|
May 27.
St. Christophers. |
Col. Stapleton to Williamson. Requesting him to deliver the
enclosed to Lord Arlington, and to signify to himself what occurs
relating to those places, since he delivered his Majesty's powers
for himself to Capt. Robotham, who has faithfully performed his
commission. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 156.] |
May 27.
Fairbank. |
Lan[celot] Simpson to Williamson. Having been disappointed
in selling Fairbank to Mr. Armstrong, and being obliged to sell it,
as Williamson's collateral security upon it is a great prejudice to
his doing so, requesting him to release the same, upon the terms
therein proposed, and to do so as speedily as possible. [Ibid.
No. 157.] |
May 27.
York. |
J. Mascall to Williamson. Requesting that a news-letter be sent
him. About eleven last Thursday night a fiery meteor was seen
here. It appeared in the shape of a lance or cornet staff, and about
the same length. It darted from the north southwards, and about
the middle of this city it bolted westward, the butt end forwards,
and looked, in the middle, as if it were broken. It had a white
fire. [Ibid. No. 158.] |
May 27,
7 a.m. The Tower. |
Sir John Robinson to Williamson. I received your letter concerning a narrative, which I had given you last night had not Sir
Robert Carr been here, who promised to give an account to Lord
Arlington and yourself, which occasioned my not writing, as I was
very much wearied. I shall send you a full narrative to-morrow.
(The rest of the letter is an account of the fire near the Tower,
fully described in the narrative of the 28th.) [1½ page. Ibid.
No. 159.] |
May 27.
East Horseley, Surrey. |
Henry Hildeyard to Williamson. On the 21st Thomas Blundell
of Bisley brought to Dr. John Windebanke, a J.P. for Surrey, an
information under the hand of George Massey against James Dalley
of Horsell, a dissolute unlicensed ale-house keeper, containing the
substance of the enclosed information. Dr. Windebanke, being to
go instantly to London, issued his warrant for apprehending Dalley
and bringing him before me, which was done the next day, and
Blundell and Massey came with him. I then took Massey's information upon oath in Dalley's presence, and then examined Dalley
whether it was true or no. He denied it totally, but with such
perturbation and agony as amounted to a very probable presumption of his consciousness. But as he would confess nothing, and
was accused but by a single testimony, and that not precise in the
time, I dared not commit him, the statute requiring two witnesses;
yet, as Massey thought someone else was present at the speaking
of the words, but could not remember who it was, I bound Dalley
to be of good behaviour till the next sessions, presuming that by
that time (if ever) Massey may remember who besides himself was
present. If further proof be made I will commit him to gaol to be
tried. Pray present the enclosed information to Lord Arlington.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 160.] Enclosed, |
|
The said information, taken 22 May, that George Massey
being between nine and ten one Saturday night about two
months ago in Dalley's dwelling-house drinking with him,
the said Dalley said to the informant that the King was the
beginning of the wars with the Dutch, and wished that the
King might be set in the forefront of the battle, and be killed
first, and then there would be an end of the wars. [Ibid.
No. 160i.] |
| [May.] |
Clement Toulson, prisoner in Newgate, to the King. Petition
stating that 30 April last, going to his lodging at about twelve at
night, he was by the deputy-constable and the watchmen in Clare
Market dragged towards the Roundhouse in Lincoln's Inn Fields,
and that the petitioner wounded one of the watchmen, of which
he has since died, for which the petitioner was tried at the Old
Bailey; that the jury were divided between murder and manslaughter, but upon the judge's directions brought in murder; and
praying for a reprieve. At the foot, |
May 27.
Whitehall. |
Reference thereof to the Recorder. On the back, |
|
His certificate dated the 29th, that it appeared on the trial
that the petitioner coming late at night to his lodging was
commanded by the watch to stand, and give account of his
being abroad so late, which he refusing, and endeavouring
to get away, was closely pursued by the watch, whereon he,
being fiercely assaulted, and apprehending himself in
danger of being carried to prison, being hard pressed,
made resistance, trying to rescue himself, but being overpowered, was beaten down backwards, and seized by the
watch; but before he was carried away a new scuffle
happened, wherein one of the watchmen received a wound
by the petitioner's hand, of which he since died, for which
the petitioner was indicted for murder and condemned to
die; and further that the petitioner is reported to be a
person well qualified, of liberal education, and otherwise
well deserving, and to be of a penitent heart. [S.P. Dom.,
Car. II. 309, No. 161.] |
May 27.
Bridlington. |
T. Aslaby to James Hickes. Last Friday a Scotch dogger came in
that left Scotland last Wednesday. She met with no vessels on
the way and heard of no capers till she came into this road, except
a great flyboat that came before her from Scotland, with soldiers
and seamen for Tynemouth. She is laden with salt, and intends
for Lynn. The Scotch capers had brought in twenty prizes, most
of them great flyboats laden with Spanish salt, one, most of whose
lading is potashes, valued at 8,000l. or 9,000l. Last night and
this morning passed by 70 or 80 light ships which left London last
Tuesday, and came through our fleet in Sole Bay. They heard of
only one caper near Winterton Ness. The wind is now much
southerly. [Ibid. No. 162.] |
May 27.
Hull. |
Anthony Gylby to Williamson. Two billanders are just come in
that left Ostend last Monday. They came through the Dutch fleet
and were on board De Ruyter, the Admiral. They say they are
about 140 sail of all sorts. They saw the two fleets to the northward of the Galloper within two leagues of each other, the Dutch
to the northward, the English to windward of the Dutch, but the
wind was too high, as they supposed, to fight. On Thursday,
being in Yarmouth Roads, they saw the English fleet again. Two
small pickaroons do very much mischief on this coast. Not one
English ship can go out of or into this place. These Flemings do
not believe Maestricht is besieged. [Ibid. No. 163.] |
May 27.
Hull. |
Richard Gleadow to Williamson. Last Tuesday passed southward about 120 colliers with two small convoys of about four guns
apiece, carrying about 300 pressed men to the fleet. Capt. Cox, a
merchantman of about ten guns, was with them, and chased a Dutch
sloop of two guns, lying off Hornsea, but she escaped, and has since
taken a light ship of Scarborough. Several pressed men are here
still, who are to go aboard the Princess, a ketch of this town, which
is likewise to take some pilots chosen by the Mayor, Aldermen, and
the Trinity House Masters for the fleet. The wind this week has
been very varied, but N.E. [Ibid. No. 164.] |
May 27.
Yarmouth. |
Richard Bower to Williamson. Between 40 and 50 light colliers
are in this road, bound northward. Letters from Ostend of 1 June
(22 May O.S.) say that several privateers are gone out thence, with
commissions from the States, manned mostly with French. The
fleet continues in Sole Bay. A small Frenchman has come into this
road to buy fresh provisions. This afternoon the Earl of Bristol
came here in a pleasure boat from the fleet and lies here to-night.
[Ibid. No. 165.] |
May 27.
Southwold. |
John Wickens to James Hickes. The fleet are at anchor here.
We hear the Dutch fleet is riding near their coast. [Ibid. No. 166.] |
May 27.
The Prince. |
James Hamilton to Williamson. Your second note has put me
out of pain for the miscarriage of my letter, which I certainly
believed [was] through Mr. Cranfield's negligence. Though your outlandish prints do not hold out for Lord Ossory and me, one between
us will suffice. Send it to me and he shall not fail of it, but if to
him I shall never see it. The extracts I see but sometimes, being
not a very pressing man. I have not informed Lord Arlington
that I have twice written to you about a vessel for the
service of the prizes, but desire you would, if you think it
convenient. I am positive in quitting the thing if that be not
allowed, for it is impossible to do the work without it. I have
spoken to my cousin Steed to solicit you in the business, and if the
Lords Commissioners agree, he will find a vessel, &c., in eight days.
What money has been expended in the service has been laid out by
me, and I have brought only enough to supply my private occasions,
so pray move the Lords to send some. If you think my intelligence
worth a dozen of very good pens, pray make me that present by
the first conveniency. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309, No. 167.] |
May 27.
Aldeburgh. |
Robert Camborne to James Hickes. The fleet is still in Southwold. The wind was yesterday and continues a pretty gale at east.
[Ibid. No. 168.] |
| May 27. |
[Sir C. Lyttelton] to Williamson. Last post I had two packets
from Sir T. Lynch, both dated 9 March. To-morrow I will send
you a copy of his letter, which will better tell you what he desires
you to understand of the condition both of himself and the place,
than I can from it, which pray show my lord. Yesterday I had
the honour to have Mistress Jennings' and Mistress Willis' company
at the Fort, whom, when they had dined, to get fairly rid of, I was
fain to lend my coach to go part of their way towards the fleet.
At night Dick Talbot came, expecting the same riddance, but, that
being gone, I was fain to horse him (which, if I had been a greater
spark, I should have done them), and he is gone by six this morning.
If nothing occurs, I'll wait on his Royal Highness myself to-morrow,
and be back the next day, if not at night. Sir T. Lynch has sent
me a little present for you, or rather for your friends, of right
virtuous tobacco, for I think you take none, which I shall take
care shall be sent you. There have been several alarms of the
Dutch taking ships on this coast, and running the Drake ashore,
grounded on little or no truth. [Ibid. No. 169.] |
May 27,
1 p.m. Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to Williamson. Friday evening came in the Guernsey
and the Portsmouth sloop, and afterwards a tender, which went
hence in the morning with some officers for the fleet, but returned,
being informed of some Dutch (whether men-of-war or privateers
they could not tell) that were seen that day betwixt this and the
fleet, and had taken a collier at anchor (some say two). One of our
fishermen at the West Rocks on Saturday says he saw the Drake
retake the collier, and that evening I saw several vessels, great and
small, anchor on the back of the West Rocks, among them one great
ship, which our people imagined to be the Revenge, but on Sunday
morning I saw none. On Sunday we heard great guns several times,
but the manner of their report did not answer to my imagination to
believe it a fight. At daybreak on Sunday our packet-boat that
was so long in Holland arrived, and the evening before, according to
order, the Dutch boat and another English packet sailed. The one
that came was not stopped, but wanted good weather. About four
on Friday afternoon they saw the Dutch fleet E.S.E., about seven
leagues off Goree. They came on weather of several of them about
half a mile. They never hailed them nor asked them any questions.
The master had a report, or rather information, from Mr. Dale of
the Briell, whom I formerly recommended to you, of a great fireship
with blue fanes, and about 70 guns, iron and wood, with very many
figures of men, as if she were a real man-of-war, no sally ports,
nor keeps any boat out, but with rollers takes their boat in, and
puts her out of a port of their gun-deck astern. They say this
ship is intended to fire our Admiral, and he says all designs and
care are levelled to do mischief to his Royal Highness, such an
averseness is there in their boorish natures to anything that is noble.
They were at anchor when he first saw them, but being ebb. weighed
as they used to do. The master said, shaking his head—"They
harden their hearts against the English wonderfully." Yesterday
evening came in the Mermaid and the pink that carries his Royal
Highness's fresh provisions, for Mr. Shelton, his purveyor, has been
here three days or more. They saw nothing betwixt this and the
fleet, though so many have been feared to a return hither, when
they have been without the fort. The enclosed I received by the
packet-boat. I received Lord Arlington's letter of order for the
pressed men that shall come hereafter. I beg you to present my
humble thanks to him. I am ready to obey his commands, but fear
we shall want vessels to transport them to the Thames. Postscript.—
Last night arrived the Earl of Thomond by land from the fleet,
and this morning took horse for London. He says they want water,
but are in excellent good heart. The wind is now S. and by E.
These two letters from Mr. Chip you have with this. I leave it to
you to continue him or not. He had 10l. of me, paid not his
passage money, and has 3l. more, and desires speedy supply again.
I received both by this packet-boat. His animosity against one he
mentions in the first is not worth explaining. [1½ page. [S.P. Dom.,
Car. II. 309, No. 170.] |
May 27,
1 p.m. Dover Castle. |
Col. John Strode to Williamson. Yesterday I came from his
Royal Highness, and arrived here this morning. There is no
Dutch fleet on our coast. I myself came without the Sands, the
St. David and the Mermaid went within them, and it was impossible
but that we must have both seen and heard them if they had been
there, but I am certainly informed they are off the Wielings. Indeed
some of their scouts were three or four days since off the Shipwash,
which, I believe, caused the alarm from Margate. I will keep a
scout out here, and keep a correspondence with you and Sheerness.
[Ibid. No. 171.] |
May 27.
Dover. |
John Carlile to Williamson. It proves not true that the Dutch
lay about the Kentish Knock, for Col. Strode says they are gone
home or to the Texel, so it's believed if we intend to fight them we
must follow them; but if we can meet with their East India fleet,
it will be better. Lord Allington, Mr. Ross, and several other
persons of quality are here, going for France. [S.P. Dom., Car. II.
309, No. 172.] |
May 27.
Portsmouth. |
Hugh Salesbury to Williamson. A ship come from the Thames
with stores for the fleet, passed by the Dutch fleet, taking them for
ours. They were at anchor about the Kentish Knock, three or four
leagues from the North Foreland. The master tells us that the
Phœnix is got well to the fleet. [Ibid. No. 173.] |
May 27.
Portsmouth. |
Sir Philip Honywood to Williamson. I received an order last
night from Lord Arlington that I should henceforth cause all
pressed men brought to me to be sent to London, and delivered to
the Navy Commissioners. It has never hitherto been usual to bring
any to me, but to the clerk of the chequer, to whom I communicated this order. He tells me two ships, the Dragon and the
Guinea, are now making ready here, which will want 300 men of
their number. Pray acquaint my lord with this. Postscript.—
No ships have arrived from the westward lately. The Reserve
sailed westward this morning to cruise, the wind S.E. [Ibid.
No. 174.] |
May 27.
Newport. Isle of Wight. |
James Halsall to Williamson. To the westward some small
coasting vessels have been taken lately by privateers. The merchants
here believe they are Biscayers that ply thereabouts. Last Saturday,
being at Cowes, I saw Capt. William Killegrew, Sir William's son,
in discourse with Mr. Newland of Cowes. He has been there three
or four days, has made application to Capt. Gallois, the commander, and was at Newport in Newland's company, but did not
come to me. I told you formerly of Mr. Newland's being an agent
for the Dutch. What business Mr. Killegrew's is here I cannot yet
learn. This morning the Reserve came to Cowes Road, to convoy
Sir Thomas Morgan for Jersey. I heard last post from Andrew
Newport, that Capt. Paulet, of Calshot Castle, was dead. Paulet
being distracted, I lately had a commission to command that place,
it having been a long time manned by my men He was to have the
pay for his life, but if he be dead, pray move Lord Arlington that I
may now have it. Our militia is in as good a posture as can be
expected. [2 pages. Ibid. No. 175.] |
May 27.
Weymouth. |
W[illiam] H[urt] to James Hickes. No news. Wind blows fresh E.
No privateer that I can learn of has been near us. [Ibid. No. 176.] |
May 27.
Truro. |
Hugh Acland to James Hickes. On Saturday evening at least a
dozen sail appeared off the Mount's Bay, and were seen there again
about noon yesterday. I cannot understand what they are, the
wind being most easterly. [Ibid. No. 177.] |
May 27.
Falmouth. |
Thomas Holden to Williamson. The 23rd came in the Hope of
Plymouth, and the 24th the Fowler of Galway, both laden with
tobacco from Virginia. The master of the last is a Dutchman, and
several of his crew, whom the Vice-Admiral has taken and examined.
The master swears he is a free denizen, and that he has his clearing
from Virginia, so I believe there will be no good done on her as
prize. There are now here nine ships from Virginia, twelve from
Bordeaux, one from Scanderoon, and one from Jamaica, all waiting for
the Nightingale to convoy them to Plymouth, where the Newcastle
is to stay to convoy them and the East Indiamen there to the
Thames. The prize called the St. Maria of Amsterdam, from the
Canaries, will be sent to Plymouth as soon as the Nightingale
comes. I hear of no capers on this coast. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 309,
No. 178.] |
May 27.
Falmouth. |
Thomas Holden to James Hickes. (News all given in the last.)
[Ibid. No. 179.] |
May 27.
Pendennis. |
Francis Bellott to Williamson. Correcting a mistake in his last,
the letter to Mr. Wren being sent by the captain of the vessel from
Scanderoon. Shipping news. The wind E. and N.E. these five or
six days. [Ibid. No. 180.] |
May 27.
Swansea. |
John Man to Williamson. No news here. Wind westerly.
[Ibid. No. 181.] |
May 27.
Whitehall. |
Sir James Hayes to the Navy Commissioners. Acknowledging
the receipt of the names of the carpenters and boatswains of nine
of the hired ships, but not those of the William and Thomas, which
he requests; and also, when they have taken up another ship instead
of the Leopard, according to his Highness's order sent them that
day, desiring the names of her carpenter and boatswain. [S.P.
Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 100.] |
May 27.
Shadwell. |
Capt. John Wilgress to the same. I arrived here yesterday from
Jamaica, but am prevented by lameness from attending you, but I
shall take the first opportunity to render an account of the voyage.
[Ibid. No. 101.] |
May 27.
Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to the same. Notwithstanding my known want of
stores, workmen, &c., vessels are sent in hither to be refitted. Last
Saturday his Royal Highness sent in the Portsmouth sloop with
orders for a foremast, ordering, if I had none, to buy one, to be
paid for out of the contingent money in the fleet. Capt. Pearce
chose a yard of Capt. Langley's and had it wrought, but finding a
defect in it refused it, so that has to be paid for. Afterwards he
finds another, which was not to be had without ready money, which
I was constrained to pay down; it will be a dear foremast at last.
The Guernsey came ashore yesterday, found her leak, an open treenail hole, and hauled off again. Yesterday Sir John Cox sent in
the Mermaid to be washed and tallowed. She is a sharp ship. I
am no master of attendance to lay her aground, nor will Mr. Betts
venture it, nor have I one shore for her, nor tallow, nor broom, and
so know not what to do, being in no capacity to do anything.
(News of the Dutch fleet and the great fireship, the same as in his
other letter of the same date.) I received orders last night from
Lord Arlington that his Majesty, finding the fleet manned, has
ordered me to send up thither whatever seamen may henceforth be
brought me by what I shall find the best passage, to be delivered
to you to be disposed of according to the orders you shall receive
from his Majesty or his Royal Highness. I desire to know what
convenient passage I may find here, and if such be found, whether
it were not more convenient to consign them to the ships they are
designed for without bringing them to London. The Earl of
Thomond, who came last night from the fleet, told me, when it was
discoursed on board the Prince that I had not stores here, it was
answered that there were stores here, and that his lordship should
find it by two or three ships sent hither to be fitted, and he was
ready to swagger with me for concealing them. I heard a whisper
of his Majesty's coming hither, but know not the ground of it; if it
should be so, it would be convenient to have two or three rooms in
my house furnished for him. Mr. Roberts is here still, and cannot
be repaired till the tides lift, his ship lightened, and workmen got;
he has got many of his goods out already. [S.P. Dom. Car. II. 325,
No. 102.] |
May 27.
Whitehall. |
Sir George Carteret to S. Peepes (Pepys.) Requesting him to
order payment to the bearer's husband, who has been a workman
in the yard at Deptford, of his salary, when the other workmen
are paid. [Ibid. No. 103.] |
| May 27. |
Certificate by Jonas Shish of the measurements and tonnage of
the Thomas and William. [Ibid. No. 104.] |
| May 27. |
Request by John Richardson for licences for himself at his own
house in Uppingham, Rutland, and for Joseph Cawthorne, at
Humphrey Reynolds' in Stamford, both Presbyterians; for Thomas
Langdale, at his own house in Caldecot, Rutland, Congregational;
and for the houses of Andrew Broughton at Seaton, Simon Andrewes
in Killthorpe, and Samuel Hunt at North Luffenham, all in Rutland,
and for Walter Slye's house in Do[g]sthorpe, in Northamptonshire,
all Presbyterian. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 321, No. 274.] |
| [May 27 ?] |
Request by Joseph Cawthorne for licences for the same persons
and places. [Ibid. No. 275.] |
May 27.
Clapham. |
John Gould to Williamson. Humbly begging that the licences
may be got ready as soon as possible. [Ibid. No. 276.] |
May 27.
Whitehall. |
The King to the Privy Council of Scotland. Adding George, Earl
of Marischal, to their number. [S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book2,
p. 36.] |
May 27.
Whitehall. |
The King to the Treasury Commissioners in Scotland. Inasmuch
as the whole design of the salt bargain may be quite ruined by the
bringing in of prize salt, we require you to give strict orders to the
directors of the salt affair and the officers of the Customs and
Excise, to take care that none of the said prize salt be sold in Scotland, with liberty, however, to the owners thereof, to liver the
same out of ships into houses whereof the keys shall be kept by
the directors of the salt affair till it shall be exported, and to encourage the exportation thereof we authorise you to remit what
part you think fit of the fifteenth or other dues pertaining to us
thereout. And whereas in the last war we had customs paid here
out of all ships and goods, not only those brought in by privateers,
but also such as were taken on our own account, we leave it to you
either to take in specie our fifteenths out of all prize ships and goods
brought in by privateers, or to take customs and excise for the
same, as you shall think most advantageous. And whereas the Customs and Excise are now in our hands by the quitting of the last
tack on the occasion of the present war, we require you to grant
commissions to be collectors thereof to John Maitland of Eccles,
and Alexander Mill of Linlithgow, allowing them between them
600l. a year sterling as their salary. [S.P. Scotland, Warrant
Book 2, p. 37.] |
May 27.
