Charles II: May 18-26, 1672 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles II, 1672. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1899.

'Charles II: May 18-26, 1672', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles II, 1672, (London, 1899) pp. 1-71. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/chas2/1672/pp1-71 [accessed 24 April 2024]

May 1672


	S.P. Dom., En. Bk. 38a, Page	Name.	Place.	Denomination.

May 18.	The Duke of Ormonde to the Earl of Arlington. Recommending the bearer, Lieut. Philip Hogan, as a sober and good officer, who has served in his own regiment and in that of his Royal Highness. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 1.]
May 18.	William Hutchinson, Prothonotary, to Williamson. Stating that he had drawn out a short note of the instruments enrolled by Williamson's commands in 1670, which he hopes will help him to find the originals. [Ibid. No. 2.]
May 18. Letter Office.	Andrew Ellis to Williamson. I ventured to stay this express which came since the French mail, which is now opening, for it. I am resolved to take two more runners, let who will pay them, as this is no time to be frugal. Mr. Billupp writes me the state of the fleet, and sends a considerable parcel of letters for private persons, which I have directed to be delivered to-morrow morning, as people will gladly hear from their friends. We want extremely warrants for pressing horses. [Ibid. No. 3.]
May 18, 3.30 p.m.	Samuel Pepys to Williamson. Enclosing the following. [Ibid. No. 4.] Enclosed,
May 18, 8 a.m. Gravesend.	Phineas Pett, muster-master, to the Navy Commissioners. The guns are most loudly heard at this place, and it is believed by the sea officers here that the fleet is engaged. The Princess and Advice are just now against the town getting under sail. The guns are so loud heard that I at first judged it scaling of guns at Woolwich, till the continuance undeceived me. [Copy. Ibid. No. 4i.]
May [18 ?]	Nathaniel Herne to Williamson. Enclosing the following extracts from the letters of the day before, dated from St. Malo, [11/21] May, that the embargo is taken off, and six frigates are with all possible speed providing to go thence to cruise on the coast, and four others are taking in goods for Cadiz and other parts of Spain; and from Dublin, 11 May, that near Carrickfergus a French ship of 200 tons, laden with salt for Newfoundland, was taken last Monday by a Dutch caper, most of the men being set on shore. It is worth your noticing the diligence of the French to carry on their trade. I wish they make us not the cat's foot. If you apprehend any danger with Spain pray impart it to me. [Ibid. No. 5.]
May 18. Newcastle.	William Christian to Williamson. About five this afternoon sailed over the bar about 80 vessels, which met ten small ones that came out of Sunderland that tide, and so went for Yarmouth, to which the Governor of Tynemouth ordered them, and not to stir thence till they had certain intelligence where the fleets were. Several of them carried some twelve, some ten, some six, and some five guns, in which were put a proportionable number of good seamen, and all well stored with firearms. If the wind holds they will doubtless be in Yarmouth Roads by Monday afternoon. There are on board about 550 pressed seamen, Scotch and English, and at least 400 more may be got out of this collier fleet. If you please that more be impressed in these parts, signify your commands to me. The same day went from Sunderland 30 vessels, besides those that came up to this bar, so the whole fleet were above 120 sail. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 6.]
May 18. Newcastle.	Anthony Isaacson to Williamson. About 80 laden ships sailed this afternoon's tide, and, I suppose, the ketch and other vessels with pressed men. We hope the Hollanders will be beaten off the coast, else these colliers run no small risk. To-day the remainder of the expected Scots arrived, about 200, some of them seamen. 150 landmen are come here, the others are disposed into the ships at Shields, and probably may sail with the rest. The wind all day has been and now is W. and W. and by S. [Ibid. No. 7.]
May 18. Tynemouth Castle.	Col. Edward Villiers to Williamson. I intimated by yesterday's post my intentions of allowing ships to put out, which was this morning fully discussed here by many masters and others, who all were of opinion that with this fair wind there could not be much hazard in going out, since in 44 hours they might very probably reach Yarmouth, within fourteen miles of Sole Bay, which the masters believed was the most probable place to find our fleet in after an engagement. The whole number of Scots are not yet come to be sent, whom Capt. Bond stays to receive, being so entrusted by the Navy Commissioners. I have put on board the dogger prize above 200, without which I do not see how they could have sailed, so I hope I shall be pardoned for detaining her here, though I have never heard a word from you to that particular as often as I have writ. When she was ready to go out to-day Capt. Nixon, who had charge of her by the Mayor's orders and mine, was not willing to go to sea with her, being a stiff old fellow, ready only to serve in the harbour here. I have sent instead our own master gunner, Capt. French, a known seaman. Believing our fleet must needs want seamen now after an engagement, and there being a small fleet of colliers which takes charge of many of our pressed men, I thought I ought not to lose so fair an opportunity, some among them having sixteen and eighteen guns a piece, which, with the dogger, which has two small guns besides 60 firearms furnished from hence, and the ketch that has four, we look on as sufficient convoy, their instructions being to make for Yarmouth Roads, where we suppose they may have more certain intelligence, and where they are to call on the Governor for his advice. The best return we had from any remote part was from your brother, who sent 23 able seamen, the whole of the pressed men being above 200, besides 330 Scots, all that were thought fit to be sent away; and when the remaining Scotch arrive, whom we expect daily, and any convoy comes here, we shall take the same care to hasten them away. 140 Scotch foot were unshipped here this morning, which completes the ten companies, who muster next Monday at Newcastle. I hear of some 80 more supernumeraries, whom I wrote before about, and expect them with the remaining part of the seamen. I write just as our little fleet are setting sail. We have not yet begun our thorough press, for reasons I told you before. [2 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 8.]
May 18. Whitby.	Allan Wharton to James Hickes. On Thursday I gave you an account of the retaking of our townsmen, but now the master of one of those two vessels, James Weatherell, has been released and set ashore at Shields, being put on board an Ostender. He says the captain is wounded, being shot on his left shoulder and through near his back. The captain and surgeon both say he cannot live. He is not certain what men they had killed, as they kept him in the hold till all was over, but believes they lost divers, for they all commend the valour of ours. He says one broadside or two more would have taken them, for they were exceedingly daunted when their captain fell. He never knew their certain number, but when he came away there were but 25 men and three boys in all. The captain told him their fleet was but 50 men-of-war that were on our coasts, the rest fireships and attenders. They came not to fight our fleet but to intercept the French. They further say that no private man is out but this and one of ten guns, and that no more will have commissions till their whole fleet is out, for which they want men exceedingly, and that those that are out are not so well manned as was intended, but that they had intelligence of the French moving. They say they are from Flushing, but our master thinks them to be Ostenders. [Ibid. No. 9.]
May 18. Bridlington.	T. Aslaby to James Hickes. Yesternight was taken by a small sloop an old ship of Scarborough, ten miles southwards of this. The master and men escaped in their boat and came into this harbour this morning, and are since gone for Scarborough. The wind is S.W. We hear that the ships taken at Whitby are retaken by a vessel the townsmen manned out. [Ibid. No. 10.]
May 18. Hull.	Col. Anthony Gylby to [Williamson]. We are still troubled with the Dutch pickaroons. Two days since they took a vessel from Humber mouth and ran another aground. But those taken off Whitby were recovered by the townsmen. Yesternight an Ostender came in here, but could not or would not tell me anything of the fleets. [Ibid. No. 11.]
May 18. Boston.	John Butler to Williamson. Yesterday came advice here to the owners of three colliers bound hence to Sunderland, that off Gunthorpe they were chased by a sloop of six guns. Two got into Gunthorpe, but the third was forced ashore. The country immediately rose, and with muskets and fowling-pieces so poured small shot into the sloop's boat that came to pillage the vessel that they were forced to retreat, so the owners hope the vessel got off again last tide. To-day sailed hence four Danes for Norway, who came here with deals. The wind yesterday came at W., and also at S., a small gale, but this morning it is a fine westerly gale. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 12.]
May 18, 7 a.m. Baudsey Cliff.	William Battie to Williamson. Yesterday morning the Dutch fleet sailed from the Gunfleet close behind the sands directly over against Baudsey Cliff, and then made towards their coast, but tacked presently towards Orfordness, and off that point but more out at sea we see them from two till sunset. About two or three the King's fleet was in sight of us, coming from the Downs behind the Gunfleet. They did not, as we believe, anchor all night, for nothing is to be seen of them this morning but the tops of the masts of some of the hindmost of them, which hindmost, we hope, are the ships that retreated to Sheerness the other day, for when the fleet appeared coming from the Downs, from the top of the beacon we could see vessels coming behind Walton in the Ness from the Buoy in the Nore. The hindmost of the Dutch fleet were in sight too this morning off at sea from Orfordness. Our fleet has the wind clearly, and such a gale that I believe they can neither wish for more or less. We expect now very shortly to hear the guns and if anything happen on the coast that I imagine you have not first from others you shall hear of it from me. We have had a ship in Hollesley Bay ever since the Dutch fleet was out that pretended to be a Swedish merchantman, but Dutch ketches have been observed to be very familiar with him, and to come daily to him, and some of the ship have been often on shore to buy provisions, and have spoken great words of the Dutch and disparagingly of our fleet, to the discouraging of the country, and yesterday, when the Dutch fleet removed, the ship went out to them. I believe she lay for intelligence, for boats were observed to go to her from Aldeburgh divers times. If the Dutch fleet come to lie on this coast again, I wish some might be appointed to watch such vessels that come and lie near private creeks all along on the coast. [Ibid. No. 13.]
May 18, 10 a.m. Landguard.	Sir C. Lyttelton to [Williamson]. The Dutch were no sooner gone out of the Gunfleet but our frigates appeared coming out of the river, and stood in to the Gunfleet, where they rode at anchor till this morning about six, when they set sail towards Dover. They were about twelve sail, two of which, a victualler and another bound for Newcastle for men, are come in here. The men we sent yesterday in the ketch and in the wherry were with the fleet, and finding not the Katharine among them are gone to Sheerness, and I hope by the next ebb we may see them here again. The Dutch lay off Barzey (Baudsey) Ferry all yesterday, and this morning two or three were cruising thereabouts, so that we do not believe they are gone off the coast yet, but our frigates gone towards Dover are in no danger of them, because they have so much the weather gage of them. I hope the 400 men you mention to come from Yarmouth won't venture by sea, for they are just in the way. The wind is S.W. As soon as Fox comes back he shall out again, but I ordered him, before he returns, to go to sea, to give an account of the fleets. The great difficulty of employing any boats or vessels in this is because we can get no men, as they are afraid of being taken out of them if they meet a man-of-war. I thank you for your promise to send your letter of news, but if in your own letters you would remember always to say where the fleet is, it would facilitate your despatches sometimes, when we are to seek, because that letter does not come so fresh. I request you to send the enclosed so that it may be delivered on Sunday night. [1¼ page. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 14.]
May 18, 1 p.m. Harwich.	Silas Taylor to Williamson. Yesterday morning the Dutch fleet, having received the night before those ships they had employed towards and were returned from Sheerness, set sail northwards, leaving one great ship behind, which by negligence struck and stuck an hour or two, but got off with the flood tide and stood after their fleet. Though out of sight, yet by their continual exercise of small shot we could plainly hear they were towards the Galloper. A small vessel of theirs, of about ten or twelve guns, anchored in the Sledway, and boldly remained there all day. Yesterday evening our ships that had made good their retreat towards Sheerness anchored near the Buoy of the Gunfleet. I counted them great and small about sixteen, but others more sharpsighted speak of 24 or 25. This morning by daybreak they set sail, keeping towards the Long Sand, in order, as I believe, to join his Royal Highness. Before nine they were out of sight. The Dutch were seen by some vessels that came in here at sea this morning off Bardsey (Baudsey). About two or three hours since a light victualler came in from Sheerness, who says the Royal Katharine is there still, and a third-rate, wanting men. We sent them yesterday 117. The 400 from Yarmouth are not yet come. The east winds have hindered our fleet from sailing to the Dutch, and now the Dutch are gone off, the wind is come about westerly to administer all favour to them in going home. Have they not some Laplanders on board with them ? Be pleased to remember arms, &c., for me. [Ibid. No. 15.]
May 18. Harwich.	The same to the same. About nine to-night I received his Royal Highness's commands in several particulars, which I am now in haste to despatch, but am obliged to give you this short account from Mr. Wren, dated about noon on board the Prince, the North Foreland bearing about 4½ leagues S.W. and by W. They have sent in the Drake and the Deptford ketch, and that party of ships of ours that came from Sheerness to-day are got up to his Royal Highness and joined. I am sent to for soldiers and seamen, which I have disposed, according to his Majesty's order to Sir Charles and myself, to the Royal Katharine, and more especially for masters of ships and pilots fitting for the northward and the coast of Holland. I shall not be wanting to the utmost of my power. We have heard shooting, as we judged, all this afternoon from the Dutch fleet, which was, as we supposed, their ordinary exercising small shot, and came from towards the Galloper. Mr. Wren writes that his Royal Highness is standing towards Southwold Bay with the fleet. The master of the packet-boat, passing through the Dutch fleet about two this morning, found them S.E. off Orfordness within the Galloper, and about four they fired guns, and weighed and stood off to the east. They heard several broadsides, which they believed were some of ours and their scouts meeting. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 16.]
May 18, 8 a.m. Margate.	Col. John Strode to Williamson. This morning I received a letter from the Gloucester of his readiness to follow the Dutch, who were then in the Gunfleet. Our fleet are now some four leagues off under sail, so we hope they may meet them. I have a packet from the Gloucester and four good pilots, with whom I intend to go off to the fleet myself. Lord Bristol has now sent to desire to go with me. [Ibid. No. 17.]
May 18, 9 a.m. Margate.	John Glover to Williamson. In my last I gave an account of four ships that came into Margate Road, and that night they turned off to sea. I turned off after them, and in the morning I saw them again and part of the Holland fleet off the North Foreland about seven leagues, and about ten yesterday morning we got aboard the Duke, and I gave him the best account I could, and immediately he called a council of war, and ordered me to stay, which I did till ten last night, and then came away with the express I here send. While I was aboard the fleet weighed at the back of the Goodwin, and got that tide about a league to the eastward of the Norsand's Head, and there weighed this morning. I am just going with an express to Capt. Coleman for him to come to the fleet. [Ibid. No. 18.]
May 18. Portsmouth.	Hugh Salesbury to Williamson. These parts afford nothing of news. The wind is and has been for two days W.S.W. [Ibid. No. 19.]
May 18. Weymouth.	Nathaniel Osborne to James Hickes. No news. The wind turned yesterday to the west, and is now S.W. I can learn nothing that the Cales (Cadiz) fleet are passed, though we had such advice. [Ibid. No. 20.]
May 18. Bristol Custom House.	John Fitzherbert to Williamson. I inquired of Faulkner, the master of the Industry from Jamaica, for the things you told me were sent you thence, of which he can give no account, only supposes they might be sent by a merchant that brought letters for you, who is since gone for London. I have ordered him to make further search. The 16th arrived the Dolphin, laden with brandy and salt, who came nine days ago from St. Martin's with thirteen English ships for London and elsewhere laden with wines and salt, which he left at the entrance of the Channel, and five Swedish ships that stood homewards. Five French men-of-war of 30 guns apiece were ready in that bay, designed for Sallee, to secure those parts from pirates. To-day arrived the Prophet Daniel, an Ostender of 40 guns. The master says he was chased off the entrance of this Channel by three of our men-of-war from several stations, who finding whither he was bound, wished him a good voyage. The merchants here are very glad to hear these men-of-war are plying thereabouts, for they daily expect many ships of great consequence from America and the West Indies. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 21.]
May 18. Pembroke.	John Powell to James Hickes. Last Thursday morning went to sea from this the Holmes, Capt. Griffiths commander, with two other barques, having on board 250 men pressed for the fleet. The news I wrote you concerning the apparition in the air is confirmed for truth by many persons that are willing to take their oaths of the certainty thereof. [Ibid. No. 22.]
May 18. Chester.	Matthew Anderton to Williamson. I have advice from Dublin, dated the 10th, that the Pearl sailed thence about the 4th, and that she had put aboard her then by the Vice-Admiral 100, and at Chester and Liverpool 150 seamen. A privateer from Flushing of 14 guns took a Frenchman bound for Greenland near the Lewis Islands at the North of Scotland, and gave 21 of the French their liberty, and two shallops to bring them to Dublin, where they arrived the 10th. It is thought she is bound into this Channel. If so, she may do a great deal of mischief, for we have not at present any to oppose them. This morning thirteen seamen were sent hence from the Vice-Admiral of North Wales for London. [Ibid. No. 23.]
May 18. Chester.	Monsieur Villiers to Williamson. Excusing himself for his negligence in not writing, and requesting the continuance of his favours. [French. Ibid. No. 24.]
May 18. Whitehall.	Warrant to the Navy Commissioners to pay to Robert Hill, master of the Queen's barges, press money advanced to the watermen impressed and conveyed to ships in the river on the King and Queen's barges, and also to pay for the hire of the barges. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 34, f. 167.]
May 18. Victualling Office.	Sir T. Littleton, Josiah Child, T. Papillon, and B. Gauden to the Navy Commissioners. On receiving yours of the 17th, we immediately sent our master cooper with Mr. B. Gauden on board, who gives us a report agreeable to what we affirmed to you. On the Fame the man who filled the water declared that the casks were so tight that but three in the whole ship admitted a second refilling, though it is ordinary in water ships and ships for the East Indies to fill them up two or three times. Some of the beer casks indeed were returned casks, and so not so good as those with which the fleet was generally set out. Yet they were all very good tight casks, and the said master cooper, looking carefully into the ships' holds, and proving all in the lighters, he found them so extraordinarily tight and dry, that he could not by their outside have distinguished them from peas or bread cask. However, we have sent to the Master of the Coopers' Company, who is known to none of us, and desired him with two or three able master coopers to go down on Monday morning to view and certify the quality and condition of all the cask now in the river, and would be glad if you would order some other master coopers to join them. We know not the cooper on board who gave this information, but shall give you a further answer when we have spoken with him. Our master cooper has belonged to this office about 46 years, and has been master cooper above 30, and is accounted a man of great integrity, as well as care and skill, and he affirms that in his whole life he never knew the fleet so well fitted with cask as they are now, and yet never so much question about them. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 14.]
May 18, 8 a.m. Gravesend.	Phineas Pett, muster-master, to the Navy Commissioners. (Printed ante, p. 1, from a copy.) [Ibid. No. 15.]
May 18. Chatham.	Thomas Lewsley to the same. As he has, since 50l. was imprested to him to buy compass-timber and knees for building boats met with a parcel which he thinks will be useful and a good pennyworth, requesting another imprest of about 50l., and hoping that by the end of next week Lady Vane's large elms will be in store. [Ibid. No. 16.]
May 18. The Royal Katharine, Blackstakes.	Capt. Amos Beare to the same. Though I have sent my boat three tides following to Chatham, Col. Middleton and Capt. Rand cannot get a pilot to carry the ship down the King's Channel. I intend this tide, though without a pilot, to sail to the Buoy of the Nore. I have 500 people on board, but intend to turn 50 or 60 away today. Yesterday some 90 were sent me that came from Cambridge. None of them was able to make a sermon or read prayers, the saddest souls that ever I saw, so I received not one of them. [Ibid. No. 17.]
May 18, betwixt 12 and 1. Harwich.	Silas Taylor to the same. As to the employ of boats, had I not done it, I had been blameable, and hope I shall not be discouraged, for the ketch was in all appearance the saving of the ships with the Gloucester in the Gunfleet. (News of the movement of the Dutch fleet, identical with that in his first letter of that date.) The laden victuallers are still here, expecting orders. I have been a good while agent for Essex, appointed by his Majesty in Council, and by a letter declaring his Royal Highness's pleasure that I should take care of the pressed men sent from Huntingdon, Cambridge, the Isle of Ely, and Suffolk. From Cambridge, Huntingdon, and the Isle of Ely I have received 217, which they say is their proportion. Sir Henry Felton for Suffolk, though he had notice of the orders to me, employs one of this town to receive his men, but I hear so few have been sent, that they would have been little trouble. I beg if any allowance of money has been made to my agents, you would order me the like. [Ibid. No. 18.]
May 18, 9 p.m. The Royal Prince at anchor, the North Foreland bearing between W. and by N. and N.N.W.	Matthew Wren to the same. We received intelligence by Mr. Glover, who came from Margate this morning, that three of the Dutch fleet stood last night into that road, and that eight or ten more were discovered at no great distance, the body of their fleet being judged to lie between Longsand Head and the Gunfleet. Thereupon his Royal Highness called a council of the flag officers this afternoon 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. It was then resolved by his Royal Highness that he would make the best of his way with the fleet to Southwold Bay, unless interrupted and forced to fight before they got thither. Orders are therefore despatched to Capt. Coleman, if he hears the noise of the fight, to follow it with his squadron, and to make all possible haste to join the fleet before the fight is over; but if he 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, he is then to make what haste he can with his squadron to join the fleet, and to look out for us between the Longsand Head and the Galloper, and if he finds us not there, then to come to Sole Bay. We are just now in the Narrow among the sands, which is not a post of advantage for us to fight in, if they should attack us here, but we hear nothing of them as yet, and the next tide will set us more at large in better sea room. The Pearl brought yesterday 220 seamen, which his Royal Highness has distributed thus:—To the St. George, French Ruby, Rainbow, and Unicorn, 50 each, and 20 to the Resolution, but there is still great want of men, and it would be a great encouragement and strength to us to receive the Irish infantry and the seamen from Harwich before we engage. By this you will find where we are, and what we are doing, and I cannot give you any advice about the watership and the smll craaft that are to come to us, except that you must do therein what you think will be most advantageous to the service. I enclose his Royal Highness's orders for what pilots you can get for the fleet who are experienced to the northward. It will be of great moment to have them speedily sent on board. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 19.]
May 18. Portsmouth.	Lieut. John Pearce to the Navy Commissioners. Acknowledging the receipt of theirs of the 13th, in pursuance whereof he had acquainted Capt. Deane with their pleasure, who, though commanded to-day by an express to attend his Majesty, has ordered his assistants to take the most effectual course they can, as soon as the order comes, for fitting the ship. [Ibid. No. 20.]
May 18. Chester.	Col. Roger Whitley to the same. This morning we sent thirteen more seamen from North Wales towards London, and are endeavouring to pick up some more, but it is small encouragement that the money I lent the Vice-Admiral, Col. Robinson, for the work is still unpaid. The two bills he drew on your office for 50l. each are not yet answered. I desire to understand what I must trust to, whether you will pay me, or I must look after him for the money. [Ibid. No. 21.]
May 18. The James galliot.	Benjamin Holmes to Sir T. Allin. Stating that an order for fitting the vessel is come, but none for victualling her, and as her victuals have been out twelve days, requesting that one may be sent. [Ibid. No. 22.]
May 18. Woolwich.	Four warrants by Sir Jeremy Smyth and S. Pepys to officers of the dockyard at Woolwich for launching and manning the Violet hulk, and shipping on her various stores and provisions, to be transported to Sheerness; and one to Simon Dunning, boatswain of the dockyard, to carry her down to Sheerness. [Copies. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325, Nos. 23–27.]
May 18. Navy Office.	Certificate by Lieut. John Godwin that John Wren, late purser of the Montagu, has no account of money or provisions standing out against him in that office. [Ibid. No. 28.] Annexed,
	Certificate, dated 5 Dec. 1670, by Thomas Marlow, that the persons named as security for John Wren, purser of the Montagu, are good security for 400l. With note that the bond was delivered up to Mr. Wren 18 May 1672. [Ibid. No. 28i.]
