|
Jan. 2.
Harwich. |
Commissioner John Taylor to the Navy Commissioners. As
the weather gives leave our work goes on about transporting
the stores. Five vessels are laden and sent to Deptford. Advice
is taken from Mr. Norman to which stores to send the different
sorts, two are lading now for Chatham. It's not safe to venture
sending up any masts in rafts and here is a great quantity of
small spars and many topmasts and yards. We see the bent of
people is to steal. Neither ditch nor fence can keep them safe.
Therefore Mr. Norman advises to move you that one of the
King's four vessels at Chatham be sent, which might bring away
what may be serviceable there and saved here. Such vessels
are not to be had or hired here. It seems those ships are in
charge, fitted with men and suitable for such service. If not,
the stores must be left in the safest manner they can be. The
ship need be but one spring away from her work at Chatham.
[S.P. Supplementary 137, No. 1.] |
Jan. 2.
Harwich. |
Commissioner John Taylor to Thomas Middleton, Surveyor of
the Navy. I am glad at your remove, knowing how far more
useful you may be in the naval employ than formerly. (About
the transportation of the stores to Deptford and Chatham as in
the last.) [Ibid. No. 2.] |
Jan. 2.
Harwich. |
James Norman to Thomas Middleton. About the transportation of the stores as in the last two letters. [Ibid. No. 3.] |
Jan. 2.
Harwich. |
William Watkins, anchor smith, to the Navy Commissioners.
Will send next post an account of the iron received by him out
of the King's stores. [Ibid. No. 4.] |
Jan. 4.
Harwich. |
Capt. Anthony Deane to the Navy Commissioners. Being
enjoined by them to see the ordinary of the new ship keep on
board and their servants be such as might be able to do service,
informing them that neither the gunner nor purser appear
themselves nor their servants.—Mr. Gregory yet acts as clerk of
the checque and I suppose intends it during Mr. Norman's
being here. When it is your pleasure he should cease, I pray
your instruction in each thing what to do. [Ibid. No. 5.] |
Jan. 4.
Harwich. |
John Browne, Clerk of the Survey, to the Navy Commissioners. I know not how to answer your commands of the 1st,
for I came to that employment but 28 April, 1666, nor did Mr.
Homewood, my predecessor, leave any of his books or papers
with me more than a few ships' inventories, nor were the stores
surveyed till July following, when the haste required by the
Surveyor, the then hurry of business and the smallness of the
storehouse would not admit of an exact survey, but we were
forced to take many things by estimate and since there has not
been any, till Mr. Norman came to remove the stores, except
some particulars. Mr. Norman has my books and papers, which
will give you as much satisfaction as I am able, except that survey
of July, '66, which I will transcribe and send up, nor will my
accounts of issues reach to half of what is issued as to carpenter's
stores in regard the ship issues all for present use. [Ibid.
No. 6.] |
Jan. 6.
The Diamond in the Hope. |
Capt. John King to the Navy Commissioners. Thursday
the 26th we with the Roebuck and the Statehouse prize sailed out
of the Humber, wind W. and by N. Friday and Saturday we
kept together till night, when we had bad weather, much wind
at S.S.W. and S. with rain. We anchored, the Roebuck by us,
the Statehouse to windward. Sunday morning we weighed and
plied to windward, but had lost the Roebuck in the night, but
the Statehouse we saw about three leagues to windward, we being
off Yarmouth and she off Lowestoft. We have not since seen her
or the Roebuck. We were informed, as we came along, that the
Statehouse was before us. On Tuesday coming through Hollesley
Bay we inquired concerning such a ship, but had no certain
account but that a Flemish ship was gone by, but coming here
to-day we find her not here. I am suspicious that she did not
anchor that Sunday night as we did and that she may be put
over to the Holland coast. She is well equipped with cables and
anchors, my lieutenant on board her, two able men for pilots and
75 men. I hope all is well with them. It is possible the Roebuck
may be in Yarmouth Road. My provisions are out. [Ibid.
No. 7.] |
| Jan. 7. |
Capt. Charles Juxon to Thomas Hayter. Requesting him to
inform Mr. Pepys that three men's names (giving them) were
left out in the list of his men's names he gave in in haste, who
now make a sad complaint to him. He mentioned but seventeen
men whereas there were. twenty besides himself in the two
shallops. [Ibid. No. 8.] |
Jan. 7.
Harwich. |
Commissioner John Taylor to the Navy Commissioners.
Nothing but the forcible winds and weather hinders our dispatch
of the removal of the stores. Hoys too cannot be had nor can
work several days together. We have near fully ballasted the
new ship. Though your order be observed in resting on her
ordinary to look after her safe keeping yet considering her
boatswain has but one arm and her cook but one leg and that
to this day neither purser nor gunner appears, you may judge
how unfit those two are to wrestle with difficulties and both
complain they must keep on board day and night without which
the stores are not safe. Capt. Deane has been advised in general
that you intend to leave the trust in him as to checking things
and to follow your orders for the future. Mr. Norman will
inventory what's left: he desires your instructions as to the
time of entering men to finish the ship, which may be when this
weather is past, for now little could be done. The Van Tromp
was delivered yesterday to Mr. Wood's order, but two men have
waited in her since the pay ended. Query, who shall pay them?
