Charles II: November 1677

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles II, 1677-8. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1911.

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'Charles II: November 1677', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles II, 1677-8, (London, 1911) pp. 437-485. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/chas2/1677-8/pp437-485 [accessed 26 March 2024]

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November 1677

Nov. 1.
Harwich.
Silas Taylor to Williamson. Yesterday afternoon the storm ceased; the wind easterly after it had blown so fresh for several days at N.E. Weather fair and frosty. Since my last none of out packet-boats have arrived. That which was to have gone last night, being aground, could not get off, and so goes next high water about noon. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 130.]
Nov. 1.
Truro.
Hugh Acland to Williamson. Wind N.E. with very much frost and some hail and snow. [Ibid. No. 131.]
Nov. 1. Certificate by Lemuel Kingdon that there is due to Sir T. Chicheley's foot company in garrison at the Tower for two months' pay from the muster of Sept, 1677, to 1 Nov., being 61 days, 181l. 9s. 6d. with warrant at foot to Kingdon for payment of the said sum to Sir T. Chicheley. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 48, p. 42.]
Nov. 1.
Whitehall.
The King to the Earl of Rothes, Chancellor, Sir James Dalrymple of Stair, President, and the remanent Senators of the College of Justice. Requiring them to try, receive and admit Sir Roger Hogg, advocate, to an ordinary place of the session, void by the demission of Sir John Nisbett, late Lord Advocate. [S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 4, p. 316.]
Nov. 1.
Whitehall.
Warrant for a gift to Sir Thomas Murray of Glendoick, a Senator of the College of Justice, of the office of Clerk Register, void by the advancement of Sir Archibald Primerose to the office of Justice General. [Ibid. p. 317.]
Nov. 1.
Whitehall.
Commission to Capt. James Maitland to be captain of that company in the regiment of Guard, which was commanded by John Drummond of Lundin. [Ibid. p. 318.]
Nov. 2.
Stockton.
Richard Potts to Williamson. Stormy weather for several days together, the wind most at E. and S.E. Yesterday much snow fell. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 132.]
Nov. 2.
Plymouth.
Philip Lanyon to Williamson. Enclosing list of ships arrived. [Ibid. No. 133.] Enclosed,
The said list. [Ibid. No. 133 i.]
Nov. 2.
Guernsey.
William Sheldon, Lieutenant Governor, to Williamson. Not long since I received a letter from Mr. Charles Hatton with another enclosed from you to the Bailiff and Jurats, which I immediately delivered to the Lieutenant-Bailiff. (Giving an account of the hearing of the charge brought by des Hayes in July as in the letter of 24 Oct. of the Lieutenant Bailiff and Jurats). [S.P. Dom., Channel Islands 9, No. 60.]
Nov. 3.
Southampton.
Thomas Butler to Williamson. Thanking him for his kind letter to the Bishop of Winton, which was well received by him, and, so far as he projected, answered his desires.—
I am forced to beg your favour about the rectory of Winfrith given me this twelvemonth at the Duke of Monmouth's instance, that you would secure the King's title to me according to the former grant, for my antagonists endeavoured to gain the King's title to their side the last time I was at London, and it is the main thing they depend on now. I am encouraged by the great counsellors to bring my quare impedit, to know why the King's title may be not preferred. The two Chief Justices gave their private opinion long since in behalf of the King on promotion to Scotland. My misfortunes on this controversy prove greater than my modesty will permit me to discover. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 134.]
Nov. 3.
Harwich.
Silas Taylor to Williamson. Yesterday arrived one of our packet-boats. The master says the Prince's intended marriage is joyfully received by the generality of the people of Holland. He left the Kitchen yacht at the Brill last Wednesday. Yesterday the wind was westerly, the weather fair. To-day it is S.E., the weather dark and heavy. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 135.]
[Nov. 3.] List of the three persons in each county in England from whom the sheriffs for the following year were to be chosen, showing which of them was pricked, with notes on the back relating to some of them. [Ibid. No. 136.]
[Nov. 3.] List of the persons who served as sheriffs for the three years ended on that day, and list of those returned on the list for sheriffs on 31 Nov., 1676, showing which of them was pricked to serve in each county, with notes by Williamson of persons to be placed on the list for 1677. [Ibid. No. 137.]
[Nov. ?] Note by W. Bridgeman that Sir Edward Dering has spoken to the Lord Treasurer about John San[d]ford, Treasurer last year to the Merchant Adventurers, who is on the list for Somersetshire. [Ibid. No. 138.]
[Nov. ?] Names of persons suggested to be placed on the list from which the sheriff for Sussex was to be chosen. [Ibid. No. 139.]
[Nov. ?] Request that Sir Samuel Marrow, who is first on the list for Warwickshire may be excused, as he is a very young man and there are two other very fit persons on the roll, and suggesting three other fit persons, should there be occasion for other names. [Two copies. Ibid. Nos. 140, 141.]
[Nov. ?] Thomas Vernon to Williamson. Reminding him of two friends of the writer's, Thomas Wilson, a merchant of the Turkey Company, and John Samford (Sandford), a Hamburg merchant, nominated for sheriffs for Leicestershire and Somerset respectively, adding that he found both the Lord Chancellor and Williamson ready to consider trading merchants. (The above persons were each third on the list this year for the above counties.) [Ibid. No. 141A.]
Nov. 3.
Whitehall.
The King to Col. George Legge, governor of Portsmouth. He having thought fit that Richard Pope, town major under his command in Portsmouth garrison, be allowed a soldier's pay out of each of the nine companies that are or shall be in the said garrison, to commence from the 1st inst.: Warrant for inserting a fictitious name in the muster rolls of each company, that a soldier's pay in each may be allowed to the town major. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 29, p. 222.]
Nov. 3. The Duke of Monmouth to David Crawford, a Commissary of the Musters. Warrant for taking off the respite of George Rook, lieutenant to Capt. Middleton's company in the Duke of York's regiment, on the muster of July last, he being then employed in his Majesty's service at sea. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 41, p. 101.]
Nov. 3.
Belfast.
Viscount Granard to Viscount Conway. When I received yours by Lieut. Bolton, I was marching with part of the army here towards this place, which rendezvoused at your town the 1st instant. They were all commanded men out of the several troops and companies, consequently the fitter for action. Further directions I have had none, and here wait the King's pleasure. If it be designed that we go further, let me entreat you to acquaint the Lord Treasurer that several conveniences are wanting, which are altogether essential to his Majesty's service, which I send you here enclosed. I must beg a return from you, for it concerns me nearly, having good men to be able to give the best account of them I can.
My unfortunate son's inclinations now are so great that way he was once designed, that I am put to much more trouble in dissuading his application than ever I was to advise it, for I know your brother Rawdon's engagements are otherwise, and his family nor interest shall never be disturbed on the account of my designed happiness, although I now dare say she might, for aught I see, have lived as happily the one way as the other.
The letter directed to the Lord Treasurer with my humble proposals I have sealed with a flying seal, which I entreat you to peruse and recommend. [Conway papers. S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 338, No. 108.]
Nov. 3.
Whitehall.
The King to the Lord Lieutenant. Warrant, after reciting the warrant of 9 July, 1677, to the Earl of Essex, concerning the Society of the Governor and Assistants, London, of the new plantation in Ulster, calendared ante, p. 237, and his report, dated 10 Aug., which was, that he had called before him such of Lord Ranelagh's partners as were in Ireland, and had heard their pretences to defalcations, in case a discharge should be granted to the said Society for the arrears of the high rent payable by them to Lady Day, 1665, and that his Majesty by his contract with Lord Ranelagh, &c., covenanted that, if at any time from the date of the said contract to 26 Dec., 1675, his Majesty shall make any particular pardon or discharge or cause anything to be done whereby any of the rents, revenues, debts, arrears, &c., which ought to be applied to the uses of their undertaking, be pardoned, suspended, lessened, &c., then Lord Ranelagh, &c., shall have a proportionable defalcation and abatement for the same, that his Majesty had by orders in Council of 28 July, 1668, and 12 Nov., 1669, before the commencement of the said contract, expressed his intention of remitting the said high rent to the said Society, and ordered the Barons of the Exchequer in Ireland to stop all proceedings to be commenced against the said Society by reason of their non-payment thereof, yet, there never being any actual discharge or release granted of the said arrears, and it being none of the sums excepted in their contract for which they are to demand no defalcation, that he conceives, in case the said Society be now discharged thereof, Lord Ranelagh, &c. will be entitled to a defalcation thereon, and a further report of the Lord Treasurer, dated 30 Oct., that he was of opinion that his Majesty might be graciously pleased according to his former orders in Council to remit the arrears of the said high rent, notwithstanding that Lord Ranelagh, &c., will be thereby entitled to a defalcation, and that the said high rent and arreas were agreed to be remitted to the said Society in part consideration for their interest in the Customs of Londonderry and elsewhere, and that then it was really intended a quietus should have been issued for the discharge thereof: signifying the King's pleasure therein, and requiring and authorizing him to cause letters patents to be passed to the said Society, containing a full and effectual discharge and release and quietus to them of the high rents of the plantation aforesaid, and the arrears thereof, any defalcation to the said Lord Ranelagh, &c. or any former letters to the contrary notwithstanding. [2½ pages. S.P. Dom., Signet Office, Vol. 10, p. 175.]
Nov. 4.
Christ Church, Oxford.
William Temple to Williamson. The Duke of Buckingham, Lord High Steward of this city, having been these three weeks at Woodstock diverting himself, was last Friday invited hither by the Mayor and Aldermen. He accordingly came, attended by Lord Lovelace and most of the knights and chiefest gentry in these parts. He was met and attended by a numerous train of citizens on horseback into the city, the bells all speaking his welcome. He was at Carfax met by that loyal person Sir Sampson White, who in the mayor's sickness was his deputy, and all the aldermen in scarlet, all orders in their several robes. After a short speech by the town clerk he was conducted to the Council chamber, and thence to dinner, which was exceeding rich and plentiful of all sorts of wines and music. He highly commended all things and expressed a high sense of their kindness and a readiness to serve the city. After drinking the healths of his Majesty and all others of the royal family he took his leave about 7 in the evening towards London, intending to lie at Mr. Wherwood's four miles from hence. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 142.]
Nov. 4.
Deal.
Richard Watts to Williamson. Yesterday afternoon Laurence Franking, part owner and commander of the Speedwell of London, protested before me as a public notary that 11 Sept. last near the Scaw, as they came from Riga, a ship in which were Captains William Boswell and James Seaton, both Scotchmen, of whom one had a commission from the French, and the other from the Swedish king, took Franking, cut him in many places, abused his men, plundered their clothes, kept three of the men on board and on shore at Malbrook 11 days, because they would not serve in the privateer, took away their pass, sent the fly-boat away without the master, who was taken by two Danes and carried into Musterland (? Monstersund) and afterwards meeting an English fly-boat bound to Musterland was put on board her, and after 11 days imprisonment on board and on shore sent the three men away, not suffering them to make any complaint. It cost the master 130 dollars to clear his ship at Musterland. The whole loss, they say, will be 1,000 dollars. The ship is now in the Downs and the master gone up to make his complaint.
The wind, which is not much, is between S. and S.E. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 143.]
Nov. 4.
Pendennis.
Francis Bellott to Williamson. Of the fleet of homeward and outward-bound ships last Thursday, the wind at N.N.W., the outward-bound sailed, and Friday the wind coming at S.W., came back again, and the homeward-bound ships sailed. Other shipping news. Wind S.W. [Ibid. No. 144.]
Nov. 4. Warrant to Sir Edward Griffin, Treasurer of the Chamber, after reciting that John Dawson, one of the 40 messengers of the Chamber, resigned his place to Thomas Lindore, who was sworn and admitted 1 July, 1676, and that the said Dawson had since received all wages and arrears due to him at his resignation, whereby he is on the cheque rolls paid several years before the rest of the messengers, so that the said Lindore cannot be paid on the cheque rolls, or his name inserted therein, till the rest of the messengers be paid up to the time the said Dawson is paid to, for payment to the said Lindore of 49l. 17s. 6d. yearly by even quarterly payments, the first payment to commence from Michaelmas, 1676, until the rest of the messengers are paid even with the said Dawson's resignation, and for then putting the said Lindore into the cheque roll in the room of the said Dawson and for payment to him in course with the rest of the messengers. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 50, p. 1.]
Nov. 5.
Weymouth.
Nathaniel Osborne to Williamson. Yesterday was brought in here a small French vessel of Port Louis laden with French wine from Bordeaux bound for Brest, taken by an Ostender in Cameret, where they also seized another French barque. This one has only four Ostenders in her. Mr. John Clement, assistant to the Surveyor General of the Customs, has been on board and sealed up the hatches that they may not sell any wines here. We have had very stormy weather all last night, and it yet continues, the wind S. and about that point. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 145.]
Nov. 5. "An account of the present posture of affairs in the shires of Ayr and Renfrew." Sunday sennight a great conventicle was kept in the new meeting house, where were Mr. Welch, Dick, Cunningham, Gilchrist and Gilbert and Robert Kennedy, preachers, with upwards of 7,000 people. The Communion was celebrated with silver cups and at least 2,000 people received. They distributed tickets to the people by some chosen to be elders. Many scandalous persons were admitted, such as William Kelso in Ayr, who since rides well armed in Welch's life guard.
Sunday morning Welch preached on St. John XI., verses 34, 35, and delivered amongst other villainous things that the King, the nobles and prelates were the murderers of Christ, and said: "I will be silent. Speak, O people, what good the King has done since his home coming, yea, hath he not done all the mischief a tyrant could do, both by his life and laws?"
He told them that solemnity was appointed to restore Gilbert Kennedy to the church of Girvan, and this was more Christ-like than an Erastian Indulgence, and accordingly he was prayed for as minister of that place.
The people's promise was taken before their admission to the Sacrament, never to hear curates again, but they should ever adhere to their League and Covenant.
On Monday they kept a Presbytery, when Welch was Moderator, and there were many lay Elders. Welch was appointed to dispose of the money collected at his pleasure. Gilbert Kennedy was removed and censured for not preaching warmly enough against the wicked ways of the nobles, the prelates and their adherents, and Mr. Cunningham made his repentance for having owned and served under episcopacy, and get the right hand of fellowship, and is to receive new ordination. It was also enacted the people should not rise in arms till they should be some way oppressed and provoked, and that then the signs should be given them to make ready, that all the world might see they would not invade the right of the worst pretenders without just cause, and that the Elders and others favouring the Cause should dissuade the people from hearing the curates, but not to hurt them or break their houses, till they be found acting against the Cause of God by complaining to the great ones, and those who did so should be fallen upon. This they warranted from the Israelites destroying such of the Canaanites, as would not take peace, when offered. The breaking of Mr. Nasmith's house was commended, saying he was an incendiary.
