eight prizes and brought
in four; one sank at sea, and the others are in ports in Cornwall.
Has sent Lord Arlington the examinations about the Greyhound of
Flushing, taken by the Adventure, and overrun and sunk at sea by
the Garland. |
March 19. Hull. |
62. Luke Whittington to Williamson. By Lord Arlington's
order, has quitted his seizure of the wines to the deputy appointed
by the gentlemen interested. Hopes to have timely notice should
anything of the kind happen in future. |
March 19. Edinburgh. |
63. Rob. Mein to Williamson. Privateers are prospering; there
are 120 in Scotland, who thrive well in their employment. |
March 19. Lynn. |
64. Edw. Bodham to [Williamson]. Two frigates are convoying
20 ships, chiefly laden with beef, pork, wheat, peas, &c., for the
Navy victualler, the rest with wheat, oats, &c., for London. All is
peaceable; the Commissioners are sitting to determine grievances
in poll bill assessments. The sloop taken was brought into a place
24 miles distant. |
March 19. 11½ p.m. |
65. Sir Philip Frowde to [Williamson]. Sends the letters that
have come by the French mail, which was longer than usual. |
March 19. Tenby. |
66. Fras. Malory to James Hickes. Has been from home a
month about the wreck at Penbury. Hears of several wrecks of
Dutchmen that pretend to be Hamburgers, laden with wine and
brandy, and lying off Coldey Island. One is of 200 tons, with
good force of men and arms, but pretends to be bound for Nieuport. |
March 19. |
67. Fras. Malory to Williamson. To the same effect. |
March 19. Whitehall. |
68. Petition of the Lord Mayor, &c., of London to the King for
leave to procure and import such quantities of Portland stone as
shall be needed to rebuild churches, gates, and other public edifices
and private houses about the city, there being none comparable to it
for duration and beauty. With reference thereon to Hugh May,
paymaster of the works, to give order for the bringing of such
quantities of Portland stone as are needed for carrying on the public
buildings in the city. |
March 19. |
Entry of the above reference. [Ent. Book 18, p. 247.] |
March 19. Dover. |
69. Warham Jemmett, sen., to Sir Philip Frowde. The packet
boat was stopped at Calais till yesterday, because they wished no
intelligence to be given of seamen shipped for Amsterdam to fetch
the French King's ships. |
March 19. Whitehall. |
70. Warrant to Sir Edw. Griffin, treasurer of the chamber, to
deliver to Humphrey, Bishop of London, chief almoner, 33l. 6s. 8d.
to be distributed in alms on Maunday Thursday and the ensuing
days. [Copy.] |
March 19. Plymouth. |
71. Sa. Langford to Sam. Pepys. Victualling of ships. The
Golden Sun was ordered to pay and discharge her hired men and to
press others, which has been done. The Gloucester, bound for Portsmouth for new masts, is waiting to convoy 30 or 40 merchant ships
to that place. Asks to see the orders of the pursers, thereby to
correct his accounts. Sends the names of 8 ships in harbour, which
brought in four prizes; four more were left at sea parted by the
weather, of which two came in yesterday. [Adm. Paper, 2 pages.] |
March 19. Lewes. |
72. Sam. Rose to the Navy Comrs. Being informed that goods
belonging to the King, and which had been either stolen or
fraudulently bought, had been taken to the house of George Hodder
of Brighthelmstone, who brought them from Portsmouth,—took an
officer, searched the house, and found one new sail, not as yet put to
the yard, and another in the house of Richard Marchant; seized
both and deposited them in the storehouse. Hears that they belong
to the Royal Sovereign, but the men who brought them home are
now at Portsmouth. Asks whether the ship that brought them is
subject to seizure, and what proceedings they will have against the
men. His letters are to be sent to the Talbot in Southwark; the
Lewes carrier is there every Thursday before 12 o'clock. [Adm.
Paper.] |
March 19. Wapping. |
73. Wm. Wood to Sir John Mennes. Asks for payment of a bill
of 502l. for masts delivered into the stores by contract in July
1666. Has many other bills due for freight of ships amounting to
2,000l. Came with Capt. John Miller to request three days' time
to make masts for a ship of his then employed as a man-of-war,
which could not be granted, whereby he lost the taking of 150l.
ready money. A letter was sent to Messrs. Shorter and Child
from the Board, to send a parcel of New England masts to Chatham.