Men still continue on the Friezland and Zealand till your warrant
discharge them. I send you the contracts with the workmen
about covering the storehouse. They are at work and call for
their imprest money. [Ibid. No. 9.] |
Jan. 9.
Harwich. |
Commissioner John Taylor to the Navy Commissioners. An
answer to part of yours you had in my last and formerly, that
the new ship was near fully ballasted and that her masts were
not thought fit to be set yet and the reason. Now we pay for
every day's work and ballast and all by the penny, it's a trouble
to see the money go away when the weather hinders work. |
|
I must defer till next post an answer about disposing of the
hulk. |
|
By yours to Mr. Gregory you inquire about the Blue Boar and
the muster smack. As to the latter it was thought necessary to
have some safe vessel for the clerk of the checque and the master
shipwright to come off in to musters and surveys of ships out of
the harbour. Sir W. Coventry consented to it and Sir J. Mennes
and myself gave warrant to Mr. Deane, who built and fitted her.
She has not been launched above four months and is of about
14 tons. We have now sent her to Southwold to fetch or dispose
of the three great boats there. What shall be done with her
must come from you, and we now see no use for her here. |
|
The Blue Boar was Sir W. Warren's. You had notice from
me in July, '66, that in pursuit of your commands to take up and
fit fireships she was taken up and fitted out of stores and sent
to the fleet and waited by his Royal Highness off Yarmouth
the second going out. By a gust of wind her foremast and all
her head sails were blown away and lost. She returned and,
the hurry for fireships being over, by a survey she was found
not worth the cost of refitting. All her ground tackle and apparel
was taken into stores and, not doubting that Sir W. Warren and
yourselves had agreed about her, she was looked on as the King's
ship and afterwards we took out her main-mast and placed her
hull in a convenient place to secure the masts against the weather.
A hole was cut in her where she still lies sunk. Of this you
approved and men have been borne on her and afterwards discharged, therefore she cannot but be held as a King's ship,
except you have done any thing with Sir W. Warren to annul it.
She has not cost the King any thing this twelve months and more
nor does, but now our sluice is made there is no need of her
lying there. The same we may say of the Augustine. When
ships were to tallow, she did good, but till such renewed occasion
that use of her is done. Also here lies the Mary yacht's hull
that belonged to Capt. Heemskerk. Your warrant touching
him was fulfilled and the promise of the Prince and the Duke of
Albemarle performed to his satisfaction, so that he is never to
ask for her repair, but he says the Prince will give him another
hull; then he will leave that for the use of the Navy. [2 pages.
Ibid. No. 10.] |
Jan. 9.
Harwich. |
John Gregory to the Navy Commissioners. Giving an account
of the Blue Boar and the muster smack as in the last letter.
[Ibid. No. 11.] |
Jan. 9.
Harwich. |
Silas Taylor and John Gregory to the Navy Commissioners.
Giving an account of the iron Mr. Watkins received out of the
stores for his Majesty's service to be deducted out of his bills.
[Ibid. No. 12.] |
Jan. 11.
Harwich. |
Commissioner John Taylor to the Navy Commissioners. This
is in answer to part of yours of the 7th. As to the hulk we have
no work that needs her continuance here. The conveniencies
of having her kept here come to no less than 100l. a year charge
besides accidents and decay of her materials for want of use.
She is very tight and a small matter may strengthen her and
make her serviceable for Deptford and therefore I judge her
most fit to be carried thither. If one of the Chatham ships
stayed a while and were ordered to assist to fit her and attend
her up she might be brought with a small charge. A pilot
to-day offers cheap enough but the days first to be a little longer.
If you resolve this, we must keep provision here to do it after
the new ship's masts are set. |
|
I hope you will have a satisfactory account as to the delivery
of the iron to Watkins. |
|
When all the stores are come away, you may have notice of
the quantities of some sorts, which I judge might have been
enough for two such Dutch wars, but I do not know of any
indirect means used in the clogging of stores, only it's guessed
that the other stores, finding themselves cloyed with so much, are
glad to be rid of some. I guess we shall lade at least fourteen
or fifteen days, besides the ships with masts, etc. (Rough account
of various stores there.) |
|
The close lighter must be towed up by a ship. She shall be
ready. Here are two open lighters also. It's hard to secure
them. Purloiners will not suffer a good rope on them scarce
two nights together. We have kept the biggest here to ballast
the ships and last night in foul weather they sank her, but we
shall save her, I hope. |
|
When you frame instructions for Capt. Deane, please remember
that several great anchors of the King's have been lost in and
about this harbour. I have set some at work to look for them
and promised 20l. for finding the Mary's two anchors. If you
order him to further this work and secure all he shall hear of and
reward the finders, it will bring forth something at last. We got
one of about 20 cwt. as good as new, but they capitulate whether
they be the King's or no. If outfacing may prevail above reason,
they will carry away all. It's loss because all anchors have not
the broad arrow on them. [2 pages. Ibid. No. 13.] |
Jan. 12.
