|
May 1.
Lyme. |
Henry Flory to Williamson. On the desire and in the absence
of Mr. Thorold I give an account of what I hear by a merchant
of this place lately resident at Morlaix, which he left last Saturday.
Great preparations are made and making to secure the coast of
Brittany, to which end the Due de Chaulnes, the Governor, is
and has been some time at St. Malo, and that place and all the
adjacent little islands are strongly fortified, and store of cannon
placed to secure their harbour. About 50 ships, great and small,
only attend orders to go out as privateers, which will terribly
infest the Channel. There are now and have been for near three
weeks about 2,000 men working at Brest to repair the old and
make new fortifications. Several small ships are, some fitting
and others ready for privateers, and, 'tis said, command is given
that all their many ships from the Mediterranean shall come
to Brest and they are accordingly expected, and the French
King has offered to any undertakers, that will victual and man
any of his ships, to have them on condition of having one third of
the purchase they shall make. |
|
M. de Verdun, the lieut.-governor, was now at Morlaix, passing
along to view and fortify the coasts, to which end 12,000 Norman
soldiers were expected. The English factory this day sennight
waited on the said lord, to know if he had any order to send them
away, as it seems was reported; but he replied he should not
know the King's pleasure till 5–15 May, at or before which time
he purposes again to take the field, and it is generally reported
there that they offer the Dutch great terms and that they have
or will close with them. Belle Isle and the Isle of Groix are also
fortified and store of ammunition and guns is sent to other places
along the coast. Since the late prohibition of lockroms made in
those parts, the peasants and commonalty, not finding their
accustomed vend, already murmur and threaten those of the
best quality and they will, in all probability, make some disturbance
in time. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 403, No. 151.] |
| May [1-]11. |
Monsr. M[onet] de J[uilly] to Madame Staniers [Stanihurst].
Requesting that, when Major Stanihurst writes to him, he should
cause his letter to be delivered to him by Mr. Magennis and acknowledging that of 22 April which La Roze has given him, expressing
his regret at the Major's bad health, and desiring to know for
what he is to be employed. Till he does, he cannot make a cipher.
[French. Ibid. No. 152.] |
| May 1. |
Commission to William Fitz to be ensign to Capt. Thomas
Cutler in the Duke of York's regiment commanded by Sir Charles
Lyttelton. 2 minutes. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 29, pp. 234, 276.] |
| May 1. |
Commissions to Col. Edward Villiers and Lord Alington to be
major-generals over all the King's Forces as well Horse as Foot,
[Ibid. p. 283.] |
| May 1. |
Commission to Col. Werden to be brigadier of horse. [Ibid. p. 286.] |
May 1.
Whitehall. |
Commission to Col. George Legge to be general of the artillery
belonging to the army now in the Spanish Netherlands. [Ibid.
p. 292.] |
May 1.
Whitehall. |
The Duke of Monmouth to the Commissioners for the Poll Bill.
Certifying that he has a pension on the Excise of 8,000l. per annum,
fees of 66l. 13s. 4d. as Master of the Horse, of 166l. 13s. 4d. as
Justice in Eyre, of 182l. 10s. as Governor of Hull and his creation
money of 40l. per annum, which is all he has rateable by the late
Act. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 41, p. 118.] |
| [May 1 ?] |
The Duke of Monmouth to the Master and Fellows of Sidney
Sussex College. Recommending Samuel Corn, a member of the
College, for a Fellowship now vacant there. [S.P. Dom., Entry
Book 41, p. 119.] |
May 1.
Whitehall. |
Commission to William Turner to be chaplain of the Holland
regiment. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 44, p. 88.] |
| May 1. |
Commission to Edward Turberville to be ensign to Col. Stradling.
Minute. [Ibid.] |
| May 1. |
Commission to Edward Stradling to be ensign in Col. Stradling's
regiment. Minute. [Ibid.] |
May 1.
Whitehall. |
Commission to Edward Warner, M.D., to be Physician-General
of the Forces. Minute. [Ibid.] |
May 1.
Whitehall. |
Commission to John Musgrave, chirurgeon, to be chirurgeon of
Col. Thomas Stradling's newly raised regiment. Minute. [Ibid.] |
May 1.
Whitehall. |
Commission to William Morgan to be captain of the company
in Col. Stradling's regiment whereof Capt. George Kemys was
captain. Minute. [Ibid. p. 90.] |
May 1.
Whitehall. |
Appointment of James Vernon to be Secretary at War for
foreign expeditions to the General of the Forces. [Ibid.] |
May 1.
Whitehall. |
Commission to Florence Fourcade to be chirurgeon to the General
of the Forces. Minute. [Ibid. p. 91.] |
May 1.
Whitehall. |
Commission to Charles, Lord Gerard of Brandon, to be Lieutenant-General over all the Forces as well Horse as Foot. [Ibid. p. 92.] |
May 1.