The ship which brought them home was at Portsmouth, but was
delivered at Wapping 50 days since; has one third part of the
goods, and conceives it to be very hard that they should now be put
to a new charge. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 19. Blackamoor pink. |
74. Capt. John Barton to the Navy Comrs. Received order for
convoying two Gottenburg ships to the Nore, but one of them
being disabled by the weather, durst not venture out. His stay
for them has caused his ship to miss the opportunity of being
paid at the Nore; hopes they will be mindful of him. Five
sail of Hollanders were in the bay the day before. [Adm.
Paper.] |
March 19. Portsmouth. |
75. Comr. Thos. Middleton to Sam. Pepys. Thanks him for the
sawyer's bills. The tickets for the men of the Princess will be
welcomed when they come, but if it is not speedily, she will be gone
to the Downs. Will send the book as soon as Mr. Salmon returns
to the dockyard from Southampton. The names of the two fireships, bought of Capt. Hibbert, and which he believed would be
ready by the next spring tide, are the Francis and Prosperous.
Is forced to take the men from the former to fit the latter, being so
weak of hands that he is ashamed to see work so long about, but it
cannot be remedied. The last week's weather has laid up 40 or 50
of his best men, with fevers and distempers, which take them
like a pleurisy in the side, when they are wantonly bled; more
people die in or about the town than in the time of the plague.
Blesses God that he and his family are in health; his clerk is yet
alive, but it is doubtful how it will be with him. Two other fireships are ready, and ships named are cleaned and tallowed, and two
days will carry one of them out of port. The three Gottenburg
ships are still in harbour; cannot state how they have spent their
time since they have been delivered of their goods. They might
have been ready to sail for London long since, but presumes they
have been hindered by the easterly winds, as one of them has been
at Spithead these 14 or 20 days; has constantly supplied them with
victuals, which he rather forbore to let them have, but having
received their honours' order, shall supply each of the ships for 14
days. Sends an account of the contents of the Prosperous, for which
he would not give 10l. [Adm. Paper, 2 pages.] |
March 19. Ordnance Office. |
76. Edw. Sherburne to the Navy Comrs. Asks the names and
number of the fire-ships intended to be fitted for the summer service,
that the stores may be got ready for them, pursuant to a warrant
from the Duke of York. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 19. Plymouth. |
77. John Lanyon to the Navy Comrs. Arrival of Admiral Utber
with his squadron from the west, with five prizes laden with salt,
wines, and brandies. The Dragon is left at sea, the Garland supposed to be at Falmouth. Three other prizes were taken, which are
supposed to be gone to Ireland with their salt. Survey of ships
needing repairs. Certain stores named in the custody of the
Prize Comrs. are suspended from sale, for the use of the Navy.
[Adm. Paper.] Annexing, |
77. i. Certificate by George Jones and three others of defects found
in six ships named on a survey made by them.
Plymouth, March 18, 1667. |
77. ii. John Lanyon to Rear-Admiral Utber. Gives particulars
of repairs required to ships mentioned.
Plymouth, March 19, 1667. |
March 20. Victualling Office. |
78, 79. Two certificates by Thos. Lewis that John Pitt, purser of the
St. George, had cleared his victualling account between 25th April
and 20th Nov. 1666, and that there was no petty warrant within
the time; that it does not appear at the office what extra money
has been allowed to pursers, save what the victualler has paid to
vessels of 70 men and under, which has been discontinued, and
that he could not charge any ship therewith, nor give any allowance
upon the purser's account. March 8 and 20. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 20. |
Grant to John Ogilby of the sole printing of Homer's works, in
the original, Æsop's Fables, and other books, in addition to his
former privilege of printing similar books. [Ent. Book 23, pp. 416–7.] |
March 20. Whitehall. |
The King to the Dean and Chapter of Exeter. Grants a dispensation to Dr. Hen. Byam, whose age and infirmities disable him
from keeping residence as he ought to do, and requests that he may
receive the emoluments of his place as formerly. [Ent. Book 27,
p. 1a.] |
March 20. Norwich. |
80. Thos. Corie to Dr. John Crofts, Dean of Norwich, Durham
Yard, London. Thanks him for giving notice to the Duke of
Monmouth's chaplain of Acworth, against whom fresh informations
come in every day. Muddiford [Muddiman's] news are more