Tuesday Welch came through Mayboll with 20 horse and kept a conventicle at Skeldon, and lodged that night near or in Ayr, where he preached against the takers of the Declaration. Wednesday morning he went and preached in the parish of Auchinleck. Some say he then went straight for Edinburgh, others, towards the Borders. The regular incumbent at Girvan, not daring to stay in his house, lives with Ardmillan. This corner is in a perfect distraction and still worse and worse.
Friday last by order of Council the heretors of Ayr and Renfrew met at Irving. Asked if they would suppress the disorders by the power they had from the King, they went into a Committee consisting of four from Renfrew and four out of each of the three jurisdictions of Ayr. (Names of the Committee.) The Earl of Loudoun was præses. Lord Cochrane refused to be of it. The Earl of Cassilis was not present. They resolved to petition the Privy Council for a General Indulgence, as the only means to settle that country, against which the lairds of Blair, Girvanmaines and Blackhall protested. They resolved on a junto, viz., Sir John Cochrane, Sesnock, Roallan and Dunlap, who conclude a supplication for an Indulgence, but differing on the terms, they adjourned till Saturday.
Then the plurality was for the Indulgence, in all which Sir John was the great stickler and orator.
Last week a great many swords were sold at a fair at Mayboll. Mr. Cunningham preached yesterday in the churchyard at Kirkmichael and resolves to preach in the church next Lord's Day. The Lords sent to require the heretors to suppress the disorders were the Earls of Glencairn and Dundonald and Lord Rosse. Lord Rosse was exceedingly angry at the report of the heretors. [Nearly three pages. S.P. Dom. Car. II. 397, No. 146.]
Nov. 5. Catalogue of all the books entered in the register book of the Stationers' Company from 26 March, 1676, to 2 Nov., 1677, a true copy by John Lilly, clerk of the Company. Among them are:—1676, May 1, Willoughby on Birds, translated out of the Latin by Mr. Ray. June 1, The Virtuoso, a comedy, by Thomas Shadwell. June 15, The Man of Mode, or Sir Fopling Flutter, a comedy, by Sir George Etheridge. Don Carlos, a tragedy, by Thomas Otway. July 7, Ibrahim, the illustrious Bassa, by Elkanah Settle. Aug. 9, Wonderful News from Bristol, a true yet prodigious relation how a hen brought into the world a kitling or young catt to the unspeakable admiration of many people present. Aug. 10, The Memoirs of James, Duke of Hamilton, by Gilbert Burnet. Aug. 26, Arithmetic, by Edward Cocker. Sept. 4, The Tomb of Semiramis hermetically sealed, which if a wise man open, he shall find the treasures of kings. Nov. 4, England's Improvement by Sea and Land, by Andrew Yarranton. Dec. 2, A brief History of the wars with the Indians in New England, by Increase Mather. 1677, Jan. 22, A play called Pastor Fido. Feb. 8, A play called Titus and Berenice with a farce called The Cheats of Scappin, by Thomas Otway. March 10, De Honorum Titulis, by John Selden. March 29, The works of Nicholas Machiavell. March 31, Monsieur Scarron's Letters, rendered into English by John Davis of Kidwelly. April 13, The Six Voyages of John Baptista Taverneer to Turkey, Persia and the East Indies, translated. April 20, The Primitive Origination of Mankind, by Sir Matthew Hale. April 25, The Life of Pomponius Atticus, translated by Sir Matthew Hale. May 4, Anthony and Cleopatra, a play by Sir Charles Sedley. May 11, The Irish Rebellion, by Sir John Temple. The Songs in Circe, a tragedy, by Charles Davenant. June 19, Circe, a tragedy. July 7, The Rover or the Banished Cavalier, by Aphra Behn. Aug. 22, Hudibras, the third and last part, written by the author of the first and second parts. Sept. 15, The True Intellectual System of the Universe, by R. Cudworth. [18½ pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. Case F.]
Nov. 6. Viscount Ranelagh to Viscount Conway. This will be delivered you by honest Roger [Jones] who has been so di[verted with] the pleasures of London, that I could not persuade him to leave i[t till to]-day. I have been the more earnest with him to be gone, because Lord Donegall, who went away for France last week, has [entrusted] him with all the material papers relating to his trial with his a[unt and] his cousin Gowran, which is ordered to come on very speedily. I intimate this, because you may turn him out of your house the day after he comes into it, for, should he loiter, he will infallibly ruin the true boy's cause, to which I am certain you heartily wish well.
News here we have none, but great rejoicing at the Prince of Orange's marriage, which was performed privately in the Duke's closet at St. James's last Sunday night, and that night was five times consummated, as our young men tell us. About a fortnight hence the young couple leave England. In the meantime nothing is thought of but mirth and fine clothes, of which I have made none, being grown an old man and a purchaser as the bearer will inform you, to which I was tempted by the inconveniency of the house I am now in, and by the easiness of the times allowed me for paying for this.
The enclosed I received last night. The substance of your letter I guess at by mine. Recommendation from me it needs none, and if it did, I could hardly persuade myself to give it any. All I shall say is, the family is noble and ancient, and the estate very considerable, but both, I am afraid, blemished by the present possessor. However, I am confident he can make a much better settlement than Lord Coloony, whose concerns are perfectly known to the bearer. If you think fit to send an answer, I will take care to convey it. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 147.] Enclosed,
The Earl of Barrymore to Viscount Ranelagh. The honour of that new relation I have to you and your continued kindness to me gives me the assurance to conjure you to add one favour more, which is this. My wife being desirous to visit her father, who lives at Dromore, not far from Lisburn, we came down thither, and whilst there I made a visit at Lisburn to Sir George Rawdon, and in the way saw Lord Conway's estate, the best and most absolute Englishlike plantation in this kingdom. At Lisburn and afterwards at Hillsborough I had the happiness of seeing and conversing with Lord Conway's niece, Mistress Mary Rawdon, and was so much taken with her humour and carriage, that I resolved to propose a match bewixt her and my son, Buttevant, to which I am particularly inclined for being so nearly related to my noble Lord Conway, for whom I have a very great value. Knowing the interest you have with him, I beg you to employ it by seconding the enclosed, or by what other way you think best, and, when I have his consent, I will then proceed to a treaty with Sir George. The estate I will settle on my son after my own death shall be 2,400l. a year penny clear rent, 700l. a year present maintenance, and 800l. a year jointure, for which I expect 5,000l. portion. And I will be obliged that after 13 years more, this estate shall be made visibly to yield 600l. a year more, and, if I have no other son living at my death, he shall have 300l. a year more out of this estate. My wife has 600l. a year jointure. Let me beg you not to forget this and that you will return me an answer as speedily as you can. Oct. 27, 1677, Dublin. Copy.
The Earl of Barrymore to Viscount Conway. Having been lately in the North I had the happiness to see your noble estate and your great improvements at Lisburn, where nothing was wanting but your presence, Sir George Rawdon being very generous and civil to me. I had there the happiness to see your niece, Mistress Mary Rawdon, and am so much taken with the person, carriage and humour of that gentlewoman and with the noble stock she came from, that I am desirous to make a match betwixt her and my eldest son, Buttevant. I have acquainted Lord Ranelagh with what I resolve to settle on my son, what jointure, and what portion I expect from Sir George, and assure you I have no end in this which I more ambition than the happiness of being a relation to your lordship. Oct. 27, 1677. Dublin. Copy. [S.P. Dom. Car., II. 397. No. 147 I.]
Nov. 6.
8 o'clock.
Sir Francis Chaplin to Williamson. I had my scouts all over the City, but all things went off with great rejoicing and quietness. A great quantity of people gathered together about the Monument. I had a guard there to watch them. They only burnt the Pope and so went home. I sent for the Remembrancer last night and charged him to speak with the King as soon as he could. [Ibid. No. 148.]
Nov. 6. Certificate by Thomas Vere, Warden of the Stationers' Co. about Robert Stephens (The purportfully appears by Williamson's certificate of the 8th, calendared post, p. 449, except that it was in Mr. Treby's chamber in the Temple that the books were seized.) [Ibid. No. 149.]
Nov. 6.
Harwich.
Silas Taylor to Williamson. Saturday night one of our packetboats sailed, and Sunday night another arrived, which left the Brill Saturday afternoon. The master says the Kitchen yacht was in the Pitts on Friday as he passed, and sailed Saturday morning. They had the wind most easterly, sometimes more southerly, as it is this morning, with dark and rainy weather. [Ibid. No. 150.]
Nov. 6.
Plymouth.
Philip Lanyon to Williamson. Enclosing list of ships arrived. [Ibid. No. 151.] Enclosed,
The said list. [Ibid. No. 151 i.]
Nov. 6.
Whitehall.
Certificate by the Duke of Monmouth of his desire that his Majesty's letter may be procured to the University of Cambridge for forthwith creating Charles Frazer, M.A., of Trinity College, lately sworn physician in ordinary to his Majesty, M.D., though he has not completed all the time required by the statutes for taking such degree, he obliging himself to the performance of the requisite exercises. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 41, p. 101.]
Nov. 7. Certificate by George Ravenscroft, Gulielmo Trabute and W. Hutchinson. Trabute, an Italian painter living over against the Single Tree beyond the Fleet towards Holborn, the evening of 28 Oct. called for the cards to pass the time with his wife, sonin-law and daughter. As they were throughing knaves to know who should deal, out dropped the small note, since delivered to the Lord Mayor, which Trabute took up and read with much wonder how it came there and what it meant. Troubled to think some person intending him trouble might have lodged it there, but yet having no enemy he could remember, he imparted the accident to George Ravenscroft, merchant, an old acquaintance of his in Italy and since in London, desiring his advice, who conceived the note to be some old copy out of some book or manuscript at the time of that horrible treason in King James' days, in regard it could not consist with the present juncture and by the first words signifying a copy, it beginning. "The Note verbatim thus."
But Trabute desired the advice of Ravenscroft's attorney, who was of the above opinion, but said that Trabute might show to the next justice, whereupon he carried it to Sir William Turner, who directed him to the Lord Mayor. As he was going through Pater Noster Row, he grew ill of the actual distemper he had, being then in a fit of fainting thro' a consumption, so went home, it being then 8 or later, and desired his son-in-law, a painter under the chief master at Windsor, to go with Ravenscroft to the Lord Mayor, because Sir W. Turner had so ordered, and he doubted his delay might be ill taken, if he deferred it till morning, so the said two persons with one Hutchinson carried it to the Lord Mayor, who interrogated the French painter of the above matters. He seemed offended at the being so late at night, and bound them over to the Sessions and had bail.
The said Trabute and his family have endeavoured to find out or bethink themselves how the said note came to be in his house and in the cards which he had used but three days before, and cannot imagine how it was. Mr. John Yates, a minister in Kent, and his wife had been invited by him and lodged in his house as friends, but he cannot think it was or might come from him, and hopes the note can have meant no ill. (The note is calendared under 29 Oct. ante. p. 428.) [2 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397. No. 152.]
[Nov. 7 ?] Thomas Holden to Williamson. There put to sea out of this harbour the Pearl, a French man-of-war of 36 guns and 200 men. She belongs to the squadron of M. Chaternoe, who has with this frigate three besides himself, which have orders to cruise off Ushant. This man-of-war has taken two Bankers, that lay in this port, under his convoy for Havre.
The 4th in a storm came in here the Invincible, a French privateer belonging to St. Malo. Her commission is dated by the French King, 16 April last, N.S. She is stopped by the Mayor and the officers of the Customs by virtue of an order from the King and Council of 11 Aug., 1676. They say she has been but eight days out and has met with no ships. This same captain and man-of-war was one of them that took the Dutch Greenland fleet, and I perceive by one of their men that they some time called her the Seven Heads, though she is called the Invincible in her commission. The captain has sent the lieutenant and one of his men to London to-day by land. This privateer was stopped here but yesterday, the wind being so hard that the boats could not go on board. [Undated, but endorsed as received 12 Nov. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 153.]
Nov. 7. The King to [the Dean and Chapter of Chichester]. Recommending John Drake, of Oving, Sussex, a person of good life, approved learning, and conformable to the doctrine and discipline of the church, for the place of president or master of St. Mary's Hospital, Chichester, when vacant, having received a testimonial in his behalf from the bishop and dean, and other clergy in those parts. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 27, f. 102.]
Nov. 7 and 9. Notes by Williamson about Sir Robert Howard, auditor of the receipt of the Exchequer. Sir Robert Howard and counsel called in.—
Mr. Attorney.—According to the King's command he has prepared the King's evidence against him for misdemeanours. 1. Sir Robert knew that several tellers and their clerks made use of the King's money to their private accounts, and it was not revealed by him, nay, was industriously concealed by him. 2. He not only did so, but for his private occasions borrowed the King's money from the tellers, and to repay it borrowed from other tellers. 3. When it were to be discovered, Sir Robert entered it, so that the Lord Treasurer might be led to think the money was in the Exchequer, when indeed it was not so. N.B. It's a forfeiture of the teller's office to lend the King's money to any person, nay, if the servants of the teller lend it, though without the teller's privity, the teller is to forfeit his place. The Auditor can assign which teller is to pay any money assigned by the Lord Treasurer. The Auditor is to give in a weekly state to the Lord Treasurer what money is remaining in the Exchequer in each teller's hands, and this is his duty to do justly and truly. (Then follow at great length evidence and arguments in support of the above charges against Sir Robert. Among them is the following:—The contrivance to fill bags, &c. with lead, iron, &c., to make them pass as so much money remaining in Sir W. Doyley's hands. Sir W. Doyley falling into a difficulty for wanting money that ought to be in his hand, Sir Robert sends for him to come to him to contrive how it should be done. A plumber was to be sent for, to cast pieces of lead of the size of half crowns, and to fill the bags with the lead and cover it with a little silver, &c., and being coinage money, which was not to be used, to show it would be enough. That this was Sir Robert's advice, a letter is shown of Sir William's to Sir Robert, that according to his advice, &c., and his answer, in which is no word of the thing but that he should not come to Mitcham, it would make too much noise.) [11 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 366, p. 397.]
Nov. 7.
Dublin.
The Earl of Strafford to Williamson. Thanking him for his letter received on the writer's arrival there and beseeching him to express his duty to his Majesty.—I am but now getting out of this town to begin some of my journeys, but hope to dispatch them all in good time and to wait on you at London before Christmas. [S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 338, No. 109.]
Nov. 8.
Bridlington.