	Certificate, dated 10 May 1672, by the same, that the persons proposed as security for John Wren, purser of the Swallow, are good security for 300l. [Ibid. No. 28ii.]
May 18.	Certificate by eight shipmasters to the Navy Commissioners, that most of the casks put on board the victualling ships, of which they are masters, by the victuallers' instruments are old and decayed, and likely to prove leaky, and that many of the bags of bread are 4 lb. or 5 lb. each short in weight. [Original and copy. Ibid. Nos. 29, 30.]
May 18.	Request by seven Presbyterians for a licence for Thomas Ford's house at Pensford, Somerset, and for a licence for Francis Cross of Bristol, M.D., to preach therein. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 321, No. 198.]
May 18.	Request by Timothy Cloudsley to Francis Benson for licences to be delivered to Mr. Hugh Reynolds for John Rooke at Westhall at Hatfield, for Richard Tayler at John Wadsworth's house at Swath, and to John Issott, junior, at the house of John Issott, senior, in Horbury, all in Yorkshire, all Congregational; for Thomas Whitehead, Presbyterian, at James Dickenson's house in Lower Kellet, and for Robert Hall's house at Bolton-by-the-Sands, both in Lancashire, for Richard Coore (of the true Christian persuasion, not against Episcopal, Presbyterian, or Independent, but called an Antinomian) at his own house at Tonge, in Yorkshire; and for a house in or near Leeds, for Presbyterians. Postscript stating that this of Mr. Coore's is of his own wording in his letter, and praying that the licence be filled up accordingly. [Ibid. No. 199.]
[May 18 ?]	Duplicate of the last, except that the request for a licence for Coore is omitted, with note that T. Cloudsley will call for them. [Ibid. No. 200.]
May 18.	Request [by Robert Mascall] for licences for Nathaniel Barry, M. A., at an outhouse belonging to the dwelling-house of John Edwards, Dover, and for Edward Coppin, M.A., at his own house at Beaksbourne (Bekesbourne), Kent, and at the hall belonging to Wootton Court, in the parish of Wootton, in the same county, both Presbyterians. [Two originals slightly differing. Ibid. Nos. 201, 202.]
May 18.	Receipt by Thomas Danson for licences for Thomas Nuthall for his own house in Rendham, for William and John Manning for their respective houses at Peasenhall, for Samuel Manning for his own house at Walpool, and for Robert Smith for Joseph Gilder's house in Wessleton (Westleton), all in Suffolk. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 321, No. 203.]
May 18.	Receipt by Timothy Wood for licences for Thomas Seaborne's house in Hereford, and Mr. Primerose's house in Tedston in Herefordshire. [Ibid. No. 204.]
May 18.	Receipt by Robert Mascall for licences for Dr. Howes and for his house in Upper Moorfields, and for Samuel Lee of Islington, and for his house and the houses of Mr. Barker and George Thwing there. [Ibid. No. 205.]
May 18.	Receipt by James Inness, junior, for licences for George Biss, William Wickins, and Francis Keeling as general teachers, and for the houses of Samuel Bunnett, Dame Woolfry, Dorothy Chaplain, John Forth, John Hulatt, James Wood, George Leigh, Daniel Andrewes, Thomas Moore at Milton Abbas, Dorset, William Rodbeard, a meeting place at Norton, John Pitt, John Dammer, Martin Morland in Hackney, John West, Humphrey Weaver at Crundall, Hampshire, and William Ball, and for a meeting place built by the inhabitants of Chewbent. [Ibid. No. 206.]
[May 18 ?]	Receipt by the same for licences for John Dyer, Edward Hancock, and George Biss, all general, and for the houses of Mr. Wood and Mr. Ware. [Ibid. No. 207.]
[May 18.]	Request by John Wary (?) for a licence for Henry Butler at Yeovil. [Ibid No. 208.] Annexed,
[May 18.]	Henry Butler and others to the King. Petition on behalf of themselves and the rest of their congregation, expressing their thankfulness for his late declaration, and praying for a licence for the said Henry Butler, their pastor, of the judgment commonly called Congregational, to exercise his function in the house of Elias Barnes at Yeavill (Yeovil), Somerset. [Noted as received 18 May. Ibid. No. 208i.]
[May 18 ?]	Note of the above request for Butler, and also of request for a licence for Benjamin Walters, Bradford Abbas, Dorset. [Ibid. No. 209.]
May 19.	Dr. John Fell to Williamson. The enclosed will testify that I have not forgotten your commands, though it will also prove we have not the ability here to execute them as your affair deserves, The Inscriptions pretend only to be according to the ancient forms. and are all drawn from some of those Gruter has given us. My lazy poets are behindhand with their verses. By the next post you may be troubled with more of them. Sir Thomas Overbury's Wife was printed before your direction for stopping it came, but the Vice-Chancellor has stayed the publishing of the impression. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 25.]
May 19, 4 a.m. Harwich.	Surgeon J. Knight to Williamson. We obliged the Advice and Princess to weigh from Gravesend as we passed yesterday morning. We saw them at the Buoy of the Nore, where (the same tide) they met from the Swale the Katharine and Mary (or, as some thought, the Revenge, for the seamen on our smack differed about it), whom also we exhorted to make haste down, the only impediment of the Katharine, now full of men, being, as Capt. Dare (Beare) said, want of a pilot, he having himself brought her thither. An hour before night we discovered a fleet on the back of the Longsand. Having not day enough to make them, and having received no intelligence in our course, we stood in hither, whence we are now going, understanding by the Drake, now here, that our fleet cannot be above eight leagues hence. We came in late last night, so have not encouraged the diligence of Sir C. Lyttelton according to your instructions, but I shall speak with him as I stand out. I much wonder I met not the Cleveland standing up the river, his Majesty having commanded her from Portsmouth to make all possible haste. I say this for my own sake, being horribly inconvenient where I am, her absence hindering me from the convenience of the Katharine yacht, the only one in the river, which I hope will be bettered by his Royal Highness when I come to the fleet. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 26.]
May 19, 10 a.m. Sheerness.	Major Nathaniel Darell to Williamson. Capt. Coleman, of the Gloucester, with the frigates under his command, sailed at daybreak yesterday from the Gunfleet, so it is hoped that long before this they are joined with our fleet. The Katharine, Revenge, and two frigates more, with two fireships, are now under sail at the Buoy of the Nore, and may reach the Gunfleet this evening. All this morning we have heard shooting at so great a distance that it was all we could do to hear it, of which I suppose you will be advised from the coast of Suffolk or Norfolk sooner than from me. Postscript.— The Revenge remains at the Buoy of the Nore, the rest that are sailed having, as I suppose, taken all her men. [Ibid. No. 27.]
May 19, 12 midnight. Henrietta yacht, between Ramsgate and the Downs.	Capt. Thomas Lovell to Williamson. I came from the fleet at nine this morning, bound to Dover. Our fleet was N.E. by N. from the North Foreland, distant seven or eight leagues, and one of our scouts that was four or five miles ahead of the fleet lowered her topsail and let fly the topgallant sheets, which is a sign at sea that they discover a fleet. I did not see the Dutch fleet, but they were seen by the squadron from the Thames that came to the fleet on Friday night, and, as they informed his Royal Highness, it was near the place where he was when I left him, by which we may gather that the time of their meeting grows near, for his Royal Highness was under sail with a S.W. wind. [Ibid. No. 28].
May 19. Deal.	Richard Watts to Williamson. This morning arrived from Tangier a polacco (or small ship) with Barbary horses sent by the Governor of Tangier to his son. A hoy this morning from London says his Royal Highness and the fleet lie off the North Foreland, about five leagues to the N.E., but cannot hear where the Dutch fleet is. The wind is N.W. and very little. Postscript.—Since, another vessel come in reports our fleet and the Dutch in sight, and ours under sail after the Flemings. The last war I often sent special packets, and was ordered to do so. Our postmaster now denies sending, and will send none on purpose for me unless commanded by Lord Arlington. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 29.]
May 19, 6 p.m. Dover Castle.	Lieut. William Freeman to Williamson. Yesterday morning, about ten, the Governor and Lord Bristol went off from Margarett (Margate) in the Isle of Thanet to our fleet, which then was in sight of the North Foreland. A vessel that came from our fleet yesterday says that some of the Dutch fleet were then in sight of ours, but I fear they soon lost sight of them, because all yesterday afternoon the weather was so thick and misty that we could not see anything half a mile from us here. As we can hear no guns, we fear the Dutch fleet are gone home in the fog, for the wind blew fresh all yesterday at S.W. Mr. Shelden desires his service to you. He sailed hence at noon yesterday for our fleet. Postscript.—Just as I was sending this away some Frenchmen arrived, that came about ten this morning from Calais, who bring news that last night news came from the French fleet that our fleet and theirs had taken and burnt some thirty of the Dutch, and were in pursuit of the rest of their fleet, and that they heard the guns all this morning at sea, though we can hear nothing here. [Ibid. No. 30.]
May 19. Dartmouth.	W[illiam] H[urt] to James Hickes. About eight this morning passed by this harbour a fleet of fourteen sail. We cannot learn who they were, but hope them to be Virginia or Barbary men. Wind westerly. [Ibid. No. 31.]
May 19. Plymouth.	Philip Lanyon to James Hickes. Yesterday arrived a French vessel from St. Valery, who reports that his Royal Highness, with the fleet, was in the Downs, and that the Dutch fleet were gone for their own coast. Yesterday the Phœnix frigate came in here, and sailed for the eastward with several merchant ships, amongst whom was one from Guinea. The pressed men from the parts hereabouts were sent away yesterday. The three East India ships which came yesterday are here yet, waiting orders. Three ships of this place are fitting out, employed by the East India Company's agent here to meet the India ships to advise them how affairs stand. [Ibid. No. 32.] Enclosed,
May 19. Plymouth.	List of ships arrived. [Ibid. No. 32i.]
May 19.	List of foreign mails received between 13 and 19 May. [Ibid. No. 33.]
May 19, 10 p.m. Whitehall.	The King to Col. Villiers. The Duke of York and the fleet reached the Northsand Head on Friday, and, a fair S.W. gale having blown all next day, are probably now at Southwold Bay, unless they met the Dutch fleet. The King wishes you to permit the coal fleets to put to sea, and to embark all the pressed men you have or can draw together, and the Scotch landmen and seamen, and send them direct for London. They must take care of themselves against any capers or loose men-of-war lurking on the coast in hope of such a booty. Noted as not sent on that day. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 39, p. 25.]
May [19], 10 p.m. Whitehall.	Lord Arlington to Col. Gylby. Of similar purport with the preceding, and similarly noted as not sent that day. [This letter is dated 14 May, evidently a mistake for the 19th. Ibid. p. 26.]
May 19. Whitehall.	Sir James Hayes to the Navy Commissioners. I have communicated your letter to the Prince, and the testimony of the masters of the victuallers concerning the cask, and send you the enclosed by his command to be sent to the commander of the Bezan. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 31.]
May 19. Gravesend.	Phineas Pett, muster-master, to the same. The Katharine, Princess, Advice, and two fireships sailed about nine this morning from the Buoy of the Nore, with the wind west. [Ibid. No. 32.]
May 19. Gwersilt.	Col. John Robinson to the same. Praying for present payment of his two bills without waiting till his accounts come, which will take time, as some of his agents are 60 and others 70 miles from himself and each other; and stating that he had sent up two more small gangs, one of eleven from Wrexham on the 14th, and the other of thirteen from Chester on the 18th, one of the former gang having very little or no English, and inquiring whether they will be satisfied with such as have not any English. [1½ page. Ibid. No. 33.] Enclosed,
May 19. Gwersilt.	List of thirteen seamen pressed in Flintshire and of eleven pressed in Carnarvonshire. [Ibid. No. 33i.]
May 19. The Revenge, at the Buoy of the Nore.	Capt. John Hart to Col. T. Middleton. This morning I sent all my remaining men on board the Katharine, and have left none but my officers on board. I have sent my lieutenant to Chatham to press men, and ask you to order a smack to bring down any he can get. The Katharine, Princess, and Advice, with two fireships, are now under sail for the fleet. I beg, when you are writing to Prince Rupert, to mention that I have not been guilty of any neglecting of time since the ship came out of dock, as I am informed the King and he have been told, but I believe your honour knows the contrary. [Copy. Ibid. No. 34.]
May 19. Redriff.	Robert Conaway to Capt. Perriman. In reply to his note, which informs him that his ship, the Barnaby, must be despatched out of the dock to grave to-morrow, promising to do his best to move her to the dock-head to be in readiness there, but as yet neither he nor his owners have been able to speak with the Commissioners about her. Postscript giving the number and quality of his guns. [Ibid. No. 35.]
May 19.	Request by Col. T. Blood for licences for Christopher Fowler of Reading, Presbyterian, at Griffith Bubby's (Bully's) house, and for the house of Alderman Andrews in Essex. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 321, No. 210.]
May 20. Whitehall.	Order by the Committee of Council for the redemption of captives that the Earl of Arlington prepare a letter for his Majesty's signature to the Consul at Algiers, requiring him to demand from the Government there a perfect list of the first price of each captive, in pursuance of the articles of peace; and that they cause Ben Omar, the patron of William Bushell, who has sent him to Alexandria, and other patrons who have done the like to avoid the article of the first price, to recall their captives to Algiers. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 34.]
May 20. Council Chamber [Whitehall].	Minutes by Williamson of the result of the negotiations between the Dutch Ambassador and the Lords of the Council touching the discharge, exchange, &c., of prisoners.
	1. A present discharge of all prisoners mutually in gross.
	2. As to exchange for the future:—(i.) Prisoners to be discharged against others of like quality if any be. (ii.) Where none of like quality, then to be discharged against common seamen or soldiers at a certain proportion. (iii.) When there are no common seamen or soldiers, then to be discharged for money—i.e., each for the value of a month's wages. (iv.) All under fifteen to be immediately released.
	3. As to entertainment of prisoners:—Each party to maintain their own at such allowances as they shall please, and to have agents at the places of detention to lay it out as they please, and the King and the States respectively only to be at the charges of keeping them safe and guarding them.
	4. As to the King's declaration for the discharge of ships, the Ambassador excepts that it reaches not to the discharging such ships as were taken at sea and brought into port before the declaration of war, which, he pretends, have as great or greater justice in their case. [1½ page. 2 copies, one fuller than the other. Ibid. Nos. 35, 36.]
[May 20 ?]	Notes by Williamson of the orders, &c., issued during the last war, taken from Lord Arlington's Entry Books. [3 pages. Ibid. No. 37.]
May 20. London.	W. Bradley to Lord Dover. Though unwilling to quit the service, having brought over his company from Ireland, yet as his lordship considers that his remaining would ruin his family, consents thereto, and wishes a fit substitute to be recommended to the King to serve in his place as lieutenant to Major James Dennis. [Ibid. No. 38.]
May 20. Bridlington.	T. Aslaby to James Hickes. About ten on Saturday morning the sloop that took the Scarborough vessel chased a small keel ashore fifteen miles southward of this, and went aboard her when she was dry, there being none to oppose them, and the next tide fetched her off, took out some corn she was ballasted with, and put it on board the Scarborough ship, and set the keel on fire. On Sunday morning passed southwards a small vessel supposed to be a caper, and about two or three hours afterwards a ketch, supposed to be coal laden, which would run a great hazard of being taken. This morning passed by 100 laden colliers from Sunderland and Newcastle. They have a scant wind to the southward, being S.S.W. They found the coast clear to the northward from capers. They are mostly small ships, and have a Yarmouth ship of ten guns and forty pressed men on board and a ketch with pressed men for convoy. The keel taken belonged to Lynn, and had ten lasts of rye, a parcel of malt, and a quarter of rice. [Ibid. No. 39.]
May 20. Hull.	Richard Gleadow to Williamson. Last Thursday two privateers, a small sloop and a hoy, took two vessels coming for Humber, and put another small vessel ashore at Ganthrop Haven on the Lincolnshire coast, so that now no vessel dares stir out of Humber except some convoy come. The wind has been these two days W., but it is now S.W. I hear I am blamed for not writing, which must be excused, for I or Luke Bourne, Mr. Whittington's servant, never miss once, and sometimes twice, a week. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 40.]
May 20. Lincoln.	W. Broxolme to [Williamson]. When I wrote last I was endeavouring to get the seamen pressed in Lincolnshire speedily to Hull, in hopes of a vessel to convoy them to the fleet. Reports here now tell us the two fleets were engaged on Saturday. There are now at Hull, and secured on one tide's warning, about 80 able seamen from Lincolnshire, and about 20 from the East Riding, several of them sent in by the deputy lieutenants there. The charge caused by their staying so long at Hull, not without some hazard of escapes, notwithstanding the strictest care and guard, has occasioned less importunity from me to the Vice-Admiral and the deputylieutenants; yet I have not omitted my inquisitions where to be supplied when I receive further commands, for which I stay here. [Ibid. No. 41.]
May 20. Lynn.	Edward Bodham to Williamson. On Saturday the Triumph ketch, with seamen for the Navy, sailed, having been long detained by contrary winds. A Danish ship from Norway arrived on Saturday night, met on Tuesday off the Dogger Sand a Scotch privateer of six guns, and on Thursday off the Spurn a Dutch privateer of two guns, who told him he had put four colliers ashore, and sent three away as prizes. We certainly hear the English and Dutch fleets were engaged Thursday and Friday last, but have not yet had intelligence of the success. Wind Saturday S., a point variable on either side. Yesterday in the morning W. and W. by N., towards night S.W. To-day in the forenoon S.S.W., in the afternoon W.S.W. and W. and W. by N. [Ibid. No. 42.]
May 20. Yarmouth.	Richard Bower to Williamson. About nine or ten last Friday evening Sir John Hubbard (Hobart) came here to send away the pressed men for Harwich according to an order sent Lord Townshend by the Earl of Arlington. In pursuance of which they were by beat of drum ordered to appear at the Town Hall, where they divided 202 into eight companies, making masters to sea conductors of them, who were enjoined to deliver them up this day at Harwich. They marched away last Saturday, whooping and holloaing as they went, being very frolic and merry. Yesterday morning arrived a vessel of this town from St. A Remo (? Santarem) in the Straits. The master reports that on Saturday afternoon our fleet was at anchor off the Kentish Knock. The masters of two vessels arrived this morning report that our fleet about noon yesterday weighed off the Long Sand and stood E.N.E. with all the sail they could make, by which they concluded they spied the Dutch standing over to their own coast. A north country vessel arrived this afternoon from Newhaven (Havre) reports they saw not a sail at the Long Sand or on our coast, so we conclude that both fleets are the coast of Holland. About 30 sail, which came yesterday and to-day from the southward, are at anchor in our roads. Our mackerel boats, which go off every night to drive for mackerel seven or eight leagues to sea, came in to-day, and saw but one sail, a Hamburger hoy bound southward, so we cannot but conclude both fleets on the Holland coast. Postscript.—As I was closing this, an express came to Sir T. Meddowes to take up all the pilots in town for the fleet. To this purpose the drum beat at about ten for all pilots to appear at the Town Hall, where Sir T. Meddowes sits and takes their names as they come, who are to march forthwith to Southwold, where there shall be a vessel to attend them. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 43.]
May 20. Southwold.	John Wickens to James Hickes. Last Saturday morning we could discern about 40 of the Dutch fleet about five leagues east of this. They were under sail and steered away E. and by N. Sunday morning we discovered about eight sail to the E.N.E. Since none have appeared. It is generally thought their fleet is gone near their own coast. The wind was westward and S.W. It still continues west. I received two letters to-day from Sir J. Williamson, and shall fulfil his desires to the utmost of my power. Here is no certain news of our fleet. We hear by some vessels from the southward they sailed from the Longsand Head yesterday morning. About 40 light ships passed to-day to the northward. [Ibid. No. 44.]
May 20. Aldeburgh.	Ralph Rabett to James Hickes. I have not yet heard of or seen our fleet. The Dutch rode at anchor here Friday night. The wind is now S.S.W., a handsome gale. As yet I have not heard a gun. [Ibid. No. 45.]
May 20, 12 noon. Landguard.	Sir C. Lyttelton to Williamson. The men were safely delivered aboard the Katharine, but of the 117 they thought but 32 [fit] for their use, and the rest were all brought back and set ashore, to whom I gave passes to go home. I wish yours of the 17th had come time enough to me or Capt. Taylor giving us power to make that inspection, though I should have sent some they turned back, as being very able-bodied men and well clothed, for I think such may do very good service at the guns, though they ben't seamen. If the fleets fight near our coast, the small vessels from hence may be useful, but if not, they cannot be. Sarjeant (Surgeon) Knight came hither yesterday, and went away presently to look [for] the fleet. He promised, as soon as the smack had delivered him, he would return her hither with an account of their condition. The Drake came here Saturday to get pilots for the French fleet. The captain was with me last night, and says he could get but three. He went away to the fleet about twelve at night. His orders were to look [for] them in Southwold Bay, and if he found them not there, to stand to the coast of Holland. I knew Capt. Taylor would give you an account of Capt. Temple's news of our fleet and the English packet-boat's news of the Dutch on Saturday. Fox's boat received some damage in her last voyage, which is the reason she cannot go out again before this evening's tide. Yesterday evening a Bremener laden with mum came in. I sent my gunner aboard him for news, who was told that three Dutch men-of-war, which he named the captains of, came aboard him a little off Lowestoft, and said all their fleet was within two leagues of Ba[u]dsey Ferry, but I believe that cannot be, though it were Saturday about three, because the packet-boat says he came through them thereabouts at 2 a.m., and that they were then all under sail towards their own shore, and that if they had continued so long there, our fleet must have come up to them. The Drake went not out last night, as the captain told me he would, so I hope he will get more pilots. We hear not a word of the 400 men from Yarmouth. If they come we must observe the rule to inspect them which you gave us for those sent to Sheerness. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 46.]
May 20, 1 p.m. Harwich.	Silas Taylor to Williamson. I had this news last night by a small vessel from our fleet. They were at the Longsand End, and by a letter from a friend on board, it is advised that they intend to Southwold Bay, by that means avoiding the Galloper and the Gaber (Gabbard). About the first the Dutch fleet lie or did lie last Friday evening, for a Bremener came through them, and he judged he heard them thereabouts on Saturday morning. There is a report here that our fleet are off Orfordness, but I cannot learn whence it came. The wind S.W., a handsome gale. [Ibid. No. 47.]
May 20, between 5 and 6 p.m. Harwich.	The same to the same. This afternoon Lieut. Edwards came in and gives this account. He transported hence yesterday Surgeon Knight to the fleet, who short of them went on board another vessel, so that he had but a view at distance. (The rest of the letter is almost identical with that of Lieut. Edwards calendared infra.) [Ibid. No. 47a.]
