May 11.
Canterbury. |
Sir Arnold Braems and Sir Edward Master to Williamson. Sending an enclosure from Holland, which they judge worthy of his consideration, and fit for the press if he concurs. [S.P. Dom., Car. II.
308, No. 30.] |
May 11.
Newcastle. |
Anthony Isaacson to Williamson. The wind continues E. and
N.E., which hinders the Scots coming. About twenty pressed men
were brought lately from Whitehaven, and others are daily picked
up hereabouts. [Ibid. No. 31.] |
May 11.
Hull. |
George Mawson to James Hickes. Mentioning that last post came
in his bag another letter for Allan Wharton of Whitby, franked by
Hickes' son, which he had sent under cover to Mr. Rigden of York.
[Ibid. No. 32.] |
May 11.
8 a.m. Hull. |
J. Parkins to Williamson. My silence the last two posts was
caused by my being in the country. The Drake sailed on the 4th
with about 150 seamen for the fleet. Two Danish ships arrived
three days ago reported that all the Holland fleet was at sea,
which was not believed, though it seems to prove true. I believe
the fleets have engaged. We are big with expectation of the issue,
so I pray you to let one of your clerks send me a true relation of
the fight. We hear of no privateers as yet on this coast. The
Governor has forbidden any ships to go to sea until further orders.
Wind E. all yesterday, and is so still. [Ibid. No. 33.] |
May 11.
Boston. |
John Butler to Williamson. I constantly keep our Custom
House boat plying between this and Lynn, and sometimes northward, for intelligence. Last Thursday we sent to Hull forty choice
seamen pressed here to be sent to the fleet, and more are pressed,
and marching to Hull from Saltfleet Haven and Grimsby. Wind
continues E., sometimes veering to the north. [Ibid. No. 34.] |
May 11.
Landguard Fort. |
Sir Charles Lyttelton to Williamson. The boat went not out
yesterday by the mistake of someone at Harwich; but at nine last
night, as soon as I received both yours of the 9th, I immediately
went over, and have settled, I hope, that for the future we shall
constantly have a spy out, and by two this morning one is gone out
with instructions to go about the Longsand within sight of the
Foreland, whence they may discover all to the Galloper and the North
Foreland; and to be more certain that the master observes these
orders, I have put another able pilot, whom I take to be a stout
man, and a file of musketeers aboard him, which they desire, for
fear of calms, and small boats then coming up to them. As soon as
he returns you shall have his account by express. I have hired
Foxe's ketch of Harwich, which has the credit of being an excellent
sailer, and the master of a very understanding stout fellow, which I
have taken care to man and assist in fitting out, which shall be
ready to go out to-night with orders to stand another way to the
coast of Flanders, where it is imagined here the Dutch fleet may be
at present, if that sent out to-day brings no other advice, because
with this wind our sailors conclude they cannot reach Holland, and
in any case she shall be out at night, for I suppose you will never
think you can be too well informed. Last night I examined the
master again about his seeing them off the Longsand, which I wrote
to you, and he stands firm that he was not mistaken, and that one
of them had a flag on his maintop, and the master of another
vessel now in harbour says he saw them thereabouts too at the
same time, so they may have been the ten frigates the packet-boat
saw at sea. There are incident charges in this affair which cannot
be brought well to the account of the Navy, nor have I power from
them, and if you reply on me, I desire I may not depend on any
other's humour and leisure, which, indeed, was the reason the boat
went not out yesterday, nor would again, but that I have strained
both authority and credit. Therefore, if convenient, I pray there
may be some contingent money, and power to pay and press men or
vessel. Having received order to fill up my company with another
sergeant and thirty-eight more men, I desire you to speak to Lord
Arlington to move his Majesty for an order to the Master of the
Ordnance for at least twenty beds and bedsteads for them, to be
sent immediately, because I have not one spare of either in the fort,
and, if they cannot be sent before the men be raised, for an order
in the meantime to quarter them in the country, for they will all
presently fall sick, if they have not wholesome lodging here, where
it is as cold now as I have felt it almost any time of the year. I
have enough sheets already. I am sending my ensign and a
sergeant and drum to Norwich to raise them, whom I expect back
in a few days. [1½ page. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 35.] |
May 11,
between 3 and 4 p.m. Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to Williamson. Giving his version of the despatch
of the scouts mentioned in the last. To man the ketch sent out I
was constrained to take the men employed in his Royal Highness's
wreck-fishing, to such necessities are we enforced. It had been, and
is, very easy to procure his Majesty's order for these things, if he
approves of them. You see how far I have launched already; I
love not that verse, Hos ego versiculos, &c. Let not my pains be
insignificantly as to myself be swallowed up by others, nor deducted
from the total of my duty to his Majesty. The masters related to
me that the Dutch fleet were N.N.E. from the North Foreland about
five leagues. They told about 50 sail, but they lay so thick they
could not distinctly number them. When the Dutch saw this
vessel, they sent a galliot after them, and other ships stood after
them, but, ours betaking themselves over the sands, they left the
chase. They were within a league and a half of their main body,
who were under their topsails, some lying one way and some
another. When some of them were near the Longsand the Admiral
fired a gun, and so they stood about. They saw four flags. The
ketch goes out anon. Some think they will keep that station till
the wind turns or our fleet venture to disturb them among those
sands. [S.P. Dom. Car., II. 308, No. 36.] |
May 11, 9 a.m.
Sheerness. |
Major N. Darell to Williamson. The fleet that sailed yesterday
from the Buoy of the Nore is yet in sight, though under sail, the
wind blowing hard at E.N.E., so that they cannot make much way,
except what the ebb tide, which they now have, helps them to.
The smacks and victuallers are likewise gone out this morning, and
some soldiers towards the fleet, and others for the Revenge at Chatham. [Ibid. No. 37.] |
May 11, 9 p.m.
Sheerness. |
The same to the same. Sir Thomas Allin and Sir Jeremy Smyth
had been gone half-an-hour when I received your letter for them,
so I have sent it by a four-oared boat, and have just fired a gun
astern of their boat. [Ibid. No. 38.] |
May 11,
2 p.m. Margate. |
John Glover to Williamson. About sunrise this morning the
whole Dutch fleet came in upon the Foreland, and lay off and on
there most of the forenoon with their sails haled up. They were
so near in that we could see their hulks very plain, but now they
are beating off to sea again. I must send this to the post house at
Sandwich, for no post goes from us, except Tuesdays and Fridays.
[Ibid. No. 39.] |
May 11, 11 a.m.
Dover Castle. |
Col. John Strode to Williamson. I despatched the Emsworth
this morning with the packets received from you last night, the
Drake having gone in the night without my knowledge. No news
yet from Hastings or Rye of the discovery of our fleet. The Dutch
fleet lies off the Northsands' head down towards Calais. As news
comes the sign of smoke shall be made according to your orders.
[Ibid. No. 40.] |
May 11,
7 p.m. Dover Castle. |
The same to the same. Your express arrived past three to-day,
a great fault in the postmasters. The Prince's orders partly came
too late, for, contrary to my desires, the Drake went, carrying
200 pressed men. The Edgar's ketch was so leaky that near forty
pressed men marched overland here, and are gone to the fleet on
the Fanfan and Drake. The Elizabeth ketch, with about 130 seamen on board, I have stopped, and ordered to go to the Gloucester,
and if he find danger, he is to put in at Ramsgate or Broadstairs,
and march his men to Margate, and ship them again there. I have
ordered Lieut.-Colonel Rooke to guard them on their march with
some of the trained bands. You formerly mentioned making a
smoke in the day, but now making a light in the night. I have
therefore ordered the lighthouse to make no lights in the night till
further order; otherwise any difference cannot be known. No
news of the fleet yet, the wind blowing N.E. I have seen two
ships to the westward above these four hours, but cannot believe
them to be any of the fleet, not discovering any others, or having
any advice from the westward. [S.P. Dom., Car., II. 308,
No. 41.] |
| [May 11.] |
Col. J. Strode to Williamson. Just as I delivered this letter to the
postmaster I had yours of the 10th at midnight. Your packets
that came this afternoon are gone, but these cannot go yet. [Ibid.
No. 42.] |
May 11, 9 a.m.
Off Breader-Hempson (Brighton). |
[J.] Knight to Williamson. I left Portsmouth Wednesday morning, having orders to attend the fleet on the Cleveland, till I saw
the issue of this bravado made by the Dutch, of whom we have no
intelligence except that they are between Folkestone and Fair Lee
(Fairlight), in quest of whom we and the Henrietta now are, though
the winds are so little and so malicious, that since seven yesterday
morning we have been able, with all imaginable diligence, to reach
no further than against this, perfectly becalmed, and the tide ebb.
We left the fleet standing over for the French coast, the wind N.E.
and the tide at flood, in hopes of a veer at south, which might
bring them to the above-mentioned place, where all our intelligence
yet says the Dutch are. [Ibid. No. 43.] |
May 11.
The Prince. |
[J. Hamilton] to [Williamson]. I received yours of the 7th
yesterday afternoon, and the printed and written news, which I
had seen on board two days before. There is order taken that you
know the motion of the fleet, when it does move, and sooner would
be useless, because of the varying of our resolutions, which must
depend on accident and sudden intelligence. Since the Duke of
Buckingham has been on board, we have done nothing without
his approbation either in detaining or releasing any vessel. The
captain of the Forester brought back this morning a Calmar ship
that Lord Hawley and I had released, on the Swedish Resident's
knowing the master and the owners, and the occasion of her being
brought back was so frivolous that his Grace did not detain her.
It is impossible to serve the King in this employment without a
vessel with twenty good men, to send upon occasion on board the
prizes to take care of them, and see that those we must borrow
from the fleet make no embezzlement. We have not now so much
as a boat or a place to examine any brought before us, such is the
intolerable crowd in this ship, and such the continual service for
her boats. I beseech you to represent this to the Lords Commissioners. The Duke has promised that when any vessel is taken,
the papers shall be inventoried and brought sealed to us, which
has not hitherto been observed by the captains. [2 pages. Ibid.
No. 44.] |
May 11,
10 p.m. Portsmouth. |
Hugh Salesbury to Williamson. We now guess the shooting
heard last night was only the exercising of the small shot aboard
our fleet. A hoy came in from them to-day, which left them all
under sail 15 or 16 leagues off, and plying eastward. The wind is
generally at night off shore, and in the day veers with the sun to
the south. By the wind here we suppose our fleet may be very
near the length of the South Foreland. A Swedish skipper arrived
here to-day that passed last Sunday through the Dutch fleet—who
detained him two days, took out his guns, and so let him pass—
says their fleet consisted of 100 good men-of-war and near 50 fireships. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 45.] |
May 11.
Newport, Isle of Wight. |
James Halsall to Williamson. All yesterday afternoon was
heard great shooting east of the island. An honest man of this
island tells me that the Dutch in the late war had constant intelligence from North Yarmouth, but from whom he cannot tell. I
well remember that Bridges, a fanatic preacher, and Emperor, a
merchant there, formerly kept intelligence with the Dutch from
thence. If they be now living they may very well be suspected.
Pray let me have the Gazette sometimes. To-day the militia of
this place have their several posts appointed them, and I am putting
more into the castles. I wish we had a troop of horse here, for
there is not any of the militia. [2 pages. Ibid. No. 46.] |
May 11.
Weymouth. |
Nathaniel Osborne to James Hickes. No news. The wind
holds E. [Ibid. No. 47.] |
May 11.
Bristol. |
Thomas Moore to James Hickes. In reply to his letter of the
7th, expressing his willingness to correspond with Williamson,
though he cannot undertake to write every post on account of the
state of his affairs, and promising that if he fails any post, yet advice
shall be given of anything important. No news there at present,
as the wind being N.E. no shipping comes in, and most of the seamen lately impressed having gone to Portsmouth, few or no ships go
on foreign voyages. With note by Hickes recommending Moore,
and asking that the written intelligence be sent him every Saturday.
[Ibid. No. 48.] |
May 11.
Milford. |
John Powell to James Hickes. The Holmes arrived here the 9th,
and yesterday and to-day embarked 200 pressed seamen to be conveyed to the fleet. [Ibid. No. 49.] |
May 11.
Warrington. |
Matthew Anderton to Williamson. Wind E. I am going to the
Earl of Derby. Yesterday 26 able seamen, all pressed in Cheshire,
were sent from Chester on their march to London. [Ibid. No. 50.] |
| [May ?] |
Warrant to pay 900l. to Sir Robert Pye to pay for some coachhorses bought by him by his Majesty's directions. [S.P. Dom.,
Entry Book 34, f. 163.] |
| May 11. |
Docquet thereof. [Docquets, Vol. 25, No. 231.] |
| May 11. |
Warrant to apprehend Robert Priest for abusing Col. Russell.
Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 34, f. 164.] |
May 11.
Victualling Office. |
Sir T. Littleton, Josiah Child, and T. Papillon, to the Navy Commissioners. We have sent on board the Good Hope, Fame, and
James the undermentioned quantities of iron-bound casks, and we
cannot understand that the masters make any riddance in filling of
their water, some having scarce any men on board, so that some
of our coopers have been fain to hoist some of their casks on board.
We are informed that they can neither take in nor carry any more
water than will fill the said casks, so you may consider what further
tonnage will need to be taken up for that service. [S.P. Dom.,
Car. II. 324, No. 134.] |
May 11.
Deptford. |
Capt. John Tinker, Jonas Shish, and J. Uthwat, to the Navy
Commissioners. Sending an appraisement of the Marigold and
Friendship. [Ibid. No. 135.] |
| May 11. |
Capt. William Andrews to the same. The Providence is now
riding in the Gallions. Her provisions will be on board to-day. The
boatswain's and carpenter's stores are in the boat, ready to go on
board. The gunner is gone to the Tower for his warrant, and I
hope will be despatched to-day. I shall then want nothing but
men, and I shall do my best to get them, for they are somewhat
hard to come by. I shall use all opportunities to get her down to
the Buoy of the Nore. But last Thursday she came out of the shipwright's hands. Noted that the gunner was met in a wherry going
down with all his stores with him, and said all was got from the
Tower, and that he knew what he wanted at Woolwich was ready.
[Ibid. No. 136.] |
May 11.
Newcastle. |
Giles Bond to the same. I received yours with the enclosed press
warrant. The 9th I received 25 pressed men from Cumberland and
Westmoreland, but returned seven I found unfit for the service.
My vessel is not yet come, nor are the Scotch seamen. The
Cambridge's ketch is not yet gone, and she and the ten-gun ship
of Mr. Cox, of Yarmouth, have 90 pressed men on board, besides
the 30 Scots, and will sail the first fair wind if the embargo be off
that now is on all ships. [Ibid. No. 137.] |
May 11.
Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to the same. Sir J. Williamson's earnestness and
Sir C. Lyttelton's urgency has overpowered me to send out vessels
of discovery. Mr. Robert Foxe's ketch is taking in ballast to sail this
afternoon; I question not you will approve of it, and if vessels be
wanting you would order her into the service. (News of the Dutch
fleet as in his previous letter of the same date.) [Ibid. No. 138.] |
May 11.
Bristol. |
John Hickes, Mayor, to the same. I enclose a list of all those
impressed up till to-day in this city, and directed to the clerk of the
cheque at Portsmouth (only about 100 of them marched hence with
Capt. Grant), and also an account of my disbursements, of which
pray order the reimbursement. The bill for 60l. sent you last week
payable to Col. Rumsey I have taken up, and by his order made it
payable to Richard Mountney. I request the discharge of two of
the pressed men brought from Chepstow, who are owners of
two trowes, that constantly use betwixt this and Worcester, which
(should they go) would be a very great hindrance to the trade of
this city, one of them named Vickers having been very useful in
pressing seamen in the last Dutch war, and he would now be as
serviceable had he command for so doing. Very few seamen are to
be found at present in this city or liberties, but ships are daily
expected. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 324, No. 139.] |
May 11.
Chester. |
Sir Geoffrey Shakerley to the Navy Commissioners. Enclosing a
list of 26 seamen pressed in that county sent off to the Navy
Office that day. [Ibid. No. 140.] Enclosed, |
|
The said list. [Ibid. No. 140i.] |
May 11.
Whitehall. |
Sir J. Williamson to S. Pepys. Asking to know when any
vessel is going down to the fleet, as he would be glad to put some
few things of Lord O'Brien's on board. [Ibid. No. 141.] |
May 11.
Newport, Isle of Wight. |
James Halsall to Sir T. Allin. Requesting an order to refit the
James galliot, ordered to attend the Isle of Wight for his Majesty's
service, which now lies useless at Portsmouth. Postscript.—We
heard great shooting to the east of the island all yesterday afternoon. [Ibid. No. 142.] |
| May 11. |
Request by Barnaby Hallet for a licence for the house of Robert
Basse, of Market Harborough, for any licensed Presbyterian minister,
and for licences for Matthew Clarke, of Market Harborough, and
John Shuttlewood, of Lubbenham, both in Leicestershire, both
Presbyterians, to preach in any licensed place, and also for a licence
for the house of the last. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 321, No. 92.] |
| May 11. |
Two requests by Robert Levinz for a licence for Haslefoot Bridges,
of Enfield, Middlesex, Presbyterian, to preach in his own house, or
any other licensed place, and receipt by Levinz for the licence.
[Ibid. Nos. 93, 94, 95.] |
| May 11. |
Request for a licence for John Issott, junior, at his father, John
Issott's, house in Horbury, Yorkshire. [Ibid. No. 96.] |
| May 11. |
Request by John Prockter for licences for John Sutton at his own
dwelling-house in Sheep Street, Banbury, and for Nathaniel
Stephens, of Stoke, Leicestershire, both Presbyterians, and for the
houses of Abigail Dowell, of Stoke, Nathaniel Stephens, junior, of
Higham, Samuel Ward, of Hinckley, John King, of Witherby, and
John Darby, of Drayton, all in Leicestershire. [Ibid. No. 97.] |
| May 11. |
Request by Robert Mascall for licences for Nathaniel Holmes, D.D.,
Congregational, and for his house in Horseshoe Alley, Upper Moorfields. [Ibid. No. 98.] |
| May 11. |
Receipt by Robert Mascall for licences for Samuel Hieron, and
for Mistooll House, Chatham, and for the houses of Thomas Markwicke and Mrs. Bunbury, both in Wye, and of James Vigeon, in
Molash. [Ibid. No. 99.] |
| May 11. |
Request by John Hickes for licences for Robert Tutchin, of
Lymington, Hampshire, for himself and his house, and for James
Waller, of Rattlesden, Suffolk, at Edmund Frost's house there, both
Presbyterians. [Ibid. No. 100.] |
| May 12. |
Certificate by Col. J. Fitzgerald that Richard Fitzgerald, lieutenant
to Capt. Kneedom's (Needham's) company under his command, is
now here with the said company at Yarmouth. [S.P. Dom., Car. II.
308, No. 51.] |
| May 12, 10 p.m. |
Sir C. Lyttelton to Williamson. The enclosed is from a Major
Mordaunt, who came over in the packet-boat. Fox's ketch could
not go out till within this hour, by reason of the fog, of which we
have had a great deal lately at sea. The other paper is an account
by a master's mate, who was in the Victory. I have put aboard the
ketch two files of men, by the master's desire, without whom, as the
weather is so dark and calm, they cannot well dare to venture out,
which I hope, though I have no order for it, his Majesty will allow,
as also my having undertaken to give protection to the ship's company on pretence of authority from his Majesty, for without it they
would not sail. The loss of the Victory was occasioned, as the
mate tells me, but dares not put it down in his relation, chiefly
because the captain left her at Gravesend and went up to London
with his wife with his longboat, where he stayed 48 hours, and then
came down in oars; then they weighed and sailed within four miles
of the fleet, but wanting the longboat and above twenty of their
men, they stayed for them, the fleet being sailed towards the Downs.
The day after the fleet sailed, the longboat came down with his
wife and four or five more women, who were all aboard when the
ship was taken. He says most of the officers' wives were in the
ship. [1¼ pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 52.] Enclosed, |
May 12.
Landguard Fort. |
Relation by Philip Day. 5th May, being aboard the French
Victory we fell into the Holland fleet, so that we could by no
means escape, but were in half an hour in the enemy's hands,
and then they took out our men, and separated them on
board several ships. I was balloted to go aboard the Horseman (de Ritter), and in going on board the wind blew very
hard, and a galliot lying by I leaped overboard, and got
aboard her, which had a packet at that time for the Briell,
and so they brought me along with them, and being of some
acquaintance set me at liberty, and I came over with the
English packet-boat, and arrived at Landguard 12 May.
[Ibid. No. 52i.] |
May 12, 1 p.m.
Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to Williamson. By your passing by me in your
correspondence I perceive you have taken something amiss. I
desire to know what it is, not being guilty of anything that I can
imagine. By Philip Day, who escaped from the Victory and arrived
here to-day, I heard this account. This day sennight she fell into
the Dutch fleet in a fog, before nine, betwixt the Knock and the
Foreland, and was brought up by the lee, and was in their possession
by ten, not one gun fired. Several here confidently aver that the
Dutch had given orders to release all ships of the king's subjects seized
since the last rencounter with their Smyrna fleet. A gentleman, who
landed from the packet-boat to-day, saw one of them in print, and
earnestly desired to get one, but was denied, as being intended only
for their respective Admiralties, but the master of the packet-boat
assures us that Mr. Scrutton, master of a small vessel of this town,
stopped while I was there, is coming homeward with his vessel.
'Tis a strange action, and a whisper among them of peace with us.
The Dutch packet-boat also came in about noon, as we had just
done church. I believe she comes to attend Mr. Paine's packets.
Mr. Tucker has enclosed to me a letter from Sir Andrew Pereira,
which I enclose. I guess you [may as] well forward it, as
Mr. Ellis did the last. Mr. Tucker has prescribed me a way to
write to him [by the] hands of Mr. Dale, whom I formerly recommended. Enclosed is a letter from Mr. Chip without. . . . .
[and ano]ther from Mr. Dale himself, both to me. I [leave] the
business to your consideration. Receiving yours [last] night, the
mail being ready to go, I wrote to Mr. Dale to desire Mr. Chip
home, according to your postscript. Mr. Tucker has given me but a
small account, and only to make the letter show well, in case it
should be opened, and I therefore refer you to Pereira's enclosed. I
also send the very Haarlem Gazette that was sent me. The ketch
went off last night, but because of the fog dared not venture forwards till this morning. The wind veers somewhat southerly.
[Damaged. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 53.] |
May 12.
The Katharine yacht, off Gravesend. |
Sir Thomas Allin and Sir Jeremy Smyth to Williamson. We
sent to Prince Rupert a copy of our journal, and the sense of the
Council of War, and the instructions to Captain Coleman for the
safety and the speedy conjunction of the ships under his command
with his Royal Highness. [Ibid. No. 54.] Enclosed, |
|
The said instructions. We enclose a copy of the result of the
council of war at which you were present yourself. We
hope you will use your utmost diligence to secure the ships
with you. If you meet an enemy too strong for you, we
desire you to send some of the best sailers of the ketch and
smacks with you to run ahead, that you may have timely
notice, and that you instruct them to signal to you. If you
meet a fleet at night or in thick weather, do not come too
near to engage with them, for fear of a mistake, for the
enemy has English colours that may deceive you. If you
hear guns go off, and judge it be an engagement, you are,
with all the ships under your command, to make all sail to
receive his Royal Highness's commands; but if you cannot
fetch him, you are to receive the orders of the Earl of
Sandwich or some other of the flag officers. You are to
gain what intelligence you can to join with his Royal
Highness, and in case of alteration by any certain advice
you are to call a council of war. [Copy. Ibid. No. 54i.] |
May 12.
Sheerness. |
Major N. Darell to Williamson. Enclosing a letter that came by
the pilot that brought the London fireship to join the frigates that
sailed from the Buoy of the Nore, by which he will see the progress
they have made since they sailed. The pilot left them about 9 this
morning at high water, and having a whole tide of ebb underfoot,
he judges them now, 4 p.m., to be at the Buoy of the Spits. [Ibid.
No. 55.] Enclosed, |
May 12.
The Gloucester, in the Buoy of the Middle Ground. |
Captain William Coleman to Major Darell. I have sent a
smack to discover the enemy. [Ibid. No. 55i.] |
May 12.
Margate. |
Richard Langley to Williamson. I received yours of the 10th
late last night, and according to your directions I have set a
watchman at the North Foreland to discover any smoke or fire that
shall be made at the South Foreland light, and have ordered the
keeper of the North Foreland light on such discovery to do the
same. I was at the North Foreland this morning, and received
information that the Dutch fleet was descried off it last night at
anchor, but a thick fog prevents us making any discoveries to-day.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 56.] |
May 12, 3 p.m.