pleasing than Mr. Williamson's: he reports that the treaty in
France proceeds hopefully, under the Earl of St. Alban's, M. De
Lionne, and Beuningen; that the East India Company is to send
memoirs of their losses, and that we insist much on the isle of
Poleron. The poll business is acted lamentably at Norwich. |
March 20. Norwich. |
81. [Thos. Corie] to Williamson. Is glad to hear of his welfare
from the Dean of Norwich; only two have died of the plague this
week. |
March 20. [Norwich.] |
82. Robt. Scrivener to James Hickes. There is no news in those
parts. |
March 20. Weymouth. |
83. John Pocock to James Hickes. The Eagle arriving from
Guernsey and Jersey reports those islands in good condition. |
March 20. Yarmouth. |
84. Rich. Bower to Williamson. Finding no one fit and willing
to give the bailiffs the names of those who were spreading strange
reports, called on bailiff Huntington and asked him what became
of Wm. Downing, examined for reporting the Duke of Albemarle to
be close prisoner in the Tower, and the trained bands disarmed; he
made light of it, and said it was idle discourse, and every one
examined had added to the first report; told him that both the
first authors and the adders thereto should be prosecuted; informed
him of the reports that Lord Townshend was put out of his
deputy lieutenancy, because he would not pledge the Pope's health,
and Mr. Howard put in; several are examined, who cast it from
one to another, so that it rests nowhere. The poll bill in Yarmouth will not amount to 400l.; not one of the bailiffs, justices,
aldermen, or common council are charged as high as a reputed
gentleman; 60 light colliers are waiting for two convoys coming
from the south. |
March 20. Dover. |
85. J. C[arlisle] to Williamson. Capt. Holmes has sent in one
prize laden with cables, pepper, linseed, &c., and another with oil,
figs, and almonds. |
March 20. |
86. Sir Phil. Warwick to Williamson. The Lord Treasurer is
dissatisfied that Sir James Bunce's bill is signed for 5,776l. whereas,
in his report, he only allowed 3,694l. as fit to be charged on the
English exchequer; also he thinks it much fitter that privy seals
should be charged on the Exchequer generally, and not fixed on
any certain place. |
March 20. Berwick. |
87. M. Scott to Williamson. As Lord Arlington is to make new
grants of office to all the postmasters of England at Lady-day,
begs that before that of Edw. Smith, postmaster of Alnwick, is
granted, 10l. a year out of the salary may be secured to the writer,
till satisfied of a debt of 35l. due to him from Smith. Major-General
Drummond passed through Berwick post on Monday last. |
March [20]. |
88. Geo. Browning to Williamson. Some persons by false reports try to deprive him of his place of postmaster at Exeter.
Sir John Colleton has written to offer it to one Maudit; thinks it
is because the writer opposed Sir John in the election at Dartmouth; requests prevention of this malice. Has left a certificate
in his favour, signed by the principal persons of the county, with
Mr. Richards, clerk of Williamson's office. |
March 20. |
89. "Advices," being notes from letters calendared above, also
from the following:— |
|
Holyhead, March 11: Mr. Leigh, after long waiting for a
vessel to transport him, has hired a small vessel and will sail this
evening, taking with him three packets that lie there, and one
expected from Chester. |
|
Portsmouth, March 19: The Warspite and other frigates are
fitting out, and as they become ready, the seamen are paid off till 1st
August last; yet they value not the loss of seven or eight months'
pay, to run away to merchants' ships that offer great wages.
[1¼
pages.] |
March 20. |
90. James Hickes to Williamson. Rich. Bradshaw of Manchester
is applying for the place of postmaster there; on the death of
Alex. Greene, the postmaster, in July last, the widow lost the employment because she refused to clear her husband's debts to the
office, and Bradshaw took charge of the packets at her request.
The applicants for the place then were Mrs. Halliwell, whose fatherin-law and husband were the first concerned in Manchester letters,
Bradshaw, Mrs. Green, and Jeffry Aldcroft of Knutsford, who
though living 10 miles off, got it on good certificates and security,
and has managed it well, and with several hours less delay than
before. Reasons why he should be allowed to retain the office, and
why Bradshaw is unfit for it, and falsity of Mr. Bradshaw's objections against him. Lord [Arlington] and others concerned should
grant no requests for places till they have heard the person in
possession speak for himself. Mr. Aldcroft will come up if
required. [2 pages.] |
March 21. Whitehall. |
91. [H. Muddiman] to Geo. Powell, comptroller of Pembroke.