T. Aslaby to Williamson. Three ships of this town, lately come from Amsterdam, tell us that the generality of the people there are very well satisfied with the Prince's marriage with his Royal Highness' daughter. Last week we had very much snow and stormy weather, but it is all gone and now it is rain. Wind S.S.E. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 154.]
Nov. 8.
Truro.
Hugh Acland to Williamson. Wind N.W., somewhat dark and lowering. [Ibid. No. 155.]
Nov. 8.
Whitehall.
Certificate by Sir J. Williamson that it appears to him by a certificate from one of the wardens of the Stationers' Company that Robert Stephens, printer, is the person who discovered that John Starkey, bookseller, was the vendor and disperser of an unlicensed and dangerous book entituled Bacon's Historical Discourse of the Uniformity of the Government of England, and discovered also John Barksdale, bookbinder, who had bound several of the said books, and by his means that the said Starkey was the first hander of the said book to the press, and that in pursuance of a warrant to the wardens of the Stationers' Company the said Stephens with a messenger seized between 400 and 500 books of the said Discourse in the Temple, where the said Starkey had laid them. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 334, p. 432.]
Nov. 8.
Lisburn.
Sir George Rawdon to Viscount Conway. I sent you by last Saturday's post Lord Granard's letters with my own, and yesterday he and Sir William Flower and many other officers came to dine with me here from Belfast and complained much that, since they went hence, they had not eaten or drunk any thing at Belfast that pleased them, and repent this was not the headquarters. He acquainted me with what he had written to you and to the Lord Treasurer and, by what comes out of Scotland and of their insolent demeanour, it is doubted there will be occasion for this brigade to be sent over and more to meet them out of England. Duke Lauderdale is not yet gone to Court, and this design of discontent in Scotland is, it's believed, fomented in France.
I was late last night, after Lord Granard returned to Belfast, necessitated to go to Hillsborough about the lady's burial. Mistress Ellen Hill died suddenly with continued convulsion fits one after another for 48 hours. They had sat up late dancing, Lady Barrymore and others there, and she drank two glasses of spring water after dancing and next night the fits took her. Her husband seems to take it very patiently.
Mr. Coote is here and meets with a mistress more coy than I expected, which often makes him melancholy, so he waits with patience, pretending to be much smitten, and is not so well satisfied that Capt. Forbes continues here. He removed with his father last week to Belfast, but came up two days after and finds this a better quarter. Lieut. Tichburne is his lieutenant, and their quarters are Dunmurry and part of Derriaghy.
I have your letter that speaks Mr. Jones' opinion of the estate which I shall inquire into, and with the best advice I can, and believe it otherwise than he represents it. 700l. a year in co. Limerick, as I am informed, is lately settled by new leases of 21 years, which perhaps Mr. Jones is not acquainted with. I have no particular of it yet, nor am so far as to look into it, till the young couple be upon nearer terms, for she takes upon the authority of a mistress more than I expected and carries it on better than I expected she could act it. I send this by Mr. Farewell, for last night I was late at Hillsborough in the coach, and had not time before the post went. Arthur rode out very early, before I was up, with the hounds, so, if he wrote as he said he would, I find it not left on my table. [2 pages. Conway papers. S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 338, No. 110.]
Nov. 9.
Plymouth.
Philip Lanyon to Williamson. Enclosing list of ships arrived. Here is just now a report that two French men-of-war are riding in Tor Bay near Dartmouth. There came in there a Dutch man-ofwar of about 60 guns which had a great leak, so that she had 8 or 9 feet of water in her hold. She came into Tor Bay, where the French men-of-war were, and ran ashore. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 156.] Enclosed,
The said list. [Ibid. No. 156 I.]
Nov. 9.
Whitehall.
Warrant for a grant to John Browne for 27 years of the office of gunfounder, gunstone maker, caster of ordnance, &c., fee 4s. a day, on the determination of the grant thereof made to George Browne on 24 Sept., 1660, for 21 years. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 29, p. 223.]
[Nov. 9 ?] Memorandum that William Soames, envoyé extraordinary to the Duke of Savoy, took leave of his Majesty on that day. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 50, p. 3.]
Nov. 10.
Southampton.
Thomas Butler to Williamson. Since my last letter about a week since, which I wrote according to instructions from my counsel at London, I have received new instructions that, though the King's title is good on a promotion to Scotland, yet induction being given on institution in right of the private patron's title before consecration there is a plenartie made against the King, and I am advised to cease any further proceedings, so the King is cheated and I am undone. My only support remains in my hopes of your patronage. Two doctors of eminency wrote me word of the designment of Dr. Outram for a bishopric on the death of the Archbishop of Canterbury. He has three preferments, as I am informed, viz., St. Margaret's, Westminster, the archdeaconry of Leicester and a prebend of Westminster, the last of which would fully gratify your poor servant, and, though my merit cannot pretend to the least, there is none too big for you to obtain, and so much the Bishop of Winton informed me, when I delivered him your kind letter at Farnham Castle. He afterwards promised me in Southampton at the visitation to discourse with you in my behalf, when he came to London. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 157.]
Nov. 10.
Harwich.
Silas Taylor to Williamson. This morning one of our packetboats arrived, which left Holland Thursday morning. They brought no news but that the joy there was very general for this alliance. The wind these two days has been southerly, sometimes S.W., with windy and rainy weather, but now about noon it is fair overhead and the wind S.W. [Ibid. No. 158.]
Nov. 10.
Deal.
Richard Watts to Williamson. Last post brought us the joyful news of her Royal Highness being delivered of a son. Sir John Holmes, who wears the flag here, shot off many guns, and on shore was made the greatest expression of joy that so little time could produce. About noon yesterday was seen a great grampus in the Downs. A topsail gale at S.W. [Ibid. No. 159.]
Nov. 10. Commission for Charles Fynch to be cornet to the Duke of Monmouth's own troop in his regiment of horse. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 41, p. 98.]
Nov. 10.
Whitehall.
Commission to Lord Rosse to be Lieut.-colonel of the regiment of Guard, which place is now vacant by the death of the Earl of Kellie. [S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 4, p. 319.]
Nov. 11.
Pendennis.
Francis Bellott to Williamson. The wind last week being variable the Bordeaux fleet went out and came in again and are here still. (About the Invincible as in Holden's letter of the 7th calendared ante, p. 447.) Wind S.W. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 160.]
Nov. 11.
Whitehall.
The King to the Vice-Chancellor and Senate of the University of Cambridge. Requiring them to admit to the degree of M.D., Charles Fraiser, M.A., Fellow of Trinity College, one of the King's physicians in ordinary, in respect of his learning and proficiency, although he wants some time required by statute for the degree, he performing the exercises enjoined. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 27, f. 206.]
Nov. 11.
Whitehall.
The King to the Lord Lieutenant. Warrant for a commission to the Archbishop of Dublin and five others to be commissioners for inspecting and passing accounts in Ireland. [S.P. Dom., Signet Office, Vol. 10, p. 177.]
Nov. 12. The Bishop of Oxford to Williamson. I choose to accompany the Provost of Eton, now he waits on you, that both of us may make you but one trouble. I have no other business unless to recommend to your kindness honest Dr. Gale, if a vacancy should happen to be made in Trinity College, Cambridge, whose parts and industry would be much more fitting for a station in a university than a grammar school. You are no stranger to his merits, nor is he to your favour. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 161.]
Nov. 12.
Exeter.
The Bishop of Exeter to Williamson. I am very much solicited here by a canon to give way for the resignation of his canonry to his son, who is indeed a very deserving person, but I cannot do it, for the next vacancy, whether by death or resignation, is ordered by his Majesty's letter to be conferred on Mr. Ceely, Mr. Walker's brother-in-law. They tell me the meaning of the letter is for the next vacancy by death, not by resignation, which is only their conjecture. If you would write me such a letter, as I may show the Dean and Chapter, to signify his Majesty's pleasure to be that the next canonry vacant whether by death or resignation be conferred on Mr. Ceely, you will do me a kindness in easing me from any future solicitation. Mr. Walker is a person of that great worth and integrity that I would not disoblige him for a world.—Thanking him for his kindness to Mr. Rosewell and entreating him to continue it. [Ibid. No. 162.] Annexed,
Copy of the above-mentioned letter dated 24 Nov., 1675, calendared in S.P. Dom., 1675-6, p. 415. [Ibid. No. 162 I.]
Nov. 12.
Yarmouth.
Richard Bower to Williamson. On the happy occasion of the marriage between the Lady Mary and the Prince of Orange, the Bayliffs of this town appointed last Saturday to be the day for expressing their joy, which was done thus. The Bayliffs, Justices, Aldermen and Common Council met at the Guildhall in their formalities and thence in order went round the town, the waits playing before them. As they passed the forts, the guns were fired, and, as they came along the quay, the ships did the like. The evening was spent with bonfires, and, what excelled all, all the ships at the quay had a lanthorn and candle hanging lighted at every yard's end and topmast head, which made a most pleasant and glorious show. [Ibid. No. 163.]
Nov. 12.
Truro.
Hugh Acland to Williamson. Last Saturday we had the news of the Prince of Orange's marriage, for which the Mayor and his brethren had very great rejoicing with bonfires and the militia of the town giving several volleys, with other demonstrations of their joy.—Wind southerly, very stormy weather. [Ibid. No. 164.]
Nov. 12.
Whitehall.
Warrant to Sir Francis Leake, Governor of Gravesend, to suffer two States men-of-war now riding in the river, appointed to attend the return of the Prince of Orange, to come up as high in the river and as near the Tower as shall be desired, in order to take in such of the goods of the said Prince and his train as are to be taken in by them. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 334, p. 432.]
Nov. 12.
Whitehall.
Warrant for payment to Thomas Plott, appointed agent at the Court of the Great Duke of Florence, of 20s. per diem, to commence from the day he shall leave the king's presence. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 50, p. 2.]
Nov. 13.
Whitehall.
Request by the Duke of Monmouth that a pass be procured for Francis Wheeler, ensign to Capt. Godfrey's company in Col. Russell's regiment of Guards, to be allowed on the several musters during his absence at sea, whither he is employed for his Majesty's service. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 165.]
Nov. 13.
The Council Chamber, Whitehall.
Resolution of the Committee of Trade. Having debated whether the law against taking foreign commissions were fit to be laid aside according to the last resolutions, because hereby the privateer would be terrified from coming in, that this question be sent to Counsel, learned in the common and civil law, for their opinion, viz., whether the King, having made alliance with any foreign prince or potentate, and thereby agreeing to punish with extreme or utmost punishment such as by colour of commissions from enemies to his said allies shall take arms against the peace and treaty proclaimed and spoil the king's allies, it be not a levying of war against the king and punishable by death, or what crime it is, and how punishable ? Annexed,
Opinion of Sir Thomas Exton and Sir Richard Lloyd that this is not a levying of war against the king nor punishable by death. It is a crime against his Majesty's treaties of peace and his strict proclamations enjoining the due observance of them. It is also an offence against the law of nations and by the civil law it is crimen læsæ Majestatis, but by the law of England we conceive it to be no more than a confederacy against his Majesty's crown and dignity, and by the statute for the trial of piracy (28 Hen. VIII. c. 15) punishable only by fine and imprisonment, and there is an offender in the Marshalsea, who has accordingly been so punished. 21 Nov. [Ibid. No. 166.]
Two other copies of the above query and opinion dated 24 Nov. [Ibid. Nos. 167, 168.]
Nov. 13.
Stockton.
Richard Potts to Williamson. The wind has blown a long time at S. and S.E. which has kept the ships in harbour here, till most vessels of this place are laden and ready to sail for Rotterdam. This morning it has come westerly. [Ibid. No. 169.]
Nov. 13.
Harwich.
Silas Taylor to Williamson. Concerning the arrival and departure of the packet-boats. [Ibid. No. 170.]
Nov. 13.
Plymouth.
Philip Lanyon to Williamson. No ships are arrived here since my last. [Ibid. No. 171.]
Nov. 13.
Barnstaple.
William Wakeman to James Hickes. Requesting him to send the enclosed account of the rejoicing there at the news of the Prince of Orange's marriage to the person that writes the Gazettes, he not knowing how to direct it. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 172.] Enclosed,
William Wakeman toThis has been a day of great rejoicing here, occasioned as by the news of the consummation of the marriage between the Lady Mary and the Prince of Orange as by that of the birth of a son to the Duke of York. The Mayor and his brethren, after being treated at dinner at the Mayor's house, went in their scarlet robes and other formalities, preceded by the Trained Band of this town, to the merchants' walk on the quay where they, accompanied with several persons of quality, both of town and country, drank first the healths of the Prince and Princess of Orange, next that of the young prince, and then those of the Duke and Duchess, the Queen's, and last of all, his Majesty's, each of which was accompanied with several volleys both of great and small shot, after which the Mayor and his brethren, preceded as aforesaid, returned to the Mayor's house, where they were very handsomely treated at supper, and again drank the before mentioned healths, and now the bells and bonfires are concluding the solemnity. 13 Nov. Barnstaple. [Ibid. No. 172 I.]
Nov. 13.
Whitehall.
Secretary Coventry to the Duke of Newcastle, lord lieutenant of Nottinghamshire. Signifying the king's approval of his recommendation of William Stanhope as a deputy lieutenant. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 29, p. 224.]
Nov. 14.
Yarmouth.
Richard Bower to Williamson. Yesterday came ashore to the southward of the haven a fly-boat of London laden with masts and deals. The master being ashore, through the carelessness of the men the cable came foul of the anchor, and so she drove ashore. The same day another new fly-boat of London, laden with about 12 score chaldron of coals, came ashore at Winterton. There are little or no hopes of saving either of them. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 173.]
Nov. 14.
Deal.
Richard Watts to Williamson. This morning Sir John Holmes, our flag, received a packet commanding him with all speed to weigh and sail for the River's mouth, whence he carries the Prince of Orange to Holland, and with him go all the frigates that are nigh. The country rejoices much at the birth of Prince Charles and the marriage of the Lady Mary. A topsail gale at S.W. [Ibid. No. 174.]
Nov. 14.
Whitehall.
Warrant for a grant of the office commonly called the Custos Brevium office to Sir Walter St. John, Sir Ralph Verney, Sir Richard How and John Cary in fee simple after the determination of the grants, estates and interests heretofore granted of the said office for the lives of William Thursby, Robert Sawyer and Sir Joseph Ashe or any of them, in trust for Edward Henry, Earl of Lichfield, for his life and after his decease in trust for Charlotte, Countess of Lichfield, his wife, for her life and after her decease in trust for the first son of the said Earl begotten on the said Countess in tail male, and for default of such issue in trust for the second, third and every other son of the body of the said Earl begotten on the said Countess in tail male successively in order of seniority, and for default of such issue in trust for all the daughters of the said Earl begotten on the said Countess and the heirs of their bodies, and for default of such issue in trust for the said Countess and the heirs of her body. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 334, p. 433.]