Drury Lane. |
The Earl of Anglesey to the Navy Commissioners. I received
at 4 this evening your letter concerning the pay of the Straits
fleet on Sir J. Mennes' letter of the 11th and the Order of Council
to me of 6 Nov., being only for paying all that is due to them till
1 Jan.. 1666[–7]. I cannot advise otherwise and I wonder any
of them should expect a different course for them from what
has been held with the Mary Rose, Sapphire and Mermaid of the
same squadron, who are gone already well contented with their
pay only to that time. The Sorlings' men are to be paid what is
due to them as his Royal Highness ordered, to encourage them
being shipwrecked and going willingly into the King's service. |
|
Postscript.—If any of the men insist further, Sir J. Mennes
must give them fair words and promise to move further in it,
which may be done to-morrow. Many of the men entered on
board those ships have had their tickets paid already on their
captains' certificate. [Ibid. No. 14.] |
Jan. 14.
Harwich. |
Commissioner John Taylor, Capt. Anthony Deane and James
Norman to the Navy Commissioners. In answer to yours of the
11th, when the muster smack returns from Southwold we shall
do as per order. As to the hulk you had last post mine and
Mr. Norman's opinion, Capt. Deane being not then present.
Our opinion is that it will be best to sell the Blue Boar, there
being now no use for her worth mentioning nor ever like to be.
There need be no charge for weighing her or fitting her for
removal and she can do no damage by lying where she does and
cannot receive much, but, as the people will tear her to pieces,
we advise nothing but that she be sold or disposed of. The
Augustine has been very useful about tallowing and graving of
ships and will be on a like occasion, and is a good defence
against the violent winds and seas here and a defence to the
wharf, so that Capt. Deane advises she may lie still. Several
years hence she may be taken away as well as now. [Ibid.
No. 15.] |
Jan. 14.
Portsmouth. |
Capt. John Tinker, master attendant, to the Navy Commissioners. The Milford being now ready to take in provisions, I
desire your orders to the victualler. At 5 last Saturday were
taken two small pilfering thieves. They had got in a bag of
chips the ends of a cablet hawser, which they had cut off in the
ropehouse, the value not so great as the knavery. They may
weigh about 10 or 12 lbs. They confessed that they never did
the like before and that it is to make a bed cord of. They have
given bail till we know your pleasure, then justice to proceed
according to the facts. I offered that, if they would confess
who stole the yarn out of the ropehouse, they should be clear of
this theft and the former, if they had any hands in it, but I
could get nothing from them. |
|
Yesterday I had a dispute with the agent of the Ordnance
officers. We being to land the Monk's guns, she being to come
into the dock, I told him I would put them into a lighter and
bring them to the wharf and desired him to get them landed.
He said he could not, having orders from his masters to the
contrary, in that they have precedents that the labourers of the
yard are to do it. I told him I would not meddle in the landing
of them nor will I till I know your pleasure. Indeed the guns
run a risk, it being winter, lying in the lighter and clogging her,
for we have no other fit for service. We expect your order.
Capt. Povie told me he would write to the Ordnance officers.
[1¼ pages. Ibid. No. 16.] |
Jan. 14.
Portsmouth. |
Ben. Johnson to the Navy Commissioners. Your commands
of the 9th came not till yesterday. You have found from time
to time by the bills passed for them on what contracts and
whose order provisions were received here in general and, were
the quantities compared, I question not I shall be free from the
suspicion of favouring the merchants against the King's interest,
for I have had no such obligation from any of them. |
|
I shall transmit a particular of the iron work, so soon as so
much may be transcribed and examined out of my books. In
the interim, if you remember what quantities by your divers
orders (supposing perhaps the war might have been more in
the Channel) were appointed to be received here about the
beginning of the war, besides Silvester's contract and the many
great parcels sent from Deptford stores (more by much than can
be well spared them back again), I hope you may entertain
some better opinion of me. [Ibid. No. 17.] |
Jan. 14.
Portsmouth. |
St. John Steventon to Samuel Pepys. I have given cover in
this to the enclosed to Mr. Hayter, which is a bill of imprest and
the other bills to clear the last sale, a copy whereof I have also
enclosed to you, and beg you that on his motion to the Treasurer
I may be discharged by his receipt. The Elmsworth sloop sailed
yesterday morning towards Deptford. Divers men are sent
from London by Sir E. Spragg to the Revenge and directed to
me for conduct money, which I have been constrained to let
some have to keep them quiet till your order about it. I therefore beg your order whether to pay or no, they being promised it
by Sir Edward and threatening their return without it. [Ibid.