Whitehall. |
The King to the Treasury Commissioners in Scotland. Two
letters discharging the feu and tack and other duties payable
respectively by Archibald, Earl of Argyle, for 1670, and Golin, Earl
of Balcarres, for 1671. [Ibid. pp. 39, 40.] |
May 27.
Whitehall. |
The King to the Privy Council of Scotland. Adding William,
Lord Cochrane, to their number. [Ibid. p. 41.] |
May 27.
Whitehall. |
The King to the Treasury Commissioners in Scotland. Authorising them to allow 500l. sterling to be retained by Sir Walter
Seaton out of the balance remaining due from him as general
Collector of the Customs and Excise from Nov. 1665 to Nov. 1667,
as salary to be allowed him in respect thereof. [Ibid. p. 41.] |
May 27.
Whitehall. |
The same to the same. Directing the payment of 100l. sterling
to John Erskine, on account of his necessitous condition, caused by
the loyalty and sufferings of his father, Arthur Erskine of Scotts
Craig, who was killed at Worcester. [Ibid. p. 42.] |
May 27.
Whitehall. |
Protection for two years to Sir Alexander Hume, gentleman of
the Privy Chamber, who, at the beginning of the late troubles, was
left by his father, Sir George Hume, deceased, in great burdens of
debt, and was forced to contract more by reason of the disorders of
those times, and now purposes shortly to repair to Scotland, to settle
his affairs. [Ibid. p. 43.] |
May 27.
Whitehall. |
Protection in the ordinary form for two years to Capt. Michael
Seaton, in Bruntisland. [Ibid. p. 44.] |
| [May ?] |
Lieutenant Henry Monke to the King. Petition, stating that he
had been granted, by letters patent under the Great Seal of England,
the office of Surveyor-General of the Customs, &c., in Ireland, with
all the salary, fees, &c., thereto belonging, in as ample and beneficial
a manner as the same was enjoyed by Thomas Maul or any other
whatsoever, and that the said Maul, and all the petitioner's predecessors, had received the yearly salary of 100l. sterling, till reduced
in Lord Robarts' time, and praying that the petitioner may have
the full benefit of the said letters patent, and that the said salary
may be inserted in the establishment now under consideration.
[S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 331, No. 73.] Annexed, |
|
Statement of the petitioner's services. He was the person whom
the late Lord General made use of, at his first declaring in
Scotland, to negotiate with his friends in Ireland, and to
disperse his declarations into all parts of that kingdom,
which in a little time operated so well that he was soon
assured of the whole country, and on the surprisal of Dublin
Castle out of the regicides' hands, the petitioner, having
early intelligence thereof, was instrumental in the speedy
compliance of the garrisons of Waterford, Ross, and Wexford,
being then in those parts to avoid the danger threatened him
by Col. John Jones, who commanded in chief till the Castle
was so secured together with his own person, whom the
petitioner brought prisoner to London, a favour granted
him as an honorary acknowledgment of his services. [S.P.
Ireland, Car. II. 331, No. 73i.] |
| May 27. |
Reference to the Lords Commissioners for framing the establishment of Ireland of the above petition. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 37,
p. 34.] |
May 28.
Letter Office. |
Andrew Ellis to Williamson. London Bridge being now repairing, I have settled a boat to transport our mails to and fro, and
given the postmaster at Dartford order to send all expresses for you
direct by Lambeth. Please send what expresses you despatch to
the stage of Southwark direct there by Lambeth, till the bridge be
made passable again. Several letters came from the English prisoners
in Holland by the last mails, but they had all been opened. I have
obeyed your directions about the Northern stages. [S.P. Dom.,
Car. II. 310, No. 1.] |
May 28.
The Tower. |
Sir John Robinson to Williamson. Not finding you at Whitehall
to-day, I gave Lord Arlington the narrative of the fire at St.
Katharine's. I am going to dinner on ship board with some of the
Adventurers to Hudson's Bay. [Ibid. No. 2.] |
| May 28. |
Narrative of the late fire at St. Katharine's. About eleven on
Saturday night, the 25th, the fire began in the house of Thomas
Lacy, a tobacconist, a Quaker, seven or eight houses from Iron
Gate, near the Tower. In a quarter of an hour the Lieutenant of
the Tower received the alarm, on which he drew the companies
there to their arms, and roused the officers of the Ordnance and the
Mint, and ordered men upon the White Tower with necessaries for
preventing fire, and water, buckets, ladders and other things needful
were carried on the line and all the bulwarks, for great flakes of fire
fell on the Tower, the wind being full east. The Lieutenant likewise ordered that no persons should be suffered to go in or out of
the Tower, of whom they had not very good knowledge. The
wharf was also shut up and good guards set at all passages of it.
After such course was taken, and messengers despatched to the
Guards at Whitehall to acquaint the King, the Lieutenant went
down to the Iron Gate, carrying with him men and powder. In
passing over the wharf he examined all vessels to see what
ammunition was on board, and it being near dead low water that
they could not get off, ordered them to keep their men on board,
and observe such directions as they should receive. They found
there were 140 barrels of powder on board two vessels which (upon
extremity) they were ordered to throw overboard, if not otherwise
disposed of by wherries. When the Lieutenant came to the Iron
Gate, having engineers with him and finding the fire approaching, he
blew up eight houses between the fire and the Tower on both sides
of the way. Three vessels lay aboard each other aground near
where the fire began, which immediately took fire and fired two
more, one lying ahead, the other astern, close to the Iron Gate
stairs which join to Tower Wharf. All this was done by half-past
twelve, and the Tower out of apparent danger, except by the
fire spreading to East Smithfield, which would have endangered the
whole range of houses running along Iron Gate to Little Tower
Hill, by the Tower Ditch side. For preservation thereof persons
expert in blowing up houses were sent with twelve or fourteen
barrels of powder into a yard called Cat's Hole, who blew up five
houses at the west end of St. Katharine's Court, fronting the
church, at about two, and from that time till seven, nine more
houses on the south side of St. Katharine's Court were blown up.
About two, Mr. Montague and Sir T. Chicheley came from the King.
The former returned immediately to inform the King that the
Tower was out of danger, he seeing what houses had been blown up,
and the distance of the fire from it. Sir T. Chicheley stayed and
afforded his utmost assistance by ordering all things wanting
out of the Ordnance Office. When the houses were blown up very
many hands were used for suppressing the fire and preventing it
spreading by engines and buckets, and by removing timber.
Between three and four, the Lord Mayor and Sheriff Clayton came
to the Iron Gate to the Lieutenant. The former, having offered
any assistance out of the City, shortly returned to London, but the
Sheriff stayed, till the Duke of Buckingham, Lord Craven, Lord
Clifford, and Col. Norwood came, who, after viewing what had been
done, took water from the Iron Gate, the Sheriff attending them,
and went eastward to consider the best course to stop the fire
spreading by the water side. They sent for two engines and six
barrels of powder, and for greater expedition the Duke himself
came to the King's stairs on Tower Wharf with a lighter, and took
in the engineers, and stood away eastwards, where the fire was most
raging. When there, he caused the engines to play on a house on
fire some six houses east of St. Katharine's Stairs, and came ashore
bringing some persons skilful in blowing up, whom he set to work
to blow up some houses east of the fire, making a passage from
St. Katharine's Church to the water side, and so round the fire.
The number last blown up east of the fire was six. About six, two
vessels were fired eastward of St. Katharine's Stairs. To prevent
mischief from the several ships on fire when the flood tide came, orders
were given for boring them, that they might sink with the flood,
which was accordingly done. Lord Gerard and Col. Russell came
down about four, and were very active in working themselves and
commanding others to work at Iron Gate and other places. About
eight, the fire was brought under foot by blowing up houses, as has
been mentioned, and the great work now was to keep it down, in
which the whole day was spent in playing of engines, and a great
number of men were employed with buckets and removing timber.
In this work the Duke employed himself till eight at night, down
to the lower part of the fire by St. Katharine's Church, encouraging
the men and giving them money, and Sheriff Clayton behaved
himself very worthily and did excellent service. For preventing
the fire breaking out in the night the Lieutenant provided a
considerable number of fresh buckets and a fresh engine with
an engineer, and ordered a company of the Train Bands of the
Hamlets, consisting of about 300 men, to march down to the ruins,
with the High Constable and petty constables with their watchmen,
making in all about 500 men. The fire, breaking out twice in two
places during the night, was thus soon suppressed. Next night
there was a guard of 200 men, and the Lieutenant saw the guard
set and remained there from nine till twelve, fearing the fire might
break out again. This morning, the 28th, all being safe, every
person concerned looks after his own goods, and clears his own
ground by drawing out his timber. By the best calculation that
can be made at present by the parish officers, about 80 houses
were burnt and near 30 blown up, and about 30 shattered and
spoiled. Three persons are already found dead, and several are
wounded, and others, it is supposed, may be found in the river.
Seven vessels were burnt and several were saved by the tide coming
in. [4¼ pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 310, No. 3.] Probably annexed, |
| May 28. |
Examination of Thomas Lacy, Quaker, before Sir John
Robinson. He and his wife and child and one manservant were gone to bed at 10.30, not leaving so much fire
below stairs as would light a pipe of tobacco without a match.
The examinant left his maidservant below to make matches
for his tinderbox, which she did, and brought them up to his
bedside before eleven, when he ordered her to lock the doors
and go to bed. He does not know that she did otherwise,
she lying two pairs of stairs next the street, and he lying
backward one pair. At half-past eleven the child wakened
his wife, and she him, and told him she heard some noise
backward on the water cry out "Fire." He started out
of bed, and saw a little shed or washhouse all on fire. He
ran downstairs to try to quench it, and then going upstairs
took his child and bade his wife follow. When he came
down he remembered some money in his chamber, and went
up again, and perceiving the fire appearing dared not stay
to bring it, but came down in two minutes. The fire met
him at the stairfoot and burnt his face. Finding his wife
and child gone out he followed her, and cried "Fire"
in the street, and being got almost as far as the King's
Head Tavern met a man in black clothes, armed, who took
him by the shoulders, called him rogue, and gave him a
kick, saying, "Go back and help to quench the fire" so he ran
back to Mr. Mayden's house. [Ibid. No. 3i.] |
May 28.
Newcastle. |
Col. Edward Villiers to Williamson. I was a little startled when
you told me in your last that the King was of opinion I should
venture neither the colliers nor the seamen out, but they being
happily got to our fleet, I am encouraged this afternoon to set out a
strong vessel of twelve or fourteen guns with the 100 and odd
Scotch seamen, besides 20 or 30 able seamen for pilots, which
I dared not do before, on account of your letter of caution, but
several ships having come in, who say the coast is clear, and
that they left our fleet last Thursday at Sole Bay, I hope this
will reach it without disturbance. There are great disorders
here between the Scotch soldiers and the townsmen, which I shall do
my best to appease, much caused by the want of arms, which
prevents my putting them on duty. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 310,
No. 4.] |
May 28.
Newcastle. |
Anthony Isaacson to Williamson. The 26th the St. George of
Galway arrived in less than two months from Virginia. He heard
nothing of the war, till he came within three leagues of this bar.
Yesterday about 40 light colliers arrived. To-day, if the wind
prove fair, the ship with pilots and pressed men will sail. Wind E.
and S.E. [In outer sheet addressed to Hickes. Ibid. No. 5.] |
May 28.
Stockton. |
Richard Potts to James Hickes. I received the Written News
of the 25th, in Mr. Hodgkin's absence. Yesterday over 20 light
colliers passed for Sunderland or Newcastle. [Ibid. No. 6.] |
May 28,
6 a.m. Southwold. |
Matthew Wren to Williamson. At daybreak the Dutch fleet
was discovered standing in from the N.E. to this bay. From
the shore we judge the headmost of them are little more than
a league from our Blue squadron, so that they may be engaged
in an hour. They seem from the shore to be a greater number
of ships than when we saw them last week, so that they may have
had some additional strength from their own coasts. It is a fine
fighting gale, but at present they have the weather gage. I am
going immediately on board, and in the meanwhile have ordered a
drum to be beaten to give notice to all seamen to repair immediately
to their ships, and have sent the bailiffs to see them put out
of all ale houses and tippling houses. I am very little mended in
my health, but I ought to be content, if it will last till night.
[Ibid. No. 7.] |
May 28,
6 a.m. Southwold. |
Surgeon J. Knight to Williamson. The Dutch fleet are within a
league of ours, so that perhaps you will receive at the same
time with this the news of their being engaged, I having sent to the
postmaster of Ipswich to detain the mails this evening till he
hear from me. We have been all this morning getting the seamen
on board, and are now beating drums and commanding them
on pain of death to be gone, resolving within an hour to secure
what may be found skulking afterwards, in case we cannot
send them to their ships, some of which are almost at this
time up with the enemy. Mr. Wren, though not well, is just going
on board. [Ibid. No. 8.] |
May 28,
10 a.m. Southwold. |
The same to the same. The Blue squadron engaged the van
of the enemy a quarter before seven; the wind N.E., but very little
or none. Within an hour the whole fleets were engaged in sight.
Since 'tis proved very hazy, and they being farther from shore we have
lost sight of them. Some fireships have been spent to no purpose,
and those very early the fleets having then not fought an hour.
We are still sending all straggling seamen on board the Merlin
yacht, and two other small vessels attending in the road for
that purpose. Mr. Wren went on board at seven this morning.
The wind being off sea, the whole country is in smoke and stench of
the powder, they fighting so near the shore. [S.P. Dom., Car. II.
310, No. 9.] |
May 28.
Southwold. |
Richard Bower to Williamson. Printed with a few alterations in
the Gazette of Thursday, 30 May. [Ibid. No. 10.] |
May 28,
7.30 a.m. Aldeburgh. |
Ralph Rabett to Williamson. This morning the Dutch stood in
for Sole Bay out of the S.E. with a small gale, and immediately our
fleet weighed and stood off to them. They began the fight about
seven, N.E. of this, being not above four leagues off. [Ibid. No. 11.] |
May 28,
near 3 p.m. Aldeburgh. |
Francis Chaplin to Williamson. Being very desirous of kissing
the Duke's hand before the engagement, I took the opportunity of
a passage in the Henrietta yacht, and coming within five leagues of the
fleet, about half-past six this morning we heard the first gun. The
French led the van, the Red the battle, the Blue in the rear; the
wind E.N.E., and a brave sea, and it has continued so ever since.
Though the Dutch had the weather gage at the beginning, yet, as
far as we can perceive, we have had it since eleven. The smoke
drives right upon us now, and there has not been the least
intermission since they began, but we go on with a great deal
of gallantry and courage. We have seen seven ships fired, but are
not able to tell who has suffered. They began betwixt Southwold
and this, and have so continued ever since. They are not a league
distant from that place at this time. A little boat attended us.
The Henrietta went to the fleet. [Ibid. No. 12.] |
May 28,
5 p.m. Aldeburgh. |
The same to the same. Since my last we see only one ship fired,
but we know not whose it is. We have an account just now
that the French behave themselves very well, which all the
forenoon was much feared. They are not far from the place they
first engaged in, and now the wind and tide bring them very near
this way again. We have still very fine weather, and a brave place
to fight in. Wind still N.E., a small gale. [Ibid. No. 13.] |
May 28,
8 p.m. Aldeburgh. |
The same to the same. Since my last four ships have come into
this harbour—the Henry, which is very much shattered, and all her
officers killed; the Katharine, which was taken and in the possession
of the Dutch for several hours, and they know not what is become
of her captain and officers, but the Plymouth coming to them, the
men took heart and overcame the Dutch, and brought in several of
them prisoners; the Success; and the fourth ship is not come in far
enough to go aboard her. The Royal James is burnt, the Duke of
York is well, but we hear is on board the St. Michael. Young
Lord Howard is brought in dead aboard the Katharine. It has
been a very hot day's work: the guns have never ceased since they
began. We hope our fleet is in pursuit of the Dutch, but the guns
play very strongly, but a good deal farther than they have
been. Seven of the Dutch ships are burnt. We have now a
certain account that the Blue were the first that engaged, and they
have suffered most, but all our ships, both English and French,
have fought very bravely. The wind all day N.E. [S.P. Dom.,
Car. II. 310, No. 14.] |
May 28,
8.30 p.m. Aldeburgh. |
Robert Camborne, for Ralph Rabett, to Williamson. I was this
night aboard the Henry, Capt. Digby commander, who is killed
with the rest of his officers. The ship is very much torn, I
saw scarce a whole rope in her. But four maimed ships have come
in here, two of the Blue and two of the Red squadron. They
certainly inform us that they set on fire and sank seven Dutch
fireships. When they left the fleet, the Duke with his whole
squadron was well, and was, as they say, and we believe by
the report of the guns, in pursuit of the Dutch. They say
a great many of their ships perished. The Royal James is burnt.
They say, and we have seen, the French fought with great
bravery. They are still in pursuit, and I think will be, till
night part them. The Royal Katharine is likewise maimed
She was about three hours in possession of the Dutch, but was
retaken, though the captain was carried away by the Dutch.
[Ibid. No. 15.] |
May 28,
8 p.m. Landguard Fort. |
Sir C. Lyttelton to Williamson. I write merely to prevent false
and uncertain reports, for I think nothing more than I can say
can be known yet by any not actually engaged in the fight. I came
to Aldeburgh about ten this morning, and found the fleets engaged
about three leagues from the shore. About 20 sail I saw fighting
at least two hours, most of them, I guess, French, for I could plainly
discern several of the white colours. There was no flagship among
them. It was a great while before these came into the fight, after
I saw them, and, as we guessed from the shore, either stood
for the wind or lay by for some mischiefs they might have received
in the beginning of the fight, which began about seven, the Dutch
attacking, and having the weather gage, some of our fleet being,
I heard, scarce clear of their anchors. Reports vary, for at
Aldeburgh they say the French had the honour, of the first salutes,
which they received with huge bravery, but Sir Robert Cary,
who came from Sole Bay and saw the beginning of the action,
plainly says that they began with Lord Sandwich's squadron, and
that he saw him go bravely into them and fire many broadsides.
He says too the Prince fired never a gun for above an hour
after the fight began, and he then saw her fire several broadsides,
and engaged in the body of their fleet with her two seconds. I
stayed till three, when no more could be seen because the smoke
drove all upon the coast, and makes such a mist all along to
this, that as I came in we could scarce discern the Beacon Hill.
I hastened the more, because we judged the flood would bring them
nearer this way, and I would be loth at such a time to be away
from my charge, so I took post and came hither as fast as I could.
I would have written from Woodbridge as I passed, but there was
not a horse there for an express. The volleys have scarce had any
intermission up to this, and at present the windows and house
shake terribly, but we judge by the noise they are further off.
The ketch lies as near as she can to the fleet, and will come away
with the first certain account she can bring. I saw two ships blown
up, but cannot say of which side, or by what means. Several of
our people were ashore at Sole Bay, Sir R. Cary says, but scarce any
at Aldeburgh. The victuallers are all come in here, and, I hear, tell
things they cannot know. Sir R. Cary says Lord Sandwich's
squadron was all in a line when the Dutch came up with them.
[Over 2 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 310, No. 16.] |
May 28,
12.15 p.m. Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to Williamson. Between seven and eight this
morning I heard the first gun fired betwixt the fleets. At 8.15 the
noise was incessant, and such as shook the glass in this window.
About nine there was some small intermission, but with guns firing
still. About 9.15 the thunder was as loud as it was an hour before,
and so continued till ten. About eleven the noise seemed removed
more northerly, and was much less than at the beginning. The
ebb tide set that way about that time. However, it seems to me
that it is the Dutch that give ground in probability, considering the
wind has stood firm E. and by S. a fine gale, such that we could
carry out our lower tiers with great ease, of which we could make
an easy distinction from others. Sir C. Lyttelton went not to the
fleet till very early this morning. Our scouts were chased in last
night, which a hoy from the fleet to me saw, and yet Capt. Temple
in the Drake, who came in this morning, and is returned in all haste,
and who left the fleet about seven last night, heard nothing.
Several frigates were here in want of necessaries, which I hastened
away, as well as I could, having no power, without supply,
because I have no stores, no workmen, no money. To-night or tomorrow I expect many in, but I have nothing to help them with;
I have often written to the Navy Office, &c., but nothing done.
The Argier was in her station below the Gunfleet, and is now, about
eleven, under sail towards the fleet. I have hastened the frigates,
ketches, and other tenders of the fleet out of this harbour also,
rather shaming some of them out of their sluggishness, than
assuming to command them without power. Several guns were
heard about two or three this morning, but only signals, so I
believe our fleet had notice of them by daybreak. After twelve I
can scarce hear the guns, but they keep the same unintermitted
noise still. Though distance has taken off much from us, I can now
and then distinguish the greater guns from the promiscuous
thunder. It is concluded by many that have seen many sea-fights,
that never was so sharp a bout. [Ibid. No. 17.] |
| May 28. |
Major N. Darell to Williamson. This morning we hear great
shooting, which makes us believe the fleets are engaged. [Ibid.