News-letter. Particulars given in his letter of March 16. The
Lord Mayor and officers entrusted to order the new buildings in
London have taken away from the site on which some of the houses
in Fleet Street stood as much as will make the part toward Ludgate
as broad as the other part. The Judge of Admiralty is ordered to
discharge the security that stood bound for privateers to bring in
their men by March 20. On the 20th, the Duke of York went to
Harwich, to see the state of preparation in that haven, and other
places, and give orders necessary for its defence. In his journey
he dined with the Duke of Albemarle at Newhall. A marriage
is talked of at court between the Duke of Richmond and Madame
Stuart, one of the Queen's maids of honour. Proceedings of the
Pope. The embargo for seamen at Marseilles is to hold good till
three men-of-war there are fitted. Matches are rumoured between
Lord Morton and Lady Isabella Keith, Lord Fitzwilliam and
Lady Arlington's sister, and Sir Richard Harrison's son, of Berkshire, and Madam Price, a maid of honour. Peace is generally
expected, and Lord Holles and Hen. Coventry, nominated commissioners to treat, were sent for to attend the King at the Lord
Treasurer's. |
|
At Dover it was rumoured that some thousands of men were
on the French coast, and vessels ready for their transport, and
the stay of the mail for 21 days increased this jealousy; but it was
only on account of seamen going to man the French King's ships
built in Holland. The Commissioners for the treaty will be ready
by Easter, and Breda is spoken of as the place. Barbadoes was
rumoured to be lost, but without colour of truth. The commissions for examining accounts have passed the seal; names of
the 18 commissioners. De Ruyter is earnest with the States to
set forth their fleet, believing that the King will refuse all places
for treaty except the Hague, and trusting the Haarlem print,
which reports that the Earl of St. Alban's has broken off the treaty
in France. They are so hot for war in France that they inspect
noblemen's stores for arms and ammunition; 250 families of Valenciennes and Douay are allowed to live in France, in order to bring
in their manufacture of Holland cloth and camlet. [3 pages.] |
March 21. Truro. |
92. Hugh Acland to Williamson. One of the Dutch prizes
brought into St. Ives is of 300 tons and 14 guns, laden with salt,
but so leaky that she has to be brought on shore and her goods
landed; the other is of 250 tons and 4 guns; several others have
been taken, and more would have been, had not our frigates wanted
men. A Yarmouth vessel has been taken near Pendennis Castle,
laden with Welsh coal. |
March 21. Portsmouth. |
93. Hugh Salesbury to Williamson. The Dragon has taken two
Holland wine prizes, and sent them into Southampton. |
March 21. Gresham House, London. |
94. Act of the Common Council of London, deciding as they
were ordained to do by Act of Parliament for the rebuilding of
London, as to which shall be accounted bye lanes, which streets or
lanes of note, and which high and principal streets; all that are not
mentioned as high and principal streets to be hereafter deemed
streets and lanes of note; giving a list of 214 streets, lanes, alleys,
courts, &c., which are to be considered streets of note, and six high
and principal streets. [Printed, 2 pages.] |
March 21. Newcastle. |
95. Rich. Forster to Williamson. On Wednesday sailed the
whole fleet of laden colliers, with those that came from Scotland
under convoy of Capt. Wetwyng of the Tiger,—which has lost
most of her masts in a sudden gust of wind,—and four more good
frigates. |
March 21. Sunderland. |
96. Ben. Francis to Williamson. To-day 300 sail of laden
colliers, 40 of which went out from Sunderland, have passed
southward, with their convoy. |
March 21. Scarborough Castle. |
97. Pe. Hawkins to Williamson. Yesterday 120 laden colliers,
with three men-of-war for convoy, passed from the north; no
enemy's ships have been heard of for three or four weeks. |
March 21. Dover. |
98. Jo. Carlisle to Williamson. Particulars of vessels passing.
The Lenox alias Dover Castle has come in without a prize. |
March 21. |
99. Certificate by Dr. Thos. Lamplugh, principal of Alban Hall,
and 13 other canons, doctors, masters of art, &c., to the good conduct, learning, and conformity to the church of Wm. Rolfe, M.A.