Whitehall. |
A like commission to William, Earl of Craven, to be LieutenantGeneral. Minute. [Ibid.] |
May 1.
Whitehall. |
Appointment of Lemuel Kingdon to be Treasurer at War for
foreign expeditions. [Ibid.] |
May 1.
Whitehall. |
Commission to Sir John Lanier to be Brigadier of the Horse
which are or shall be raised for the King's service. [Ibid. p. 96.] |
May 1.
Whitehall. |
Commission to Col. Thomas Dungan to be Brigadier of Foot
and Serjeant-Major-General. [Ibid. p. 99.] |
May 1.
Whitehall. |
Commission to William Durham, D.D., to be chaplain to the
General of the Forces. Minute. [Ibid. p. 110.] |
| May 1. |
Certificate by Lemuel Kingdon that there is due to the Lord
Alington's foot regiment from the several days of their being
first mustered to 1 May, 1678, exclusive, 1,780l. 19s. 6d. [S.P.
Dom., Entry Book 52, p. 93.] |
| May 1. |
The Duke of Monmouth to Lemuel Kingdon. Warrant for
payment of the above sum to Lord Alington. [Ibid. p. 94.] |
May 1.
Whitehall. |
Warrant, upon the surrender of letters patent containing a
grant of a pension of 120l. per annum to Henry Wroth, one of
the Pages of Honour, for his life, for a grant of the said pension
of 120l. per annum to John Mackernes for his life, to commence
from Lady Day last. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 334, p. 487.] |
May 2.
Bridlington. |
T. Aslaby to Williamson. This morning 17 light colliers came
to anchor here, the wind blowing hard at N.N.W. This afternoon
it is much abated and very good weather. The ship of London
that was run ashore two miles southwards of this is broken up,
and most of her upper work is come ashore. They will save
most of her rigging, though the tide ebbs not from her. [S.P.
Dom., Car. II. 403, No. 153.] |
May 2.
Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to Williamson. About 4 last Tuesday afternoon
the Suadadoes sailed out of this harbour with Capt. Middleton's
company on board. At 1 yesterday afternoon one of our packetboats arrived. The master says that the States of Amsterdam,
East Friesland, Haarlem and Leyden, were chiefly for the peace
with France. He came thence last Tuesday afternoon, and then
they were come to no resolve that he could hear of. He brought
over a minister from the Duke of Holstein and with him the Prince
of Anhalt, if he mistake not their titles. Tuesday night and all
yesterday we had so great a storm with a southerly wind that no
vessels could sail and therefore the packet-boat went not hence
till this morning. [Ibid. No. 154.] |
May 2.
Pendennis. |
Francis Bellott to Williamson. Last Monday came in here the
St. Anne of Ostend, a privateer, bound to cruise, and on Tuesday
came in the Concord of Newcastle from Maryland, laden with
tobacco, bound home. The master left those parts in a very
good condition. [Ibid. No. 155.] |
May 2.
Falmouth. |
Thomas Holden to Williamson. Last week came into Penzance
the Mayflower of Falmouth in ten days from Rochelle. The
master reports there was no prohibition yet on English commodities
and that coals were at a very high rate, and that the captain of the
Potash (? patache), being his friend, told him he had orders to stop
all English vessels and therefore wished him to put to sea, which he
did, though the wind was contrary. He left several vessels
behind, which, he believes, are stopped. The 30th came in the
Concord of Newcastle in six weeks from Maryland with tobacco,
bound for London. They report they had an indifferent crop
and that the Indians are up in arms and have cut off several
families up in the country. To-day the wind coming N.W. two
or three ships, that have lain here some time on the embargo, are
gone out, bound for France, though the talk is so much of a present
war. The ships bound home are put to sea likewise. [Ibid.
No. 156.] |
May 2.
8 a.m. Swansea. |
John Man to Williamson. Col. Thomas Stradling's regiment
raised in South Wales is marched from these parts, the last of
them this week, towards Reading. Sir Edward Mansell, our
Vice-Admiral, is also very active pressing seamen in these parts
to be sent to Plymouth. Here have been for three days very
great rains and the wind very rough and high at S.W., but to-day
fine calm warm weather, the wind blowing gently at N.W. [S.P.
Dom., Car. II. 403, No. 157.] |
| May 2. |
Intelligence from Scotland. 28 April came orders from the
Committee at Glasgow to the Nithsdale foot regiment, then at
Lanerick, to march home. 'Tis thought our noblemen, on their
address to his Majesty, have got our militia forces returned from
the West to their own homes, and, in their address, they have
obliged themselves for securing of the west country and the peace
of the whole kingdom. It's hoped they will get a parliament
in Scotland, which if his Majesty will grant, they will oblige
themselves for the peace of the whole kingdom and the maintaining
of episcopal government. The Committee is dissolved by Act
of Council. [Ibid. No. 158.] |
May 2.