No. 18.] |
May 28,
3 p.m. |
The same to the same. Since I wrote a messenger is come from
the Isle of Sheppey, where they can hear better than we, to say
that they above heard the guns plain. The Revenge sails this ebb
for the fleet, being extreme full of soldiers, and yesterday the Falcon
sailed. The St. David is likewise sailed for the West Indies.
[Ibid. No. 19.] |
[May 28,]
1 p.m. Margate. |
Richard Langley to Williamson. We have heard the guns very
much ever since seven this morning, and we hear them still very
much, but the fleets are out of our sight, and we hear not from them
yet. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 310, No. 20.] |
May 28,
noon. Dover Castle. |
Col. John Strode to Williamson. Having heard some guns, and also
been informed by Capt. Steele, who came from the North Foreland,
that they have heard the guns so plain that they are confident
the fleets are engaged, I can hardly believe it. I am now sending
out a small frigate to find the Dutch fleet or ours, and to bring
intelligence. [Ibid. No. 21.] |
May [28],
7. p.m. Dover Castle. |
The same to the same. Since I wrote at noon I have messengers
from the Isle of Thanet, that confirm that the fleets have been engaged
ever since five this morning, and that they never heard greater
quantity of guns fired. Comparing this with Hudson, who is now
come in from our fleet, and left them yesterday at 4 p.m. in Southwold
Bay, he says that he met there four or five of our scouts, making all
sail to our fleet, and that at five this morning he heard the engagement
begin. His Majesty need not doubt of the victory: the noise of the
guns going further from us is an infallible sign, and the wind being
all the morning S. and by E., which was an advantage to the Dutch,
at noon changed to N. and N. and by E., which gave us the windward gage. Pray let me have the news from you. [Dated 27th,
but endorsed as written 28th and received 29th, with which the
contents agree. Ibid. No. 22.] |
May 28,
4.30 p.m. Dover. |
John Carlile to [Williamson]. I immediately sent away with the
Flanders letters your packet received from the English Consul at
3 a.m. A Dover vessel arrived here about one, having left our
fleet yesterday about 4 p.m., saw three or four of our scouts coming
from the eastward under all sail towards our fleet, and at seven this
morning began to hear the guns extremely, never ceasing till they
came into our road. The packet-boat from Calais, which is just
arrived, also says they heard the guns extremely till they came
into our road. [Ibid. No. 23.] |
May 28.
Rye. |
James Welsh to [Williamson]. Last Sunday, the 26th, the
shallop ordered forth met the Elizabeth of London, laden chiefly
with oils, but having also very rich goods such as raw silk. They
met an Algerine which kept company with them two days and a
night, and was very civil to them. Since, they met not any except
the Nightingale, who could give no information of the Dutch, so if
the shallop had not met her, she might have fallen into them unawares. She came in here last night and remains here still. Next
morning the shallop met five barques and ketches, which all came
in here on advice of the enemy. I shall keep the shallop out till I
hear from you to the contrary. Our seamen and the persons that
came in seem exceedingly well satisfied to see his Majesty's care for
their preservation. [Ibid. No. 24.] |
May 28.
Portsmouth. |
Hugh Salesbury to Williamson. The Pearl is come in to refit,
and reports that our fleet are in a healthful condition, and very
cheerful. The Dutch fleet keep about the Kentish Knock, and
keep themselves secure by being on the other side of the sand, that
has but eighteen feet of water, which is too little for our ships to
go over to attack them. It is perceived that they will not fight us
but on great disadvantage to our ships. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 310,
No. 25.] |
May 28.
Dartmouth. |
W[illiam] H[urt] to James Hickes. A boat from Morlaix
advises that fifteen ships, laden with linens for England, are waiting there for convoy, daily expected from Brest. The little wind
there is is easterly. [Ibid. No. 26.] |
May 28.
Plymouth. |
Philip Lanyon to James Hickes. But two ships have arrived
since my last. One with three others is gone to cruise for our East
India ships. Lord Clare is arrived from Ireland in a frigate of his
own well manned, going to wait on his Royal Highness. Since my
last the wind has been between N.E. and E., and this morning is
come to S.S.W. [Ibid. No. 27.] Enclosed, |
|
List of ships arrived. [Ibid. No. 27i.] |
May 28.
London. |
J. Tippetts to the Navy Commissioners. The 24th I gave you
my opinion of what was fit to be done to amend the bad steering
and working of the Leopard, which was undertaken to be done in
three days after her being put into dry dock, which it was presumed might be done that day. But from the easterly winds water
has been yet wanting to set her afloat, and her sails, as I was informed, being consumed in the fire last Sunday, I acquainted his
Highness therewith, who directed another ship should be taken up
in her room. I went, yesterday, down as far as Blackwall, was on
board several ships, and conceive the most fitting one for a man-ofwar (not yet taken up) is the Baltimore, now in the wet dock at
Blackwall. She is larger than, and in my opinion much preferable
to, the Leopard, only she is said to be leaky at present, but being
a single ship (I mean not sheathed), I presume that may soon be
stopped, if she is docked. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 105.] |
May 28.
Redriff Wall. |
William Castell to S. Peepys (Pepys). Giving a detailed account
of his survey of the Leopard, and some particulars about the Baltimore. [Ibid. No. 106.] |
May 28,
6.30 p.m. Gravesend. |
Capt. J. Perriman to the Navy Commissioners. Yours of the
28th came to hand at 4 p.m. to-day. I delivered the letter immediately to the lieutenant of the Holmes, the captain being at London, who, after reading it, told me they have 210 men on board,
and 140 more in two small vessels riding by them, and have but
four days' provisions for all their men, 350 in number. I desired
him to write to his captain to acquaint him with your pleasure.
The victuallers are not come down yet; when they do I shall ship
off all the soldiers on them, for I fear the Holmes, from want of
provisions, will not be able to receive any, if you order me to take
some provisions out of the William and Peter, victualler, which I
expect may be here next ebb tide. Two hoys with provisions are
here, which may help to victual the Holmes. [Ibid. No. 107.] |
May 28,
5 p.m. The Hatton ketch, at the Buoy of the Nore. |
Capt. Isaac White to the Navy Commissioners. No victuallers
or water-ships are here, or have been since last Thursday and Friday.
I arrived here the 27th, where was the Revenge. The Falcon sailed
that day, and the Revenge to-day. Here is only the St. David, that
came up yesterday, and left the fleet on Sunday. The guns I have
heard like thunder ever since five this morning, and they continue
very hot still. I shall wait your further orders here. Wind E.N.E.
The victuallers that were turning down, when I came from Deptford, are not yet at the lower end of the Hope. [Some shorthand
notes on the back. S. P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 108.] |
May 28,
about 8 a.m. The Henrietta yacht, about 4 miles off Alford (Orford) Church and Castle. |
Sir Jeremy Smyth to the same. Being under sail within sight
of Alford (Orford) Church and Castle about seven this morning, we
made the two fleets, the van of the Dutch being to windward
(wind at E. and by S.), they immediately joining battle. I shall
endeavour all I can to get to his Royal Highness, but it is almost
calm. [Ibid. No. 109.] |
May 28,
past 12 noon. |
Silas Taylor to the same. Here are the Mermaid, Guernsey,
Portsmouth sloop, and the Drake, that came in this morning.
Mr. Bond came yesterday from the fleet with a letter from Sir
John Cox, in the following words: "Yours of the 24th I have
received, and am sorry to hear you are unfurnished with stores and
money for the service." Yet that very evening he directs another
to me, with a warrant to me to cause forthwith the Drake to be
cleaned and fitted with the necessaries she requires, if the stores
under my charge will afford them; but he is sailed away to the
fleet re infecta. I believe a considerable number of maimed ships
will be sent in hither, perhaps before this can come to your hands,
and wish you would order me what to do. You wrote to me on
the 23rd not to depend upon money by imprest, but by perfecting
bills to receive it. I have only to say that I want credit here, and
know not where to procure 1,000l. or 2,000l., for certainly such a
sum will go but a little way according to my estimate. (News of
the battle, and other news about ships, the same as in his other
letter of the same date.) [Ibid. No. 110.] |
May 28.
Portsmouth. |
Capt. John Pearce to the same. The late master of the Dragon
is made master of the Dreadnought, and commanded away to-day
by Capt. Herbert, so she is now without one, till you appoint
another. We have neither chirurgeon nor mate, both being likewise with Capt. Herbert. The builder's assistant says that all
carpenter's work shall be so far completed that the ship shall be
fit to receive provisions next Monday. [Ibid. No. 111.] |
| May 28. |
John Russell to T. Hayter. Requesting a warrant to Mr. Turner,
at Deptford, to receive 27 load of elm timber from John Thomas.
[Ibid. No. 112.] |
| May 28. |
Receipt by William Owens for licences for Dr. John Singleton, at
Thomas Cowdrey's house at Queenhithe, for Michael Mercer's
house at Oxford, for John Evans for his own house at Wrexham,
for Jonathan Roberts for his own house at Llanvaire, for Philip
Rogers at Roger Kynaston's house at Ruabon, all in Denbighshire;
for Hugh Owens' own house at Llanegryn in Merionethshire, for
John Browne for his own house at Milford in Shropshire, for Stephen
Coven at Mr. Ovey's house at Watlington and Mr. Gooding's
house at Latchford in Oxfordshire, for John Ritch's house at
Wycombe, and for Mr. Quarrel at the King's Head at Shrewsbury.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 321, No. 277.] |
| May 28. |
Receipt by Nathaniel Ponder for licences for Mr. Courtman at
Mr. Mansel's house at Thorp Malsor, for Mr. Adkins' house in
Wellingborough, for Mr. Brooks' house at Brigstock, Northamptonshire, for Mr. Martin at Stony Stratford and Haversham, and for
Mr. Carter's house at Wolverton; and for licences received by
Mr. Holcroft's direction for Mr. Autrin, Mr. Day, Mr. Astwood
and his house, Mr. Waite and his house, and for the houses of
Mr. Kitchenman, Mr. Thurlow, Mr. Avy, Mr. Yeomans, and
Mr. Hooper, in the town and county of Cambridge, and for a place
in March, and for the houses of Mr. Woodbridge and Mr. Outler
in the Isle of Ely. [Ibid. No. 278.] |
May 28.
Dublin. |
Sir G. Rawdon to Viscount Conway. I sent a bill for 100l. in
my last. You will find a strange alteration here of scarcity of
money, all Spanish and other carried away daily, no trading of
merchants abroad or buying anything, and want of rain and burning weather beyond example here. We believe till some action at
sea no thoughts can be entertained of less concerns relating to this
poor kingdom, or of the Lord Lieutenant's despatch. There is no
danger yet in these seas; the intelligence of a privateer cruising in
them was mistaken, but no better vessel is here than the pleasure
boat. Our brother is better, and my wife has instructed our neighbours to refuse him wine or strong drink. To-morrow is a solemn
day, and a great feast at the Castle, and I am for the North the
day after to-morrow. [1½ page. Conway Papers. S.P. Ireland,
Car. II. 331, No. 74.] |
| May 29. |
Statement by Hartgill Baron, in obedience to the King's command,
of the fees received by him in the Privy Seal office, before 15 May
1661, when Lord Robartes was made Lord Privy Seal, and in his
waiting months, May, September, and January 1661 to 1669, whilst
his lordship was Lord Privy Seal, stating that he has a fifth of the
moneys received during the latter time in his hands, which he is
ready to pay on a sufficient discharge against claims by Lord
Robartes and his executors, fearing that, without this, he would
have to pay the money again. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 310, No. 28.] |
[May 29.]/June 8.
Genoa. |
—to Williamson. Yesterday arrived Sir John Baptiste
Duteil with the Quaker ketch, which he intends to send to Malta
for buying slaves for the galley built here for his Majesty,
they not being to be had here. Yesterday also came in two Genoese
ships from Alicante, Cadiz, and Lisbon. They give news of eight
French men-of-war, which had been at Algiers to ratify their peace,
and were bound, some say for Tunis, others for the Straits' mouth.
At Cadiz two small Dutch vessels were arrived, and eight French
men-of-war were expected to cruise for the Sallee pirates. No
English ship is in port here. Dutch letters of the [10]/20 say all English and Scotch ships seized in their ports were ordered by sound of
trumpet to be released, which they hoped would be a prologue to peace
with England. They say, too, that they had declared war against
Münster as well as Cologne, and that the French had not laid siege
to any place. [Imperfect. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 310, No. 29.] |
May 29.
Letter Office. |
Andrew Ellis to [Williamson]. Thanking him for his letter with
the news of the engagement, which, though dated at midnight,
did not arrive there till 4 a.m. The other despatch of the same
date has been obeyed, and the three letters to the Duke of Richmond, Ambassador Coventry, and Sir John Paul, have been put in
one cover to Sir William Swan at Hamburg. [Ibid. No. 30.] |
May 29.
The Lamb and Ink-bottle, in Ludgate Street. |
Thomas Rookes to [Williamson]. Sending, as desired, his mind
in writing concerning the affair of printing at Oxford. [Ibid.
No. 31.] Enclosed, |
|
Proposals suggesting Rookes, a London bookseller, as agent in
London for the Oxford Press, he being a fit person, willing
to subscribe 1,000l. or more, and being no partner in the
Stationers' Company, but having, on the contrary, acquired
an evil character with them by opposing their unjust proceedings. The assistance of some knowing London bookseller
will be urgently required for his opinion, not only as to what
books and what number of impressions should be printed,
but also as to the goodness and prices of paper, and for
binding the books, London being the place from which they
must be dispersed. [Ibid. No. 31i.] |
May 29.
Whitehall. |
Warrant to the Clerk of the Signet to prepare a commission constituting Edward Seymour to be a Commissioner of the Navy, with
the allowance of 500l. per annum. Sign manual. Countersigned,
Arlington. [Ibid. No. 32.] |
May 29.
Boston. |
John Butler to Williamson. A vessel arrived from London yesterday that came through our fleet about Sole Bay, but saw no
privateers. Wind E., very little. [Ibid. No. 33.] |
May 29.
Yarmouth. |
Richard Bower to Williamson. This morning I spied two menof-war at anchor off Dunwich, and went off to them. One was the
Greenwich, with a prize, a Dutch man-of-war of 48 guns. She
was very much disabled, the head of her mainmast and maintopmast being lost, her forestay shot away, and her mizen mast lost,
besides being much shattered in her hull, but she was disabled by
some other ships before he fell in with her. He desired me to take
some of his prisoners ashore, having too many to command, and
accordingly we brought 73 ashore at Dunwich and left them in the
bailiff's hands with a guard. Afterwards we carried him two
pilots to carry him and the prize into Harwich. The York is riding
in Aldeburgh Bay, which is much disabled, having lost above 100
men and the captain hurt. I cannot hear what is become of our
fleet, whether they are at sea or gone in. [Ibid. No. 34.] |
May 29.
Yarmouth. |
Thomas Lucas to Nathaniel Herne. I narrowly missed being in
the engagement, for lodging four miles this side Southwold, intending
to be on board the Dreadnought at four the same morning, the
Dutch fleet appeared within two miles of the shore. Our fleet
being alarmed got under sail, so I was prevented going on board.
Had the Dutch stayed one hour I had been on board and must have
engaged, for I should not have been able to get ashore. The
James, Montague, Admiral of the Blue, was the first engaged, began
at seven. A whole squadron of the Dutch came down on her like a
torrent, having only the Edgar, York, and Henry for his succour,
but they so oppressed by numbers as could not help him. So brave
Montague (I shall ever honour him), being all in fire and smoke,
that nothing but his flag was to be seen from seven till about one, was
fired by a pitiful fireship, having sunk a great Dutch ship and three
fireships before, and let the whole squadron taste of his valour. She
flew in the air at two, but he and Sir Charles Herbert got into his
boat and is saved, and aboard the Charles; but what has happened
since I know not, for the engagement of the whole fleet has been
since. The French and Blue squadron bore the brunt of almost
the whole Dutch fleet till about one. The French behaved themselves gallantly. At one the whole Duke's squadron fell to it, and
continued till six with great vehemence, and then the Dutch gave
way toward their own country, and we in pursuit till nine, but I
know not what is done. I hear of no ship of ours that is lost but
the James, but seven are disabled. We have about 80 fighting
ships in all in pursuit, and the guns have been heard all to-day.
Kempthorne I saw engaged the whole day. He endeavoured to
succour the Blue Admiral, but was intercepted by six great Dutch
ships, which continued him in fire and smoke three hours without
intermission, and then he got through and fought the whole day till
eight with as much conduct and bravery as ever man in the world
did, continually engaged on both sides almost the whole day.
Jordain, in the Royal Sovereign, engaged the whole day also, except
the first hour and a quarter, and that time he and three more with
him lay still, not a ship near him. Then came five Dutch ships
to him and them, and some from that squadron upon the James,
and continued fighting all day. Some commend him. He is a
person I know not, but I like not his fighting nor conduct. I
wished myself on him to have saved that brave Montague, for he
was in the wind of him, and might have come down to him. I saw
the whole business, and was so near as I saw almost every broadside, and was in hearing and whistling of the shot. [S.P. Dom.,
Car. II. 310, No. 35.] |
May 29,
5 p.m. The Victory, betwixt the Galloper and Orfordness. |
Lord O'Brien to Williamson. Yesterday, at five in the morning,
I wrote to you that the enemy was then bearing in upon us. They
had both the weather-gage and the sun against us. About eight
our Blue was engaged, and within an hour after our squadron. We
and the Blue made our tack to the N.E., but the White, instead of
following upon the same tack, made away quite contrary. The
Duke by ten was so disabled that he quitted the Prince and went
aboard Sir R. Holmes. We still kept our station, and followed
the standard to the St. Michael, till the smoke was so great that we
lost him, but the Flemings pressed also so hard upon him there
that about two he was forced to leave the St. Michael, and go
into the London, where at seven we were forced to leave him,
all our rigging being miserably cut, our masts, some shot down
and the rest through and through, and so paid away with
shot in our hull, that we had near seven feet of water in the hold.
We anchored here at five this morning, and are mending and
stopping our leaks, and are forced to keep three pumps going.
The damage we know of yet is the Royal James (and the
Katharine) burnt, both having fought bravely, but many ships are
cruelly brust (?), among them the Henry, whose captain is killed.
Vaughan is killed, and, I am afraid, many more. Lord Ossory and
all our volunteers well, only Lord Ossory was bruised on both legs,
and I on my thigh by the same splinter, but no danger. Jack
Hall's coat and pocket cut away, and thigh much bruised. [S.P.
Dom., Car. II. 310, No. 36.] |
May 29,
between 6 and 7 a.m. Landguard Fort. |
Sir C. Lyttelton to [Williamson]. I left my surgeon, Mr. Thatham,
last night at Aldeburgh, to bring what news he could. He stayed
till ten. About nine the Royal Katharine and the Henry came in with
the Success and Dover. Several of the Henry's men told him there
was not an officer left on board alive, and half their men killed.
The Katharine was taken, and Sir John Chicheley put on board
one of the Dutch ships, and all the men put under hatches, and
then they were going to put a fireship to her, and a French sloop
cut off the fireship's boat, and took the fireship, and then the
prisoners, who were under the hatches, found a way to break out,
and redeemed themselves and their ship, and he saw about sixteen or
seventeen Dutch prisoners brought ashore from her. Of the Success
and Dover he can say no more, because none of their men came ashore
while he stayed, except that one had lost her mainmast, for it was
not possible, at any price, to get a boat to go on board. The
Henry's men tell him the Royal James is burnt. About ten last
night there was no shooting, nor has any been heard on this coast
since. His Royal Highness, they all believed and heard, was very
well, but it was reported he had shifted his ship, and gone on
board the St. Michael. Undoubtedly they are gone home, because
we hear no shooting to-day, and I hope, in a few hours, to send
you news of a happy victory, which we do not at all question, the
rather because not one disabled ship is come in here, nor any other
out of the battle. I verily think they are gone for the coast of
Holland, because Fox is not come in yet. [1½ page. Ibid. No. 37.] |
May 29,
12 at night. Landguard Fort. |
Sir C. Lyttelton to Lord Arlington. The ketch is just arrived.
Fox says he left his Royal Highness about three this afternoon very
well on board the Prince, with the rest of the fleet not above a
league from them, being ready to engage them, and bearing up
towards them, but a sudden fog and strong gale hindered it. He
believes they could do nothing this evening. The fog and a strong
gale continuing, he could not get aboard the Prince himself, but
spoke with Capt. Frary, who commands the hospital, who told him
he was just come from the Prince, and saw the Duke. The Royal
James sank two fireships, and took a Vice-Admiral, and on tacking
a third fireship laid him aboard, and so was burnt. Our fleet
yesterday fought upon great disadvantage, they having the weather
gage, and there was so little wind our ships could not work, which
was the reason our fleet fought very scattering. The French
engaged at a great distance to the southward of all the fleets, and
the Dutch, having the weather gage, would not come to a close
fight with them, but fought all the time at a great distance. The
Henry and the Royal Katharine went up the river this afternoon.