May 20, between 4 and 5 p.m. Harwich.	Sir Charles Lyttelton to the Earl of Arlington. The enclosed I caused Lieut. Edwards to write, because I thought you will understand it better from his hand than mine. The ketch is just going out to inform us further, of which you shall have an account so soon as she returns. According to your order I stopped the Dutch packetboat this evening by firing a gun at him from the fort, being under sail to pass out to sea. The master has been with me to tell me he has a packet from the Ambassador, but I told him what commands I had received from his Majesty, and that without your pass I durst not suffer him to go out. [On the back are notes by several postmasters of the hours they received it. Ibid. No. 48.] Enclosed,
May 20. Harwich.	Lieut. Peter Edwards to the Earl of Arlington. Last night about seven the two fleets were seen by us about twelve leagues off the Gunfleet E.S.E., both standing S.E. with the stem, the wind S.S.W. The English had the weather-gage, and stood this course till midnight. About nine lights were put out in both fleets. At twelve, guns fired, about 200, till one. Then some of our fleet tacked and stood to the westward (about 40 sail) till day, to whom we were close by. The part that tacked appeared to us with white and red colours. Betwixt three and four this part tacked again to the S.E., and then it proved a fog for two hours, on which we sailed away to bring intelligence. Being within two leagues of the Longsand Head about ten this morning, we spied about 26 standing after us in the same course, which we judged to be our own ships. [S.P. Dom., Car. II 309, No. 48i.]
May 20, between 4 and 5 p.m. Harwich.	Sir C. Lyttelton to Williamson. I have enclosed to my lord an account from Lieut. Edwards. They came up within sight of both fleets about seven last night. They were then about two leagues asunder, both striving for the weather gage, the one to keep it which was ours, and the other to get it, being both in several lines. . . . This morning there was a great fog, which gave the Dutch opportunity to get off, and he says they were gone towards their own coast. Ours stood into our own shore, and he believes may be come into Sole Bay. When he left them at about six in the morning they were E.S.E., about twelve leagues from the Gunfleet. Postscript.—He says they found the wake of the fleet a great way from them by the cabins, tables, &c., which were thrown overboard to fit them for fight. [Ibid. No. 49.]
May 20, 10 a.m. Sheerness.	Major N. Darell to Williamson. A smack just come in, that waits on the Royal James, and is now going to Rochester, left our fleet off the North Foreland, who weighed at four yesterday morning. [Ibid. No. 50.]
May 20, 10 p.m. Margate.	John Evelyn to Williamson. "I was grieved to hear you had suffered any diminution in the papers you entrusted with me. I assure you (whatever you may conceive of me) I make it religion to restore, and I have done it to the least scrip (two books only excepted, Nempe, one folio in Italian, and Belgium Gloriosum), and in particular as to the medals, I put them most carefully in the box with my own hands, and am confident you will find that sheet there, together with the rest. And you may please to call to mind that I once importuned you to examine what I had returned of those pieces committed to my perusal, immediately after you commanded me to send them up.
	"I have (according to his Majesty's command), followed the fleet from Dover hither, so long as it was in sight, and that we were in any probable expectation of action near these coasts, but it is now two days that we hear no tidings of them, which makes me resolve to turn my face towards you; in the meantime that I beg the favour of you to present my duty to my lord by the enclosed, with my most humble thanks to you for the account you give me of my late particular concern. Wind S.W., almost a storm." [Ibid. No. 51.]
May 20, 4 p.m. Dover.	John Carlile to [Williamson]. Yesterday came several small vessels into our road, whereof one, a Scotchman, informed us he came in company from the southward with three great Dutch merchantmen from St. Toovey's, which passed by the Narrow yesterday to the eastward. About eight this morning came in two English merchant ships from Geloppsola (Gallipoli). I need not inform you that our fleet met the Dutch about ten yesterday morn ing, as we have it from Deal. The wind has been all this day S.S.W., and blows hard. That, it is supposed, has parted the fleets. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 52.]
May 20. Portsmouth.	Hugh Salesbury to Williamson. Two vessels from Morlaix that came from Weymouth last report there are several privateers on the western coast, and that off the Start one of them that rows with 40 oars had taken two or three English vessels, one whereof, being a collier and worth little, they released again, putting all the other English prisoners aboard him. [Ibid. No. 53.]
May 20. Weymouth.	N[athaniel] O[sborne] to James Hickes. Saturday afternoon came in two small colliers, one from Swansea, the other from Burrough in Wales, whence they came last Wednesday, and yesterday came in two lobster boats from the west. None of them heard of any capers about those parts, and the last say that the Newcastle and Nightingale cruise off and on about Looe and those parts, so that I believe there are not such a number of capers out as was reported, and that she that took the West-countryman and our man that came from Portugal was either a pirate or bound out some other way, and so met them. At eight last night passed by Portland 20 sail, supposed to be the Cales (Cadiz) fleet. The wind westerly. Postscript.—Even now came into our road Capt. John Beere, master of a small ship, that came from Baion (Bayonne), and a Bredhempson (Brighton) barque from Charente. They came in company with near 80 from those parts, whereof about 40 French, and the rest English. The English pass along Portland now. [Ibid. No. 54.]
May 20. Lyme.	Anthony Thorold to James Hickes. Yesterday arrived the Elizabeth and Little Rose from St. Malo, and a small French vessel with salt from Croisic. They found the coast clear, but the Maloines, for the security of their trade, by order of the Duc de Chaulnes, Governor of Brittany, who was lately there, are fitting six men-ofwar to be convoys to their coasters. This fresh southerly wind gives us expectation of some of our ships that way, especially since we hear of the Nightingale and Newcastle cruising to the westward and no more of the late pickaroon with 20 oars a side, nor of more than one prize taken by her. We expect our Virginia man daily, which is to be convoyed by the Nightingale, as well as some others from the same place, bound further eastward. [Ibid. No. 55.]
May 20. Truro.	Hugh Acland to James Hickes. No news. Wind N.W. [Ibid. No. 56.]
May 20. Falmouth.	Thomas Holden to Williamson. The 17th came in the Solomon of London, with tobacco from Virginia, and the 18th the Jane and Sarah of Boston in New England, Elias Parkman, master, with tobacco from Virginia. There are now in harbour seven ships from Virginia. There also came in the Martin of London from Scanderoon, with silk and cotton yarn and galls, who heard at sea there was a war, and so put in to the first harbour; the Dolphin of Dieppe from Martinico, and the European of London, with sugar from Jamaica. They speak of some dispute betwixt the Governor and the inhabitants, about which they have brought over letters to the Earl of Arlington, which are sent away this post. The report is here that there are several Dutch privateers to the westward, and that a Flushinger of five guns and 150 men had taken a vessel of London laden with cheese and lead from Chester worth 1,500l., on board of which were two Scotchmen, who stayed on board the manof-war, the rest being put ashore. They also took two colliers, but gave them back their vessels, saying that the war was not occasioned by the English, but by the French, whom if they met they would show them no mercy. They also declared they must go home, for they wanted men, theirs being gone with several prizes about Ireland. The prizes in this port are all ordered by the Commissioners at Plymouth to be sent there. [S.P. Dom. Car. II. 309, No. 57.]
May 20. Falmouth.	Thomas Holden to James Hickes. News identical with the last. [Ibid. No. 58.]
May 20. Pendennis.	Francis Bellott to Williamson. (Shipping news, the same as in Holden's letter.) Saturday morning passed by to the east eleven big ships, and yesterday morning another very big one, the wind since Friday morning being W. and W.N.W., this morning direct S., and now N.W. From the Jamaica man we received a letter for his Majesty's service, directed to Mr. Wren, which was immediately despatched. Jamaica, they say, begins to flourish, the privateers being called in, and all men endeavouring the improving the place by agriculture. [Ibid. No. 59.]
May 20. Bristol.	Thomas Moore to James Hickes. Yesterday arrived the Dove from Bilboa (Bilbao) in eight days, and heard nothing of any Dutch capers about the western coasts; also three from Barbadoes, which came thence about 1 April with fourteen or fifteen sail more. They were commanded by the Governor to go for Nevis, and there join those ready there, and so homewards, but these losing the fleet came away, and did not touch there. Other shipping news. [Ibid. No. 60.]
May 20. Swansea.	John Man to Williamson. Several vessels arrived here last Saturday and Sunday from several parts of the coast inform us of several Flushingers that are on both the other and this side of the land. They have already taken several vessels, one laden with wine, another with Cheshire cheese. From some that are coming here for coals, they take only their stocks and strip them, and so let them pass, which puts some terror into the poor colliers and Frenchmen that trade up this Channel, but it's hoped some frigates may be ordered to cruise near the Land's End to prevent those rogues. Some of them have six guns apiece, but treble manned, and fifteen or sixteen oars aside. The wind S.W. and by W., very stiff. (The rest of the letter is an account of the apparition in the air at Cresselly, described in Powell's letter of the 15th, calendared in the previous volume of the Calendar, p. 575.) [Ibid. No. 61.]
May 20. Chester.	Matthew Anderton to Williamson. Since my last I hear nothing of the Flushing privateer. Our seamen here being impressed, no embargo is needed, for the masters cannot get men to carry their ships to sea. Yesterday was the first day our conventicles appeared publicly. They are not so numerous as they talked of. I hope we shall yet keep them so in subjection as the public peace shall be preserved. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 62.]
May 20.	Commissions to — to be lieutenant, and to Wingfield Wotton to be ensign to the late Capt. Adam Leicester's company in Richard, Lord Poer's, foot regiment in Ireland. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 29, p. 434.]
May 20.	Pass for Mr. Graham and his family to go into Ireland. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 34, f. 163.]
May 20.	Privy seal to pay to Sir Stephen Fox 5,940l. 10s. per mensem on account for the pay and entertainment of the forces according to the several establishments. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 35a, f. 40.]
	Docquet thereof, dated May. [Docquets, Vol. 25, No. 237.]
May 20.	Warrant for levying sums of money for the Royal Aid, additional supply, &c. [Ibid. No. 232.]
May 20. Whitehall.	Sir James Hayes to the Navy Commissioners. Requesting them to advertise Capt. Le Neve that he immediately come up the Channel to Dover, where he will receive further orders. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 36.]
May 20, noon. Harwich.	John Browne, Mayor, to the same. According to your commands I shall use all possible despatch for sending his Royal Highness what pilots this place affords, which are very few, most of this town being in the service already. Two able pilots, and one that has sailed small vessels, are in the Drake to go up this tide. I have sent press money and warrants to appear to three more, who abscond, but I question not to send them to-morrow. If not I shall prosecute them with the greatest severity. Capt. Taylor has written to the bailiffs of Ipswich to send down what they can. [Ibid. No. 37.]
May 20, between 12 and 1. Harwich.	Silas Taylor to the same. Last Saturday evening I received a letter from Mr. Wren dated about noon that day from the Prince, the North Foreland bearing S.W. and by W. about four and a half leagues, concerning soldiers and seamen for the fleet to put on board the Drake and Deptford ketch; but I had none, having despatched the 117 that were on board Mr. Bond to the Royal Katharine according to an order to Sir C. Lyttelton and myself, of whom they chose but a few. The remainder were offered to other ships, but refused, and so brought back and discharged. The other part of the letter was to despatch pilots in all haste. I got the assistance of the Mayor and Justice, who by sitting up all night with much ado got three, and I gave an account of several in the fleet that were private seamen, who had sheltered themselves from the rudeness of the press, and what vessels they were in. These three I despatched by five yesterday afternoon. This morning the Mayor showed me your order to press pilots. Ipswich is a great town for shipping, and there should be a great number of pilots. It is a bailiff town. I propose that all these maritime towns send in a list of masters, pilots, &c., with their qualifications, whether free or pressed, or going voluntarily, and if gone, by whom pressed, and in what vessel. (News of the fleets, the same as in his first letter of that day.) I have been unmeasurably dunned for stores; it is well known to you I have none. I desire to know if I may expect any, that I may provide for their reception. The victuallers are here still. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 38.]
May 20. Bristol.	John Hickes, Mayor, to the Navy Commissioners. Sending a list of 60 seamen that came late on Saturday out of North Wales (sic) by Sir Edward Mansell's direction, by whom they were pressed, for their tickets and conduct money, who are to appear at Portsmouth by the 26th, and praying for reimbursement of the charge of this, amounting to 18l. together with his other disbursements. [Ibid. No. 39.] Enclosed,
May 20. Bristol.	The said list. [Ibid. No. 39i.]
May 20. Bristol.	Sir John Knight to the same. I formerly advised you of my taking a vessel for carrying to Milford the seamen pressed at Chepstow by the Governor. He advises me that he put 50 men on board, who, I hear, arrived at Milford long since, but having no letter thence I can give you no further account, nor send the charge of their passage. I have since received fifteen from Chepstow, two of whom were masters and owners of trowes, laden in the river for Bewdley and Worcester, whom the Mayor tells me you ordered to be cleared. The rest received their tickets and conduct money; and last Saturday Sir E. Mansell, Vice-Admiral of South Wales, by order of the Marquis of Worcester sent 60, who prove very able men. If he sends any more, care will be taken to despatch them to Portsmouth. [Ibid. No. 40.]
May 20. Aldeburgh.	Thomas Wills and Ralph Rabett, bailiffs, to Sir T. Allin. On receiving your letter for pressing pilots, we immediately endeavoured to execute your commands. Here are but four, of whom one has been sick some time, another is pressed into a fireship, and we have pressed the other two, given them impress money, and ordered them to Harwich, as we have no vessels in the river but three which are part laden. As yet we have not seen our fleet or heard a gun. These men pretend they dare not take the charge of piloting any of his Majesty's ships. [Ibid. No. 41.]
May 20, 11 p.m. The Post Office.	Sir John Ben[n]et to S. Peepes (Pepys). I wonder by what authority you write your hasty directions to my deputies, and without directions or any notice taken of the office. You find by the return what effect your speed has made. I am ready as any to despatch his Majesty's commands, but I desire, if you will act in them, you will be pleased to take notice of the instrument. Endorsed by Pepys:—"Insolently expostulating the reason why he sends expresses and not make him acquainted therewith, withall sending back five expresses, which went as far as Colchester, and should have gone Huntingdon load." [Ibid. No. 42.]
May 20 (sic).	Memoranda by Pepys for a reply to the last letter. That this letter came to me in bed at midnight, when not being able to conceive what was to be done more than was done by us, or why on the return of the packets to the Post Office, they should not now have that regard to the service as without further loss of time to have sent them the right road on discovery they had gone the wrong, I was driven to let the whole matter lie till morning, the packets sent back being the five directed to the Mayor and bailiffs of Hull, Scarborough, Whitby, Hartlepool, and Newcastle, which went by mistake as far as Colchester with the five that went forward to Harwich, Ipswich, Aldborough, Southwold, and Yarmouth. Next morning Marlow, the messenger, assured me that he and one of my clerks, Thomas Edwards, went with the ten packets to Harrington, the postmaster at Whitechapel, whither he had been used to carry our packets eastwards, and there made him observe the directions of each, one by one, and that they ought to go different roads, and the postmaster agreed and undertook his boy should put them into the right road, and in their hearing gave him directions accordingly, and undertook that these five should be taken as effectual care of as the others. On which Marlow committed them to Harrington's care, adding to me that for the conveyance of the many packets from this office, as well towards Harwich as towards Dover and Portsmouth, he never understood he was to go any whither but to the posthouses from which the horses set out, and that he never failed thus in having the expresses rightly disposed of. Upon this, giving them new covers and dates as from this morning, I sent Marlow with them by seven to the General Post Office. Returning, he told me he had tendered the packets to the officers there, and particularly to the Controller, who told him they were not concerned to receive or dispose of them, and would not receive them or undertake to send them away, but that he ought to carry them to the posthouse in Barbican, whence it seems letters and expresses are despatched the northern road, as those from Whitechapel are the eastern. Whereupon he carried them there, where they were received and despatched, without any regard to their coming or not from the General Post Office. With notes by Marlow and Edwards that each is ready to justify so much of this paper as concerns himself. [3 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 43.]
May 20.	John Russell to T. Hayter. Requesting warrants to Deptford to receive timber and plank. [Ibid No. 44.]
May 20.	Contract with Sir T. Middleton by Edward Whitton for delivering into the stores at Chatham 60 eufroes at 5s. 6d. apiece, and 1,000 yellow deals at 7l. a hundred. [Ibid. No. 45.]
May 20.	Contract with the same by Thomas Lewsley for delivering into the stores at Chatham 70 boomspars at 4s. 6d. each. [Original and copy. Ibid. Nos. 46, 47.]
May 20.	Three certificates by Jonas Shish of the measurements and tonnage of the London Merchant, Levant Merchant, and Mary and Matthew. [Ibid. Nos. 48–50.]
May 20.	Request by John Clayton for licences for Rowland Hancock for his house, Shercliffe Hall, Yorkshire; for Edward Pryme for his own house in Sheffield; for Matthew Bloome for the house of Arthur Powell in Attercliffe and for the house of Robert Cliffe at Wold, Derbyshire; for John Wood for his own house in the parish of Norton, Derbyshire; for William Blyth of the same parish for his own house; and for Samuel Shelmardine for the house of Henry Wigley of Cromford, Derbyshire. All these are Presbyterians, and in addition to the particular places a general licence for each person is desired. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 321, No. 211.]
May 20.	Request by Mr. Turpin for licences for John Meadowes at the house of Elizabeth Nelson, widow, Stowmarket, Thomas Holborough of Batisford at a house there, for Richard Jennings and his house at Combes, for John Wilkinson and his house at Walsham-leWillows, for William Goodrich and his house at Hessett, all in Suffolk; for John Jessup and his house at South Lopham, Norfolk, all Presbyterians; and for Thomas Newman, Independent, at the houses of Andrew Alleine, Cawston, and William Barwick, Cleton, Norfolk. [Ibid. No. 212.]
May 20.	Receipt by S. Price for a licence for Stephen More, Independent for the house of Barnabas Bloxon in Winchester Yard, Southwark. [Ibid. No. 213.]
May 20.	Receipt by Stephen Hughes for licences for James Davies for his own house in Cardigan, and for Jenkin Jones for his own house at Kilgerran, Pembrokeshire. [Ibid. No. 214.]
May 20.	Receipt by J. Acklam for general licences for Cornelius Todd of Healy Manor, and for William Lucke of Bridlington, both in Yorkshire. [Ibid. No. 215.]
May 20.	Receipt by Owen Davies for licences for John James at Widow Read's house, for Samuel Nowell at Jonathan Edwards' house, for John Jackson at William Bradley's house, and for the houses of Thomas Greaton and Elizabeth Linsey. [Ibid. No. 216.]
May 20.	Notes of licences for Paul Frewin, Anabaptist, at the house of Edward Grant, Trowbridge, Wilts, and for the said house, and for the house of Henry Abbott of Broughton, Hants, as an Anabaptist meeting-place. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 38a, p. 132.]
May 21.	Francis Millington to Williamson. Last night Lord Arlington commanded me to attend the Governor of the East India Company, and bring him the news they received by the three East India ships arrived, and particularly when the Dutch East India ships might depart thence. I was accordingly with the Company this morning, but not having perused their letters, they told me the Governor would wait on my lord, as soon as they had debated the substance of them, and give him an account thereof. Pray inform my lord of this, as the reason I attended him not this morning as he commanded. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 63.]
May 21. Balliol College, Oxford.	Dr. John Goode to Williamson. On behalf of White, a scholar of the college, who was put by a fellowship last St. Katharine's tide by a letter procured from his Majesty by a commoner of the house, requesting him, as a fellowship is likely to be soon vacant, either to procure a letter for him or to stop others from procuring one, which favour will be most gratefully acknowledged by Sir Sampson White. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 64.]
May 21. Ludford.	Sir Job Charlton to Williamson. According to his promise of more than a year ago when he left London, sending a present of cider, viz., six horseloads of five dozen each, three for Lord Arlington, two for Lord Clifford, and one for Williamson himself, which Rogers, a Ludlow carrier, has undertaken to deliver at Goring House and the Treasurer's and Williamson's lodgings by next Friday afternoon, carriage paid. [Ibid. No. 65.]
May 21. Durham.	Dr. Isaac Basire to Williamson. By the Bishop of Bristol's desire sending the enclosed and begging a line for their direction, as they conceive the King's declaration justifies their proceedings till the Nonconformists show their licence, which they do not. [Ibid. No. 66.] Enclosed,
May 21. Durham.	The Bishop of Bristol to Dr. Basire. Requesting him to write to Williamson that the King may not hear their complaint before he have the true state of the case. [Ibid. No. 66i.]
May 21. Durham.	Case.—William Pell preached at a conventicle at the house of Mr. Orton of Durham on 12 and 19 May. The parties were called before the Bishop of Bristol and Dr. Basire, two justices for the county. Mr. Pell did not appear, but Mr. Orton did, and pretended that Mr. Pell had a licence dated 1 May, but none was showed, whereupon Mr. Orton was bound over to answer it at the next Midsummer sessions. [Ibid. No. 66ii.]
May 21.	Copy of Dr. Basire's letter. [Ibid. No. 67.]
May 21.	Minutes in Williamson's hand of orders despatched by the Prince [Rupert]. The Newcastle to convoy the East India ships into the Downs. In her way to look into the ports she passes, and bring up with her eastward-bound vessels. They at Plymouth to give notice to Salcombe and the neighbouring ports to have their ships ready to come up. The Phœnix, if not already gone, to come with them to the Downs and await further orders. As they pass St. Helens, to bring the merchant ships along with them, if they be still there. As they pass Dover, to send to the Governor for news, and, as they hear the passage clear, to proceed for the river, and not to leave the merchantmen till they see them over the Flats.
	The Reserve to stay by the merchantmen at Spithead or St. Helens till the Newcastle come, and then make westward to the Nightingale, who has orders to stay cruising near Plymouth for her, and the two together to make all speed for Cape Clear, to receive the Virginia and Plantation ships, which they are to be ordered to convoy homeward. Sir John Skelton to give notice to the Nightingale to ply to and again near Plymouth till the Reserve join her, &c. Sir John Skelton to have the like power as he had the last war from the Duke, as he desires in his letter. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 68.]
May 21. Newcastle.	Anthony Isaacson to James Hickes. This confirms the sailing of about 80 colliers, with a ketch and dogger, with about 500 English and Scotch seamen. They have had a gale ever since, which, we believe, has been as good as a convoy. The winds are much southerly in the nights, but blow in the day hard W. [Ibid. No. 69.]
May 21(?).	Samuel Hodgkin to James Hickes. No news. [Ibid. No. 70.]
May 21. Southwold Bay.	Matthew Wren to Williamson. This packet will come by Mr. Cranfield, whom the Duke sends expressly to give his Majesty an account of the condition of the fleet. You will have the relation from one that was an eye witness of all, and his Royal Highness himself has sent with his own hand to the King an exact journal of all that has passed. My business shall rather be to remind you, now that we are come to a place where we may take it in, to send us those things that are yet left behind. The Katharine, Princess, and Dover, with two fireships, arrived this morning, so that we are now a great and a brave fleet; but not staying in Dover Road to take in our water, we shall have great need of it here, so that a principal care will be to despatch that supply to us, as by letter a good while since to the Navy Board I desired. Now also will be the time of sending on board the Irish infantry, which his Royal Highness judges best to put on board some small vessels, both for the greater expedition and for the ease of the men in marching. When we were in expectation of engaging there could not be more cheerfulness and goodwill desired than was shown by our whole fleet, which gave us a great assurance of success, the keeping of which temper in the seamen is of great importance to his Majesty's service. Thereupon his Royal Highness very earnestly desires that as great a sum as can be possibly got ready may be immediately sent down for payment of such ships as have wages for any considerable time due, and for payment of tickets, according to what has been so often promised, aboard the ships where they are due for former service. I do not know how long we shall stay here, but I am sure no longer than is necessary to take in the things we want. Therefore I must again beseech you that all things may be despatched to us with all haste. [Ibid. No. 71.]