Whitehall. |
Commission to Edward Smith to be captain of the company
whereof Humphrey Cornwall was captain in the Duke of York's
regiment. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 29, p. 276.] |
May 2.
Wallingford House. |
Report by the Lord Treasurer on the reference to him of the
petition of Mary Kirke (calendared in S.P. Dom., 1676–7, p. 132)
that the late King, by letters patent of 24 Feb., 1645–6, in consideration of 2,500l. paid to him by George Kirke, the petitioner's late
husband, granted the petitioner as a jointure an annuity of 500l.
for her life out of the rents and profits of the Honour of Grafton,
payable by equal portions at Michaelmas and Lady Day, the first
payment to be made after the decease of the said George Kirke,
and that he is informed by the report of Sir Charles Harbord,
Surveyor-General, that the said grant might have legally charged
the receiver, so long as the Honour remained in his Majesty's
hands, but, in making up the rate of the Queen's jointure, the
said annuity could not be reprized out of her Majesty's value,
Mr. Kirke being then alive, because the said grant was payable
only after his death, which was contingent and uncertain. With
further reference to the Lord Treasurer to consider and report
how his Majesty may fitly provide for the petitioner's satisfaction.
June 18, 1678. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 46, p. 233.] |
May 2.
London. |
Certificate by the King of the satisfaction he has always received
from the Sieur de St. André, who has served him in all the ballets
that have been danced before him for the last four years, before
his departure for France. [French. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 334,
p. 535.] |
May 2.
Whitehall. |
The King to the Lord Lieutenant. Warrant for granting leave
of absence to Charles Talbot, captain of a foot company in
Ireland, who is employed in the King's service at sea. [S.P.
Ireland, Car. II. 336, p. 77.] |
|
Another copy thereof. [S.P. Dom., Signet Office, Vol. 10,
p. 232.] |
May 2.
Lisburn. |
Sir George Rawdon to Viscount Conway. I bless God I have
found no symptoms of that sudden fit I was taken with in my
return from our assizes since, and hope I shall continue so
well as to wait on you at Dublin, when I hear of your landing
there, and I suppose Lord Granard will also prosecute the errand
there he is so intent on, which I have told him often enough cannot
be proceeded in till you come over, who have expressed your
bounty so freely and largely for my daughter's preferment. He
is gone now to Castle Forbes, and your cornet, Thelwall, with
him, and our Lord Lieutenant to Kilkenny. We hear also, by
this morning's post, that Lord Ranelagh's accounts have been
audited by his Majesty's order by the Earls of Essex and Anglesey
(two very severe compurgators, I doubt) and they have found
him in debt to the King 50,000l. and that the Lord Lieutenant is
to exact its payment here. Our Parliament, as I wrote lately,
will not be till after Michaelmas, so that in that affair of elections
nothing shall be done till you be here. I am very sorry Sir J[ohn]
D[avys] has been guilty of any such fault to you. Our friendship is
bottomed chiefly on his lady and her uncle Thelwall's account,
who solicited for him to me in that affair. I suppose you heard
that Lord Glenawly died and that Lord Coloony has his troop.
Capt. Forbes is gone hence also to meet his father at home. I
send this by one of the town, who calls on me if I have anything
to Dublin, when I am perusing the news by this morning's post,
and some seem positive that the Dutch are very near agreeing
for peace with the French, which will be no good news for us,
I doubt. I wrote to Alderman Jervis to inquire after the things
you ordered to Mr. Anderton to send over, but there is an embargo
of all shipping at Chester. [Conway papers. S.P. Ireland,
Car. II. 338, No. 160.] |
| May 3. |
Journal of the proceedings in the House of Lords on
that day, which fully appear from Lords' Journals, Vol. XIII.,
p. 211, except as follows:—Then the House entered into consideration what is to be done in giving advice to his Majesty,
and, it appearing that some lords, by his appointment, are to treat
with the Dutch ambassador this afternoon to have his answer,
which will relate to the matter now under consideration, the
House ended the present debate. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 403,
No. 159.] |
May 3.
Whitehall. |
On the petition of John Dickson, chirurgeon, for relief,
setting forth that, the City of Hamburg being indebted to Col.
Patrick Hay 45,000 rix dollars, the petitioner, after three years'
suit in the Admiralty Court, obtained a definitive sentence for
principal, interest and charges, paid the court fees and lent the
said colonel 340l. for the support of himself and his relations,
but that his executors, with their partakers, now endeavour to
possess the whole estate without regarding the petitioner's expenses
and debt, declaration that his Majesty does not think fit to interpose, but leaves the petitioner to his remedy at law. [Ibid.
No. 160.] |
May 3.
Deal. |
Richard Watts to Williamson. Yesterday the Greyhound went
to Dover Road to convoy about six horses to Calais lately bought,
as 'tis said, by the French ambassador. These four or five days
we have been very much alarmed with news from London, France
and Holland that the Dutch have slighted his Majesty's kindness
and have clapped up a sudden peace with France, which much
startles all men, both the wise and unwise, and is the rather
believed, because all know the perfidiousness of the Dutch.