No. 18.] |
| Jan. 15. |
Affidavit by William Waite and George Adamson, late seamen
of the Golden Hart fireship, Capt. Juxon commander that they
are informed that the said captain has presented to the Navy
Commissioners two persons of between thirty and forty years of
age under the names of Henry Miles and John Taylor, and reported
that they were actually employed in that service against the
enemy in the Thames, for which he and several of his men have
received rewards, and that the said Commissioners have been
thereby led to grant bills for 8l. 6s. 8d. to each of them as their
reward, and that the only person belonging to that ship at that
time known as Henry Miles was a youth of about sixteen and that
he was not bred to sea nor, as they believe, had been employed
on any ship before and that he was ashore with his master,
the boatswain, at the time of that service, and further that the
only person then belonging to her known as John Taylor was a
boy of about thirteen, who with other boys was put ashore with
the ship's boats about two hours before they engaged with the
enemy. The deponents being two of the sixteen who attended
the captain in the boat at the said time further make oath that
the said captain in his first list left out Rowland Forrest, who was
with them in the boat at the said time, and inserted in his room
John Hills, who belonged to the said ship but was at that time
come up to London with the boatswain on his own occasion.
The number and names of those attending the captain in the
said service were as follows. (Giving 16 names.) |
|
The said Rowland Forrest joined with the deponents in a letter
of attorney empowering John Peirce of Wapping to receive the
moneys arising on their bills for their services in the said ship
by virtue whereof the said Peirce received their wages on their
behalf. [Ibid. No. 19.] Annexed, |
|
List by Capt. Juxon of the men who were with him on board
the Golden Hart 23 July, 1667, and afterwards in the
shallops, containing 16 names. John Garrard, the boastwain,
by Sir E. Spragg's order went to Deptford for something the
ship wanted and thereby was absent, but his clothes were all
burnt. [Ibid. No. 19 i.] |
|
Bills dated 11 Jan., 1667[–8], for payment to John Taylor and
Henry Miles of 8l. 6s. 8d. each. [Ibid. Nos. 19 ii, iii.] |
Jan. 16.
Harwich. |
Commissioner John Taylor to the Navy Commissioners. All
our business being now near at an end, the stores being taken
away except masts and lighters, we only want direction as to
the Blue Boar and the hulk and now if you send Capt. Deane
instructions it shall be left to him. The boatswains of the
West Friezland and Zealand tell me that Mr. Carr of Ipswich has
sent two men, one for each, to lie on board in behalf of the buyer.
Both desire to be discharged, saying they will stay no longer now
their trust is taken from them. The ships and materials cannot
be delivered to them without your warrant. [Ibid. No. 20.] |
Jan. 16.
Harwich. |
Capt. Anthony Deane to the Navy Commissioners. I have
considered what has been mentioned touching the rebuilding of
the Royal Oak's wreck here and in the first place our able seamen
and masters all agree that the wreck may be as safe brought down
here as carried up into the river, taking a slack of wind at
Sheerness, and, to put this out of doubt, I dare take her at Sheerness and bring her down for 130l. and under 100l. I dare
affirm she will not be carried into the river. Next no launch I
know of in England can without much charge receive her with
more or so much safety as ours, for, if they should offer to haul
her up, if they get her not wholly up the first tide, they cannot
secure her, but as our ways and launch are laid quite down to
low water mark, if we get her but half on the first tide she can
receive no injury, the ways being laid by a line from the low
water mark up into the yard so far as she is to be hauled up,
being yet as perfect as the Resolution went off from them. To
give you a further assurance of her safe bringing down I will
come and view her and then give my opinion what is most
advantageous and whether she may be got down safely or not.
Lastly I foresee that this wreck cannot in any reasonable time
nor without clying (? clogging) the King's docks be performed and
if in any other docks I dare assure you that no private shipwright shall be more industrious of making the King a good ship
than myself. But peradventure his Royal Highness will not hold
it fit to have her done anywhere by contract. Then to avoid any
great charge of this yard, we may on the King's account employ
about fifty men and finish her, taking the best season of the year
both for labour and provisions, and by the advantage this place
has of good pennyworths for timber I think she will be done for
two thirds of the charge it would cost in another yard and I
hope as well. [1½ pages. Ibid. No. 21.] |
Jan. 16.
Portsmouth. |
John Tippetts to the Navy Commissioners. I received yours
of the 14th with the enclosed to Capt. Sartaine. The Eaglet ketch
being in harbour I sent for him to receive your command but he
is not yet come. The 13th I received direction from Mr. Wren
that, if Lord Culpeper sent for this ketch to seize a small privateer
under the Isle of Wight, he might have her, but, having heard
nothing from him, I suppose the occasion may be over. |
|
Please order that a supply of the enclosed demand may be
hastened, being for what we have very little of, some not in
store. What this country affords may be had at reasonable
rates for ready money, nothing without it. (About oars he has
been offered.) |
|
Postscript.—Capt. Sartaine is now come and has your order.
Being victualled for six months he desires to know what he shall
do with his provisions. [Ibid. No. 22.] |
Jan. 16.
The Diamond. |
Capt. John King to the Navy Commissioners. To-day arrived
at Gravesend the Statehouse of Haarlem. I desire a speedy order
what I shall do with her by reason of the shortness of provisions.