Another copy thereof. Sign Manual. Counter-signed "J. Williamson." [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 175.]
Nov. 14.
Whitehall.
Warrant to Sir Edward Griffin for payment to Thomas Wyndham, Groom of the Bedchamber, of 150l. to be disposed of by him to such uses as the King shall direct, without account. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 334, p. 434.]
Nov. 15.
Harwich.
Silas Taylor to Williamson. The packet-boat we expected last Tuesday came not in till the evening. The master informs me that the towns in Holland had doubled the number of their deputies on the occasion of the Prince's - marriage. From the Brill went two, whereas before they sent but one. These received and approved of his marriage with much joy. He sailed back to the Brill last night. Wind W. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 176.]
Nov. 15.
10 a.m. Swansea.
John Man to Williamson. A small vessel of this place laden with wines, pitch and brandies, bound for Cork and arrived here last week, reports that several leagues westward of Scilly, he met with much wreck, being the boat and after the hull of a large vessel, and then several floats of deal, so that he was more afraid of perishing by the wrecks than the storms, but he came here safe though with much difficulty. Another small vessel of this town from Croisic met near Milford a vessel laden with wool ready to perish, men and all, and he, having lost his boat some days before in the storm, could afford the men no help, though they cried from the sides of the ship to him for it. We daily hear of wrecks, but cannot hear of the particulars. The weather to-day seems to promise a settlement and calmer weather, the wind now E.N.E. [Ibid. No. 177.]
Nov. 15.
Whitehall.
Pass for the bearer, the Sieur Bregel, who has occasion to go to Nimeguen. [French. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 334, p. 433.]
Nov. 15.
Whitehall.
The King to the Lord Lieutenant. Warrant for a grant and confirmation incorporating the persons therein named by the name of the Guild of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to consist of a master and two wardens, 14 assistants and commonalty, to have their fraternities or guilds according to their several misteries and faculties of saddlers, upholders, coach and coach harness makers, bridle-makers and wheelwrights, Markes Ranford to be the first master, and William Young and John Burges the first wardens, with clauses for the government of the said guild. [6½ pages. S.P. Dom., Signet Office, Vol. 10, p. 179.]
[Nov. ?] The Master, Wardens and Assistants of the Company of Masons to the King. Petition for a charter of incorporation with such powers as will enable them to prevent the deceits and abuses they have lately observed to be too frequently practised by many of the same trade in and about London and Westminster, who refuse all manner of subjection to the good rules and orders made by the said Company, who have had a continual succession of members for many hundred years, and are ranked among the most ancient Companies of the City. At the foot,
Nov. 16.
Whitehall.
Reference thereof to the Attorney-General. At the side, His report in favour of granting a Charter according to the annexed heads. 20 Nov. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 178.] Annexed,
The heads of the Charter desired. [Ibid. No. 178 I.]
Another copy of the above reference. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 46, p. 210.]
Nov. 16.
Plymouth.
Philip Lanyon to Williamson. Enclosing list of ships arrived. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 179.] Enclosed,
The said list. [Ibid. No. 179 i.]
Nov. 16. List of the sheriffs for the different counties of England and Wales for the ensuing year, giving also the names of some substituted for those originally appointed. [Ibid. No. 180.]
Nov. 17.
Whitehall.
Warrant for a pardon to Thomas Putland of all offences and felonies committed by him before the date thereof, from which by law the benefit of clergy is not taken away. [S.P Dom., Entry Book 28, f. 197.]
Nov. 17. Warrant to George Pierce, messenger, after reciting that his Majesty has received information of an affront given to the Sieur Benting (Bentinck), chamberlain to the Prince of Orange, by a Mr. la Vallèe in the drawing-room at St. James', to make diligent search for the said la Vallèe and apprehend him and bring him before Williamson to answer what he is charged with concerning the premises. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 334, p. 435.]
Nov. 17.
Whitehall.
Memorials of protection to Lord Balmerino and to Walter Young, younger of Winterfield, for — years respectively. [S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 4, pp. 320, 321.]
Nov. 18.
Pendennis.
Francis Bellott to Williamson. Last Friday, the wind being N.N.W. the fleet for France sailed. The French privateer is still detained here, and all her sails brought ashore in the Customer's custody. No complaint as yet comes against him. At present very few ships are in the harbour. Wind S.E. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 181.]
Nov. 18.
Whitehall.
Certificate by the Duke of Monmouth that, whereas it has been represented to him that Ulysses Burke, ensign to Capt. Burke's company in his foot regiment in the French service, on high and undeserved provocation had a quarrel with Capt. John Hodgson of the said regiment, in which he wounded the said Hodgson, whereof he is since dead, and that the said ensign in no wise offered any injury or affront to the said captain but rather received the same from him, so that he was in a manner forced to draw for his own defence and the maintenance of his reputation, by virtue of the power granted him by his Most Christian Majesty, he pardons the said Burke for the death of the said Hodgson, and restores the said Burke to his command of ensign in the said regiment. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 41, p. 102.]
Nov. 18.
Jersey.
Sir Philip de Carteret to Williamson. Thanking him for the expressions of his kindness to him, which he has given before both the Sir Edward Carterets, who have let him know of it. S.P. Dom., Channel Islands 9, No. 61.]
Nov. 19.
Whitehall.
William Blathwayt to Thomas Newcombe. Desiring him to prepare the passports therein mentioned for the use of the island of Jersey. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 182.]
Nov. 19. Information that two copies of L'Europe Esclave, only folded out of quires and never stitched up, with six French Bibles in quires, were pawned to John Gellybrand in St. Paul's Churchyard for 18s. and forfeited. He protests he neither knew what the books were nor the person that brought them, and I believe him. But he says that Priest, a dancing master, brought that person to him and told him there was a poor man who wanted money, and would leave him some books in pawn. I could not learn till this morning where Priest lives, who probably may produce this man, and am now directed to him within a door or two of the Sun tavern in Leicester Fields. [Ibid. No. 183.]
Nov. 19.
Deal.
Richard Watts to Williamson. To-day came one from Sir John Holmes, who rides against Margate. They say that fleet is to come into the Downs and there attend the Princess and Prince. Much rain and violent winds here, but little harm done. 'Tis now little wind but rainy. [Ibid. No. 184.]
Nov. 19.
Truro.
Hugh Acland to Williamson. There has been cast away in the North Channel at the parish of Crantock about 10 miles from this a fly-boat with 13 men and 6 guns. The men were all saved. They say they belong to Roan (Rouen). The bulk of their lading was muscovado sugar. Most of the goods are spoiled. Wind easterly, very cold weather. [Ibid. No. 185.]
Nov. 19.
Falmouth.
Thomas Holden to Williamson. The 16th put to sea about 40 merchantmen for several ports in France, wind N.W. We had these 14 days past many storms and much foul weather. We hear of an English ship from Barbados laden with sugar cast away at Scilly, all the men saved and much of the goods. A Frenchman from Martinico for Havre laden with sugars was the 13th instant cast away near Padstow, all the men saved, most of her goods and the ship lost. To-day came in here the James, of London, for Carolina with some other small vessels from London. Wind now N.E. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 186.]
Nov. 19.
Whitehall.
Secretary Coventry to the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury. The rectory of Exning being void and in their gift, recommending Edmund Ivory, M.A., Fellow of Caius' College, Cambridge, for it. He was well esteemed of at Newmarket, and much desired by the parish. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 27, f. 105.]
Nov. 19.
Whitehall.
Sir J. Williamson to the Lord Chancellor of Ireland. I must not let Mr. Muschamp part without returning my thanks for your kind remembrance of me by him and assuring you of the continuance of my respects. I am ashamed that trifling business of the Purse has lain so long in my hands, but the mind the King seemed to be of was that for regularity's sake it ought to be rather provided on that side, and that you should have it paid for as my Lord Chancellor's is on this side, if there be any such funds within your power as Lord Chancellor. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 43, p. 178.]
Nov. 19.
Whitehall.
Sir George Rawdon to Viscount Conway. A letter is sent you this post from Lord Granard about an affair that troubles my thoughts more than my pen can express. I have long had a high esteem for him, believing him to be a man of great honour and truth, but his importunities to begin his son's amours is very unseasonable at this time, when he knows how far the treaty is gone and the conditions, which Lord Coloony acquainted him with before he came down, and he has also been told by me how far I was engaged, and also that my daughter was particularly acquainted with the passages and his letters and your consent and kindness and bounty to her. Mr. Coote came immediately after his landing, two days after Lord Granard and his son, who with others were lodged in this house and the town was also full of soldiers and officers, and it was somewhat an unseasonable time, and since it has proved very afflictive to me, for my daughter, by what artifices and reports I have since found out, is very averse and has taken a prejudice against Mr. Coote, and I perceive my son is not free of it, but has been gained to Capt. Forbes' party by hunting with him and a nag he presented him, and being lodged still here as he was at first when his father came, and playing nightly at cards here. And she either deceives me, as I doubt she will herself hereafter, or has a great aversion to them both, and also professes she has not set her affections on any other. I showed her Lord Coloony's letters and your Lordship's and your kindness to her still as the treaty proceeded, and she did not express any dislike of it, till after he came hither, nor now can she give any the least reason of exception against his person, humour or education, which is very winning upon everybody, and he is so observant and makes such show of his liking and love that he becomes dejected with her coy behaviour, so that I think shortly he will be wearied, and what my troubles and difficulties will then ensue I dread to think of, for no consideration can make me like a son-in-law but one of English blood, and here to be averse to his father's desires will be a hard task, for he will be very pressing and I know it is his concern to provide to pay for his late purchase, so that I am in a very great strait and have no one in the world to make my moan unto but you, and could be well content, were it God's good pleasure, that she or I were in our graves. All this time the hurry of officers still in the house and charge of being an inn-keeper puts me much by my way.
As to Lord Coloony's estate I have made better enquiry than Mr. Jones. His Limerick land is new set by lease and improved more than double and, if this proceed, I shall not, I believe, be deceived in its value, but I may be in his ironworks, for I have been so in the Blomery at Lambegg, and should be content, if you so please, to surrender them to you, believing you may find a fitter man in Staffordshire to manage them than I have had and that the stock, buildings and utensils be valued and you will pay for them. I have thoughts to ease myself in my old age of the many businesses I am oppressed with, for the damage by Mrs. Aston's suit and the charge I cannot avoid by living in this manner exhausts me, and Arthur's allowance he expects. Though it be against my nature to beg or press on your great kindness, yet a few years more of Lambeg rents or the pay of your company would be seasonable helps to me. I must conclude this, but shall not the affairs of my daughter, but keep them in suspense and hold on one treaty, if I can prevail with her to keep off the other till I hear from you.
Lord Blessington's delay of his journey to his sister's funeral has delayed it. Perhaps he may be come this evening. [2 pages. Conway papers. S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 338, No. 111.]
Nov. 19.
Belfast.
Viscount Granard to Viscount Conway. By my last I sent you a letter enclosed to the Lord Treasurer, which I hope is come safe. Likewise I gave you an account of my son's great affection to your niece. You know with what earnestness I have ever pressed to have a title to your blood as well as to your friendship. Now it has pleased God to order affairs so as the young folk like one the other, and all will depend on your approbation. This I have liberty from the lady to acquaint you with, whose goodness and virtue is such that I dare assure myself that family is blessed where she is to be. Let me not only conjure, but also beg your countenance in this affair, which so much concerns the happiness of me and mine. She shall be as happy as I can make her. Your favour and countenance will contribute much to both. [Conway papers. Ibid. No. 112.]
Nov. 20. Extract by John Lilly, clerk of the Stationers' Company, of the entry of a book entituled, A Collection of the Names of the Merchants living in and about the City of London, directing at the first sight of their Names to the place of their abode, dated 19 Sept. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 187.]
Nov. 20.
Tredegar.
William Morgan to Williamson. I must beg your pardon for giving you this trouble, but I fear you may have received it already from my unruly mad wife. She has left me on no occasion in the world. I had not the least difference with her, but did all I could to govern her extravagant passions. 'Tis well known I endured more than was fit, for I looked upon her as mad. She of late fell into those violent passions, that we could have no quiet night or day in the house. I endeavoured to take as little notice as I could of her, everybody endeavouring to give her all the satisfaction they could, but nothing would do, and at last she would have hectored me. I told her, I was not to be hectored, and kept her off from me, but one night she fell upon me in my bed and shook me several times, so that I was forced in my own defence to put her out of my chamber; but in she came and did as violently assault me. Many of these extravagant actions she has committed, which I shall not trouble you with. Now I hear she complains of my beating her. I never touched her but in my own defence. I gave her liberty always to take her own servants, and they can tell how I bore with her. She has turned away at least 20 servants of her own taking. I would never suffer her to turn away any officers and those I found useful. The Devil has so possessed her that she declared she would damn herself but she would defame me, and she cares not what she says nor to whom she says it, so I beg you, in case she comes to the King, to let him know that nothing she can say is true, but, if needs must, the world shall see her actions. I should not have given you this trouble, but that I hear she intended to wait on you. [Ibid. No. 188.]
Nov. 20.
Stockton.
Richard Potts to Williamson. Last week sailed most of the vessels of this place, wind W., but since it has been foggy dark weather and little wind, as it now is, at S.W. [Ibid. No. 189.]
Nov. 20.
Harwich.
Silas Taylor to Williamson. One of our packet-boats sailed last Saturday night, and yesterday afternoon another arrived, which came from the Brill last Sunday. The master says some men-of-war are fitting out at Helvoetsluys. It is reported they are to attend the Prince homeward. He also says that Mr. Pain, the postmaster at the Brill, is dead. These last three days the wind has been northerly, where it continues. [Ibid. No. 190.]
Nov. 20.
Dover.
Francis Bastinck to Williamson. Last night arrived the packet-boat from Calais. The master tells us that yesterday marched towards Flanders a regiment of horse that quartered in and about Calais, and that some passengers that came from Dunkirk found the road very full of soldiers, horse and foot, marching that way. The design is not known, but those of Nieuport are very apprehensive they design some thing on that place, above 10,000 men being already quartered in and about Vuerne, who appear daily in several parties almost within cannon shot, which our packet-boat of this day informs us, and that that garrison is in a very bad condition of defence. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 191.]
Nov. 20.
Plymouth.
Philip Lanyon to Williamson. Enclosing list of ships arrived. This evening two Dutch privateers are come in, where bound I know not as yet. [Ibid. No. 192.] Enclosed,
The said list. [Ibid. No. 192 i.]