The Dover and the Success lie off this, a little without the Rolling
Grounds, both disabled, their masts and all their rigging being torn
to pieces, and the Success so leaky they are continually pumping
to make her swim. The captains are both well, and were with me
here, having brought the master of the Dover ashore to bury.
Fox can give no account of anyone slain in the Prince, except Sir
John Cox, who may stand for a great many. He knows nothing
of the Duke's going out of the Prince aboard the St. Michael, but
another is just come in with a packet of your lordship's to
Mr. Wren, which was sent to Southwold because they could find
no means there or at Aldeburgh of sending it to the fleet. This
person says he was on board the York yesterday in Aldeburgh Bay,
and that Capt. Elliot, who had a shot in his leg, but not very
dangerous, told him that the Duke went aboard the St. Michael.
The ship much disabled, so that she cannot keep the seas. This
evening eight great ships were in sight of this, which I suppose are
all going up the river. The Greenwich is one, and has with her a
very great ship, a prize. Lord Howard, Fox saw going aboard the
Prince this afternoon. He will go out again early in the morning,
and will do what he can to put your packet on board the Prince,
and to bring back an account. [2 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 310,
No. 38.] |
May 29,
betwixt 7 and 8 a.m. Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to Williamson. As I had no stores for the service,
so have I no vessels to get intelligence, and those I procured were
commanded from me, and I left in the dark. I am glad to find
myself reputed so good a workman as to perfect so great a piece
without matter or tools. I have heard much, but know little.
When the guns yesterday morning seemed so remote and northerly, it
was from the forcing of both by the ebb tide, till two that afternoon,
what wind there was continuing E. and by S., and the incessant noise
of great guns proclaiming the dispute to be not only eager but hot.
At half-past six that afternoon our fleet of victuallers returned by
order from his Royal Highness. They say that about six yesterday
morning they received their orders, and stood for this place. That
about seven, the Dutch fleet, in three squadrons, made up to ours,
who had weighed, neither slipping nor cutting, for about two that
morning one of our scouts came firing before the Dutch. They having
the wind gage, came with much briskness upon ours, and first engaged
the Blue. Half-an-hour after the Red got into fight, and about an
hour after the French. It was fought stoutly on all hands, and,
what was guessed by the observation of several here, they believed
there never were so many guns fired in one day before. What
was strange to me, the smoke, in a vast cloud, darkened us like a
fog about seven in the evening. About two in the afternoon, the
wind veering a little northerly, revived the dispute, which to our
apprehension found about then some small cessation. We guessed
our fleet with theirs stood southerly, for towards the evening we
made the guns off Orfordness. They believe some ships were
blown up, but on whose part they cannot tell. They number about
seven. After nine, night put an end to the shooting, which then
seemed more remote from us. About two this morning, about
seven or eight great guns were heard. Since then we have heard
no more. The wind is brisk in the E. Postscript.—A man-of-war,
maimed, is standing in with his flag half-staff high. Her captain
is slain. I hear a report, as if the Royal James was burnt, and
the Royal Katharine taken, but retaken by the French. [1¼ page.
S.P. Dom., Car. II. 310, No. 39.] |
May 29,
betwixt 3 and 4 p.m. Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to Williamson. Since my last I have the sight of
four or five maimed ships, one of the Blue, two of the Red, and we
cannot make out the squadrons of the others. Two are gone up
the Gunfleet, and two are anchored without the fort; viz.: the
Dover, Capt. Ernle, and the Success. The captain gives this account: The Blue squadron began the fight, which was very hot,
and Lord Sandwich slain in the Royal James long before she was
fired, on whom they pressed with men-of-war and tireships, so that
at last she was laid hold of by a fireship, which burnt her, though
boats went off to relieve the men, of whom they mention that
Capt. Haddock and very many more were saved. Betwixt 2 and
3 p.m. Sir John Kempthorne, with several ships, English and
French, got the weather gage of the Dutch fleet, which once being
got, we prosecuted with so great fury that great destruction followed, for they saw many ships afterwards fired, most of which
they judged to be Dutch. The Dutch long before had laid so hard
upon the Royal Prince, and prosecuted it with so much vigour
and malice with six or seven fireships, that his Royal Highness
very unwillingly condescended to the entreaties of all to go into
the St. Michael. He was very well when they left the fleet. The
Dover lost 20 men, 30 wounded; the Success one and four wounded,
and yet, as they say, lay long by De Ruyter's side. The French
behaved themselves very well. The Royal Katharine was taken,
and retaken again by the English, who, after some time, being in
the hold, on a sudden cried out "The ship sinks!" which so
affrighted the Dutch that they called up the English to save the
ship, which they did (out of their hands by overmastering them).
We have taken one of 70 guns, which we are bringing off. It is
believed the Dutch stand for the Flemish coast, loving the shoals
there. Postscript.—I have no stores here to refit ships, nor money
to buy what is to be bought here. The Henry was taken and
retaken, Capt. Digby slain with a small shot, Sir John Chicheley
taken prisoner into Holland. The Dutch never had such a destruction of ships and men ever known, being scattered, many of their
ships sunk and fired; the captains now with me mention it [as]
very great. [1¼ page. Ibid. No. 40.] |
May 29,
10 p.m. Sheerness. |
Major N. Darell to Williamson. About six o'clock this evening
came in here the Henry and Katharine very much torn and disabled, which were both taken by the enemy and were some time in
their possession, till by the bravery of Capt. Strickland and the
courage of the master, lieutenant, carpenter, gunner, and purser of
the Henry, the ship was regained, as did the boatswain and gunner
of the Katherine, the only two officers left, who, animating their
men by cheering them for God and King Charles, at once forced
the enemy overboard and bravely saved their ship. They left his
Royal Highness's squadron and the French to windward of the enemy
at about three, in a very good condition. The enemy consumed
fifteen fireships about the Royal James, the Henry, and the
Katharine. A Scotchman among the Dutch sailors that boarded
the Katharine, at her recovery by our men, was taken with a
match in his hand, attempting to blow up the ship, but was prevented, whom I have sent for ashore for the better securing him,
till I receive commands what to do with him. Capt. Digby is
killed, Sir John Chicheley with 150 men was forced aboard the
enemy while the ship was in their possession, the brunt of the
battle falling on them so hard by reason of fireships that they were
forced either to yield (which saved them) or burn. Mr. Roger
Vaughan lies dead on board the Katharine, and one of the Howards, whom we suppose to be Lord Henry Howard's son. I have
given orders for both their bodies to be deposited in Queenborough
Church, till their friends take further order about them, Mr. Digby's
own servants having taken order about him. [2¼ pages. S.P. Dom.,
Car. II. 310, No. 41.] |
May 29,
9 a.m. Chatham. |
Col. Sir Thomas Middleton to Williamson. A man just come to me
tells me he spoke with a man that saw the Dutch fleet about four
yesterday morning under sail and bearing away to ours, being at
anchor, but ours immediately weighed, and about six the fleets met
and engaged. Guns were heard at Sheerness all yesterday and
part of the night. [Ibid. No. 42.] |
May 29,
12 at night. |
The same to the same. Mr. Gregory, returning just now from
Sheerness, tells me the Henry and Royal Katharine are come in
there this evening in a very shattered condition, both having been
miraculously recovered from the Dutch. Sir John Chicheley is
carried away prisoner, and Col. Digby killed. The report on board
them was that the Earl of Sandwich is killed and the Royal James
burnt. When they left the fleet, his Royal Highness, having left
the Prince by reason of her maintopmast being shot by the board,
and put himself on board the St. Michael, was to windward of the
enemy, who fought away S.E. Many ships were on fire. The Zealand squadron attacked the French very briskly, who received them
with equal gallantry. [Ibid. No. 43.] |
May 29,
12.30 p.m. Deal. |
Morgan Lodge to Williamson. To-day came into the Downs a
ketch from the fleet which gives this account: The Dutch fleet,
being to the northward of Sole Bay, and having the wind of our
fleet, engaged them. Our fleet first engaged the grand body of the
Dutch, the French lay up on purpose to engage a squadron by
themselves. At length the Zealand squadron engaged them, which
engagement grew very hot for most of the day; but at last, our
English worsting (as they supposed) the grand body of the Dutch,
made all the sail they could to the assistance of the French, who
were so deeply engaged that many ships were burnt and sunk on
both sides. The French behaved themselves very well. He saw a
third, fourth, and fifth-rate, being disabled in their masts, making
into Harwich. When he left the fleet at six last night he saw all
our English flagships in safety in pursuit of the Dutch. [S.P. Dom.,
Car. II. 310, No. 44.] |
May 29.
Deal. |
Richard Watts to Williamson. Till two or three yesterday afternoon the noise of the guns increased and came nigher to us, but afterwards further from us, which gave us great hopes that the Dutch
ran. A ketch that left the fleet last night is here, but brings no
certain news. [Ibid. No. 45.] |
May 29,
7 p.m. Dover Castle. |
Col. John Strode to Williamson. One Sweetland, a victualler of
this town, who left the fleet at seven last night, gives this account of
the engagement: Yesterday morning our scouts coming in betimes
gave the sign of the Dutch fleet being near, and immediately our
fleet weighed and with all sail made to them, and broke through
the Dutch fleet, cutting off the Zealand squadron, which engaged
the French, which was near two hours after our fleet was engaged.
The French were very hard put to it, but fought very bravely, and
the Comte d'Estrées had four or five ships upon him together, and
was also attacked with a fireship, which he saw him put off, and
burn astern of him. In the meantime our fleet dealt with the
body of the Dutch, breaking them in pieces and dispersing them,
and he saw several parts of the Dutch fleet, four or five in a company, mixed in our fleet, and our ships little regarded them, but,
when he came away, set all the sails they could, as he believes, to
cut off the van of their fleet, which was upon the run. The Zealanders still kept in a body, but made homewards, and the body of
the French with them, and also a good body of our fleet. The
Sovereign was the headmost in making all the sail they could to
the assistance of the French, for they fought about three or four
miles distance from our fleet, which plainly shows that the Holland fleet was totally ruined, as we could spare such a body as this
man tells me he saw make up to the Zealand squadron. He also
saw four ships burn, which he believed were fireships, but of which
side he cannot tell; but they did no execution. He also saw two
blow up, which he takes to be Hollanders, because they were the
windmost ships, and near a cannon shot out of our fleet. Just
now a French officer that came in a shallop from Calais desired
that if any French vessels come into our ports I will not suffer
them to harbour here, because there is a press of seamen in France,
and they believe they may harbour themselves here. Pray let me
have an order so to do. The master of the victualler says that the
Dutch fleet was more in number than ours, by the recruits they
brought with them from the Wielings. He saw all our flagships
well, and only three of our frigates that had lost their masts are
gone into Harwich. [2 pages. Ibid. No. 46.] |
May 29.
Whitchurch. |
Matthew Anderton to Williamson. Having been these holidays
in Shropshire, I write only to excuse my silence last post. [S.P.
Dom., Car. II. 310, No. 47.] |
| May 29. |
Reference to the Council for Trade and Foreign Plantations of
the petition of John Ayliffe, desiring the office of Clerk of the
Chancery in Barbados. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 37, p. 33.] |
May 29.
Whitehall. |
Prince Rupert to Capt. Silas Taylor. You are to take order that
whatever ships come into Harwich maimed or disabled be immediately sent up the river to be refitted, the King wishing all ships
to be repaired in the river. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 39, p. 36.] |
May 29,
7 p.m. Whitehall. |
The Earl of Arlington to Major Darell. You are to order a vessel to
lie a little off the fort, at the entrance into the river, with directions to warn all maimed and disabled ships coming from the fleet
to turn into the Swale, where they are to be repaired, and not to
proceed up into the river. [Ibid. p. 37.] |
May 29,
8 p.m. |
The Earl of Arlington to Ralph Rabett, Aldeburgh. To the same
effect. [Ibid.] |
May 29,
8 p.m. |
The Earl of Arlington to Silas Taylor, Harwich. To the same
effect. [Ibid. p. 38.] |
May 29.
Victualling Office, London. |
Josiah Child and B. Gauden to the Navy Commissioners. Informing them that they are not in a condition to victual the
Holmes, or any other ship at that port, till they are enabled by
money to make new provisions. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 113.] |
May 29,
betwixt 3 and 4 p.m. Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to the same. (News of the battle, the same as in
his second letter of the same date.) I have much more trouble
without stores now, than I had with them, the last war. His
Royal Highness says I have stores. The Unity is much unladen;
the lifting of the tides towards the full of the moon will give us a
sight of her keel. Capt. Ernle and Capt. Watson, before sealing
this, came on shore, and relate their wants of masts, rigging, sails
and boats, and the leakiness of their vessels, so neither they know
what to do, nor I to advise. 'Tis said the Dutch cut away the
buoys in the Gunfleet. [Ibid. No. 114.] |
May 29.
Harwich. |
Edward Bond to the same. The 23rd I sailed hence to the fleet
with 110 able men, who were all disposed of on their respective ships,
and the 27th I was ordered here again, where I am, with my vessel
laden with beer for the fleet, ready to sail the first opportunity.
[Ibid. No. 115.] |
May 29.
The Guinea, Portsmouth Harbour. |
Capt. Thomas Trafford to the same. Proposing Thomas Marks,
who by the enclosed certificate is very able for the post, as master,
and stating that he especially wants a lieutenant and purser.
[Ibid. No. 116.] Enclosed, |
|
The said certificate, of the same date, by Richard Hodges and
William Dale. [Ibid. No. 116i.] |
May 29.
The Success, in the Rolling Grounds. |
Capt. George Watson to the same. We arrived here disabled,
having had our foremast and foretopmast, with our foreyard and
spritsail-yard, shot away. We also received three shot under
water, and had five feet of water in the hold, so that we were forced
to bring our ship on the careen to stop our leaks, and not being
able to keep company with the fleet, were forced to put in here for
recruits, which I hope you will order, if they be in these stores, and
if not, order us to go where they are. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325,
No. 117.] |
| May 29. |
Roger Thompson to Sir Thomas Allin. At Capt. Wettwang's
instigation recommending the Leopard of Newcastle, in which neither
he nor the captain has any interest, as a fireship. [Ibid. No. 118.] |
| May 29. |
Notes of licences to the following persons for the following
places:— |
|
S.P. Dom., En. Bk. 38A, Page |
Name. |
Place. |
Denomination. |
|
141 |
Richard Coore |
His house in Tonge, Yorkshire |
Antinomian. |
|
141 |
Samuel Shelmardine |
House of Henry Wigley, Cromford, Derbyshire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
142 |
William Blyth and John Wood. |
Their houses, parish of Norton,
Derbyshire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
142 |
Edward Pryme |
His house, Sheffield |
Presbyterian. |
|
142 |
Matthew Bloome |
House of Arthur Powell, Attercliffe, Yorkshire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
142 |
James Briscoe |
Meeting house, Toxteth Park,
Lancashire. |
Congregational. |
|
142 |
Edmund Taylor and George Lisle. |
Their houses at Witham, Essex |
Presbyterian. |
|
143 |
John Jacob, Edward Hyrst, Zachary Lee, Thomas Scott, all of Canterbury. |
General |
Congregational. |
|
143 |
John Shuttlewood, Lubbenham, Leicestershire. |
General |
Presbyterian. |
|
143 |
Matthew Clerke, Market Harborough, Leicestershire. |
General |
Presbyterian. |
|
143 |
Robert Barker |
House of James March, parish
of St. Clement's, Eastcheap,
London. |
Congregational. |
|
143 |
John Hopping of Christow, Devon. |
General |
Presbyterian. |
|
144 |
John Lucas |
House of John Munford, parish
of St. Peter's in the Market,
Norwich. |
Presbyterian. |
|
144 |
Nathaniel Stephens, sen. |
His house, Stokegolden (golding), Leicestershire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
144 |
James Sutton |
His house, Banbury |
Presbyterian. |
|
144 |
Joshua Heed (Steed) |
His house, Cleeve, Gloucestershire. |
Congregational. |
|
145 |
Jonathan Smith |
His house, Tedbury, Gloucestershire. |
Congregational. |
|
145 |
Henry Collett and Thomas Skey. |
Their houses, Tewkesbury |
Congregational. |
|
145 |
Edward Hancock |
House of John Skrine, Bathford, Somerset. |
Congregational. |
|
145 |
Thomas Casse |
His house, Keesall (Kersall),
Notts. |
Congregational. |
|
146 |
Theophilus Burton |
His house, Swinderby, Lincolnshire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
146 |
John Collines |
House of James Best, Duke's
Place, London. |
Congregational. |
|
146 |
Richard Stretton |
House of Frances Richardson,
Cawood, Yorkshire |
Presbyterian. |
|
146 |
Henry Snoath |
House of Thomas Hooker, Boughton, Kent. |
Anabaptist. |
|
146 |
Richard Kingsnoth |
His house, Staplehurst, Kent |
Anabaptist. |
|
146 |
Robert Knight |
House of John Hopper, Headcorn, Kent. |
Anabaptist. |
|
147 |
Daniel Kingsnoth |
House of Thomas Hills, Charing, Kent. |
Anabaptist. |
|
147 |
Thomas Kingsnoth |
His house, Frittenden, Kent |
Anabaptist. |
|
147 |
Francis Cornewell |
His house, Marden, Kent. |
Anabaptist. |
|
147 |
Henry Kingsnoth |
House of Walter Gilham, Smarden, Kent. |
Anabaptist. |
|
147 |
Simon Atkinson |
House of William Sanderson,
Heskett, Cumberland. |
Congregational. |
|
147 |
Thomas Root |
House of Samuel Goodall,
Bremely, Leeds. |
Presbyterian. |
|
147 |
William Hunt |
His house, Sutton, Isle of Ely |
Presbyterian. |
|
148 |
William Birchall |
His house, Wentworth, Isle of
Ely. |
Presbyterian. |
|
148 |
George Hare of Chattrey (Chatteris), Isle of Ely. |
General |
Presbyterian. |
|
148 |
James Jordain |
His house, Higham, Suffolk |
Presbyterian. |
|
148 |
Theophilus Tincombe |
His house, Lostwithiel, Cornwall. |
Presbyterian. |
|
148 |
Otho Whitehorne |
His house at Lower Trevethan,
St. Mervin, Cornwall. |
Presbyterian. |
|
148 |
William Knapman |
His house, Padstow, Cornwall |
Presbyterian. |
|
148 |
Nathaniel Lamb of York. |
General |
Presbyterian. |
|
149 |
Thomas Spademan |
His house, North Ferryby, Lincolnshire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
149 |
James Duncanson |
His house, Selby, Yorkshire |
Presbyterian. |
|
149 |
John Man |
House of [Katharine] Pecke,
Abingdon, Berks. |
Anabaptist. |
|
149 |
John Coomes |
House of [Katharine] Pecke,
Abingdon, Berks. |
Anabaptist |
| May 29. |
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. |
|
142 |
House of Robert Cliffe, Wold, Derbyshire |
Presbyterian. |
|
142, 143 |
Houses of William Smyth and William Right, Kenilworth. |
Presbyterian. |
|
143 |
House of Robert Basse, Market Harborough, Leicestershire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
143 |
House of James Towers, Cobham, Surrey |
Presbyterian. |
|
143 |
House of James Bradford, Guildford |
Presbyterian. |
|
143 |
House of Richard Lodge, Sandhurst, Berks |
Presbyterian. |
|
143 |
House of George Bridges, Godalming, Surrey |
Presbyterian. |
|
143 |
House of John Morley, parish of St. Martin's of the
Oak, Norwich. |
Presbyterian. |
|
144 |
House of Thomas Sanders, Little Ireton, Derbyshire |
Presbyterian. |
|
144 |
House of Nathaniel Stephens, jun., Higham, Leicestershire. |
Presbyterian. |
|
144 |
House of Abigail Do[w]el, Stokegolden, Leicestershire |
Presbyterian. |
|
144 |
House of John Darby, Drayton, Leicestershire |
Presbyterian. |
|
145 |
House of William Blundston, Sandyacre, Derbyshire |
Presbyterian. |
|
146 |
House of Matthew Shepardson, North Collingham, Notts |
Independent. |
|
146 |
House of William Pickard, Woodburgh, Notts |
Independent. |
|
147 |
House of Samuel Ellison, Leeds |
Presbyterian. |
|
148 |
House of Andrew Trevill, at Eathe in St. Winnow,
Cornwall. |
Presbyterian. |
| May 29. |
Receipt by Richard Lucas for a licence for John Lucas of Norwich, at the houses of John Morley and John Munford there.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 321, No. 279.] |
| May 29. |
Receipt by R. Nisbett for licences for Mr. Denton, Mr. Lamb,
and Mr. Sturr, and for the house of the last. [Ibid. No. 280.] |
| [Before May 29.] |
Request by R. Nisbett for a general licence for Nathaniel Lamb
of York, and for Lady Bethell's house at Aulne, Yorkshire. [Ibid.