May 21, 9 p.m. The smack in Sole Bay.	Capt. John Glover to Williamson. Last Saturday I went to the Buoy of the Nore, and Capt. Coleman being gone to the Gunfleet I spoke with Capt. Beare in the Katharine and Capt. Hart in the Revenge, who gave me letters to his Royal Highness. On Sunday we went down to the Gunfleet, and Capt. Coleman not being there we went to sea, and at night got sight of his Royal Highness and the fleet about half seas over, though not off Orfordness. On Monday I delivered my letters, they being at anchor and in sight of the Flemings, they bearing E. and by N. to head of his Royal Highness, it having blown very hard all day till about six. This morning the fleet weighed, but too much wind, and I think the Dutch fleet not in sight, and this morning came the Katharine, Princess, and Advice and three fireships, and this evening, it being much wind, the fleet is standing into Southwold Bay. It is foul weather at sea and I can scarce write. Postscript. — I hoped to have seen the fight, but I fear I shall not, for I believe the Dutch are frighted at the sight of his Majesty's fleet, and could not stand it, for a braver fleet I never saw. If they do not appear to-morrow I will make for Margate. [Original and copy. 1¼ page. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, Nos. 72, 73.]
May 21. The Prince.	Journal from 19 to 21 May. Sunday the 19th. — At four this morning the wind was W.N.W. a small gale. We weighed, and all the fleet with us, and stood northward to look for the Dutch fleet, we being then about six leagues N.E. from the North Foreland. At seven the men at the topmast head saw ten sail N.E. from us. We stood with them. At twelve we made the Dutch fleet standing over for the coast of Flanders, S.E., the wind being then S.W. a fine gale and smooth water. At four we got up with them on the weather gage. At six the van of our fleet had the length of the van of theirs being about two miles to windward of them. We kept our fleet along with the body of theirs. The night being so near, the Duke thought it not convenient to fight them then, but to keep near them all night and fight the next morning. At nine the Dutch tacked and stood to the north-westwards, and we tacked and stood along with them. Our small vessels ahead of us had but four fathoms water at nine on the sands, on the coast of Flanders called the Rumbles. At twelve the Dutch fleet tacked again and stood to the south-eastward. We tacked and stood along with them, it being a fresh gale at S.W. and indifferent dark.
	Monday the 20th.—Hazy, foggy weather this morning, the wind at W.S.W. a fresh gale. We could not see the Dutch fleet. At 3 a.m. tacked and stood to the north-westward. At nine it cleared up, the wind came to the N. W. and blew hard. We handed our maintopsail. At ten it cleared up to the eastward. We saw the Dutch fleet astern of us, about three leagues distance E.S.E. We tacked and stood with them. At one we got up to them on their weather gage, they and we stemming up S. and by W. It blew so hard we could not fight them. We kept them company till three, about three miles to windward of them, they standing over for the Banks of Flanders. We, being doubtful of the shoals, tacked and stood away to the north-north-westward, the wind at W. a stout gale. At six we anchored in 29 fathoms, reckoning the North Foreland to S.W. and by S. about ten leagues from us, close weather this night and less wind at W. We rode fast with all the fleet.
	Tuesday the 21st.—Close weather this morning, the wind at W. and by S. a fine gale. At four we weighed and stood to the southward. At five we saw the Dutch fleet out of the east, as far as we could well descry them. They stood over for the coast of Flanders. It began to blow hard. At eight we tacked and stood for Sould (Sole) Bay. At twelve we passed by the Galloper, half a mile to the eastward of it. At eight we were before Sould Bay, about three leagues off, plying in. [2 pages. Ibid. No. 74.]
May 21.	Sir C. Lyttelton to Williamson. Coming over last night I saw a great many men at the ferry on this shore, whom I found to be the pressed men from Yarmouth. I returned to Harwich and acquainted Capt. Taylor, and immediately we got boats and vessels to carry them to the Gunfleet aboard the Royal Katharine and three other frigates which anchored there in the afternoon, but it was so late that we thought it not fit to keep them to make such an inspection as you directed about the others, lest the frigates might be gone, as they had, for they sailed at sunrise this morning. I guess they did not all come last night, for I saw not above 200, amongst whom were a great many seamen, for to-day I am told about 200 more are come, who will be despatched to the fleet with all care and expedition. The Unity, a great flyboat prize, laden now with provisions for the Prince, struck on the West Rocks and sprang such a leak that, though she got off, she was fain to come in hither, and for fear of sinking they ran her ashore on the Andrews, but so that when the leak is stopped they hope to get her off again. I hear nothing since last night of the fleets. Just now I receive a letter from Col. Buller that none of the pressed men are gone, and that Capt. Taylor intends now to go on board and pick out all the seamen and set the rest ashore. I told you in what posture I left them. They might have been as well aboard last night in the Gunfleet, and what they did not like might have been as easily returned. [1½ page. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 75.]
May 21, 4 p.m. Harwich.	Silas Taylor to Williamson. Sunday evening both fleets were in a fighting posture about eight leagues E.S.E. of the Gunfleet, both standing southward till about twelve, and after that they tacked and stood away to the west till day, and about four tacked to the southward, and about six to the westward again, being a very thick fog. Some of the Dutch fleet betwixt six and seven stood after us with all the sail they could make, endeavouring to surprise a Frenchman disabled in some of his masts by one of their own nation; but the Dutch fleet coming up apace, and seeing his Royal Highness shortening sail about eight or nine, they tacked about and stood to the southward, and his Royal Highness tacked about, having the weather gage of all the Dutch. The Admiral of the Blue and his division not in sight, but the Rear-Admiral and the Vice Admiral were there, and the other might be near, but it was so thick and hazy they could not perceive them. He imagines that about twenty guns he heard at several times were only in order to tacking. This is the account of Capt. Pearce, of the Portsmouth sloop, who was pursued by the Dutch when the French man-of-war was, and was towed some part of the way off by the Dover. His foremast was injured. Postscript. — These pieces are my first letter. After I had spoken with the captain of the Portsmouth sloop I stopped the bag and took out my relation. [Ibid. No. 76.] Enclosed,
May 21, 1 p.m. Harwich.	Silas Taylor to Williamson. I hear the States-General, in their drummers' proclamations for seamen or soldiers, have lowered so much as to leave out their beloved title of 'Hogen Mogen'; if they have not already done it, I hope they will shortly. Yesterday evening I saw four men-ofwar come down the Gunfleet and anchor off the West Rocks. Our confident beaconers distinguish them and say one is the Royal Katharine, and also name the other three, with two fireships. They all sailed this morning with the Drake and Deptford ketch. Capt. Withers has come in with the Spy; he was yesterday ten leagues north-east of the North Foreland, but heard no guns. The westerly wind blew so fresh he was forced to quit the sea. The pressed men from Yarmouth are coming, and all that are come will be got on board this afternoon. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 76i.]
May 21. Dover.	John Carlile to [Williamson]. Capt. Lovell, who came here to attend the Countess of Northumberland, told me to-day he left our fleet on Sunday morning, and then they had not engaged, and did not that day. The wind blowing so hard at S.S.W. it is thought they cannot engage. Shipping news. [Ibid. No. 77.]
May 21. Portsmouth.	Hugh Salesbury to Williamson. The Holmes came to Spithead to day from the coast of Wales with about 200 seamen for the fleet. The wind blows a hard gale at S.W. [Ibid. No. 78.]
May 21. Plymouth.	Philip Lanyon to James Hickes. Sending list of ships arrived. [Ibid. No. 79.] Enclosed,
May 21. Plymouth.	The said list. [Ibid. No. 79i.]
May 21.	Caveat in favour of Mr. Cook that no letter be granted to recommend Mr. Rogers or anyone else to be divinity lecturer in Hereford Cathedral without notice to Secretary Trevor. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 32, p. 15.]
May 21.	Caveat that nothing pass concerning the granting of any privileges, &c., in Southwark, or elsewhere in the verge of Westminster Palace, until the Lord Steward and others of the Royal Household be made acquainted with it. [Ibid.]
May 21, 6 p.m. Whitehall.	The Earl of Arlington to [John] Moore. As the King wants you for certain matters relating to the fleet, you are to repair hither with all speed, taking care to leave matters in the yard under your charge in such condition that the service may not suffer by your absence. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 39, p. 27.]
May 21. Whitehall.	The Earl of Arlington to Sir William Thompson. The King, hearing that among other malicious practices of the Dutch they intend to send over by the English ships that are discharged a quantity of scurrilous and seditious pamphlets to disaffect his subjects, wishes you to order the officers as well in this as the out-ports to search for such books on arrival of any vessel from Holland, and examine the masters on oath what books or prints they bring, and to send up such as are taken. [Ibid. p. 28.]
May 21. Victualling Office.	Sir T. Littleton, Josiah Child, and T. Papillon to the Navy Commissioners. We have yours of the 19th, and the enclosed certificate of some of the masters of the victualling ships. We do not depend only on our own officers, though we have experience of their ability and integrity, but daily ourselves, as far as possible, inspect into all matters, and can affirm that the fleet was never better (and others say never so well) furnished with cask, as it has been by us; and if in so great a number one here and there should prove defective, it is no wonder, and much less we think it deserves to be made a charge to his Majesty against us, especially as we were always ready to receive back any such, and never desired, much less forced, the shipmasters to receive any not unquestionably good. We observe that the occasion of this dispute was singly the report of Sir T. Allin and Sir J. Smyth, which in yours of the 14th you say they gave of the ill condition of the water cask, on which a complaint was carried up to his Majesty and Prince Rupert; yet the certificate given his Majesty was only concerning beer cask, in which the shipmasters say the casks are old and decayed, and some wine and brandy casks, to which we agree except the word "decayed," for if there is any new cask on the victuallers it is without our order, or because we have not old ones enough, for we reserve all the new, as far as we can, to put originally on the ships for holding store, and most fit it is for the service so to be. If those on the victuallers are staunch and tight, it is as much as we design, and if any were otherwise, it was the masters' fault to take them in, for we enforce none on them that are defective, no more than we do on the brewers. We have ordered that any brewer filling a defective cask shall lose not only the beer but the value of the cask, and those so complained of were tight and sufficient, as appears by the survey, whereof a copy is enclosed, taken by two master coopers appointed by the Master of the Company, who are altogether unknown to us, a way proposed by us and approved by his Majesty and the Council, and directed to be the rule for the future. Concerning the 2,000 men's victuals you desire provided in this port, we are in no condition to do it, till you enable us with money, having already much outrun the declaration, and daily receiving from you warrants for issuing great proportions of victuals. But, notwithstanding, we shall fully supply the Norwich and Assurance, of whose readiness we have just had notice, in pursuance of our promise to Lords Arlington and Clifford, though they insisted on but one month, and if the ships be ready to take in their provisions we shall send off all to-morrow, and we pray you to take order that there may be hands to take in the provisions as fast as they come down. We have given immediate order to Portsmouth for victualling the Guinea, one of the ten merchant ships you mention there. [2 pages. S. P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 51.] Enclosed,
May 21. Victualling Office.	Copy of the survey, dated the 20th, by Alexander Fowler and Francis Dale, coopers, of the only watership they found in the river, and of several victuallers, who certify that the cask was generally in good condition. [Ibid. No. 51i.]
May 21. Newcastle.	Giles Bond to the Navy Commissioners. The 18th, by Col. Villiers' orders, sailed hence the Dutch dogger with 177 Scots on board, and 113 on board several colliers, and the Cambridge's ketch with about 80 colliers, and, I hope, before this they are in Yarmouth Roads, where they are to attend the Governor for further orders for sailing to the fleet. I have drawn a bill for 100l. for victualling them for six days. My vessel is not yet come. On my return to London I shall give you a particular account. [S. P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 52.]
May 21. Southwold Bay.	Matthew Wren to the Navy Commissioners. Sir John Cox has written you by this opportunity a relation of what has happened since we saw the Dutch fleet. We are now come in here, where the Duke intends to stay for taking in such ships (sic) as we want. One principal thing is water, for a supply of which I wrote some days since, and now desire it be immediately despatched, if not already sent. Some ships want bread, and others flesh and other provisions, so it would be very necessary that some provisions of all sorts be sent down, especially since, passing by Dover without stopping, we could not take in what might be had there. Now is also the time to receive on board the Irish infantry, and any seamen or pressed men at Yarmouth or Harwich, or any other ports hereabouts, and also any pilots for the Northern coast that are ready. The Duke has commanded earnestly to recommend to you the sending down money for payment of such ships as came home from the Straits, and of tickets due on other ships for former service. These payments have long been promised the men, and the honour of the King and Duke is engaged in it, and the cheerfulness and good humour of the men deserve all just encouragement. Mr. Pearse also reminds me that the rest of the money for the necessaries for the sick may be also sent down. [Ibid. No. 53.]
May 21. The Revenge, at the Buoy of the Nore.	Capt. John Hart to the same. Acquainting them with his sad and naked condition, having by Prince Rupert's order delivered all his men, to the number of 240, on board the Royal Katharine, and his pilot; asking them to send him one down, promising to use his best endeavours to pick up men, saying the delay was not due to his neglect, having been windbound at Chatham above fourteen days, and expressing himself largely about his loyalty and willingness. [Ibid. No. 54.]
May 21.	Sir Allen Apsley to S. Pepys. Desiring his assistance to procure some small vessel to carry down provisions to the Duke. [Ibid. No. 55.]
May 21. Poplar.	Certificate by Henry Goodday, churchwarden, and five other inhabitants, of the civil deportment and good affection to the service of William Langley and Edward Raisin [who had been seized as counterfeit press-masters, and ordered to serve in the fleet for that abuse]. [Ibid. No. 56.]
May 21.	List of stores by Mr. Tippetts necessary for the supply of the fleet after an engagement, the cost amounting to nearly 112,000l., with remarks as to the necessity of speedily contracting for certain items therein, and that if the fleet after an engagement does not put into Portsmouth for repairs and supplies, 20,000l. may be abated of the general demand, this paper being the ground of the Board's letter of that date to Sir T. Osborne, touching the method of payment needful to be made of the 112,000l. lately demanded by the Surveyor. [Ibid. No. 57.]
May 21.	Request by Walter Payne for a licence for a room or rooms in the dwelling-house of Charles Sanders, in Priston, Somerset. [S. P. Dom., Car. II. 321, No. 217.]
May 21.	Request for a licence for William Vowsden, Presbyterian, for the Manhood in Sussex, and for licences for the houses of William Squire in East Wittering, Edward Cole in Birdham, and Cornelius Freeland in Siddlesham, all in Sussex, and for any other house in the Manhood. [Ibid. No. 218.]
May 21.	Receipt by W. Howard for licences for William Fletcher, Anabaptist, and Samuel Murner and Richard Garrett, Independents, all in Sussex. [Ibid. No. 219.]
May 21.	Receipt by Nathaniel Ponder for licences for Nathaniel Whiteing, John Rowlett, Matthew Orlebar, John Whiteman, James Pearson, and George Cockayne, and for the houses of J. Mancell in Newton, Samuel Whitby, John Maydwell, and Mrs. Phesant. [Ibid. No. 220.]
May 21.	Receipt by Robert Whittell for a licence for Joseph Dawson, for his own house at Halifax, Yorkshire. [Ibid. No. 221.]
May 21. Kinsale.	Thomas Burrowe to James Hickes. Expressing his wonder at receiving from him neither Gazette nor letter, nor acknowledgment of his bills. Last Sunday two ships from Virginia came in here, being chased by capers. One is seized on for an Amsterdammer, but I believe will prove the contrary. Three vessels chased in two ships from Virginia to the Killmar river, and have done them much damage. If I had your orders I could send you a barrel of letters out of those Virginia ships, but they will pay no money for them here. Pray remedy it. [S. P. Ireland, Car. II. 331, No. 69.]
May 21. Whitehall.	The King to the Lord Lieutenant. Directing that the Court of Exchequer grant a custodium from 1 April last during pleasure to Major Gerald Fitzgerald of the manor of Glancorbery, and divers other lands in the barony of Con[n]ello in county Limerick, and of the town and lands of Knockaneviegh, in the barony of Middlethird in Tipperary, parcel of the lands formerly set out on the pretended adventures of Cunningham and Dick. [S. P. Dom., Signet Office, Vol. 8, p. 243.]
May 22. Whitehall.	Order in Council that, an account having been given of the number of seamen pressed and sent up from the several counties, and his Majesty being satisfied that his fleet at sea is now sufficiently manned, letters be written to Hull, Newcastle, Harwich, Portsmouth, Yarmouth, and Bristol, that no more of the pressed men be sent to the fleet, but that they be conducted to London to man other ships preparing for service. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 80.]
May 22.	List of persons for trial at the London and Middlesex Sessions holden that day. [4 pages. Ibid. No. 81.]
May 22.	Names of persons convicted at the said sessions, with their sentences. [Ibid. No. 82.]
May 22. Winchester Street, London.	James Houblon to Williamson. I have perused the enclosed, and there is nothing material in it, being a letter of compliment relating only to private affairs, and only lets us see the severity of the Dutch Council of Batavia, who have recalled the Director of Surat, for having sent the General's wife (who writes this letter) a string of pearl, which he had been collecting two or three years. I suppose the Governor has brought you the abstract of the letters, which should have been better done had I had longer time. [S. P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 83.]
May 22.	Deposition of John Wilmot that on the 19th John Vandenbenden, comfort maker, and James Atlie, plumber, both of Southwark, came to the posthouse of the stage of Southwark, and forcibly took away three horses, which by Lord Arlington's orders were to have been ready to carry expresses and despatches at this conjuncture, and sent them to Dartford to horse officers belonging to the Irish foot, whereupon expresses were delayed, and when the deponent told Vandenbenden that these horses were to attend for his Majesty's particular service and despatches, he replied, that though the postmaster went about with his fobb warrant (meaning Lord Arlington's warrant) to press horses for his Majesty's special service, yet he had a warrant which would bear him through. With query by Williamson, if Mr. Locke can give any account what the service is for which these horses were pressed, and by what warrant it is. [Ibid. No. 84.]
May 22.	William How and Richard Ashall to —. 8 March 1671–2 we sailed from Jamaica in the Thomas and Mary for Virginia. 14 April, when we were about 23 leagues west of the Havana, and about eight leagues from shore, a ship near the shore made what speed she could with sails and oars, and came up with us about 2 or 3 p.m. They commanded us to hoist out our boat and come aboard, and we found it to be Capt. Johnson. Forty or fifty of his men came on board and carried to their ship a hogshead of sugar, two barrels of rum, and some dry goods, and put a Spanish mulatte on board us, and told us if we would not take him for satisfaction we should have nothing. They would have us keep their company in the night, but we endeavoured to lose him, and did so in the morning. We then fell into the Bay of Pallacha, and after fourteen days resolved to go to the Havana for victuals and water, but on the north side of Cuba saw two ships, and stood to them expecting relief. When we came near, which was 30 April, Capt. Francisco—from Carthagena did relieve us with his broadside, took out all our men, with a woman and four negroes, and put some of his on board, who did what they pleased for 24 hours, and then put six of our men and the woman on board again. 5 May we were brought to this town. With a list of the things taken by Capt. Francisco — to the value of 1,253l., and a request for his Honour's assistance. [2 pages. Ibid. No. 85.]
May 22. Edinburgh.	Robert Glasgow to Williamson. To-morrow the Earl of Dumfermline, Lord Privy Seal, is to be interred in Dalgetie, a place of his own, where his predecessors lie. Four more Dutch prizes, with a Swede, laden with potashes, are brought into Leith. The Swede confessed he was going to Amsterdam, having thrown away all his papers. He is judged to be an Amsterdammer, but is not yet declared prize. Word is to-day come of a party of the brae men, named the Macronalds, who have drawn together, and in the night brent the house of the Laird of Lochzeill (Lochiel), chief of the Camerons, himself and lady naked narrowly escaping. He drew together 4,000 of the name of Cameron the morrow, going to revenge himself on those, but was advised by the Earl of Argyle to forbear and not wrong his good cause, but submit his wrong to his Majesty's Council, which is coming before the Council. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 86.]
May 22. Hull.	Anthony Gylby to Williamson. A small pickaroon of four guns lies constantly on this coast, so that not one ship can pass into or out from this place, and she has taken divers of our ships. One of the least of the sixth-rates would secure us. Pray help us if you can. [Ibid. No. 87.]
May 22. Boston.	John Butler to Williamson. Several capers are now on our coast. They took a collier last Friday returning to Sunderland, and ran three others ashore, pillaged then, and cut their masts by the board. Nevertheless, yesterday passed by 80 colliers, who met with several small capers, but some of the colliers having six or eight guns, they dared not meddle with them. Some of them are put in here, and others to Lynn; the rest are gone for Yarmouth or London. [Ibid. No. 88.]
May 22. Lynn.	Edward Bodham to Williamson. Yesterday seventeen colliers arrived, which left Tynemouth on Sunday; a little south of Flamborough Head a Dutch caper of about four guns met them, but was chased off by some that had guns. Two great ships, suspected to be likewise Dutch privateers, were seen more at sea about the same place. Wind yesterday and to-day W., and W. and by N., and W. N. W. [Ibid. No. 89.]
May 22. Yarmouth.	Richard Bower to Williamson. Early this morning our fleet came to anchor, and rides about four leagues from the shore from Southwold, as low as Lowestoft. This morning an Ostender came in here. On Monday the master saw our fleet and the Dutch within three leagues of one another, the Galloper lying between them. He was fetched on board De Ruyter, who was then removed into a ship of not above 60 guns, poorly manned. De Ruyter examined him, whither he was bound, and with what cargo. He replied for Hull in ballast, and was immediately discharged. This morning between 50 and 60 laden colliers, which anchored last night in this road, sailed southward with about 700 English and Scotch for our fleet, 70 or 80 on board a ship of this town, so that those in this fleet, and sent from this town, will be 1,100 or 1,200, a brave recruit. The wind coming S., about 40 light colliers went northward this afternoon, but we expect their return, the wind having shifted to the N. W., where it was this morning when the laden fleet sailed. [Ibid. No. 90.]
May 22, 10 p.m. Yarmouth.	Col. J. Fitzgerald to Williamson. News of the arrival of the fleet at Sole Bay, their meeting the Dutch, &c., all given in other letters, with the addition that on the Monday the sea was so high that the English fleet could not use their lower tier, and hardly any other. [S. P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 91.]
May 22. Southwold.	John Wickens to James Hickes. News of the arrival of the fleet there, of their meeting the Dutch, &c., The fleet is very healthful, not one sick man set on shore. Preparations are made here for their reception when there be occasion. [Ibid. No. 92.]
May 22. The Prince.	James Hamilton to [Williamson]. I thank you for yours with the printed Acts of Council. I wish you had offered to the Lords Commissioners my proposals about a vessel with twenty men and a rowing boat to attend the service of the prizes. We are soon going northward, and our business there is ruining the Dutch trade. Therefore I repeat that I cannot undertake this service without this indispensable conveniency. On board this ship there is neither a place to examine a prisoner, or to keep a paper, or for a clerk to write. But two boats belong to this ship, and they are so continually employed, that one cannot find one free for half an hour in eight days. Our clerks and papers are on board the Anne yacht, and since I have been in the fleet, she has not been with us two days together. For instance, to-morrow she goes up the river with the Duke of Buckingham and Lord Oxford. Therefore let me beg of you once more to represent this, for positively I will either have what will make it possible for me to do the service, or I will not undertake it. [2 pages. Ibid. No. 93.]