fellow of New College, Oxford. [Latin.] |
March 21. Harwich. |
100. Silas Taylor to Williamson. Yesterday, at 5 p.m., the Duke
of York arrived, and visited the King's house and yard, attended by
several persons of quality, especially Sir Bernard De Gomme, who
had taken pains with the fortifications; he then went into the
writer's small apartment in the yard, and stayed till he went on
board his yacht; to-day he has walked all about the town and
places adjacent, and was so fresh as to tire others with his morning's
walk, in spite of his riding and walking yesterday: 60 or 80 of the
collier fleet have sailed for Newcastle, under convoy of the Oxford
and Orange, the coast being reported clear. Some Dutch prisoners
taken by the Pearl have escaped by Ipswich carelessness, but four
or five are retaken. |
March 21. Aldborough. |
101. Rich. Browne to Williamson. Particulars of vessels sailing.
The coast is clear of pickeroons. |
[March 21.] |
102. Warrant for a grant to Algernon Peyton, of Doddington, Isle
of Ely, of the dignity of a baronet, with remainder to his brothers
Thomas and Henry; also for a discharge of the 1,095l. usually paid
for that dignity. [Draft.] |
March 21. |
103. Edw. Silvester to the Navy Comrs. Begs that his three bills
for anchors may be rated at a reasonable price, that so the work
may go on with cheerfulness. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 21. Gravesend. |
104. Richard Elkin to Sam. Pepys. Sends an account of the
Eagle's petty warrant. Arrival of three ships named in the Hope.
[Adm. Paper.] |
March 21. Spithead. |
105. Theo. Scott, master of the Golden Sun, to the Navy Comrs.
Receiving their order to hasten with the Golden Lion to Portsmouth, has kept on board ship to keep the company, pressed with
much hazard and difficulty, from running away; particulars of
various attempts to sail with the fleet to Portsmouth. [Adm.
Paper.] |
March 22. Plymouth. |
106. Thos. Waltham to the Navy Comrs. Departure of four ships
named for Portsmouth with their convoys. The Greenwich and two
others are waiting a fair wind. The Garland came into Catwater,
having lost her false keel. Mr. Lanyon and himself are upon such
terms that the service is neglected; he denies him an account of
the expenses of several ships, and what sails, cordage, &c., have
been received of the several boatswains, and for which no credit
is given to His Majesty. Desires their order thereon. [Adm.
Paper.] |
March 22. Conpill. |
107. Daniel Furzer to the Navy Comrs. Has treated with the
owners about iron mine as ballast for the St. David. They demanded 4s. 6d. for 12 bushels, which will come to 20l., and it will
cost 1s. per ton for water carriage to the ship's side. The ballast
or iron mine will yield the same price at any place, water carriage
excepted, and is as heavy as iron itself. Desires orders thereon,
hoping to launch the next spring tide. Urges the supply of money
promised for this service. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 22. |
Privy seal to Sir James Bunce for 5,776l., for services to the King
when beyond seas. Minute. [Ent. Book 23, p. 418.] |
March 22. |
Warrant for creating Richard Hastings a baronet. Minute.
[Ent. Book 23, p. 418.] |
March 22. |
Privy seal for 6,000l. to Lord Holles and Hen. Coventry, in
advance for their equipage, &c., in their intended negotiation of the
treaty at Breda. Minute. [Ent. Book 23, p. 418.] |
March 22. |
Pass for Henry Howard into France. Minute. [Ent. Book 23,
p. 418.] |
[March 22.] Whitehall. |
108. Warrant for a grant of a pension of 200l. a year to Dr. John
Troutbeck, from the tenths of the clergy in the diocese of Lincoln.