Pleasant weather. Little wind at S.S.W. On the back and
side are brief pencil notes by Williamson partly illegible, probably
of the debate of 4 May respecting the treaties, being drafts of
those printed post, p. 154. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 403, No. 161.] |
May 3.
Plymouth. |
Philip Lanyon to Williamson. Enclosing list of ships arrived.
Wind S.E. [Ibid. No. 162.] Enclosed, |
|
The said list. [Ibid. No. 162 i.] |
May 3.
Whitehall. |
Commission to Charles, Earl of Middleton, to command a
regiment of foot as colonel. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 44,
p. 88.] |
May 3.
London. |
The Duke of York to the Prince of Orange. "I did not write
to you last post, having nothing very pleasing to say to you,
nor have I now, for things here go very oddly on and as yet neither
House has given any answer or advice on what his Majesty ordered
Lord Chancellor to say to both Houses and instead of that, they
are, in the House of Commons, a finding fault with the treaties,
speaking against the ministers and doing nothing as they should
do, so that one does not know whether they would have peace
or war, which proceeding of theirs has so discouraged monied
men, that the Paymaster of the Army has been very much put
to it to find money, which is the cause the two regiments designed
for Bruges are not yet embarked, but this day money is sent to
them to pay off their quarters and they will embark on
Monday without fail, and nothing but the same reason will hinder
us from sending more over every day, for now all our men are
raised, and the general reg[iments] of horse, foot and dragoons
will be complete at their several quarters by the end of the next
week at farthest, but without a certain prospect of more money
there will be no venturing them beyond sea, to starve. I would
say more to you, but have not time to do it." . . . [2½ pages. S.P.
Dom., King William's Chest 3, No. 33.] |
May 3.
Whitehall. |
Proclamation requiring the putting in execution the several
statutes against the importation of iron wire, wool-cards and
other manufactures made of iron wire and for the encouragement
of the manufactures of iron wire in England. [S.P. Dom., Various
12, p. 366.] |
May 4–14.
Antwerp. |
Thomas Sandys to Williamson. Seeing my life, liberty and
all the poor goods I have are in great danger, and seeing the great
hopes of safety I have from your generous nature I beseech you
let not an honest man that will lay down his life to serve you,
perish. 'Tis here expected that in five days this town will be
French, therefore forget not the miserable condition I am in,
unless you vouchsafe me your assistance with all speed. [S.P.
Dom., Car. II. 403, No. 163.] |
| [May 4.] |
Notes of the debate in the House of Commons about the League
with the States General. Birch.—Cannot separate the causes
from the matter of this treaty.—Goring knew nothing done amiss.
—If this treaty be cut out by the same thread former businesses
have been.—In the way when the Triple League was broken.—
French conditions.—Set up Popery.—We demanded those conditions for France.—Jealousies of the Dutch.—Prince of Orange.—
To secure Holland against jealousies.—To go back with them
to the Triple Alliance.—Why not have gone into the general
alliance of the Confederates ?—Glad Holland will not come up
to this treaty and that France has refused the conditions.—
Query, whether this league be in pursuance of our addresses
nor for the good of the kingdom ? |
|
Knight.—Well. |
|
Hotham.—Against the good of the nation. |
|
Booth.—A device to get money to support the bl[ack] design, &c. |
|
Sir W. Coventry.—By the last conference sees Holland ready
to go into this peace else.—Yet what, if they do ? From this
time get into the confederacy with the Emperor, Spain,
Denmark, Brandenburg and to keep up the war with them, till
such terms may be obtained as may secure this nation. |
|
Vaughan.—To disallow the treaty. Strange ! faults and nobody
guilty. The ruin of the kingdom comes from this House, in
their clemency to some ill ministers heretofore, &c.—If you do
not call it thus, you legitimate it. |
|
Lord Cavendish.—To advise to enter into an alliance with the
rest of the Confederates and to damn this league first, &c. |
|
Dering.—With the rest of the Confederates and to get Holland
yet closer allied to him against the growth of the power of
France. |
|
Boscawen.—To damn the treaty. |
|
Powell.—1. France wishes a peace and so they that made
this treaty are friends to France. Objection, Lorraine to be
restored. Reply, No. 2. This treaty was not pursuant to our
addresses. Objection, It is against Spain. Reply, But France
had a just exception. Objection, The guaranty obliges to
standing forces. Reply, Warranty broken, &c. That was in
case this treaty had taken place. Objection, Holland is going
out, but England is getting out first. |
|
Waller.—Well. |
|
Downing.—Sicily or what can be reasonable for security to.—
Not their part to say what leagues are for the good of England,
that's the King's authority. They may advise, &c., when asked
advice what to do, not what is well done.—No danger of this
tre[aty] (?) to be the foundation. 1. Holland like to get out.