May 22. Aldeburgh.	Ralph Rabett to Williamson. Giving news of the arrival of the fleet at Southwold. Wind W. and by N. [Ibid. No. 94.]
May 22, between 8 & 9 a.m. Landguard.	Sir C. Lyttelton to Williamson. Fox is come back. He found the fleet two leagues southward of the Galloper. They had been the night before and that morning as near the coast of Flanders as they could venture. On Monday both fleets were very near together, and would have engaged if it had not been foul weather and very foggy. Yesterday morning our fleet made towards this coast, and he left them at nine at night at anchor in Sole Bay. He was on board the Prince and saw his Royal Highness. He had a letter from me to Mr. Wren, but he being asleep or busy Capt. Cox would not disturb him, so the Duke was not acquainted, and it blew so hard he could make no stay, the boat he had being so small that he dared not let her lie by the ship's side. Yesterday at dinner Lord Thomond came roaring into the fort—horse, horse, horse, from Sheerness, &c., in pursuit of his son Lord O'Brien. He went back at night to Harwich, and I hear is come over this side again to day, and may be gone towards Sole Bay, for though I do not know that any vessel is come thence but the ketch, from which they can know nothing yet on that side, yet we guessed yesterday the ill weather would make them come in there. Fox does not think our fleet will go out again till the weather be better settled. I went to Harwich last night to see what became of the pressed men, and find by Capt. Taylor's list that they are not full 200, I mean those from Yarmouth. All yesterday those on this side who were not carried on board the ships in the harbour were in terrible mutiny for want of provisions, and I believe with some cause, for the conductors use them hardly. I was fain to send some soldiers to keep them in order. Capt. Taylor informs me it was the conductors' fault that they were not put on board the vessels I got on Monday, for they would not let them go aboard, I believe because there was not time to give them their discharges. Fox shall out again to-night and every day. The account I sent from Lieut. Edwards' differed from that you had since by Capt. Taylor from Capt. Pierce. Let Edwards be blamed, for Fox said he did not hear that so many guns had been fired on either side as he reported. [2¼ pages. S. P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 95.]
May 22. Deal.	Richard Watts to Williamson. No news. Wind W. N. W., a topsail gale. [Ibid. No. 96.]
May 22. Dover Castle.	Lieut. William Freeman to Williamson. Had the Calais news proved true you should not have failed to hear from me yesterday, but since my last we have heard nothing from the fleet, except that they were gone northwards after the Dutch. Since Monday till last night the wind blew very hard from the westward, but has been N. W. all to-day. As yet the Governor is not returned from the fleet. [Ibid. No. 97.]
May 22. Portsmouth.	Hugh Salesbury to Williamson. This afternoon sailed from Spithead the Holmes with about 200 seamen for the fleet on board besides his company, and with him sailed all the merchant ships at Spithead, being those that came from the Straits convoyed by the Dreadnought and Dragon and put in here for security. Their men being pressed for the fleet, Capt. Holmes spared them men to carry them to the Downs. The Reserve went out to-day to Spithead. The two merchant ships, part of the Straits ships, that came into harbour remain here still. [Ibid. No. 98.]
May 22. Weymouth.	Nathaniel Osborne to James Hickes. Wind W. S. W. No news. I received no news-letter last post, and would have two words in your next if any were sent, for though it was the first time it failed, yet Mr. Pley's letter from Mr. Muddiman has miscarried three or four times in the last three months. With note by Hickes that none was sent on Saturday the 18th. [Ibid. No. 99.]
May 22. Chester.	Matthew Anderton to Williamson. Wind W. I am informed from Dublin that a Dutch privateer on the 14th took a small Belfast ship, bound thither from Rouen. The captain, whose name is Gillis, knowing the merchant of her, let them go partly from kindness and partly because she was not worth taking. This rogue is now cruising in our Channel, so that a ship cannot pass to or from Dublin, and we have not force enough to oppose him. A small frigate would be of great use here. [Ibid. No. 100.]
May 22.	Inland advices received that day, being extracts from letters all previously calendared. [4 pages. Ibid, No. 101.]
May 22. Whitehall.	Proclamation removing the embargo laid on 7 Feb. on all vessels trading from the kingdom, and restoring to full force all passes and protections for ships granted by the Duke of York. [S. P. Dom., Proclamations, Vol. 3, p. 299.]
	Another copy thereof. [S. P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 102.]
May 22.	Commission to Alexander Power to be lieutenant to Major Dennis's company in Sir Edward Massye's regiment in Ireland. [S. P. Dom., Entry Book 35a, f. 40.]
May 22.	Reference to Prince Rupert of the petition of James Barrett, captain of one of the four Barbadoes companies, praying for a warrant to Sir Stephen Fox to pay him out of the contingent money 31l. 18s., moneys super-expended by him for the King's service. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 37, p. 31.]
May 22.	Reference of the petition of Dorothy Chiffinch, widow, praying a privy seal to discharge Elias Ashmole, Francis Rogers, Col. William Hawley, and Thomas Beauchamp, and the heirs of the petitioner's husband and of William Rumball, deceased, from 1,007l. 17s. 7d., to the Lords of the Treasury, that they may give order for a discharge to the petitioner and the other persons therein concerned for their legal acquittal of such sums as their lordships shall find they were discharged of by the warrants mentioned in the said petition. [Ibid. p. 32.]
[May 22.]	Articles or instructions for those who shall have commissions or letters of marque for privateers from the Lord High Admiral against the States-General by virtue of his Majesty's commission of 29 March 1672, presented to his Majesty in Council by the Lords Commissioners for Prizes:—
	1. Power to the holders of letters of marque to attack and take the ships and goods of the States-General and their subjects.
	2. The said holders to give bond and enter into recognisance with the Lord High Admiral or the Judge of the Court of Admiralty to bring all ships and goods taken on this side the Straits into some port of England for adjudication, or in case of necessity to some other place where there is a Court of Admiralty, or in case of invincible necessity to keep and secure the same till they can be legally adjudged.
	3. After any such ship be brought into port the taker is to produce three or four of her company, whereof the master and pilot to be always two, before the Judge of the Court of Admiralty, or his surrogate, or Commissioners appointed by him, to be sworn and examined concerning the interest and ownership of the said ship and the goods therein. The taker, when he so produces the company, is to deliver to the said Judge, surrogate, or Commissioners, all charter parties, bills of lading, and other documents found on board at the time of capture.
	4. All ships and goods taken shall be kept safely, and no part of them sold or wasted or the bulk thereof broken before adjudication, and no person taken on board such ship shall in cold blood be killed, maimed, or by torture or cruelty inhumanly treated contrary to the common usage of war. Any offender therein to be severely punished by the Admiralty Court.
	5. Power to sell perishable goods before adjudication, an inventory and appraisement thereof being first taken, the proceeds to be paid into the Admiralty Court for the persons to whom they shall be found to appertain.
	6. The holders of letters of marque not to infringe any articles or treaties with the allies of England touching freedom of commerce in war time, or the passports or certificates under the form in any of the said articles or treaties, and shall not attempt anything against English subjects or the subjects of any Prince or State in amity with England, but shall do or attempt anything only against the StatesGeneral or their subjects.
	7. After adjudication it shall be lawful for the holders either to keep the ships and goods adjudged to them or to sell them in open market or otherwise, and it shall be lawful for any persons, either his Majesty's subjects or others, to buy the same.
	8. Indemnity to all persons acting under such commissions from the Lord High Admiral.
	9. Particulars to be given before taking out any commission concerning the ships for which the commission is desired.
	10. All holders of commissions to keep correspondence with the Lord High Admiral or with the Commissioners appointed by him, and not only give them intelligence of their captures and proceedings at sea, but also of any information they shall obtain concerning the designs of the enemy, or of any merchant ships of the enemy bound out and home, or of anything else material.
	11. Caution and security with two sureties to be taken by recognisance in the Admiralty Court in the sum of 2,000l. before any commission or letters of marque be granted, not only for the payment of the tenths due to the Lord High Admiral and of the usual customs, but also for the due performance and observance of the present articles and instructions, whereof a copy is to be given with each commission, as also copies of all passports, certificates, &c., agreed upon between his Majesty and any of his allies. [See Privy Council Register, Vol. X., p. 246. 5½ pages. S. P. Dom., Entry Book 39, p. 39.]
May 22. Great Yarmouth.	Sir Thomas Medowes and George Ward, bailiffs, to the Navy Commissioners. Promising, in obedience to their express of the 19th, to do their best to provide as many pilots as the town can afford, for which purpose they have consulted with the Trinity Masters there, but the town is very barren of them, the most able having already gone on board the Navy. [S. P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 58.]
May 22, 1 p.m. Harwich.	Silas Taylor to the Navy Commissioners. Giving the same news of the fleet and the Portsmouth sloop as in his second letter of the previous day. Yesterday came in also the Unity prize. She was aground in the Gunfleet, and, coming in here, twice also on the Andrews. She is very leaky, so that the master was forced to have assistance from the shore, which not freeing her from water he laid her aground, first near the great storehouse and this morning near our graving place. She wants much repair. I spoke to Mr. Bets, Capt. Deane's chief inspector, but he had no orders from him and so durst not, nor have I any, and, unless I receive some from you, I shall not meddle. I have laid out a great deal of money on several of your affairs, and cannot proceed unless you enable me by more. The pressed men have been chargeable to me; Mr. Wren sent word I should be supplied from you. I have spent this morning on Mr. Bond's vessel receiving the pressed men from Yarmouth, where, out of about 180, with the advice of Capt. Langley, Mr. Bond, and his mate, I had 100 stout seamen and set the rest ashore. Our fleet were all entire last night in Southwold Bay, and the Dutch on their own coasts. [Ibid. No. 59.]
May 22. Harwich.	George Roberts to the same. Giving an account of his ship, the Unity, running aground, as mentioned in the last letter, and requesting an order for her repair. [Ibid. No. 60.]
May 22. Dover.	John Harrison to the same. Having arrived there from Rochelle with a cargo of salt, which has been bought by the victualler's agent, and understanding from him that such a vessel is needed there to carry victuals, offering to serve their Honours, and giving the measurements and tonnage of his ship. [Ibid. No. 61.]
May 22. Harwich.	John Wetwang, master of a water-ship, to Sir Jeremy Smyth. Giving particulars of their voyage to the Gunfleet with the Katharine and other men-of-war, which left them there to go to the fleet, ordering them and the Appeal and Goodhope to secure themselves as best they could, so that they came thither for their safety, and asking for orders. [Ibid. No. 62.]
May 22.	Particulars of thirteen vessels offered to serve as victuallers. [Ibid. No. 63.]
May 22.	List by Ann Tooker or Tucker of linen, chairs, and other furniture required for the Hill-house at Chatham, which would come to near 30l. [Ibid. No. 64.]
May 22.	Contract by James Goffe with Col. Middleton to deliver into the stores at Chatham 65 loads of elm timber at 35s. per load. [Original and copy. Ibid. Nos. 65, 66.]
May 22.	Notes of licences to the following persons for the following places:—
	128	Thomas Crosse	House of Thomas Ford, Pensford, Somerset.	Presbyterian.
	128	Joseph Callett of Exeter.	General	Presbyterian.
	128	Edward Hutchenson	House of Samuel Pierce, Exeter	Congregational.
	129	Edward Ebdine	House of Dame Drake, Topsham, Devon.	Congregational.
	129	John Homes	House of Thomas Parsons, Topsham, Devon.	Congregational.
	129	Dr. John Singleton	House of Thomas Cowdrey, Queenhithe, London.	Congregational.
	129	John Evans	House of Edward Kenricke, Wrexham, Denbighshire.	Congregational.
	129	John Johnson	His house, Barwell, Leicestershire.	Presbyterian.
	129	John Loseby	His house, Cop[s]ton Magna, Warwickshire.	Presbyterian.
	130	John Peachye of Southwark.	General	Presbyterian.
	130	Matthew Woodman	His house, Horsham, Sussex	Presbyterian.
	131	James Parkins, of Ble[t]chingley, Surrey.	General	Presbyterian.
	131	John Brereton	His house at Castlehill, Bosden parish, Cheshire.	Presbyterian.
	131	Richard Taylor	House of John Wadsworth, Swath, Yorkshire.	Congregational.
	131	Thomas Whitehead	House of James Dickenson, Lower Kellet, Lancashire.	Presbyterian.
	131	John Badgett (Badger).	House of Thomas Bishop, Longford, Gloucestershire.	Congregational.
	131	James Forbes	House of Samson Bacon, Gloucester.	Congregational.
	132	Samuel Pack	House of George Herne, parish of St. Leonard's, Shoreditch.	Independent.
	132	Richard Godwin	House of John Okey, Bolton. Lancashire.	Presbyterian.
	133	John Cudmore of Chard.	General	Presbyterian.
	133	Edward Boucher	House of Widow Allen, Shiltington, Warwickshire.	Presbyterian.
	133	Ambrose Clare of Beaminster, Dorset.	General	Presbyterian.
	133	Josiah Bangor	House of William Wheadon, Whotley, Winsham parish, Somerset.	Presbyterian.
	133	Owen Stockton	House of Robert Howlett, St. Martin's Lane, Colchester.	Independent.
	134	Joseph Halsey	House of Thomas Harvey, Nancarrow, parish of St. Michael Penchivell (Penkevil), Cornwall.	Presbyterian.
	134	William Phipps	House of James Dod, Marton, Salop.	Congregational.
	134	James Quarrell	The King's Head, Shrewsbury	Congregational.
	134	John Ritch	His house at Wycombe, Bucks	Congregational.
	134	Stephen Coven	House of Thomas Ovy, Watlington, Oxford.	Congregational.
	134	John Brown	His house at Milford, Salop	Congregational.
	135	Hugh Owen	His house in Llanegryn, Merioneth.	Congregational.
	135	Philip Rogers	House of Roger Kynaston, Ruabon, Denbighshire.	Congregational.
	135	Jonathan Roberts	His house in Llanvairc, Denbighshire.	Congregational.
May 22.	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.
	128	House of John Pym, Exeter		Presbyterian.
	129	House of Edward Hutchenson, Bishop's Clift parish, Devon.		Congregational.
	129	House of Michael Mercer, Magdalen parish, Oxford		Congregational.
	130	House of Samuel Ward, Hinckley, Leicestershire		Presbyterian.
	130	House of George Ewer, Southwark		Presbyterian.
	130	House of Grave[s] Weaver, Jerusalem Alley, London		Presbyterian.
	130	House of Dudley Rider, Wolney, Warwickshire		Presbyterian.
	130	House of William Paget, Witherbrooke (Withybrook,) Warwickshire.		Presbyterian.
	130	House of Richard Loseby, Cops[t]on Magna, Warwickshire		Presbyterian.
	130	House of Richard Harrison, Sapcote, Leicestershire		Presbyterian.
	131	House of John Butterey, Ble[t]chingley, Surrey		Presbyterian.
	131	House of Robert Hall, Bolton, Lancashire		Presbyterian.
	132	Houses of Arthur Gardiner and James Rhodes, Bolton, Lancashire.		Presbyterian.
	132	House of Widow Pile, Talliton (Talaton), Devon		Presbyterian.
	133	House of Daniel Cudmore, Loxbeer, Devon		Presbyterian.
	133	Houses of Roger Ilear and Robert Balch, Bridgwater		Presbyterian.
	134	House of George Gooding, Latchford, Oxfordshire		Presbyterian.
May 22.	Request by Thomas Taylor for licences for George Fowler for James Cole's house and barn at Titchmarsh, Northamptonshire, for William Cradocke for John Conquest's house in Wilden, Bedfordshire, for Simond Haynes for his own house in Bo[l]nehurst Bedfordshire, for Oliver Mason for William Pasheller's house and barn at Mouldsworth (Molesworth), Huntingdonshire, for Ralph Luke for Thomas Welles' house at Midlow, Huntingdonshire, for John Donne (already licensed) for Thomas Richards' barn in Kayshow (Keysoe), Bedfordshire, and for Thomas Juyce and Thomas Clayton for the house of Thomas Driver and Nicholas Bennett in Talbot Court, Gracechurch street—all Congregational. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 321, No. 222.]
May 22.	Request for licences for Thomas James of Needham Market and Thomas Waterhouse of West Creating, Congregationals, and for John Fairfax of Barking and Samuel Spring of Creating, Presbyterians, all in Suffolk, and for an outhouse of widow Margaret Rozer, in Needham Market. [Ibid. No. 223.]
May 22.	Request by William Loveday for a licence for William Smalwood, Presbyterian, at his house at Maple Durham, Oxfordshire. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 321, No. 224.]
May 22.	Receipt by Thomas Taylor for licences for Stephen Hawthorn for his own house in Turvey, for Thomas Cooper for William Finden's house in Okeley, for John Allen for Widow Read's house in Steventon, and for Daniel Negoos for Robert Clare's house in Pavenham, and for the houses of William Arms at Cranfield, George Priddean in Edworth, Sarah Tomkins in Malden, William Maxey in Haines, William Man in Stadgedon, and John Baxter in Kempston, all in Bedfordshire. [Ibid. No. 225.]
May 22.	Receipt by Timothy Cloudsley for licences for Robert Hall's house in Bolton-on-the-Sands in Lancashire, and for Thomas Whitehead at James Dickenson's house at Lower Kellet in Lancashire, for Richard Taylor at John Wadsworth's house at Swath in Yorkshire, and for John Issott, junr., at his father's house at Horbury, Yorkshire. [Ibid. No. 226.]
May 22.	Receipt by William Maddox for licences for John Robinson's house in Lancashire, and for Peter Aspinwall, Presbyterian. [Ibid. No. 227.]
May 22.	Receipt by Edward Eccleston for licences for John Spilsbury of Bromsgrove and for his house. [Ibid. No. 228.]
May 22.	Receipt by John Cressett to Hugh Reynolds for licences for Mr. Willson of Chester, and for a place for him to preach in. [Ibid. No. 229.]
May 22.	Receipt by James Inness, junr., for licences for Joseph Halsey, Presbyterian, at his own house in Merther and at Thomas Harvey's house at Nancarrow, both in Cornwall; for Daniel Cudmore, Presbyterian, for his house in Loxbeer, and for Widow Pile's house in Taliton, both in Devon; for Richard Goodwin, Presbyterian, for the houses of Mr. Okey, Mr. Rhodes, and Mr. Gardiner; for the houses of Roger Ilear at Bridgwater, Edward Grant at Trowbridge, and Henry Abbott in Broughton, Hampshire; for Paul Frewen, Baptist, for James Greenwood, Presbyterian, for Weavers' Hall at Cirencester, for Robert Balch's house at Bridgwater, for George Upton, Baptist, and for Audny's (? Andrews') house at Leytonstone, Essex. [Ibid. No. 230.]
[Before May 22.]	Request by John Hickes for licences for James Perkins of Ble[t]chingley, Surrey, general; for Joseph Butterey's house there; for Matthew Woodman and his house, Horsham; for George Ewer's house in Southwark; for Graves Weaver's house in Jerusalem Alley, Gracechurch street, and for John Peachie of Southwark, general, all Presbyterians. [Ibid. No. 231.]
[Before May 22.]	Duplicate of the last request, renewed by William Carslake. [Ibid. No. 232.]
[Before May 22.]	Request for a licence for John Brereton, M.A., Presbyterian, at his own house at Castlehill, Borden (Bosden) parish, Cheshire. [Ibid. No. 233.]
[Before May 22.]	Request by Richard Prowse to Francis Benson for licences for Edward Hutchenson at the house of Adam and Samuel Pierce, Exeter; for Edward Ebdine at the house of Mrs. Drake, Topsham; for John Homes, at the house of Thomas Parsons, Topsham; and for the house of Edward Hutchinson, Bishop's Clift parish, Devon, all Congregational. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 321, No. 234.]
[Before May 22.]	Request by the same for licences for Joseph Callett of Exeter, and for John Pym's house, both Presbyterians. [Ibid. No. 235.]
[Before May 22.]	Request by the same for licences for the houses of Alice Drake, widow, parish of Culliton, and Margaret Pyle in Talliton, both in Devon, for Presbyterians. [Ibid. No. 236.]
[Before May 22.]	Request by William Owen for licences for Michael Mercer's house, Magdalen parish, Oxford; for Dr. John Singleton at Thomas Cowdrey's house, Queenhithe; for Thomas Bakewell at the houses of Mr. Broughton and Richard Brown, Longdon, Staffordshire; for John Evans, at Edward Kenricke's house at Wrexham, Denbighshire; for Rowland Nevet at a house at Oswalstree (Oswestry), Shropshire; for Jonathan Roberts at his house at Llanvaire, Denbighshire; for Philip Rogers at Roger Kynaston's house, Ruabon, Denbighshire; for Hugh Owen at his house, Llanegryn, Merioneth; for John Brown at his house, Milford, Shropshire; for Stephen Coven at the houses of Thomas Ovy, Watlington, and George Gooding, Latchford, Oxfordshire; for John Ritch at his house, Wycombe, Bucks; for James Quarrel at the King's Head, Shrewsbury; for William Phipps at James Dod's house, Marton, Shropshire; and for Thomas Worden at a house in Cambden, Gloucestershire, all Congregational. [Ibid. No. 237.]
[Before May 22.]	Request by the underwritten Congregational ministers living in Gloucestershire, for licences for James Forbes at Samson Bacon's house, Gloucester; for John Badger and Thomas Coles at Thomas Bishop's house in Longford; for John Dunce at Giles Lardner's house, Bourton on the Water; for Henry Collett and Thomas Skey at their own houses, Tewkesbury; for William Tray of Hors[l]ey; Jonathan Smith of Tedbury, Joshua Stead of Cleeve, William Beckett of Winchcombe, William Davison of Tewkesbury, Francis Ham of Dursley, and Thomas Smith of Hope, each at his own house; and for William Smith at William Coombe's house, Wickham, and also for the houses of William Baker at Oddington, Elizabeth Bird, widow, at Hors[l]ey, Giles Hancock at Stretton, and Thomas Webb at Hors[l]ey. [Ibid. No. 238.]
[Before May 22.]	Request for licences for the houses of Dudley Rider in Wolney and William Paget, Withebrook, for Richard Loseby, Presbyterian, of Cops[t]on Magna, and for his house there; all in Warwickshire, and for the house of Richard Harrison, Sapcote; John Johnson of Barwell, Presbyterian, and his house there, and for Samuel Ward's house at Hinckley, all in Leicestershire. [Ibid. No. 239.]
[Before May 22.]	Note that a request for a licence for Dr. Francis Cross of Bristol, to preach at Pensford, was in a paper delivered about ten days since. [Ibid. No. 240.]
[Before May 22.]	Request for a licence for Owen Stockton, Independent, at the house of Robert Howlett in St. Martin's Lane, Colchester. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 321, No. 241.]
May 22. Dublin.	The Lord Lieutenant and Council to the Earl of Arlington. Enclosing copies of their former letters of October 4, 1669, which showed that 2,989l. 10s. 3d., properly payable out of the English Treasury, had been paid out of the Treasury there, and stating that since then 62l. 12s. had been paid to Capt. Sharland for necessaries for the Mary yacht, and 318l. 15s. to Sir Richard Kyrle and Christopher Rye, Alderman of Cork, for the transportation of 850 men to England, making together 3,370l. 17s. 3d., and desiring that his Majesty would give order for repayment of the said sum to the Treasury there out of the English Treasury. [S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 331, No. 70.]