[Ibid. No. 23.] |
| Jan. 17. |
Instructions for Sir Thomas Allin, commander of the Straits
fleet, for bringing away so many of the brass guns now at Tangier
as he shall be able to do conveniently and for leaving in their
place so many iron guns out of the ships under his command as
shall be necessary for the use of that city and garrison. [1¼ pages.
Foreign Entry Book 174b, p. 132.] |
| Jan. 17. |
Commission to Capt. John Brookehaven, William Jearsey,
Captains John Price, Henry Risby, Thomas Harman, Richard
Goodlad and William Wildy, John Niclaes, Walter Clavell,
Roger Broadnax, John Bridger, Richard Smithson, Joseph
Hall, Matthew Manwareing and Thomas Moore, merchants.
Whereas 11 April last we required Sir Edward Winter and his
adherents, then unduly in possession of Fort St. George and the
town of Madraspatan, to surrender the same to George Foxcroft,
agent for the East India Company, or others appointed by the
said Company, declaring that, if Sir Edward Winter and his
adherents should notwithstanding refuse to yield up the same,
they should be proceeded against as rebels and traitors; now
forasmuch as it is yet unknown whether the said declaration
safely arrived in those parts and what effect it produced and that
the East India Company, being sending ships to those parts,
have besought us to give commission (in case Sir Edward and
his adherents have refused and shall still persist to refuse to
yield obedience to our commands) to endeavour to reduce the
said fort by force of arms or otherwise, we therefore grant to
you or any three of you full power (in case the said Sir Edward
and his adherents have hitherto refused to obey our said
commands) in our name again to command Sir Edward to
deliver up the said fort to the said George Foxcroft or such
other person as shall be appointed by the said Company and,
in case he shall endeavour by force of arms to hold the same, to
endeavour by force of arms or otherwise according to the annexed
instructions or such further orders as you shall receive from the
said Company to reduce the said fort and town to obedience, and
we grant you or any three of you full power to commissionate
such persons as shall be thought fit to levy, arm, train and lead
such number of seamen and soldiers and to employ such number
of vessels equipped in a warlike manner as the service shall
require, therewith to block up by sea and land and to take the
said fort and town and to fight with and kill or take prisoners any
that shall resist and to detain such as shall be taken prisoners or
send them for England or release them and to do as the emergency
shall require, and you are to observe the orders and directions of
the said Company. [Nearly 2 pages. Ibid. p. 138.] |
| Jan. 17. |
Instructions of the East India Company for putting in execution a commission for reducing Fort St. George and the town of
Madraspatan. Whereas we, the East India Company, have
entertained into our service the Blackmore, the Loyal Merchant,
the Unicorn, the Rainbow and the Madras Merchant commanded
by Captains John Price, Henry Risby, Thomas Harman, jun.,
Richard Goodlad and William Wildey, finding it necessary they
should proceed in a fleet for reducing Fort St. George we therefore appoint Captain —to be admiral, Captain —to be
vice-admiral and Captain —to be rear-admiral and require
that on receipt of this our commission and at the said ships'
arrival in the Downs the captain appointed admiral call a council
of the said commanders and agree in what manner to sail on the
voyage so as, if possible, not to part company and, if parted by
storm or otherwise, to appoint plans and times for their rendezvous
as may be most proper for the soonest attaining of Fort St.
George to which place we order you to sail with the first fair
wind. |
|
(About keeping good order during the voyage and exercising
and training the seamen and soldiers in military discipline.) |
|
When you arrive at Fort St. George, the captain then in chief
command shall at the first opportunity send on shore to know the
state of the said fort and, if he find it reduced to obedience and
that George Foxcroft be restored to his government as agent or
that Jeremy Sambrooke in case of the agent's mortality be in
management of our affairs with other of the council that have
not adhered to Sir Edward Winter and the rest of the mutineers,
then you are to follow their orders and directions for the delivery
of the goods from the ships and for your further voyages; but,
if you shall find the mutineers still possessed of the said fort,
then the Commissioners named in the above commission or any
three of them by joint consent or the major part of those present
are to put in execution the said commission for reducing the said
fort and town to obedience, in order whereto we direct you first
to send on shore some discreet person who is to read or cause to
be read his Majesty's declaration of 12 April last requiring all in
his Majesty's name to attend thereto and, in case the mutineers
yield obedience so that either our said agent or Jeremy Sambrooke
or William Jearsey, John Nicholas or Roger Broadnax now at
Mechelapatan or John Bridger, Richard Smithson, Joseph
Hale, Matthew Manwaring or Thomas Moore whom we now send
or any two of them be in possession of the said fort and management of our affairs, you deliver the goods and follow their orders
for your further proceedings, but, in case they stand out, we
order a council to be called to consult of the best way for reducing
the fort by declaration of reward to the persons in it and the
inhabitants of the town, English or others, that shall assist in
the reducing thereof and to assure the soldiery that on its surrender and the delivery up of the ringleaders they shall not
only be received into our favour and their misdemeanours
passed by, but that their arrears, if any, shall be satisfied and
2,000 pagodas distributed among them. |
|
If this shall not prevail, you are to declare a reward to those
that shall procure the enlargement of our agent, Mr. Sambrooke,