Margate. |
John Glover to Williamson. I received yours of the 10th at
10 last night, and immediately sent a boat to the Buoy of the Nore
with a letter to the Captain of the Gloucester, to inform him where
the Holland fleet was; but this morning Thomas Grant came down,
a pilot, who carried up the Fountain fireship last Thursday, who
says that the Gloucester, Ruby, Tiger, Adventure, Dartmouth, and
Bonaventure, with three fireships and an hospital ship, weighed
last Friday morning, and went down as low as the Shoe, and
anchored there, and weighed again yesterday, and are gone down
towards the Gunfleet. I pray they do not fall into the enemies'
mouths before they are aware, for it is very hazy and thick at sea,
and little wind at N.N.E. Did I know whither to send a boat to
them I would do so; but at present know not what to do. If
occasion offer I will not be wanting in diligence. We have not
seen the Dutch fleet to-day as yet. Pray let me know when the
fleet comes from Spithead, and I will go after them with my boat
as far as is convenient, and give them the best account I can. I
am now going to the North Foreland lighthouse to learn what news
there is there. [Ibid. No. 57.] |
May 12
3 p.m. Dover Castle. |
Col. John Strode to Williamson. One of my servants, whom I
sent westward, is returned. He was beyond Lewes, and there heard
that on Friday our fleet was at anchor at St. Helens. We have no
news here, but I hear there is a ketch in the Downs with some
pressed men. I am now going thither, and if there be any such,
will have them to our ships in the river either by sea or land. The
wind continues N.E., but is but little. [Ibid. No. 58.] |
May 12.
Dover. |
John Carlile to [Williamson]. This morning arrived a Swedish
envoy, Mr. Ross, who says the French king in person, with one part
of his army, is set down before Maestricht. One of this town come
from Sussex says that our fleet and the French are still at the Isle
of Wight. The tides are so low and the wind at N.E.; but now
the tides begin to lift, so with an indifferent wind they may come
into the Downs. [Ibid. No. 59.] |
May 12, 7 a.m.
Rye. |
James Welsh to Williamson. I received yours of the 9th the
evening of the 10th, and shall punctually observe your orders. The
shallop I sent out returned Friday, but could give no account of
the fleet; but seeing after noon two ships standing to windward,
and supposing them to be frigates and forerunners of the fleet, I
sent out the shallop again, which beat about all day and night, and
came in yesterday without any discovery of the fleet. They spoke
with two Gottenburg merchantmen, which left the Island last
Tuesday, and have been ever since beating to windward. They
saw the fleet riding at St. Helens, which makes me judge, in regard
the fleet weighed not till the day after, that they cannot reach near
our bay before to-morrow or Tuesday, as the wind is. I still continue the watch, and shall send out the shallop again this afternoon
if I perceive any ships, and shall so continue, unless I find by your
next that you know of their lying anywhere at anchor, for then I
shall take off the watch to save charge. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308,
No. 60.] |
May 12, 8 p.m.
Rye. |
James Welsh to Williamson. This morning the fleet is come to the
eastward of Beachy, and two of the small frigates coming now to
anchor in Hastings Bay, Mr. Le Hunt, who left this at 2 p.m.
to-day, is gone on board one of them, so that without doubt his
Majesty's packet will be delivered on board his Royal Highness by
morning, and by to-morrow afternoon we hope to see the whole
fleet up as far as our bay, if not to the Ness. Mr. Le Hunt had a
desire to have taken a boat here, and to cruise up and aowa,
thinking the fleet might have been past this place, but assuring
him the contrary I persuaded him to ride westward, otherwise. I believe the packet could not have been delivered so soon
by some hours, and it might have missed them in the night. [Ibid.
No. 61.] |
May 12, 12 noon.
Hastings. |
J. Knight to Williamson. I wrote to you yesterday off Brighthelmstone. That night we anchored under Beachy, and are now
off Hastings. We have met with no intelligence of the enemy by
any discoveries of our own. Your diligence has supplied us, we
finding the whole coast abundantly instructed by you, and they as
ready to co-operate in giving a very ready advice to the fleet in
case anything offers. Notwithstanding we shall beat it up, in
pursuance of our orders, till we make somewhat of the errand we
are sent on. This morning we saw our fleet still doing the same,
which was a satisfaction, as the wind blowing hard last night we
feared it might have forced them back again to St. Helens. 'Tis
exceeding good weather now, so we hope the whole fleet will be
able to make the Downs. They cannot this tide miss the height
of Beachy. Capt. Faseby, Capt. Lovel, and myself, are just sitting
down to our pork. They all pray their service to you. [Ibid.
No. 62.] |
May 12.
The Prince, off Newhaven. |
Matthew Wren to Williamson. The Earl of Oxford sending a
page to London, I take the opportunity to let you know that
having the wind still to the northward of east, we have been able
to make very little way, and that we continue tiding it up to reach
the Narrow, where we hear the Dutch fleet still lies, though by
their changing their first station we doubt they will not stay for us.
The Drake and two ketches yesterday came safe to the fleet, and
this morning the Emsworth sloop. Captain Trotter, her commander, says he was chased off the Ness by four ships, which, it is
imagined, may be scouts of the Dutch, on which Captain Poole is
ordered out with six frigates, two from each squadron, and two
fireships to look after them. I received this morning from Dover a
cipher from you and two or three packets, one of a very fresh date.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 63.] |
May 12.
Dartmouth. |
W[illiam] H[urt] to James Hickes. We want half a dozen small
frigates of six or eight guns apiece, to clear this western coast
between the Isle of Wight and the Land's End, otherwise our
Virginia fleet, which is daily expected, will be in danger of being
all lost. [Ibid. No. 64.] |
May 12.
Plymouth. |
[Philip Lanyon] to [James Hickes]. Particulars of a ship
arrived. [Ibid. No. 65.] |
| May 12. |
Note of approval of Sir John Talbot, Bart., Sir Francis Popham,
and Thomas Thynne as deputy lieutenants of Wiltshire, under the
Earl of Essex. Minutes. [S.P. Dom., Entrys Books 34, f. 164,
and 35a, f. 40.] |
May 12.
Whitehall. |
Prince Rupert to Col. Strode. As the Dutch continue behind
the Northsand Head, the ships now ready in the river, under
Capt. Coleman in the Gloucester, are not to stir from the Middle
Grounds till the Duke of York with the fleet is advanced far
enough to cover them from any affront. On the Duke's first
appearance you are therefore to send to him for orders, and
transmit them as speedily as possible to Capt. Coleman. [S.P.
Dom., Entry Book 39, p. 17.] |
May 12.
Whitehall. |
Prince Rupert to Capt. Coleman. As the Dutch continue near
the Northsand Head, you are not to stir from the Middle Ground
without further orders, and if pressed by any part of their fleet, to
retire with caution up the river. Care is taken for sending you
the Duke of York's orders when he comes up to Dover, and, if
needful, orders meanwhile will be sent from here, and you are to
advertise me if anything material happens meanwhile. [Ibid.
p. 18.] |
| May 12. |
Prince Rupert to Lord Brouncker. The King wants with all
speed an account of what is done about the merchant ships in the
river which the [Navy] board was directed to hire. [Ibid.] |
May 12, 2 p.m.
The Royal Katharine, at the Nore. |
Capt. Amos Beare to the Navy Commissioners. Going out at
Sheerness I met a ketch, bringing me 80 men from Sir C. Lyttelton.
As soon as I have anchored at the Nore I will make my choice of
them, for I cannot understand from the master of the ketch there
are more than fourteen or sixteen seamen amongst them. 40 more
of the like quality are here in a Harwich wherry. I will inquire
of the two fireships now at the Nore if any of them may be
serviceable to them. I have on board 467 persons, of whom may
be chosen of the Revenge's and other ships' men about 150 seamen,
and of the rest 150 are brave able soldiers. Refore sailing this
morning I turned 21 souls ashore. As fast as I can get men I'll
turn the worser sort ashore. The master of the ketch tells me the
Buoy of the Gunfleet and the Shoe Beacon are still in being, but,
coming up in the night, can give no account of the other buoys and
marks. Capt. Coleman with ten more sail was last night at the
Buoy of the Gunfleet, the Dutch fleet in sight, bearing N.E. about
three or four leagues off. I have no pilot or chirurgeon. With
note by Sir Jeremy Smyth that Capt. Pay told him he saw our fleet
last Friday on the back of the Goodwin, and that as yet there has
been no engagement. He is confident, for he came over the flats
yesterday at 11 and heard no shooting. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 324,
No. 143.] |
May 12, noon.
The Prince, off Newhaven. |
Matthew Wren to the Navy Commissioners. Requesting them
to send down to the fleet as soon as possible a small standard to be
put at the head of his Royal Highness's boat when he goes in
her. Noted that Mr. Whistler was ordered to provide a standard
with all speed. [Ibid. No. 144.] |
May 12,
7 p.m. Whitehall. |
Sir J. Williamson to S. Pepys. I am commanded by the Prince
to transmit you this packet for Capt. Coleman, to be immediately
speeded down to him in the mouth of the river by some nimble
vessel express, it carrying his Highness's orders to him not to stir
beyond the Middle Ground with the ships under his conduct till he
receives orders from his Royal Highness or from hence. This
resolution is communicated to his Royal Highness by way of Dover,
that he may, as soon as he shall think fit, give them order to
advance towards him. Noted by Pepys: "Come to my hand at
half-past 7, and an order immediately by me despatched to Capt.
Perriman and master of a vessel for carrying the enclosed." [Ibid.
No. 145.] |
| May 12. |
Receipt by Thomas Taylor for licences for Geor[g]e Fowler for
James Cole's house in Titchmarsh, for William Cradock for John
Conquest's house in Wilden, for Symond Haynes for his own house
in Bowerhurst, for Oliver Mason for William Pasheller's house in
Mouldsworth, for Ralph Luke for John Welles' house in Midlow,
and for Thomas Jayne for the house of Driver and Bennett in
Talbot Court, Gracechurch-street. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 321,
No. 101.] |
| May 13. |
Sir Edward Musgrave to Williamson. As he hears that several
commissioners are signed lately by the King for officers to raise men
to recruit the garrisons in England, requesting him to speak to his
Majesty that he may have a commission as captain in any garrison
with liberty to choose his officers. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308,
No. 66.] |
May 13.
Navy Office. |
Samuel Pepys to Williamson. Requesting him to forgive his not
waiting on him with answer to his late commands, as he is under a
strict attendance there, where his packet [for Captain Coleman]
dated of last night arrived at a quarter past, and was immediately
committed to a diligent fellow, who, with his vessel, took advantage of the next high water, and is on his way with it, and
promising not to forget his commands about a vessel to the fleet
as soon as it is known whither with safety one may be directed
thither. [Ibid. No. 67.] |
| May 13. |
Sir Richard Ford to Williamson. Yours of last night found me
at my country house in Kent, where I translated the enclosed, and
brought it to town, and have put both into the hands of a printer,
who has engaged to have the impression ready for Wednesday's
noon exchange. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 68.] |
May 13.
Bridge (near Canterbury). |
Sir Arnold Braems to Williamson. Recommending the bearer,
Mr. Therry, who has lately quitted Holland, and come through
Flanders, and in his passing narrowly escaped the Dutch fleet. He
is a person of quality, and may merit being brought to his Majesty,
for he can give a personal and verbal account of the present condition of Holland, and of the persons now in power there. [Ibid.
No. 69.] |
May 13.
Bridlington. |
T. Aslaby to James Hickes. Our coasts are clear of Hollanders.
The wind mostly E. or E.S.E. I long to hear of the success of our
fleet against the Dutch, having account from all hands that the
Dutch fleet was in Dover Road immediately after ours and the
French fleet met. [Ibid. No. 70.] |
May 13.
Hull. |
Anthony Gylby to Williamson. Since my last not one vessel has
come in, nor since yours to me has one stirred out, all very willingly
conforming to what you so reasonably proposed. [Ibid. No. 71.] |
May 13.
Hull. |
J. Perkins to Williamson. The wind continues E. No news.
[Ibid. No. 72.] |
May 13.
Hull. |
Richard Gleadowe to Williamson. The master of a Danish hoy
arrived this week from Amsterdam, reports that when he came
thence twenty men-of-war were ready there to go to sea on occasion, though their fleet was already out. We have 40 pressed men
from Lincolnshire, and several others here, ready for the next
frigate. The Lieutenants of the counties and the Justices everywhere about take very strict care to bring in all seamen that lie
hidden in the country. We hear of no privateers on this coast. The
wind still continues E. [Ibid. No. 73.] |
May 13.
Lynn. |
Edward Bodham to Williamson. No intelligence since my last,
no ships having arrived here. A letter to myself of 26 April, which
came by post from Husum, a port in the Duke of Holstein's country,
said that the Hollanders had advised them that the commonalty in
England were in rebellion against the King, and that the seamen
would not serve to fight against the Hollanders. The Hollanders
daily amuse them with strange stories in England, so that several
ships of that town that use to serve between Norway and England had not then begun their first voyage. Wind, Saturday, N.
and N.N.E.; yesterday forenoon, N., afternoon E., to-day S.E. [Ibid.
No. 74.] |
May 13.
Yarmouth. |
Richard Bower to Williamson. Most of last Saturday two sails
lay off on the back of our sands, which scared in our mackerel
fishers. Since that we have not seen a sail. We hear from the
coast and from the fishermen at sea that guns were heard yesterday
evening and to-day, which makes us believe the fleets are engaged.
About 300 pressed men are here, ready to go to the fleet when sent
for. [Ibid. No. 75.] |
May 13.
Southwold. |
John Wickens to James Hickes. Since my last, one of the privateers I mentioned came into this bay very near the shore, but on
the discharging of one of our guns she stood away N.E., and none
have appeared since. Yesterday, towards evening, and this forenoon, we heard many guns, but know not the cause. Wind E.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 76.] |
May 13.
Aldeburgh. |
Ralph Rabett to James Hickes. Wind N.E. We heard guns
very much yesterday and to-day, so we suppose the fleets may have
met. If any news come to your knowledge before next post, pray
spare a line or two. [Ibid. No. 77.] |
| [May 13.] |
Account by Robert Fox.—About 9 Sunday morning we sailed
from Landguard Fort towards the North Foreland, but when we
got to sea, the fog falling very thick, we were forced to shorten
sail; and then about 4, the fog clearing, we proceeded till about
sunset, when we made the Dutch fleet about a league from us, a
little off the Kentish Knock. The first squadron we made lay all
together, some at anchor and the rest plying to and again, and were
about thirty, there being two flagships, which we could plainly see,
in this squadron. The rest of the fleet were to the S.E., coming
towards them all under sail within a little distance from them,
which, with the rest, we could plainly count above 80 sail, and
beyond these we could discern a great many more sails coming
after. We did not lose sight of them till near 10 at night. They
stood to the northward with us, which we suppose may be only to
change their berth. On the same paper, |
May 13,
3 a.m. Landguard Fort. |
Sir C. Lyttelton to Williamson. The above account was written
by Mr. Palmer, my ensign's brother, who was out with the ketch,
and was dictated and signed by the master himself, because he
could not write so fast. At high water they will be out again,
and, I hope, bring a further account of what they do, and, if the
fog hinder not, they may be in by night. I shall take care that
either he or the other shall constantly attend their motion. He
says that if we have any ships coming out of the river they
spread the seas, so that it will scarce be possible for them, as they
lie now, to pass them. [Ibid No. 78.] |
| [May 13.] |
Account by Robert Fox.—About 8 this morning the ketch sailed,
and stood for the Longsand Head, where, finding the Dutch fleet
we left there last night gone, we plied northward, and came in
sight of them near the Galloper. The ebb tide being done, we
thought they would anchor; but finding they did not, we plied as
near as we dared, which was within a league of them, to understand
what they intended, so kept sight of them, till we saw them within
two leagues of the Gunfleet, standing in thither, and do not doubt
they are now at anchor there. About 10 we saw the Gloucester and
six other frigates, with three other ships, coming down the Swing
(Swin). We then gave advice to a smack that went before them
where we saw the Dutch fleet last night. Coming back we found
these seven frigates anchored in the Gunfleet, so I went on board
the Gloucester, and informed Captain Coleman that the Dutch fleet
was coming up to them, which he would hardly believe, because he
thought them our own fleet, but immediately after we parted from
them, the Dutch coming within two miles, he fired a gun, and we
saw him under sail and standing up the Swing again. On the
same paper, |
May 13,
10 p.m. |
Sir Charles Lyttelton to Williamson. One come just now tells
me an order is come to Harwich, in the names of Mr. Pepys and
Lord Brouncker, requiring that all vessels be stopped which go out
of the harbour without a licence from Captain Taylor. This is to
stop Fox going out any more by my order. I have had no interest
or design in this but to comply with the direction you sent me by
express to give you all the intelligence I could, and I believe I
could not signify anything any other way than by employing
such a vessel, and I did not think I was obliged to advise with
Captain Taylor about it, though indeed I did faster (?) after I
found it was none of the way to make such despatch I conceive
the affair required to attend on anybody's [ans]wers and formalities, drunk or sober. As for that order, till I shall hear from you
what I shall truly understand to be the King's pleasure, I shall
continue to employ that vessel I think requisite. Pray let me
hear speedily how I am to behave. I desire you will take notice
of another thing. I am told the Dutch packet-boat comes and
goes without any packet, and that there is a pretence of an order
from Lord Arlington for it. I mean to inquire about it to-night,
late as it is, for I am going to Harwich to see this express despatched myself, understanding that I sent between 3 and 4 this
morning did not go till 5 or 6. This enclosed is from the captain
of the Gloucester. [1¾ pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 79.] |
May 13,
6 p.m. The Gloucester, below the Gunfleet. |
Captain W. Coleman to Williamson. This afternoon, plying
down about two leagues below the Gunfleet, we saw the Dutch
fleet, about 100 sail, off the Longsand Head, which was then
standing to the southward, and several of their scouts fair in sight.
The tide being done, and the wind at E.N.E., we anchored, having
smacks ahead, and continued all night. We intend to ride till the
morning ebb, and if our own fleet pursue them, we shall be ready
to join them. One of the smacks came up with a dogger with a
tanned sail, which immediately stood to his fleet. [Ibid. No. 80.] |
| May. 13. |
The same to the Navy Commissioners. Identical with the last.
[S. P. Dom., Car. II. 324, No. 154.] |
| May 13. |
Copy of the last letter. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 81.] |
May 13,
between 4 and 5 a.m. Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to Williamson. Our ketch got a fair sight of the
Dutch about 6 last night off the Kentish Knock, southerly, some of
them standing northerly and some at anchor. They judged them
about eighty sail, and about 8 they stood from them, they standing
the same course as the ketch did, so that they saw them till
almost ten. It was a very clear evening, and they conjectured then
they made more sails than what they esteemed at first, but they
cannot say they were any other than the Dutch. We heard here
some guns, which the master says were the setting the watch.
Yesterday a gentleman who came over in the Dutch packet further
told me that it was generally discoursed that the two ships of
Rotterdam were sailed thence to the fleet, one of about 70, the
other of about 50 guns. I guess they may be the Watchful Crane
and the Frede. The Dutch look on their releasing the English
vessels as an act of generosity in themselves. saying it was not the
English, but the King and Duke of York that break with them.
He laboured to understand their instructions to the fleet, because
they spoke so much of them; but could only learn that they were
minatory in case of slothful action, and promising rewards to the
well-doers, especially to any that shall do any sort of mischief to
the Admirals, either by broadsides, or fireships, or boarding. Wind
N.E. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 82.] |
May 13,
12 noon. Sheerness. |
Major N. Darell to Williamson. I sent out my boat last night
for intelligence, which returned about noon to-day. He spoke
with a vessel that left Margate this morning, which left his Royal
Highness off the North Foreland plying after the Dutch fleet,
which was then seven or eight leagues to the northward of ours.
He also spoke with an Ostender that came through the Dutch
fleet, who declares they are about 60 men-of-war. We heard
shooting this morning and some last night, and the master says
he heard many last night, but not broadsides. [Ibid. No. 83.] |
May 13,
1 p.m. Margate. |
Richard Langley to Williamson. I received this morning yours
of the 11th, and shall observe your order therein. I have already
set a watch on the North Foreland for discovery either by night
or day. About seven last night I had notice the Dutch fleet of
about 110 sail were seen off the Foreland, and eight sail about
the South Foreland, but it could not be discovered whether they
were Dutch or English. Three billanders which left Dover
yesterday passed through our road to-day for London. They
cannot give any intelligence of our fleet, but last Friday they
met the Dutch fleet at sea, which took from them a master and
steersman. [Ibid. No. 84.] |
May 13,
10 p.m. Margate. |
The same to the same. Since I wrote I have been at the
North Foreland and with the watchman I have employed to stand on
St. Peter's steeple night and day. He descried to-day about ten
or twelve sail riding at the Buoy of the Gunfleet, but cannot tell
what they were. Five or six sail of Dutch have been this afternoon cruising to and again about the Foreland, and were bearing
eastward this evening, which I discovered myself. The body of
the Dutch has not been seen since morning. [Ibid. No. 85.] |
May 13,
10 p.m. Margate. |
John Glover to Williamson. I received yours of the 11th and
12th this morning, and am very glad that Capt. Coleman and the
rest are stopped at the Middle Ground, for about seven last night
it suddenly cleared, after a thick fog all day, and then we saw the
whole Dutch fleet off the Foreland, standing to sea under all sail,
so that we thought they had seen our fleet, but it was not so, for
about ten this morning we saw about 40 of them as far from the
Foreland as we could discern their sails, and about six this evening
six sail of them stood in close to the beach near the Goodwin,
and all lay by there till it was near dark, and then stood off to
sea again. I presume they came in to see what was in the Downs.
About four this afternoon I spoke with a billander from Ostend
for London, which came through the Dutch fleet, which lay at
sea N.E. of the North Foreland. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 86.] |
| [1672 ? May 13 ?] |
Account that six billanders on Sunday met the Holland fleet in
mid-Channel between the Foreland and Ostend. The masters of
five remain on board the Dutch Admiral, the writer could not learn
whether from design of attempting anything up the river, they
being experienced pilots that way, or to secure their own fleet on
the banks of Flanders. [Ibid. No. 86A.] |
May 13.
Deal. |
Richard Watts to Williamson. The whole country, especially
maritime men, much admire the fleet is so long coming up, and
not yet in sight. Many broadsides from the northward were heard
last night and very early this morning. The wind is now N.E. and
by N., a very fresh gale, but was last night and till noon N.
A merchant ship reports this afternoon that the body of the Dutch
are on their own coast. [Ibid. No. 87.] |
May 13, 3 p.m.
Dover. |
John Carlile to [Williamson]. This morning came in the
Monmouth yacht from Calais with Sir Charles Harbert and
several others, who are going to the fleet. Col. Strode at one
sent away express to know where our fleet is, but since came
an express from the fleet that is gone to London, telling us the
fleet is at Beachy. Just now arrived a sloop from Nieuport with
some passengers, which was very much plundered by some of the
Dutch fleet, that lies between Gravelines and Dunkirk. The grand
part of their fleet is there. [Ibid. No. 88.] |
May 13, 11 a.m.
Dover Castle. |
Col. John Strode to Williamson. I have received the Prince's
letter and yours. His orders shall be punctually obeyed, for
which purpose I am going to order a little frigate of my own
to lie in the road, to go on board the Royal Prince as soon
as notice can be had of the fleet, and I intend, if possible, to go
on board myself, to have the better instructions, for I think it
best to have two orders, one to be sent to Sheerness to be sent
aboard that way, and the other by way of Margate, that no time
be lost by accident of tides. No news of the fleet, nor know I
at present where the Dutch fleet is. Wind still N.E., but very
fair weather. I have all the Prince's orders for the impressed
men but one, which I gave on Saturday to Lieutenant Skelton,
who is gone; but this morning whilst writing I hear 40 guns to
the eastward. I believe it a ship on the South Sand's Head, for
I can discover no other in the sea. [Ibid. No. 89.] |
May 13,
1 p.m. |
The same to the same. Just now I have advice that our fleet
is at Beachy, and your servant having gone to sea has caused
this to stop an hour or so. The guns I heard were a Swede
drinking healths. [Ibid. No. 90.] |
May 13,
10 p.m. Dover Castle. |
The same to the same. Another horseman has just come in,
who saw our fleet at this side Beachy, almost as high as Fair
leigh (Fairlight), but the wind blows fresh at N.E., and the tides
being weak they can make but little way. I intend to go aboard
to-morrow for his Royal Highness's orders, and shall despatch two
men with them, one to Margate, and the other to Sheerness. The
Dutch fleet lies between Gravelines and Dunkirk. They plundered
the Ostend packet to their shirts. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308,
No. 91.] |
May 13.
Lyme. |
Anthony Thorold to James Hickes. By a vessel of this place
from Virginia put into Salcombe, and another from Wales put
into Dartmouth, we heard yesterday of a Flushinger of five guns
and 20 oars a side off Torbay, which took a Dover man from
Spain or Lisbon and a vessel laden with culm. The latter they
let go, and also the men of the Dover ship. This has made us
send a small boat with advice to Morlaix and St. Malo, where we
have several vessels to bring home linens. This snow, it is said, came
out with several others. On the arrival of our Virginia man you
shall hear further. [Ibid. No. 92.] |
May 13.