May 22. Dublin.	The same to the same. As they are informed that several Dutch privateers are come or coming on their coasts, desiring that some of his Majesty's ships be appointed to guard them, with orders to their commanders to follow the orders of the Lord Lieutenant or other the chief governors of Ireland. [Ibid. No. 71.]
[After May 22.]	Extracts from the Journals of the Commissioners for Irish Affairs (to whom the Irish Establishment was referred), dated 26 Feb., 15 April, and 22 May, concerning the payment to Sir William Bucknall and his partners of 2,750l. per annum for the salaries of the Commissioners of Customs and Excise in Ireland, the last entry being that a warrant be prepared for his Majesty's signature for a new commission to the present Commissioners, leaving out the clause for payment of the said sum, it being payable only during pleasure. Certified copy by Sir J. Shaen, with memorandum by him that the said sum was one of the particulars offered to his Majesty 15 April as no longer to be continued and agreed to by him. [1½ page. Ibid. No. 72.]
May 22. Whitehall.	The King to the Lord Lieutenant. Directing that letters patent should be passed to Sir Hans Hamilton and others whose certificates from the late Commissioners for executing the Acts of Settlement and Explanation had been lost, following the terms of the Order in Council of 25 October 1671, calendared in Calendar S.P. Domestic, 1671, Jan.-Nov., p. 538. [2 pages. S.P. Dom., Signet Office, Vol. 8, p. 240.]
May 23.	Thomas Blood to the Earl of Arlington. Finding that the Order of Council for the relief of prisoners is only that on letters sent to the sheriffs of each county to give in an account of the Quakers imprisoned for conscience sake and for no other crime, a pardon will be drawn up for all, to whom some others have since been added, so that many of other persuasions are like to remain in prison who are not Quakers, and understanding that some who petitioned have been released by your warrant, I suggest a petition for the release by a special warrant of all whose names are enclosed, if imprisoned for no other crime. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 103.] Enclosed,
May 23.	List of eighteen prisoners in different gaols of England, confined for excommunication, nonconformity, or prœmunire, being Presbyterians, Independents, or Anabaptists. [2 copies, slightly differing. Ibid. Nos. 103i, 103ii.]
[May ?]	Dame Olympia Wray, relict of Sir William Wray, of Ashby, Lincolnshire, William Wray, younger son of the said Sir William, and Olympia, Margaret, Albinia, Tufton, and Drewry Wray, daughters of the said Sir William, to the King. Petition showing that the manors of Wainfleet, Croft, and Grainsby were in 21 Car. I. conveyed by Sir Christopher Wray, father of Sir William Wray, to Sir E. Ayscough and Sir Henry Vane in fee simple, upon trust for raising portions for his daughters, and subject thereto upon trust for the heirs male of the body of the said Sir Christopher; that afterwards, with 1,000l. raised by the said trusts, and 600l. added by Sir W. Wray, lands in East and West Theddlethorpe and Gayton were purchased in the names of Lady Albinia Wray and the said Sir H. Vane in trust for the said Sir W. Wray; that the said Sir H. Vane survived the said Sir E. Ayscough and Lady A. Wray, and thereby the legal estate in the premises became vested solely in him, subject to the trusts aforesaid; that by the attainder of the said Sir H. Vane the said legal estate vested in his Majesty without office, but the petitioners hope that his Majesty will preserve to them their equitable rights, the rather because the Act of Attainder expressly saves the rights of innocent persons; and that the late Sir William, having always been in possession of the said lands, and conceiving himself to be the owner thereof in equity, in 1669 conveyed them to Sir Philip Tirwhitt and others upon trust for paying the debts and raising the portions therein expressed, and praying, for the preventing of all scruples in case the lands should be sold in performance of the said trusts, a grant of the said manors to the said Sir P. Tirwhitt and his co-trustees upon the trusts aforesaid, and a grant of the said lands in East and West Theddlethorpe and Gayton to the petitioner Olympia Wray, junior, to whom her father conveyed them as far as he could. On the back,
May 23. Whitehall.	Reference thereof to the Attorney-General, and his report, dated the 24th, in favour of the grants prayed, care being taken the trusts be not thereby avoided. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 104.]
	Another copy of the reference. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 37, p. 33.]
May 23. Whitehall.	Order for adding to the seven companies remaining in garrison at Rochester a sergeant each, and for raising each to 98 soldiers, the other five companies having been embarked for service in the fleet. Sign Manual. Countersigned "Arlington, Shaftesbury, Clifford." [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 105.]
May 23.	Dr. Fell to Sir Leoline Jenkins. About a week ago I wrote to you with letters enclosed, one from Dr. Marshall, which I should be sorry if it miscarried, the other to Dr. Brevent, from whom I expect a book, which he now says is in Lady Carteret's hands for me. Not having heard lately from you, I fear my old misfortune at the post-house, which makes me thus importunate, having also Dr. Pocock's concern for a supply of his course, to adjust on his behalf. When in London I mentioned the proposal to Mr. Richards, who referred himself to you, but as yet I have received no answer. My journey to Worcester is quite put off, so I shall be able to enjoy you here, if you favour us with a visit at Whitsuntide. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 106.]
May 23. Whitby.	Allan Wharton to James Hickes. Since the 14th no privateer has appeared near this, divers with coals having been coming to the alum works and from Burlington. Last Sunday 80 colliers passed by, most of them for London, but since not above nine sail. [Ibid. No. 107.]
May 23. Bridlington.	T. Aslaby to James Hickes. On Tuesday night a caper of four guns stood so near in at Flamborough Head that she came aground, but the flood coming in and the sea calm, got off in less than an hour. On Wednesday she came into our bay, where there was a small Dane at anchor, and anchored by her. The master was ashore, but went aboard. The caper plundered the Dane of what they thought fit. In the evening the Dane came nearer the harbour, not liking his company, and has since got into harbour, and sold his lading of deals. This morning the caper stood southward after a vessel, supposed to be a Hamburger or other foreigner. There was a report here about a fortnight ago of one of the Smyrna prizes being fired, but I suspect it, as it has not been confirmed by you. You need not doubt my secrecy in anything you write that may not be fit to communicate to public view. [Ibid. No. 108.]
May 23. The Prince, Sole Bay.	Francis, Lord Hawley, to Williamson. I could fit you with intelligence for the Gazette, but you will have such an exact relation from Lords Buckingham and Oxford, that mine would give you but a trouble. Excuse my scribblement, for all our cabins are pulled down in expectation of the fight with the Dutch, and we have no places to read in or write. [Ibid. No. 109.]
May 23, noon. Landguard.	Sir C. Lyttelton to Williamson. I sent out Fox again last night with orders to attend the fleet's motion, and to come away with an account when anything happens of moment. This morning Capt. Steele, that took the prizes at Rye, brought in a Spaniard ship and company, all of that nation except the pilot. She pretended to be bound for Ostend, but was seventeen leagues out of the road. I have given the Lords an account, by Sir R. Southwell, by the copy of Mr. Hamilton's letter to me, which says that his Royal Highness thought fit she should be detained and sent hither. When she is brought into harbour and I have examined the men, I shall give you a further account. Lord Thomond is yet at Harwich. Phil. Howard is just come hither from the fleet. He says Lord Howard has taken some of the Monsieurs to Norwich, and that the Duke will stay till Monday at Southwold Bay, the French being to water. [1¼ page. Ibid. No. 110.]
May 23. Harwich.	Silas Taylor to Williamson. Yesterday I was on board a vessel of pressed men from Yarmouth, according to an order of the Navy Commissioners, to cull out those fit for the service, and so out of 180 we chose 100. It is a chargeable business, and therefore I sent to the Navy Office to put me in a way for money, who replied that they had as yet made no allowance to the persons appointed for the receipt and disposal of the pressed men, except by the King's particular order signified by Lord Arlington or yourself. I am sure I have had my share, not only receiving, but shipping those sent from Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, the Isle of Ely, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex. If there is any money to be had, I am confident you will procure me an order. I stayed on board yesterday too long for the post, but there was no news. I had a letter dated yesterday between six and seven p.m. from on board the Prince in Southwold Bay by his Royal Highness' order concerning a thirdrate bowsprit (of which I had none), and also commanding the water vessels and victuallers away to the fleet, which contains this paragraph:—"The chief reason of our coming hither is to water and victual, a great supply of which, we hope, before this arrives, will be come from you, or at least shortly afterwards. As soon as his Royal Highness finds the fleet supplied, he intends to put to sea in prosecution of the enemy." I have already given orders to all vessels here, and believe they will sail presently. Our fleet lies about four leagues off Southwold, S.E. The wind N.W. The Dutch packet-boat is still here and stopped. You may perceive by the working of the Dutch that they would draw us upon the shoals. The last I heard of them is that they were on the coasts of Flanders, which is shoal all along. Yesterday morning a fleet of laden colliers sailed by for the Thames, and in the afternoon many light vessels for the northward. A vessel in the service, the Unity prize, suffered some damage in the Gunfleet, and came in here. Yesterday she hung out the signals, flags, &c., which she had for the Prince, and which had received wet, to dry; and the Earl of Thomond being here, would not be satisfied but that he would himself take them to present to his Royal Highness in one of the victuallers that went with him hence. They report that Mr. Wren went ashore ill yesterday, [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 111.]
May 23. Portsmouth.	Hugh Salesbury to Williamson. These parts afford nothing of news. Only the Reserve remains now at Spithead. [Ibid. No. 112.]
May 23. Truro.	Hugh Acland to James Hickes. No news. Wind N.W. [Ibid. No. 113.]
May 23. Victualling Office, Tower Hill.	Sir T. Littleton, Josiah Child, T. Papillon, and B. Gauden to the Navy Commissioners. Proposing the Thomas at Dover, John Harrison, master, and the Riga Merchant at Portsmouth, to be taken up as victuallers, both of which they are ready to lade immediately. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 67.]
May 23. Harwich.	Edward Bond to the same. Certifying that, having arrived there the 17th, he had, with Capt. Taylor and two other commanders, chosen out 108 men fit for service in the fleet, whither he intends to sail that day, and had put the remainder, who were nearly as many, ashore. [Ibid. No. 68.]
May 23. Harwich.	Silas Taylor to the same. I was sorry to read yours of the 20th concerning the allowance not to be made by yourselves for the vessel taken up for intelligence. She is now ordered by his Majesty to the fort. If more pressed men come, as did one company last night and another this morning, who were overhauled as ordered by yourselves, now Mr. Bond's vessel is going, I shall have no vessel to help me, or money to maintain them, or power to retain or dismiss them, because conjoined with Mr. Bond for the last. Great and urgent inquiries have been made here for longboats and pinnaces, as well as for all sorts of stores. Other news the same as in his other letter of that date. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 69.]
May 23. Victualling Office.	Capt. J. Perriman to W. Hewer. The Mary, Blessing, and Employment, are ordered this afternoon for transporting the 800 soldiers to the fleet, and Mr. Child has promised to send provisions on board forthwith. I request you to acquaint the Board that some deal boards should be provided to lay on the ballast in the hold, for the soldiers to lie on. [Ibid. No. 70.]
May 23.	Request by John Clayton for a licence for Edward Pryme, Presbyterian, to preach in a malthouse of Robert Brilsworth, of Sheffield. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 321, No. 242.]
May 23.	Request by Edward Smyth for licences for Edward Lullum, at a house called Kenwards, at Lindfield, belonging to John Challen; for Richard Turner, at Alexander Bridge's house at Balcombe called Nylond; for Thomas Hallet,'at Thomas Hurst's house in Wivil[s]field, all Presbyterians; and for William Mills, Congregational, at Ninian Tasker's house at Balcombe, all in Sussex. [Ibid. No. 243.]
[May 23 ?]	Duplicate of the last request. [Ibid. No. 244.]
May 23.	Receipt by R. Nisbett for a general licence for James Donkenson of York. [Ibid. No. 245.]
May 23. Whitehall.	The King to the Parliament of Scotland. Being engaged in a just and necessary war against the States-General, he is tender of burdening his ancient kingdom, and therefore will propose nothing, but leave them to provide for their safety and honour, and expressing his high opinion of the Duke of Lauderdale. Dated May 23rd, Whitehall, but read June 12th. [S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 2, p. 14.]
	Printed copy thereof. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 311, No. 85, p. 3.]
May 24.	Sir Rob. Southwell to —. The petition of Ralph Clerke, Tide Waiter, of the Custom House, sets forth that by accidentally falling with a candle, which set fire to some combustibles, he burnt the Landsman, and had been in custody ever since; the Lords Commissioners of Prizes, finding it a misfortune which he is unable to make reparation for, have ordered that the King be moved to pardon him. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 114.]
May 24.	Sir Edward Walker to the King. Petition praying, as the petitioner as Garter King of Arms has to place in all public solemnities the nobility, Privy Councillors, &c., and as Clerk of the Council has to enter at the beginning of all orders the names of the Privy Councillors, and as Mr. Mountague, the eldest son of a baron, has been admitted a Privy Councillor, and also several baronets and knights, that his Majesty, as the fountain of honour, would determine how Mr. Mountague, and also baronets and knights who are Privy Councillors, are to be placed. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 115.]
May 24.	Nathaniel Herne to Williamson. Sending extract of a letter from Rouen, dated [17]/27 May, that they report from Marseillis (Marseilles) the galleys have taken a Dutch convoy of 35 guns and purchased two other vessels, and asking whether it is intended by the dispensation with the Act of Navigation that the French ships shall be free of the 5s. per ton in England, and the English ships pay it in France, as he cannot see any reason for being kind on one side more than the other. [Ibid. No. 116.]
May 24. Newcastle.	Anthony Isaacson to Williamson. Yesterday were imported from Scotland about 80 landsmen and upwards of 150 seamen. The former are quartered here, the others are put on board a pink impressed to carry pilots to his Royal Highness, and may be ready to sail this evening or to-morrow morning. Wind W. [Ibid. No. 117.]
May 24. Stockton.	Samuel Hodgkin to James Hickes. Acknowledging the Written News and Gazette. [Ibid. No. 118.]
May 24. Hull.	Anthony Gylby to Williamson. We are in very great trouble about our pressed men. About 50 from Lincolnshire are paid their 8d. a day, but one Wade has brought 23 or 24, and expects the like number to-morrow from Nottinghamshire and the West and North Ridings, who has nothing to give them, having disbursed, as he says, 30l. or 40l., and the Collector of Customs refuses to give him any credit except for impressed and conduct money, so that there is no provision for their subsistence. He does what he can, but pray let the collector have order to let him have money to pay them their 8d. a day. It were well that a frigate come for them to save the charge. Yesterday a small Dutch privateer took two vessels on the Holderness coast, and indeed does the same daily in these parts. No ship from foreign parts has come in lately. [Ibid. No. 119.]
May 24. Lynn.	Edward Bodham to Williamson. No news since the last. Wind yesterday N.N.W., to-day N.N.E. [Ibid. No. 120.]
May 24. Yarmouth.	Richard Bower to Williamson. Yesterday morning our fleet weighed, and all stood into Sole Bay, where they ride at present. The light fleet, which I mentioned had sailed northward, is returned, the wind coming N., so that 50 odd ships are now anchored in our road. Several ketches have come in from the fleet for water. [Ibid. No. 121.]
May 24. Southwold.	[John Wickens] to James Hickes. The fleet is still in our bay, the wind N. No news of the Dutch fleet. [Ibid. No. 122.]
May 24.	William Battie to Williamson. I was yesterday aboard the Prince in Southwold Bay, and fulfilled the Duke's prediction, for overnight he said that now he was so near the shore he expected shortly to see an honest parson that used to give him true intelligence in the last Dutch war. I found him heartily and hearty, and never did I see so brave a fleet before, nor the world neither from the days of Noah, I believe. The Duke told me the Dutch made no stay at all till they came behind the Dogger Banks, where, if our great ships had run aground, they would in all likelihood have fought the rest. I took my leave of him at night. He told me a scout was come in that had discovered the Dutch fleet twelve leagues off, S.E. from Southwold. I ventured to deliver it as my opinion, that the Dutch have a mind to see (concluding we are bound to follow them wherever they lead us), if we will not fight them again near the Galloper, where we lost the Royal Prince. The Duke replied they should be deceived. I am returned to my beacon, abundantly satisfied that this war will be managed with as much wariness and prudence as courage and resolution. By the scout's observation the Dutch must be behind the Downs in a direct line from Baudsey Cliff. I see one ship at anchor beyond the Gunfleet, which I look on as a ship of theirs, lying at a distance from their fleet, for surely one of ours would not be at anchor so far from our fleet, but can see no others. I mightily want a good perspective. One you have in St. James' Park would do far better planted on our cliffs. The Hollanders seldom come out, especially when our fleet is in, but they are first to be seen over against us, and they are cunning in it, for so they are in view of the Downs, the Thames mouth, Landguard Fort, and Yarmouth Roads. If the Dutch be so near, and our fleet continue in Southwold Bay, our colliers and others from the Thames may be in danger. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 123.]
May 24. Harwich.	Silas Taylor to Williamson. Yesterday a small Spanish vessel was brought in as a prize. Several tenders from the fleet came in this morning, one express to me. She left the fleet yesterday in very good heart, having first weighed and stood in nearer the shore, of which they are in within two leagues. Wind N. Sir C. Lyttelton is gone this morning to Southwold Bay, and expects scarce to return in three days. Pray remember your old servant in relation to the captainship, for arms, &c. [Ibid. No. 124.]
May 24. 12 noon. Margate.	John Glover to Williamson. Last Wednesday night I left the fleet and his Royal Highness well in Sole Bay, and came ashore here last night. This morning Capt. Montagu came into the Road with the Falcon, and tells me he was going yesterday out of the Downs to the fleet, and saw the whole Holland fleet riding near the Kentish Knock. Two of them chased him till he came fair in with the North Foreland, and then left him. He says the Phœnix and a Virginia ship went ahead of them, and that it is impossible they can escape. I wish it be not true, for last Tuesday the Dutch fleet was not to be seen. I fear his Royal Highness is gone with the fleet northward. The wind is quite against us, else I would have gone to him in my boat, but, as it is, the intelligence will be sooner from you by land. I still hope it may be our fleet that is got thither, because the wind is against them to go northward. But, if the fleet was yesterday in Sole Bay, it must be the Holland fleet at the Knock. [Original and Copy. Ibid. Nos. 125, 126.]
May 24. Deal.	Richard Watts to Williamson. A Ramsgate vessel, arrived last night immediately from the fleet, reports them to be half seas over to the eastward of Sole Bay. Tis much reported here that two Dutch Ambassadors are arrived, and that there is a cessation for about fifteen days. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 127.]
May 24. Dover Castle.	William Freeman to Williamson. According to your orders I have acquainted the captain of the Holmes, who came into the Road last night, that he make all the haste he can up the river with the pressed men. He is now under sail standing for the Downs with the Eagle and three or four other frigates. This morning the Nieuport packet brought news that most of the Dutch lie at anchor three leagues off Ostend and that Wednesday and yesterday they heard many guns, so we hope our fleet is not far from them. The wind blows now full E. and E. and by N. No news yet of the return of the Governor or of Lord Bristol from the fleet. [Ibid. No. 128.]
May 24, 4 p.m. Dover.	John Carlile to [Williamson]. I have just received the enclosed from the Consul at Ostend by the Nieuport packet, and another from Major Freeman, to order the commander of the Holmes to bring his pressed men up the river, which I shall do as soon as she comes into the Road. The wind is come N. I desire a warrant to command either horses or vessels for his Majesty's service when occasion shall offer. As often as I hear from Mr. Lynch, I shall give you a speedy account. [Ibid. No. 129.]
May 24, 5 p.m. Dover.	The same to the same. Since I wrote I found Capt. Griffin of the Holmes, and gave him the express, and I suppose he will lose no time. The wind still N., a fresh gale. Now at 5.30, Capt. Griffin is just weighing anchor and plying to windward. [Ibid. No. 130.]
May 24. Portsmouth.	Hugh Salesbury to Williamson. These parts afford nothing of news. The wind E.N.E. all day. Only the Reserve is now at Spithead. [Ibid. No. 131.]
May 24. Dartmouth.	[William Hurt] to James Hickes. No news. The wind easterly. [Ibid. No. 132.]
May 24. Plymouth.	Philip Lanyon to James Hickes. The Newcastle is now here aboard the hulk, to repair, wash, and tallow, and will be ready for sea the end of next week. Hereabouts, and to the westward, are several Dutch privateers. If two sixth-rate frigates were added to the western guard it would very much satisfy the people of these parts. The wind last night came N.W., and by degrees to S.E., as it is now. [Ibid. No. 133.] Enclosed,
May 24. Plymouth.	List of ships arrived. [Ibid. No. 133i.]
May 24.	Inland advices received that day, being extracts from letters all previously calendared. [3 pages. Ibid. No. 134.]
May 24. Whitehall.	The Earl of Arlington to Sir Charles Lyttelton. The King withdraws the restraint preventing the Dutch Ambassador's boat from returning to Holland, and you are to permit it to leave when desired. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 39, p. 29.]
May 24.	Grant to William, Earl of Kinnoul, in consideration of his interest in the Caribbee Islands. [Calendared in S.P. Col., America, &c., 1669–74, p. 363. Docquets, Vol. 25, No. 234.]
May 24, 10 a.m. Victualling Office.	Josiah Child and T. Papillon to the Navy Commissioners. Giving a detailed account of the victualling and water ships laden and being laden for the fleet. [2 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 71.]
May 24. Navy Office.	Commissioner J. Tippetts to the same. Reporting his survey of the merchant ship Leopard, which was on shore on the ways at Redriff, and suggesting various alterations to improve her steering and working, of which her captain, Haddock, complains. With note by S. Pepys that Sir James Hayes, bringing yesterday positive orders from the Prince to employ this ship, as she is, without any survey, Sir T. Allin and Sir J. Smyth immediately ordered Capt. Perriman to signify the same to Capt. Haddock, Sir. T. Allin urging that the allegation about her steering was only a pretence to evade the service. [Ibid. No. 72.]
May 24. Newcastle.	Giles Bond to the same. Yesterday arrived the Elizabeth, of Leith, with 102 Scotch seamen, whom I have put on board the Joseph, of Newcastle, which will sail to morrow with 30 pilots. I have supplied her with provisions by order of the Mayor and Col. Villiers. [Ibid. No. 73.]
May 24, 10 a.m. Hartlepool.	John Miller, deputy-mayor, to the same. In answer to your express, only two small vessels belong to this port, and their men are already pressed and sent to the fleet. We have found out one pilot and taken him for the service. Our town being at present in a very sad and deplorable condition by reason of former wars, and not having any men left to take any charge upon them, we have sent him to Newcastle to be transported with their pilots in the vessel provided for that purpose. [Ibid. No. 74.]
May 24. Whitby.	Francis Comyn and eight other inhabitants to the same. Yesterday morning your letter came, directed to the mayor, bailiffs, or chief officer of this town, for sending pilots to the fleet. This being no corporation, and having no magisterial power, we have assembled, being such as are looked upon as the ablest to give an account of ourselves and of the service required of us, and have pitched upon five persons we consider the fittest, having been masters and men of experience from trading on the northern coasts and seas, but are in a great strait how to get them to the fleet, for several of the enemies' men-of-war are cruising along the coast between this and the Humber. If when there they shall not answer what may be expected of them, we crave pardon, having done our utmost endeavours. [Ibid. No. 75.]