No. 281.] |
| [Before May 29.] |
Request for a licence for John Lucas, Presbyterian, at the houses
of John Munford and John Morley at Norwich. [Ibid. No. 282.] |
| [Before May 29.] |
Request by William Blundston, Presbyterian, Sandyacre, Derbyshire, for a licence for his house. [Ibid. No. 283.] |
| [Before May 29.] |
Request by Dorman Newman for licences for the houses of
George Bridges, Godalming; Thomas Bradford, Guildford; James
Towers, Cobham; and Richard Lodge, Sandhurst. [Ibid. No. 284.] |
| [Before May 29.] |
Request by Timothy Cloudsley for licences for Richard Stretton,
at Mrs. Frances Richardson's house, Cawood, Yorkshire, and for
James Duncanson and Thomas Spademan, at their houses at Selby
and North Ferryby, all Presbyterians. [Ibid. No. 285.] |
| [Before May 29.] |
Request for licences for the seven Anabaptist ministers in Kent to
whom licences were noted as granted ante, pp. 99, 100. [Ibid.
No. 286.] |
| [Before May 29.] |
Request for a licence for Samuel Ogden, Presbyterian, at the
house of Thomas Sandars, Little Ireton, Derbyshire. [Ibid.
No. 287.] |
| [Before May 29.] |
Note of request for licences for James Sutton, Banbury, and for
Nathaniel Stephens, sen., Stokegolden, Leicestershire, for himself and
his house, and for the houses of Nathaniel Stephens, jun., Higham,
Leicestershire; Abigail Do[w]el Stokegolden, and John Darby,
Drayton, Leicestershire. [Ibid. No. 288.] |
| [Before May 29.] |
Request for licences for George Lisle and Edmund Taylor, Presbyterians, and for their houses at Witham, Essex. [Ibid. No. 289.] |
| [Before May 29.] |
Request by John Light for licences for Thomas Scott, Zachary
Lee, Edward Hyrst, and John Jacob, all Congregational, and all of
Canterbury. [Ibid. No. 290.] |
| [After May 29.] |
Receipt by Israel Davis for the licences for the said Lisle and
Taylor and for their houses. [Ibid. No. 291.] |
| May 29. |
The King to Lord Berkeley, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Directing him to cause his successor, the Earl of Essex, to be sworn a
Privy Councillor. [S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 331, No. 75.] |
| May 30. |
Copy of the London Gazette of that date, being No. 681.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 310, No. 48.] |
May 30,
12 noon. |
Samuel Pepys to Williamson. As his work does not allow him
to budge a step from the office, requesting him to procure the
directions of the King or Prince, whether they should not hold their
hand in sending away the remainder of the soldiers at Gravesend,
and asking him to send word by the bearer if there is anything
fresh concerning the fleet. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 310, No. 49.] |
May 30.
Navy Office. |
The Navy Commissioners to Williamson. Enclosing a copy of
their letter to Sir Philip Honywood, and requesting him to signify
Lord Arlington's allowance or disallowance of its contents. Signed
by Viscount Brouncker, S. Pepys, Sir J. Ernle, and J. Tippetts.
[Ibid. No. 50.] Enclosed, |
May 30.
Navy Office. |
The Navy Commissioners to Sir P. Honywood. Mr. Steventon,
clerk of the cheque at Portsmouth, having communicated
to us a copy of Lord Arlington's order, directing the
sending up hither, to be disposed of by us, of all the pressed
men thenceforward brought to Portsmouth for the fleet—the
said order being grounded on the presumption of the fleet
being full manned, and it not appearing at that time to
his Majesty that not only the Dragon, but one of the hired
merchantmen remain at Portsmouth in want of men, and
that till they are supplied they will be in no condition for
serving at sea—we advise you to respite the execution of that
order, until the said ships be manned, unless you receive
directions from his lordship to the contrary. [Ibid.
No. 50i.] |
May 30.
Whitby. |
Allan Wharton to James Hickes. Last Sunday passed by
northwards seven sail, last Monday above 40, last Tuesday
seventeen, and yesterday and to-day but two, four of which are
thought to be pickaroons. Not one vessel of this town has been lost,
though divers private men-of-war are said to be on these coasts.
[Ibid. No. 51.] |
May 30.
Bridlington. |
T. Aslaby to James Hickes. Two fisher boats that left Sister
Churches, twenty miles southward of this, on Tuesday night, say
that that morning they heard great shooting to the southward, from
sunrise till ten, and the same is confirmed from Hull and all along
the coast. A Scotch dogger that left this last night was forced
ashore by a Dutch caper of ten to twelve guns, which sent his boat
and set fire to her, the master and men escaping ashore. About ten
this morning we saw the caper, with an English ensign and jack
set, spying two vessels riding before the harbour. He stood in, but
we sent off a boat to warn them, whereon they came into harbour,
and the caper stood off to sea. It is a long vessel, not unlike the
Merlin galley, and broad sterned. [Ibid. No. 52.] |
May 30.
The St. Andrew. |
Relation of Mr. Price, chaplain of the St. Andrew. The Dutch
appearing in view betwixt four and five in the morning, we immediately endeavoured to draw up into a line as much as we could. We
encountered about six, the Dutch having the weather gage, the
French falling to leeward. Lord Sandwich discharged the first
gun, and was entertained by De Ruyter's squadron. After a sharp
dispute, the Dutch body having cut a passage betwixt the Red and
the Blue, Sir Joseph Jordain having gotten the weather gage,
encountered a considerable part of De Ruyter's division for above
an hour, when, being disabled, he bore off to windward, and
remained in that posture till late in the afternoon. In this station
succeeded Sir John Kempthorne with his division, undertaking, from
nine in the morning till past nine at night, without any considerable
intermission, De Ruyter in person, three other flagmen, and most of
the day a division of 25, never under twelve or fourteen, still
keeping the weather gage, got about nine in the morning, the Dutch
continually giving back. About eight at night the fireship of the
St. Andrew attacked De Ruyter, and, missing him, fell upon his
second, and though twice grasped, yet still unsuccessful and beaten
off. Our division saw two of sufficient bulk taken, several sunk
hard by, two of 80 guns disabled, but by reason of her sails torn,
her tackling shot a pieces, could not cut them off, but presuming the
Red or White Squadron at the back of the enemy, bore alone
with our division of seven or eight twice through the enemy, till
finding, instead of the Red or White, missing all day, a fresh
squadron of Dutch, and De Ruyter bearing up to join, it being full
10 p.m., tacked about and joined some of the Red, meeting in all
that night about 30. Next morning the French joined in very
good equipage, their sails whole, their tackling repaired. The
enemy lost—taken, sunk, and burnt—fourteen or sixteen; we, the
Royal James, with the Earl of Sandwich and most of his men,
burnt, as is supposed, by his own fire, the Royal Katharine
re-taken by her own men. His Royal Highness was at night in the
St. Michael, though next morning in the Prince again, as also
De Ruyter fought in the evening in another ship than what we
observed in the morning. The Prince lost Sir John Cox, and we
find missing Sir John Holmes, Hollys, Capt. Hannam, Capt. Digby,
and Capt. Pierce. Their respective ships and the whole fleet joined
and ready by noon to undertake the Dutch then appearing, we
riding some twelve leagues off Orfordness. Within an hour or two
after arose a fog, and continued some two hours. Next morning,
Thursday, the wind high. [2 pages. 2 copies. S.P. Dom.,
Car. II. 310, Nos. 53, 54.] |
May 30,
5.30 p.m. Aldeburgh. |
Ralph Rabett to Williamson. I received Lord Arlington's order
to get a vessel to ride off at sea to prevent all disabled ships from
coming in here or to Harwich, but to order them to go directly into
the river to the Swale. Though I have not his order for it, I
have got a pilot, in case they should be destitute of one, for the
Henry; the Katharine and the York, in which Capt. Ellyot went,
took pilots. I have also a vessel and men which will be at sea
to-night. A French ship, a Vice-Admiral, and the Rainbow, as is
supposed, were noticed to-day standing in for Harwich, it being a
handsome gale. If they be not in Harwich but in Hoosily
(Hollesley) Bay, I shall order them to the river. To-day came in a
townsman who belonged to the Royal James, who with fourteen
more escaped with their lives by a boat. They say they sank a
man-of-war and three fireships before she was burnt. Sir Henry
Felton came ashore here last night, who brought news of great loss
the Dutch have. I promised the master and men to see them paid,
so must apply for an order for their satisfaction. [S.P. Dom.,
Car. II. 310, No. 55.] |
May 30,
12 noon. Landguard. |
Sir C. Lyttelton to Williamson. Since my express to Lord
Arlington last night we have heard nothing from the fleet. The
packet I mentioned as sent me from Sole Bay was dated the 27th
at midnight. It is a mighty unhappiness that there is nothing at
Harwich to refit the disabled ships that come in. If there were,
they might have been out again ere this. Fox is gone. [Ibid.
No. 56.] |
May 30,
7 p.m. Landguard. |
The same to the same. Since noon have anchored in Ozely
(Hollesley) Bay a Rear-Admiral of the White, and a second-rate,
as we guess of the Red, but no boat from them, nor can any get to
them, it blows so hard, which, questionless, will keep them from
fighting, and, it's believed, will so disperse both fleets that neither
will be able to keep in any considerable body, and this wind and
sea will make all damaged ships glad to get into harbour. The wind
blows hard at N.E. Postscript.—The Greenwich and the Dutch prize
are riding by these ships. [Ibid. No. 57.] |
May 30,
1 p.m. Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to Williamson. The engagement was very hot on
Tuesday. I have heard several relations of it, but they do not well
agree. Those of the Blue observed not the Red, nor perhaps the
White neither of them sometimes. I can add little to my account
of yesterday. Yesterday the Royal Katharine and the Henry
passed by us to the river. The Greenwich with a taken Dutch manof-war is in Hoasley (Hollesley) Bay. The Dover and Success,
disabled in their masts and hulls, are off Landguard. This morning
they were ordered to the river and sent to me for pilots. I could
get them but one. The Victory is also in Hoasley Bay with Lord
Ossory, stopping her very many leaks, and is reported to have 82
wounded on board. The Earl of Sandwich was killed long before
the firing of the Royal James. Capt. Haddock with some others
escaped, boats being sent to take them up. Capt. Digby having
destroyed two fireships, and seeing a third come on, stepping
forward to the fireboom to encourage his men to put off the fireship, was shot with a small shot in the breast and died. Sir John
Cox and Capt. Waterworth also slain; Sir John Chicheley taken
prisoner. Captains Bennet and Vaughan slain, and some say Capt.
Bromley. The marines, of whom I have so often written to you,
behaved stoutly. Our fleet were left yesterday about three in the
afternoon off Orfordness, twelve leagues E.S.E., not very far from the
Galloper. We had the weather gage and bore directly on the
Dutch, our flag of defiance out, the Dutch standing towards us,
but a sudden fog hindered. It blows a fresh gale E. A Dutch
ship is sunk off Orfordness, and two Dutch boys, that belonged to
her, taken up swimming and brought to this town. There also
came in this morning a small vessel belonging to the fleet, that had
taken up many Dutchmen, swimming for their lives, belonging to
other sunk ships. I hear of none but the Royal James burnt,
and one more lost, and the Resolution missing. [S.P. Dom.,
Car. II. 310, No. 58.] Enclosed, |
May 30.
The Dover. |
Capt. John Ernle to Silas Taylor. He and Capt. Watson
having been ordered to Chatham, requesting him to send a
couple of pilots. The Duke is very well, and has got the
weather gage of the enemy. The English have lost no more
than what he has already heard of, but the Dutch losses come to
about 40. Yesterday, about two, the flag of defiance was out,
the Duke bearing with the enemy. [Ibid. No. 58i.] |
May 30,
3 p.m. The Victory, at the Buoy of the Nore. |
Lord O'Brien to Williamson. The Duke very well yesterday,
and returned aboard the Prince. He stood then up with the whole
fleet towards the Dutch, who were within less than two leagues of
him. Our fleet had got the weather gage. Lord Sandwich aboard
the Duke and well; Sir John Chicheley and his lieutenant prisoners.
Digby and Hollis dead, Lord Maidstone killed, some more Lords
killed on board the Prince, it may be the Earl of Pet[erborough]
is one. I wrote to Rillaston to send me money, having but 29 of
the 100 guineas my lady gave me. Pray let him or somebody
come with some to us. We have sent our ship up the river, and
my lord and we are going aboard the Revenge with 50 seamen,
and as fast as we can make again into them. The Falcon and our
fireship go with us. I hope we shall come as a recruit in good
time. Hollis' company is now vacant, but do you and my wife use
your discretion. Postscript.—Pray let someone come to Sheerness,
where he will find my page with some of my things aboard the
Victory, to carry them up. My lord has resolved to go with his
ship to Sheerness, and not to stir till the bearer returns. Therefore
I expect Rillaston to come post to me. [Ibid. No. 59.] |
May 30.
Sheerness. |
Major N. Darell to Williamson. On the receipt of Lord
Arlington's letter I sent to Queenborough to hire a vessel to lie
some distance off the fort to order any maimed vessels that come
in to go to the Swale, where they shall be repaired. I have sent
the bearer to Lord Arlington to receive the King's commands about
the Scotchman I wrote to you of last night. He is a worthy
gentleman, and the oldest lieutenant in our regiment, so I beg your
assistance in his favour, he having been in the last engagement
with the Duke, and four companies being now vacant in his
Royal Highness's regiment—Capt. Bromley's, Capt. Vaughan's,
Capt. Digby's, and Capt. Bennett's. My company sticks at 60,
though all the companies in England are made up to a hundred.
The King and his Royal Highness promised it should be filled up,
as did Prince Rupert when he was here. I hope the reasonableness
of it will make Lord Arlington move it to the King, as all the
duty has lain on me with that small number these two years,
till last winter Sir Bourchier Wray's company has given me some
help, which likewise is but 60, and ought to be made up to a
hundred. [2 pages. Ibid. No. 60.] |
May 30,
9 p.m. Sheerness. |
Capt. Anthony Deane to Williamson. I find the Henry and
Royal Katharine such a spectacle for damage of masts, yards, and
rigging as I never yet saw so bad. The York I find better, which I
am glad of, for a second bout is my pains, which I shall never think ill
bestowed, if effected. Upon discourse with the officers they agree
the French fleet fought very well, and that at four on Tuesday afternoon we had the weather gage, and by seven, seventeen fires were
seen, and they do not doubt but it is now our time of success. Capt.
Elliot says he doubts it not in the least, and that Lord Howard's son
is well, and Lord Sandwich slain. I hope your news is better, which
said he was well. Just now we have news from the Charles—come
to the Nore without Sir John Harman, who shifted ships—that the
Duke is well, and the Dutch fleet dispersed and we in pursuit. [S.P.
Dom., Car. II. 310, No. 61.] |
May 30.
Deal. |
Richard Watts to Williamson. A ketch arrived this afternoon
says that yesterday they fought also, that the Royal James was
fired, and that the Royal Katharine and Henry were at the Buoy of
the Nore. [Ibid. No. 62.] |
May 30,
10 p.m. Portsmouth. |
Hugh Salesbury to Williamson. Acknowledging his letter announcing that the fleets were engaged. The Eagle with a fireship
is now at Spithead. The Pearl, from the fleet bound for Ireland,
hauls ashore to-night to be cleaned. [Ibid. No. 63.] |
May 30.
Truro. |
Hugh Acland to James Hickes. Since my last we have not been
troubled with any of the Dutch privateers. The wind continues
easterly. [Ibid. No. 64.] |
| May 30. |
Advices received that day about the fleet, being extracts from
letters of the 28th all previously calendared. [Two copies. Ibid.
Nos. 65, 66.] |
May 30.
Whitehall. |
Sir James Hayes to the Navy Commissioners. Desiring them to
attend his Highness next morning that he may inform himself of
what has been done in pursuance of the several orders he has sent
them. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 119.] |
May 30.
Victualling Office. |
Sir T. Littleton, Josiah Child, and B. Gauden to the same. In
answer to theirs of the 29th ordering harbour victuals for 300 men to
be provided at Sheerness, replying that such is their want of money
that they are unable to do anything without a further supply, as the
whole declaration for all the ports of England is likely to be fully
issued in a fortnight, and that for London is already exceeded, which
was never before known so early in the year. [Ibid. No. 120.] |
May 30.
Shields. |
Giles Bond to the same. Since my last Col. Villiers and the
Mayor have taken up another ship, the Constant Love of Newcastle,
the first not being convenient, to transport the 109 Scotch seamen
and the pilots to the fleet, and have supplied her with ten of his
Majesty's guns and ammunition. But few of the pilots are willing
to come, and to-day the Mayor has issued out warrants for their
appearance on board the ship to-morrow. I have written to James
Thompson, the Commissary of Scotland, to inquire when the rest
of the seamen may be expected. My vessel is here, and Col. Villiers
has directed her to stay for them. [Ibid. No. 121.] |
May 30.
Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to the Navy Commissioners. No money was imprested to me, that I know of, above these four years. If it be the
old account you order me to send, that has been long lodged in the
office and in Mr. Pointer's custody. I have bills to make good the
most part, and disbursements and dues the rest, but never could
get it so settled as to have out a bill on the balance of what is due
to me even from 1665, for which I was not very forward to press,
because I could never hear of any money assigned for the payment
of such bills, but I have much mistaken if a very considerable sum is
not due to me. Mr. Wren's two brethren came to me last night
from Southwold. Mr. Secretary, though very ill, would go on board
to wait on his Royal Highness last Tuesday. The Guernsey might
very well have taken the Prince's fishes and topmasts, but did not.
I have this morning charged Mr. Bond with them. The Unity is
lifted this spring tide so high that we question not at the ebb to
come at her keel. Mr. Bond is laden with beer out of her, and
another vessel has been ordered to her that will unlade the remainder. I delivered him your enclosure that came in mine, and he
hopes he shall be quickly fitted again. I have received two expresses from Lord Arlington to send all the maimed vessels into the
river, and ordering me to have a vessel always out to give notice of
this order. (Other news the same as in his other letter of the same
date.) [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 122.] |
May 30,
The Unity, Harwich. |
George Roberts to the same. Acknowledging their letters of the
23rd and 28th, informing them of the steps he has been taking to
unload his stores and provisions and send them to the fleet, and
desiring to know, when he is ready to start, whether he is to go to
the fleet or to Deptford. [Ibid. No. 123.] |
May 30.
Chatham. |
Sir T. Allin and Col. Sir T. Middleton to the same. On my coming
down we sent for the master shipwright and others concerned, and
now lay before you our apprehended wants for the present service,
which we desire you would hasten down: Mastmakers the greatest
part, and the rest carpenters—120. If Mr. Gray be appointed to come
down to work with twenty by themselves, it may make the yardmen
mend their pace. Caulkers to be sent down, 30. John Daniell,
formerly carpenter to the Golden Hand, is desired as a fit man to
deliver out stores at Sheerness to the carpenters, and also a fit man
to act as purser or steward, to deliver petty-warrant victuals
to them. Five hundred hammocks for the carpenters' lodging, and
1,000 more to lay in store, there being but 40 here. That you
would order our supply with all the Holland cordage from the Prize
Office, with the spars or deals, and also what cordage can be spared
from Woolwich. That you would contract for and send down about
40 water boats and pinnaces for first, second and third rates. That
we may also be supplied with 500 loads of sprucia deals, and 500
loads of four, three, and two inch plank. We are just now going to
Sheerness. [Ibid. No. 124.] |
| May 30. |
John Boutwell, late master caulker at Mahon, to the same.
Entreating the payment of wages long due to himself and the other
caulkers lately employed at Mahon. [Ibid. No. 125.] |
May 30.
The Rainbow, Oazley (Hollesley) Bay. |
Capt. James Story to Sir T. Allin, or in his absence to any of the
Navy Commissioners. About eight last night I attended his Royal
Highness on board the Prince. He was in good health, and
received by me an account of the maimed condition of the Rainbow,
which received divers desperate shots betwixt wind and water, with
loss of her forecap and maintopmast, and near 80 men, some killed
and others wounded, so that we have not above 30 able seamen with
officers left. He commanded me to lie by him last night, but in the
morning, much to my grief, I found that, notwithstanding at least
twelve hours' earnest labour at our pumps, the water did and does
increase upon us, and therefore I was sadly forced to leave the
fleet at about five this morning. Last evening we were in sight of
the Dutch fleet, having the weather gage, but forebore to engage, it
being near night; and about eight, being about seven leagues from
the Flemish shore, the wind N.N.E., the Duke stood to keep the
weather gage, and about four this morning tacked towards them
again. I have not heard any guns to-day, which induces me to
believe the enemy have declined the engagement, especially if they
could fetch their own harbours. I am now sending my pinnace
ashore for a pilot. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 126.] |
| May 30. |
Receipt by John Warr for a licence for Henry Butler at Elias
Barnes' house at Yeovil. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 321, No. 292.] |
May 30.
Whitehall. |
The King to the Commissioners of the Treasury in Scotland.