Truro. |
Hugh Acland to James Hickes. About midnight on Saturday I
received an express from Sir John Skelton to advise Capt. Langston of
the Newcastle that there were divers Dutch privateers on the coast,
and that they had taken several prizes near Dartmouth, and also
to give notice to all merchant ships to forbear putting to sea till
the coast be cleared. Just now there is news of a Dutch prize
sent in by Capt. Clarke of the Nightingale, laden with salt and
treacle from Oleron. Wind S.E. [Ibid. No. 93.] |
May 13.
Falmouth. |
Thomas Holden to Williamson. The 10th three vessels homeward bound from Virginia, laden with tobacco, came in. They all
speak of the flourishing condition of that country, and the goodness of the crop this year. The 10th and 11th came in about
twelve English merchantmen from Bordeaux laden with wines,
which on account of these troublesome times will await orders
from their owners here. Some were chased by a man-of-war,
which they take to be a Dutch caper, but it is believed to be a
Dunkirker of four guns, and full of men that came out of Plymouth.
The 11th was sent in by the Newcastle the Fortune of Neukoping
in Denmark from Oleron, laden with salt and syrups. The skipper
and steersman are gone to Plymouth to-day with all the papers
found on board. [Ibid. No. 94.] |
May 13.
Falmouth. |
Thomas Holden to James Hickes. (News practically identical
with the last.) [Ibid. No. 95.] |
May 13.
Pendennis. |
Francis Bellott to Williamson. Requesting that he may continue
the former correspondency and intelligence. Between 20 and 30
sail are now in this harbour, and four prizes, two sent in by the
Nightingale, one by the Holmes, and one last Saturday by the
Newcastle, which was yesterday before this place, and after the
receipt of a packet from Plymouth went to sea again towards
the east. Other shipping news. There is a report of a Dutch
caper lurking up and down this western coast. The wind has
continued easterly these twelve days or more. [S.P. Dom.,
Car. II. 308, No. 96.] |
May 13.
Chester. |
Matthew Anderton to Williamson. Wind S.E. I am just
arrived from Lancashire. Last Saturday arrived at Liverpool
the Freeman of that place from Maryland laden with tobacco.
She had not any news of the war till she arrived on our coast.
[Ibid. No. 97.] |
| May 13. |
Inland advices received that day, being extracts from letters
between the 7th and the 11th, all previously calendared, except from
Plymouth of the 7th, that the Pearl is arrived from Ireland with
300 pressed men for the fleet, and that a Dunkirk privateer of six
guns and 100 men is gone cruising; and from Tynemouth Castle
of the 10th that 150 pressed men and 30 Scots are ready there
to be sent to the fleet, and that 470 more Scots are daily expected.
[2 pages. Ibid. No. 98.] |
| May 13. |
Advices of the fleet received that day, being extracts from
letters of the 11th and 12th all previously calendared, except from
Deal of the 12th, that that day arrived a Swede laden with masts,
who says he came into the Dutch fleet Thursday, and pretended he
was bound for the Straits, else they would have made him prize.
[Ibid. Nos. 99, 100.] |
| May 13. |
List of foreign mails arrived between the 8th and 13th.
[Ibid. No. 101.] |
May 13.
Whitehall. |
Lord Arlington to Lord Brouncker. The King wishes the [Navy]
Board to pay the pilots lately employed to pilot the French
squadron. They will have notice how the King has disposed
of their pretensions, and they must be reasonably dealt with.
[S.P. Dom., Entry Book 39, p. 19.] |
May 13.
Victualling Office Tower Hill. |
Sir T. Littleton, Josiah Child, and T. Papillon to the Navy
Commissioners. By the end of this week we shall have laden
all the victualling ships in this port not already ordered to others,
and shall be ready to lade what more you appoint, and to send
such further supplies of iron-bound cask as you shall order on
board any other water ships. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 324, No. 146.] |
May 13.
Hull. |
Robert Mason to the same. At the instance of the ViceAdmirals of York and Lincolnshire I have received and paid the
men pressed by them and sent to Hull, and have despatched
several by frigates sent for the purpose. The last were near
100 by the Drake about ten days since. Since then betwixt
50 and 60 have been brought in, and more will be, and might be
picked up here, who lie here at great charge and trouble, of which
I inform you, that a small frigate or ketch may be sent for them.
The Drake being long wind-bound, the captain fell short of
provisions, and, no victualler being here, applied to the Collector
of Customs and many others for money, but could prevail with
none, and being unable to take in the pressed men without
fourteen days' provisions, I furnished him with 28l., and took his
purser's bill with his certificate thereon upon the victuallers of
the Navy. I hear nothing as yet of its payment, and beg your
furtherance for my reimbursement. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 324,
No. 147.] |
May 13.
Lynn. |
Capt. Benjamin King to the Navy Commissioners. Being windbound eleven days in Lynn Deeps, and all the pressed men on
board, I laid out what I could spare of my own money for provisions, and the wind being still contrary I was forced to draw a
bill for 10l. upon you in favour of Benjamin Polsted, Collector of
the Customs here, which I desire you will accept and pay. [Ibid.
No. 148.] |
May 13.
Custom House, Lynn. |
R. Godfrey to Sir Thomas Allin. Concerning the bill mentioned
in the last for the 10l. which he had prevailed on Mr. Polsted to
advance, and requesting its payment. [Ibid. No. 149.] |
May 13.
Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to the Navy Commissioners. Giving the same
news of the Dutch fleet as that in his other letter of that date.
I found our victuallers all ashore last night, and so stopped them.
They were not in haste to go away, when once they can get into
this beloved uncontrolled port. Mr. Bond's galliot with pressed
men on board is also here, which I have stopped these five days.
[Ibid. No. 150.] |
May 13.
The Prince. |
Surgeon J. Pearse to the same. The necessaries for the sick
and wounded have come safe at last under the conduct of Mr. Lee,
whom I was forced to detain till now to assist me in distributing
them, which we had great trouble in doing, because of the smallness of the vessel, and the fleets being sailed ere they came.
But now I am very well pleased with them. Please send the
remaining money to buy fresh meat and linen, that being expected
daily. I refer you for news to Mr. Lee. [Ibid. No. 151.] |
May 13.
Chester. |
Col. Roger Whitley to the same. Last Friday we sent 25 more
able seamen towards London, and to-day Col. Robinson is sending
another party from North Wales. We shall endeavour to glean
up and despatch some more. From Lancashire I hear that Lord
Derby has now got a list of all the ships, owners, and seamen
of the county; that every owner is required to find a number
of able seamen proportionable to the rate of his ship and her
crew; and that the press-masters are still at work, and I hope
by next Monday we shall have a good account of their proceedings.
I am hastening thither, and will do all I can to enlarge the
number and despatch them. They say 38 of their seamen were
pressed at London, and 61 sent by the Pearl. Col. Robinson has
had 100l. of me, and has drawn on you two bills for 50l. each,
which I hope you have accepted and paid. He will give an account
of how the money is disbursed. [Ibid. No. 152.] |
| May 13. |
Contract by Thomas Kipping with Col. T. Middleton for delivering at Chatham elm timber at 36s. a load. [Ibid. No. 153.] |
| May 13. |
Notes of licences to the following persons for the following
places:— |
| S.P. Dom., En. Bk. 38a, Page |
Name. |
Place. |
Denomination. |
|
98 |
Richard Bunny |
House of John Dozzell, Whitchurch, Hampshire. |
Anabaptist. |
|
98 |
William Hughes |
His house, Marlborough |
Congregational. |
|
98 |
John Dan, St. Martin's, Westminster. |
General |
Presbyterian. |
|
99 |
Robert Perrott, Grub Street, London. |
General |
Presbyterian. |
|
99 |
John Donkinson of York |
General |
Presbyterian. |
|
99 |
John Frayling |
House of Edward Hope, jun., the Devizes. |
Independent. |
|
99 |
Samuel Mayne of Holsworthy, Devon. |
General |
Presbyterian. |
|
99 |
Benjamin Perkins |
His house at Workingham |
Presbyterian. |
|
100 |
William and John Manning. |
Their houses at Peasenhall, Suffolk. |
Congregational. |
|
100 |
Samuel Manning |
His house, Walpool, Suffolk. |
Congregational. |
|
100 |
Robert Smith |
House of Joseph Gilder, Wesselton, Suffolk. |
Congregational. |
|
101 |
Matthew Alflatt |
His house in Bath |
Presbyterian. |
|
101 |
Thomas Pycke |
His house in Blacklee, Lancashire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
101 |
Simon Borrett of Lamborne, Berks. |
General |
Presbyterian. |
|
101 |
Henry Dent of Rombsberry (Ramsbury), Wilts. |
General |
Presbyterian. |
|
101 |
William Gough |
His house in Stoke, Wilts |
Presbyterian. |
|
101 |
John Crofts |
House of Francis Fines, Newton Toney, Wilts. |
Presbyterian. |
|
102 |
Richard Batchelour |
His house in the rectory of Eastwoodhay and Ashmansworth, Hampshire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
102 |
Edward Fanner |
His house, Newbury, Berks |
Presbyterian. |
|
102 |
Thomas Nuttall |
His house, Rendham, Suffolk |
Presbyterian. |
|
102 |
Peter Johnson |
House of William Petkins, Margate, Kent. |
Presbyterian. |
|
103 |
Matthew Ellisson |
His house at the Grange, Little Coggeshall, Essex. |
Presbyterian. |
|
103 |
William Houghton |
His house in Swannick (Swanwick), Hampshire. |
Congregational. |
|
103 |
Thomas Gare of Little Britain, London. |
General |
Presbyterian. |
|
103 |
John Rowe, of Shobrook, Devon. |
General |
Presbyterian. |
|
103 |
John Deyor and George Bisse, parish of Mortlock (Martock), Somerset. |
General |
Presbyterian. |
|
103 |
John Foldoe, of Chipping Barnet. |
General |
Presbyterian. |
|
103 |
Richard Upjohn |
His house at Weston, near Southampton. |
Congregational. |
|
104 |
James Waller |
House of Edmund Frost, Hunston, Suffolk. |
Presbyterian. |
|
104 |
John Oatfield |
House of Thomas Sleigh, Derby. |
Presbyterian. |
|
104 |
Luke Cranwell |
House of Samuel Ward, Derby. |
Presbyterian. |
|
105 |
Arthur Barham |
His house in Hackney |
Presbyterian. |
|
105 |
Thomas Whithead |
House of John Garnett, Kendal, Westmoreland. |
Presbyterian. |
|
105 |
John Rogers, Lartington, Yorkshire. |
General |
Presbyterian. |
|
105 |
John Bidly, White Coyne
(Colne), Essex. |
General |
Presbyterian. |
|
105 |
Stephen Scandrett |
House of Joseph A[l]ders,
Haverhill, Suffolk. |
Presbyterian. |
|
105 |
William Turton |
House of Joseph Wade,
Stafford. |
Presbyterian. |
|
106 |
Richard Wale |
His house, Pinchbeck, Lincolnshire. |
Anabaptist. |
|
106 |
William Smith |
His house, Diseworth
Grange, Leicestershire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
106 |
Thomas Ford |
House of Richard Clerke,
Burton-on-Trent. |
Presbyterian. |
|
106 |
Ferdinando Poole |
House of William Hardment, Loughborough,
Leicestershire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
107 |
Andrew Barnett |
Hishouse,As[t]bury parish,
Cheshire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
107 |
John Bryan |
House of Charles Doughty,
Salop. |
Presbyterian. |
|
107 |
William Fletcher
— Upton |
House of William Fletcher,
parish of St. Pancras,
Chichester. |
Anabaptist. |
|
107 |
Hezekiah Woodward |
House of William Nicoll,
Uxbridge. |
Presbyterian. |
|
107 |
Robert Hall |
House of Richard Biscoe,
Uxbridge. |
Independent. |
|
107 |
Hugh Butler |
House of John Crowder,
Uxbridge. |
Presbyterian. |
|
108 |
Stickland Negus |
House of Richard Barnes,
Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. |
Congregational. |
|
108 |
Vincent Alsop |
His house, Gedington,
Northamptonshire. |
Congregational. |
|
108 |
John Willes |
House of John Morton,
Ringstead, Northamptonshire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
108 |
Francis Dandy |
House of Margaret Brooke,
O[a]kley Magna, Northamptonshire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
109 |
Richard Hooke |
His house, Northampton |
Presbyterian. |
|
109 |
Robert Ekins |
House of Elizabeth Mulsoe,
Twywell, Northamptonshire. |
Congregational. |
|
109 |
John Martyn |
House of Grace Byles, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight. |
Independent. |
|
109 |
Richard Chidell of Roade
(Roud), parish of Godshill, Isle of Wight. |
General |
Presbyterian. |
|
109 |
John Smith, parish of St.
Nicholas, Isle of Wight. |
General |
Presbyterian. |
|
109 |
William Durant, of Newcastle. |
General |
Congregational. |
|
109 |
John Pringle, of Newcastle |
General |
Presbyterian. |
|
109 |
John Gilpin, of Newcastle |
General |
Presbyterian. |
|
109 |
Henry Lever, of Newcastle |
General |
Presbyterian. |
|
109 |
Stephen Martin, of East
Grinstead, Sussex. |
General |
Presbyterian. |
|
110 |
Richard Bickle |
House of Samuel Cabell,
Buckfastleigh, Devon. |
Presbyterian. |
|
110 |
John James |
His house, Staines, Middlesex. |
Presbyterian. |
|
110 |
Ralph Wickliffe |
House of William Warham, Sunderland. |
Presbyterian. |
|
110 |
Richard Chantry |
His house, Smithsby, Derby |
Presbyterian. |
|
111 |
Thomas Bakewell |
House of Richard Brown,
Longdon, Staffordshire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
111 |
Edward Isaac |
House of Gilbert Ashley,
Godlington (Goldington), Bedfordshire. |
Congregational. |
|
112 |
Edward Newton |
House of William Harrison, All Saints' parish,
Leeds. |
Presbyterian. |
|
112 |
John Pindar |
House of Robert Sanfield,
Reed, Suffolk. |
Presbyterian. |
|
112 |
William Ames |
The Meeting-house, Wrentham, Suffolk. |
Presbyterian. |
|
112 |
Christopher Snell |
His house, East Grinstead,
Sussex. |
Presbyterian. |
|
113 |
Joshua Barnett |
House of Richard Whitcom,
Hardwick, Salop. |
Presbyterian. |
|
113 |
Samuel Lee |
His house, Newington
Green, Islington. |
Presbyterian. |
| May 13. |
Notes of licences for the places mentioned in the last entry,
and also for the following:— |
| S.P. Dom., En. Bk. 38a, Page |
Place. |
Denomination. |
|
98 |
House of Nathaniel Bayly, Marlborough, Wilts |
Anabaptist. |
|
99 |
House of Richard Baker, Kingsbridge, Devon |
Presbyterian. |
|
99 |
House of Roger More, Great Torrington, Devon |
Presbyterian and Independent. |
|
99 |
House of William Yeo, Newton Abbot, Devon |
Presbyterian. |
|
99 |
House of George Capel, Tynemouth, Northumberland |
Presbyterian. |
|
99 |
House of Alice Haw, Wokingham, Berks |
Presbyterian. |
|
100 |
House of Cuthbert Cotesworth, the Westpans, near South
Shields, Durham. |
Presbyterian. |
|
100 |
House of Isabel Green, North Shields, Durham |
Presbyterian. |
|
101 |
The meeting-house in Totnes, Devon |
Congregational. |
|
102 |
House of Richard Hunt, Reading |
Presbyterian and Independent. |
|
102 |
House of Robert Smith, Isle of Thanet |
Presbyterian. |
|
102 |
House of Nicholas Eveleigh, Exeter |
Congregational. |
|
104 |
House of William Good, Stowes Provest (Stour Provost),
Dorset. |
Presbyterian. |
|
104 |
House of Joseph Ward, Shaston, Dorset |
Presbyterian. |
|
104 |
House of John Hussey, Wotcombe (Motcombe),
Dorset. |
Presbyterian. |
|
104 |
House of Robert Grove, Ferme (Ferne), Wilts |
Presbyterian. |
|
105 |
House of Humphrey Aldersey (Addersley), St. Olave's,
Southwark. |
Presbyterian. |
|
106 |
House of Jane Machin, Stoke, Staffordshire |
Presbyterian. |
|
106 |
House of John Hughes, Wilxham (Wrexham), Denbighshire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
110 |
House of David King, Kingsland, Middlesex |
Presbyterian. |
|
110 |
House of Samuel Turke, Goudhurst, Kent |
Presbyterian. |
|
111 |
House of Thomas Martyn, Plymouth |
Presbyterian. |
|
111 |
Houses of [William] Rodbeard and John Pitt, Norton,
Somerset. |
Presbyterian. |
|
111 |
Houses of Griffin Bully and Richard Ellis, Reading |
Presbyterian and Independent. |
|
111 |
House of Richard Tufton, Wittersham, Kent |
Presbyterian. |
|
111 |
House of Daniel Andrewes, Leytonstone, Essex |
Presbyterian. |
|
112 |
House of James Pickring, parish of St. Michael, Leeds |
Presbyterian. |
|
112 |
House of John Collyer, Couling (Cowlinge), Suffolk |
Presbyterian. |
|
112 |
House of John Elliott, Hartfield, Sussex |
Presbyterian. |
|
113 |
House of Henry Franckner (Falconer), Hordlie, Sussex |
Presbyterian. |
|
113 |
Houses of George Thwing and — Barker, Islington |
Presbyterian. |
|
113 |
House of Alice Hawker, Whitehill, Somerset |
Presbyterian. |
|
113 |
House of Richard Hayward, Weeke, Somerset |
Presbyterian. |
|
113 |
House of John Laver, Coat, Somerset |
Presbyterian. |
| May 13. |
Requests by John Leigh for a general licence for John Hopping, of
Christow, Devon, Presbyterian, and for a licence for the house of
William Greene, of Topsham, Devon, for Presbyterians. [S.P. Dom.,
Car. II. 321, Nos. 102, 103.] |
| May 13. |
Request by Robert Whittell for a licence for Joseph Dawson,
Presbyterian, for his own house at Halifax, Yorkshire. [Ibid.
No. 104.] |
| May 13. |
Request by Maddox for a general licence for John Luffe, Presbyterian, of St. Mary Magdalen's parish, Surrey, and for a licence for
a room in the house of John Johnson, alias Robinson, of Ashton,
Lancashire, for Presbyterians, and for a licence for Peter Aspinwall,
of Par, in Lancashire, as teacher to the said congregation. [Ibid.
No. 105.] |
| May 13. |
Request by Peter Newman for licences for Christopher Fowler,
general, for the house of John Jackson, of Branford (Brentford), for
Dudley Ryder, of Woolvey, Warwickshire, Richard Loseby, of
Copson Magna, Kirby parish, Warwickshire, and for John Johnson,
of Barwell, Leicestershire, all Presbyterians; and for the houses of
Dudley Ryder, William Paget, Withibrook, Warwickshire, William
Harrison, Sapcoat, Leicestershire, John Johnson, William Thomson,
Coventry, and Richard Loseby. [Ibid. No. 106.] |
| [Before May 13.] |
Request by Richard Batchelaur, M.A., for a licence for performance of all ministerial offices at his own houses within the rectory
of Eastwoodhay and Ashmansworth, Hampshire, or in any other
licensed place, and by Edward Fanner of Newbury for performance
of all ministerial offices at his own house, or any other licensed
place, both Presbyterians, to be waited for by the said Batchelaur.
[Ibid. No. 107.] |
| [Before May 13.] |
Duplicate of Batchelaur's request. [Ibid. No. 108.] |
| [Before May 13.] |
Note of the above requests. [Ibid. No. 109.] |
| May 13. |
Receipt by Batchelaur for licences for himself and Fanner.
[Ibid. No. 110.] |
| [Before May 13.] |
Request for a licence to be called for by Thomas Danson for
Thomas Nuttall at his house at Rendham, Suffolk, Presbyterian.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 321, No. 111.] |
| [Before May 13.] |
Request by Nathaniel Ponder for licences for Robert Ekins,
Congregational, at the house of Elizabeth Mulsoe, widow, Twywell,
Northamptonshire; Richard Hooke, Presbyterian, in his own house
at Northampton; Francis Dandy, Presbyterian, at widow Margaret
Brooke's house, Okeley Magna; John Willes, Presbyterian, at John
Martin's house, Ringstead; Vincent Alsop, Congregational, at his
own house at Geddington; and Stickland Negus, Congregational,
at the house of Robert Barnes, Wellingborough, all in Northamptonshire. [Ibid. No. 112.] |
| [Before May 13.] |
Request for a licence for Joshua Barnet, Presbyterian, at
Richard Whitcom's house, Hardwick, Shropshire. [Ibid. No. 113.] |
| [Before May 13.] |
Note that the licence of Mr. Fletcher, Anabaptist, Chichester,
was signed, but not yet delivered. [Ibid. No. 114.] |
| [Before May 13.] |
Note of request for a licence for Ralph Wickliffe at William
Warham's house in the West End of Sunderland. [Ibid. No. 115.] |
| [Before May 13.] |
Request by Thomas Taylor for a licence for Matthew Ellisson,
Presbyterian, for his own house at the Grange, Little Coggeshall.
[Ibid. No. 116.] |
| [Before May 13.] |
Note of request for licences for Robert Smith, M.A., at the house
of Joseph Gilder, yeoman, Wesselton (Westleton); for Samuel
Manning at his house in Walpool; and for John and William
Manning for their houses at Peasenhall, all in Suffolk, and all Congregational. [Ibid. No. 117.] |
| [Before May 13.] |
Request by [James Inness, jun.] for licences for the house of
William Ball, parish of St. Mary Somerset, London; for Stephen
Scandrett, at an out-house of Joseph Alders, Haverhill, general, for
William Sampson; and for the houses of Daniel Andrews, Low
Leyton, Essex, and Humphrey Addersley, near the Bridge House,
St. Olave's, Southwark, all Presbyterians. [Ibid. No. 118.] |
| [Before May 13.] |
Note of request for the last licence, and also for one for James
Waller, of Ra[t]tlesden, for the house of Edmund Frost, called
Hunston Hall, in Hunston. [Ibid. No. 119.] |
| [Before May 13.] |
Request by John Hickes for licences for Benjamin Perkins and
his house at Wokingham; for Alice Haw's house at Wokingham;
for Samuel Mayne, of Holsworthy; for John Donkinson, near York;
and for William Yeo's house, Newton Abbot, Devon. [Ibid.
No. 120.] |
| [Before May 13.] |
Note of the request for Yeo's house. [Ibid. No. 121.] |
| [Before May 13.] |
Duplicate request by the same for licences for John Foldoe at a
room adjoining the house of John Minshue, at Chipping Barnet;
William Hughes at his own house and that of Nathaniel Bayly, at
Marlborough; for John Frayling, at the houses of John Freeme and
Edward Hope, at the Devizes, all Congregational, and for the
houses of Richard Ellis, Griffin Bully, and Richard Hunt at
Reading. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 321, Nos. 122, 123.] |
| [Before May 13.] |
Duplicate of the last, omitting Frayling. [Ibid. No. 124.] |
| [Before May 13.] |
Notes of the requests for Bully's house, and for Hughes and his
meeting places. [Ibid. Nos. 125, 126.] |
| [Before May 13.] |
Request by Peter Johnson, Presbyterian, for a licence to teach at
the houses of Robert Smith at Romontgate (Ramsgate), in the Isle
of Thanet, and of William Petkin at Margate. [Ibid. No. 127.] |
| [Before May 13.] |
Request by Richard Prowse to Mr. Benson for a licence for part
of Bedford House, belonging to Nicholas Eveleigh, merchant, in
Exeter, for Congregationals; Lewis Stuckey, teacher, who is already
licensed. [Ibid. No. 128.] |
| [Before May 13.] |
Request by Matthew Alflatt, Presbyterian, for a licence to preach
in his own dwelling house in Cheape Street, Bath. [Ibid. No. 129.] |
| [Before May 13.] |
Request by William Bowler for licences for Hugh Butler, Presbyterian, Robert Hall, Independent, and Hezekiah Woodward,
Presbyterian; and for the houses of John Crouder, Richard Biscoe,
and William Nicoll, all at Uxbridge [Ibid. No. 130.] |
| [Before May 13.] |
Request for licences to be delivered to Richard Coleman, for John
Pindar at the house of Robert Sanfield, of Reed, Suffolk, for that
house, and for the house of John Collyer, of Couling, in the said
county, all Presbyterians. [Ibid. No. 131.] |
| [Before May 13.] |
Request for licences for Christopher Snell, of East Grinstead, at
his own house or the house of Henry Falconer, West Hordlie,
Sussex, and for Stephen Martin at the house of John Elliot, Hartfield, Sussex, to be delivered to Philip Comber. [Ibid. No. 132.] |
| [Before May 13.] |
Similar request for Snell, adding to the places mentioned for him
to preach at, the house of the said John Elliot, and that Martin
might have a licence to preach in any of the said houses. [Ibid.