May 24. Whitby.	Isaac Newton, deputy Vice-Admiral to the Earl of Mulgrave, to the same. On the same business, adding, that he had promised the townsmen to let them have the men pressed there to go with the pilots in the same ship to the fleet, which gives them great satisfaction, having seen something performed by them about ten days ago, when he led them out to fight the Dutch sloop, and forced two vessels from him which he had taken out of Whitby Road. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 76.]
May 24. Scarborough.	William Saunders and John Craven, bailiffs, to the Navy Commissioners. On pursuance of your order we will take all the care we can to press as many pilots as we can get, but our masters and vessels are all, or most of them, at present at London, or other ports to the southward. We shall disburse moneys for sending such men to the fleet as soon as we can press them. These ten days several privateers have been cruising betwixt the Humber and Whitby. [Ibid. No. 77.]
May 24. Hull.	Robert Berier, Mayor, to the same. On receipt on the 22nd of yours of the 19th, my brethren and I sent for all the Trinity House masters and assistants, and acquainted them with its contents, and urged on them the speedy observance thereof, and persuading some of the heads to offer themselves voluntarily to encourage the others, we desired them to give us a list of those best qualified for pilots. After consulting among themselves they brought me a list, but I supposed more might be expected, so entreated them again and again to enlist a greater number, and of their most skilful brethren. At last they sent me the enclosed list, and I immediately sent to press those named in it. Most were found not to be at home. For such I ordered the press money to be left at their houses, with a summons to appear at my house, of whom there has been but a very small appearance. I have impressed a good ketch, and disbursed the charge of fitting her with four guns and tallowing her, to bring such as I can procure. I have long been and am sick, but have had all assistance from the aldermen. I believe many able seamen of this town are in the king's ships, which makes the number found qualified much less. I conceive a letter to the Trinity House masters would be better entertained by them than any discourse from myself. [Ibid. No. 78.] Enclosed,
May 24. Hull.	The said list, containing fourteen names. [Ibid. No. 78i.]
May 24. The Hatton ketch, at the lower end of Woolwich Reach.	Capt. Isaac White to the same. Receiving your order last night to sail to the Buoy of the Nore to convoy several ships to the fleet at Southwold Bay, I sailed this morning and got down here. I had gone further, but have but fifteen men and boys in all, and my boats and carpenter were ashore at Deptford, despatching their indents. I am very unfit for a convoy with fifteen people and twelve guns, and these unfit for service. I got an order yesterday from the Ordnance officers to change them, and entreat that I may stay a day at Woolwich to do so, and may have a press warrant to get men. Wind N.E. and by E. [Ibid. No. 79.]
May 24.	Contract by John Clerke with Commissioner Middleton for delivering into the stores at Chatham 1,400 yellow deals at 6l. 15s. per hundred. [Ibid. No. 80.]
May 24.	Request to Mr. Benson to expedite licences for the house of Elizabeth Hunt, widow, Salop, for Nathaniel Mansfield at the house of Widow Thornton, Mancet[t]er, Warwickshire, and for the houses of Elizabeth Latham, widow, of Betley, Staffordshire, and of Robert Steele of Bart[h]omley, Cheshire, all Presbyterians. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 321, No. 246.]
May 24.	Request by William Carslake again for licences formerly desired, for the houses of John Rewe, Shobrook, Elizabeth Isaackes, Dinscomb in Salcombe, and Joane Bastone, widow, at Salcombe, all in Devon, and for Thomas Welman, Congregational, of Luppit, Devon, for Andrew Ruell of North Hayling, Hampshire, and for Thomas Millard's house there; and also for licences for Michael Taylor of Tavistock, and for the houses of John Parsons in Kentisbeare, Anne Shutt in Crediton, and William Clapp in Chidiocke, all in Devon. [Ibid. No. 247.]
[Before May 24.]	Request by the same for the licences in the last request mentioned as formerly desired, and also for a licence for the house of John Smith, parish of St. Nicholas, Newport, Isle of Wight, Congregational. [Ibid. No. 248.]
[Before May 24.]	Duplicate by Richard Davis of the request concerning John Smith. [Ibid. No. 249.]
May 24.	Two requests by Walter Payne for a licence for Robert Hall's house at East Bergholt, Suffolk, for Presbyterians, the second dated the 25th. [Ibid. Nos. 250, 251.]
May 24.	Request for a licence for Nicholas Palmer, Presbyterian, at Mrs. Jane Price's new house, Frogmore, New Windsor, Berkshire. [Ibid. No. 252.]
May 24.	John Skrine senior, and John Skrine junior, and others of BathEaston and Bathford, Somerset, to the King. Petition expressing their gratitude for the Declaration of Indulgence and paying for licences for a meeting place at Bathford, known as the Well house, belonging to John Skrine senior, and for Edward Hancocke, Presbyterian, as teacher therein. [Ibid. No. 253.]
May 24.	Receipt by Adam Woolley for licences for Thomas Ford in the house of Richard Clarke at Burton, Staffordshire, for William Smith in his own house at Dyseworth, Leicestershire, and for Ferdinando Poole in the house of William Hardment of Loughborough, Leicestershire. [Ibid. No. 254.]
May 24.	Receipt by William Nicoll for licences for Robert Hall in the house of Richard Biscoe, for Hezekiah Woodward in the house of William Nicoll, and for Hugh Butler in the house of John Crow[d]er, all at Uxbridge. [Ibid. No. 255.]
May 24.	Receipt by William Carslake for licences for James Parkins for Joseph Butterey's house at Ble[t]chingly, Surrey, for Matthew Woodman for his own house at Horsham, for George Ewer's house in Southwark, for John Peachie in Southwark, and for Graves Weaver's house in Jerusalem Alley, London. [Ibid. No. 256.]
May 24. Whitehall.	Warrant for a grant to John, Earl of Rothes, of an additional pension of 500l. a year sterling. [Docquet. S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 2, p. 15.]
May 24. Whitehall.	Warrant for a grant to Alexander, Earl of Kellie, of a pension of 200l. a year sterling. [Docquet. S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 2, p. 16.]
May 24. Whitehall.	The King to the Treasury Commissioners in Scotland. Directing immediate payment of 500l. sterling to Alexander, Earl of Kincardine, who has been ordered to attend the King's service at Whitehall during the Duke of Lauderdale's absence. [Ibid.]
May 24. Whitehall.	The King to the Treasury Commissioners and the remanent Commissioners of the Exchequer in Scotland. Directing payment for the future of the pension of 200l., a year sterling, granted in 1661 to Sir Thomas Wallace, of Craigie-Wallace, of which he has as yet received no payment, in regard it was not contained in the establishment. [Ibid. p. 17.]
May 25. Newcastle.	William Christian to Williamson. Though you may have had an account from the Governor of Tynemouth of what has been done about getting pilots, yet, as in duty bound, I give you this trouble. A brave ship is now taken for carrying hence 30 able pilots and mariners and 103 Scotch seamen, as in my last. She is furnished with ten good guns, I saw them sent on board to-night, and tomorrow the men and 50 small arms will be put on board, and she will set to sea, if the weather continues as at present. We are all mightily concerned to have the news of the safe arrival of our last fleet from hence to Yarmouth. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 135.]
May 25. Newcastle.	Anthony Isaacson to Williamson. Col. Villiers is resolved to attend to-morrow's post before suffering any ships to sail, so the pressed men from Scotland, and the pilots taken up here, must stay till then. Wind E. and S.E. most of the day, W. or W. and by S. in the night. [Ibid. No. 136.]
May 25. Boston.	John Butler to Williamson. Wind N.W. Last night went out five or six empty ships for Sunderland for coals. No vessel has arrived since my last. [Ibid. No. 137.]
May 25, noon. Landguard.	Sir C. Lyttelton to Williamson. I was all day yesterday at Harwich in examination about the Spanish ship, which I left with Capt. Taylor to be sent up with the indentures, because I thought to have gone to-day to the fleet, if Fox had returned, which he is not. I find very little ground to believe that this ship or goods can prove prize. One thing seems probable enough to me against it, which was made an argument for it by the takers, namely, that the master said to the steersman, "If you had not persuaded me it was a fisherman, we would never have spoken with them," and the other answered, "We spoke with them to know where we were," so it may be by reason of ill weather and fogs they were brought so far out of the way. This is not put down in the examination, and it being not thought fit to be by the Commissioners that examined, it was none of my part, for I remember Lord Hawley once told me, "It is our part to do all we can to condemn you." Lord Thomond has played notable pranks at Harwich, and last night came over the water all alone, and lay at the Ferry-house, a little blind ale-house. He is gone, I think, to sea this morning. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 138.]
May 25. Bristol.	Thomas Moore to James Hickes. As I wrote that I doubted my occasions would not allow me to be a constant correspondent, so it falls out that I shall be at uncertainty here for a month or two. I know no one here fitter than Mr. Thomas Cale, as he constantly abides here, and can give very good intelligence. Since my last nothing has happened but the arrival of one ship from Virginia. [Ibid. No. 139.]
May 25. Pembroke.	John Courcey to James Hickes. Acknowledging his letter. No news here. [Ibid. No. 140.]
May 25. Chester.	Matthew Anderton to Williamson. I am glad our shipping are like to have their liberty to trade. Three ships came this week from Dublin, and we have heard nothing of late of the privateer, so we hope he is gone out of our Channel. [Ibid. No. 141.]
May 25, 11 a.m. Treasury Chambers.	The Earl of Arlington to the Duke of York. The King receives a good account of contracts made for the stores wanting. The Dutch fleet is lying off the Kentish Knock. Notice has been sent to the nearest parts of the Channel, that the East India fleet coming about by Portsmouth may be warned. His Majesty showed me what you wrote about the Earl of Oxford and the Duke of Buckingham, and has directed Lord Clifford to speak plainly with the latter on the point, after which he will take further measures. I forgot to ask him what he resolves concerning the Earl of Oxford. We wish to know what order you have taken about letters of reprisal and blank commissions. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 39, p. 30.]
May 25, noon. Whitehall.	Prince Rupert to Sir Philip Honywood. The Dutch fleet are dodging off the North Foreland towards the Kentish Knock, while the Duke, with the fleet, is in Southwold Bay for a few days, taking in water. As the East India ships and other merchantmen now ordered from the westward, under convoy of the Nightingale, will call at that port (Portsmouth) for intelligence, the said merchantmen and all others bound eastward are to put into that port till they have notice that the coast is free. I will send you frequent intelligence of the enemy's motions. [Ibid. p. 31.]
May 25, noon. Whitehall.	Prince Rupert to Col. Strode. Similar news of the Dutch fleet, &c. It would be worth the cost for you to find out a way of knowing daily from Lee whether the Dutch fleet or any single man-of-war are in sight of the Forelands, or lie in the way of the River, so as better to direct merchantmen. You are therefore to employ a nimble vessel to stand off every day to sea from Deal or the South Foreland to bring news, and to transmit anything of importance hither, and also westward to Rye. Mr. Glover of Margate will be ordered to communicate with you. The merchantmen now in the Channel are to return to Portsmouth till the coast is clear; but the Eagle and the ships of war under her command are to proceed to sea as shall be ordered. [Ibid. p. 32.]
May 25, noon. Whitehall.	Prince Rupert to John Glover, Margate. You are to continue to stand off to sea and observe the motions of the Dutch, and if possible, at least while the wind is easterly, send intelligence to Harwich to be handed to the Duke in Sole Bay, and a duplicate of it hither and to the Governor of Dover Castle by express; also saying what single ships of the enemy you shall discover lying towards the mouth of the River. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 39, p. 33.]
May 25.	Prince Rupert to James Welsh at Rye. Giving him notice that the Dutch fleet was yesterday seen off the Kentish Knock, and ordering him to stand off to sea to give notice to all ships coming from the westward not to proceed so high in the Channel till the coast is clear. Abstract. [Ibid. p. 34.]
May 25, noon. Whitehall.	The Earl of Arlington to Sir John Skelton. Giving him notice of the arrival of the Dutch fleet. As the Duke and the fleet will be some days yet in Sole Bay, taking in water, none of the East India or other merchant ships now in the west are to venture up till they have notice that the mouth of the River is clear. [Ibid. p. 35.]
May 25. Victualling Office.	Sir T. Littleton and Josiah Child to the Navy Commissioners. We took up the Mary ketch for carrying provisions to the fleet and gave her men protections. Nevertheless, the lieutenant of the Revenge has pressed one of them, George Blackborne, and put him into the Tower, to be sent away this tide, which has occasioned the rest of the men to abscond, whereby the vessel is rendered incapable to proceed in the service. We frequently meet with similar obstructions, and therefore desire that effectual course be taken for releasing the said Blackborne, and for the prevention of such inconveniences for the future. We make the like request on behalf of Enoch Andrewes, employed by us at Ipswich, who was carried on board the Old James, out of the yard from his work there. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 81.]
May 25.	Sir John Frederick to the same. The persons mentioned in yours of to-day were committed by me not only for an assault and battery, but likewise for acting without authority, and the person assaulted resolved to prosecute according to law, so that I cannot release them without bail, which I am ready to accept, if you will appoint any. The next sessions do not begin till 1 July, in which time they may prepare their defence. [Ibid. No. 82.]
May 25. Harwich.	Silas Taylor to the same. Last night I received yours of the 23rd, and orders from Sir J. Williamson to send any pressed men sent here, not to the fleet, but to the hired merchant ships in the Thames. I wrote to Ipswich for pilots, but, instead of sending some they discourse of a false alarm from here, that frightened them out of town, and desire me to look after two they gave press money to. The master of the Unity stirs very unwillingly to the easing of her, desiring all done to his hand; censures me, and says he has done my business for me. The signals and colours are sent to the fleet, and she is lightening of several things. The fishes and topmasts are here still, though earnestly called for by Sir John Cox. I have no vessel to send them in, they being above 70 feet long. Mr. Roberts put them into the water yesterday. I offered him the storehouse for landing his victuals, &c., but he will not pay boats or men to unload her. We guess her to be very leaky, and to have lost part of her keel; there is no sending her about yet. I communicated your desires to Capt. Deane's supervisor, but he desires Capt. Deane's order. Yesterday were sent in the Portsmouth sloop to be refitted with a foremast, and the Guernsey to have her leaks stopped. They both prepare to come on ground, though I know not where to get carpenters and caulkers. It will be Tuesday before the tides will lift. I am thronged upon severely, having neither men, stores, nor money. The victuallers all sailed on Thursday. Sir John Cox, I hear, is angry, and therefore sends these vessels hither. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 83.]
May 25. The Revenge, Buoy of the Nore.	Capt. John Hart to the Navy Commissioners. According to your command I have discharged Warham Perryman, whom I pressed, and made my coxswain. He has promised to return on despatching his business. In my former I gave you an account of 160 men now on board, and have now got 200, and am hourly endeavouring to get what I can. I am advised to-night that ships from Turkey are arrived in the Downs, which will be with us to-morrow, from which I hope to have a good supply. I understand our fleet is in Southwold Bay. I shall be thankful if you will send me a pilot, and shall immediately hasten to the fleet. As to the imputation of my neglecting to exercise a command over my men, I beseech you to notice they were persons commanded to go on board by his Royal Highness, who yet refused to obey his commands. I put them in prison, and obtained assistance of the governor at Rochester, and secured them, and brought them on board, but all this would not keep them in compass. As to the charge of fitting the ship, I suppose the wages of the men, who absented themselves and neglected their duties, will countervail it. They had no victuals, none being victualled but those who were mustered and appeared daily. Capt. Beare turned eighteen of the men he took from me into the Princess, and half an hour after the Princess put 40 ashore, both of them being supernumerous. I have now two hoys at London, one to fill sixteen tuns of water, with some men to get more hands, and another Col. Middleton spared me for getting more. I expected the former to-night, but the wind being contrary obstructed their passage. [Ibid. No. 84.]
May 25. The Revenge, Buoy of the Nore.	The same to the same. Since sealing the above, after eleven this evening, Capt. Montagu of the Falcon came on board, and informed me that last Thursday morning he made the Dutch fleet off the Kentish Knock, bearing E.N.E. The new Phœnix, apprehending them to be our fleet, bore up with them, so that we fear she is surprised. Eight of them chased the Falcon, but she happily got clear of them. Capt. Montagu yesterday morning made 40 of them N.E. and by E. of the North Foreland. [Ibid. No. 85.]
May 25. Gravesend.	Phineas Pett, mustermaster, to the same. I received yours for Capt. Hart, and attempted to send it by the watermen, that have a protection to carry letters to the Nore, &c., but as they refused I inform you that they are fitter to serve the King somewhere else, there being enough willing to carry the letters, that are unfit to serve at sea. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 86.]
May 25. Portsmouth.	Capt. Thomas Trafford to the Navy Commissioners. I was on board the Guinea to-day, where things are not so forward as I thought, from want of officers, and the difference between a merchantman and a king's ship. I request you to appoint me a master, purser, and gunner, and speed them with all expedition. I shall use my utmost endeavours to get the ship ashore the next spring. I further beg you to order the Clerk of the Cheque, if men come to those parts, to supply me, for seamen are very scarce here. I desire that press warrants be sent me, and to know what guns and men you will allow me. [Ibid. No. 87.]
May 25. Bristol.	John Hickes, Mayor, to the same. I enclose a copy of an information that you may see the necessity there is for a frigate to sail up and down these coasts, many small vessels coming in daily, which are unable to resist. I understand Capt. Grant of the Reserve is at Portsmouth, and would be very glad to be employed in that service, being mostly manned with Bristol men. William Smith, master of the Trial, who has been at home these two months, was pressed today, but refused to take his press ticket and conduct-money to Portsmouth. On his coming home I sent to him for an account of his men, who were about twenty, whose wages he paid, as I conceive, to hinder them from the press. I would have given him a warrant to press but five, but he told me he believed he was not able to find any. I am sorry I cannot complete his Royal Highness's second command, but shall endeavour all I can to perform it. As soon as any ships come home, the seamen go off the river into Somerset or Gloucestershire, where I have no power to press, and will not appear within our jurisdiction. The city is very much engaged to you for excusing those two townsmen. Since my last return of my disbursements, 11 May, I have not impressed above 30 seamen, besides the 60 received from Sir E. Mancell, whose conduct-money I paid. [Ibid. No. 88.] Enclosed,
May 25. Bristol.	Information, dated the 24th, of George Rawe, master of the Recovery of Padstow. Last Tuesday sennight, being bound about the Land, he saw a Flushing man-of-war, by report of five guns and 80 men, take a small barque of the Isle of Wight, and afterwards chase others. The master of the barque told the deponent that they had taken everything that was good for anything out of his barque, and given her back to him, and that they had also taken another barque belonging to Chester, and had sent her to Biscay. [Ibid. No. 88i.]
May 25. Chester.	Col. Roger Whitley to the same. I must refer you to Col. Robinson for an account of disbursements in his Vice-Admiralty, as to Lord Derby in his, my commission being only to quicken them in their levies. But Col. Robinson being in some straits for money I furnished him with 100l. for which he drew two bills on you, which I hope you will pay. I hope two other parties of men from North Wales are with you ere this, and that you will approve of them as you did the others. We have picked up a few more, who shall be sent next week. I have been with Lord Derby and the deputy-lieutenants of Lancashire, and receive this account:—
	Pressed by the press-masters and sent aboard the Pearl			84
	Pressed by her captain from ships coming in			28
	Pressed in several other places abroad			65
	Pressed last week, and now marching to London			57
				234
	Thus they affirm they have sent above the number required, but I tried to persuade them not to reckon on the 65, but to send 30 or 40 more. They have appointed another meeting next Thursday to try what may be done, and to give an account to the King and Council. I shall continue in these parts till about 6 June, when I shall have performed all that my district is capable of. [1¼ page. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 89.]
May 25. The Cambridge, Southwold Bay.	Sir F. Holles to S. Peps (Pepys). Requesting him to send 150 tickets for supernumeraries turned over to other ships, and also his stores by the bearer. [Ibid. No. 90.]
May 25. Worcester.	Robert Emes to R. Mayors. Requesting protection for the officers and crew of the Paulberry Merchantwhich is to bring timber from Bristol to Woolwich, and hoping to see him next Friday in London. [Ibid. No. 91.]
May 25.	Two certificates by Jonas Shish of the measurements and tonnage of the Augustin and the Thomas and Frances. [Ibid. Nos. 92, 93.]
May 25.	Contract by Edward Nelthorp with the Navy Commissioners, for delivering 30 tuns of vinegar, made of French wines, at 14l. 10s. per tun. [Ibid. No. 94.]
May 25.	Notes of licences to the following persons for the following places:—
	S.P. Dom., En. Bk. 38a, Page	Name.	Place.	Denomination.
	135	James Day, Haginton (? Oakington), Cambridgeshire.	General	Congregational.
	135	Thomas Autrin, Meldreth, Cambridgeshire.	General	Congregational.
	136	James Bricknoll, Preston, Sussex.	General	Presbyterian.
	136	Nathaniel Ball, Nether Chissil (Chishall), Essex.	General	Presbyterian.
	136	William Green, Fenny Stanton (Fenstanton), Hunts.	General	Presbyterian.
	136	Henry Butler	House of Elias Barnes, Yeovil.	Congregational.
	137	Andrew Ruell of North Hayling, Hampshire.	General	Presbyterian.
	137	Timothy Fox	His house at Ticknall, Derbyshire.	Presbyterian.
	137	Christopher Fowler	His house, Kennington, Lambeth, Surrey.	Presbyterian.
	137	George Martin	House of Edmund Carter, Stony Stratford, Bucks.
	138	Samuel Wright	His house, Castle Donington, Leicestershire.	Congregational.
	138	William Smith	His house, Dyesworth Grange, Leicestershire.	Congregational.
	138	Thomas Smith	House of Francis Thomasman, Wanliff Grange, Leicestershire.	Congregational.
	138	John Manshipp	His house, Guildford	Presbyterian.
	138	Christopher Wragg of Marg[ar]etting parish, Essex.	General	Presbyterian.
	139	John Courtman	House of John Mansell, Thorp Malsor, Northamptonshire.	Congregational.
	139	Thomas Andrews	His house at Meeres Ashby, Northamptonshire.	Presbyterian.
	139	John Gybbs	His house at Newport Pagnell, Bucks.	Presbyterian.
	139	Thomas Edmonds	House of John Brookes, Wollaston, Northamptonshire.	Presbyterian.
	140	Thomas Brett	House of John Morrice, Wollaston, Northamptonshire.	Presbyterian.
	140	Christopher Stanley	His house, Brafield Green, Northamptonshire.	Presbyterian.
	140	George Fowler	House of John Cooke, Upthorpe, Hunts.	Presbyterian.
	140	James Rogers	House of John Haynes, Wo[r]nditch, Kimbolton, Hunts.	Presbyterian.
	140	Luke Astwood	His house, Gamlingay, Cambridgeshire.	Presbyterian.
	140	Oliver Scott	House of Thomas Morice, Ashwell, Herts.	Presbyterian.
	141	John Waite	His house in Toft, Cambridgeshire.	Presbyterian.
	141	William Henseman	House or barn of Joseph Kent, Olney, Bucks.	Presbyterian.
	141	William Facey	House of Martin Dunsford, Tiverton.	Anabaptist.
	141 & 168 (fn. 1)	Richard Hooper	His house at Bampton, Devon.	Anabaptist.
May 25.	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.