2. Or you by advice may apply to have the tie yet larger.—Best
that could be gotten.—Why trust Holland that broke theirs
with allies.—Would not come in to us under that tie, &c., i.e. to
restrain the parties.—Objection. Sicily a security for satisfaction
to Sweden. (See Commons' Journals, Vol. IX., p. 474.) [S.P.
Dom., Car. II. 403, No. 164.] |
| May 4. |
Additional establishment for additional pay of 2s. 8d. a day to
each of the chirurgeons of the 5 regiments of horse, the 20 regiments
of foot and the 3 regiments of dragoons, for a chirurgeon's mate
at 3s. 6d. a day for himself and his horse, added to each of the
4 new raised regiments of horse and 3 of dragoons, for the pay of a
provost marshal at 5s. a day for himself and his horse, added to
each of the 5 regiments of horse and 3 regiments of dragoons,
the duties of provost marshal and quarter-master having been
previously executed by the same person, for the pay of a gunsmith
for Col. Legg's regiment at 5s. a day for himself and his horse,
for the pay of a chirurgeon to the General at 10s. a day, and for
the pay of eight lieutenants at 4s. a day each, being one lieutenant
added to each of the 8 youngest companies of the General's foot
regiment, making in all 3,397l. 10s. per annum. Sign manual.
Countersigned, "Danby; J. Williamson." [Ibid. No. 165.] |
| May 4. |
Journal of the proceedings in the House of Lords on that day,
which fully appear from Lords' Journals, Vol. XIII., p. 211, except
as follows:—Then entered they on the Commons' reasons concerning the danger the kingdom is in by the growth of Popery,
and the address of the Commons of 15 March last was read,
desiring an immediate declaration of war and promising to stand
by the King with assistances, and, on further debate, they ordered
the bill for suppressing the growth of Popery to be read a second
time next Monday morning. [Ibid. No. 166.] |
| May 4. |
Votes of the House of Commons concerning the league with
the States General and for entering into alliances. (Printed in
Commons' Journals, Vol. IX., p. 475.) [Ibid. No. 167.] |
May 4.
Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to Williamson. Yesterday the wind blew fresh
at S., to-day it is a little easterly of it, the weather fair. Lord
Alington's regiment at Colchester is expected here to go on board
the three men-of-war that have attended here some while to
transport them. [Ibid. No. 168.] |
| [May 4 ?] |
Notes of the commissions to William Morgan, George
Herlackinton and Edward Stradling, of which the first and third
are calendared ante, p. 149. [Ibid. No. 169.] |
May 4.
Whitehall. |
Commission to George Herlackinton to be captain of the
company in Col. Thomas Stradling's regiment, whereof Sir Edward
Stradling was captain. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 44,
p. 88.] |
May 4.
Whitehall. |
Commission to Aubrey, Earl of Oxford, to be Lieutenant-General
over all the Forces as well Horse as Foot. [Ibid. p. 89.] |
May 4.
Whitehall. |
Reference to the Lord Treasurer of the petition of the Mayor,
&c. of Northampton, showing that his Majesty had granted them
1,000 tons of timber out of the forests of Salcey and Whittlewood,
whereof they received last year 300 tons, and praying the
remainder or such further quantity as his Majesty shall think fit.
[S.P. Dom., Entry Book 46, p. 229.] |
May 4.
Whitehall. |
Presentation of Edmund Cotes, M.A., to the rectory of Bothell
with the rectory of Shipwith, Northumberland, void and in the
King's gift by simony of the present incumbent or otherwise.
Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 47, p. 70.] |
May 4.
Whitehall. |
Warrant, upon the surrender by Sir James Bowyer, of Lethorne,
Sussex, of his title of baronet, for a grant of the same title
to the said Sir James Bowyer for his life with remainder to
H. Goring, of Higden, Sussex, and the heirs male of his body with
the same precedency as the said Sir James now has, and with a
discharge of all services to be performed or payments to be
made in lieu thereof. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 334, p. 488.] |
| May 5. |
Sir Robert Sawyer to the King. On account of ill health
requesting permission to retire from the Speakership in similar
terms to his letter printed in Commons' Journals, Vol. IX., p. 476.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 403, No. 170.] |
May 5.
Portsmouth. |
John Pocock to Williamson. The 3rd arrived at Cowes the
Young Prince and the 4th the Owners' Goodwill, both from Virginia.
They left the country five weeks since in peace and quiet. [Ibid.
No. 171.] |
May 5.
Whitehall. |
Commission to Louis, Earl of Feversham, to be Lieut.-General of
all the Forces, Horse as well as Foot, to be employed in the King's
service. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 29, p. 278.] |
May 5.