No. 133.] |
| [Before May 13.] |
Note of request for licences for John Crofts at the house of the
Hon. Francis Fines (Fiennes), Newton Ton[e]y, Wilts; for William
Gough and his house at Stoke, Wilts; for Henry Dent, at Rombsbury, Wilts, general; and for Simon Borrett, of Lamborne, Berks,
general, all Presbyterians. [Ibid. No. 134.] |
| [Before May 13.] |
Note of request for licences for Arthur Barham, Presbyterian, and
his house at Hackney; and for the houses of Robert Grove, Ferne,
Wilts, John Hussey, Motcomb, Dorset, Joseph Ward, Shaston
(Shaftesbury), Dorset, and William Good, Stower Provise, Dorset, all
Presbyterians. [Ibid. No. 135.] |
| [After May 13.] |
Receipt for Thomas Blood for licences for Mr. Kitly, Essex, and
Mr. Gilson, and for a room in Mr. Turke's house, and for Richard
Tufton's house, both in Kent, all Presbyterians. [Ibid. No. 136.] |
| May 14. |
Sir J. Talbot to Williamson. Informing him by Prince Rupert's
commands that it is his Majesty's pleasure that Mr. Malet, lieutenant
to Capt. Edward Talbot's troop, leaving his command to go to the
West Indies, Captain Radney, now cornet to that troop, be
lieutenant in his place; Many, now cornet to the writer's troop, be
cornet in Radney's place; and that James Touchet have a commission in Many's place. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 102.] |
May 14,
3.30 p.m. Letter Office. |
Andrew Ellis to Williamson. I sent two letters from Flanders
with these two mails to Mr. Lucy by a messenger, who stayed to
see them opened, but there was none for you. [Ibid. No. 103.] |
May 14,
6.30 p.m. Letter Office. |
The same to the same. Sending an express. The report all over
the town is that the fleet is engaged. [Ibid. No. 104.] |
May 14,
past 10 p.m. Letter Office. |
The same to the same. I send two pieces just arrived by express
I have directed Mr. Houseman to deliver all the letters for the fleet
as they pass before Dover, and if they are gone to the Downs
before to-night's ordinary arrives, to send them immediately to Deal
to be sent on board by our boats. Sir Robert Southwell told me
to-day Lord Arlington directed him to send me a letter discovering
an ill correspondence in Ostend. [Ibid. No. 105.] |
May 14,
10.30 p.m. Letter Office. |
The same to the same. Sending an express just arrived. Sir
Robert Southwell has sent to night the letter directed to be sent
several days ago, so nothing can be done till Friday. [Ibid. No. 106.] |
May 14,
near 7 p.m. |
Samuel Pepys to Williamson. Your note summoning Sir J.
Smyth to attend the King came here after he and Sir T. Allin were
gone after the Prince. If you please, I will send immediately Lord
Brouncker or Mr. Tippetts. I do not offer myself, being under such
constant applications all day long for one necessary order or
another, that I know not how to leave the office. [Ibid. No. 107.] |
May 14,
8.45 p.m. |
The same to the same. Enclosing a letter just arrived from
Captain Coleman, which had come sooner had not the bearer been
forced to come up from Gravesend against the tide, by the postmaster refusing to furnish him with a horse, though he offered him
a crown, all the money he had about him. [Ibid. No. 108.]
Enclosed, |
May 14,
6 a.m. The Gloucester, at the Buoy on the Spits. |
Captain William Coleman to Williamson. Last night our
scouts made the Dutch fleet E.S.E. from the Longsand's
Head. They, making our small squadron, forced us to
weigh from the N.E. end of the Gunfleet, where they anchored.
We, running up three miles above the Gunfleet, are now
under sail, waiting their motion and pursuit of us. I
have sent a smack with an account of this to his Royal
Highness, wherever he can find him, and have also acquainted the Governor of Sheerness of the Dutch coming
up, that he may be in readiness to receive them. I shall be
diligent in acquainting you with their proceedings. [Ibid.
No. 108i.] |
May 14,
11 p.m. |
Samuel Pepys to Williamson. The only course for carrying
these men with row boats, on this short warning, and as the tide
falls, is by some of the city barges. On your first intimation I sent
to the Lord Mayor, from whom I have just now heard that barges
shall be brought to the Tower Wharf to save the next tide. On
your second advice of 200 men more, I have sent again to him for
more barges, and will use all the industry I can (for I am alone) to
see it done, and as soon as I have secured everything necessary
towards it, I will wait on his Majesty with advice of what is done.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 109.] |
May 14.
Newcastle. |
Anthony Isaacson to Williamson. The wind for two days has
been S. and S.W. and so continues. Yesterday came by sea about
400 landmen from Scotland, who are quartered here, and about 300
seamen, who are put aboard vessels in the river. Both expect
orders from above before they remove. [Ibid. No. 110.] |
May 14.
Tynemouth Castle. |
Colonel Edward Villiers to Williamson. According to your
advice I prohibited all ships here from going out, when you informed me that the Dutch fleet had got between us and ours, but I
hope the letters of to-day or the next post will give a better
account, not doubting that as you gave me the alarm, so you will
advertise me when the coast is clearer. Yesterday was spent in
unshipping Scots, six companies of foot and near 200 seamen. The
foot, who are very good lusty young men, marched by land to
Newcastle, and the seamen were disposed of in several ships, some
into the dogger prize, where there were near 100 pressed men
before; nor could we know what to do without her, or some other
vessel for this service. I acquainted both Lord Arlington and you
how, on our first alarm here, I had detained her by the advice of
the masters to lie in the Narrow for the security of the harbour,
and desired you to procure the allowance of the Lords Commissioners of Prizes; but hearing nothing, I fear they do not
approve of what I did. However she receives no prejudice, and
when the pressing of men is over, she is but better fitted for sale,
and I shall observe any orders their Lordships send for her, though
when a little fellow of Newcastle, deputed by the Sub-Commissioners at Hull, came abruptly to the Mayor's, where we were all
met about the King's concerns, to demand her, though he knew she
was fitting for the King's more immediate service, I thought myself
obliged to tell him I had authority for what I did. I am going
this morning to a rendezvous of the militia troops, the Bishopric
and this county both designing by that means to drive here to the
seaside a good number of men, so that I hope with those already
got from the Bishopric and this side, who are in harbour as I told
you, near 400 may be sent, who, with the 500 Scots, will be no ill
recruit for our fleet. Captain Winram, who commands the Scotch
companies here, showed me a letter yesterday from Lord Rothes,
intimating that he thought there would be near 200 supernumeraries, who he hoped, whoever commanded in Newcastle,
would be provided for, and I sent the assurance to-day, which pray
acquaint Lord Arlington with; and also that now they begin to
want money to pay their quarters, and that I am going straight to
town to procure them credit in their quarters till their pay is
returned, which I hope will not be long, as they are to muster
to-morrow. By that time we hope all the foot and seamen may
arrive, one company and 200 seamen being yet in a ship at sea.
[2¼ pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 111.] |
May 14,
9 a.m. Whitby. |
Allan Wharton to James Hickes. Just now we of this port have
lost three vessels laden with coals for the alum works, taken by a
privateer of six guns. This is for want of stay of all ships, or that
the vessels will steal away in the nights. I have no order for
stopping any coasters. I am sending to Scarborough, Burlington,
and Hull to give notice, He took them at the Sand's End, two
miles from here, where they intended to unload at the alum works.
He put out the Hoastend (Ostend) colours, and came close to our
harbour's mouth. We thought him a friend, so three men in a boat
went out, which he has taken likewise. [Ibid. No. 112.] |
May 14,
11 a.m. Landguard Fort. |
Sir C. Lyttelton to Williamson. This morning about 40 of the
Dutch fleet, as we saw them from the batteries, weighed and stood
up the river, and we have heard the guns go off these two hours
very hard. The rest, which I counted to be above 50 sail, are now
all under sail too and stand out to sea. The wind being come a
little southerly, I hope it will bring our fleet up. I sent you advice
last night by an express, which I carried over myself to see
dispatched. Had I not, it must have stayed till everybody had
written, but I sent it away immediately, to tell you that their fleet
was at anchor in the Gunfleet, and that our ships that were there
were gone up the river. There are 100 pressed men here, and
many other seamen in the harbour, whom I wish you would
procure me an order to draw in here on occasion, to strengthen this
place and to man the guns; and also an order to the victualler at
Ipswich to send victuals for them, which I desire may be speedy,
for I know not how soon there will be occasion. They stand now
just as they did when they came in the last war; but I do not
think they will attempt upon us as yet. We are scarce worth
their trouble, and while they have their hands full in the river
they should [not] be at leisure to employ any here too; but we will
watch them, and if there be occasion I'll draw over Buller's company from Harwich, for they can be of little or no use there, and
Sir Robert Carey's, who keeps guard here already, from Walton. I
expect 40 recruits too from Norwich in a day or two to fill up my
company according to my late order, and Lord Oxford's troop are
at Ipswich, to whom I will send over by and by to draw down this
way. I ordered Fox's ketch last night when they came in, to be
ready here this morning to go out again; but they are not, for
which I can give no reason, for I think it were useful they went
out to follow the part of the Dutch fleet that is gone to sea. His
seamen may have left him, for he told me they said they would not
go out any more, and they knew as well as I that the power by
which I act is but pretended. Fox indeed told me they had not
gone with him yesterday, but that he told them I would force them
to it and press them. Postscript. Fox is just come, and says his
ketch shall be ready presently to go out, if we see the Dutch once
off sight; but he does not think they will away, but keep plying
to and again, lest our fleet should come upon them. It was so
dark last night when our ships weighed, that he is much afraid
they could get up but a little way, and that the guns we hear,
which continue to play very fast, are with them. [3 pages, S.P.
Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 113.] |
May 14,
noon. Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to Williamson. About two yesterday afternoon we
had a fair sight of those ships in the Gunfleet that came from the
Buoy of the Nore. They passed by us and stood southerly, the
way from which we heard the firing ever since daybreak; but
neither at our beacon, nor by any artifice I could think of either in
or upon the earth or upon heights could I make them to be broadsides but single guns. At last the ketch returned, with this
account. The headmost of our ships was the Assurance. The
ketch, discovering the Dutch fleet under sail, gave notice to our
ships, who were at first hard of belief, but finding a body of the
Dutch sailing towards them, they timely retired to their former
station. The Dutch fleet were under sail yesterday, when the
ketch first made them out on this side the Galloper, and stood in
towards the Gunfleet. They say about 40 small and great are
sailed up the Swin, and that 50 more are anchored off the West
Rocks, not far from the Buoy of the Gunfleet. We discerned all
this from land plainly. The firing yesterday, our discoverer says,
was only their exercising their small shot, those which we
imagined great guns only their vollies. It was a brisk N.E.
gale last night, and this morning the wind, what there is, is somewhat more southerly. I cannot conjecture the intention of the
Dutch, but were our fleet behind them here, they are so sandlocked that they cannot return without fighting their way through
ours. They may think they have divided our fleet because of
those few ships they saw yesterday returning back, or else perhaps
they design to draw our deep-drawing ships amongst these sands.
It was reported in Holland at the departure of our packet-boat
that their Spanish salt fleet was for the most part arrived. The
Dutch packet-boat is here still. I have orders from the Navy to
stop the victuallers and other ships belonging to his Majesty, which
I have done, and also a galliot, with about 140 pressed men on
board, and more I expect out of Essex to-day. We fear that the
Dutch that sailed up the Swin this morning may have lighted on
our ships that retired yesterday, because of the extraordinary firing
of great guns we hear from that coast. Some are confident they
can distinguish broadsides. I have given the Deputy Lieutenants
who live nearest us notice of the Dutch. We have not a soldier of
the militia yet amongst us. Now at noon about 60 or 70 of the
Dutch, great and small, are still at anchor before our harbour near
the West Rocks, and I conjecture the noise of the great guns is
approaching nearer. [Ibid. No. 114.] |
May 14.
The Gloucester, Sheerness. |
Captain William Coleman to Prince Rupert. This morning we
weighed from the Gunfleet, being pursued by the whole Dutch fleet
for some time. But afterwards 30 followed us, having three flags
with them, and the rest came with an easy sail, till we ran their
body out of sight. We exchanged several guns, some of their
smallest frigates sailing much better than the rest, and so continued
till we came within shot of Sheerness, the Dutch giving the fort
some broadsides. The flood being almost spent, we all anchored
within, and the Dutch clapped upon a wind, which was then at
E.N.E., and are now plying down towards the Buoy on the Nore.
I received your Highness's commands of the 12th, and shall wait
for your commands for the future. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308,
No. 115.] |
May 14,
2 a.m. |
Major N. Darell to Williamson. I have just received this
packet, and another to the officers of the Navy. I think the ships
at the Gunfleet might send intelligence quicker by Harwich.
[Ibid. No. 116.] |
May 14,
10 a.m. Sheerness. |
The same to the same. Thirty sail of the Dutch are following
our frigates from the Buoy of the Gunfleet, and are now almost
within cannonshot of us, firing as hard as can be. We want many
things, which I have often written for. [Ibid. No. 117.] |
May 14,
past 11 a.m. |
The same to the same. Our frigates are come into harbour, and
the Dutch are plying off it at the Buoy of the Nore, the wind N.E.,
but cannot reach us, nor we them, which I have tried from the new
battery. We want gunners and matrosses, which I have so often
written for. [Ibid. No. 118.] |
May 14,
2 p.m. Sheerness. |
The same to the same. I desire that Lord Arlington will acquaint the King that the twenty whole culverins I mounted on the
long curtain near Minster Point will be of extraordinary service
when we can have field-carriages, for some on ship-carriages
reached where the enemy was, and would have gone further had
they been mounted on the others. The Dutch fleet is now got as
high as the Blacktail, and may get down three or four miles to
the north-east of it this ebb. The train bands are just come in,
which I will quarter here and in Sheppey. Pray order a post, upon
this present occasion, at Ward, within a mile of Kingsferry. The
Prince knows it very well. It will save four or five miles in expedition. [Ibid. No. 119.] |
May 14,
4 p.m. Sheerness. |
The same to Prince Rupert. I sent two expresses to Sir Joseph
Williamson of what happened this morning. The Dutch have
since sailed so far as to be this instant betwixt the Shoe Beacon
and the Oase Edge, and we guess they will get this tide as far as
the Middle Ground. Your Highness will please inform his Majesty
how good it would be that the frigates chased in here should immediately stand to the Duke, who was off Dover last night. The train
band companies are here, whom I have ordered to quarter in Sheppey. [Ibid. No. 120.] |
May 14,
past 7 p.m. Sheerness. |
The same to Williamson. Wind N.E. and a stiff gale. The Dutch
that chased in our frigates are got two miles beyond the Buoy of
the Shoe, where they are now at anchor. Believing it to be of
great service, I ventured to tell the commanders of the frigates that
came to me that it would be infinitely for the King's service to turn
out of harbour again, if it were but to keep sight of their chasers,
whereby to amuse them, and so give his Royal Highness an opportunity to engage the remnant of their fleet before the party that
chased ours can rejoin them. I wish we had run in with less precipitation, seeing we might have skirmished with the enemy within
the Buoy of the Nore, having Sheerness to befriend ours and save
them from any accident. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 121.] |
May 14,
12.30 p.m. Chatham. |
Commissioner Thomas Middleton to Williamson. On the report
of some guns we lately heard, and the sight of several ships at
the Nore—it was judged an engagement between our squadron that
lately went out and the Dutch—I ordered Captain Hart of the
Revenge, with 100 of his company, to go down for the security of
the Katharine, whose men were taken from her, in case the enemy
should attempt anything further; as also 84 soldiers under a lieutenant, to the Governor of Sheerness to reinforce him, with a
request to Major Rolleston to accommodate us with 100 more, all
of whom shall be despatched down this tide. It being judged further conducible to the service, I am ordering 60 ropemakers and
40 riggers, both of whom are more capable to stand by great guns
and for sea service, to attend what action may present. I am just
told that the party supposed to be Dutch are anchored at the Buoy
of the Nore to ride the ebb tide, and that the others, judged ours,
are come in to Sheerness, fifteen more (we know not what) in sight
to the eastward, so far as can be discerned. I have sent account of
this to his Royal Highness by expresses to Deal and Dover. [1¼
page. Ibid. No. 122.] |
May 14,
3 p.m. Chatham |
The same to the same. Since my last I was told by a boat from
Sheerness that our ten ships are safe in the Ness, and that they
declined not engaging the Dutch, but fought them side to side from
four to eleven, when they came to the fort, which received them with
several guns, and proved too hot for them to stand by, on which
they plied to windward, but left one of their ships (as is judged)
on Green Spit. Besides those that fought ours, 80 more are reported to be at the Gunfleet. [Ibid. No. 123.] |
May 14.
Chatham. |
The same to the same. Enclosing a copy of a letter from Captain Coleman to him, dated that day at Sheerness, the contents of
which fully appear by Captain Coleman's other letters, calendared
ante, p. 556 and p. 559. [Ibid. No. 124.] |
[May 14.]
Tuesday, 2 p.m. |
Major William Rolleston to the Earl of Arlington. Enclosing
Commissioner Middleton's letter to him, and stating that he has
sent to raise some of the train bands, as they are reduced there to
a small number. [Ibid. No. 125.] Enclosed. |
May 14.
Chatham. |
Commissioner Thomas Middleton to Rolleston. Desiring him
to send 100 soldiers to reinforce Sheerness garrison. [Ibid.
No. 125i.] |
May 14,
noon. Margate. |
John Glover to Williamson. Nothing appears here of any ships
this morning, only sometimes we hear some guns together, like
chase guns. |
|
Postscript.—Colonel Roocke, being all last week at Dover with
the horse, is come here this morning and desires me to remind you
that about ten days ago he gave you an account of our dangerous
condition here for want of powder and shot for 14 good guns we
have here, and he and all the country desire you to stand our
friend, that we may have powder and shot sent us with all speed.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 126.] |
May 14,
3 p.m. Margate. |
Richard Langley to Williamson. Between 9 and 10 this morning we heard several guns, and discovered some smoke, which was
judged by the seamen here to be at the Buoy of the Gunfleet, and
is supposed to be some engagement of squadrons or scouts;
and since Nutting, a smackman, who came over the Flats, says he
descried about 40 Dutch beating up for Sheerness, with two flagships among them. Pray, in your next, inform me where our fleet
is, for we can receive no intelligence of them. [Ibid. No. 127.] |
May 14, 9 a.m.
Dover Castle. |
Colonel J. Strode to Williamson. At 3 this morning came in
two more of my horsemen with news of the advance of our fleet,
and now I can discover sixteen sail from the Tower. Pray let the
Mayors of Hastings and Rye be well chid, for I hear they had your
orders, as well as mine, to keep watch and send me word, but they
have done nothing. As fast as I can get a vessel out I am going
aboard, and I have two of my people ready ashore to send away
with the Duke's orders. Sir Charles Harberd, who came from
France yesterday, is going off with me. [Ibid. No. 128.] |
May 14, 6 p.m.
Dover Castle. |
Major William Freeman to Williamson. I would have given
you an account of affairs here, had I not known that Colonel
Strode did so daily. As the wind now sets, being full E., our fleet
makes but little way, and, I fear, will not get up to Dover Road
till to-morrow morning. Col. Strode went aboard as soon as he
sent his letter to you, with Sir Charles Harbert. I came from
Deal last night, where I saw eight or ten Dutch ships off the North
Foreland, making towards the Dutch fleet, who, we hear, were at
anchor near Ostend. By the Crown, that came into Dover Road
this morning, we have advice that some of our fleet have taken a
fireship and a pink of the Dutch. [Ibid. No. 129.] |
May 14, 12.30 p.m.
Dover. |
John Carlile to Williamson. The whole body of the fleet appears off Hythe. We cannot certainly give the number, by reason
of hazy weather, but it is a very great fleet. [Ibid. No. 130.] |
May 14, 4 p.m.
Dover. |
The same to [the same]. Several of our ships appeared in the
Road to-day. I suppose the Governor gave you an account of the
express we sent this morning. The Crown has taken a Dutch
galliot laden with ammunition for their fleet, and retaken an English pink. The Dover also has taken a Dutch fireship. A Hamburger has since come, who met with the Dutch fleet between
Dunkirk and Ostend yesterday. The master being ordered on
board, Admiral de Ruyter asked him where he was bound ? He
said for Dover. De Ruyter replied that he lay there on purpose to
fight our fleet before they went home, and said that they would
send them to the devil. The wind N.E., fresh. [Ibid. No. 131.] |
May 14, 9 a.m.
Rye. |
James Welsh to Williamson. This morning our fleet is come up
our bay; but, as the wind is, it is uncertain whether they will
weather the Ness, though it be not far east of them now. When
they get about it you shall hear of it. [Original and copy. S.P.
Dom., Car. II. 308, Nos. 132, 133.] |
May 14.
Portsmouth. |
Hugh Salesbury to Williamson. Several English merchant ships
from the Straits have put in here, fearing to proceed on account of
the enemy. Wind continues E. [Ibid. No. 134.] |
May 14.
Portsmouth. |
Captain Anthony Deane to Lord Arlington. To-day I discoursed
with a Swede who is here, laden with deals. He was detained by
De Ruyter last Friday off Dover, and they took ten guns from him.
He affirms the fleet consisted of 150 sail, as near as he could tell,
and that at the same time twelve were off the Foreland, and that
Trump was expected every day with a squadron of East India
ships. In general here it is discoursed that the number is increased,
and consequently the greater mischief likely to happen on our own
parts as to those matters which our stores afford but a small number of for so great an action, and therefore, above all, it's to be considered how to make the most of what we have, and to aim at a
second despatch after the engagement, and to prevent the disorders
I observed last war, when method seems to be at greatest distance,
as it is after a battle, as I found being on board ere the fleet come
to shore, which is thus:—As soon as the battle ends all commanders
give their admirals a list of their damage and wants, with their
expenditure of stores, which generally is all or the greatest part,
and the officers of each ship require both the masts and rigging
new which are shot, and are very much discontented if it be denied,
each man looking at his own ship's fitting, not regarding the general stores, and if this is not granted, complaint is generally made
against the officers of the yard that they can have nothing or else
they had been ready long since, and so neither the General nor
Navy Board can tell where the fault lies, nor will the time admit
of examining who is in fault; besides, it is not unlikely the stores
would be more spared were interest laid aside to procure the good
will of some and to be secured against the reproach of others, who
spare not to prejudice those who have been wanting to serve their
purpose. Without some remedy this may be as great an evil as
possible, especially now, when masts, yards, cordage, sails, boats,
and many other things are not in store equal to the great occasion
which may presently happen, nor, perhaps, to be had in the Kingdom, though money were at the greatest plenty. Therefore I presume one hint, that in my observation last war, when stores were
plentiful, more of all sorts were issued for the first battle than in
the two latter, or, indeed, could be had, and the necessity drove
a seeming content of patching masts, at which I was no small
botcher, and splicing of rigging and the like, which brings me to the
last remedy which I conceive, above all, to be practised at the first
battle. As soon as the fleet draws ashore after the engagement,
some able master shipwrights, master attendants, and anyone else
that may be thought fit, be joined as Commissioners to survey what
shall be done to every ship's masts, yards, sails, &c., and after that
survey the officer who complains be looked on as he deserves.
Then they joined in survey, knowing the strength of the King's
stores, can give final judgment what can, and what cannot be
effected. This shall ease the Lord High Admiral of all complaints,
the fleet shall be despatched, and discovery be made of any man's
mind how he inclines to serve his country, or to stay in the fleet
for either hopes of altering his station to cruise for prizes or hopes
of benefit. I beg pardon for the length and manner of this, which
is occasioned through my continual sense that in the fleet doing
well lie all our safeties, and my assurance of your lordship's
labouring to effect it, and pray your lordship, after perusal, to
commit it to fire or waste, the first by reason of its defect in stile,
the other because those whose duty it is to give rules and laws
of this nature, may think me worthy of displeasure by raising a
discourse so remote from my employment. [2½ pages. S.P.
Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 135.] |
May 14.
Weymouth. |
Nathaniel Osborne to James Hickes. The wind is still easterly,
but we hope it will speedily turn. (News of the taking of two
vessels by a Dutch caper already given in previous letters.) We
expected last post an account of a fight, we had so many reports of
it last Friday, but we can learn no such thing. I think it will
prove thunder and lightning, or some apparition in the air.
[Ibid. No. 136.] |
May 14.
Dartmouth. |
W[illiam H[urt] to James Hickes. The Dutch privateers lie
still about these parts doing mischief. Wind E.S.E. [Ibid.
No. 137.] |
May 14.
Plymouth. |
Philip Lanyon to [James Hickes]. Sending list of ships
arrived. To-day the Newcastle brought in two ships, suspected
prizes; they report themselves to be Swedes. The wind has been
these eight days E. and S.E. One of the ships above reports they
came by the Dutch fleet between Dover and Calais, and judged
by them, great and small, from 120 to 140 sail. The last four posts
I ordered my servant in my absence to send what news there was.