Warrant for payment of an allowance of 50l. sterling per diem to
the Duke of Lauderdale, Commissioner to the Parliament, for his
expenses from 27 May, the date of his departure, till the date of his
return. [S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 2, p. 45.] |
May 30.
Whitehall. |
Warrant for a charter in favour of Patrick, Earl of Kinghorn,
and his heirs male and of tailzie, of the title of honour and dignity
and of certain lands, baronies, &c., therein contained, proceeding on the
resignation of the said Earl and others above named, and for a
dimission of the benefices of the preceptory of Balgounie-Eassie
and chaplainry of Baike, in the hands of the Commissioners of the
Exchequer in Scotland, and a confirmation of all rights of the said
Earl and his predecessors of the lands therein mentioned, with a
new gift thereof to the said Earl, and with an alteration of the
designation of the Castle of Huntley to Castle Lyon, and also
containing a dissolution of the lands holding of the said preceptory
and chaplainry therefrom, and a dissolution of the patronage of
certain kirks from the lands whereunto they were formerly
annexed, and an union thereof to other lands, with an erection of
the towns of Glamis and Longforgound into two burghs of barony
and a grant of weekly markets and of two yearly fairs therein,
reserving nevertheless the life-rent of the Countess of Kinghorn of the
lands whereto she is provided, and incorporating the lands of the
said Earl in the shires of Forfar, Kincardine, Banff, and Aberdeen
into the lordship of Glamis, and his lands in Perthshire into the
lordship of Lyon, and his lands in Fifeshire into the barony
of Kinghorn, and all into a free earldom and lordship and barony
to be called the earldom of Kinghorn and lordship of Lyon
and Glamis, with a change of the wardlands into taxt ward and
a change of the wardlands of the earldom of Buchan into taxt
ward; and whereas the said Earl has right to the said Earldom of
Buchan for warrandice and relief of cautionry and as having
apprised the same, therefore his Majesty declares that the taxt
duties above written shall only be payable by the said Earl
of Kinghorn after he obtains possession of the said earldom
of Buchan. [Docquet. S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 2, p. 46.] |
May 30.
Whitehall. |
Warrant for a patent creating Sir Alexander Hope of Kerse, and
his heirs male and their descendants in a right line, baronets
of Scotland. [Ibid. p. 48.] |
May 30.
Whitehall. |
Warrant for the presentation of John Paterson, chaplain in
ordinary to his Majesty in Scotland, to the deanery of Edinburgh,
void by the promotion of Robert Lowrie to the bishopric of
Brechin. [Ibid.] |
May 30.
Whitehall. |
Warrants for the appointment of Dr. Thomas Burnett and
Dr. Hay as two of his Majesty's physicians in ordinary in
Scotland, the first in place of Dr. Martin of Strendrie, deceased.
[Ibid. pp. 50, 52.] |
May 30.
Whitehall. |
The King to the Treasury Commissioners in Scotland. Warrant
for payment of 50l. sterling to Hugh Fisher, trumpeter, the
same having been ordered to be paid to him by the late King
in 1648, in consideration of his great pains at that time in riding
frequently post between Newcastle and London in the said King's
service, and having never been paid by reason of the great troubles
that happened thereafter. [Ibid. p. 53.] |
May 30.
Whitehall. |
Warrant for the appointment of Paul Toolen, a trumpeter of the
Life Guards in Scotland, as one of his Majesty's ordinary trumpeters
there, in place of Alexander Ferguson, deceased. [Ibid. p. 54.] |
May 30.
Whitehall. |
Memorials of protection in the ordinary form to Sir James
Murray of Skeerling for two years, to John Mackenzie of Inverlaell
for three years, and to John Wilkie for two years. [Ibid. p. 56.] |
| May 31. |
Narrative in Williamson's hand. We are still expecting what
has followed since the action of Tuesday. It is certain the Dutch
had a great advantage by the wind all that day, till about five or
six that part of our fleet weathered them, but it is as notorious
they used it very faintly and weakly. They fell ungenerously
on the Royal James, who, being the windermost ship and a good
sailer, got so deep into their fleet that she never had less than three
or four of their stoutest ships on her, which yet she continued to
keep off, having sunk two fireships that were laying her aboard.
At last a great ship, having crossed her hawse and so continued
many hours, though miserably torn by the few guns the James
could place on her, made way for a great fireship disguised as a
man-of-war, which came and fastened on her. The Earl fought
most bravely, and never was a greater action than that ship did,
only being so much to windward none of his division could come
up to rescue him. It's not certain whether the Earl has escaped or
not. Capt. Haddock, his master, who did incomparably well, is
escaped a litttle hurt, but says the Dutch in all this advantage dared
not lie by them or abide their cannon. The Henry, following his
Admiral as his second, fought stoutly and sank two fireships. At
the assault of the third, Capt. Digby, running to the boom to prepare to receive her, was shot in the breast, which occasioned the taking
of her. But in a moment the English recovered their spirits, and
mastering the Dutch on board, forced them overboard, and brought
her off bravely. The like befell the Royal Katharine, whose
captain and several other officers being taken and carried away
prisoners, she bravely recovered her liberty and is ready to put to
sea. The brunt of the day lay on this Blue Squadron, when the
St. Andrew, Rear-Admiral Sir J. Kempthorne, commander, at last
got the wind, as did also the Sovereign, Sir J. Jordain, Vice-Admiral,
and fell into the Dutch with infinite fury. The former certainly
put off two fireships, and sank a Vice-Admiral, after he had been
oppressed with three or four for some hours. This the chaplain of
the St. Andrew assures us of. Other concurring parts of this action
we yet know not, more than that the Dutch immediately stood
away a course S.E. with all the sail they could towards the
Wielings, as soon as they perceived ours had got the weather gage
of them, and so continued till night. On the whole, we are certain
we have lost nothing but the Royal James, and that certainly the
enemy have lost two men-of-war of 50 guns each, brought into the
river, one sunk off Orford Ness, of what force not known, one flagship sunk after she had struck to the St. Andrew, and several burnt
whose names or force are not known yet. The chaplain of the
St. Andrew says confidently he saw in all of the enemy twelve or
fourteen taken, burnt, or sunk. Capt. Elliot of the York says he
saw seventeen fires at once, all the enemy's, save what fireships we
might have among them possibly. Thus ended Tuesday. Our
fleet, having got the wind, rallied on Wednesday, and at about eleven
or twelve were just ready in a most brave body to fall on the Dutch,
when a sudden and unusual fog fell, so that one was unable to
discern a ship's length. A while after it cleared, and then again
we made ready, but it proved too late in the day. The Duke had
his flag of defiance out three times that day to have fallen on, and
with great confidence of an entire victory, for it is certain and confessed by the commanders of the ships that had the hardest play,
that the Dutch did never abide our guns. We know not what has
since happened, but the wind seems to have been too high to do
anything, and the Dutch too near their shoals. His Royal Highness
was very hard laid at by the Dutch, but made it so hot for them,
that none durst lie by him. The Prince having lost her maintopmast by noon, the Duke changed into the St. Michael, and she
being leaky into the London, but Wednesday morning took the
Prince again. The French were observed to fight wonderfully
well, with good courage and in admirable order. On the whole the
enemy took an advantage which they knew not, or did not use as
brave men would have done. It was strange to see true barbarities
used by them. To direct the burning of the Royal Katharine with
all the poor men in her if the English should ever come near retaking her; to refuse quarter to poor people swimming for their lives,
as is witnessed by several, particularly Lord Sandwich's page, who
asked quarter as he swam by their vessels, but was for all that
most furiously shot at. Whatever we lost by not having the wind,
it is certain they had their disadvantage too in it, and that a considerable one, for their maimed ships, which are credibly affirmed
to have been many, fell still down among ours, and were as fast
burnt, sunk, or taken, and indeed we hear of several taken, so
maimed that our people were forced to sink them. We have but
seven in all come in maimed, and but one lost. [4½ pages. S.P.
Dom., Car. II. 310, No. 67.] |
| [May 31 ?] |
Notes by Williamson of events in the action. Capt. Wetwang
of the Edgar, having been lain aboard by a Dutch fireship brought
up by a great man-of-war, and his mainsail and maintopsail being
already on fire, he not only put off the fireship (the Dutch man-ofwar laughing at his endeavours to clear himself), and cut away his
own sails that were on fire, but bore up bravely to the man-of-war,
and immediately took her, but she was so mauled already that she
sank shortly. The captain is now on board Capt. Wetwang.—
Twenty-two fireships spent.—The ship that laid Lord Sandwich on
board swang off and presently sank.— A man-of-war taken by the
Greenwich and brought into the river of 70 guns, though she had
but 48 or 50 on board at present. Upon her is a person who seems
of considerable condition, one of the States, as they say, but his
name will not be confessed by any of the ship's company.—A great
ship sunk downright close by the Victory.—The ship sank, as she
was coming in towards Orford Ness. [Ibid. No. 68.] |
May 31.
London. |
A. Ellis to Williamson. I send herewith Mr. Tucker's letter of
Rotterdam concerning the money remitted to him, and the
condition of our prisoners there, and how far he has proceeded
therein. When some resolution is taken therein, if you command
me I shall press the affair vigorously by means of our packet
masters. You mentioned inserting something in the Gazette
touching provision made for English mariners in Holland, which
certainly will be prudent, and I can cause them to be very
well dispersed. If you command me anything further to Mr.
Tucker, please return me the letter. They of Holland have now
twice together left behind, to the end certainly that if we have any
correspondence there, the use of the timely advice should be
prevented. [1¼ page. Ibid. No. 69.] |
May 31.
Letter Office. |
The same to the same. Returning his despatch [to Sir John
Bankes], as though dated six yesternight, it was delivered but
this instant, and appears to have been opened, and it will be
time enough to go by to-night's ordinary. [Ibid. No. 70.] |
May 31.
The Prince. |
Thomas Billopp to Williamson. Yours of the 27th came to
Mr. Wren this afternoon by a messenger from Sir C. Lyttelton, who
returns with this. Mr. Wren's indisposition continues, and is made
worse by the blowing weather of these two or three days, which
occasioned his not answering you himself. His Royal Highness with
the fleet is going to Southwold Bay, where I hope we shall be
to-morrow. I hope you will pardon the trouble of the enclosed
letters, being pressed by such earnest solicitations that I cannot
withstand, especially at such a time, when everybody that
has relations on the fleet would be very glad to hear of their
welfare. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 310, No. 71.] |
May 31.
Newcastle. |
Anthony Isaacson to Williamson. A Hamburger who came in
yesterday, and left the Maes but on Monday last, heard guns
all Monday and Tuesday last. Wind for the last three days
and now N. and N.E. [Ibid. No. 72.] |
May 31.
Lynn. |
Edward Bodham to Williamson. Last night arrived two Danish
ships in fourteen days from Norway. But one Holland ship had
been to load there this year. Between Norway and the reef
several times two Scotch capers boarded them, and plundered them
of their victuals and apparel, which prevents them for taking
return of their lading in goods again, fearing the privateers should
take them. Wind yesterday and to-day N. to N.N.E. [Ibid.
No. 73.] |
May 31.
Yarmouth. |
Richard Bower to Williamson. An Ostender arriving about two
this afternoon fell in with our fleet on Wednesday morning. The
Dutch were about two leagues to leeward of them. About ten our
fleet bore up with them and began to fight them, and continued, he
says, the whole day, the wind being N.E., and he then judged
Ostend about ten leagues off to the S.E. and S.E. and by E., with a
lee tide. Another Ostender, arrived this evening, on Wednesday
heard the guns play all the afternoon, and on Thursday saw fourteen or fifteen disabled ships stand over for Harwich. [Ibid. No. 74.] |
May 31.
Southwold. |
John Wickens to James Hickes. About ten to-day the Elizabeth
smack came in from our fleet. The master informs me it was S.E.
of this place, and that since Tuesday they have not been engaged.
On Wednesday they were very near the Dutch and ready to fall on,
but sounding and finding so little water prevented it. He further
says that Capt. Cox, Sir Freschville Holles, the captain of the
Crown and captain and master of the Anne were slain. The
smack landed eight Dutchmen here she took out of a ship that was
sinking which carried fifty-eight guns and three hundred and fifty
men. Some more were taken up by other vessels. Fifteen of the
Royal James men, after she was fired, escaped in the jolly-boat and
landed here. It is much feared the Earl is dead. She is the only
ship of our fleet we hear is lost. The Cambridge landed here 100
men he took out of a prize of forty-eight guns. The Dutch fleet is
said to be gone into their harbours. I could not write last post,
being very busy quartering some sick men set ashore and with the
prisoners. [Ibid. No. 75.] |
May 31.
noon. Landguard. |
Sir C. Lyttelton to Williamson. A seaman of the Royal James,
who was in her during the engagement, is come to me and offers
to depose on oath as follows:— His name is Robert Edmunds. They
were the first ship in the whole fleet that engaged, and four others
with them, the Henry, the Katharine, and two whose names he
does not know. They fought six or seven hours before they were
fired, and 30 or 40 were engaged on them and these other four.
He can give little account of what the other divisions of the Blue
squadron did. Two flagships lay on each side of them when they
were fired, and a small ship of about 40 guns by some accident came
athwart their hawse, which they could not get clear of them in two
hours, which brought fourteen guns to bear on them, and raked them
through and through, and dismounted twelve of their guns on the
lower and middle decks, they not being able to stand by one gun
to return on them. At last they boarded her, but were soon beaten
off with the loss of many men, and though my lord offered 10l. a
man that would re-enter her, they could not be prevailed with.
He believes they lost above 500 men before this ship was got clear
of them. As soon as she came athwart them, the Royal James
clapped to an anchor. He knows not how they got clear at last,
and they fought above two hours after they were clear. The first
fireship that came aboard them they sunk; the second, Lieut. Buston
—who, being wounded, was burnt afterwards in the Royal James—
towed off and set on fire, and this person says he was in the boat
that towed her off; and a third they sank, and two men-of-war by
her sides. After the two flagships that lay by her side had passed
each a broadside on them, a fourth fireship ran in between in the
smoke, by which the James was burnt. He most confidently avers
that before he leapt overboard himself he saw Lord Sandwich, Sir
Charles Herbert, Capt. Haddock, who was shot in the arm and the
leg, and Lieut. Mayo all out of the ship in my lord's own barge,
but of what became of them after he can say nothing. Fourteen
men besides himself came off in a six-oared boat through the
Flemish fleet, and got clear to Sole Bay. Nine great ships were in
sight this morning, part of which were of those I gave you an
account of last night. I expect Fox back every hour. It would
be of very great use if a small sloop were ordered to attend here.
Then no ship, almost, could pass by without our having news of
them, and, if they were any prizes, waiters could be sent aboard,
and we might send off any express to the fleet, besides several
other uses. Sometimes it blows so that no boat we have can pass
to Harwich. [3 pages. S.P. Dom. Car. II. 310, No. 76.] |
| May 31. |
Four copies of the last letter, from the beginning to "by which
the James was burnt." [Ibid. Nos. 77–80.] |
May 31,
between 12 and 1. Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to Williamson. Yesterday our packet-boat came
from the Brill and had not any sight of the Dutch fleet, but saw
ours much about the same place that I formerly described. A
friend sent me the enclosed Haarlemer, and notices his silence in
his Gazette concerning Rheinberg, &c., which he uses to confirm the
news he heard, viz., that the French King had invested or possessed
himself of (it is all one thing to him) Wesel, Rheinberg, and Orsoy,
three most considerable places. The one makes him master of the
Rhine; Wesel not only makes him master of Guelderland, but is the
gate into the countries; Orsoy is a good place of retreat for his
flying army and freebooters for bringing in contributions. Thus
far Mr. Dale; the rest is his disagreement with Mr. Chip, who, he
believes, is gone for England. Last night a lieutenant of the Rainbow came ashore to me from Hoasley (Hollesley) Bay for a pilot.
He informs me his Royal Highness was very well and cheerful
that day. He believed the Dutch fleet was lessened to 50, for he
could count no more of them. Yesterday was too much wind, not
fit for an engagement. We are not far from the Galloper. The
French Superbe, the Resolution, the Victory, the Rainbow, and the
Greenwich, with a Dutch man-of-war taken in the fight, I hear are
in Hollesley. I sent a vessel to them yesterday with an abstract
of the orders I received yesterday from Prince Rupert and Lord
Arlington. The wind N. all day. A little smack just now brings
news that our fleet is returning, she says, for Hollesley Bay, and
that the Dutch are got to Flushing. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 310,
No. 81.] |
Friday,
[May 31.] Sheerness. |
Major N. Darell to Williamson. I mistook, yesterday, when I
sent word that the St. Andrew was at the Buoy of the Nore. She
proves to be the Charles, now coming in with two or three more
ships. Lord Ossory is just come in in the Victory. [Ibid. No. 82.] |
May 31,
9 p.m. Sheerness. |
Anthony Deane to Williamson. A fireship, Capt. Wren, just
come in, says that the fleet is seven leagues east of Sole Bay, and
that no engagement has been since Tuesday night. On Wednesday
afternoon, as they were going to engage, came a fog and much
wind, and they had no more sight of the enemy. He further says
that to-day the Rear-Admiral of the French squadron is aground
on the Middle Ground, and it was an ill time of tide, being about
high-water. Here are come in the Charles, Royal Katharine,
Henry, Victory, York, Dover, and Success, well marked. I have
begun our work; the masts of the Henry and York are out, and the
rest all in hand. [Ibid. No. 83.] |
May 31.
Rochester. |
John Evelyn to Williamson. "Being come to Rochester according to my duty, and an express command brought me down by
Dr. Waldron, to look after my charge upon the present occasion, I
find here already 83 wounded men (of which 50 very dangerously) brought in; and at this moment we have tidings of so many
more that we do not expect much repose this night, which truly is
not very acceptable to me, who am come from home indisposed
myself since my last hurry. There are come into Sheerness (from
whence our wounded are brought) the Charles, Henry, Royal
Katharine, Victory, and York, which, with the rest we have reason
to expect, will so straiten our quarters (being, besides the
wounded men, full of sick and convalescent) that unless some order
be taken for the speedy removing the recruits of soldiers intended
to be garrisoned here, there will (besides other disorders) be no
place for our sick and wounded seamen, there being (I am assured)
seven companies which are to be completed, 100 each company,
which, if to continue here, will render the place uncapable to
receive any other; though, to aid us on this occasion, we are
already fain to make use of our new hospital, since without it forty
able chirurgeons would hardly have sufficed the exigents we are
put to, and who take up a convenience which (upon my Lord Clifford's advice and command) we have destined for those whose
sickness is most contagious, of which there have not been a few
here. My humble suit to you therefore is, that you will please to
move my Lord Arlington that the soldiers may be quartered in
such places (as being nearer the coasts and parts more exposed) we
may not be necessitated to lay men in the streets, or send them to
other distant parishes, whilst they come in hither in so desperate a
condition, and the rather for that I am informed that Sittingbourne,
Milton, Bobbing, Barden, Newington, and Maidstone, if occasion be,
are very good quarters, capable of entertaining very considerable
numbers. This I recommend to your favour, to prevent a greater
inconvenience. There is one particular more, which I dare not
give positive order in till I receive his lordship's commands. Sir
Edward Spragg desires three or four carpenters (that are prisoners)
to assist in the building a small frigate for his own use. Be pleased
to intimate whether. I may accommodate him, having no security
proposed me but their own parole. I hope my lord will not take
it amiss that I apply myself to his lordship upon these occasions,
having no collateral precept to guide me. Postscript. — Your commands to me will find me at Mr. John Conny's, chirurgeon, at his
house in Rochester. I have now above 40 more wounded men sent
on shore." [1½ page. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 310, No. 84.] |
May 31.
Portsmouth. |
Hugh Salesbury to Williamson. These parts afford nothing of
news. [Ibid. No. 85.] |
May 31.
Dartmouth. |
W[illiam] H[urt] to James Hickes. We hear of seventeen capers
of considerable strength lately gone out of Flushing. The wind
easterly. [Ibid. No. 86.] |
May 31.
Plymouth. |
List of ships arrived there. [Ibid. No. 87.] |
| May 31. |
Inland advices received on that date, being extracts of letters all
previously calendared. [Nearly 3 pages. Ibid. No. 88.] |
| May 31. |
Constitution of Joseph Jordan, son of Sir Joseph Jordan, to be
waiter in London, salary 52l. per annum. [Docquets, Vol. 25, No. 236.] |
May 31.
Hull. |
Robert Berier, Mayor, to the Navy Commissioners. Before I
received yours of the 28th I had despatched Capt. Haslewood and
fitted him for his voyage, but we can meet with only six of the
fourteen pilots the Trinity House had presented to me, who all
went aboard last evening's tide. As we could promise no more at
present, and sending so few would be a great charge, at Col.
Gylby's request I suffered the captain to take from Col. Gylby and
Mr. Mason 33 seamen, that came from Boston side, to be conveyed
with the pilots to the fleet. The ketch sailed down last night, and
I believe is gone to sea this morning. As to the rest of the fourteen, except one, who pleads your own warrant making him a
master pilot for this port, I shall watch their coming into Hull,
and cause them to be secured till I know your further pleasure.