Whitehall. |
Declaration by the King that, whereas Robert, Lord Deincourt,
Captain of the Band of Gentlemen Pensioners, has a troop in
Lord Gerard's lately raised regiment of horse, in case he should
happen to miscarry in the said service, the King would allow his
executors or nearest relations to nominate some fit person to
succeed him as captain of the said Band. [S.P. Dom., Entry
Book 334, p. 518.] |
| May 6. |
Journal of the proceedings in the House of Lords on that day,
which fully appears from Lords' Journals, Vol. XIII, p. 213,
except as follows:—The Lord Chancellor informing the House
that the Dutch ambassadors gave in an answer late last night
in writing in French, which will be translated against to-morrow,
and then brought into this House. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 403,
No. 172.] |
| [May ?] |
William Paston to the King. Petition after reciting a grant
in the 4th year of the late King to one Symcocks and others of
the printing of all briefs, publications, mandates, indentures,
bonds and other things for 31 years, long since expired, for a
grant to him of the printing of the like things and blank writs
of 31 years. At the side, |
May 6.
Whitehall. |
Reference thereof to the Attorney or Solicitor General. On
the back, |
|
Report by Sir F. Winnington, Solicitor-General, that his
Majesty may, if he pleases, grant the sole printing of the
above documents to the petitioner, provided that nothing be
put in the patent which is already granted to Mr. L'Estrange
and others, 9 May. With memorandum that Mr. Solicitor
drew the warrant for this grant himself, and brought it to
Mr. Secretary. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 403, No. 173.] |
|
Another copy of the above reference. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book
46, p. 229.] |
| May 6. |
Col. Thomas Stradling to William Bridgeman. Requesting
him to scratch out the name of Edward Stradling in his ensign's
commission and to insert Edward Turberville. They muster
next Thursday. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 403, No. 174.] |
| May 6. |
[Viscount Maynard to Lady Ranelagh and the Honourable
Robert Boyle.] By a settlement, made by Charles, late Earl of
Warwick, I am made trustee for the heir in tail to that title
for Warwick House in Holborn, which is come to me in trust
for the use of the heir, and in that Ann, Countess of Warwick
and Holland, as guardian to her son, Edward, now Earl of Warwick,
has in his behalf invited me according to the trust and power
thereby given me to make demand thereof, I do hereby make
my demand thereof from you, who, as I am informed, as executors
to the late Countess of Warwick, are in the present possession
thereof, and to which I crave your answer that so I may direct
the possession pursuant to my trust. And, as I am assured by the
Countess of Warwick and desired to inform you, this is not done
in the least to discommode you. |
|
Ann, Countess of Warwick, to Lord Maynard. Requesting
him to make the above demand. [Copies. Ibid. No. 175.] |
May 6.
Caswell How. |
Thomas Patrickson to Williamson. I addressed myself to
several of the Governors of St. Bees School about the removal of
Mr. Ratcliffe, with the account of your proffers and care for
new settling it in the hands of one that may give us hopes to
regain what the want of an industrious master has made us
sufferers in. Their answer was, he has last winter been very
sickly and so continues and that they thought in six months more
he would leave it voluntarily. I thank you for your great kindness
to my brother and civilities to me, when in London. Mr. Clemands,
I hear, is not yet ready for him. I wished him to observe your
commands in the interim. [Ibid. No. 176.] |
May 6.
Truro. |
Hugh Acland to Williamson. Wind northerly, cold weather
with some showers. [Ibid. No. 177.] |
May 6.
Pendennis. |
Francis Bellott to Williamson. Shipping news as in the next
two letters. [Ibid. No. 178.] |
May 6.
Falmouth. |
Thomas Holden to Williamson. The 3rd came in the Elizabeth,
Alexander Matison commander, the Elizabeth, Adrian Tant master,
and the Dorothy, all of Flushing, from Surinam bound home.
The last was a French prize taken by the Dutch fleet going out,
belonging to Rochelle laden with wine and brandy. All three
came out together and have been some time in Ireland. They
left that island in a good, quiet condition and they had a good
crop of sugar the last season. As they came in, they saw off the
Lizard several great ships, which they suppose to be men-of-war,
but of what nation they know not. They all intend to stay
here till they have convoy. Wind now S.W. The general
report here is that the Dutch have made a separate peace with
the French, which makes people talk very much against them.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 403, No. 179.] |
May 6.
Falmouth. |
Thomas Holden to James Hickes. Giving the same news
as the last. [Ibid. No. 180.] |
| May 6. |
Warrant from Secretary Coventry to Joseph White, messenger,
to search for and take into custody James Witham, serjeant at
mace, belonging to the Poultry Compter. Minute. [S.P. Dom.,
Entry Book 28, f. 212.] |
| May 6. |
Sir J. Williamson to the Clerk of the Signet. Ordering him
to enter a caveat that no presentation pass of the rectory of
Worplesdon, Surrey, his Majesty having promised it to
Mr. Crafford. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 45, p. 49.] |
May 6.