[Ibid. No. 138.] |
| May 14. |
Paper marked "Inland Advices, received that day," but containing
only notes by Williamson about the Bishop of Paderborn and his
coadjutor, and the value of the bishoprics of Paderborn and Hildesheim. Also:—The Scots have several abbeys in Germany, at
Wurtzburg and Ratisbon, and had heretofore St. Martin's at
Cologne, one at Vienna, and one at a fifth place, but the three last
were lost—all of Benedictines. [Ibid. No. 139.] |
| May 14. |
Reference to the Lords of the Treasury of the petition of John
Wheldon, praying for a grant of the Receiver's place of Salop.
[S.P. Dom., Entry Book 33, p. 160.] |
May 14.
Whitehall. |
Grant to Thomas Cheeke to be gamekeeper at and ten miles about
Havering, Essex. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 34, f. 165.] |
May 14.
Whitehall. |
Warrant to Sir Robert Long, Treasurer and Receiver of the
jointure of the late Queen Mother, to pay to the trustees of her
jointure their salaries for the last half-year, as they still have diffi-
culty in collecting the revenues thereof, and paying the debts, and
have to hold frequent meetings for the same. [S.P. Dom., Entry
Book 34, f. 165.] |
| May 14. |
Warrants to the masters of the Alicant and Newland to sail
westward, and give notice to ships of the present war. Minutes.
[S.P. Dom., Entry Book 34, f. 162.] |
| May 14. |
Post warrant to Col. Russell for three horses to Rochester.
Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 34, f. 165.] |
| May 14. |
Post warrant to Edw. Cranfield for four horses to Sheerness,
Chatham, and back. Minute. [Ibid.] |
| May 14. |
Post warrant to Mr. Smith to Margate. Minute. [Ibid.] |
| May 14. |
Commission to — to enlist and form into a company,
whereof he is to be captain, the workmen of the yard at Harwich,
for the defence of that town, and to exercise them and keep them
in good order and discipline. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 35a, f. 40.] |
| May 14. |
A like commission to Portsmouth. [On parchment. S.P. Dom.,
Car. II., Case F, No. 38.] |
|
Minute thereof. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 35a, f. 40.] |
| May 14. |
Warrant to Sir T. Chicheley to provide twenty beds and bedsteads for the recruits to be raised for Sir Charles Lyttelton's company at Landguard. [Ibid.] |
May 14.
Whitehall. |
The King to Prince Rupert. The Dutch fleet having been
discovered standing in towards the Gunfleet, directing that he, both
for preventing any affront upon the ships in the mouth of the
river, and for eyeing their motions more narrowly, should pass
down to the fleet, or as near as he deems needful, and give orders
for prevention of any such design, requiring all civil and military
officers to obey his orders therein. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 39,
p. 20.] |
May 14.
Victualling Office. |
Sir T. Littleton, Josiah Child, and T. Papillon, to the Navy
Commissioners. The vessel you ordered as a victualler for Portsmouth has been engaged in loading stores for the yard, and the
other we since ordered thither cannot proceed for want of a wind.
As we doubt the fleet may have speedy occasion for the flesh lying
at Portsmouth, we suggest that you should appoint some victuallers
to be taken up there or at Southampton, which might bring off
those provisions with more expedition than by the ships that are to
go about from hence. We shall have enough to lade the ships
when they arrive at Portsmouth, though the ships taken up there
bring away the flesh, whereof we have upwards of 250 tons there.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 324, No. 154.] |
May 14, 10 a.m.
Blackwall. |
Capt. J. Perriman to the same. I was this morning on board the
Augustin, hired as a man-of-war, and found none of her owners, or
her master, who promised me to be here, on board. If she does not
float this tide, it will be a great hindrance to the other ships, for she
lies at the gate, so that not one can be got out till she is out. Last
tide there were thirteen feet of water outside the gates. If the
master is not here, and she floats, I will haul her half her length
into the dock to make room for getting out the others next tide. I
beg you to send for Mr. John Thornbush, her husband and owner,
and direct that he or the master may come down to hasten getting
out the ships. If you please that I should stay here to see them
got out, I shall freely obey. Pray write that Mr. Johnson may
obey and assist me to their despatch this spring tide, for his foreman is unwilling that more than three should come out one tide,
that they may grave all, when we may grave all this one spring.
Mr. Johnson has all the carpenters at work in his yard, so that the
other yard can do little without an order that he should spare some
to Mr. Avory, for some of the ships are resolved to grave at
Mr. Avory's yard. [1½ page. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 324, No. 155.] |
May 14.
The Drake, Greenwich Hole. |
Capt. John Temple to the Navy Commissioners. Requesting
that the cable for his ship be put on board one of the ketches
for Sheerness, as he fears that if he waits longer for it, and does not
go down to the fleet at Sheerness, he shall incur his Royal Highness'
displeasure, and theirs. [Ibid. No. 156.] |
May 14.
The Ruby, Sheerness. |
Capt. Stephen Pyend to the same. Complaining that though
they had informed him by their letter of the 1st instant that they
had taken care for the provisions of his ship, and though he had by
their orders sent his purser to the victuallers, he had as yet received
only butter and cheese. [Ibid. No. 157.] |
May 14.
Newcastle. |
Giles Bond to the same. The 13th arrived three vessels from
Leith, with 321 seamen in all, and I understand one more is laden,
but not with the full number of 500, for they are not come to Leith
yet. I beg your orders whether, if they come to a small number, I
am to stay for all, or come with the greater number. My vessel is
not come yet. I have disposed of 200 of them on board the dogger,
and of 100 on board a collier. The Cambridge's ketch is still here.
[Ibid. No. 158.] |
May 14.
Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to the same. This morning our lighter was
launched. I gave your orders to five victuallers yesterday. I still
detain Mr. Bond's galliot. She received yesterday from Cambridgeshire about 60, and this morning I have betwixt 20 and 30 more
pressed men to put aboard her, some, I fear, not worth their victuals, but I cannot remedy that, nor discharge them. (News of the
movements of the Dutch and English fleets as in his other letter of
that date.) Last war we had here the Little Victory, the Truelove,
the Spy, and the Jeremiah galliot, but now we have not one boat
with a gun to hinder the darings of their small craft, but only
when we send out any discoverer we put some musketeers on board.
[Ibid. No. 159.] |
May 14, 6 a.m.
The Gloucester, at the Buoy of the Spits. |
Capt. William Coleman to the same. (Duplicate of the letter,
calendared, ante, p. 556.) [Ibid. No. 160.] |
May 14, past 8 p.m.
Whitehall. |
Sir J. Williamson to S. Pepys. His Majesty would have you
forthwith provide convenient rowing boats, to carry 400 men down
to Gravesend this very night, of the best sort you can. The King
thinks the Gravesend barges would be best. You could be furnished with any further power of press that may be necessary. As
soon as this is done, the King would have some one of the office
come down with an account of it, and where the boats lie. [S.P.
Dom., Car. II. 324, No. 161.] |
May 14, 9 p.m.
Whitehall. |
The same to the same. Six companies (for now you are to provide passage for 600 men) will rendezvous at Tower Hill, and then
apply to you for information where their boats are, and you are to
give orders to have them conducted to and put on board their boats
with their officers in the order they shall come to the rendezvous,
sending one of your body down in the interim to satisfy the King
that the business is done, that is, boats provided. The tide serves
at 1, and the King expects they lose no moment of it. Noted as
received at almost 11 p.m., and vide the Board's letter to the Lord
Mayor of 16 May. [Ibid. No. 162]. |
| May 14. |
Benjamin Holmes to Sir T. Allin. Praying an order for fitting
and victualling at Portsmouth the James galliot, about which Col.
Halsall last Saturday sent a letter to his Honour. [Ibid. No. 163.] |
| May 14. |
Contract by Edward Smith with Sir. T. Middleton for the blocks,
&c., therein mentioned. [Ibid. No. 164.] |
| May 14. |
Note of a bill passed that day to John Cade, stationer, of 45l. 5s.
for paper and printing supplied 29 Dec. and 5 Feb., for the use of
yards. [Ibid. No. 165.] |
May 14.
Much Easton, Essex. |
Hen. Coleman, M.A., of Cambridge, and an ancient preacher of
the gospel, to Williamson. I laid aside my ministry from sickness,
and from some scruples of conscience. I accord with ministers, Episcopal, Presbyterians, or Independent, so far as they accord with
Scripture. I have not preached since the Nonconforming ministers
were laid aside, but having read the King's declaration, I crave leave
to preach in a house in Thaxted Parish, co. Essex, without meddling
with any State affairs. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 321, No. 137.] |
| May 14. |
Requests for licences to be delivered to Nathaniel Ponder, for
John Courtman, in the house of John Mauncell, in Thorp Malsor;
and for the houses of Richard Adkins in Wellingborough, Edward
Brookes in Brigstock, John Mauncell in Newton, and [Ralph] Pun
in Green's Norton; and for Thomas Andrewes, in his own house,
Meares Ashby, all in Northamptonshire, and all Congregational but
the last, which is Presbyterian. [Ibid. No. 138.] |
| May 14. |
Requests for licences by William Stone for Samuel Wright, at his
house at Castle Donnington; for William Smith, at his house at
Dyesworth Grange, in the parish of Castle Donnington; for Thomas
Smith, at the house of Francis Thomasman, at Wanliff Grange, all
in Leicestershire, and all Congregational. [Ibid. No. 139.] |
| May 14. |
Request by William Thompson for licences for Michael Drake, of
Fulbeck, and for his house; for John Birkett of Frieston, in the
parish of Ca[y]thorp, and for his house in Swinderby; for Joseph
Lee, of Ashby de la Laund; and for the house of Edward King, in
the same town; for John Wright, of Leasingham, and for the house
of Lady Jane Bury in Linwood, all in Lincolnshire; for Henry
Wilkinson, D.D., of Gosfield, in Essex, and for his house; for
Richard Hobson of Ellenthorpe; and for the house of James Brooke,
in the same town; for John Denton of Osgoodby Grange, in the
N. Riding; and for the house of John Scurr, all in Yorkshire; all
Presbyterians. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 321, No. 140.] |
| May 14. |
Request for licences for Matthew Warren to preach in John Hill's
in Withypoole in Somerset, and for that house; and for Benjamin
Berry to preach in the house of Abraham Sealy in Trull in Somerset, and for that house; and for Francis Stickland's house in
Trull; all Presbyterians. To be called for by Thomas Stone or
Wm. Payne. [Ibid. No. 141.] |
| [May 14 ?] |
Request by Walter Payne for the last-mentioned licences, and for
John Hill at the houses of Richard Slocombe and John Collard,
Dulverton parish; and for the house of Joan Bult, widow, in Hide,
in West Muncton parish, all in Somerset, and all Presbyterians.
[Ibid. No. 142.] |
| May 14. |
Thomas Blood to William Mascall, chirurgeon, at Romford. I
enclose the licences you gave me a note for. If you need any other
places to be licensed, you can have them. There is no charge for
them, only it is agreed that 5s. for the personal licences be gotten,
and the doorkeepers and under clerks should afterwards be
remembered by a token of love. [Original and copy. Ibid.
Nos. 143, 144.] |
| May 14. |
Receipt by James Inness, junior, for licences for Arthur Barham,
William Gough, and John Crofts, for persons and places; for Simon
Barrett and Henry Dent as general teachers; and for the houses of
Robert Grove, John Hussey, and William Good. [Ibid. No. 145.] |
| May 14. |
Receipt by Edward Newton for licences for Joseph Osborne of
Brighthelmston, William Wallis of Hove, and John Crouch of
Lewes; and for the house of Sir John Stapley in Hove, John Fryland in Brighthelmston, and Thomas Fissenden in Lewes, all in
Sussex. [Ibid. No. 146.] |
| May 14. |
Receipt by Nathaniel Ponder for licences for Fowler of Kilsby,
Wills of Cransley, Alsope of Gedington, Negus of Wellingborough,
Ekins of Twywell, Hooke of Northampton, Dandy of Oakley
Magna, and Willis of Ringsted, all in Northamptonshire. [Ibid.
No. 147.] |
| May 14. |
Receipt by Richard Ellis for licences for Mr. Hughes and his house;
for Mr. Bayley's house at Marlborough; for Mr. Frayling at Edward
Hope's house at Devizes; for Mr. Foldoe at Mr. Minshue's
house, Chipping Barnet; and for the houses of Richard Ellis,
Richard Hunt, and Griffin Bully at Reading, and of John Freeme
at Devizes. [Ibid. No. 148.] |
| May 14. |
Receipt by William Carslake for licences for the houses of Benjamin Perkins, Wokingham, and John Rewe, Shobrook, Devon; for
a house erected at Totnes; for Alice Hawe's house, Wokingham;
for Benjamin Perkins, Wokingham; the houses of Richard Baker,
Kingsbridge; Samuel Mayne, Holsworthy; George Capel, Tinmouth, Devon (sic); William Yeo, Newton Abbot, and Roger More,
Great Torrington; and for Richard Bickle, Buckfastleigh, Devon;
for Thomas Martine's house, Plymouth; for George Bindon, at the
houses of Nicholas Stooke and Edward Serle, Culmstock, Devon;
for the houses of William Wood, Tiverton, and Thomas Sanders,
Little Ixton, Devon, and for Richard Sanders. [S.P. Dom., Car. II.
321, No. 149.] |
| May 14. |
Receipt by James Inness, jun., for licences for Luke Cranwell,
John Oatefield, Thomas Whitehead, John James, Stephen Scandrett,
Joshua Barnett, and James Waller, each for person and place;
general for John Bidley, John Rogers, Robert Perrot, and John
Dan; and for a meeting-place at St Olave's, Southwark. [Ibid.
No. 150.] |
| May 14. |
Receipt by Thomas Taylor for licences for Mr. Alliston at his
house, the Grange, Coggeshall, Essex, and for Edward Isaac, at the
house of Gilbert Ashley, Goldington, Bedfordshire. [Ibid. No. 151.] |
May 15.
[Received.] |
Anna Yeames, Elizabeth Chamberlain, and Elizabeth Turner, on
behalf of their husbands and other Englishmen, detained as slaves
by the Spaniards at Carthagena and elsewhere, to the King and the
Privy Council. Petition stating their petition of July last, which
stated that their husbands, being master and officers of the Thomas
and Richard, with the rest of the crew, whose names are in the list
thereto annexed, on their voyage from Guinea and Jamaica to
London were taken by a Spanish ship, three days' sail this side of
the Gulf of Florida, much northwards of the Line, and therefore
contrary to the peace between England and Spain, and were used
with much tyranny, and forced to work as slaves all day in irons,
as appeared by two affidavits, whereof copies were there to also
annexed, and stating that his Majesty thereon declared that the
petitioners' said relations should be released and have satisfaction
for their losses, and that only three of the ship's company have yet
been released, and praying that care may be taken for the release
of the remaining prisoners, and that satisfaction may be made for
their said losses. At foot, |
|
Reference, dated 19 July, Whitehall, thereof to Lord Clifford,
who, if he thinks fit, is to recommend the petitioners in his
Majesty's name to the Spanish Ambassador for release of
the above-mentioned prisoners, and for satisfaction for their
losses. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 140.] |
May 15.
Lincoln's Inn. |
Sir John Howell, Recorder of London, to Williamson. I received
his Majesty's command this morning for striking out of the
warrant lately signed by him for a pardon of the convicts in
Newgate the names of Andrew Palmer, alias Johnson, Richard
Halse, alias West, James Slader, alias Dormer, and John Brittaine,
who, with Edward Hide, since executed, were attainted for highway
robbery from the person of Edward Elkins. I have done so
accordingly, and present the warrant to you, requesting you to
procure his Majesty's approbation of the obliteration of the four
names, for till then the pardon cannot be engrossed for the Great
Seal. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 141.] |
| [After May 15.] |
Richard Halse to the King. Petition stating that he was convicted as a highwayman at the last Old Bailey sessions, but
reprieved as it was his first crime, and put into the pardon for
transportation, but was afterwards, with Palmer, Slater, and
Britaine, razed out by his Majesty's command, with intent for his
being committed to the galleys at Tangiers, for life, and begging
to be reinserted in the pardon for transportation or to serve the
King at sea, having served faithfully in the last Dutch war.
[Ibid. No. 141a.] |
| [May 15.] |
Sir Thomas Middleton to Williamson. Forwarding a copy of a
letter of the 14th from Capt. Turner of the Tiger, giving the same
news as that in Capt. Coleman's letters of the 13th and 14th, calendared ante, p. 544 and p. 559. [Ibid. No. 142.] |
| May 15. |
Notes of business for the Private Committee:— Meet the French
Ambassador upon the Treaty of Commerce, and the papers from the
Committee of Foreign Plantations upon St. Christopher's. Meet
the Hamburg agents on their papers. Meet the Dutch Ambassador
upon his two propositions. List of the Dantzic and Lübeck ships.
Bishop of Münster's answer. Answer to the Dutch paper called
Considerations sur l'estat present, &c. [Ibid. No. 143.] |
May 15.
Stockton. |
Samuel Hodgkin to James Hickes. Yesterday two small colliers
put in here to avoid a small caper of two guns and 30 men, which
had taken off Whitby two small vessels with coal for the alum
works, which a few hours after were rescued by a small vessel sent
out from Whitby. [Ibid. No. 144.] |
May 15.
Hull. |
Col. Anthony Gylby to Williamson. Concerning the capture
of the colliers for the alum works by the Dutch caper. [Ibid.
No. 145.] |
May 15, 8 a.m.
Hull. |
J. Parkins to Williamson. Giving the same news as the last.
Wind continues E. [Ibid. No. 146.] |
May 15.
Southwold. |
John Wickens to James Hickes. Sir Francis Compton's troop
left this to-day. [Ibid. No. 147.] |
May 15.
Aldeburgh. |
Ralph Rabett to James Hickes. The wind continues N.E. This
bay is clear of men-of-war and privateers. [Ibid. No. 148.] |
May 15, 12 noon.
Landguard. |
Sir Charles Lyttelton to Williamson. The Dutch fleet is still in the
Gunfleet. The wind blows hard N.E., which, I believe, keeps in
the squadron they sent up the river yesterday that they cannot
return. Two small boats that came in last night say they saw
what passed between them and our frigates, which was nothing but
a running fight, and that they pursued ours as far as the Shoe.
The master of the ketch is not satisfied to have nothing but my
directions and engagement to see him paid for his danger and
charge. Yesterday he went within shot of their fleet in the Gunfleet, and they armed out two sloops and two small men-of-war
after him, which were extraordinary sailers, and in the pursuit the
ketch struck ground once or twice, by which he had like to have
been taken. They followed him almost within reach of the Fort. I
have discharged the other small vessel these two days, being afraid
to contract for so much without more order, and would be glad to
hear of you if I shall continue this on his Majesty's account, and
whether my writing so often be not more trouble than service.
The wind continued southerly but a little while yesterday, and
now is N.E. Your express of ten last night is just come with
Captain Taylor's commission, which I shall send him. I am very
glad of it, and it will set all things right among us. [S.P.
Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 149.] |
Wednesday
[May 15], afternoon. |
The same to the same. Surmising from Williamson's, received
since he wrote, that some other letter intended to be sent him had
been forgotten, and saying that he is told not a word where the
fleet may be. [Ibid. No. 150.] |
May 15,
3 p.m. Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to Williamson. Yesterday our ketch went out to
view the Dutch fleet, which from our Beacon Hill we could see so
distinctly as to know some eminent ships as the Admiral's, not
only by their flags and pennants, but also by their very make, even
to pointing out the Swiftsure, but this was by persons of stronger
judgments and sight than I had. However, our ketch sailed so
near them that she was chased by four of their excellent sailers,
two with two sails each and oars, and the other two we judged to be
excellent sloops. From the Beacon Hill I beheld all this, and at last
she escaped, though very narrowly. The Dutch lie off on the back of
the West Rocks, about five leagues S.E. from us. We judge them
to be about 50 sail, but more exact observers say they are either
45 or 46 men-of-war. Those that sailed yesterday towards the
Thames are not yet returned. This morning, from the Beacon Hill,
I saw them (that is, this lower part) in the same place and lying at
the same distances as yesterday. They exercise their small shot
men very much; not a minute passes without several firings, and
so it continues this morning; the wind being easterly and blowing
very hard last night. I am informed that the men-of-war that
retired from the Dutch were seen by some fishermen at sea from
Wivenhoe maintaining their retreat with their chase guns, and
sometimes a quarter. They judged it a mile betwixt them. The
Dutch made after them with colours and flags, as if they were the
French squadron, all white. The Dutch were about 30, and had two
smaller vessels ahead of them, which they imagined might be fireships.
We long to know the issue. It is judged by most here that that
party, if they chased far into the river, can hardly return in two
tides, for we believe they dared not move last night by reason of
the stiffness of the wind against them, which, had they sailed,
would have made some of them taste sand. Had it been God's
will to have sent our fleet to that party here, it might in all probability have facilitated a victory. We look out very sharply to see
our fleet coming. We cannot understand where they are. I have
just received a letter from Sir C. Lyttelton, with a commission to
me to command the men in the yard to train them. They are very
few; if the town had been in also, as exempt from the militia of
the county, we might have appeared with some force. I intend to go
over to consult Sir C. Lyttelton how I may be most serviceable,
and then will give you an account. Now, at three, we see several
of the Dutch under sail, but cannot discover which way they intend.
Two or three stand N.E., but those, I believe, are their scouts.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 151.] |
May 15,
about noon. Sheerness. |
Prince Rupert to the Earl of Arlington. From Gravesend last
night I gave your lordship an account of what had occurred to me.
I came very early to Chatham, where I met Commissioner Middleton and brought him with me here, where I met Sir Thomas Allin
and Sir Jeremy Smyth. I have now ordered all the ships to the
Buoy of the Nore again, and put them under Capt. Coleman's
command, whom I have ordered to follow the Dutch as fast as he
can without a disadvantageous engagement, finding ours to be very
much better sailers than the enemy's. Some of the enemy's ships
are still in sight, about two miles northward of the Shoe Beacon,
but they are bearing down with the first of the ebb. If they keep
betwixt Capt. Coleman and the fleet he will be in no danger by
carefully following them; and, if otherwise, he will get safely to the
fleet. I have ordered the six companies of the Guards to be at
Gravesend till further order, judging it the most fitting post for
both sides of the river. I have also ordered Capt. Thornhill, who
commands a county troop, to come into the Isle of Sheppey, and to
quarter at Minster and Eastchurch, where they will be ready to be
commanded hither on occasion. Since writing hereof, I am informed
by one from Dover that eleven of our fleet were come in there at
four yesterday. [Ibid. No. 152.] |
May 15,
noon. Sheerness. |
Prince Rupert to the King. Referring him to the above letter
for what he is ordering. [Holograph. Ibid. No. 153.] |
May 15.
4. 30 a.m. Sheerness. |
Major N. Darell to Williamson. The Dutch ride about the Buoy
of the Shoe, not being able to weigh last night. Our frigates are
now loose, ready to sail. Please inform Lord Arlington how careful
Lord Winchelsea is of the King's concerns, and what care he particularly takes of this case. He sends me word he saw H.R.H. at
2 p.m. yesterday between the Ness and Hythe. [Ibid. No. 154.] |
May 15.
The Gloucester, near the Buoy on the O[a]ze's Edge. |
Capt. William Coleman to Sir Thomas Allin or Sir Jeremy
Smyth. The Dutch are now at anchor at the upper end of the
Middle Ground, their Vice-Admiral being aground on the sand and
now half dry, running on at a quarter ebb, seen by our smack,
which went down this morning. We ride in sight of them, below
the Buoy on the O[a]ze's Edge, and will not lose opportunity to dog
them. I hope the ships will get off this flood. [Ibid. No. 155.] |
| May 15. |
Major William Rolleston to Lord [Arlington]. Requesting him
to get his contingent and the suckler fire bill signed, as he has not
5s. left. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 156.] |
May 15,
5 p.m. Margate. |
Richard Langley to Williamson. I was to-day at the North
Foreland, and cannot discover any of the Dutch fleet nor any of
his Majesty's. A ketch that came in to-day and left Dover yesterday, says twenty of our ships are come into Dover Road. He has
above a hundred pressed men on board, and is bound up to our
ship at Sheerness. To-day a smack went out of our pier with 30
pressed men, the lieutenant of the York frigate with them, towards
the fleet. [Ibid. No. 157.] |
May 15,
4 p.m. Margate. |
John Glover to Williamson. I am sorry the bold Dutchmen have
had time and opportunity to come so high, as I hear they have done,
but the wind has favoured them a great while, which is but a little
to prolong their misery. The Elizabeth ketch that waits on the
Rupert came in to-day from Dover. He was going on to the Nore
with 90 or 100 men, and has orders from Prince Rupert to put them
on board some ships there, but he did not know of the Flemings being
there; so I have stopped him, and ordered him a pilot to carry him
to the East Swale, and to land his men at Shellness, the east end of
Sheppey, right against Whitstable, which he may do, although the
Dutch be at the Nore. I have sent by this express to Major Darell
to send a guard to the Ness for the men as they march across the
island. The ketch goes to-night, and the men will be ashore early
to-morrow, or to-night if the guard come. I think this better than
landing them here and marching them 40 miles by land. We have
no sight of the Dutch to-day as yet, but last night I saw six or
eight sail off the Foreland, and some twenty standing down the
Swin. [Ibid. No. 158.] |
May 15,
8 p.m. Margate. |
The same to the same. Acknowledging his letter of ten that
morning received at seven that evening. [Ibid. No. 159.] |
May 15.