the agent's son or any of the council or factors under restraint,
publishing to all both in town and fort the great mischiefs that
will fall on them if they stand out and assist the mutineers, not
only by being deprived of the trade of the Company, on which
they chiefly depend, but also by our ships hindering all other
ships trading with them and also the damage that attends their
persons when any of them shall be surprised. |
|
But yet, if the place will not so be reduced, we require you to
consult how to reduce it by force, for we hope only a few desperadoes will assist the head mutineers, and in order thereto to
appoint a certain number of seamen, not exceeding the quantity
agreed on by charter party, to join with the soldiers in the ships,
and that you appoint some prudent person to conduct them,
putting the whole affair in such a posture that they may land
in a regular manner with your guns and artillery in five distinct
companies, and to use your best endeavours for reducing the fort
by battery, storming or otherwise and to declare the sums with
which on reducing it the commander in chief and the other
officers and every common seaman shall be gratified. |
|
If any be wounded they shall be considered according to their
wounds and if slain their wives and children shall be considered
by the Company. |
|
If the fort be reduced and the said persons be in possession
thereof, you are to observe their orders for the delivery of our
goods and your further proceedings but, if you shall not be able
to reduce it before —, you are to draw off the artillery and
what you have landed and leave one of the smallest ships to block
up the fort and prevent all trade (but the Madras Merchant is not
to be appointed for this service, for we have positively designed
her to sail for Bantam) and remain there till November or order
from our chief and council in Mesulapatan and then sail to
Mesulapatan and there receive further directions, unless the
mutineers shall have surrendered before, in which case you are to
follow the orders of our agent or Mr. Sambrooke, but, if by the
prelimited time the fort be not reduced, you are to take out of
the ships remaining at Fort St. George the treasure and fine goods
on board and then sail to Mesulapatan, there to receive the orders
of our chief and council. |
|
During your riding before the fort and its standing out you
are to admit of no intercourse from or to the shore that they
may not discover your design or strength and that you surprise
all vessels going out or coming in. |
|
We desire there may be no occasion of force for reducing the
fort, but, if it should so succeed, we desire you to use your best
endeavours and we engage that each person according to his
quality and desert be duly considered. |
|
If you find that the mutineers will not surrender on the declaration and our order, we require you forthwith to send one of
our packets to our chief and council at Mesulapatan, whereby
they may know our orders for speedily making provision of
Europe lading and for their proceedings. [Nearly 5 pages.
Ibid. p. 133.] |
Jan. 18.
Portsmouth. |
John Tippetts to the Navy Commissioners. About the fitting
of the fore-topmast of the Revenge and both the topmasts of the
Milford. [S.P. Supplementary 137, No. 24.] |
| Jan. 18. |
Deposition of Capt. Isaac White, late one of the muster-masters
of the fleet, that a muster-book of the late hired ship, the Loyal
Merchant, which he lately gave to William Burroughes was a
true and perfect muster-book containing the names of all the
men belonging to her when he mustered her, and describing the
steps he took to ensure that all the men were mustered. [Ibid.
No. 25.] |
| Jan. 18. |
Deposition of William Burroughes, clerk to Sir William Penn.
In order to the passing of the victualling account of the late hired
ship the Loyal Merchant he had checqued James Wheston, her
late purser, 13,074 men's victuals for one day by three musterbooks, two of the clerk of the checque at Woolwich and one of
Capt. Isaac White, of the dates therein mentioned. [Ibid. No. 26.] |
| Jan. 18. |
Memorandum that Capt. White told the Board that he is
ready to depose that Wheston being at his muster did not claim
any men more than he had taken notice of in his muster-book
about which he has made oath and that Capt. Fortescue told the
Board that Capt. Holland told him, while they were prisoners in
Holland, that Wheston had cheated the King about 600l. in his
accounts. [Ibid. No. 27.] |
Jan. 19.
Portsmouth. |
Capt. John Tinker to the Navy Commissioners. Giving the
names of the pilferers (of. his letter on p. 239), Barnaby Williames
and Obed. Hathway, who are very poor men.—If you think
good that they may have a public punishment here in the yard,
it may deter others. If they lie in prison, it would be to the ruin
of their wives and children, both being married men. |
|
I have spoke to the storekeeper of the Ordnance that they may
have the labourers of the yard to get up their guns, when they
may be spared, paying them for their work. He would not meddle
with them without an order from the Ordnance officers, who
wrote that they would take care in a short time to put an end to
this business. |
|
I let you know that near half of the chain was made, but none
served into the yard. I spoke with Mr. Silvester and he has sent
you the enclosed. If money could be had, it would be very
advantageous if we could have the half now made to lay to the
westward, for the old western cable may serve to lay to the East
for one year. |
|
Here is a sunk vessel of about 50 tons that drove out of
the harbour in the Surveyor's time, which we weighed by his
order that she should not spoil the channel and laid her on
Gosport side with a small anchor and a fast ashore, but, the fast
being stolen, she is driven near the channel's eye. I desire your
order what shall be done with her, for, if she drives into the channel
again, it will be a great charge to weigh her, for they that pretend
to own her will not meddle with her, being at law about her.