	135	House of George Hocknell, Hackney, Middlesex		Presbyterian.
	135	House of Bryan Kitchinman, Cambridge		Congregational.
	135	House of Griffith Bubby, Reading		Presbyterian.
	136	House of John Jeffrey, New Shoreham, Sussex		Presbyterian.
	136	House of Nicholas Winton, Walderne, Sussex		Presbyterian.
	136	House of William Peckham, Little Horsted, Sussex		Presbyterian.
	136	House of Lancelot Hooper, St. Andrew's parish, Cambridge.		Congregational and Presbyterian.
	136	House of Downham Yeomans, parish of St. Mary the Less, Cambridge.		Presbyterian and Congregational.
	136	House of Richard Thurlow, St. Andrew's parish, Cambridge.		Congregational.
	137	House of [Elizabeth] Isaacks, Dinscombe in Salcombe, Devon.		Presbyterian.
	137	House of Joan Bastone, Salcombe, Devon		Presbyterian.
	137	House of Thomas Millard, North Hayling, Hampshire		Presbyterian.
	137	House of Edmund Carter, Wolverton, Bucks		Presbyterian.
	137	House of George Martin, Haversham, Bucks		Presbyterian.
	138	House of John Woodbridge, Hadenham, Ely		Congregational.
	138	House of William Outlar, Stretham, Ely		Congregational.
	138	House of Edmund Avy, Ockington, Cambridgeshire		Congregational.
	139	House of Richard Adkins, Wellingborough, Northamp tonshire.		Congregational.
	139	House of Edward Brookes, Brigstock, Northamptonshire.		Congregational.
	139	House of John Mansell, Newton, Northamptonshire		Congregational.
	139	Barn of William Smith, Newport Pagnell, Bucks		Presbyterian.
	141	House of Lady Taylor, St. Faith's Green, Maidstone		Presbyterian.
[May 25?]	Licence to Christopher Fowler, Presbyterian, for the house of Griffith Bubby, in Reading, and for any other licensed place. [Draft unsigned and undated. See ante, p. 62. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 321, No. 257.]
May 25.	Request by [Robert Mascall] for licences for Francis Taylor, M.A., Presbyterian, at Mr. Dunsmore's Hall, in the Grey Friars, St. Peter's Parish, Canterbury; for John Crouch, M.A., Congregational, at Widow Helmes' house, White's Alley, Little Moorfields; for George Cockin, M.A., Congregational, at his house in the parish of St. Giles, Cripplegate; and for Nathaniel Partridge, M.A., at a meeting house adjoining his house in Old Street, St. Giles, Cripplegate. [Ibid. No. 258.]
[May 25?]	Request by Thomas Crundall for a licence for the above-named John Crouch at the above-named house. [Ibid. No. 259.]
May 25.	Receipt by Nathaniel Eldred for licences for the houses of Isabel Greene of North Shields, and Cuthbert Cotesworth of South Shields. [Ibid. No. 260.]
May 25.	Receipt by Walter Payne for licences for Benjamin Berry, and for the houses of Abraham Sealey and [Francis] Stickland, all in Somerset. [Ibid. No. 261.]
May 25.	Receipt by Richard Prowse for licences for Joseph Callet in the house of John Pym, Exeter, for Edward Houchshinge (Hutchinson) in his own and Pierce's and Parson's houses, for Edward Ebden, and for [John] Holmes, and for Lewis Hacche in Robert Hacche's house. [Ibid. No. 262.]
May 25.	Receipt by James Inness for licences for Ambrose Clare of Beaminster, Dorset, General, and for Edward Boucher, at the house of Widow Allen, Shiltington, Warwickshire, both Presbyterians. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 321, No. 263.]
[Before May 25.]	John Richards to —. Sir John Banks desires a licence for a meeting place at Lady Taylor's house, St. Faith's Green, near Maidstone. The people have already fitted it up, and have a great desire to meet there—Presbyterians. [Ibid. No. 264.]
[Before May 25.]	Request by Christopher Fowler for a licence for his house at Kennington, Lambeth, and also for a general licence for himself. [Ibid. No. 265.]
[Before May 25.]	Request by Nathaniel Ponder for licences for George Martin, Presbyterian, at the house of Edmund Carter, Stony Stratford, Bucks; for the present dwelling-house of Edmund Carter at Wolverton, Bucks; and for George Martin's house at Haversham, Bucks, for Presbyterians. [Ibid. No. 266.]
[Before May 25.]	Two requests by Humphrey Levinz for a general licence for Timothy Fox, Presbyterian, of Ticknall, Derbyshire. [Ibid. Nos. 267, 268.]
[Before May 25.]	Request for licences for Thomas Warren of Romsey in the house of Thomas Burbank there, for John Harrison of Havant in the house of Thomas Bayly there, and for John Ridge of Hayling Isle in the house of Thomas Miller there, all in Hampshire, and all Presbyterians. Addressed to Henry Pradley at the sign of the Tobacco Roll and Sugar Loaf, in East Smithfield. [Ibid. No. 269.]
[Before May 25.]	Request by John Light for licences for a room of Bryan Kitchinman at Cambridge, and for James Day of Haginton, and Thomas Autrin of Meldred (Meldreth), both in Cambridgeshire, all Congregational. [Ibid. No. 270.]
[Before May 25.]	Request for licences for Richard Hooper at his own house, Bampton, Devon, and for William Facey at Martin Dunsford's house at Tiverton, both Baptists. [Ibid. No. 271.]
[Before May 25.]	Note of requests for licences for James Bricknoll of Preston, and for the houses of John Jeffreys of New Shoreham, Nicholas Winton of Walderne, and William Peckham of Little Horsted, all in Sussex, and all Presbyterians. [Ibid. No. 272.]
May 25. Whitehall.	The King to the Treasury Commissioners in Scotland. Directing payment to William and Anna, Duke and Duchess of Hamilton, of the unpaid balance of the debt of 13,120l. sterling, due from the late King to James, Duke of Hamilton, deceased. [S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book2, p. 19.]
May 25. Whitehall.	The King to the Treasury Commissioners and remanent Commissioners of the Exchequer in Scotland. Whereas, by a signature dated at Whitehall, 20 Aug. 1660, a tack of the customs of all ports on the coast from the North water of the town of Montrose, exclusive, to the watermouth of Spay, exclusive, was granted to William, Earl of Marischal, deceased, for fifteen years, for payment of a yearly tack-duty of 9,000l. Scots, and the said Earl was thereby authorised to retain the said yearly tack-duty towards payment of the principal sum of 10,000l. sterling and the annual rent thereof; and whereas the Commissioners of the Treasury and Exchequer there, finding that setting particular tacks of the Customs might prejudice the setting of the Customs of the kingdom in general, entered into a contract, dated 11 July 1661, with the said Earl, whereby it was agreed that in place of the said tack, 9,000 marks Scots should be paid for fifteen years to the said Earl in satisfaction pro tanto of the said principal sum and annual rent, by the general tacksmen of the Customs, and a bond was also granted for a yearly payment of 3,000 marks Scots during the space aforesaid, to make up the complete payment of the said principal sum of 10,000l. sterling, and whereas by the death of the said Earl before his estate was freed from the great incumbrances in which it was involved, by reason of the confusions of the late times of usurpation, and the loyalty and sufferings of the said Earl, the said sum of 10,000l. will not be sufficient to discharge the greater part of the debts of that family, or render them capable to perform the service due from them in their stations; we hereby require you to make good to George, now Earl of Marischal, the payment of the sums mentioned in the said contract which are still unpaid, and to renew a contract of the same nature to commence from the expiration of the terms of payment mentioned in the said former contract with the said George, now Earl of Marischal, providing for the payment to him of 700l. sterling per annum for six years, and of 800l. sterling for the seventh year, to make up 5,000l. sterling as an additional supply and relief for the support of that family, out of the first and readiest of the rents and casualties of that kingdom. [S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 2, p. 20.]
May 25. Whitehall.	Warrant for a charter of new infeftment to Robert, Earl of Southesk, of the lands of Craigie Garpot, and the third part of the lands of Fordell and Straburne, and the Shaddow half of that third part of the said lands of Fordell within Fife, and also the lands and barony of Fairneflat called Easter Kyneff, and the lands of Largie, and changing the holding from simple-ward to taxt-ward. [Docquet. Ibid. p. 23.]
May 25. Whitehall.	Warrant for a charter to Charles Maitland of Halton, of the lands and barony of Dundee, the lands and barony of Rossy, the lands of Balkillie, the ferry-boat of Montrose, and the lands and barony of Utishaven, and of the teinds of the parish of Dundee, with an erection of the town of Rottenraw into a burgh of barony, and an union of all the said lands into a free barony, to be called the barony of Dundee, and changing the holding of the ward lands into taxt-ward. [Docquet. Ibid. p. 25.]
May 25. Whitehall.	The King to the Treasury Commissioners and the remanent Commissioners of the Exchequer in Scotland. Directing that the taxtward duty of relief and marriage to be inserted in the blanks of the last signature be according to the retoured duty of the wardlands of the said Charles Maitland, and that he be allowed to dispose of his wardlands without incurring the danger of recognition, and that he should enjoy the benefit of the gift passed by them to him of the escheat of David Carnegie of Craig, deceased, taken by him for fortifying his right to the lands and estate that belonged to the late Earl of Dundee, without giving any backbond for the same. [S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 2, p. 27.]
May 25. Whitehall.	Warrant for a gift to Charles Maitland of Halton, of the escheat of all the lands and goods of John, Earl of Dundee, deceased, now pertaining to his Majesty by reason of escheat through the said Earl having been on 25 Oct. 1652 denounced his Majesty's rebel, and put to the horn. [Docquet. Ibid. p. 28.]
May 25. Whitehall.	Warrant for a charter to General Thomas Dalzell of Binnes of the lands and barony of Knockmaid, to be holden of his Majesty and his successors as Princes and Stewards of Scotland, and changing the holding from simple-ward to taxt-ward. [Docquet. Ibid. p. 30.]
May 25. Whitehall.	The King to the Treasury Commissioners and the remanent Commissioners of the Exchequer in Scotland. Directing them to pass the last signature without any composition, and the taxt duties to be inserted therein be according to the retoured duties of the wardlands therein contained. [Ibid. p. 31.]
May 25. Whitehall.	Warrant for a gift to Sir William Stewart of Kirkhill of the escheat of the goods and life-rent of John Stewart of Kettilstoun, without his giving any backbond. [Ibid. p. 32.]
May 25. Whitehall.	Warrant for a gift to William Dalmahoy, brother of Sir Alexander Dalmahoy, of the escheat of the goods and life-rent of Thomas Dalmahoy. [Docquet. Ibid. p. 33.]
May 25. Whitehall.	Warrant for a gift to Robert Cunningham, apothecary, of Edinburgh, of the lands of Gabriel Maxwell, sometime minister at Dundonnold, now in the King's hands by virtue of the sentence of forfeiture pronounced on the — day of — 166—, with a presentation of the said Cunningham to David Boswell of Auchinleck, and Sir William Cunningham of Cunningham, superiors of the said lands, requiring them to infeft him therein, and with a warrant for infefting the said Robert Cunningham in all lands of the said Maxwell holden of his Majesty as King or as Prince and Steward of Scotland, and also for a gift to the said Cunningham of all the goods of the said Maxwell. [Docquet. Ibid. p. 34.]
May 25. Whitehall.	Warrant for a patent creating Alexander Jarden of Apilgirth, and the heirs male of his body, baronets of Scotland. [Ibid. p. 36.]
May 26.	Certificate by John Dix, commander of the St. Michael, that John Harmson, Emcock Evertson, and Walter Johnson, were shipped at the island of Treseyryes (?Terceira), and that by their help the ship arrived safely in London last March, and that they came on board upon his engagement that they should have free liberty to pass to Holland, their native country, and that they all behaved honestly and quietly on board. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 142.] Wafered at foot,
May 26.	Certificate, dated 28 May, by St. John Haser, that Michael Dirickes came from Cowes as a hired man on the Love, from Bordeaux. [Ibid. No. 142i.]
May 26. Durham.	Sir Gilbert Gerard to Williamson. Thanking him for his letter, and for ordering Mr. Ball's correspondence with him. [Ibid. No. 143.]
Whitsunday [May 26]. Southwold Town.	Matthew Wren to Williamson. I enclose the Duke's letters, since writing which advice is brought to the fleet that last Friday the Dutch fleet was about eight leagues from the Maes, between that and Goree, in number 75 men-of-war. The whole fleet lies here close to the shore, for the convenience of taking in ballast and water and provisions, in getting which on board all possible diligence is employed, so that in three or four days more all may be despatched, and then his Royal Highness will lose no time in going to seek the enemy. I have been so extremely ill that his Royal Highness has sent me ashore while the fleet stays in this bay. I am much improved in health since Wednesday, when I came ashore. [Ibid. No. 144.]
May 26. Southwold.	Surgeon J. Knight to Williamson. Having landed about 300 men sick here and at Aldeburgh, I shall find sufficient employment to detain me, and not give myself the trouble of returning only to be returned again. If in the next attempt hence we cannot oblige the Dutch to a battle, 'tis intended that the fleet go northward, where, all things being unprovided for the sick and wounded, the Commissioners desire me, to obviate all that may happen, which I shall cheerfully do if in a condition to do it, Bridlington being the most proper place, as they at this distance conceive. I am at present on the Cleveland, which, being a vessel much desired by his Majesty, will be sent up as soon as the Anne returns from the river, having split her main-yard. How I shall then dispose of myself I cannot imagine, and shall therefore represent it to his Majesty, for, if not accommodated with some small vessel at my command, it will not be possible for me to do the duty expected. Mr. Wren is very much indisposed here on shore, but by the means used and the small time is much bettered, inasmuch that he intends for the fleet as soon as they think of leaving. Sir William Doyly, Sir John Pettus, and myself in returning ran the risk of being drowned, the boat at our landing like to have overset. The adventure was the first over head and ears in the sea; my worship ran the same fortune in the attempt of saving him; Sir John miserably drenched, and his leg much hurt. [1½ page. Ibid. No. 145.]
May 26. [Landguard Fort.]	Sir C. Lyttelton to Williamson. A vessel come in yesterday evening told us that they saw a Dutch man-of-war take a collier within sight of this, and carry her away. Indeed, we saw one come on board a collier, and they both went away together, but we could not discern him to be an enemy. Phil. Howard and some others were going out in a hoy to the fleet, but meeting this vessel they came back again. The Guernsey came in last night, being leaky, for repairs, which, I doubt there will scarce be found materials or workmen in the King's yard here to do. The alarm of taking this ship has stopped my intended career to the fleet, and it's so inconvenient to go by land that I intend not to stir. Fox came in yesterday evening. He was with the Duke. He goes out again to-morrow. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 146.]
May 26. 7 a.m. Margate.	John Glover to Williamson. According to your commands I shall give you an account from time to time, as there is occasion, and will send to Mr. Pen[n] on board the Duke's ship if anything material offers here. To-day I hope Capt. Montague will be with the fleet. Yesterday I saw two ships stand off N.W. from the Foreland, which I think were two of the Dutch scouts; but I have seen nothing as yet this morning, for it is very hazy, so that we cannot see far to sea. I left the Governor of Dover on board the Duke when I came away last Wednesday night. Capt. Montague went over the Flats yesterday, and now has a S.E. wind, which is fair to carry him down the Swin Channel. Postscript on separate paper.— Since sealing this I hear several guns off the Foreland, which makes me think the Dutch are still there, but we can see nothing of their ships as yet. [Ibid. No. 147.]
May 26. Deal.	Richard Watts to Williamson. The Henry's ketch came into the Downs this morning, and reports that our fleet is in Sole Bay, and the Dutch at the Kentish Knock. 'Tis certain the Dutch have those that give them advice every post, which may be found out by ordering some at Dover, Harwich, &c., to break open letters. [Ibid. No. 148.]
May 26. Dover.	Thomas Ross to Williamson. I arrived here about five yesterday, but found no conveniency for my passage till to-day, with my two horses, which I am to ship at six to-night in a little bark by myself, not staying for Lord Allington, who is not come, though Lord Huntingtower arrived to-day. The wind blows stiff, but my master says I may get in early in the morning to Calais. I am the more willing to go out to-night to avoid pickaroons, because Sir William Reeves in the Eagle, with a fireship waiting on him, now lies in this road. He came off the French coast this morning, and neither heard nor saw any of the Dutch fleet, notwithstanding an express this morning from the Prince said they were at the Kentish Knock, though the Lieutenant-Governor here by messengers both from Deal and the Downs knows nothing of them. I beg you to let the enclosed be sent over to my lodgings at St. James', it being of great concern to me. [Ibid. No. 149.]
May 26, 12 noon. Dover Castle.	William Freeman to Williamson. About three this morning I received yours enclosed in the Prince's packet, and according to his orders I sent immediately to Deal to stop all merchant ships standing up the Channel, and here I shall give notice to all ships from the westward to return immediately for Portsmouth, till the coast is clear, unless it be the Eagle and the ships under her command. Next tide I intend to send out the Custom House boat to the back of the Goodwin to inquire after the Dutch fleet, for I have heard nothing of them since they were seen off Ostend. I send a copy of a letter just received from Deal, and much wonder that Col. Digby's ketch could come from our fleet on Friday, and not see the Dutch fleet, if it lay about the Kentish Knock. I hope to give you a better account to-morrow, for now I have your promise to be reimbursed, I will not want boats to send out for intelligence, if they be so near us. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 150.] Enclosed,
May 26, 7 a.m. Deal.	Morgan Lodge to [Major W. Freeman]. Your commands from Prince Rupert I have received, which shall be observed. We are very doubtful that the ships (of which I send a list) that went out of the Downs last night met with the Dutch fleet, for our townspeople heard many guns last night. Col. Digby's ketch is just arrived from the fleet, and saw none of the Dutch fleet on their passage. There are no ships in the Downs. [Ibid. No. 150i.]
May 26, 6 p.m. Dover Castle.	William Freeman to Williamson. Since I wrote the Eagle is come in with Sir William Reeves, having left Calais this morning. He neither heard of or saw any of the Dutch fleet. If they be upon the Kentish Knock, our seamen here believe it is a design to draw our fleet off from their shore, that their East India fleet may get better home, when they are following them here, and that then the Dutch fleet will fight their way home, when they hear their East India fleet are safe home. But I hope our fleet will lie on their coast and not stir till the East India fleet come, or theirs returns from hence. [Ibid. No. 151.]
May 26, 6 p.m. Dover.	John Carlile to Williamson. We hear to-day that our fleet lies in Sole Bay, and the Dutch at the Kentish Knock, twenty miles from each other. The wind E. and a fresh gale. [Ibid. No. 152.]
May 26, 6 a.m. Rye.	James Welsh to Williamson. I received your express betwixt three and four this morning, signed by Prince Rupert and Lord Arlington, and in pursuance thereof have prepared the shallop, which is now ready to sail, and I shall be very careful in observing your commands. [Ibid. No. 153.]
May 26. Dartmouth.	W[illiam] H[urt] to James Hickes. No news. Wind easterly. [Ibid. No. 154.]
May 26. Plymouth.	Philip Lanyon to James Hickes. This evening two ships arrived, one from the eastward, employed by the East India Company to cruise for their ships, the other from Limerick, in whom is Lord Clare, bound, I am told, for the fleet. Since my last the wind has been between N. and E., where it is now. [Ibid. No. 155.] Enclosed,
May 26. Plymouth.	Particulars of one ship arrived. [Ibid. No. 155i.]
May 26. The Violet hulk, Gravesend.	Simon Dunning to the Navy Commissioners. The Violethulk I was carrying by your orders to Sheerness, wind and weather not permitting, is now at Gravesend. The wind hanging northerly, and our victuals falling short, I request you to send us down a supply for one week more. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325. No. 95.]
May 26. Gravesend.	Col. John Hubbelthorne to the Navy Commissioners. According to your orders received yesterday, this morning's tide I sent to the Revenge Sir F. Holles' and Capt. Barton's companies, consisting of 267 privates besides officers, in five tilt boats. I hope they got on board that tide, having no provisions with them, and the wind blowing briskly at east. The other four companies, namely, Major Dennis', Capt. Piggott's, the late Capt. Leicester's, and my own, each of 133 privates besides officers, are in readiness to observe your further commands. Postscript.— The tilt boats are returned, and say the men are all safe on board. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 96.]
May 26, 11 p.m. Gravesend.	Capt. J. Perriman to the same. I came here at four. Sir J. Smyth turned down to the lower end of the Hope, as I am informed by some mackerel smacks I spoke with, some of them Ostenders. who told me that last Friday the Dutch fleet was off Ostend, standing for the English coast with a short sail. I spent some time this morning at Deptford with the ships you ordered to go for Gravesend to transport the Irish soldiers. The master of the Blessing was not on board, and had but a man and a boy on board, which forced me to order the Mary, a victualler, to fall down, having ten men on board. I desired Mr. Turner then to send on board her 100 deals, and a copper kettle, that might boil for 200 men, which he promised should be done. The Employment had only eight men on board, and the copper kettle ordered him had not been fetched, so I went to Mr. Turner's and fetched it. I did not leave her till I saw her fall down, the wind E.N.E., a stiff gale. I hastened, hearing that the Fame was fallen down, and found her anchored at Blackwall, the master ashore. At Woolwich I met the William and Peter, a victualler. At Halfway Tree I met the Eaglet ketch. By a smack I understood that three victuallers were as low as Gravesend. When I got there they were at the Hope. I went on board, and tried to persuade them to take in 50 soldiers each, but the masters saying they had no room, I surveyed them, and finding they had but little, nor any water cask, so their victuals must be boiled with salt water, I pressed them no further. I hope to-morrow the ships will be down; the soldiers are ready here. The 25th, at Deptford, aboard the Henrietta yacht, Mr. Morley brought Richard Worne, who had rescued the seaman pressed by the boatswain of the Hope's Increase, a victualler, whom Sir J. Frederick had committed. Sir J. Smyth, being then setting sail, commanded me to inform you that he had given security to appear before you, and that you would punish him according to the fact. The last flood tide came up several merchant ships from the Straits. The Holmes has order from Sir John Chistly (Chicheley) [to take] for the Revenge the seamen on board them, and so to sail for the fleet. I have no orders from you as to whom I shall send the soldiers. I am informed Capt. Rand has transported 250. [2 pages. Ibid. No. 97.]
[May 26.]	Capt. John Hart to the same. I sent you an account yesterday of our present condition, and the occasion of this hoy makes me give you a further account. She has brought fourteen tuns of water cask, which I think it necessary to send her up to fill, with a dozen men in her to get what men they can. I wrote to you for a pilot. It may be convenient for him to come in the hoy, I having ordered them to be down to-morrow morning, wind and weather permitting. Several Danes coming by this morning informed me that the Hollanders' fleet went into the Texel last Sunday, and that they spoke with our fleet in Sole Bay. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 98.]
May 26. Dover.	John Harrison to the Navy Commissioners. I received yours of the 23rd, and the victuallers' agent has received one from them, directing the lading of my ship with provisions for the fleet. I pray you to order how many men I must carry, and to let me have a press warrant and colours for the ship, with orders for victuals for my own company, and what you allow to others, which I understand is one month's pay. [Ibid. No. 99]
May 26.	Request by Owen Davies for licences for John Skinner at his own house in Clonwell, Gloucestershire; John Chapman at his own house in Rewerden (Ruardean), Gloucestershire; for Richard Perkins at his own house in Weston under Paniyard (Penyard), Herefordshire; for Jonathan Smith at his own house in Ross, Herefordshire; and for Francis Harris at his own house in Paynswick, Herefordshire (Gloucestershire); all Congregational. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 321, No. 273.]