Deal. |
Richard Watts to Williamson. Six Dutch men-of-war ply every
night near the North Foreland, within two leagues of the land.
Great talk is reported that the Dutch beat seven of our ships under
Shoe Ness. [Ibid. No. 160.] |
May 15,
9 a.m. Dover. |
John Carlile to [Williamson]. Last night Major Freeman and I
sent the express to the fleet, and this morning another packet from
you, which went with Mr. Cranfield. Several tenders came in this
morning which left the fleet last night off the Ness, and believed
they weighed this tide. The wind is still E.N.E, with hazy
weather, so that it will be to-morrow before the whole gets up in
our Road. About ten of them are there now. [Ibid. No. 161.] |
May 15,
4 p.m. Dover. |
The same to the same. Just now our fleet with the French is at
anchor till the next flood, at about eleven at night. The wind
continues E.N.E. Yesterday a small French privateer was chased
by some Dutch men-of-war, but being too nimble for them escaped,
and came into our Road. Thirteen men are brought ashore sick
and lame out of the St. Andrew. [Ibid. No. 162.] |
May 15.
9 a.m. The Royal Prince, 2 leagues Eastward of Dungeness. |
Colonel John Strode to Williamson. It was last night before I
got on board his Royal Highness's ship. The bearer of this,
Mr. Walshe, carries also orders to Chatham, to be sent to Captain
Coleman, that as soon as our fleet is passed the South Foreland I
am to send to him to set sail to join his Royal Highness, whether he
be engaged with the enemy or have put them from their station.
Also, I shall order that no lights be put out at the South or
North Foreland till our fleet be passed. The wind is N.E., and I
fear our fleet will not be up with Dover to-morrow. I am going
aboard the Kitchen to come up before them. We hear part of the
Dutch fleet has been as high as Sheerness, but believe it only a brag.
I have now seen both fleets, and with God's help doubt not, if ours
should encounter them, but the victory would remain with us,
though we wanted a third of our fleet. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308,
No. 163.] |
May 15,
6 p.m. Dover Castle. |
The same to the same. We have had an account of the action at
Chatham. I now write again to Captain Coleman with his
squadron to be ready, and he shall have notice as soon as the Duke
is passed the South Foreland, and he shall also see a light on the
North Foreland. Our fleet lies now a little short of Folkestone, and
the wind blowing very hard N.E., I believe can hardly weigh tonight's tide. I am now providing 100 tuns of water for the fleet,
which they are in great need of. [Ibid. No. 164.] |
May 15,
forenoon. The Prince. |
Matthew Wren to Williamson. I am so wretched a seaman that
in the least blowing weather I cannot hold up my head, and am so
very ill this morning that I must beg your pardon for not writing
with my own hand. We are now a little Eastward of Dungeness,
plying to windward as fast as we can, the wind continuing fresh
between N. and E. I had a letter dated yesterday from Captain
Coleman that he was pursued by the Dutch fleet and was retiring
to the Medway. His Royal Highness has sent him orders advising
him to be careful, with directions for facilitating his junction with
the fleet, which go by the gentleman that goes to the Queen. The
enclosed are his Royal Highness's letters which I desire you to
send by the first opportunity. [Ibid. No. 165.] |
May 15.
The Prince. |
James Hamilton to Williamson. Excusing himself on account of
his want of industry from following his advice of keeping a journal,
and requesting that Lord Arlington should keep all his letters,
which will prove a very exact though homely narrative of this
expedition. [Ibid. No. 166.] |
May 15,
10. 30 a.m. Rye. |
James Welsh to Williamson. This morning at eight I received
yours of last night, and have got a swift sailer to carry the packet
as directed, which is gone above an hour, and I hope will soon be
on board the Prince. The whole fleet is now going about the Ness,
and I believe will reach Folkestone to-day, which I fear will be the
furthest. [Ibid. No. 167.] |
May 15.
Falmouth. |
Thomas Holden to Williamson. Sending descriptions received
from the masters of three ships from Bordeaux of two Dutch ships
they met at St. Martyn's, and suggesting that, if any ships be sent
in, it may be well to take notice of the marks mentioned. The
master of one says he believes a Londoner that came with
him from Bordeaux is taken by a small pickaroon that gave him
chase. A small vessel sent to Brest with a packet and now returned
with a letter for the French Ambassador, and two more that are
sent away by post, says ten great men-of-war are ready manned
there to go to sea, and only expect orders. They talk there as if
the French were jealous of the English, and are afraid they shall
never see their fleet again. The Newcastle has carried two Swedes
into Plymouth. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 168.] |
May 15.
Pembroke. |
John Powell to James Hickes. The 11th, between 1 and 4 p.m.,
appeared in the air, and were seen from Cresselly, four miles from
this, two great white clouds, one in the N. and by E., the other
E. and by N. Out of the first cloud issued several ships, some with
their main-sails brailed, others with their sails full, with their
streamers and ensigns, and all their delineaments and proportions as
visible as ever fleet was seen at sea, to the number of at least 80,
which fleet, after a full show, was absconded behind the said cloud.
Out of the cloud E. and by N. issued out upwards of 80, which by
one and two and two and three would issue out of it, and gather to
30 or 40, and so more would issue out, and then they would disperse,
some by the wind, some quartering, and some large, two or three
whereof being large ships, passed swiftly to the Northward, and so
tacking about, in appearance sank suddenly, which a child perceiving
said, Is the sea there ? The rest, after at least three hours' passing
to and again, and intermixing with one another, with six or seven
ketches and several boats, and the men apparently to be seen in
them, by degrees all passed to the N.E. and by N., where, being at
a distance, they appeared small and of a flame colour, and so
vanished away. This relation came under the hands of two
credible eye-witnesses, inhabitants of the parish of Cresselly,
attested by two masters of vessels who were spectators, and afterwards brought their compasses to the place to take the exact points
above mentioned. The Holmes is ready to sail. About 200 pressed
men are here. [Ibid. No. 169.] |
May 15.
Chester. |
Matthew Anderton to Williamson. Wind S.E. I have not
heard of any privateers as yet on our coast. 'Tis reported four
were seen on the west part of Ireland. [Ibid. No. 170.] |
| May 15. |
Advices from the coasts of the Dutch fleet received that day,
being extracts from letters of the 13th, 14th, and 15th, all previous'y calendared except an extract from the letter of the captain
of the Tiger to Sir Thomas Middleton. Noticed ante, p. 570. |
| May 15. |
Licences for Edward Newton, Presbyterian, at the house of widow
Swan, Lewes, Sussex, and for the said house.—Minutes. [S.P. Dom.,
Entry Book 27, f. 34.] |
| May 15. |
General licence for John Beaton, Presbyterian.—Minute. [Ibid.] |
| May 15. |
Licences for Richard Comin, Presbyterian, at the house of Austin
Cooke, town of Wanting (Wantage), Berkshire, and for the said
house.—Minute. [Ibid.] |
May 15,
10 a.m. Whitehall. |
The Earl of Arlington to [Lord Brouncker ?] The King wishes the
[Navy] board to take care that such men as can possibly be gotten,
both those sent up from the countries as here in the river, be
speedily sent down the river to complete the manning of those ships,
particularly the Royal Katharine. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 39, p. 21.] |
May 15,
10 a.m. Whitehall. |
Sir J. Williamson to John Glover. The King commands me to
send an express to say that as the Duke and his fleet were yesterday
within sight of Dover and will probably be there or past it by this
time, you are to have a constant watch on the North Foreland, both
as to the motions of the Dutch and to spy out towards the South
Foreland and the Goodwin when the Duke appears, and that when
you discover him with the fleet on the back of the Goodwin, you are
then to go over in your boat to him and give him an exact account
of all you know of the Dutch fleet, and on your return to send an
express with news from the fleet. Mr. Langley is desired to be
aiding you in this service during this conjuncture. [Ibid. p. 22.] |
| May 15. |
Warrant to Sir Chas. Lyttelton or Mr. Taylor to press one or
more vessels to carry 100 men to the Katharine.—Minute. [Ibid.
p. 23.] |
May 15.
Whitehall. |
The Earl of Arlington to Sir Chas. Lyttelton. The King wishes
you to take order that the Dutch packet-boat do not hereafter
leave Harwich or return home without my particular licence each
time. [Ibid.] |
May 15.
Victualling Office, Tower Hill. |
Sir T. Littleton, Josiah Child, T. Papillon, and B. Gauden to the
Navy Commissioners. The Royal Katharine's pease and water
cask were shipped hence the 9th, and, we suppose, are some days
past on board her. The beer she cannot stow, we have ordered up,
and shall put it on board some of the victuallers. The water casks
sent were as good as ever were used for the purpose (not to say
better), and were all new drove immediately before going on board,
but the masters of the water ships have been very negligent in
letting them lie many days in the sun unfilled, which will make the
best cask leak for the present. We never had any warrant for
petty warrant victuals for the Providence fireship, and therefore
sent her none, and the Hopewell has had all the victuals for which
we received warrant. The beef of the Advice and Princess was
laden hence the 9th, and the vessels were by their sides, but they
were not then in a condition to receive it, so we since ordered the
vessels down again, and we believe it is on board if they be ready to
take it. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 324, No. 166.] |
May 15.
The Industry galliot, Harwich. |
Edward Bond to the Navy Commissioners. I was ordered here
by his Royal Highness to take in pressed men to carry to the fleet,
and I have now on board above 80 sent from Cambridge and
Huntingdon shires, and there are not three seamen among them.
Besides, a great many are not fit to do any service. I have
acquainted Capt. Taylor, and he will not release any of them without
your order. I have also pressed twenty men here myself, who are
all able seamen, so I have over 100 now on board. I desire your
pleasure whether I shall stay here till the fleet comes about, or
come up the river, and deliver the men on board the ships there.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 324, No. 167.] |
May 15,
3 p.m. Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to the same. Yesterday the ketch venturing a little
too near the Dutch fleet, who are about five leagues S.E. from us,
was chased by four of the best sailers, two of them with sails and
oars. 'Tis supposed by some they are of a new invention, that they
shift their masts from one side of the boat to the other, or into the
middle, as they please, according to the wind. They made such way
that ours but narrowly escaped. They came over such flats at
low water that 'twas judged they drew not much above two feet of
water. From the Beacon hill I saw them this morning anchored in
the very same place we left them last night. Cambridge and
Huntingdon shires, and the Isle of Ely have sent hither at several
times 217 men pressed for the Navy. By Mr. Wren's order I have
disposed of them to several tenders. Mr. Bond has 80 of them, but
believes there are not above ten seamen amongst them. I formerly
gave you an account that I thought it not expedient to permit him
to sail hence. [Ibid. No. 168.] |
May 15,
10 a.m. The Prince, off Dungeness. |
Matthew Wren to the same. By his Royal Highness's order
directing them to cause a vessel with 100 tuns of water to be immediately despatched to the fleet as soon as it shall appear in the
mouth of the King's Channel. [Ibid. No. 169.] |
May 15.
Portsmouth. |
Capt. Anthony Deane to Commissioner J. Tippetts. I have had no
answer to my last of the 9th. The subjects of it were the 100l. for
Mr. Lee, buying Clements' timber, said to be the best he ever had,
and the demand last sent up for the old ships. If any time be lost
all the work ceases. If the service of the new ship can be dispensed with next spring, I'll urge only for the old; if not, all the
season is little enough. [Ibid. No. 170.] |
| May 15. |
Certificate by R. Mayors of the measurements and tonnage of the
Hamburg frigate. [Ibid. No. 171.] |
May 15.
Trinity House. |
Certificate by Joseph Dobyns and Thomas Broome of the competency of John Sewear to be master to the Westward of any fourth
or fifth rate. Noted that he had his warrant as master of the
Reserve the 16th. [Ibid. No. 172.] |
| May 15. |
Request by John Clayton for licences for John Manshipp for his
own house at Guildford, for Christopher Wragg for Shendfields in
Margaretting parish, Essex, and for Henry Dent for the parsonage
house at Ramsbury, Wiltshire, all Presbyterians, and also as regards
all three for any other licenced place. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 321,
No. 152.] |
| May 15. |
Request by Robert Collier to Williamson, for licences for Richard
Astley at the house of John Robinson, Hull, John Packland, at the
house of John Newton, Anlaby in Hullshire (sic), and for John
Mare's house, Newland, Yorkshire, for Thomas Oliver, all Congregational. [Ibid. No. 153.] |
| May 15. |
Request to Williamson for a licence for Samuel Pack, Independent, at George Herne's house, a dyer in Hog Lane, St. Leonard's,
Shoreditch. [Ibid. No. 154.] |
| [Before May 15.] |
Request to — to pursue the licence for the Free School,
Leeds, James Sale, Presbyterian, to be teacher, and also to get his
licence altered by changing Leeds to Pudsey, and Thomas Sharpe's
licence by changing Leeds to Horton. (Noted in S.P. Dom., Entry
Book 38b, that these alterations were made by Lord Lauderdale's
secretary, 15 May.) [Ibid. No. 155.] |
| [Before May 15.] |
Note of the request for licences to James Sale and Thomas Sharpe,
Presbyterians, at the Free School, Leeds. [Ibid. No. 156.] |
| May 15. |
Receipt by John Warr for licences for Jeremiah French of Bradford Abbas, and Mr. Bartlett of Overcompton, both in Dorset, and
for Mr. Pearce of North Cheriton, in Somerset. [Ibid. No. 157.] |
| May 15. |
Receipt by Matthew Sheppard for licences for Mr. Burton and
Mr. Collier to be teachers in the houses of John Boun, William
Wilcox, John Crichloe and Richard Cranwell in Coventry. [Ibid.
No. 158.] |
| May 15. |
Receipt by Richard Davis for licences for John Martyn in the
house of Grace Byles, and for the house of Richard Chudwell, in
Rude (Roude) parish, in the Isle of Wight. [Ibid. No. 159.] |
| May 15. |
Receipt by Cuthbert Maury for licences for Richard Upjohn at
Weston, near Southampton, and for Will. Houghton's house in
Swannick (Swanwick), in Hampshire. [Ibid. No. 160.] |
| May 15. |
Receipt by John Pindar for a licence for himself and for the
house[s] of John Collyer and Robert Sanfield. [Ibid. No. 161. ] |
| May 15. |
Receipt by P. Markes for a licence for Thomas Pycke of Blacklee, Lancashire, Presbyterian, to teach in his own house. [Ibid.
No. 162.] |
| May 15. |
Receipt by Ezekias King, jun., for a licence for Ezekias King to
teach in his own house at Hornsey, Middlesex. [Ibid. No. 163.] |
| May 15. |
Receipt by Dorman Newman for three general licences for Noah
Webb, Samuel Wickham and Richard Buers of Frimly, all in Surrey,
and for Stephen Webb to teach in Mr. Bradshaw's house. [Ibid.
No. 164.] |
May [16]/26.
Leghorn. |
Sir Thomas Clutterbuck to [Sir John Baptist Duteil]. Sending
copy of a letter dated April 22 and received May 22, 1672. from the
Navy Commissioners, stating that, not thinking it advisable to wait
until they hear from Sir John Baptist Duteil touching his advance
towards Genoa and Leghorn, whither he is employed by his Majesty
for equipping to sea two galleys to be provided in those places,
they by this letter convey to Sir Thomas Clutterbuck's credit 15,456
dollars, according to the bills of exchange enclosed, for answering
such disbursements relating to the galleys building at Leghorn, as
the said Sir John Baptist Duteil, with Sir Thomas Clutterbuck's
advice, &c., shall meet with, and desiring him to take upon himself
the supervision, &c., of equipping and furnishing the galleys, and to
furnish them with accounts from time to time of his proceedings
therein. [Copy. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 172.] |
May 16.
Letter Office. |
Andrew Ellis to Williamson. Suggesting that the expresses from
Kent, which may be expected every day of greater importance,
would come sooner to him by crossing the water at Lambeth than
by going all the way round on the stones through the city, for
which it will be necessary only to provide for payment of the boat.
[Ibid. No. 173.] |
| [May 16 ?] |
Isaac Wilson, deputy-postmaster of the stage of Canterbury, to
the Earl of Arlington. Petition for speedy trial, being innocent of
the charge of refusing to carry an express from the Earl of Winchelsea to Sheerness, and having conveyed not only all expresses,
as obliged, to the next immediate stages, but orders of the officers
of militia to the inferior officers, for which service the country pays
another person. [Ibid. No. 174.] |
| May 16. |
Declaration by Isaac Wilson, deputy-postmaster at Canterbury,
that he is ready to make oath that he has carried all expresses from
Sheerness for Lord Winchelsea to his Lordship, or to such person as
he has appointed to receive them, immediately upon receiving them.
[Ibid. No. 175.] |
May 16.
Whitby. |
Allan Wharton to James Hickes. In my last I gave you an
account of the loss of three vessels of this town, the last of which
was not lost at all. The sloop that took the two had but forty
men and two small guns. In the two were but two men and a
boy, the rest being ashore to get the coals delivered. They were
his prizes for nine hours, the tide not serving till 1 or 2, so that
no vessel could go out or come in, in which time Captain Newton and Daniel Jackson, master of a vessel, both of this town, agreed
to venture out if the town would join. The townsmen very readily
and speedily went aboard a vessel provided by Jackson, which had
been out of this harbour above seven months, and had come in but
two days before, of about 60 tons. At most 54 or 55 men
went on board. They took two small guns and other arms. After
four hours' sail they came up with the sloop, but he had caused the
prizes to make all sail. He came up very boldly to ours, and gave
him two guns and all the small shot he could. Ours received him
with a joyful shout and did not fire till they came within 20 yards,
and then gave him two guns and small shot, which made him edge.
Ours kept on after the two prizes, which he perceiving, came up
and gave them another broadside, which they received, but kept on
still towards the prizes. On that he presently signalled for his men
to leave the prizes, and come on board, which they did in a small
boat taken from a fisherman of this town, which they turned
adrift. Ours having made sure of the prizes, where they found
two of the three men lost, and put men on board, made up to the
sloop, with whom they had four or five broadsides as they came up.
Ours chased him almost three hours, and if it had not calmed he
had surely been taken. The night likewise came on, by help of
which and his twelve oars he got away. We lost not a man nor
any wounded. The sails were torn through and through. Ours
say they saw one man fall on the deck and die, and believe
more are slain and wounded. They have taken the master of one
of the prizes with them, he being aboard the sloop. I hope he may
be exchanged, which must be done at London. Half the number
that would have ventured in this were discharged with thanks. I
hear there are five of those pickaroons on our coasts. Since last
Sunday I have not seen or heard of any vessels but one last Tuesday, the two that were taken, and one passed northward yesterday.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 176.] |
May 16.
Bridlington. |
T. Aslaby to James Hickes. Concerning the prizes at Whitby.—
Last Tuesday, after receiving this news, we saw nine vessels passing northward, on which we fired furze and fired two guns from
the fort, and then they tacked and came in, seven into the harbour, and the other two are riding in the bay with a North Sea boat,
forced ashore on Tuesday night fourteen or fifteen miles to the
southward, by a sloop. The men got ashore, and the caper boarded,
but could not get her off, and left her, taking only a compass,
hatchet, and pewter cup. The master got her off next morning
and is now here. The day those ships were taken we spied from
Flamborough Head a vessel stand in to Filey Bay, supposed to be a
caper. Our guns, after the first shot, were disabled, the carriages
being rotten. I therefore ask Mr. Ball to remind Sir J. Williamson
of what I formerly wrote, for the guns we have, if well fitted and
ammunition for them, and the works of the fort to the sea, if repaired, will be sufficient for all occasions. [Ibid. No. 177.] |
May 16,
noon. Landguard. |
Sir C. Lyttelton to Williamson. I received your express about
sending the pressed men to the Royal Katharine at 11 last night,
and went immediately over to Harwich and consulted the ablest
masters and pilots how to execute the order, which we at length
agreed should be by putting them into three small wherries, which
might creep up within the sands. I saw them all aboard by 4, and
by 5 they were under sail out of the harbour, and we were in great
hopes they might have got through, though we know the Dutch,
who had gone into the river, were not returned, for there is a way
between the sands for small vessels, called, I think, Wakering. But
no sooner were they free of the Naze but they saw the frigates and
sloops, which pursued Fox's ketch into the harbour the other day
and which lie there certainly to snap him, if he comes out again
for the point hides them so that they are not to be discovered till
you are almost upon them. This made them return, and it is impossible they could have escaped them had they proceeded, for the
sloops draw as little water as the wherries. I ordered the men to
be returned to the hoy they came from, but by and by I shall have
them dispersed into victuallers in the harbour, for being so many
(117) they lie mightily inconvenient in the hoy, and several are
sick with the stink and ill accommodation. As soon as I find an
opportunity by the Dutch fleet going off I will despatch them to
Sheerness; or, if our fleet come up, I will send them right aboard,
and we have designed besides, on that occasion, to fit out all the
boats we have to serve our fleet, either in bringing off sick and
wounded, or by giving intelligence, or in any other way. We could
not possibly do more for sending these men to Sheerness. It was
proposed to send them by land, but without orders, or guard if they
be unwilling, I dare not venture it. They seemed to go with a
great deal of alacrity, and there is a considerable number of brave
seamen among them. The rest are poor country fellows, not, I conceive, very proper for that service. This morning the Mayor and
some of the Aldermen of Harwich desired me to represent the state
of their town as to listing themselves in Capt. Taylor's company,
which, though his commission does not direct, yet because the letter
does, both he and I have been willing they should understand it so
— that is, that it should comprise not only the workmen of the
yard, but also the inhabitants. The workmen and all that belong
to the yard cannot exceed a dozen, for, though there are two thirdrates building, which are to be set up at Harwich, they are built
by contract, and Capt. Deane, the builder, causes all the timbers to
be framed in the woods, so that none of the workmen are here, and
when Capt. Deane had such a company in the last war, the workmen were under the King's pay, so that when they were called
from their labour upon military duty, their pay went on notwithstanding. The Mayor and Aldermen say that the greatest part of
their town are at sea in the King's service already, and that they
will be very ready to come into arms on extraordinary alarms, but
will by no means list themselves to be under any command beforehand. I told them that it was his Majesty's favour to send such a
commission to give them power to be in a posture of defending
themselves, which was, I supposed, the only thing aimed at, and if
they would slight not only that but their own safety, they must
attribute any misfortune to themselves; but, I believe, this will
not prevail. The Dutch ride still in the Gunfleet. The wind N.E.
[3 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 178.] |
May 16.
Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to Williamson. No orders from the Navy Office
are lodged with me to hinder vessels going to sea, but only the
victuallers and store-ships at this conjuncture. I have never hindered the vessel employed for intelligence, and Sir Charles is very
sensible of it. Sending the pressed men to the Royal Katharine
took up all our time and care last night. We fitted three small
wherries with sailing orders to keep along the shore to Wakering,
but they could not get by the Dutch small craft skulking up and
down. Two Dutch sloops were anchored near Walton-on-the-Naze,
and above, between them and Colne, a small frigate, who all
weighed on sight of the boats, and, seeing they could make nothing
of them, returned to anchor. Some report that the Dutch landed
a few men there; but yesterday one from thence told me the people
had sent away up into the country all their goods of value, their
wives, &c. It is the most southernmost Ness of all these coasts.
The yard is used by contract, and Capt. Deane has not above ten
or eleven at work there at present. My commission is only for the
workmen, but your letter hints as if it were intended for the militia
and townsmen. Please get the Tower ordered to send 100 or more
firelocks, colours, &c. (but, I believe, we shall not need pikes), and,
notwithstanding the unwillingness of some here, I will endeavour
my utmost. They were with Sir Charles to-day, to whose account
I refer you. The wind continues stiff in the east. The part of the
Dutch fleet that lie before us are anchored in the same place, near
the West Rocks. I cannot hear that the part which sailed towards
Sheerness is returned as yet. I can scarce believe De Ruyter is
aboard them. To be guilty of such a separation, that they cannot
join when they please, is a great hazard. All is quiet here, yet it
being now 2 p.m., Sir Charles' letters came but just now ashore.
He is two miles by water further from you than I am. [S.P.
Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 179.] |
May 16.
Chatham. |
Commissioner Sir T. Middleton to Williamson. Thanking him
for his letter of the 15th just received. At the same time came one
from Sheerness, who reported that the Dutch Vice-Admiral came
aground on the Shoe, turning down, and about 2 this morning the
people at Sheerness heard a very great below, as if a ship had blown
up. He also said that the Dutch had left her, and set her on fire.
[Ibid. No. 180.] |
May 16.
Sheerness. |
Major N. Darell to Williamson. There is nothing new since
last night the Prince went on board the yacht but what he heard
about the Dutch Admiral. Our two frigates are well got off, and
the fireship following them. About 12 last night I had advice from
Glover that a ketch was come into Shellness, on the back of Sheppey, with 90 men. I have ordered an officer and six files to conduct
them hither, and when they come they shall be sent on board the
Katharine. Sir T. Chicheley has been here, and ordered all things
about our guns. [Ibid. No. 181.] |
May 16, 5 p.m.