Nov. 20.
Whitehall.
Sir J. Williamson to the Clerk of the Signet. Signifying that no pardon or discharge pass to Mr. Allen and others for embezzling or concealing any of the late king's goods without notice to himself. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 45, p. 45.]
Nov. 20.
Whitehall.
Certificate by Secretary Coventry that the Hope, of London, a Scotch prize, was made a free ship by warrant of 18 Aug., 1675, and is registered in the Entry Books in his office. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 40A, f. 221.]
Nov. 20.
Whitehall.
Memorial of protection to Kenneth, Earl of Seaforth, for — years. [S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 4, p. 321.]
Nov. 21.
Whitehall.
Warrant for a charter incorporating all masons within London and Westminster and seven miles round by the name of the Master, Wardens, Assistants and Commonalty of the Company of Masons of the City of London, with such powers, privileges and authorities as are mentioned in the paper of Heads thereunto annexed. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 334, p. 435.] Annexed,
The said Heads. [Ibid.]
Nov. 21.
Whitehall.
Licence to Sir Gregory Hockmore, high sheriff of Somerset, to reside at his mansion house in Devon when his distemper of the gout or other his lawful occasions shall require. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 40A, f. 220.]
Nov. 22.
9 p.m., Chatham Dock.
Sir Richard Beach to Williamson. At half-past 8 to-night Mr. Rothe, who came express from his Majesty to the Prince of Orange, came to me with directions to send him down to the Prince at Sheerness, but we have so great a storm at N.E. and the ebb half spent, that it is impossible either with vessel or boat to get thither. Could it be done, it were lost labour, for the Prince is gone for Dover, as the carpenter of the Mary yacht informed us to-day, who came from thence, and coaches were taken up in town for that end, so I advised Mr. Rothe to ride away for Sittingbourne and there he would know the certainty of the Prince's being either at Sheerness or on his way to Dover, and, if at Sheerness, he was on his way to the King's Ferry, if at Canterbury, as I suppose he is to-night, he is there also so much nearer him. I have presumed to send this express, not knowing of what consequence Mr. Rothe's business may be. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 193.]
Nov. 22.
Harwich.
Silas Taylor to Williamson. A N.E. and E. wind, as it is to-day, has brought black, dark and heavy weather with hail, snow and rain. It is so stormy that the packet-boat durst not venture out last night or to-day. [Ibid. No. 194.]
Nov. 22.
Truro.
Hugh Acland to Williamson. Wind N.E., very fair and very cold weather. [Ibid. No. 195.]
Nov. 22.
Falmouth.
Thomas Holden to Williamson. The 20th came in the Edward, of London, from Sligo. The master reports there was some rising about the North of Ireland of some discontented people against the bishops, and that 20 soldiers were drawn out of each garrison thereabouts to suppress them.
The same day passed before this harbour the Nonsuch for the Canaries with some vessels under her convoy for the Straits.
The 21st came in the Orion and the Margaret, of London, from Barbados. Both report that place is in a very good condition and all quiet, and that they had a good crop last season. There also came in the St. George, of London, from Lisbon, who says the report there was that Sir John Narbrough had taken six Algier men-of-war. Wind N.E. [Ibid. No. 196.]
Nov. 22.
Whitehall.
The King to the Earl of Rothes, Chancellor, Sir James Dalrymple of Stair, President, and the remanent Senators of the College of Justice. It having been represented to us by the Envoy Extraordinary of Sweden in behalf of his Master's subjects, the owners of the Calmar, and by Samuel Sowton, owner of the goods on board her, that, on our remitting that affair to you by our letter of June last, they had applied to you by petition, and that you had ordered them to produce such evidence as they could that the said ship was employed in that voyage for our service, and it being likewise represented to us that she was instructed with a pass according to the formula agreed on by the treaty with Sweden in 1661, on showing whereof, as the ship ought to have been suffered to pass on her intended voyage without further enquiry according to article 18 of the treaty with Sweden in 1665, so the ship and goods, being seized and brought up contrary to the express terms of the said article, ought to have been forthwith discharged, and the parties indemnified for their costs and charges occasioned by the capture; we now as to her being employed in our service give you to understand that on the breaking out of the late war with the States General Henry Coventry, then Ambassador Extraordinary to Sweden, had order from us to treat with the said Sowton, then residing at Stockholm, to contract with the Tar Company there for such quantities of pitch and tar, as we should need from thence during the war for our stores, and that the said Ambassador accordingly treated with the said Sowson, who entered into a contract with the said Tar Company, and in pursuance of his undertaking to supply our stores, laded several ships for England, all of which came safe, except the Calmar and another called the Stralsund, which were brought up to Scotland, and of which the latter was afterwards freed there. We likewise give you to understand that, when our said ambassador agreed with Sowton, Sowton was allowed by him to lade the pitch, tar, &c., in whatever ship he thought fit. We further declare that by our treaty with Sweden in 1665 all ships having such a pass should pass free, without being molested, searched or brought up by any of our subjects, and we are satisfied this ship had such a pass. And, after we had resolved to have heard the whole matter here and to have given our definitive sentence as the proper judge of the meaning of our treaties, we remitted the same back to you. We now therefore expect you will ease us of any further trouble in an affair which has been so many years depending, and accordingly require you to proceed to a definitive sentence with all due respect to our service and agreeable to equity and justice. [Nearly 2 pages. S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 4, p. 321.]
Another copy of the above, dated 14 Nov., in which the second ship is called the Fortune of Stralsund. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 40A, f. 219.]
Nov. 23.
Whitehall.
Order in Council. After reciting that his Majesty had ordered Secretary Williamson to send some person with Mr. George Carew to the Dutch Ambassador, to whom Mr. Carew was to present the humble submission he signed that day before his Majesty in Council for having offered indignities to the Ambassador's person and character: that, on notice to Secretary Williamson by the person sent with Mr. Carew that the said Mr. Carew has presented his submission in due manner, he forthwith give order for the said Mr. Carew's release from the Gatehouse. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 197.]
Nov. 23.
Whitehall.
Order in Council. After reciting that on the complaint of several traders in foreign iron-wire, that the officers of the Customs had seized several parcels thereof on pretence that the same was prohibited by a statute of Edw. IV., his Majesty after a full hearing of the said traders and of the Company of Mineral and Battery Works, who petitioned against the importation thereof, ordered 11 July last that a trial should be had next Michaelmas Term for determining the matter, and that further seizures of such wire should be forborne till the issue of the said trial, and that the Baron de Schwerin, envoye extraordinary from the Elector of Brandenburg, by his memorial read this day represented the great prejudice that may accrue to the trade between his Majesty's subjects and those of his Highness on prohibition of the wire trade, and therefore desired his Majesty to continue the trade for some longer time; that the part of the said order, directing that no such further seizures be made till the issue of the said trial, be continued till the end of next Easter Term. [Ibid. No. 198.]
[Nov. ?] Richard Crane to the King. Petition for admission as one of the poor knights of Windsor on the next vacancy after the placing of those who have already obtained grants of such places; the petitioner's father, John Crane, was chief clerk of the Green Cloth and nearly related to Sir Francis Crane, founder of five poor knights' places at Windsor, and was sequestered in all his estate to the utter ruin of all his younger children, and the petitioner was a commissioned officer for the cause of the late King under the Earl of Northampton, and ever since continued loyal and served in the Life Guards and in Sir Francis Compton's troop where he now rides, but by reason of his age and infirmities he fears he shall not be able to serve much longer. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 199.]
Nov. 23.
Friday.
Valentine Crane to the Bishop of London. Requesting him to speak to Secretary Williamson, that he may have an order on his petition for his brother, Richard Crane, for he will do nothing till his Lordship speaks to him, as he told the writer, notwithstanding the following account he gave him, viz., that the petitioner Richard was the eleventh son of John Crane, chief clerk of the Green Cloth, 1660, and was a cornet in the garrison of Banbury, as appears by the book of Indigent Officers, p. 99, title the Earl of Northampton, and begging him to speak to Sir Joseph that he may have the order speedily or others will be entered before him, and there are seven, if not more waiting at present, with note by the Bishop that he is very well assured that the petitioner was a cornet under his brother at Banbury. [Ibid. No. 200.]
Nov. 23. William Griffith to Williamson. His Majesty having commanded the case of the Danish ship, the St. Anne, drawn and signed by Drs. Godolphin and Raines to be transmitted to Scotland to the Duke of Lauderdale, praying his Honour to order the delivery thereof to him, or that he may have notice when he may receive it and the papers relating thereto. With receipt on the back by Griffith for the case stated concerning the three Danish ships, the St. Anne, Palm Tree and Patience, signed by Drs. John Mylles, John Godolphin and Richard Raines. [Ibid. No. 201.]
Nov. 23.
Plymouth.
Philip Lanyon to Williamson. Enclosing list of ships arrived. Here is an Ostend privateer, stopped by the Vice-Admiral by an order from the Admiralty. [Ibid. No. 202.]
Nov. 23.
Whitehall.
Commission to Capt. William Sanderson to be Capt.-Lieutenant to that company of Col. John Russell's regiments of Foot Guards, whereof he is himself captain. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 44, p. 53.]
Nov. 23.
Whitehall.
Commissions to Henry Boade to be captain, to John Richardson to be lieutenant, and to Edward Fox to be ensign of a company in the Holland regiment. [Ibid.]
Nov. 23.
Whitehall.
Warrant for a pardon to William Vega alias De Vega, of London, merchant, of all rapes, indictments of rapes or convictions for the same, contempts, misdoings and trespasses advised, attempted, done or committed by him, and more particularly of all rapes, indictments of rapes and convictions for the same, trespasses, assaults and batteries made, attempted, committed or done on the bodies of Elizabeth Fancourt and Elizabeth Hoskins, then spinster, now the wife of Enoch Samby, or either of them, or on the bodies of any other and all accessories, whether before or after the fact, to the said crimes, as also for a pardon to Jonathan Prickman, of London, of all trespasses, misdoings, contempts, concealments or misprisions by him, either by the procurement or command of the said Vega or of his own proper act before 30 October last, with restitution to the said Vega of all lands and goods, as if the same had never been forfeited before 30 October last. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 334, p. 440.]
Nov. 23.
Whitehall.
Warrant for a similar pardon, but to Vega alone, with memorandum that it was afterwards altered as above. [Ibid. p. 437.]
Draft thereof. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 203.]
Nov. 23.
Whitehall.
The King to the Lord Lieutenant. Warrant, after reciting the grant dated 10 May, 1664, of the office of Master of the Rolls in Ireland to Sir William Temple in reversion expectant on the determination of the interests therein of his father, Sir John Temple, in possession and of Sir Maurice Eustace, Lord Chancellor, in reversion, with a reservation of all judicial power with the said office theretofore used, and that the said Sir Maurice Eustace is long since and the said Sir John Temple is lately deceased, and that the King is resolved to grant to the said Sir William as well the judicial power with the said office heretofore granted as the ministerial power belonging to the said office: for a grant of the said office to the said Sir William during his life, with all fees, privileges, &c., thereto belonging as the same were granted to or enjoyed by the said Sir John Temple; and further, in regard that the said Sir William is now employed as ambassador extraordinary in Holland, as well as one of the plenipotentiaries at Nimeguen, so that he cannot at present repair to Ireland, for a licence to him to be absent from Ireland for three years from the death of the said Sir John Temple, and for a commission to some person or persons to administer the oaths to the said Sir William, and for the appointment of some fit person to execute the said office and to receive the profits thereof for the use of the said Sir William, till he be sworn and appoint a deputy. [Nearly three pages. S.P. Dom., Signet Office, Vol. 10, p. 185.]
Nov. 23.
Whitehall.
The King to the Lord Lieutenant. Warrant, after reciting that William Rider and Stanhope Mills, two of the present farmers of the revenue of Ireland, attended that day in Council concerning a commission lately granted there to Sir James Shaen and others empowering them or any three or more of them and no others to collect and manage all the revenue there, contrary to the intention of the letters patent of 8 April, 1676, and that it is contrary also to the Act of Excise in Ireland to have so great a number of commissioners: for superseding the said commission and for giving notice to the farmers that they may have such commission or commissions as shall be agreeable to their letters patent and the laws of that kingdom, viz., one for the Customs, the other for the judicial part of the Excise, in each of which the number and quorum of the Commissioners are to be agreeable to the Acts for settling the said revenues, which commissions are intended out of favour to the farmers the better to enable them to what by their patent they are not sufficiently empowered to do, and not to deprive any of the said farmers there from receiving and managing the several branches of the revenue according to the intent of the said letters patent, and for taking care that no other branch of the revenue be put into commission during the said farm and these two new commissions be only for the judicial part of the Excise and for doing those things in the Customs to which they are not sufficiently empowered by their grant. [1½ page. S.P. Dom., Signet Office, Vol. 10, p. 188.]
Nov. 23.
Whitehall.
The King to the Lord Lieutenant. Warrant for a grant of a baronetcy of Ireland to Lawrence Parsons of Parsonstown and the heirs male of his body, with a discharge to him of all services to be performed in consideration thereof or payments to be made in lieu of the same. [Ibid. p. 190.]
Nov. 24.
Hereford.
Herbert Aubrey to Williamson. Paying him his thanks for his generous assistance and at the same time importuning him again.—I hear the Bishop of London is likely to be Archbishop of Canterbury. If the nation be so happy, please give him my name with your friendly character as one that would serve him. There are many employments in his gift, if he be, and, I am informed, three white staves are in his dispose in his household. Could I get one of those or any other place under him, I might be better enabled to make some return to all your favours. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 204.]
Nov. 24.
Harwich.
Silas Taylor to Williamson. Thursday afternoon one of our packet-boats arrived. The Master says that coaches are laid ready at Maesland Sluys, &c., for the Prince's arrival. Winter is already come amongst us. Part of Thursday night was very tempestuous and towards morning frost and snow with an easterly wind, which still continues, blowing very fresh. [Ibid. No. 205.]
Nov. 24.
Deal.
Richard Watts to Williamson. Late Wednesday night came up a very great storm, which is yet very violent. Yesterday a ship of London, outward-bound, was stranded near Deal, and to-day two ships and a hoy came ashore and will undoubtedly be suddenly broken in pieces. A storm near N.E. [Ibid. No. 206.]
Nov. 24.
Knypersley.
Sir John Bowyer and William Sneyde to Secretary Coventry. Having committed Thomas Walker and Thomas Hamersley to Stafford gaol on suspicion of clipping and coining, they find new evidence against them daily and hope to discover the whole knot of those, who punish this country with false money. They send up the examinations taken against them. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 28, f. 199.]
Nov. 24.