We consulted the Trinity House Masters this morning, who assure
us there are no men in our town fit to be pilots but those whose
names they have already given us, excepting the masters of ships,
who have either the charge of lading in them, or are building new
ships; nor can our town afford many pilots, for on a survey made
to-day we can find but 44 ships, small and great, belonging to this
town, and though there may seem a great trade here, yet it is
carried on with strangers, as well merchants as ships. You shall
have an account of charges when I have paid all the bills. [S.P.
Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 127.] |
May 31,
between 12 and 1. Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to the Navy Commissioners. I received your express
about two this morning, and return Capt. Watson's letter. Yesterday
he went hence rather than sailed, and also the Dover, to whom I sent
a pilot, because she had lost her master and was the deeper drawer,
for the use of both of them, for pilots are very scarce in this little
town. Mr. Betts last night received order from Capt. Deane to
assist me in such things as you signify to me, and hopes in two
tides to set the Unity upright again, who has only 50 tun of beer
left of all her lading, the rest being sent to the fleet. He expects
your order, whether to unlade the remainder, according to Mr. Papillon's desire, or to wait your further orders, considering his lading
only is scarce worth the charge of such a ship. Mr. Bond deserves
your chiding, for, notwithstanding I told him of the want the
Prince had of the topmast, and the answering his never-to-besatisfied wants and cravings, even to ropes and a large balk for I
know not what, he would have had a hawser out of Mr. Roberts
to have cut in pieces for lashing, but that I opposed it. I ordered
him away yesterday with all expedition, yet now at noon I spy
him in the Salt Road at anchor, with a fair northerly wind.
Mr. King also, belonging to the Triumph, has been watering here
too long; and what wants soever the Triumph may be in for water,
he is safe here. There has been, and is every day, great neglect,
for want of someone in power here. I have desired Mr. Godsalve
to receive that imprest money for me, and sent up the bill signed,
and already provided a return. (News of the fleet, as in his other
letter of that date.) Now, betwixt twelve and one, Mr. Bond has
sailed out, as I was closing my letter. [Ibid. No. 128.] |
May 31,
[June 1] 1 a.m. Chatham Dock. |
Phineas Pett, master caulker, to S. Pepyes [Pepys]. Being tonight since ten with Sir T. Allin at Sheerness, he commanded me
to direct the enclosed to you. A great French man-of-war grounded
about the Middle Ground to-day. She is the Rear-Admiral, of 72
brass guns, the commander put ashore, wounded, at Queenborough.
Endeavours are being used to get her off, and vessels providing to
lighten her. The St. Michael also grounded thereabouts, but there
is no fear of her coming off this high water. The rest of the fleet
are together save the seven in the margin at Sheerness (which are
named in the enclosure) and the Greenwich, with a prize, coming
in. [With notes on the back showing the hours it was received
by the various postmasters. Ibid. No. 129.] Enclosed, |
May 31.
Sheerness. |
Sir Thomas Allin to the Navy Commissioners. I hope you received mine of the 30th concerning the great spoil of masts on
the Royal Katharine, Henry, and York, with their cut and
shattered rigging and sails. The loss of men is great. This
morning came in the Victory, Lord Ossory himself a little hurt
on both his legs, and about 120 killed and wounded. His
mainmast must come out, and questionable then whether it
may serve. Both his main and fore topmasts must be new,
and spare topmast mizen yard, besides other fishes to be
applied. His sheet and small bower anchor broken, and
both to be recruited. His sails much shattered, and hull to
be repaired. The Charles.—All her masts unserviceable but
the bowsprit, and that must be pieced and fished; her main
shrouds quite disabled for that or shrouds; her mainstay
must be new, and most of her rigging; her stream anchor
and cable cut away, when dropped to put off a fireship; her sails scarce to be repaired, and must have a
supply of masts; her longboat gone, and hull so patched that
I never saw the like. As the men report, no muster being
yet made, they have about 200 killed and maimed. Sir
John Harman himself gone aboard the Prince. The Dover's
mainmast, mainyard, topmast, and yard gone, and spare
topmasts shot. Her foremast must come out, and be fished,
if possible, to serve again. Foreyard a-pieces. Her sails
much shattered, and want a great repair, and all the main
shrouds, stay, and rigging cut away. Her longboat and
pinnace shot and gone, and many dangerous shots under
water, and about 20 killed and 30 wounded. Success. —
Foretopmast shot to pieces and gone, with her topmast and
rigging. Her sails much shot and torn, and she must have
some new and the rest repaired. The ring of her small
bower anchor shot to pieces, so it must be changed. She
wants two boats. Some few men wounded and two killed.
You may by these judge what will in part be wanting to the
rest when come in. A provision of masts should be got, if
any in town. Capt. Deane advises that at Deptford and
Woolwich they go in hand to make topmasts and yards, two
suits of them, for second-rates, eight for third-rates, and
eight for fourth-rates; for if the rest of the fleet prove like
these, it will be impossible they can be either found or
wrought here. I hope you have ordered a good stock of
boats to be built, and that those already built be sent away
forthwith. The men Col. Middleton and I wrote for are
on their way before this. For the encouragement of the
carpenters of each ship I have promised them for their work
to be paid present money at the rate allowed in the last
Dutch war, and to that end desire you to imprest to
Mr. Gregory 150l., that my credit fail not. The men on the
Royal Katharine are mutinous, specially those that came
from the Revenge. I received to-day a letter from Prince
Rupert to charge the officers of the new-hired ships to lie on
board, and to suffer none of their seamen to go ashore,
which I shall give to those here, and leave that command
to you to impose on them. The Pearl is ordered to Portsmouth to victual. Pray order her to be cleaned, as she is to
cruise about Cape Clear. [2 pages. S.P. Dom. Car. II. 325,
No. 129i.] |
May 31.
The Nightingale, Plymouth Sound. |
Capt. Henry Clarke to the Navy Commissioners. We arrived here
safe yesterday, after thirteen days' cruising off the Lizard, Scilly,
Ushant, the Land's End and Mount's Bay, without having seen or
heard of any enemy. We met several of our Virginia men, and one
from the Straits, they not knowing of any war. Some are arrived
here, and others at Falmouth, whither I am bound to-day, to fetch
all eastward-bound ships, by order from Sir John Skelton. Having
received orders to-day from Prince Rupert to cruise with Capt.
Grant on the coast of Ireland, and being very much out of sails,
and wanting a recruit of other necessary stores, I have made a
demand to-day to Mr. Lanyon. I know not whether he will supply
me without your order. We have not a mainsail, except that now
at yard, nor a good foresail, foretopsail, nor mizen; therefore I
desire your order for a supply. [Ibid. No. 130.] |
May 31.
The Holmes. |
Capt. Richard Griffith to the same. Certifying that in pursuance of his Royal Highness's orders to fetch pressed men from
Milford, he had impressed, on the 12th, the Phœbe and the Unity,
and discharged them the 31st. Noted that bills were passed,
3 June for 20l. to the Phœbe and 15l. to the Unity. [Ibid.
No. 131.] |
May 31,
7 a.m. |
Sir J. Williamson to S. Pepys. A meeting is appointed this
morning at Lord Arlington's lodgings, and the victuallers are
ordered to attend. The King has directed that the Navy Board
shall sit at Whitehall every morning, and the afternoons only at
the Navy Office, at least during this busy time. Please give the
Board notice to come down forthwith this morning, before the
hour of Council. [Ibid. No. 132.] |
| May 31. |
List of the prices and dimensions of Sir W. Warren's masts.
[Ibid. No. 133.] |
| May 31. |
Request by John Juxon for licences for Thomas Smith, of Huntley, Gloucestershire, Presbyterian, and for an outhouse of Thomas
Bradley of Ruarde[a]n, in the same county. [S.P. Dom., Car. II.
321, No. 293.] |
| May 31. |
Request by Timothy Cloudsley for licences for Mrs. Sibyl Dawson's house at Leeds, for a kilnhouse in Flanshaw Lane at Wakefield, and for John Rooke at Westhall in Hatfield, Yorkshire, Congregational. [Ibid. No. 294.] |
| May 31. |
Receipt by Timothy Cloudsley for licences for Thomas Spad[e]man
of North Ferryby; for Mr. Streeton at Mrs. Richardson's house,
Cawood; for Mr. Duncanson at Selby, and for Richard Coore of
Tong. [Ibid. No. 295.] |
| May 31. |
Receipt by Owen Davies for licences for the houses of Theophilus
Burton, Swinderby, Lincolnshire; William Pickard, Woodborough;
and Matthew Shephardson, North Collingham; for Thomas Case at
his house, Keesall (Kersall), Notts; for John Man and John Coomes,
Baptists, at Katharine Peck's house at Abingdon; and for John
Collins, Congregational, at James Best's house, Duke's Place, London.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 321, No. 296.] |
| May 31. |
Receipt by James Inness for licences for William Knapman of
Padstow, and his house; for Theophilus Tincombe, Presbyterian, and
his house at Lostwithiel; and for James Jordain, Presbyterian, and
for his house at Higham, Suffolk; general for George Haw; for
Thomas Root, Presbyterian, at the houses of Samuel Goodall and
Samuel Ellison in Leeds; for Edward Hancock, Presbyterian, at
John Skrine's house, Bathford; for Otho Whitehorne, at Trevethan,
and for his house; for Andrew Trevill's house at Eathe, Cornwall;
for William Birchall, Presbyterian, and his house at Wentworth;
for William Hunt, Presbyterian, and his house at Sutton; for Simon
Atkinson, at William Sanderson's house, Heskett, Cumberland;
and for the houses of William Right and William Smith, Kenilworth. [Ibid. No. 297.] |
| May 31. |
Receipt by Thomas Taylor for licences for Edward Dent, Samuel
and John Fen, Nehemiah Cox, John Sewster, Oliver Scott, James
Rogers, John Gibbs, William Henseman, Thomas Brett, Thomas
Edmonds, Christopher Stanley, George Fowler, and James Bicknell;
and for the houses of Jane Haynes at Wo[r]nditch, John Gibbs,
John Brookes, Christopher Stanley, John Cooke, and John Jeffryes,
and for the barns of [William] Smyth, Joseph Kent, and John
Morrice. [Ibid. No. 298.] |
| May. |
Lists sent by Morgan Lodge to Williamson of King's and merchant ships in the Downs, the wind, &c.:— |
|
Vol. 310. No. |
Date. |
King's. |
Outward. |
Inward. |
Wind. |
Remarks. |
|
89 |
May 2 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
S.S.E. |
|
|
90 |
" 4 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
N.W. |
To-day our fleet passed by
for Portsmouth. |
|
91 |
" 5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N. & by W. |
We have seen to-day a considerable number of Dutch
ships, and two vessels that
saw them off the North
Foreland gave us account
of 90 or 100 sail, small
and great. We have
since discovered about
40 through perspective
glasses. |
|
92 |
" 6 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N.N.E. |
|
|
93 |
" 8 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
N.N.E. |
|
|
94 |
" 9 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N.E.& by N. |
This morning the Dutch
removed from Dover Road
homeward. Yesterday the
Fanfan happened in
among them, and after
several shots freed himself and came away safely.
They say our fleet are in
sight of Dover Castle. |
|
95 |
May 10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N.N.E. |
The greatest part of the
Dutch fleet are plying up
and down the North
Foreland, and our fleet,
we are informed, is come
as far as Rye. |
|
96 |
" 11 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N.N.E. |
This morning the greatest
part of the Dutch fleet
were seen plying up and
down the North Foreland,
and at the lighthouse
about four miles from Deal
was discovered a considerable ship coming
towards Dover Road,
supposed to be the forerunner of our fleet. |
|
97 |
" 12 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N.N.E. |
A Swede arrived this
morning came into the
Dutch fleet on Thursday,
and pretended he was
bound to the Straits,
otherwise they would have
made prize of him, being
bound for London. |
|
98 |
" 13 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
E.N.E. |
We heard several guns this
morning and last night
off the North Foreland. |
|
99 |
" 14 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
E. |
About three this afternoon a
ketch arrived from Dover
Road, who informs us
that about eleven of our
frigates arrived there today, and that the whole
fleet is in sight of Dover. |
|
100 |
" 15 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
E. & by N. |
Our fleet are all in or
between Dover Road and
the Ness, and haven taken
a Dutch fireship, and a
hoy laden with anchors
and cables for their fleet. |
|
101 |
" 16 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
E.N.E. |
About one to-day our fleet
of about 150 sail passed by
the South Foreland, and
are steering for the coast
of Holland, in case they
cannot find the Dutch
fleet on our coast. |
|
102 |
" 17 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
E.S.E. |
Our fleet, now of 160 sail,
are all under sail at the
back of the Goodwin
Sands. We hear a great
many guns about the head
of our fleet. |
|
103 |
" 18 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
S.S.W. |
One inward passed by and
stopped not. |
|
104 |
" 19 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
S. |
|
|
105 |
" 20 |
3 |
2 |
5 |
S.W. |
A pleasure boat which
arrived with an express
this morning from the
fleet says that they saw
yesterday two scouts returning with their topgallant sails flying. |
|
106 |
May 22 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
W. |
|
|
107 |
" 23 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
W.N.W. |
A vessel from Newcastle
arrived to-day says our
fleet were anchored in
Sole Bay, and he saw 60
sail he supposed to be the
Dutch fleet twelve or
fourteen leagues N.E. of
the North Foreland; 1,500
men are coming from
Scotland to the fleet. |
|
108 |
" 24 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N.N.E. |
|
|
109 |
" 25 |
1 |
0 |
8 |
S.E. |
|
|
110 |
" 26 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N.E. |
|
|
111 |
" 27 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
E.N.E. |
|
|
112 |
" 28 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
E.N.E. |
About eight this morning we
heard several broadsides,
and since they are so increased that the earth
shakes, and the elemert
eccowes (echoes) with the
noise. It appears the
fleets are engaged. |
|
113 |
" 29 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
N.E. |
|
|
114 |
" 30 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N.E. |
|
|
115 |
" 31 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N.N.E. |
|
| May. |
Table showing the direction of the wind at different ports from
which advices had been received during the month. [Three copies
slightly differing. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 310, Nos. 116–118.] |
| May. |
Warrant to the Commissioners for the sick and wounded for the
release of Jan Cornelissen Meyburgh of Rotterdam, and his son
Cornelis Jansen, prisoners; he undertaking immediately on his
return to Holland to procure the freedom of two English prisoners
there. Sign manual; countersigned, "Arlington." [Ibid. No 119.] |
| May. |
Lists of the Red and Blue squadrons. Identical with the list
printed in last volume of the Calendar, p. 406, except that the
ships are arranged in three divisions in each, that the Monck is added
to the Red squadron, and three fireships, the Supply, Castle
Bantham, and Anne and Christopher, and that the fireships Success,
Alice and Frances, and Rachel and Francis are added to the Blue
squadron. [Ibid. No. 120.] |
| May. |
J. Hamilton to Lord [Arlington]. Informing him that they
were there a company of idle murmuring people that cry out
extremely at the want of intelligence, and say it is impossible they
should thrive, as long as that is managed so negligently. It was
intended this should be said to his lordship, but it being forgot he
prefers to be impertinent rather than wanting in zeal and
friendship. [Ibid. No. 121.] |
| May. |
Warrant to Richard Goddard, High Steward of the New Foret,
and all other officers there to supply Sir Stephen Fox, keeper of the
new "ducquoy" pond there, with timber for repairing the house
and rails and posts there, and also with wood and turf for fuel, and
that the keepers assist in seizing all guns and engines for destroying
the fowl, and that all poachers should be punished, and also
to allow the said Sir Stephen and his deputy one fat buck and one
doe every year. [Draft, 2½ pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 310,
No. 122.] |
|
Draft of parts of the above warrant. [Ibid. No. 123.] |
| [May ?] |
Directions for drawing up the preceding warrant, showing in what
respects additions are required to the former warrant. [Ibid.
No. 124.] Annexed, |
|
Warrant, dated 26 July 1661, Whitehall, to Richard Goddard,
High Steward of the New Forest, to furnish Stephen Fox with
timber for repair of the house, rails, pales, &c., for the decoy
pond there, and to supply him from time to time with such
wood and turf for fuel as he shall require for it. [Ibid.
No. 124I.] |
[May ?]
Whitehall. |
Grant to John Godolphin of the office of Advocate Fiscal and
counsellor-at-law in the Court of Admiralty and before the
Commissioners for Prizes. [2 pages. Draft. Ibid. No. 125.] |
| [May ?] |
A. Ellis to [Williamson]. Sending the three letters required,
which were never expected in the Yarmouth bag. The directions
about the Harwich and Dover packet-boats shall be observed,
though it will be troublesome to keep the account with the
Governor, it would be better with the Clerk of the Passage.
[Ibid. No. 126.] |
| [May ?] |
Proposals made by Sir Robert Southwell to Williamson concerning the prize business, that they shall share the salary and fees,
whether one is ill or absent, or not; that they undertake the work
by monthly turns, the one on duty to have the sole direction.
With account of the work of the office in drawing up, copying, and
registering orders on petitions, memorials, warrants &c., minuting
and recording letters, indentures, &c., which will require two or
three clerks, but his own clerk, being well experienced, thinks he
can do half the work, and should be considered accordingly.
[2½ pages. Ibid. No. 127] |
| [May ?] |
George Blake and George Robinson, two of the executors of
Dame Elizabeth Noel, to the King. Petition showing several
omissions in the report lately made (15 March) of the Court
of Aldermen of London, on their former petition (calendared in
last volume of the Calendar, p. 68), many of whom are dissatisfied
with the extreme proceedings against them, and requesting further
relief. [Ibid. No. 128.] |
| [May ?] |
Brief of the proceedings in the cause between Brome Whorwood
and Jane his wife and James Hyde, her trustee, before the Lord
Keeper, since the reference thereof to the Lord Keeper for its final
determination. Stating the proceedings in Chancery on a bill of
review to reverse the decree of 21 June 1659, granting 300l. a year
alimony to his wife; that a plea thereto was overruled 3 Nov. 1671;
that the Lord Keeper, 15 Feb. last, ordered Mr. Whorwood to pay all
arrears of alimony (which he has done), and took time to advise
with the civilians, but made no final decree; that the civilians
advised that his remedy was a suit for restitution of conjugal
rights; that Mrs. Whorwood has procured in the original suit a
sequestration of his estate and an injunction to his tenants to pay
their rents to the sequestrators, though she has not rendered him an
account of her debts, according to the decree in the original suit,
and he has been sued by several of her creditors; and that after
much time and money spent he must commence a tedious and
expensive action in the Ecclesiastical Court, unless his Majesty be
graciously pleased once more to intercede herein. [S.P. Dom.,
Car. II. 310, No. 129.] |
[1672 ?]
[May ?] |
Henry Courcey, yeoman of his Royal Highness's woodyard, to
Lord Viscount Arlington (sic). Petition praying him to speak to
the Duke to continue him in his place, although an arrear of 120l.
is laid upon him, of which he can give no account, being illiterate
and forced to trust his accounts to others, and a proof of his
honesty is that he was never known to be extravagant, or to
have gained any estate by his employment. [Ibid. No. 130.] |
| [May ?] |
Notes of the manner in which circular letters are to be despatched
to 23 officers of garrisons named. [Ibid. No. 131.] |
| May. |
Pass for the Countess of Northumberland and her daughter into
France. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 34, f. 163.] |
May.
Whitehall. |
Warrant for a grant to Henry Dethick, Rouge Croix Pursuivant,
of the office of York Herald, void by the death of John Wingfield.
[Ibid. f. 167.] |
| May. |
Grant to Henry Ball of the place of Rouge Croix Pursuivant, vice
Mr. Dethick. Minute. [Ibid. f. 169.] |
| May. |
Appointment of Arthur, Earl of Essex, as Lord Lieutenant
of Ireland in the room of Lord Berkeley. [Mis-dated 1671.
Docquets, Vol. 25, No. 238.] |
| May. |
The Earl of Sandwich to S. Pepys. Desiring him to procure an
order to Ralph Crow and John Westburne to receive on board their
vessels now hired for the service all that shall volunteer, or that they
shall press, and also to get antients and pendants for the ketch and
smack. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 134.] |
| May. |
Edward Lovell, late master caulker at Harwich, now belonging to
Deptford Yard, to the Navy Commissioners. Petition, praying their
recommendation to Prince Rupert for his appointment as master
caulker at Harwich, where he hears the yard is to be used again,
their Honours having recommended him to succeed Mr. Brisden
(Brunsden) at Chatham, but his Royal Highness having been
pleased to place Mr. Pett there. [Ibid. No. 135.] |
| May. |
Anne Timbrell of Portsmouth to the same. Petition praying for
an imprest of 200l. to enable her to provide ironwork for two new
ships building and others repairing there. With note by Anthony
Deane requesting that the petition may be granted, as the works are
very great, and the men must stand still if Mrs. Timbrell is not
enabled to buy more iron. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 136.] |
| May. |
List of men on board the Hatton ketch belonging to several ships.