Whitehall. |
The King's Message to the House of Commons. (Printed in
Commons' Journals, Vol. IX., p. 476.) [S.P. Dom., Entry Book
334, p. 488.] |
| May 7. |
Journal of the proceedings in the House of Lords on that day.
The Lord Chancellor delivered to the House two papers in French
and translates thereof in English, dated 3 and 4 May, being the
propositions of his Majesty's commissioners and the Dutch
ambassadors' answers, and the English copies were read, as also
the report made last Saturday by the Lord Treasurer, after which
the Lord Chamberlain gave an account of a paper from the Dutch
ambassadors since their answer, which he conceived fit for the
House to know and, as he heard, was sent for, whereon they
entered into the debate what advice to give his Majesty, and, by
reason the paper mentioned by the Lord Chamberlain came not
time enough and that the answer from the States was daily
expected, they adjourned the debate till Saturday or till that
answer from the States come. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 403, No. 181.] |
| May 7. |
Journal of the proceedings in the House of Commons on that
day, which fully appear from Commons' Journals, Vol. IX.,
p. 477. [Ibid. No. 182.] |
| May 7. |
Notes of the debate in the House of Commons. Littleton.—
A committee of Lords and Commons—doubts how parliamentary,
but never more necessary.—To ascertain one point, i.e., the King
to enter into the alliances, even though Holland be out. 1. If
positive, Holland will come in. 2. Less inconveniencies this way
than any other. By this peace, Holland will be in the possession
of trade and commerce. Their naval force to shut us out of the
East India trade, Straits trade. Militia, &c., in England—lord
lieutenant may come to be a bassa. |
|
Swinfen.—Doubts if to address more. 1. Having had no
success at home or abroad. 2. Has had an ill success in both
an army.—As things are now especially, not to advise a
war.—Would bring on the necessity of continuing this army still. |
|
Lord Cavendish.—The King ought not. Cannot raise forces,
&c., beyond the militia, unless in time of war. |
|
Garway.—The last votes were sudden and not thought enough.
The first vote liked, but not the second, of going into the alliances.
Not to go further, but to address for an answer to the address
and more light and to adjourn in the meantime. |
|
Sacheverell as Garway.—Was against the address of Saturday.
King to follow the advice of private ministers and not ours.—
The advice of a private person, whose advice is inconsiderable.
Some advise him to stand alone without his people. |
|
Mallet.—English and French hearts look one way and row
another. A cabinet that has brought us into thorns. A cabal
not established by law.—Till they be removed. |
|
Vaughan.—Some in the Council.—If all of his mind, they
would name him. They lie upon their backs, &c. |
|
Powell.—Some about the King; will not name, but describe
him. The answer.—When the sword was not drawn. (The
preface to the Pyrenæan treaty.) This last answer dislikes the
matter and manner.—To advise him to remove those from his
counsels, and till then to do nothing. Objection, the Army.
Reply, No, disband it. N.B.—The scope of the vote on Saturday
was to free themselves from the obligation to maintain this army. |
|
Swinfen.—That the Poll Bill be not applicable to it. |
|
Clarges.—The French King's charge that the King had
promised positively, &c. Spain rejects it, and yet, it is said,
Lyra agreed to it. The Militia—the actings of the army in
Scotland. The ministers.—Those that advised the answer of
26 May, &c., be removed from his counsel. |
|
Downing.—This of counsels not seasonable. The counsellors
will do what they can to save themselves and we shall pay for it.
To remove them—to surprise. |
|
Capel.—The King and this House of Commons can never differ,
or, when it does, the King is ruined. The person of the King—
the Church—the militia—the revenue—disordered. His votes
not come to—friends since the declaration. |
|
Lord Russell.—To address.—The foolery or knavery of some
counsellors, &c. |
|
Gregory.—By the speech yesterday to the Speaker the House
very wise, prudent. And yet by the King's answer it appears
there are some that have another opinion of the House. |
|
Herbert.—To raise men and not employ them is a great jealousy.
Severe answers to our addresses, not from the King, he can do
no wrong.—To remove those advisers. |
|
Birch.—Find out matters, not persons, first as the answer to
our address. That of the French King's demand at Utrecht of
setting up the Popish religion in Holland and we assisting that
demand. All and all. (Privy Councillors.) There are twins in
the womb. |
|
Whorwood.—We are now pushed to the point. They were in
41. Nobody but knows what is meant without naming him. |
|
W. Herbert—For it, because there will never be a good
understanding between the King and the people. The revenue
gone; could he see money put into hands that he could trust.
Employing Papists, and they double regiments, 2,000 men.—
His story of the general soldier at Canterbury, could beat out
the King, as they had brought him in. |
|
Wheler.—To address for an answer. |
|
Drake.—To sweep the House clean. |
|
Knight.—To put the question first upon the counsellors. |
|
Temple.—The Lords are and have ever been held the properest
advisers in peace and war, even by the House of Commons. |
|
Greimes.—Lord Lauderdale to be removed. |
|
Lord Russell.—The same. [4 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 403,
No. 183.] |
May 7.