Whitehall.
Reference to the Lord Lieutenant of the petition of Sir Charles Wheeler for a grant of certain lands discovered by him in Munster, Leinster and Connaught, under such quit rents as are reserved on like discoveries. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 46, p. 210.]
Nov. 24.
Whitehall.
Warrant to the keeper of the Gatehouse for the discharge of George Carew, a prisoner in his custody. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 334, p. 439.]
Nov. 25.
Pendennis.
Francis Bellott to Williamson. Last week, the wind being E. and E.N.E. and blowing a storm, came into this harbour 50 or 60 ships most bound for France, amongst them 7 or 8 small vessels homeward-bound from France. Their masters report that last Sunday came over the Pole Head in their company 150 sail, but all were dispersed by the storm and they suppose them all to leeward of this port. The French man-of-war is still in harbour, but cleared by Wednesday's post. All to-day much snow has fallen here. Wind N.E. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 207.]
[Nov. ?]. Samuel Lee, stationer, to the King. Petition stating that the petitioner has made and published a collection of the names and habitations of all or most of the merchants and traders in and about London, and intends to make another edition thereof with particular marks for distinguishing all such freemen and foreigners as dwell or trade in and about London and to make such other additions and enlargements as he has been desired to do by several persons concerned therein and to renew the same every year or oftener by the title of Index Mercatorius and praying a grant of the sole printing and publishing of the said book under the said title with such alterations and additions as aforesaid for 14 years. [Ibid. No. 208.]
Nov. 26.
9 p.m. Chatham.
Sir Richard Beach to [Williamson]. The Duke of Monmouth having been at Rochester to-day sent me a messenger or two to know if I could advise where the Prince of Orange was, or if I knew whether the yachts were still at Sheerness, and likewise if I could help him to a boat to go for Sheerness. I answered I did not know certainly either the one or the other, but supposed the yachts might be gone, in respect we had the winds all day at S. and S.S.W., but what his Highness' intentions were, I could not advise. But it was not justly informed to his Grace, but positively affirmed to him, that I reported they were gone. In the meantime I got one of our small vessels ready and a boat, and went to Rochester to pay my duty to his Grace, but he was just gone. I have since met with a vessel that carried down provisions to the yachts, and he informs me that at 3 in the afternoon they were all at Sheerness, and just now a vessel of this place informs me that one of the Dutch men-of-war was forced from his anchors at the Buoy of the Nore and was turning up thither to-day back to look for his anchors, and that the two small frigates and the yachts were at Sheerness to-night at 5. Where the Prince is, I cannot inform you, but we have the wind at E.N.E. now and since 4 this afternoon. What the yachts may do to-night being a light moon, I know not, nor have I had a word from any commander since their coming thither but for what we could serve them with.
I hope therefore if a contrary relation by his Grace's messengers has been delivered to him, before I could wait on him, I shall not be blamed. Therefore I rely wholly on your favour in acquainting his Majesty with the truth.
Master Price was with me two hours since in his intended way to Canterbury. If there he miss his Highness, he intends to follow him to Margate or elsewhere. He begged me to let you know we drank your good health with as much reality as any of your most humble servants. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 209.]
Nov. 26.
Edenhal.
Sir Philip Musgrave to Williamson. I shall carefully observe the orders in yours of the 17th which came to me Saturday, and immediately send to make observation of what is doing amongst our neighbours in the west of Scotland, and return as speedy an account as I can. To this purpose I intend to go this week to Carlisle, but have already sent to a friend to advise me how to settle a way for constant intelligence. I have had but bad health of late, but, when his Majesty's service calls on me, it helps to put the thoughts of not being well out of my mind.
The garrison at Carlisle is 50 soldiers, besides officers, a small number for that place. I suppose you know the militia of Cumberland and Westmorland are not 600 foot nor 80 horse, and few of the officers or soldiers have been much conversant in military matters. [Ibid. No. 210.]
Nov. 26. George Ogden, now minister of Harwood, near Leeds, to Williamson. For the support of myself and those dependent on me his Majesty granted me his letters dated 2 Nov., 1670, for to be admitted into the first fellowship vacant in the Collegiate Church of Manchester, but, when that became void, the now Bishop of Chester favoured his chaplain, Mr. Wroe, with the same by an after grant too, which came out of Lord Arlington's office.
For quietness' sake, I was willing to sacrifice my own reputation as well as interest, rather than salve it by wounding a person (not the chaplain) more eminent in the Church than myself, and according to Secretary Coventry's advice accepted a second mandate dated 8 May, 1675, which he procured me for the now next that should become void. According to his directions, after he had acquainted you, I brought this to your office, and at my very first motion you appointed one of your under-secretaries to enter a caveat.
Yet, forasmuch as ictus piscator sapit, and, if I should be disappointed of this next, which is likely to fall ere long, it would tend not only to my great prejudice, but to the utter ruin of my poor family, and I have heard from very trusty friends that one of the fellows there, who bears me a causeless grudge, is now about procuring another pre-election or some mandate out of your office, I send you a copy of mine, humbly requesting you to order your under-secretaries to prevent such a design, and beg your pardon for my presumption, seeing it is in order to a competent livelihood, and, though it be a bold attempt, yet an absolute necessity makes what is rude and evil, civil and lawful. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 211.]
Nov. 26.
Bridlington.
T. Aslaby to Williamson. We have had here a very violent storm, which began last Saturday night and continued till this morning, but the greatest violence was from 12 till 8 last night, the wind being much easterly. A pink of this town, laden with flax from Riga and bound for Portsmouth, being wind-bound in this bay, the violence of the storm forced her from her anchors, and she was yesterday run ashore to the southwards of this harbour, the men being all saved. It's hoped the lading is little damnified, and, if it prove good weather the next spring tide, that she will be safely got into this harbour. [Ibid. No. 212.]
Nov. 26.
Truro.
Hugh Acland to Williamson. The wind is S.E. with very great cold of frost and hail. [Ibid. No. 213.]
Nov. 26. Commissions to Thomas Cole to be ensign of the King's own company, whereof Col. John Strode is captain, to Robert Carr to be ensign of Major Walters' company, and to Richard Lee to be lieutenant of Capt. Charles Godfrey's company, all in Col. John Russell's regiment of Foot Guards. Minutes. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 29, p. 225.]
Nov. 26.
Whitehall.
The Duke of Monmouth to the Duke of Ormonde. Being informed by Mrs. Sarsfield that my name is used to their prejudice by one Bamford, who pretends a power from me to act in the differences between them and their brother's widow concerning the estate he left, I have thought fit to acquaint you that some time since I have left off interesting myself in that affair and have particularly required the said Bamford to cease all prosecution in my name, which, since my letters cannot obtain, I hope your commands shall, for I never had any other thoughts in this but that the two Mrs. Sarsfields should quietly enjoy whatever they could justly pretend to as left them by their brother. Since it is now in your power to effect this for them, I am so far from being an impediment to it, that I rather request you to show them all the favour their present condition seems to require. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 41, p. 104.]
Nov. 26.
Whitehall.
Caveat on behalf of the Dean and Chapter of York that no letter be granted to place a Register to the said Chapter, till the right of the Chapter be heard. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 45, p. 45.]
Request for entering the above caveat. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 214.]
Nov. 26.
Whitehall.
The King to the Bishop of Salisbury, Chancellor of the Order of the Garter. Warrant for admitting Richard Crane to be a poor knight of Windsor on the next vacancy, after such (if any) that have prior grants have been provided for. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 47, p. 58.]
Nov. 26.
Whitehall.
Warrant for a grant for 14 years to Samuel Lee, of the City of London, stationer, of the privilege of the sole printing and publishing of a Collection made by him of the names and habitations of the merchants and traders in and about the said city. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 334, p. 439.]
Draft of the above, with note by T. Guillyn to Mr. Warre that the licence thus drawn will serve their turn very well, if you will endeavour to get it passed. There is nothing in it but what is taken out of what has been formerly granted by the King. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 215.]
Nov. 26. Licence to Charles Neale, high sheriff of Northamptonshire, to repair to London and Westminster or elsewhere out of his county. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 40A, f. 221.]
Nov. 27.
Derby House.
S. Pepys to William Blathwayt. Putting into his hands to be presented to the Committee for Trade some papers relating to a petition desiring a pass for the Sarah, of London, on terms different from the rules prescribed, which was referred to the Lords of the Admiralty, who desired the opinion of the Commissioners of the Customs, whose report contains several matters proper for the consideration of the Committee. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 216.] Enclosed,
Robert Bloom, of London, merchant, and the rest of the owners of the Sarah, a foreign-built ship not free, to the King. Petition for a pass for the said ship in pursuance of the treaties with Algier, Tunis and Tripoli, though by the rules no such pass is to be granted but to English-built and foreignbuilt ships made free. On the back,
Reference thereof to the Lords of the Admiralty. 21 Sept., 1677. Whitehall. [Ibid. No. 216 i.]
The Commissioners of the Customs to the Lords of the Admiralty. When the rules for granting passes were making it was considered: 1. That there is a very material difference in the laws relating to the trade of the Mediterranean and parts adjacent and those relating to many other trades, for one side of it is wholly Africa, and the Navigation Act requires that all goods of Africa be imported into England in English-built ships or foreign-built ships belonging to England, which are, as is conceived, foreign-built ships made free, and the trade of the Ottoman Empire and the trade of currants and the trade of bringing all sorts of goods of the Straits from the usual places of lading them, though the same be not of the very growth of the said places, is by the said Act tied up to English-built shipping only, and the trade from Italy and Portugal and the south of France and Spain is mostly in commodities which by the said Act are to be imported in English-built shipping or foreign-built shipping belonging to England under a great distinction of Custom, amounting in a manner to a prohibition. 2. That by reason of granting those passes to foreign-built ships not made free, the number of ships having such passes was grown so great and those passes so loosely granted to ships that were in truth of foreign propriety, that it was thought meet to stop granting passes to such ships till further order, to take away all pretences from the Turks of interrupting the English navigation. 3. There is a very material difference between the treaties with the Turks authorizing passes and the treaties marine with all other states, for in all the latter a pass is absolutely required, so that refusing such passes is putting a ship out of his Majesty's protection as to the benefit of those treaties, but a pass is not absolutely required in the treaties with the Turks, but, if a ship have her master English and such a proportion of her men English, she is to be free, though she want a pass. As to the proclamation of 22 Dec., 1675, it was debated and thought meet that the same should be revoked, it being more than his Majesty was obliged to by those treaties, and what was on experience found very prejudicial to his subjects, and that the Turks should forthwith be acquainted with his Majesty's mind in that matter and endeavours used to satisfy them therein. 4. The trade of those parts being, as before said, confined by the laws to English-built ships and foreign-built ships made free, there appeared little for foreign-built ships not made free to do there, unless to trade from port to port abroad, which would deprive the English-built ships and foreign-built ships made free of a great collateral benefit they now enjoy in that trade, and a way would be opened for great endeavours for colouring foreign-built ships, which are in truth of foreign propriety under English names, and so obtain passes for them to the prejudice of the true navigation of this kingdom.
These were the principal reasons, as we remember, for making that rule. On the other hand it is now objected that the said proclamation is yet in force, and that thereupon the Turks take for granted that they may still and do de facto carry up all ships that have not such passes, and that the Turks' men-of-war come out of the Straits since that proclamation in much greater numbers than at the time of making the said rules, and even come into these seas and seize all English ships that have not such passes, which if so, and that the said proclamation be not forthwith vacated, no doubt there will be a necessity of taking that rule into consideration and altering it, which, we fear, will draw the consequences and inconveniences avoided by the said rule, by multiplying those passes as before was done, and depriving the English-built shipping and foreign-built shipping made free, of the great benefit before mentioned, which they now enjoy.
We also present a paper given us relating to this ship in particular, but we do not see how this so distinguishes this case from that of all other foreign-built ships not made free, but that, if such a pass be granted this ship, all other foreignbuilt ships not made free may also demand the like passes. 26 Oct., Custom House, London. [3 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 216 II.]
[1677 ? Nov. ?]. Draft of a licence for making the Sara of London a free ship. [Ibid. No. 217.]
Nov. 27.
8 p.m. Chatham Dockyard.
Sir Richard Beach to Williamson. Not knowing what intelligence you may have of the Prince of Orange's parting and the yachts, I thought it my duty to inform you that I have just received a letter from Capt. Booth, commander of the guardship at Sheerness, dated at 4 this afternoon, that the Prince sailed yesterday from Margate in one of his ships that waited there for him and at high-water to-day at Sheerness the yachts set sail and are gone. [Ibid. No. 218.]
Nov. 27.
Tredegar.
William Morgan to Williamson. I am heartily sorry you should have so great a trouble. Had I but imagined she would have been thus troublesome in London, I should have taken care of her here, and endured it myself, but my hopes were that humour would have been spent before she came up, and she would have come to herself. I loved her as well as any man could love a wife, and had a great respect for her as my relation, and am so far from having an unkindness for her, that I would do her all the good I could, and, were it possible for me to do any good with her, I would do anything you would advise in it. I never gave her the least affront or ever had the least cause of jealousy of her, but she must say something, and the devil has possessed her so far that she cares not what she says or what lies she creates. I most heartily thank you for your kind advice and for the representation of the matter to the King, of whose justice I never doubted. I shall follow your advice and trouble myself as little as I can, for 'tis a great satisfaction to me that I have not neglected any opportunity of doing her good nor never shall. I beg your pardon for giving you this additional trouble.
Should she give you any further trouble, as I fear she will, I shall desire you to know of her what she would have me do for her. I do pray for her and pity her, and will do anything for her content and good. [Ibid. No. 219.]
Nov. 27.
Harwich.
Silas Taylor to Williamson. Saturday and Sunday last were very tempestuous, the wind E. About noon the last day one of our packet-boats arrived from the Brill in less than 14 hours. The master says the ships at Helvoetsluys are fitting out for the Straits and that Brackel commands them. He was informed that coaches attend at Gravesandt expecting the Prince of Orange. It was reported there that Sir John Narbrough had fought the admiral of the Algerines and forced him to put up a white flag, that thereupon Sir John sent a boat of men to receive their submission, but the Turks slew them, that Sir John, renewing the fight, took the ship and drowned the Turks. I very much doubt the story and wonder it should get into Holland, before it reached England.
About midnight on Sunday the storm ceased and Monday morning the weather was altered, the sun shone and the wind got into the south, so that one of our packet-boats sailed about noon, being till then detained by the extraordinary bad weather. In her went over the Governor of the Brill. To-day the wind is got into her old corner, the East, but the weather holds fair. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 220.]
Nov. 27.
Margate.