Margate. |
John Glover to Williamson. About 3 this afternoon came in
upon the Foreland four of the Dutch fleet, and two tenders, that
went out of harbour this high-water, and my boat being in the
Road, they came up towards the town, and the tenders ran into
the pier again, and our smack stood away before them. When they
were almost as high as the town they tacked, and stood down
again, and the headmost, being near the town, fired one shot ashore
in the rocks, and we from the fort sent him two for it, and so our
fight was ended, and they are standing off to sea again. We have
heard, as yet, no news of the Duke with the fleet coming out of
Dover Road, but I intend to stand off to sea to-night. If I can get
by the Dutch ships and have but a gale, I don't fear their catching
me. It is so very hazy at sea that we cannot see far, but we guess
the whole fleet of Flemings is off the Foreland. |
|
Postscript. — Just now a messenger is come from the Foreland
that his Majesty's fleet is in sight at the back of the Goodwin, if
they be not mistaken, but a fleet it seems there is, and I will see
what they are. The four Flemish ships turned off to sea again,
and I will turn after them. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 182.] |
May 16.
Margate. |
Richard Langley to Williamson. News the same as in the last
letter. [Ibid. No. 183.] |
May 16,
4 p.m. Deal. |
Richard Watts to [Williamson]. One from the fleet at Dover
reports them 100 sail of stout fighting ships and about 40 others.
They are now passing towards the Holland coasts at the back of
the Goodwin. Wind between N. and N.E., a fresh gale. [Ibid.
No. 184.] |
May 16,
5 p.m. Dover. |
John Carlile to [Williamson]. At 11 to-day his Royal Highness,
with the whole fleet, sailed by, which is supposed to be upwards of
100 brave ships. The wind, being still N.E., forced-them to anchor
about two leagues off Dover Castle. They intend to weigh about
11 at night, and to go to the back of the Goodwin, in hopes to get
up with the Dutch before the wind comes fair for them. No news
to-day of the Dutch fleet. [Ibid. No. 185.] |
May 16,
11 o'clock. Dover Castle. |
Col. John Strode to Williamson. All I can do to watch the
Swede with masts in the Downs is to put a Dover pilot aboard her,
which I have done. The packets for the Duke and Mr. Wren I
sent away as soon as I had them. The fleet is between Folkestone
and this, but the wind blows hard N.E. I am so busy getting
vessels and water for the fleet, which is their great want, that you
must excuse haste. With notes when it was received and despatched
by the postmasters on the road. [Ibid. No. 186.] |
May 16.
Truro. |
Hugh Acland to James Hickes. A small Flushinger of three
guns, lying at the Land's End, betwixt that and St. Ives, has taken
three prizes. He plundered them and gave them their vessels
again. She had 80 men on board when she came out, but now
only twenty-five, the rest being sent away in ten prizes taken on
her way hither. [Ibid. No. 187.] |
May 16,
5 p.m. Swansea. |
John Man to Williamson. The Spread Eagle, from Cadiz to
Dublin, put by contrary winds into Milford Haven, brings no news
of any Dutch capers abroad. There are about fifty pressed last
week and this, to go on board a vessel at Newton about twelve miles
off, to be sent to Bristol, and more are daily pressing by the carefulness of Sir Edward Mansell, Vice-Admiral of South Wales.
[Ibid. No. 188.] |
| May [before the 17th]. |
Ferdinando de Macedo to Don Michael Demorales. Last Saturday night I was so ill-treated here in the prison, that only my
patience could have borne it. Not having money to pay for my bed,
they turned me into the common room to lie on the ground among
the lousy rogues, and called me dog. If you but represented this
to Lord Arlington, he would not suffer it, seeing this misery arises.
from my obedience to him, and for service to his Majesty. For my
friends, who were fanatics, are now turned enemies and declare I
have prevented what they intended. I am much satisfied I was
not made the instrument of their evil purposes, but rather the occasion of disappointing them, as Lord Arlington will see. They promised me a pension and to have my debts paid, which I have lost
for my desires to obey what I was commanded. They send women
here to me, whom I never saw before, promising me great sums,
that I might adhere to those who make it their business to disturb
the government. Pray represent my condition to Lord Arlington.
My debts are not so great but that his bounty may make them a
work of charity. I beseech him to do me this favour, and to draw
me from my miserable condition, which has obliged me to become
acquainted with fanatics. Pray procure that my wife may speak
with his lordship. With list of the debts, amounting to 78l. 1s.
[Translation. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 189.] |
May 16.
Whitehall. |
Commission to Richard Fitzgerald to be lieutenant to Capt.
Kneedom's (Needham's) company in Col. Fitzgerald's regiment.
Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 35a, f. 40.] |
May 16.
Victualling Office. |
Sir T. Littleton, Josiah Child, and T. Papillon to the Navy Commissioners. All the provisions to the Ruby were sent off the 9th,
and we suppose are before this on board. The pieces of eight to be
paid Capt. Poole according to your directions shall be paid Lord
Willoughby. From Newcastle we had all the provisions we had
made there; but, according to your desire, we have sent a credit to
the master of the Gift ketch to supply him with money for victuals
for 120 men for fourteen days. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 1.] |
May 16, 6.30 a.m.
Deptford. |
Capt. J. Perriman to the same. I went this morning to Capt.
Tinker's house, but found him gone for Sheerness. I find none but
the officers on board the Assurance, and but nine seamen entered
and none of them on board. The Norwich has none but her
officers. I find little encouragement here. The carpenter of the
Robert fireship, William Connor, received all the stores from the
storekeeper, but has not been on board her, nor are any of the
stores come on board, the ship being at Portsmouth. The carpenter
is now at Deptford, if you think fit to have him secured for
his embezzlements. We got the Turkey Merchant out of the dock
at Blackwall last tide, and if we have a fair tide to-day shall
get three more out. I am going with Mr. Shish to the Wall to
view the merchant ships for contriving their platforms and powder,
bread, and store rooms, and their ports. I intend to advise with
Justice Swanlye at Blackwall about impressing some seamen, who,
I hear, are sheltered in and about Poplar and the Wall. [Ibid.
No. 2.] |
May 16.
Chatham Dock. |
Phineas Pett to the same. I was commanded by you last
February to send you the dimensions of a lead pipe for conveying
water from the pump at the head of the double dock to the waterside for watering ships, that it might be made at London, but was
countermanded after some time by Commissioner Cox, who said it
should be made here by Mr. Lake, the plumber, and that he had
money imprested him for it. It being not yet begun, and knowing
the great want thereof, and seeing no certainty of having it done
here in any reasonable time, I now send the dimensions, desiring to
know your pleasure therein. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 3.] |
May 16.
Dover. |
John Beresford to the Navy Commissioners. As the three weeks
from 25 April, for which he was taken up by Capt. Perriman for
pressing seamen for the Monck, have elapsed, desiring to know if
he is to continue his services, and if so, asking that his vessel may
be equipped with such fortifications as other tenders have, and
giving particulars of his services. [Ibid. No. 4.] |
May 16.
Portsmouth. |
Benjamin Holmes to the same. Enclosing a sea-book of the
entry and discharge of men on board the James galliot, and requesting that an order may be sent for revictualling her. Noted that a
warrant for eight men was sent the 17th. [Ibid. No. 5.] |
May 16.
Portsmouth. |
Capt. Jasper Grant to the same. According to your orders I
went to Bristol and received from the Mayor about 50 men, and about
70 more came as volunteers, with whom I came hither forthwith,
but not without great charge, an account of which I am ready to
offer, and desire your favour therein. On my arrival here about
50 men were put on board the Mary Rose and Falcon, and the
residue I have not absolutely preserved, but we are using all diligence to set forth the ship, and are now taking in our guns and
provisions. I request you to order me a master. [Ibid. No. 6.] |
| May 16. |
Notes of licences to the following persons for the following
places:— |
| S.P. Dom., En. Bk. 38a, Page |
Name. |
Place. |
Denomination. |
|
114 |
Thomas Cole |
His house, Henley-on-Thames |
Congregational |
|
114 |
Humphrey Weaver |
His house, Crundall, Hampshire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
115 |
Martin Morland |
His house, Hackney |
Presbyterian. |
|
115 |
William Wickins |
House of John Forth, Hackney |
Presbyterian. |
|
115 |
Francis Keeling, Bast Church (Baschurch), Salop. |
General |
Presbyterian. |
|
115 |
Thomas Moore |
His House, Milton Abbas, Dorset. |
Presbyterian. |
|
115 |
George Cokain |
His house, Redcross Street, London. |
Congregational. |
|
115 |
James Pearson |
House of Sir Bulstrode Whitelock, Chilton Lodge, Wilts. |
Congregational. |
|
116 |
Robert Traill |
House of William Love, Cranbrook, Kent. |
Presbyterian. |
|
116 |
John Jackson |
House of William Bradley, Flintham, Notts. |
Congregational. |
|
116 |
Samuel Nowell |
House of Jonathan Everard, Ashfield, Notts. |
Congregational. |
|
116 |
John James |
House of Elizabeth Read, Bridlesmith-gate, Nottingham. |
Congregational |
|
116 |
John Issot, jun. |
His house, Horbery, Yorkshire |
Congregational. |
|
116 |
Dr. Nathaniel Holmes |
His house, Horseshoe Alley, Upper Moorfields. |
Congregational. |
|
117 |
Edward Hancocke, Horfield, Gloucestershire. |
General |
Presbyterian. |
|
117 |
William Lucker, Bridlington, Yorkshire. |
General |
Presbyterian. |
|
117 |
Cornelius Todd, Healy Manor, Yorkshire. |
General |
Presbyterian. |
|
117 |
Gabriel Sangar |
House of Widow Lloyd in the Strand, London. |
Presbyterian. |
|
117 |
Peter Sterry |
House of Edward Bushell, Hackney. |
Presbyterian. |
|
118 |
Stephen Hawthorne |
His house, Turvey, Bedfordshire. |
Congregational. |
|
118 |
John Allen |
House of Widow Read, Steventon, Bedfordshire. |
Congregational. |
|
118 |
Daniel Negoos |
House of Robert Clare, Pavenham, Bedfordshire. |
Congregational. |
|
118 |
John Rowlett |
House of Anne Elmes, Warmington, Northamptonshire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
119 |
Nathaniel Whiting |
House of Lady Pickering, Ti[t]chmarsh, Northamptonshire. |
Congregational. |
|
119 |
Matthew Orlebar |
His house, Polebrook, Northamptonshire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
119 |
Thomas Cooper |
House of William Finden, Okeley, Bedfordshire. |
Congregational. |
|
120 |
John Senester (Sewster). |
House of John Baxter, Kempston, Bedfordshire. |
Congregational. |
|
120 |
John Whiteman |
Barn of Frances Whiteman, Cardington, Bedfordshire. |
Congregational. |
|
120 |
John Fenne |
House of William Man, Stagedon (Stagsden), Bedfordshire. |
Congregational. |
|
120 |
Samuel Fenne |
House of William Maxey, Haimes (Hawnes), Bedfordshire. |
Congregational. |
|
120 |
Nehemiah Coxe |
House of Sarah Tomkins, Maulden, Bedfordshire. |
Congregational. |
|
120 |
Edward Dent |
House of George Pridden, Edworth, Bedfordshire. |
Congregational. |
|
120 |
Benjamin Berry |
House of Abraham Sealy, Trull parish, Somerset. |
Presbyterian. |
|
121 |
William Cooke |
House of Anthony Henthorne, Chester. |
Congregational. |
|
121 |
Lewis Hacche |
House of Robert Hacche, Saterley, Devon. |
Presbyterian. |
|
121 |
Thomas Chesman |
His house, East Ilsley parish, Berks. |
Presbyterian. |
|
122 |
Edward Terry |
House of Widow Anne Fleetwood, Chalfont St. Giles, Bucks. |
Congregational. |
|
122 |
Thomas Chapman |
House of Robert Stokely, Warboys, Hunts. |
Anabaptist. |
|
122 |
John Denne |
His house, St. Ives, Hunts. |
Anabaptist. |
|
122 |
John Lacy |
House of Widow Weeden, Gormonchester (Godmanchester), Hunts. |
Anabaptist. |
|
122 |
Thomas Gates |
His house, Ellington, Hunts. |
Anabaptist. |
|
122 |
Edmund Moyle |
House of Edmund Male, Fenny Stanton, Hunts. |
Anabaptist. |
|
123 |
Robert Cole |
House of William Cranford, Over, Cambridgeshire. |
Anabaptist. |
|
123 |
Thomas Waller, Swaffham Prior, Cambridgeshire. |
General |
Anabaptist. |
|
123 |
Giles Taylor, Trumpington, Cambridgeshire. |
General |
Anabaptist. |
|
123 |
William Homerston, Harston, Cambridgeshire. |
General |
Anabaptist. |
|
123 |
Benjamin Metcalfe, Melbourne, Cambridgeshire. |
General |
Anabaptist. |
|
123 |
Edmond Smyth, March, Cambridgeshire. |
General |
Anabaptist. |
|
123 |
Thomas Taylor, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. |
General |
Anabaptist. |
|
123 |
William Blackburn (or Blackborne), Ely, Cambridgeshire. |
General |
Anabaptist. |
|
123 |
Abraham Coe, Stretham, Cambridgeshire. |
General |
Anabaptist. |
|
123 |
Edward Hancock, Willbram (Wilbraham) Magna, Cambridgeshire. |
General |
Anabaptist. |
|
124 |
Dudley Rider, Woolby, Warwickshire. |
General |
Presbyterian. |
|
124 |
James Briscoe, Toxteth Park, Lancashire. |
General |
Presbyterian. |
|
124 |
Isaac Bedford |
His house, Clifton, Bedfordshire |
Independent. |
|
124 |
Daniel Dick |
House of David Jones, parish of St. Butald (Botolph), Bishopsgate. |
Presbyterian. |
|
125 |
Bartholomew Tull |
His house, Wantage, Berks |
Presbyterian. |
|
125 |
Robert Kent (Keat) |
House of Aaron Jones, Wantage, Berks. |
Presbyterian. |
|
125 |
Peter Aspinwall |
House of John Robinson, Ashton, Lancashire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
125 |
John Luffe, parish of St. Mary Magdalen, Surrey. |
General |
Presbyterian. |
|
126 |
John G[r]offe |
House of Ruth Rokeclife, Stalbridge, Dorset. |
Presbyterian. |
|
126 |
John Hall |
His house in Thornton, Bradford parish, Yorkshire. |
Congregational. |
|
126 |
Joseph Dawson |
His house, Halifax, Yorkshire |
Presbyterian. |
|
126 |
Christopher Scott |
House of Robert Butler, Prittlewell, Essex. |
Presbyterian. |
|
126 |
George Ward |
His house, Bradford, Yorkshire. |
Congregational. |
|
127 |
Michael Drake |
His house, Fulbeck, Lincolnshire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
127 |
John Birkett |
His house, Swinderby, Lincolnshire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
127 |
Joseph Lee |
House of Edward King, Ashby-de-la-Launde, Lincolnshire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
127 |
John Wright |
House of Lady Berry, Linwood, Lincolnshire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
127 |
Richard Hobson |
House of James Brooke, Ellenthorpe, Yorkshire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
127 |
Dr. Henry Wilkinson |
His house, Gosfield, Essex |
Presbyterian. |
|
127 |
John Denton |
House of John Scurr, Osgood by Grange, North Riding of Yorkshire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
128 |
Dr. John Bryon |
House of Robert Heyward, Coventry. |
Presbyterian. |
| May 16. |
Notes of licences for the places mentioned in the last entry, and
also for the following:— |
| S.P. Dom., En. Bk. 38A, Page |
Place. |
Denomination. |
|
114 |
House of Daniel Andrews, Low Leyton, Essex |
Presbyterian. |
|
114 |
House of William Ball, parish of St. Mary Somerset, London. |
Presbyterian. |
|
114 |
House of John Wells, Du[r]rington, Wilts |
Presbyterian. |
|
114 |
House of John Hulatt, Salisbury |
Presbyterian. |
|
114 |
Meeting-house in Chewbent, Lancashire |
Presbyterian. |
|
114 |
House of James Wood, Chewbent, Lancashire |
Presbyterian. |
|
114 |
House of George Leigh, Farnworth, Lancashire |
Presbyterian. |
|
116 |
House of Elizabeth Lindsey, Skeghy, Notts |
Congregational. |
|
116 |
House of Thomas Gretton, Nottingham |
Congregational. |
|
117 |
House of John Daberon, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey |
Presbyterian. |
|
117 |
House of Dame Woolfrey, Winterburne Kingston, Dorset. |
Presbyterian. |
|
117 |
House of John Dammer, Cerne, Dorset |
Presbyterian. |
|
117 |
House of Dorothy Chaplain, Trinity parish, Wareham |
Presbyterian. |
|
117 |
House of John Perry, Filpot Lane, London |
Presbyterian. |
|
117 |
House of Jeremy Holwey, Cornstreet, Bristol |
Congregational. |
|
118 |
House of John Maydwell, Kettering, Northamptonshire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
118 |
House of Samuel Whitbye, Great Addington, Northamptonshire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
118 |
House of Robert Maunsell, Newton, Northamptonshire |
Presbyterian. |
|
118 |
House of Mrs. Pheasant, Westlangton, Leicestershire |
Presbyterian. |
|
120 |
House of Francis Stickland, Trull parish, Somerset |
Presbyterian. |
|
121 |
House of George Primerose, Tedston Delamere, Herefordshire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
121 |
House of Thomas Seaborne, Hereford |
Presbyterian. |
|
121 |
Houses of Christian Hood and Edward Brughton, Longdon, Staffordshire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
123 |
House of Thomas Waller, Swaffham Prior, Cambridgeshire. |
Anabaptist. |
|
123 |
House of William Davis, Trumpington, Cambridgeshire |
Anabaptist. |
|
123 |
House of John Dennis, Wellbrum (Wilbraham) Magna, Cambridgeshire. |
Anabaptist. |
|
124 |
House of Thomas Gotobed, Stretham, Cambridgeshire |
Anabaptist. |
|
124 |
House of Widow Sherwood, Ely |
Anabaptist. |
|
124 |
House of Thomas Meeres, March, Cambridgeshire |
Anabaptist. |
|
124 |
House of Joshua Johnson, Wisbech |
Anabaptist. |
|
124 |
House of Widow Pate, Harston, Cambridgeshire |
Anabaptist. |
|
124 |
House of Benjamin Metcalfe, Melbourne, Cambridgeshire. |
Anabaptist. |
|
124 |
House of William Green, Topsham, Devon |
Presbyterian. |
|
124 |
House of John Barker, Lichfield |
Presbyterian. |
|
125 |
House of Philip Bernard, Andover |
Presbyterian. |
|
125 |
House of Richard Ventham, Andover |
Independent. |
|
125 |
House of John Gostlett (? Glouster), Marshfield, Gloucestershire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
126 |
House of William Webber, Sampford Peverell, Devon |
Congregational. |
|
126 |
The brick-house in Leeds, Briggate |
Presbyterian. |
|
127 |
House of John Balme, Bradford, Yorkshire |
Congregational. |
| May 16. |
General licence to James Briscoe, Congregational, of Toxteth
Park, Lancashire. [Printed form with blanks filled up in writing.
Sign Manual. S.P. Dom., Car., II. 321, No. 165.] |
| May 16. |
Request by Lord Holles for licences for Michael Drake of Fulbeck
and his house, for John Birkett of Freiston in the parish of Ca[y]thorpe and for his house in Swinderby, for Joseph Lee of Ashby de
la Launde and for Edward King's house in the same town, for John
Wright of Leasingham, and for Lady Jane Berry's house in Linwood
Grange, all in Lincolnshire; for Richard Hobson of Ellenthorpe,
Yorkshire, and for James Brooke's house in the same town; for
Henry Wilkinson, D.D., of Gosfield in Essex, and for his house;
for John Denton of Osgoodby Grange, and for John Scurr's house,
both in the North Riding; all Presbyterians. [S.P. Dom., Car. II.
321, No. 166.] |
| May 16. |
Receipt by William Thompson for the Lincolnshire licences mentioned in the last. [Ibid. No. 167.] |
| May 16. |
Receipt by Richard Marshall for licences for Edward Alflatt and
his house. [Ibid. No. 168.] |
| May 16. |
Receipts by Edward Swift for licences for Robert Ottie for his
own house at Beccles, and for William Ames for a meeting house at
Wrentham, both in Suffolk. [Ibid. No. 169.] |
| May 16. |
Thomas Gilson to Mr. Mascall, at the Three Conies, Romford. I
have had a conceit that Blood has detained the personal licences for
me and Mr. Kiteley till you send him word of the money he mentions. Therefore, if you write to him, write smartly that we cannot
take it kindly to be so disingenuously dealt with, as if he would
stop our personal licences, though he knows us both, and only send
down licences for our houses, which signify nothing without a
person; and we should have taken it better if he had sent down the
personal licences, and left to our courtesy what we would gratify
the clerks and doorkeepers with, rather than to have a sum imposed
on us, contrary to the King's express command that nothing should
be required, and therefore advise him to send down presently the
personal licences for us, lest we make our address some other way.
[Original and Copy. Ibid. Nos. 170, 171.] |
| [Before May 16.] |
Some Protestant Christians of the parish of the Holy Trinity,
Coventry, to the King. Petition thanking him for his late Indulgence, and requesting that John Bryan, D.D., their late pastor, may
be allowed to preach to them in St. Nicholas' Hall, belonging to the
Company of Shoemakers, in the said parish. [Ibid. No. 172.] |
| [Before May 16.] |
Request by the said Dr. Bryon, Presbyterian, for a licence to
preach in the house of Robert Heyward. With note that Lord
Craven was to call for the licence. [Ibid. No. 173.] |
| [Before May 16.] |
Schedule of the meeting-places and teachers desired by the baptized congregations in Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire, being
those to which licences were granted that day, ante, pp. 586–588,
to be called for by John Denne. [Ibid. No. 174.] |
| [After May 16.] |
Receipt by Thomas Denne for the said licences. [Ibid. No. 175.] |
| [Before May 16.] |
Request by Nathaniel Ponder for licences for John Rowlett,
Presbyterian, at the mansion-house of Anne Elmes, Warmington,
Northamptonshire; Nathaniel Whiting, Congregational, at the
mansion-house of Lady Pickering, Ti[t]chmarsh, Northamptonshire,
Mr. Henry Searle being dead; for Matthew Orlebar, Presbyterian,
at his dwelling-house in Polebrook, Northamptonshire; for the
house of John Maydwell, Kettering, Northamptonshire, he being
already licensed himself; for the house of Samuel Whitbye, Great
Addington, Northamptonshire; for Mr. Jennings at the house of
Mrs. Pheasant, West Langton, Leicestershire; and for the house of
Robert Maunsell, Newton, Northamptonshire. [S.P. Dom., Car. II.
321, No. 176.] |
| [Before May 16.] |
Request by the same for licences for James Pearson at the house
of Sir Bulstrode Whitelock, Chilton Lodge, Wilts; for John Whiteman at George Cokain's house at Cotton End, Cardington, Bedfordshire; and for George Cokain at his own house, Redcross Street,
London. [Ibid. No. 177.] |
| [Before May 16.] |
Request for a licence for the house of Anthony Henthorn, a
tradesman in sugars, at Chester, for William Cooke, Presbyterian,
and his congregation. [Ibid. No. 178.] |
| [Before May 16.] |
Request by William Kiffen for licences for Robert Keat at the
house of Aaron Jones, and for Bartholomew Tull of Grove at his
own house, both in the parish of Wantage, Berks; for Daniel Dick
at a room in David Jones' house in the parish of St. Butald,
Bishopsgate; and for Thomas Harrison at a room in his possession
in the said parish. [Ibid. No. 179.] |
| [Before May 16.] |
Request by J. Acklam for general licences for William Lucker of
Bridlington to preach in the Court House there, or elsewhere in
any licensed town in England, and for Cornelius Todd, M.A., of
Healay Manor, both in Yorkshire. [Ibid. No. 180.] |
| [Before May 16.] |
Request by Richard Prowse for licences for John Groffe, Presbyterian, at the house of Ruth Rookecliffe, widow, Stalbridge, Dorset;
and for William Webber's house at Sampford Peverell, Devon, for
Congregationals. [Ibid. No. 181.] |
| [Before May 16.] |
Request by the same for licences for Thomas Chesman, M.A., at
his own house, East Ilsley, Berks, and for Lewis Hacche at the
house of Robert Hacche, Saterley, Devon, both Presbyterians.