Annexing, |
108. i. Note for Mr. Williamson that Dr. Troutbeck's requests
are a patent for 200l. a year for 21 years, or for life,
from July 9, 1660, to be paid half-yearly by the receiver of the tenths of Lincolnshire, the arrears to be
first paid. |
March 22. |
Entry of the above warrant. [Ent. Book 23, p. 419.] |
March 22. |
109. Minute of the above warrant. |
March 22. |
110. "Advices" being notes from letters calendared above, and
also from the following:— |
|
Jersey, Mar. 2: The French are victualling and rigging at Brest,
and send the vessels when fit to Rochelle, where 25,000 landsmen
will soon be ready. |
|
Bridlington, March 18: The Guernsey is gone for Tynemouth
where the laden fleet remains; the Hampshire, with 10 sail, passed
by the Humber, and left her prize in Hull. [2½
pages.] |
March 22. Dartmouth. |
111. Owen Lindsey to Williamson. Two Dartmouth vessels have
arrived safely from Lisbon, and saw one enemy, a French man-ofwar, which chased them a whole afternoon. |
March 22. Plymouth Fort. |
112. Sir Jo. Skelton to Williamson. Wishes Lord Arlington to be
spoken to about the salary for himself, Sir Thos. Carey and Sir John
Knight, the commissioners general, as the year is expired and there
is money in the Treasurer's hands; understands the other commissioners are to be paid by the Lords Commissioners for Prizes. Begs
continuance of office for the postmaster there; no man is fitter for
the place, though some are trying to supplant him. A Genoese
ship laden with French salt, bound for Hamburg, was seized last
year and brought into port as a prize, but was cleared; some
friends of his, merchants of Portsmouth, then lent the master 300l.,
which they may lose, unless they can get permission to land the salt
as security; begs a licence therefor, for which a reasonable gratuity
will be given. The Forester has brought in an Amsterdam salt
prize. Departure of vessels. |
March 22. Plymouth. |
113. John Clarke to James Hickes. Particulars of vessels departing and in harbour. The Garland has taken an Amsterdam salt
prize of 400 tons, after fighting all night. She then saw a French
man-of-war of 50 guns, but the Garland's captain, having fitted his
prize as a fire-ship, the French captain believed it to be a fire-ship,
and bore away. |
March 22. |
114. John Clarke to Williamson. To the same effect. |
March 22. Plymouth. |
115. D. G[rosse] to Williamson. The Garland has brought in an
Amsterdam prize of 12 guns and 250 men, after a stout fight,
wherein the Amsterdamer blew up her own round house, thereby
wounding several of her men; she is much disabled and torn. The
Garland has three men killed, and eight or nine wounded. Several
vessels have gone to Portsmouth to be repaired. |
March 22. Whitehall. |
116. Order in Council granting the petition of Nich. Warren,
Phil. Jegon, and Hum. Graves, merchants of London, for leave to
unlade in the port of London, on payment of all custom and
duties, the French merchandises laden on the St. Mary of Dieppe;
a pass was granted by the Duke of York to the Earl of St. Alban's
to bring in French commodities on the said vessel, some months
before the proclamation probibiting their import: relying on this
pass, they freighted the ship with wines, paper, canvas, &c., for the
said Earl and themselves, but by the French King's embargo on all
ships, and by contrary winds, it has been detained. With notes
concerning the landing of the said goods. |
March 22. Southwold. |
117. John Wickens to Williamson. Passage of collier fleets;
one of the vessels is aground on the Barnet Sand, but it is hoped she
will get off. |
March 22. Hull. |
118. Chas. Whittington to Williamson. His father has set out
for London. Passage of the collier fleet, and the ships from Scotland. The Tiger with 20 sail is in the Humber. The Ruby and
Eagle stay at Newcastle, to convoy 30 sail not yet laden. |
March 22. Swansea. |
119. Jo. Man to Williamson, A Hamburg vessel was cast ashore
in Laugherne Marsh, Carmarthenshire, laden with salt, which was
lost, but some of the wine saved, also all the men. Another vessel
in Tenby Road pretends to be of Hamburg, but is suspected to be
Dutch. |
March 22. Pembroke. |
120. Fras. Malory to Williamson. Wreck of a Hamburger laden
with French wines and brandy, at Pendine, 12 miles distant. |
March 22. Lynn. |
121. Edw. Bodham to [Williamson]. Arrival of the collier fleet,
with 20 ships from Scotland and 3 frigates as convoy. They
have seen no enemy. A Lynn vessel bound for London, laden
with oats, has been taken by a Dutch privateer, being parted from
the other ships with which she had sailed. |
March 22. |
122. Sir P. Warwick to Williamson. Recommends a poor man,
the son of a woman who ventured and suffered in carrying letters
of much importance during the war, and had a pension of 40l. for
life; the King promised her to settle somewhat on her son. Endorsed "Welsh Besse's son." |
March 22. Whitehall. |
123. Warrant to the Comrs. of Prizes to order the sale of the
Dolphin of Dieppe, now in the Thames, to Lord Widdrington,
on a fair appraisement, he being obliged to bring timber into
the King's yards. |
March 23. |
Indemnity to George Fawcet, for corresponding with the fanatics
and others disaffected to the King and government. Minute. [Ent.