John Glover to Williamson. Last night, the wind being S., the Prince and Princess of Orange went on board Sir John Holmes and stood off to sea, but, the wind coming N.E. in the night, they came back again into this road, and about 11 this morning came ashore to my house, where at present they are in very good health. [Ibid. No. 221.]
Nov. 27.
Plymouth.
Philip Lanyon to Williamson. Enclosing list of ships arrived. [Ibid. No. 222.] Enclosed,
The said list. [Ibid. No. 222 i.]
Nov. 28.
Whitehall.
Order in Council. Whereas the Heer Van Beuninghen, ambassador extraordinary from the States General, having by his memorial of 22 Sept. last complained of being highly affronted by some persons, who presumed to cite him by virtue of two orders in Council to appear at the Council table 10 Oct. following, and caused to be printed with the said orders a false and scandalous memorandum, highly reflecting on his person and character, which were not only publicly dispersed but affixed at the Exchange and other places within the City, and thereupon demanding public satisfaction as well to the States as to himself, his Majesty directed the matter to be examined, and, it appearing that George Carew, one of the petitioners mentioned in the said orders, was the person that caused the said ambassador to be cited and the said orders with the memorandum annexed to be printed, he was ordered to be committed to the Gatehouse, till he should have made his humble submission to the ambassador. The said Carew having this day attended his Majesty in Council with his submission to the ambassador, which he there read and signed, asking pardon for his offence in causing his Excellency to be cited and further acknowledging himself guilty of causing a false and scandalous paper to be printed, for which and for the offence thereby given his Excellency he again most humbly begs his pardon, and having afterwards presented the same to the ambassador, he declared that he freely forgave him, which being reported to his Majesty, he ordered the said Carew to be discharged.
But his Majesty, out of a just resentment of the said affronts and indignities and to testify his tender care for vindicating the rights and privileges due to the persons and characters of ambassadors and public ministers, has directed that this order be forthwith printed and affixed on the Royal Exchange at the usual hour of merchants meeting there, and at the Court gate, that the reparation might be as public as the indignities offered to the ambassador. [Printed by John Bill, Christopher Barker, Thomas Newcomb and Henry Hills, printers to the King. Two copies. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, Nos. 223, 224.]
Nov. 28.
Whitehall.
The Duke of Monmouth to the Master and Fellows of Pembroke Hall. Whereas John Burrell, M.A., Fellow of Pembroke Hall, has lately been instituted and inducted into the rectory of Combes, Suffolk, on condition of resigning the same to a relation of his, for whom it is designed by the patron, as soon as he shall be old enough, and whereas the said rectory is inconsistent with his fellowship, which he must by the College statutes resign within a year, unless his Majesty shall dispense therewith, it being certified by the Master and Fellows that the said dispensation will not be injurious to the College, I consent that the said Burrell may sue for his Majesty's letter dispensing with his holding his fellowship with the said rectory for six years, any College statute notwithstanding. [Ibid. No. 225.]
Another copy thereof. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 41, p. 105.]
Nov. 28. John Benet to Williamson. Asking his opinion of George Lawson, a former servant of his, who has been recommended to the writer. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 226.]
Nov. 28. Sir Edward Mansell to Williamson. Having obeyed your commands as well as I could, I here transmit to you by my friend, the Mayor of Cowbridge. [Ibid. No. 227.]
Nov. 28.
Gloucester.
J. A[bbot] to [Burton Goodwyn]. I have received both yours of the 20th and 24th, and according to your advice, have once more written to Mrs. S[usann]a, which I desire you to present to her and send me word how it is accepted. I hope she will return an answer, or I shall be very much troubled. My cordial respects to the good old gentleman, my friend Mr. Royley, Mr. Roch, my good mother and yourself. [Ibid. No. 228.]
Nov. 28.
Deal.
Richard Watts to Williamson. My last acquainted you of a shipwreck near Deal last Saturday, there were two more and a hoy last Sunday. One was the Submission, of London, from Ostend for Cadiz. In her was some wheat, and very much fine cloths and stuffs and much gold lace and other rich Flanders lace and commodities. The other was the Unity, of London, laden with wheat, beeswax, &c.
The others were empty ships.
There is at present a fog, but what wind there is is good for the Prince and Princess, being W.N.W. We hear they are yet at Canterbury. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 229.]
Nov. 28.
Whitehall.
Commissions to — Daniell to be lieutenant to Capt. Jeffryes in Col. John Russell's regiment of Foot Guards, and to John Parker to be ensign to Capt. Morgan in the Holland regiment. Minutes. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 44, p. 53.]
Nov. 28.
Whitehall.
Licence to Francis Wheeler, ensign to Capt. Godfrey in the King's regiment of Foot Guards, to be absent in his Majesty's service at sea and to be mustered during such absence. Minute. [Ibid.]
Nov. 28. Receipt by Sir Edward Carteret to William Blathwayt for 125 passes for the use of the island of Jersey. [S.P. Channel Islands 9, No. 62.]
Nov. 29.
Whitehall.
Certificate by the Duke of Monmouth of his consent that Robert Pell, master of the free school at Hull, formerly of Magdalene College, may sue for his Majesty's letters mandatory to the University of Cambridge for creating him M.A. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 398, No. 1.]
Another copy thereof. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 41, p. 106.]
Nov. 29.
Council Chamber.
[W. Blathwayt] to S. Pepys. I presented your letter of the 27th with the enclosures relating to the Sarah, of London, to the Committee for Trade who, on reading the petition and report, after a long and serious debate in a full Committee, concurred with the Commissioners of the Customs therein and signified their opinion that granting the pass desired by the petitioner is very inconvenient, and would prove of evil consequence to the navigation of England by laying open the trade of the Mediterranean to foreign-built ships not made free. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 398, No. 2.]
Nov. 29. Sir Edward Mansell to Williamson. Being from home occasioned my not sooner acknowledging your first, resolving punctually to follow your advice therein, for this is but the little malicious tricks of our great one, for he that is pricked neither values the trouble or charge. As to your last, I and my friend often have intercourse by letters, in which he seems very resolute now, and I hope she is gone beyond reprieve, for at their parting she accepted 400l. a year separate maintenance. We are to meet this week and then I shall be able to give you a better account.
It seems the mad woman has not let you escape, for she frequently reports it was her husband's jealousy of you that occasioned this separation. Now, thank God, I have so able a partner to bear some of this blame. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 398, No. 3.]
Nov. 29.
Bridlington.
T. Aslaby to Williamson. The pink, laden with hemp and flax from Riga, which ran shore, was got into this harbour yesterday, but her loading is mostly wet and damnified with salt water. Yesterday came in a small ketch of this town, which left Rotterdam on Sunday night, and then the Prince of Orange was not arrived there but was daily expected. There was great preparation of tar barrels, fireworks, &c., to divert him at his arrival. [Ibid. No. 4.]
Nov. 29.
Harwich.
Silas Taylor to Williamson. All yesterday we heard much shooting. About the evening arrived a yawl from Margate. The master brought some letters from Heer Odyke and others to be conveyed by the packet-boat into Holland. He informed us their Highnesses were ashore at Margate, and he did not hear when they intended to sail. As he was come off from them on Tuesday towards the evening, he saw the pleasure boats plying downwards from the Swale and believed his Majesty might be there.
One of our packet-boats sailed last night. The wind was yesterday southerly, sometimes westerly. To-day it is most westerly, but very foggy. [Ibid. No. 5.]
Nov. 29.
Whitehall.
The Duke of Monmouth to M. de Louvois. The officers of my foot regiment are working hard to get recruits, and I hope they will succeed to your satisfaction, but, as I wish this to be done as quickly as possible, and with the least trouble, I believe it would further help matters forward, if you would have the kindness to send your orders to him that commands the recruits at Amiens to bring together all of our nation that he can find, and even those in the prisons who have deserted the enemy, in order to put them among the other recruits who are being sent from here.
You will excuse my asking you further to let me have the plan of the Hotel des Invalides drawn with all the fronts, for the King will be very glad to see it. [French. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 41, p. 103.]
Nov. 29. Commissions for Walter Baker to be marshal to the troops of Guards in place of Mr. Bannister, who resigns, and for John Parker to be ensign to Capt. Morgan's company in the Earl of Mulgrave's regiment. Minutes. [Ibid. p. 104.]
Nov. 29.
Whitehall.
The Duke of Monmouth to [William Bridgeman]. Desiring that the above commissions be procured. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 398, No. 6.]
Nov. 29.
Whitehall.
Certificate by the Duke of Monmouth that Henry Milward of the parish of Fliton, Bedfordshire, who pretends a privilege of exemption from the duties incumbent on him as an inhabitant thereof, by virtue of a warrant from the late Duke of Albemarle, whereby he was sworn yeoman purveyor to his Majesty for buying horses, has never been employed by him, nor has any fee from his Majesty by virtue of the said warrant and consequently ought not to pretend to any privilege as belonging to the Stables. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 41, p. 105.]
Nov. 29.
Whitehall.
Warrant for the presentation of David Lyng, student in divinity, to be minister at Findrim, vacant by the decease of Robert Ramsay. [Docquet. S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 4, p. 323.]
Nov. 30.
Kew.
Henry Capel to [Williamson]. I beg of you to deliver this petition in behalf of the Corporation of Tewkesbury to his Majesty. I have sent Mr. Simson, the town clerk, to wait on you with it, to give you any information you shall think requisite, and that he may inform you of what charges and expenses we have already been at in prosecuting, and what charges are like to be fixed on us by the maintenance of two of the children of the offenders. If you conceive it necessary that I wait on you or attend his Majesty on this affair, the least notice to me by Mr. Hugh May will make me obey, for, as my estate and interest lie in that corporation, so my serving them in Parliament these 16 or 17 years endeavours me to their concerns. I suppose a privy seal may be effectual for the grant of these goods. If it may be directed for Mr. Solicitor-General to draw it, he being my good acquaintance, it would be a conveniency. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 398, No. 7.]
Nov. 30. T. B[arnes] to —. Since I saw you, I have been very sick, and was so some time before, but as to the business you know I have been as careful as I could. As to news, 'tis probable what I may write may be none to you, but it is unknown to me whether it be so or not, wherefore I shall venture to hint what has been talked on much in town of late.
From Holland (some say), in many towns officers were chosen that were favourers of the De Witts' cause, and that many there were doubtful what may be the effect of the late transactions here, and some talk of a separate peace to be made, and how an advocate, that pleaded De Gro[o]t's cause on his return before the States, much applauded and magnified the De Witts of blessed memory, as 'tis said he called them, and much more. Lately came a letter that says Sir J. Rothes is at Utrecht and that some yet believe he shall be a leader to great things in the Fifth K[ing]d[om], although others decline him. There was some discourse about 30,000l. to be raised from the East India Company and others, towards the marriage of the Lady M[ary] and 'twas discoursed variously. Some said most ont was a debt, but there is little talk ont now, nor of the proposition that was made about farming the breach of the penal Laws, of which for a while there was some odd talk. There have been also many strange rumours out of Scotland, though some think there is little in it. Some say there were 10,000 of them met, armed, about Glasgow to receive the Sacrament, and renew their Covenant, others say 4,000 more met so at another place, and another says, two of their ministers being imprisoned, they came first to entreat their release, but being denied they came afterwards to a castle of the Duke of Lauderdale in an hostile manner, and some of them were killed. Another tells that the Duke, when he came down first, produced a letter from the King for indulgence in matters of religion, which pleased them much, but afterwards he produced another to the Council or Parliament that desired some persons there that held offices or places of trust or profit for their lives to quit their interest in them and give them to the King's disposal, which, after some struggling about it, many of them did, but conclude, as 'tis reported, that they were surprised and are not pleased, and amongst the rest, 'tis said there are divers of the Highlanders and others out of Ireland about to be armed there by the Duke. A world of these discourses has been of late, but now little of it. Our friend Mrs. A. Wen[tworth's] friends begin to decline her predictions and her too; because she cannot or will not be positive when and what the great things she wrote about to the King will be. Some considerable and otherwise ingenious persons were much affected with it at the first. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 397, No. 8.]
Nov. 30.
Rydal.
Daniel Fleming to Williamson. (Calendared in the Twelfth Report of the Historical MSS. Commission, Appendix, Part VII., p. 141.) [Ibid. No. 9.]
Nov. 30. William Forbes to Williamson. Beseeching his help in his present deplorable condition, being desolate of friends and means of subsistence and afflicted with sickness, and it having pleased God to remove his father, who was a preacher. On the back is a note by Williamson, dated 6 Dec., about Gresham College. [Ibid. No. 10.]
Nov. 30.
Stockton.
Richard Potts to Williamson. Yesterday afternoon a vessel was launched of betwixt 3 and 400 tons burden, and there also arrived here two vessels of this place from Rotterdam. The frost came on so violently there that they were forced to cut their cables and come away. Here has been stormy weather with frost and snow, and to-day rain. The wind this week has been mostly easterly. [Ibid. No. 11.]
Nov. 30.
Plymouth.
Philip Lanyon to Williamson. Enclosing list of ships arrived. We have had these two or three days much rain and great storms, so that it is feared we shall hear of much wreck. [Ibid. No. 12.] Enclosed,
The said list. [Ibid. No. 12 I.]
Nov. 30. Commission for Thomas Child to be ensign to Sir William Godolphin's company of foot belonging to the garrison in the Isles of Scilly. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 29, p. 226.]
Nov. 30.
Whitehall.
Appointment of Walter Baker to be Marshal to the Horse Guards regiment and troops of Horse in the room of Christopher Bannistre. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 44, p. 54.]
Nov. 30.
Whitehall.
The King to the Master and Fellows of Pembroke Hall. Dispensing with John Burrell's holding his fellowship with the rectory of Combes. (See ante, p. 474.) [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 47, p. 58.]
Nov. 30.
Lisburn.