[Over 1 page. Ibid. No. 28.] |
| Jan. 21. |
James Norman to the Navy Commissioners. I saw yours of
Saturday to the Commissioner and understand the flyboats are
stayed from coming. The Commissioner will by this post send
you up the survey, wherein it will appear what's already done
and what further service there will be for the flyboats here.
According to your instructions we first considered what was fit
to be laid by to finish the new ship and storehouse and what was
fit to be left for keeping the houses and wharfs in repair. These
we have left and Capt. Deane has indented for them. Then we
laid by so much as would complete the rigging and stores of the
Resolution. Of these, so much as the stores would afford, the
boatswain and carpenter had, and indented for. The rest of the
stores are all sent away except masts and vessels afloat, for we
have no vessels till the flyboats come. But the masts were all
surveyed and indented for by Capt. Deane, who is obliged thereby
to be careful of them till the vessels come and is to discharge
himself by bills of lading as he ships them off. I knew not to whose
custody to commit the hulk, lighters and long boat, Capt. Deane
being unwilling to take them, so the Commissioner took charge of
and indented for them and will dispose of them to whom he can
trust to bring them about. Capt. Deane has full possession
delivered to him of all things. The clerk of the checque and the
storekeeper are preparing for London in order to clearing the
accounts. Before we heard of the hulk's remove all the anchors
and some other things necessary for her remove were sent away
and some things she and the lighters want were not here, and the
new ship wants several things these stores would not afford. I hope
to be at Chatham before the flyboat comes away and shall take
care all things necessary are sent in her but desire your order may
meet me for issuing them. I wait till to-morrow for a wind. If it
present not I will ride to Tilbury and go over to Chatham and
see what has occurred in my absence and then attend the Surveyor
at Woolwich. [Ibid. No. 29.] |
Jan. 21.
Portsmouth. |
Ben. Johnson to the Navy Commissioners. In the beginning
I crave reference to an account of ironwork received from 26 June,
1661, when I became storekeeper, to 17 Jan., 1662[–3], then
transmitted to the Board and attested by the clerks of the checque
and survey and in the end to an account sent 10 Aug. last and
continued weekly for all goods received till Saturday last. The
ironwork received here (besides the many loadings from Deptford
and Woolwich) bears most on Perin's and Silvester's orders and
contract. (About the shortage of deliveries by these two.) If
any other mistake herein may appear and it touches me, I doubt
not to have the liberty to reply before I lose any of your good
opinion. [Ibid. No. 30.] |
| Jan. 21. |
List of ships proposed to be fitted out for the summer guard
according to his Royal Highness' orders: viz., 1 first-rate,
6 second-rates, 14 third-rates and 24 fourth-rates. With proposal
to add 3 third-rates and 2 fifth-rates to make up the number of
fourth-rates to 29. [2 copies. Ibid. Nos. 31, 32.] |
Jan. 23.
Harwich. |
Commissioner John Taylor to the Navy Commissioners. Giving
a list of what was laden on the King's great sailing lighter to be
delivered at Deptford, and praying that 11 small pieces of timber
he caused to be put in the lighter may be delivered at Wapping.
[Ibid. No. 33.] |
Jan. 23.
Portsmouth. |
Capt. John Tinker to the Navy Commissioners. In answer
to yours of the 21st I will consult the rest of the officers concerning the late pilferer[s] and will let you know by the next what
shall be concluded. I will acquaint the owner of the sunk
vessel with your order. If he refuse to weigh her, we will do it
the next spring. I will speak to the clerk of the checque to
keep a particular account of the charge of weighing her. The
Monk and Tiger were hauled into the dock last Tuesday. |
|
Some have proffered to serve [oars] but I would not meddle
with them till [I] knew your pleasure. There are not in [store]
above 32 or 33 dozen. Ready money will buy them at 20s. per
cwt.: with bi[lls] they will have 25s. [Ibid. No. 34.] |
Jan. 25.
Harwich. |
Commissioner John Taylor to the Navy Commissioners. Capt.
Deane says he received no advice by any thing enclosed about
engaging the Chatham ship's men to assist in setting the masts.
We have considered what may tend to forwarding the ship and
find that all lies in a supply of men and materials. About the
carpenter's work there will be no stick. The boatswain will
want seamen to complete fitting his rigging, but, before he can
employ them, please take notice that Munte will not make a
block more for her nor pumps nor tops without money. I got
him to make as many as came to 21l. and paid him for them. It
is not fit the tops should be put up green and they cannot be
soon made and also the blocks. He is no self-willed man, but
we all believe he is poor. His ware is good. He has a bill of
196l. of which he has had 100l. in part and says, if he may be
paid it off or an unpaid bill of imprest dated last July, he will fit
the ship. Mr. Norman knows what stores are here for her and
what was wanting to complete her, which he said he would send
by the ships that are to come hither. [Ibid. No. 35.] |
Jan. 25.