Book 24, p. 36.] |
March 23. |
Warrant to the Farmers of Customs for unlading 120 pipes of
Canary wine, for the Spanish ambassadors. Minute. [Ent. Book 23,
p. 419.] |
March 23. Weymouth. |
124. Chr. Sawtell to Edm. Sawtell, Post Office, London. The
Dover privateer has come in without a prize, her commission being
out. Capt. Abbott, of Weymouth, in his privateer the Hopeful
Providence, has brought in a prize, a Guernsey vessel, which had
been taken by a French man-of-war, and carried into a French harbour, whence the captain recovered it. With note from [Hickes to
Williamson] that he sends him this letter at Mr. Sawtell's request, notwithstanding Sawtell's frequent correspondence with
Mr. Muddiman. |
March 23. Weymouth. |
125. John Pocock to James Hickes. Capture by the Hopeful
Providence of a prize in Brehack harbour, near Morlaix; she proved
to be a Jersey vessel, laden with coals from Deal, which was taken
two days before by a French man-of-war. |
March 23. Harwich. |
126. Silas Taylor to Williamson. Whispers privately that as his
prize employment will signify little in case of peace, he wishes to
be engaged about the packet boat, which it is believed will be
settled at Harwich instead of at Dover. Can give advantageous
arguments if needful. |
March 23. Harwich. |
127. Silas Taylor to Williamson. The Duke of York left yesterday, early in the morning, and hopes to reach Whitehall to day.
He was much pleased with the situation of the tower; it is to be
fortified, as well as Landguard, which he visited; he also took pains
to see Beacon Hill. The weather was good all the time he was there.
The colliers from the Thames are at anchor in Ousely Bay. |
March 23. Bristol. |
128. Sir Thos. Langton, mayor of Bristol, to Williamson. Begs
directions from Lord Arlington about three poor sickly Frenchmen,
sent over prisoners from Barbadoes. |
March 23. York. |
129. Thos. Waade to Williamson. On Wednesday 200 sail of
colliers passed the port [Whitby] with three convoys, and on the
next day 25 sail, supposed to be the Scotch fleet. A strong wind is
thought to have driven the coal fleet into the Humber. His father
Mascall is ill and unable to write. |
March 23. Aldborough. |
130. Rich. Browne to Williamson. Passage of light colliers northwards; 100 laden ones are still in Ousely Bay. |
March 23. Yarmouth. |
131. Rich. Bower to Williamson. Passage of light and laden
colliers. The Portsmouth has brought in a Dutch caper, which proves
to be a West country vessel, taken last year; the men are ashore and
put in prison; also a sloop, which is an Ostender, laden with lead
from Hull for Ostend. Hears that the King has given Prince
Rupert all prize goods that are embezzled; will come to London
to obtain reimbursement of the moneys he is out. |
March 23. Chester. |
132. Ma. Anderton to Williamson. At Chester and Liverpool
500 Irish cattle have been landed, but all seized; the justices are
resolved utterly to ruin the poor Irishmen that imported them, and
what seems strange, some justices, after the cattle are forfeited
and the forfeiture paid, disturb the second buyer and seize the
cattle again. Would pay him well for advice and assistance for
these poor Irish. Proclamations have been issued in Ireland, appointing granaries in several parts of the kingdom for wheat and
oatmeal, and the Lord Lieutenant allows half of the two last subsidies
to be paid in wheat and oatmeal. Another proclamation was
issued for publishing the last Act of Parliament, for encouraging
the linen trade of the kingdom. Capt. Wright, sailing with a 300
ton vessel for Virginia, was deserted at Galloway by 12 of his
men, and obliged to delay his voyage. The Dartmouth waits the
Lord Lieutenant's orders at Kinsale. Duallagh's head is now on St.