[Ibid. No. 137.] |
| May. |
Adjustment made between Sir J. Smyth's office and the
victuallers about the state of the present declarations in reference
to the time to which the same will carry the victualling of the fleet,
the conclusion being that on the declaration for 23,000 men for eight
months nothing will be left after the middle of September next, unless the additional declaration of 5,000 men for eight months, which
provided no waste nor accidents, carry the fleet to the middle
of October. [Ibid. No. 138.] Perhaps annexed, |
|
List of various ships, of which some were completed victualling,
others were victualling, and others not ready to take in, but
for which the victuals were ready. [Ibid. No. 138i.] |
| May. |
List of officers belonging to the hired ships, Appeal, Lawson,
and Anne. [Ibid. No. 139.] |
| May. |
The like for the Jamaica Adventure, Unity, St. Mary, Hope's
Increase, John and Mary, Marigold, Hope, Robert and John,
Violet, and Fortunate Mary. [Ibid. No. 140.] |
| May. |
The like for the Good Hope watership and the Success. [Ibid.
Nos. 141, 142.] |
| May. |
The like for the Turkey Merchant, Levant Merchant, London
Merchant, Mary and Martha, Augustine, William and Thomas,
Barnaby, Thomas and Francis, Leopard, and Guinea. [Ibid. No. 143.] |
| May. |
Particulars of the ports open and guns and men on board each of
the vessels named in the last entry. [Ibid. No. 144.] |
| May. |
Particulars of the guns belonging to each of the vessels named in
the last two entries. [Ibid. No. 145.] |
| [May.] |
Separate list of the guns belonging to the London Merchant.
[Ibid. No. 146.] |
| [May.] |
Particulars of the guns belonging to the Daniel, Turkey Merchant,
and John and Martha; with request from the master of the first for
a warrant for his boatswain Thomas Miller, for a press warrant for
sixteen men, for a protection, and for an order for fitting the ship.
[Ibid. No. 147.] |
| May. |
Particulars of the guns belonging to the Augustine and Guinea,
with request from the master of the Augustine for a warrant for
John Sidnom as boatswain, and that Matthew Miller may have a
protection to help to rig the ship, and also for a protection for fifteen
or sixteen more, till the ship is fit, and with request from the master
of the Guinea that his chief mate, Thomas Markes, and his doctor,
John Whitney, may go as lieutenant and doctor, and that Henry
Wilkie may go as boatswain, and also for two or three lines to Com
missioner Tippetts, Capt. Deane, and Capt. Moore for assistance in
graving the ship. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 325, No. 148.] |
| [May.] |
Note by Thomas Pile, master of the Guinea, giving the name of
his gunner, Peter Redmond. [Ibid. No. 149.] |
| [May.] |
Note of request by Zachary Taylor, master of the Augustine, for
warrants for John Sidnom as boatswain, and Ralph Darling as
carpenter. [Ibid. No. 150.] |
| May. |
List of the guns belonging to the victuallers mentioned in entries
139, 141, and 142, and also to the victuallers Jamaica Adventure,
Thomas and Elizabeth, John and Mary, Elizabeth, Unity, William
and Peter, Marigold, James, Hamburg, and Fame. [Ibid. No. 151.] |
| [May ?] |
Report by John Young, carpenter of the French Victory, to the
Navy Commissioners, of the taking of that ship. 29 April, riding
a little below Gravesend, Sir T. Allin and Sir J. Smyth ordered us
to sail to the fleet at the Buoy of the Nore. The captain with the
master and other officers were then on shore. The same evening
the captain commanded the longboat to carry him for London with
eighteen of our seamen. 30 April, we sailed to the lower end of
the Hope without our longboat. May 1, the captain came
down in a pair of oars. The 2nd, we sailed to the Buoy of the
Nore and waited there for our longboat, the fleet being gone that
morning. The 3rd, our longboat came at about 7 a.m., and we
weighed and anchored at the Buoy of the Gunfleet that night, the
fleet being gone. The 4th, we weighed and stood after the fleet, but
the wind being little could not stem the flood, so anchored till it
was done and then stood for the Downs. About six or seven that
night we made the North Foreland, and the fleet, then bearing about
S.S.E. of us. The pilot then told our master he was ordered to
carry the ship into the Downs, as the fleet was gone from the Buoy
of the Gunfleet. The master replied, "No, we are to go to the fleet,"
supposing that the fleet we saw was ours. The pilot answered, if he
intended to go the fleet he should take charge of the ship himself.
The master resolved to do so, and stood away to the fleet till between
eleven and twelve that night, and could not make out what they were.
Then we brought to under our lower sails till morning, and thus
intended to bear in with them. We being to windward, and
driving all that night, and they plying to windward, we were very
near them. The wind blowing fresh, we sent up to reef our topsails, and before we had finished we made their flags. As for the
captain, I did not see him during the dispute between the master
and pilot. As soon as we knew they were the Flemings'
fleet we let our reefs out, and made all the way to set our sails, and
brought to and lay N.W. with the stem, but before our sails were
trimmed in a sailing posture three men-of-war were very near us.
One was the Elephant, a vice-admiral, another the Zealander. We
called up our captain and told him we were amongst the Holland
fleet. He coming on the half-deck ordered both our boats to be cut
away, I being then at the main topsail halliards, hoisting the topsail. We then received eight or ten shot from these Hollanders.
Not having our gunner on board, we had no wads, and nothing to
make them of. I cannot say what else was wanting of the gunner's
stores, only that one of our guns had not any carriage. Seeing the
shot began to be very busy about us, I stepped down into my storeroom for some sheet lead to cut some capes out of, and before I had
cut three the enemy was on board very thick between decks, and all
our people's cry was that the captain had either struck the colours or
caused them to be struck. When I came on deck all the discourse
was to whom the captain had struck, and he replied he had struck
to the Zealander, which was a little ahead of the Vice-Admiral, so
they sent the captain on board De Ruyter. Half an hour afterwards
they ran the ship on the Kentish Knock. The wind blowing very
fresh, she beat very much there, so they sent two hoys to take
out the prisoners. When their first boat came on board one of the
crew said to me, "We have four and a half foot of water in hold."
I answered I wished there were ten. One of the Hollanders
overhearing me, ordered me into the boat, and would let me stay
no longer on board, so I went to one of the hoys and in a little
time they got her off, and in the evening De Ruyter ordered her to
be carried into Helvoetsluys, being very leaky. The same night
De Ruyter and his fleet sailed towards Dover. The 6th, he
anchored between Dover and Dungeness, and it blew very fresh all
day, so he had no opportunity to take us out of the hoy on board
himself, we being then twelve, nine kept in the hold, and myself
and two more in the after-room. The 7th, in the morning, their
General's boat came on board the hoy with a packet for the master
to carry to Helvoetsluys, and took out the nine that were in the
hold, and left the other three. The 9th, going for Holland, we fell in
with our ship, where they commanded the master of the hoy to take
in twelve more prisoners. When they came on board the cook and
four more were clapped in irons in the hold, under a strong guard
of soldiers. The 11th, we and the Victory got into Helvoetsluys,
and about ten or eleven the same night, myself and two more swam
ashore. The other two, as soon as we came into Rotterdam, get
passage for Apsum (Topsham). [3 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II.
325, No. 152.] |
[May ?]
Whitehall. |
Draft licence for the schoolhouse in Blyth, Nottinghamshire, for
Presbyterians. [Printed form with blanks partly filled up by hand.
S.P. Dom., Car. II. 321, No. 299.] |
| May. |
Sir William Davys, Recorder and Clerk of the Tolsell in Dublin, Sir
Francis Brewster, Richard Tigh, Daniel Hutchinson, Mark Quin, Lewis
Desminees (Desminiers), Enoch Keder (Reader), and Joshua Allen,
aldermen, to the King. Petition stating that Sir John Totty, the Lord
Mayor, with a few of the citizens, had most unjustly turned out Sir
William Davys from his said offices and the other petitioners from
their places as aldermen for refusing to concur with his lordship in
his several unexampled, irregular actings, and had at the same time
procured the said office of Clerk of the Tolsell for himself, and that
of Recorder for Sir Ellis Leighton, contrary to justice and the
ancient usage of the city; and therefore praying that the petitioners
be forthwith re-continued in their several places, till they be evicted
by due course of law, and that the persons guilty of the late dis
orders in the said city may receive punishment proportionate to the
greatness of their crime. [S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 331, No. 76.]
Annexed, |
|
1. Draft of an order or letter from the King to the Lord
Lieutenant and Council, directing a reference to them of the
matters contained in the above petition, for their determination or their report to the King, and that the petitioners
be restored to their several places till such determination
or report is made and further order given thereon, and that
in the meantime the Lord Mayor and Corporation forbear
making any disposition of the lands or revenues of the
city, or levying any money on any of the corporations or
citizens of the city, and that the re-election of the present
Mayor, made under letters from Lord Berkeley, be laid aside,
and an election made of some other person for the ensuing
year agreeably to the charters, &c., of the said city. [4 pages.
Ibid. No. 76I.] |
|
2. Another draft of the last clause of the above. [Ibid. No. 76ii.] |
| May. |
A true and impartial Narrative of the late disorders in Dublin.
Lord Berkeley being desirous a bridge should be erected near the
city, the Common Council refused to comply therewith. His
lordship thereon in great passion signified his resentment to Sir
William Davys, swearing he would take those who opposed his
resolves therein by the necks and hang them up. Sir William then
endeavoured to pacify him by a belief that the next Common
Council would do all things agreeable, as they did, but his lordship
was so possessed with the fancy of a neglect put on him by the
City, that no compliance would make atonement for that offence.
Which considered, and as the City, as it still does, stood in need of
regulation, Sir William besought him to regulate the City by some
general qualifications, rather than to criminate or punish particular
persons, who perhaps in that affair might have some pretence of
reason. His lordship yielded at length, and commanded Sir William
to prepare some heads of rules for better regulating the City;
but Sir William besought his pardon, observing that he was
not able to advise therein, nor could it be for his lordship's
interest that he should, for, were it known he had a hand
therein, it would render him odious to the people, who must by
such rules be fettered up and reduced to more monarchical
principles than their present constitution allowed of, and he would
be consequently less serviceable on any future occasion. But his
lordship became more positive, and seriously protested on his
honour, confirming it by very many deep and solemn oaths, never to
reveal from whom he had the rules, and because Sir William
pretended a disability, said the Chancellor should assist him.
Whereupon, considering his commands as those of the King's
Lieutenant and his promises of secrecy, Sir William told him he
would acquaint the Chancellor with his desires, and immediately
told the Chancellor what his lordship had commanded, said, and
promised, and soon afterwards his lordship passionately besought
his Grace's assistance, which he frankly promised; but though the
Common Council did, as they still do, very much want a regulation,
yet, as great consideration was required in framing the rules, several
months passed without their being prepared. His lordship thereupon severely reproached Sir William with negligence, saying he
himself was a brisk and active man, and hated dull and heavy
people, and also that he found the Chancellor very backward in
complying with him in that as in other things, and therefore
required him to tell his Grace that he looked upon him as his
enemy and not his friend, and would have him know as much; but
Sir William was bold to say that his lordship had never found his
Grace otherwise than full of loyalty to his Prince and duty to his
lordship, as his Majesty's Vicegerent; but his lordship said his
Grace had been treacherous to him, or words to that effect. Sir
William gave the Chancellor an account of what had passed, who
said his lordship's passions should not compel him into a neglect of
his duty to him, as he was the King's Lieutenant, and therefore
advised Sir William to frame a draft of such rules as he should
judge most convenient, which he did, and waited on his Grace with
them, who corrected and amended them. Sir William then waited
on his lordship with them, who seemed much satisfied therewith,
and again promised on his honour, with a repetition of his former
oaths, not to reveal that Sir William had any hand in framing the
said draft. Sir William then advised him to send the same to the
King's Counsel for consideration, and afterwards to refer them to
the Lords of the Council; but his lordship did not do so, but
carried them to the Council table, where they were referred to a
committee, and after being largely and in most things varied from
what Sir William had offered, they were reported to and confirmed
by his lordship and Council, and ordered to be engrossed and sent
to the Lord Mayor, who sent for Sir William, and summoned a
Table of Aldermen, before whom the rules were read, and all
humble obedience given to them by the Lord Mayor and Aldermen,
as also in many particulars by the masters of the several corporations (one only excepted), and indeed by all the citizens in
general. But afterwards some six or eight mean and contemptible
persons, fearing to be sufferers by the said rules, addressed themselves to the Lord Mayor (a person likewise of a very mean and
empty fortune, whose poverty, it is supposed, caused him to retire
into the country for some time before he was chosen Mayor, and
who was chosen only because he was next in succession), who was
so prevailed on by the said persons, that he began to express some
sentiments against the said rules, and over-hastily told Sir William
that by them he was the worse by 500l. (which Sir William knew
could not be if his lordship intended that honesty should be the
measure of his actions), that there was in them an oath to be
imposed on the citizens, which Lord Berkeley had declared was
imposed against his judgment and had been inserted by the
Council and not by him. Which seeming strange to Sir William,
he told Lord Berkeley what he had heard. His lordship after
some time confessed it, but said he spoke the same in his personal,
not in his politic, capacity. Sir William was much astonished at
the answer, but found that Lord Berkeley began every day more
and more to inveigh against and condemn the rules, and even by a
private order under his hand suspended them for some time, though
made by his lordship and Council, and so become of equal force
with an Act of Parliament. The motives of such irregular proceedings are not understood, unless (as is generally believed, and
as the sequel seems to demonstrate) thereby to deprive the Lord
Chancellor and his son-in-law, Sir William, of the good esteem and
affections of the people; but his lordship certainly thereby gave
great encouragement to the Lord Mayor and his then but very few
complices to advise laying the said rules aside. They found great
incitements therein from one Nevill, a poor inconsiderable person,
but then much valued as servant or agent to Lord Berkeley or Sir
Ellis Leighton. The Lord Mayor, thus finding Lord Berkeley so
fairly inclined, applied to him, who heard him favourably, and
declared to the Lord Mayor and those with him, that he had had
no hand in the said rules, but that they were brought to him by
the Town Recorder and Town Bishop, meaning Sir William, and
the Chancellor, the Archbishop, who had persuaded him that the
rules were much desired by the citizens, otherwise he had never
yielded to them. The Mayor then desired that part of them
might be taken off, affirming the continuance thereof would be to
the utter ruin of the citizens. All this being made known to Sir
William, he humbly reminded his lordship of his oaths and
promises on his honour, and inquired why he had thus exposed
him to the rage and fury of the people. All the satisfaction he
could get was that he was sick and peevish when he discovered the
framers of those rules to the Lord Mayor. The Lord Mayor, now
judging himself secure under Lord Berkeley's wing, summons a
Table of Aldermen, and acquaints them with his intention of
petitioning for an amendment of the rules, but they, observing that
he only designed his private advantage, told him that by the
rules strict obedience was exactly required of them, which they had
paid, and that when complete obedience was given to the said rules
(which was not done yet) by the several corporations, they would
join in a petition, as desired, for their amendment, but not before.
He then said, insultingly enough, that he would do it without them,
and for carrying on the affair encouraged the raising of very
considerable sums from several citizens, and afterwards from several
corporations, but how or to whom the same have been disposed of, is kept so secret that it can be but presumed, but not
proved. Soon after Lord Berkeley stood up in Council in justification of the Lord Mayor's actings against the rules, and prevailed on
them to take off some of them. The Primate and Chancellor
offered to his lordship the danger of complying with the people,
whose numbers were now much increased by the Lord Mayor's
insinuations and by Lord Berkeley's countenance, and of bringing
the Lord Lieutenant and Council into contempt by yielding to
them, especially when the question now came to be who should first
yield; but he protested on his honour that if the Council yielded
then he would be no further concerned. But the Lord Mayor,
finding the great condescensions intended by the Lord Lieutenant
and Council, presumed in a more popular manner for an amendment of another part of the said rules, in which Lord Berkeley
(having forgot his late promise) appeared again very warm and
zealous, so that the same, being referred to a Committee of the
Council, they in further compliance with his lordship were
inclined to report in favour of laying aside another part. When
the Lord Mayor heard of this he applied to the Lord Lieutenant
and Council for total destroying the said rules, it being now publicly
said that they, and those who framed them, ought to be burnt by
the common hangman, and herein they were no less successful, for
his lordship still contending for them so influenced the Council
that an order was conceived for a determination to the said rules,
his lordship declaring he would have others prepared, which is not
yet done. In the debate, the Chancellor observing that the Lord
Mayor himself had once confessed to them that but six or eight
ordinary poor citizens had first appeared in their disobedience to
the said rules, Lord Berkeley contradicted the same, telling his
Grace that what he said was false, this not being the only time
wherein his lordship gave his Grace in Council the lie, but his
Grace, well knowing whom his lordship represented, silently submitted. The rules being thus laid aside, when all persons thought
that these heats and disorders were over, which the aldermen's
obedience and the Lord Mayor's countenanced and supported
disobedience to the said rules had produced, the Lord Mayor,
having as a preparatory promoted divers scandalous papers against
Sir William and several of the aldermen to bring them under
public infamy and hatred, with his own hands preferred a petition
to the Common Council against Sir William and against the
aldermen, his fellow petitioners (who were all for obedience
to the said rules, and who refused to join the Lord Mayor in any
improper address against them), praying that they might be
removed from their respective employments. And although no
assembly was ever kept without the personal attendance of eight
out of the 24 aldermen, yet the Lord Mayor on 3 April last,
with only four aldermen, and without any particular crime or
offence objected against them, and without the concurrent assent of
the said four aldermen, and without being heard to any one particular
charge, having got together some few of the commons, assumed a
power to remove never before exercised, and removed Sir William
and the said aldermen from their several offices, and at the same
time (for now his secret designs of profit and advantage became
evident) procured for himself the office of Clerk of the Tolsell, and
for Sir Ellis Leighton that of Recorder. All which, as it became
an astonishment to all equal-minded men, being so very contrary
to the ancient constitutions of the City and to the freedom of the
subjects, and of great disservice to his Majesty, so it became a great
affliction to Sir William Davys and the said aldermen to be exposed
to the rage of jealous citizens and unjustly displaced merely for
their steady obedience to the Lord Lieutenant and the Council.
The aldermen removed are the best estated in the City and of very
good repute and credit, and are the principal of the aldermen and
the most constant in their attendance on the City business, and
most of them being merchants it is feared their credit by these illegal
actings may be blasted in foreign parts. Though the whole City
was thus strangely amazed by these proceedings of the Lord Mayor
and his complices, yet Lord Berkeley was pleased to knight him in
the church for these his good and acceptable services (as he
termed them) to the King and the City, it being vulgarly discoursed
that he said he had made the Lord Mayor a knight in the church
in spite of the Cardinal, meaning, as it is presumed, the Archbishop
of Dublin. Nay, he has been so well satisfied with these extravagant proceedings that he has thought fit by letters to the
Common Council to recommend him to be Mayor for the ensuing
year. (Then follows a copy of the letter of 18 April, calendared
in the last volume of the Calendar, p. 344.) Which letter was read
at the Common Council and yielded to, which election, should it
stand, will undoubtedly prove of fatal consequence to the City;
and then they proceeded to pass a vote to confirm all former illegal
proceedings and to indemnify the Lord Mayor, and another vote to
build an artillery yard for the exercise of the citizens, and passed
several other Acts, most of which tend to the subversion of the
ancient form of government of the City. [4¼ pages. S.P. Ireland,
Car. II. 331, No. 77.] |
| [May?] |
Case of Major Bayly. His Majesty, in consideration of his
services and sufferings, granted him 3,000 acres in co. Louth, but the
Act of Settlement, for want of due information to his Majesty, passed
the said lands to his Royal Highness and the Earl of Carlingford,
after Bayly had spent about 1,200l. in maintaining his Majesty's
title against the pretended innocent proprietors. He then applied
to his Majesty at Salisbury, where he was given as compensation
2,000l., payable out of the Doubling Ordinance money, English
arrears, and Connaught purchase-money. But the money not
coming in as expected, he in 1667 again applied to his Majesty,
when the unfortunate affair of Chatham prevented him from
pressing his Majesty further. But in May last, twelve months ago,
on his petition to his Majesty in Council, his Majesty ordered that
when the business of the Irish revenue came before him the
petitioner should be specially provided for (26 April 1671. See
Calendar, Jan.–Nov. 1671, p. 204), and the next Council day
ordered Lord Arlington to draw up a warrant for 2,000l. to be paid
him out of the Irish Treasury; but this was so obstructed by Lord
Ranelagh's undertakings that Major Bayly was forced to apply
again to his Majesty, who ordered Lord Ranelagh to find out a fund
to place the money on, who got it placed by the letter of 5 Dec.
last (calendared in last volume of the Calendar, p. 12) on the debt
from Edward Corker; but when Major Bayly comes to demand it
in Ireland, Corker produced his Majesty's letter of 27 Dec.,
exonerating him by allowing some old dormant warrants formerly
rejected; so after so many years disappointment and chargeable
attendance, Major Bayly has not received one farthing by his
Majesty's intended favours, but, on the contrary, is ruined by them.
[S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 331, No. 78.] |