Chatham. |
Edward Gregory to the Navy Commissioners. I received yours
of the 16th and 18th and in answer to the former the enclosed
papers by the boatswains therein mentioned will inform you of
their services. To what passed from 11 June to the enemy's
departure I was an eye witness and particularly of that fatal
day's work when the James, London and Oak were burnt. That
day several of them stood by the guns in the field where Sir
Edward Spragg commanded and from whence the most considerable execution was done on the enemy. There I observed
the boastwains of the Victory, Unicorn, Old James, London,
Triumph and Royal James behave very courageously and cheerfully. I cannot give any account of their actions the Monday,
being at Sheerness, where we wanted their company. As to
what they mention to have been employed on from time to
time, I know most of it to be true and believe the rest, but
certainly the most considerable piece of service that they or any
of us had a hand in was that above written, for that signified something, the rest of our endeavours very little. According to your
order I stopped the Friezland and Golden Hand and shall observe
your commands as to the carpenter of the latter, whom I shall
discharge at her return from Harwich. [Ibid. No. 36.] Enclosed, |
|
Narratives by William Cadbury, George Mohun, Stephen
Woolgate, Edward Clemms and George Spilsbye, boatswains
respectively of the Unicorn, Triumph, Victory, Old James
and St. George, of their services on that occasion. [Ibid.
Nos. 36 i-v.] |
| [Jan. 25.] |
Receipts dated 12 and 20 Dec., 1661, for 5,000l. each and 4 April,
1662, for 1,000l. received from the East India Company. With
note dated Jan. 25, 1667[–8], that Mr. Fenn sends me word that
all Sir G. Carteret received of the East India Company on account
of the Convertine was 1,750l., so that the whole was 12,750l. [Ibid.
No. 37.] |
Jan. 28.
Portsmouth. |
Capt. John Tinker to the Navy Commissioners. In answer
to yours of the 25th concerning the fitting of the eleven ships, we
have considered what stores will be wanting, which you will
receive from the storekeeper, and Mr. Tippetts will report the
time they may be fitted in, for the dispatch will depend chiefly
on carpenters' and caulkers' work. For taking out their guns
and fitting them to come and bring them ashore and afterwards
for rigging and fitting them for sea with all expedition I desire
you to send down 150 seamen, if you think good, to be borne on
weekly pay which may be the best way to have them give their
attendance, for, if they be entered on the ships, they will not
give their attendance. I have experience by the Revenge that
has between fifty and sixty belonging to her and I cannot get
fifteen to work, but I am fain to help them with our small weak
ordinary, for the gunners keep most at London and but for the
name of gunners the ships might be as well without most of them
for any work they do when the ships lie up. Our great business
for the dispatch of the ships will be seamen, as to the concern of
seamen's business which I leave to your better consideration. |
|
I am forced to trouble you about the guns, for we have but
one serviceable lighter at present, which is now laden with the
Monk's guns. I desire, if we must subscribe to the Ordnance
officers in doing their business, your order and I will do it without reluctance, though it will much retard other business in the
dispatch of the ships, for, as they come ashore, all their guns
must be landed. I would take the guns out of the lighter that
we might have her for other ships, were it not for your command
to the contrary, which I beg to have by the next, for that lighter
must bring all or most of the ship guns ashore. (About an offer
of oars.) For all other things, I believe we shall have enough to
fit these ships out, except what is on the demand now coming to
you. If you like the price of 20s. ready money or 25s. per bill,
please signify it. There be three men that may furnish what we
shall want, but they must have time to make them. [2 pages.
Ibid. No. 38.] |
Jan. 29.
The Downs. |
Sir Thomas Allin to Sir John Mennes and the Navy Commissioners. The 27th we sailed from the Downs and got as high
as Beachy, but having contrary winds and bad weather are forced
back again and at half past 10 this morning anchored again in
the Downs. (About the defects of his mainyard, which they
shall be forced to fish.) [Ibid. No. 39.] |
Jan. 30.
Harwich. |
Capt. Anthony Deane to the Navy Commissioners. 100l. was
paid by me to Henry Munte, blockmaker, 4 Aug., 1666, which he
affirms was not imprested on him. Therefore in right to his
Majesty I inform you of it that he may be charged with it as you
think fit. [Ibid. No. 40.] |
Jan. 30.
Harwich. |
Henry Munt to the Navy Commissioners. I have engaged
with Commissioner Taylor to-day to go in hand with and finish
what is lacking of our commodity to complete the new ship.
According to his direction I have sent up my bill of 196l. 19s. 7d.,
whereof I received 100l., so that this 96l. 19s. 7d. being paid I pray
that I may be discharged in your books of the said 100l. [Ibid.
No. 41.] |
Jan. 30.
Portsmouth. |
Capt. John Tinker to the Navy Commissioners. The pilfering
ropemakers are bound over to the sessions and according as your
pleasure is they may be prosecuted nor shall they have any
tickets but by your orders. |
|
The Milford, wind and weather permitting, will out to-morrow
and, if she have but thirty or forty men, will sail into the Downs.
(Concerning the great want of thrums.) [Ibid. No. 42.] |