Sir George Rawdon to Viscount Conway. I have been so tormented and overwhelmed with trouble about this unfortunate business that I know not what to write, nor have any to disburden my thoughtfulness to but yourself. Col. McDonnell is dead, and such a clan and outcry upon it that the town is full of them. The crowner is not yet come and Mr. Coote is kept with a guard in the house and is ill of his wounds. But the matter cannot be found more than manslaughter, for what there is of malice prepense will appear on the aggressor's part, who challenged him and employed Mr. Robert Forbes to call Mr. Coote out of this dining or drawing room, then in company with Lord Granard, his father. He is fled, being the colonel's second, and so is Lieut. Harwood, second to Mr. Coote, and it now appears McDonnell was to be second to Capt. Forbes, if that quarrel had not been prevented before it came to a duel. How these things will end, God knows, or when, feuds of Highlanders being often endless. In point of manhood Mr. Coote behaved with honour, and how unreasonable and ungenerous to interpose in this affair, so far gone as it was, especially by any that had formerly so slighted it, any man of honour or reason may judge, and you may guess how unquiet it has been to me and how troublesome, and what a stir is still in this house and family. I think the body will be carried to its burial at Dunluce, where the Marquess is expected to come on Monday with his followers. As to your niece it happens most unfortunately to her, the words of offence between them being in her chamber, which she thought was reconciled, she requesting them it might be so before supper, and they supped at the table with Lord Granard and the officers here and presently after, without the least notice, they duelled about 9 in the moonshine. My opinion is, if you approve it, that she be sent out of the way into England, as soon as weather and the season may advise it, but what you will direct, and where she should be I beseech you to pity me and advise me. The misfortune of my lady's dying perhaps may make you think it not fit she came thither, but I hope you may appoint her some other place or company to be in, if you think it inconvenient she be at Ragley. I will be at any charge rather than be thus dealt withal. As soon as Mr. Coote is fit to travel, he is to be sent with a guard and an officer to Dublin to the Lord Chief Justice, who will bail him of course. Also the two seconds will be tried at the King's Bench, which will make such a stir all the kingdom over, that I desire she may be out of the way in England before then. They will need a pardon, though it be only manslaughter, which perhaps Lord Coloony may desire your help for. What could have happened so untowardly to me and my child! She has no affection or liking, especially since these troubles, to either of them and says she will never have any for the captain, and professes she has no thoughts or inclinations for any man in the world; and says her mind is to be disposed of by your lordship in England rather than here, or to live single. Lord Granard is still at Dublin, but may have heard of McDonnell's death yesterday by the post.
No news or orders are come here since my last from the Council of Scotland. Sir William Flower, Col. Jeffery, Capt. Byron, Capt. Butler and Sir Thomas Newcome dined with me to-day and are gone this evening to Belfast, expecting on Monday morning to have news by the post, or it may be out of Scotland. [2 pages. Conway papers. S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 338, No. 113.]
Nov. Verses addressed by A. B. to Williamson on the marriage of the Prince of Orange with the Lady Mary, beginning:
"It is a match, and now the deed is done, Which will beatify our nation."
Ending:
"He (the Prince) of the Christian world shall head appear, You of that Christian world chief minister." [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 398, No. 13.]
[Nov.] List of the Fellows of the Royal Society, out of whom ten are to be chosen into the Council, 30 Nov., 1677, and also of the Council. [Printed paper. Ibid. No. 14.]
[Nov.] The Mayor and Magistrates of Plymouth to the King. Petition for a gracious answer to their petition and that of William Jennens, their principal magistrate, who, contrary to custom, is appointed sheriff of Cornwall, adding that they cannot approach him without repeating their fullness of joy for his having twice afforded them the honour and happiness of his presence. [Ibid. No. 15.] Annexed,
William Jennens, of Plymouth, merchant, to the King. Petition to countermand the designation of him to the office of sheriff of Cornwall, he having been constituted by the Commissioners for regulating Corporations mayor and having been ever since eldest magistrate and standing justice of peace of Plymouth, and therefore being obliged to reside there ordinarily; being also 70 years old, in ill health, and unable to travel; his estate in Cornwall is not worth 30l. a year, and he lives by his trade as a merchant at Plymouth, which he could not manage if he should attend this sheriffalty. [Ibid. No. 15 i.]
Nov.
Dublin.
Griffith Bodurda to Viscount Conway. I received your letter by Lanty and shall only answer that part wherein you say he is concerned with you, namely, the arrears of your troop which remain unsatisfied, for the payment of which I obtained the order of the late Commissioners of the Treasury whilst they were in being, that is, before Christmas, 1675, but never could obtain one penny satisfaction, though I was never without hopes nor am not yet, but that it must be good and will be good money. To give an exact account why it has not been satisfied and yet that I should give hopes from time to time of getting it, would require the greatest part of the history of Lord Ranelagh's undertaking to explain, but I will set down such facts that from thence you may be able to judge of the matter.
1. Bence and Stepney, how conscious soever of your favour and succour to the undertaking, were not to be induced to join in any order for the satisfaction of the remainder of your troop's arrears, alleging principally that it would be hazardous so to do, for that the Earl of Essex, having called for an account of what arrears had been paid to the Army, would find your troop fully paid, and some other troops and companies paid little or nothing, which would render the undertakers highly impeachable for partiality, &c. Besides, they had some time before, I saw plainly, sank in their reverence to Lord Ranelagh, to whose account they always reckoned your fervour and kindness for the undertaking.
2. The farmers at Michaelmas, 1675, putting a stop to all payments, so distressed them at the Treasury as to answering September pay, 1675, that towards making it up they were not only forced to borrow great sums from Sir John James and Co. by the negotiation of Lord Ranelagh, for which Sir John Champante became personally engaged as he had been for other sums before, but they put a stop to all payments on assignments in the country, some of which had been issued 12 or 13 months before, and which were not then satisfied, and having such means stopped the exigency of September pay, '75.
3. They fell next under the difficulties of the December pay, '75, and, though Bence and Stepney, by that time seeing nothing before them wherewith to answer that December pay, resolved on the measures they had, I suppose, from Mr. Roberts to answer the same in defalcations and so make no further payment, yet Lord Ranelagh, holding it highly to concern him to have that December pay cleared, prevailed with the King to supply 24,000l. out of his new revenue in respect of over payments by his lordship and partners on the establishments from Christmas, 1670, to Christmas, 1675, and I believe the estimate was well enough within compass, but in the letter which came for the supply of this 24,000l. (how far opposed by the Earl of Essex, then on that side, I know not) there was a recital that my lord and partners with the help of this 24,000l. had undertaken to clear the December pay. The letter came over some time before the Earl, but, I think, had no order on it till he came, for he desired to know once and again whether we that were here would undertake therewith to clear the December pay, pressing Lord Ranelagh's engagement, in the letter mentioned, exceedingly on us, and we replying that we saw no means at hand to complete that payment but the moneys assuredly due from the farmers, but whether his lordship and partners on the other side, when they undertook to complete it, wholly depended on the farm rent we were not able to say. The Earl was no ways satisfied with so doubtful an answer and required us to answer directly, affirmatively or negatively, whether having this 24,000l. we would undertake therewith to complete the pay. We thereon prayed we might answer in writing, which was admitted, and we put it in accordingly. His lordship took it as a direct undertaking on our part it seems, and we were and are satisfied we undertook nothing, though afterwards we were charged with it, but our paper, of which I have a copy, was never produced. We pressed that the Farmers might be called on to pay so much as should complete that pay, but that would by no means be listened to, his lordship saying it was no good answer to the King to refer him to the Farmers, what if the Farmers would never pay, Lord Ranelagh, &c., were nevertheless obliged. In fine his lordship (though not without our consent, who were desirous to have the storm calmed, though but for the present) laid an embargo on all the country collections requiring that no money should be paid to any use whatever other than December pay, till that pay was cleared. And in this posture the collections, for anything I ever saw, as well as the December pay have stood. And truly the Commissioners of the Treasury and those that succeeded, had they at last an entire and unanimous will to have paid these 300 odd pounds remainder of your troop, I could not have told where they might have raked it together at any time since Michaelmas, '75, the payments on the Farm rent being stopped to this day, the collections being obstructed and neglected and all people relating to the affair under great discouragement, of which every one complains except myself that peradventure have the greatest reason. There is one only blessing that Sir James [Shaen's] coming over brought me, that I am since freed from the clamorous applications of so many for money as I was enured to before. But now you will ask why I gave such hopes? I did so, as they really were. I did hope the Farmers would within some reasonable time have been compelled by the Government or otherwise on that side to have paid their rents, of which they owe by a stated account above 19,000l. ever since Christmas, 1675. I did hope the December pay would thereby be cleared. I did hope that, that being cleared, there would be time to inspect and mind the collections and, if so, I little doubted I should have been able to secure your money. I did hope and yet look for a juncture, when the partners shall be called on to account for the arrears, that they will be very glad to have your remaining debentures to place to account, and as many others as they can get, and, if once they pass into account to the King, you will have as good security for your money, as you can desire. I had not gotten so much as an order for the payment of your remaining debentures, had it not been at that very time that we were here in fear of my Lord of Essex on his return falling heavy on us about the arrears, of which we had several admonitions from England and advices to get in what we could of debentures. And indeed I did lastly and at all times hope that I should be able one time or another to nick an opportunity for doing this business. It will be too tedious to trouble you with an account herein of the several devolutions that have been of interests, change of persons' hands and confidents in this affair. [3 pages. S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 338, No. 114.]
[Nov. ?] Resolutions on the complaint of Heer van Beuningen in Nov., 1677, of some of the King's captains having taken Englishmen out of Dutch men-of-war, even in the port of Malaga, and praying this practice might be abandoned, which was debated in the Admiralty before the King.
1. That searching foreign ships of war for English subjects and taking them out is our right, and to be continued. This was ever directed to be done from 1635 at least in all the captains' instructions, and is in a manner grounded on the article of the treaty with Holland, forbidding each party to shelter rebels or fugitives and such these are, being abroad against the King's proclamation, so they are fugitives at least, but in the draft of a proclamation of 1575 for recalling mariners, those that shall not obey are declared rebels.
2. To be forborne in foreign ports.
3. As to demanding their wages, this is new, and indeed not useful to the King, as it would encourage such fugitive seamen.
N.B.–The like demand was made by van Beuningen some time before but, being argued and insisted on the King's part, he let it fall. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 398, No. 16.]
[Nov. ?] Proposals [by Lawrence Halsted] to the Commissioners appointed to examine the state of the records in the Tower of London, in obedience to their commands of 1 Nov. last, for the improvement of the said office and for the more ready finding of records there. 1. That the books or indexes now in the office be compared with the records and supplied where deficient, with leave to remark in them where any record is wanting or illegible, and new books made of the rolls and bundles not indexed, with a distinct book for each sort of rolls as patents, charters, &c. 2. That all grants of lands be put by themselves, and those of offices, &c., by themselves, and a calendar of the names of persons be placed at the end of every book except those of inquisitions post mortem and ad quod damnum, which may be reduced to one calendar. 3. That all the grants of lands be reduced into county books, one for each county, several of these books being missing and others worn or imperfect, and that the offices be likewise reduced to the county each belongs to. 4. As divers records do not mention the county, there should be a book entitled Comitatus ignotus, another Wallia and another Hibernia. 5. That for Gascony, French and other foreign rolls there be a distinct book for each with two calendars, one containing the names of persons the other those of places. 6. Requesting them to assist in the speedy providing of a house to be annexed to the Keepership of the Records according to Sir Algernon May's petition, which was referred to the Earl of Northampton and Sir T. Chicheley (18 July, 1677). [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 398, No. 17.]
[Nov. ?] Viscount Iveagh's case submitted to Sir J. Williamson. Arthur Geoghegan had lands set out to him in the Court of Athlone in lieu of 2,000 acres in tail and 500 in fee. His grandson was restored to the 2,000 acres in the Court of Claims and postponed for the 500. Yet the Commissioners of the Court now sitting in Dublin for settling the transplanters confirmed to another Geoghegan, son of the said Arthur, between 600 and 700 acres, which was the full satisfaction obtained by the said Arthur for both estates in tail and fee, though he ought to be confirmed, if to any, to no more than the 100 acres for the 500 in fee he was not restored to, for he ought to retrench the satisfaction obtained for the estate restored according to the 8th qualification.
Lord Slane is likewise restored to his full estate. His title to transplanted lands is only by a jointure of the old Lady Slane of her former husband, which was but an estate for life, and yet he is confirmed to an estate in fee. In this case a great irregularity was committed in the said Court of Athlone, for the said Lady Slane had the 8th qualification under the notion of the 7th, which was a great fraud, and can now manifestly appear.
His Majesty being entitled to these lands of the Geoghegans and Lord Slane, they being restored to the estates in lieu whereof they were to them set out, granted them or part thereof in 1671 to Lord Iveagh, who was at great expense in making out his Majesty's title. On his petition that the said decree was passed against him a reference was granted to the Earl of Essex, who sent it to the present Commissioners, who reported it as it occurred to them on the first hearing, Lord Iveagh not being heard. The said report is now before his Honour. The Geoghegans have lately by a surprising petition obtained the King's letter (20 Oct., 1677) to pass patents of the said lands.
All Lord Iveagh prays is a second reference to the now Lord Lieutenant to examine the whole matter without delay, and, if he finds not a title for the King, to permit all proceedings to go on, but, if he does, to make his report and that in the meantime there be no proceedings on the said letter obtained by the Geoghegans and nothing done against Lord Iveagh. [S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 338, No. 115.]
Nov. Lists sent by Morgan Lodge to Williamson of King's and merchant ships in the Downs, the wind, &c.
Vol. 398. No. Date. King's Ships. Outward Bound. Inward Bound. Wind. Remarks.
18 Nov. 1 3 0 0 N.W.
19 " 2 3 1 0 N.
20 " 3 3 1 0 S.W.
21 " 4 3 2 0 S.E.
22 " 6 3 2 0 S.S.W.
23 " 8 3 5 1 S.W.
24 " 9 4 5 0
25 " 10 4 2 S.W. The same outward bound ships as yesterday.
26 " 11 5 5 1 S.
27 " 12 4 7 0
28 " 13 6 12 0 N.W.
29 " 14 6 14 0 S.W.
30 " 15 1 0 S.W. The same outward-bound ships as yesterday. The Montagu, Mermaid, Greyhound, Sou-dades and Dept-ford ketch are to-day sailed out of the Downs to wait on the Prince of Orange.
31 " 17 2 0 0 N.
32 " 18 2 10 0
33 " 20 1 4 0 N.
34 " 21 1 7 0 N.E.
35 " 22 1 0 N.E. The same outward-bound ships as yesterday.
36 " 23 1 6 0 N.E.
37 " 24 1 0 N.E. The same outward-bound ships as yesterday. This morning by ex-tremity of weather the James, of Yarmouth, bound to Seville, was driven ashore near this, and is staved all to pieces. She had on board about 42 hogs-heads of tobacco and 14 firkins of butter, which are all saved, but I believe, may be much damnified by the salt water. The storm continues very violent.
38 " 25 1 5 0 N.E. This morning, the storm continuing very violent, the Submission, bound for Cadiz, was driven ashore here. We do what we can to save the goods.Two or three more are very near the shore, which we doubt cannot ride it out.
39 " 26 1 4 0 S.
40 " 27 1 4 0 E.N.E.
41 " 28 2 4 0 S.
42 & 43 " 29 2 4 0 S.W. (Two copies.)