James's Gate, Dublin. |
March 23. Letter Office. |
133. James Hickes to Williamson. Sends six Irish packets, of
18, 23, and 26 February and 2, 5, and 9 March, which have come
to hand this morning. |
March 23. |
134. Sir Phil. Warwick to [Williamson]. Sends a draft of a
warrant for moneys required, which the King must sign for the
privy seal. Will then endeavour the assignment, having interposed
in the business by borrowing; is interested in it, both as caring for
the work and desiring to serve him [Williamson]. [Draft.] Prefixing, |
134. i. Warrant to pay to Capt. George Wharton 858l. 5s., for
expenses of the Ordnance Comrs. in pulling down,
according to order, houses about the Tower, which subjected it to danger from fire, and weakened the defences. |
March 23. Whitehall. |
135. Petition of Edward Smith and Edmund Lee, merchants of
London, to the King. Their vessel, the Mary of Frederickstadt,
laden with Norway timber, was seized by Capt. Elliott of the
Revenge, notwithstanding that she had a pass from the Duke of
York, and made into a fire-ship; its restoration was ordered but not
performed, and they hear it is lost. Beg satisfaction in money or in
prize ships for its value, 1,100l. With reference thereon to the Navy
Comrs., and their report, March 11, 1667, recommending payment
of 809l. 8s. as compensation. [Copy.] |
March 23. |
Entry of the above reference. [Ent. Book 18, p. 247.] |
March 23. Oxford. |
136. Certificate by Dr. John Fell, vice-chancellor of Oxford, that
Wm. Rolfe, M.A., is reputed in that place a worthy and ingenious
person. With note by Humphrey Bishop of London, April 8, 1667,
that for his learning and good conversation, he is worthy to be
preferred to an ecclesiastical benefice. |
March 23. Keynsham. |
137. Sir Thos. Bridges to Williamson. In executing Lord
Arlington's commands, finds the poll money in those parts will
amount to a much vaster sum than was conceived, and would be
larger still but for some brethren of a new separation, who court
an airy popularity by decrying taxes and conniving at the bold
practices of Nonconformists, though at the expense of King and
kingdom's interest, in these sad times of hazard. Will acquaint him
with their practices, on coming to London in a fortnight. |
March 23. Ipswich. |
138. Andrew Crawley to Sam. Pepys. Sends an account of ships
victualled. Cannot fulfil his orders, on account of the neglect of
pursers in not supplying him with certificates for extra money, or
accounts of the beginning and ending of their victuals. [Adm.
Paper.] |
March 23. Plymouth. |
139. S. Langford to Sam. Pepys. Sends his accounts. Explains
mistakes made therein by trusting to the indents. Though the
commanders of ships complain of the want of their complement of
men, yet the ships are victualled for their full proportion, so that,
unless their honours have some means above the muster masters'
accounts and the pursers' books to do His Majesty right, there is
much abuse done. The accounts might as well be left to the pursers as the muster master there; his conduct disparages the power
that appoints him. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 23. |
140. Thos. Lloyd, secretary to the Lords Commissioners of Prizes,
to Sir Wm. Penn. The Commissioners have ordered the delivery of
the sailcloth in the Liefde of Stralsund at Plymouth to the Navy
Comrs.' agent, provided they take it and pay all charges within 14
days. The Prize Comrs. desire that they will give their agent
instructions for the future as to adjusting the value of commodities.
Shall insert a clause in their order of delivery, to prevent the lapse
of time, &c., for the future. Sends an account of wines, &c.
delivered to the Navy. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 24. Plymouth. |
141. John Lanyon to the Navy Comrs. Departure of RearAdmiral Utber with the big ships for Portsmouth. Particulars of
ships remaining to be cleaned, repaired, &c. [Adm. Paper.] |
March 24. Dublin. |
142. Sir N. Armorer to Williamson. Has returned from Duncannon from hunting the Tories, who robbed an honest Quaker of
his acquaintance, within four miles of the town where the judges
were sitting at assize. They were 30 in number; has taken seven,
and has them in durance base, whence they are only likely to
remove to the gallows. The Duke [of Ormond] has the gout; would
offer no business to him, to get more than ever he will gain by
that petition. Hopes a reference to the Lords Commissioners of
Prizes there, who know well the merits of the cause. |
March 24. Falmouth. |
143. Thos. Holden to James Hickes. Is chosen by the Pollmoney Commissioners assessor for that town and parish. It causes
much complaint that wives and children under 16 years, except
poor children, are to pay, there being no precedent for both man
and wife to pay. The Greenwich has taken two Dutch salt prizes
into St. Ives. A Nieuport vessel reports that an English privateer,
near the French coast, took from her her flag, some provision, and
cordage. |
March 24. Berwick. |
144. M. Scott to Williamson. All is quiet; 13 ships have passed
from Scotland southward. |
March 24. Portsmouth. |
145. Hugh Salesbury to Williamson. Three frigates have sailed
to convoy several merchant ships for the Downs, some laden with
naval stores. The Gloucester has brought in several merchant
ships from Plymouth, bound for the Thames. |