[Ibid. No. 182.] |
| [Before May 16.] |
Request by Christopher Scott, M.A., Presbyterian, for a licence to
preach at Mrs. Freeborn's and Robert Butler's houses at Prittlewell,
Essex. [Ibid. No. 183.] |
| [Before May 16.] |
Request for a licence for Edward Terry, Congregational, at the
house of Anne Fleetwood, widow, Chalfont St. Giles, to be called
for by Mr. Radcliffe. [Ibid. No. 184.] |
| [Before May 16.] |
Note of request for a licence for Isaac Bedford, Independent, at
his own house, Clifton, Bedfordshire. [Ibid. No. 185.] |
| [Before May 16.] |
Request by Lord Lauderdale's secretary for a licence for Joseph
Dawson, Presbyterian, in a new brick house in Leeds, Briggate.
[Ibid. No. 186.] |
| [Before May 16.] |
Request for a licence for a meeting-place at John Barker's, Lichfield, for Presbyterians. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 321, No. 187.] |
| [Before May 16.] |
Request for a licence for the house of John Daberon, Presbyterian,
Walton-on-Thames. [Ibid. No. 188.] |
| [Before May 16.] |
Request for a licence for Thomas Cole, Congregational, for the
Town Hall, Henley-on-Thames, or for any other licensed place.
[Ibid. No. 189.] |
| [Before May 16.] |
Request for a licence for Robert Traill, Presbyterian, at the
house of William Love, carrier, at Baber's Cross, Cranbrook, Kent.
[Ibid. No. 190.] |
| [Before May 16.] |
Request for a licence for the house of John Gloster, Marshfield,
Gloucestershire, for Presbyterians. [Ibid. No. 191.] |
| [Before May 16.] |
Note of request for a licence for Edward Hancock, Presbyterian,
of Horfield, Gloucestershire. [Ibid. No. 192.] |
| [Before May 16.] |
Note of requests for licences for the houses of Christian Hood and
Edward Brughton, Longdon. [Ibid. No. 193.] |
| [After May 16.] |
Receipt by Thomas Blood for licences for George Ward and his
house; for John Hall; and for the house of John Balme, all in
Bradford; and for James Briscoe in Lancashire. [Ibid. No. 194.] |
| May 17. |
The Duke of Ormonde to the Earl of Arlington. Two letters
recommending the respective bearers, Captains Lucas Walsh and
Adam Bret. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308, Nos. 190, 191.] |
May 17, 4 p.m.
London. |
John Sanford to — Enclosing a letter "from our friend
T/H which requires haste. [Originally addressed to Jerome Nipho,
but address erased. Ibid. No. 192.] |
May 17.
Baldwin's Gardens. |
Justice Sir William Morton to Williamson. Requesting him to
come for half-an-hour next Sunday to him at Mr. Turner's house
in Baldwin's Gardens, near Gray's Inn, as he has a matter to impart
which may be of great use to his Majesty, as things now stand, and
he is too sick and weak to go himself. [Ibid. No. 193.] |
May 17.
Thetford. |
Mary Drury to Williamson. Requesting his favour and assistance in procuring for her cousin Drury, who intends for London
very suddenly, the place of gentleman of the horse, or secretary, to
some person of quality. [Ibid. No. 194.] |
May 17.
Newcastle. |
Anthony Isaacson to Williamson. Since receiving the enclosed, a Bremener has brought in here one of the English masters
taken by the sloop. They of Whitby manned out a dogger,
and retook their vessels, and wounded and killed several of the
sloop, the captain whereof, the Bremener reports, is not like to live.
After this encounter, they put the English master on board the
Bremener; the other master was never out of his vessel, so is gone
safe to Whitby. The wind was N. and N.E. in the morning, and
S. and S.E. in the afternoon, but is now S.W. [Ibid. No. 195.]
Enclosed, |
May 17.
Sunderland. |
Wa[lter] Ettrick to Anthony Isaacson. Giving an account of the
capture by the sloop of the two vessels. The fishermen at sea
yesterday heard many guns for hours, and two or three
large vessels were seen at a great offing at sea. Inform
Col. Villiers, lest a trap be laid for the coal fleet. He
ordered me to stay the vessels here, who would gladly be
creeping along the coast to save their men, but if any go out
now, I force them to give bond in 20l. to go to Shields, or
else keep them. This will drive the fish, I mean the
mariners, into the net, and I hope I shall be indemnified.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 195i.] |
May 17.
Lynn. |
Benjamin Polsted to Williamson. Yesterday the wind was N.
and N.E., to-day about two hours in the morning N.E., and most of
the rest of the day S.W. [Ibid. No. 196.] |
May 17.
Yarmouth. |
Richard Bower to Williamson. Last post our merchants
were informed by several letters from Rotterdam that all the
English and Scotch vessels with their goods were set free. This
afternoon two billanders passed through to the northward. Our
pressed men are increased to about 350, who are very frolic, and
desirous to be in action. This morning the wind was at N.E.
about noon it veered to the southward, and about three came S.E.,
and at 9 p.m. S.S.W. [Ibid. No. 197.] |
May 17.
Southwold. |
John Wickens to James Hickes. A little southward of this two
galliot hoys are riding at anchor, thought to belong to the Dutch
fleet. No part of their fleet has been in view of us. Pray send me
two Gazettes to be here the Saturday post. [Ibid. No. 198.] |
May 17.
Aldeburgh. |
Robert Camborne to James Hickes. Yesterday the wind in the
morning was due N. all day. This morning it was N.W. for about
three hours, and then N.E. for two or three hours, and about 3 p.m.
came S.E., and about four we plainly saw the Dutch fleet steering
N.E., being a good offing to sea off Orford Ness. They seem a great
fleet. About seven this evening they anchored four or five leagues
S.E. of this. [Ibid. No. 199.] |
May 17, 7 a.m.
Landguard Fort. |
Sir Charles Lyttelton to Williamson. To-day Captain Langley
showed me a letter from Mr. Pepys, telling him not to expect satisfaction from their office for his boat I employed at first, as being a charge
they can take no cognisance of without special order from the King or
the Duke, and therefore at his desire I entreat you to procure such
an order, and also that they allow Fox's ketch, as in his Majesty's
service, unless you find some other way to satisfy them on account
of incidentals or the like. About five this morning the Dutch were
all under sail, and appeared as plain as if they were but a league
off. I could easily count 88 of them, and about six the headmost
were out of sight. The rear are yet to be seen, but I doubt not
they will be gone. The way you may expect anon, for my ketch
is going out after them. I have already sent to make ready the
pressed men I was sending yesterday, and am now going myself to
see it done, because I doubt little but the coast will be clear.
Those you bid us expect from Yarmouth shall be likewise despatched
to the fleet with all expedition. I wrote last night to Taylor, if he
had power to dispose of them by order from the Duke, to which he
only answers that he would take care to send them away, but they
are all delivered to him, and he gives the press-masters their discharge, which, I presume, they would not accept of without order.
I have received Lord Arlington's commands about the packet-boat,
which shall be obeyed. |
|
Postscript.— I am now at Harwich, and find Fox so scared with
the chase the Dutch gave him, that he is unwilling to [go] out now
after them, and pretends that if he be taken or lose his boat, he
cannot be taken care of from the Navy Office, because I have no
power to receive or press him into the service, which may be
occasioned by that letter to Capt. Langley; therefore, pray
despatch an order from them or immediately from the King, giving
me, or whoever may be thought fitter, a full power to act, for nothing is to be done without it here. It is thought the best way to
send Fox with another wherry to Sheerness with the men, and they
shall be ready to sail presently. I will write by them to Prince
Rupert, or in his absence to the Commander-in-Chief there. One
of their great frigates was aground on the West Rocks above an hour
and a half this morning, but is off again with the flood. We will
do what we can to get all our small vessels ready to go out to the
fleet when we find they are engaged, which we believe may be
quickly, for we think it most likely they have descried our fleet
coming towards them. We keep Capt. Bond's hoy, where the
pressed men were, to receive what he can of the men expected from
Yarmouth. Five victuallers are at present stopped here by order,
and may take in those and more, if timely sent, so that we now think
it won't be requisite to keep Bond's hoy. [2 pages. S.P. Dom.,
Car. II. 308, No. 200.] |
May 17,
between 7 and 8 a.m. Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to Williamson. Last night Sir Charles sent me
notice of 400 pressed men, to come from Yarmouth, and I sent word
I would take care of them. This morning the Dutch weighed and
plied easterly, and in turning out one of their great ships struck,
and stuck an hour and a half, but we believe she is got off.
The rest are almost out of sight, and she is alone there. Sir Charles
is come, and we are hastening to despatch the pressed men. Towards yesterday evening we discovered that the part of our
(sic; ? their) fleet that was towards Sheerness returned back to the
gross of their fleet. Our people made them 25 men-of-war in the
Gunfleet under sail. They anchored by the rest. [Ibid. No. 201.] |
| May 17. |
Major N. Darell to Williamson. Last night a ketch came from
the Gloucester with no news from the Middle Ground, where the
party that appeared near Sheerness were supposed to be, our scouts
not being returned when she left. I had just now a command from
his Royal Highness by Dover to hasten a letter to Capt. Coleman
to sail with his frigates and join the Duke, who is now on the back
of the Goodwin, and in sight of the Dutch scouts. I hope some
morose people will now be convinced that Sheerness is not useless,
as they would have it, seeing it saved six good frigates, besides the
Katharine and others that must have been consumed, which the poor
dull country people are so sensible of as to say the building of that
fort has saved the King in this last business six times as much as it
cost. Please ask Lord Arlington to inform his Majesty that the
new battery I raised in five or six days, on which I planted twenty
whole-culverins, was of great use, it being that line on the right
hand of the curtain, where the embrasures are, where I broke down
the parapet that we might the better traverse the guns, and play over,
some of which we tried on the foremost of the enemy, but could but
just reach them. If we had field carriages a shot would be slung
much further than on ship carriages, that are apt to tumble over, as
some did. I spoke to Sir T. Chicheley about the field carriages,
who will order some. [1½ page. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308, No. 202.] |
May [17],
7 p.m. The Royal Prince at anchor, the N. Foreland bearing W. and by N. and N.N.W. |
Matthew Wren to Williamson. This morning Mr. Glover
brought us intelligence that three of the enemy's fleet stood last
night into Margate Road, and that they saw eight or ten more at
no great distance, and judged the body of their fleet to be between
the Longsand's Head and the Gunfleet. On this his Royal Highness
called a council of war of the flag officers to advise what was fit to
be done, and in particular what orders were to be sent to Capt.
Coleman and the squadron in the river. I have sent you a copy
of them. |
|
We are just now in the Narrow among the sands, which is not a
post of advantage for us to fight in, if the enemy should attack us
here; but we hear nothing yet of them, and the next tide will set us
more at large in better sea room. After the council of flag officers,
his Royal Highness spoke also to the commanders of all the
ships, who attended by order, giving them directions to keep their
order in fighting, and in case of separation to come to a rendezvous
at Southwold Bay, and pressing every man to do his duty, which
was received by the commanders with great cheerfulness. |
|
The Pearl is come up with 220 men, which his Royal Highness
has thus distributed: to the St. George, French Ruby, Rainbow, and
Unicorn, each fifty, and to the Resolution twenty. But there is
still great want of men, and it would be a great encouragement and
strength to us if we might receive the Irish infantry and the seamen from Harwich before we engage. [Dated May 18, but endorsed
as dated May 17, which from internal evidence must be right.
Ibid. No. 203.] Enclosed, |
May 17.
The Prince. |
The Duke's instructions for Capt. Coleman. I am now at
anchor with the fleet off the North Foreland, which bears
between W. and by N. and W.N.W. of us. But I intend to
make the best of our way with the fleet into Sowld (Sole)
Bay, if we be not interrupted and forced to fight with the
Dutch before getting thither. You are, therefore, if you hear
the noise of the fight, to follow it with the squadron under
your command, and make all possible haste to join the
fleet before the fight be over. But in case you shall not hear
by the noise of the cannon that we are in fight, and that the
enemy have quitted the mouth of the river, you are then
with your squadron to make what haste you can to join the
fleet, and you are to look for us between the Longsand Head
and the Galloper, and if you find us not there, you are to
come to Sole Bay. Wind S.W. [Copy. Ibid. No. 203i.] |
May 17.
4½ leagues E. from the N. Foreland. |
Capt. Francis Digby to the Earl of Bristol at Deal Castle. We
come just now from a council of war, where there have been such
resolutions taken (and I hope will be kept) as may hinder us from
engaging on disadvantage, and make us shun fighting amongst the
sands, as the only thing which can endanger this fleet. In this
occasion Lord Sandwich has given such advice as became a wise
and a gallant seaman, and perhaps has hindered us from running
into a thousand inconveniences, which domestic advisers are always
ready by an appearance of courage to draw us into. We are now
in sight of the Dutch scouts, and I believe we shall see their fleet
to-morrow, but I hope we shall be firm to this, not to fight till we
are clear of the sands, and have nothing to fear but them. If so,
we may reasonably hope for some greater success than the vain
reputation of beating them home. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308,
No. 204.] |
May 17.
Moate near Canterbury. |
P. Rycaut to Williamson. By Lord Winchelsea's direction,
inquiring if a letter he had lately written to him had arrived, as he
had received no answer. His lordship has of late been very busy
on this coast about his Majesty's affairs, and has written several
times to Lord Arlington. [Ibid. No. 205.] |
May 17,
2 p.m. Margate. |
Richard Langley to Williamson. To-day about noon I was at
the North Foreland, and there saw our fleet at the back of the
Goodwin Sands under sail plying eastward, and also about eighteen
of our ships plying from the Gunfleet, and this morning were seen
about eight or ten sail in the east of the Dutch fleet. Mr. Glover
had intelligence of the descrying of our fleet by me, and is gone out
this morning in his smack towards them. [Ibid. No. 206.] |
May 17.
Deal. |
Richard Watts to Williamson. The King's fleet is shot (the
head of them) to the northernmost part of the back of the Goodwin,
with a very fair opportunity, if the wind continue S.E., to gain the
weather gage of the enemy. Postscript.—The back of the Goodwin
is the part next Flanders. Mr. Snow of Lambeth House lay at
Upper Deal last night, and commanded me, for he also is my master,
to give you his service. [Ibid. No. 207.] |
May 17,
4 a.m. Dover. |
Col. John Strode to Williamson. I came now ashore from his
Royal Highness some ten miles to windward of the South Sand's
Head, where I left him anchored in sight of several of the Dutch
scouts. About eight last night one of the enemy's ships, either mistaking our fleet for theirs, or coming from Holland, came within shot
of our Admiral before he saw his error, but by help of the night
and the changing of the tide escaped. His Royal Highness commands me to Margate as the properest place to do him service. As
soon as I have despatched all the victuallers' small craft, &c., here,
I will go. I believe it is the best place for you to direct your
letters for the fleet. [Ibid. No. 208.] |
May 17,
10 p.m. Margate. |
Col. John Strode to Williamson. I wrote to you of my coming
hither as soon as I had finished his Royal Highness's commands at
Dover, and sent an express to Sheerness and another hither, which
they immediately sent away to the Middle Grounds to meet the ten
ships, which is not yet returned. Yesterday four Dutch men-ofwar were here near the town, but by what I can find the wisest
here believe that the Dutch fleet was gone to the backside of the
sands towards their own coast. Yet this evening single guns have
been heard like a chase, which, I believe, may be some scouts that
met with ours. I intend to stay here till Monday, and then shall
return if I hear no news, or have no orders from you. The Earl of
Bristol and Mr. Evelyn are in town here. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 308,
No. 209.] |
May 17,
5 p.m. Dover. |
John Carlile to [Williamson]. About ten this morning our fleet
weighed, the wind still N. E., and about four I sent my son towards
Deal. He saw them off the back of the Goodwin in a full body.
About seven last night seven Dutch men-of-war, supposed to be scouts,
made towards our fleet, which was at anchor. His Royal Highness
being the headmost of the fleet, fired several shots at one that came
across him. The Dutch men fired again, but not within reach.
The tide something favoured them, and our ships being at anchor,
they made, their escape. We do not certainly hear where the whole
body of the Dutch fleet are. Since I wrote, the wind has come
about S. W. I sent you the Dutch Gazette the master of the
Flanders packet brought over. Just now at six arrived Monsieur
Nipho, who shall want no assistance in forwarding his passage, and
shall be careful to observe your instructions when he addresses his
letters to me. [Ibid. No. 210.] |
May 17.
Portsmouth. |
Capt. Anthony Deane to Williamson. Nothing but this hurry of
business could have prevented my being as good as my word; but if
I live to see you, according to the method you mention it shall be
done. His Majesty told me he would have me come to the fleet
after the engagement. If his mind continue so, on a line from you
I shall lose no time. If you send me a few lines of the fleet's
motion, or anything else you conceive me capable of answering, it
shall be done to my best judgment. [Ibid. No. 211.] |
May 17.
Portsmouth. |
Hugh Salesbury to Williamson. We are very barren of news,
all our ships being gone eastward. In sight of us yesterday was a
scuffle between a stout Hollander bound eastward and two French
privateers, that chased him, but did no good on him while they
were in sight. Several guns passed. Two Brighthempson vessels
from Newcastle inform us that the Dutch fleet was about the Buoy
of the Nore, and ours about the South Foreland. The wind is
come westward to-day. [Ibid. No. 212.] |
May 17.
Dartmouth. |
W[illiam] H[urt] to James Hickes. Capt. Langston in the
Newcastle is here at present, endeavouring to clear the coast of the
Dutch privateers, but his ship, being somewhat too big to keep
near the shore, where those small rogues lurk, will go home to-night
or to-morrow, and get order for the Nightingale to be sent hither,
which is fitter for that service. [Ibid. No. 213.] |
May 17.
Plymouth. |
Philip Lanyon to James Hickes. Dutch privateers are on this
coast on every side. Last week a Dover ship from Lisbon, and a
small collier from Wales, were taken by a snow, which was in Tor
Bay last Sunday. This week, about the Land's End, five colliers
from Wales, and a vessel laden with cheese from Chester, were
taken by a ketch and a sloop. It is reported that they have released
two of the colliers, and also that the ships that were stopped in
Holland on the outbreak of the war are all freed. The Nightingale
this week has been washed and tallowed and repaired in Catwater,
and is gone to sea to-day. The Newcastle is in the offing, supposed
to be coming in, and two or three ships with her, supposed to be
prizes. Since my last the wind has been variable, between N.E.
and S.E., very often calm. I wish there was some one here (I conceive Sir J. Skelton the fittest) empowered for despatching the
pressed men, and also concerning the frigates on this squadron.
Many pressed seamen are here, who want someone to quicken their
despatch. [S.P. Dom. Car. II. 308, No. 214.] Enclosed, |
|
List of ships arrived. [Ibid. No. 214i.] |
| May 17. |
Inland advices received that date, being extracts from letters from
the 11th to the 14th, all previously calendared. [1½ page. Ibid.
No. 215.] |
| [1672 ?] [Before May 17?] |
H. Warne, clerk to the Commissioners for the Subsidy, to Sir
J. Williamson. Summoning him to a meeting of the Commissioners
at St. Martin's Vestry to call the collectors to account on Friday, the
17th instant. [May was the only month in 1672 in which the
17th was a Friday. Ibid. No. 216.] |
| May 17. |
Licence for Jerome Gregorie at his own house, Little Marlow,
Bucks. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 27, f. 34.] |
| May 17. |
Warrant for a pardon to Ferdinando de Macedo of all offences,
particularly perjuries and forgeries, and especially relating to the
accusation by him against Sir John Brampston, Sir Modyford
Brampston, and — Brampston, on condition of his declaring
all he knows about the said accusation, and the author and contriver
of it. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 34, f. 165.] |
| May 17. |
Warrant to Thomas More, High Sheriff of Dorsetshire, to
release, as a mark of the King's clemency, Francis Bampfield, clerk,
John Leach, tanner, and Joshua Brooke, convicted nine years since
of a riotous and unlawful assembly at Shaftesbury, and imprisoned
until payment of their fines, but though others have compounded
for the said fines, they have remained in prison, being unable to find
securities for good behaviour. [Ibid. f. 166.] |
| May 17. |
The King to the Bishop of Winchester. Recommending John
Wood, B.D., for the second vacant prebend, the first being reserved
for Dr. Sutton, and desiring him to grant him at once a title and
collation thereto when the second vacancy occurs. [S.P. Dom.,
Entry Book 35b, f. 23.] |
May 17.
Whitehall. |
Warrant for a grant to Sir W. Morice of two weekly markets
and two yearly fairs at Wadebridge, in the manor of Pawton, and
parish of Breock, co. Cornwall. Minute. (At the foot of the page
is a note that here end the warrants procured by Secretary Trevor.)
[S.P. Dom., Entry Book 36, p. 89.] |
|
Docquet thereof, dated the 31st. [Docquets, Vol. 25, No. 235.] |
May 17,
10 p.m. Whitehall. |
The Earl of Arlington to Sir C. Lyttelton. The King permits you
to continue to employ the small advice boat for intelligence, so long
as the fleets are near those parts, to bring fresh accounts of what it
can observe, which are to be sent up daily. I will take order
reasonable satisfaction be allowed to the owner. [S.P. Dom., Entry
Book 39, p. 24.] |
May 17.
Whitehall. |
Sir James Hayes to the Navy Commissioners. The Prince, my
master, desires you would collect all the pressed men already got
anywhere, and cause them to be brought to London, conceiving it
to be the most convenient place for them. I enclose his Highness's
order to the Master of the Ordnance for supplying the ships taken
up with guns, and also the victuallers and waterships. He is content
with what you have done about Richard Nevett, purser of the
Norwich, on his producing the Duke's warrant of a date before that
which he himself gave Baldwin, for whom he will take care on
the first occasion. He takes notice of your advice concerning the
relations of persons slain in the sea service, and will do accordingly on
any applications from them. This is in answer to your four letters,
which would have been sooner, but that I was attending the Prince
at Sheerness. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 7.] |
May 17.
Victualling Office. |
Sir T. Littleton, Josiah Child, T. Papillon, and B. Gauden, to the
same. Yours of the 15th came not to our view till this morning.
We have now written to Portsmouth to freight a ship or two to
carry off the flesh. The Ruby's flesh, from her changing her berth,
was not put on board as we thought, and the vessel is returned with
it, so we have put it on a victualling vessel on which our agents
sail towards the fleet on Monday morning. The Hope's Increase
had this morning 35 tuns of beer by her side, where we doubt it
lies still, to the prejudice both of the cask and the beer, no hands
being on board to take it in. [Ibid. No. 8.] |
May 17.
Chatham Ropeyard. |
John Owen to the same. Enclosing a copy of the account he
had given to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury on the 13th
of the provisions then in the stores under his charge. [Ibid. No. 9.]
Enclosed, |
|
The said copy. [Ibid. No. 9i.] |
May 17.
Newcastle. |
Giles Bond to the same. By order of Col. Villiers and the rest
of the officers here, the 299 Scotch seamen I received are to sail
to-morrow for the fleet; 200 are to go in the Dutch dogger, and
the rest in Mr. Presman of London. Col. Villiers has ordered
100 small arms with them. The Cambridge's ketch is also here,
and on board her and Mr. Cox of Yarmouth are about 140 pressed
men. The fleet of colliers here consists of about 40 sail, several
having four and six guns. I have supplied the dogger and
Mr. Presman with six days' victuals for the men. My vessel is not
yet come. I am informed that all the Scotch seamen are not yet
come to Leith. Capt. Nixon commands the dogger, and when she
comes near the river will take all the men on board, and carry
them to the fleet. [Ibid. No. 10.] |
May 17,
8 a.m. Gravesend. |
Phineas Pett, muster-master, to Sir T. Allin. I yesterday
mustered on the Hopewell fireship 37 men. I could wish she would
make more haste down, riding now at the upper end of the Hope.
The little wind there is is W. and by N. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325,
No. 11.] |
May 17.
Chatham. |
T. Wilson to S. Pepys. The Defiance is to-day hauled up the slip
to be made a hulk. Besides her bottom, about threescore of her
lower futtock timbers are good. Compass timber is a choice commodity; I therefore venture to request your assistance that she may
be rebuilt a man-of-war, hoping in a very short time a Dutch prize
will arrive, which may prove more convenient for a hulk. This
must be suddenly determined, and as she is there, she is worth
towards a new frigate 1,000l. [Ibid. No. 12.] |
| May 17. |
Certificate by Jonas Shish of the measurements and tonnage of
the Turkey Merchant. [Ibid. No. 13.] |
May 17.
Durham. |
Richard Rawe to John Rawe at his chamber at Lincoln's Inn.
Requesting him to procure licences for Robert Lever at his house,
called Scute House, in the parish of Brancepeth, and for Robert
Pleasaunce at his house at Bishop Auckland, both in Durham, both
Presbyterian ministers. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 321, No. 195.] |
| May 17. |
Receipt by Barnaby Hallet for licences for the houses of Richard
Hayward in Weeke, John Laver of Coat, and Alice Hawker, all in
Somerset. [Ibid. No. 196.] |
| May 17. |
Request by Mr. Light for licences for the houses of John Woodbridge of Haddenham and William Outlar of Stretham, both in the
Isle of Ely; and for the house of Edmund Avy in Ockinton
(Oakington) in Cambridgeshire, all for Congregational meetings.
[Ibid. No. 197.] |