Tredegar. |
William Morgan to Williamson. Thanking him for his kind
remembrance and good advice in his last, and apologising for
his delay in writing and for his rude departure, as ever since
he saw him he has laboured hard for life, having had a severe
fever, which he hopes is now going off, but he is not yet able to
stir out of his chamber. Nothing has more troubled him than
that he could not at this time perform his duty in the House.
[Ibid. No. 184.] |
May 7.
Stockton. |
Richard Potts to Williamson. Wind high at S. and by W.
[Ibid. No. 185.] |
May 7.
Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to Williamson. About 3 last Saturday afternoon
one of our packet-boats arrived, which brought over Mr. Atterbury, by whom I wish more pleasing news from Holland may
come than what has been received of them of late. At 8 on
Sunday morning one of our packet-boats sailed. All Sunday we
heard from sea frequent reports of great guns fired at some
distance from us, we suppose from the Downs. About 4 yesterday
afternoon another of our packet-boats arrived. The master says
that the discourse in Holland again was of continuing the war.
Wind still southerly and weather fair. [Ibid. No. 186.] |
May 7.
Plymouth. |
Philip Lanyon to Williamson. Enclosing list of ships arrived.
Here are three arrived from Virginia, two of this port and one
of London, and likewise Sir Thomas Allin's lieutenant in a ketch,
who has got a quantity of men out of the said ships and hopes to
have as many as the ketch can carry in a day or two and then
to sail for the eastward. Wind S.S.W. [Ibid. No. 187.] Enclosed, |
|
The said list. [Ibid. No. 187 i.] |
May 7.
Whitehall. |
The Duke of Monmouth to Mr. James, Master (sic) of Queens'
College. Sir John Bramston has acquainted me there is now a
fellowship void at your college and that you formerly promised him
to propose his kinsman at the next election and show him what
other kindness you could. I do not doubt you remember this
promise, and, if the election may be speeded, which I am informed
is wholly in your power, you will very much oblige a worthy family
as well as myself. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 41, p. 120.] |
May 7.
Whitehall. |
Sir J. Williamson to —. Signifying his Majesty's pleasure
that they make stay of persons coming from beyond the seas,
whom they shall find cause to suspect as deserters from his service
beyond the seas, and, having put them in safe custody, give notice
thereof, that order may be given for their prosecution according
to law. With memorandum that four of these letters were sent,
viz., to the Mayors of Dover and Harwich, the Commander of
Deal Castle, and the Bayliffs of Yarmouth. [S.P. Dom., Entry
Book 43, p. 204.] |
May 7.
London. |
The Duke of York to the Prince of Orange. "I received this
day yours of the 13th (N.S.) from the Hague, and before now you
will have had an answer to what M. van Leewen brought hither,
by which you will have seen what our intentions were here, but
now, I believe, you will be very much surprised and troubled at
what has passed this day in the House of Commons, where,
instead of doing what they should do for the public good, they
have fallen upon all the ministers and ordered an address to be
prepared for his Majesty to desire they may be removed from his
person, to which they have by name added the Duke of
Lauderdale, so that you see how affairs are like to go here, and
that there will be no possibility of carrying on the war, now that
the factious party in the House of Commons does prevail. It is
necessary for me to say this to you, that you may take your
measures accordingly, and you must expect to hear of great
disorders here; they are not to be avoided. I have not time to
say more, it being very late." [Over 2 pages. S.P. Dom., King
William's Chest 3, No. 34.] |
May 7.
Whitehall. |
The King to the Privy Council of Scotland. Whereas we are
firmly resolved to assert our authority so, as may equally
encourage you and discourage all such as by seditious practices
endeavour in aspersing you to lessen our prerogatives, and
finding by good information that the fanatics in Scotland,
expecting encouragement from such as oppose you and taking
advantage of the present juncture in England, have of late with
great insolence flocked together frequently and openly in field
conventicles and have dared to oppose our forces, we have therefore
thought fit that some more forces be levied, and for that effect
have commanded the Lords of the Treasury to take an effectual
course for providing what money shall be necessary for raising
and maintaining them, and we expect from you an exact and
speedy account of the number and quality of troops that may
be necessary on this occasion, that we may direct commissions and
give such other orders as we shall find necessary. [S.P. Scotland,
Warrant Book 4, p. 370.] |
May 7.
Whitehall. |
The King to the Lords of the Treasury in Scotland. Warrant,
after reciting that it had been found necessary to order the raising
of some more troops, authorizing and requiring them to dispose
upon the 10,000l. sterling lying in Edinburgh Castle and
belonging to the King for raising and maintaining the said troops
and for defraying the charge of such other emergencies as may
concern the service there till course be taken to provide otherwise
for their maintenance. [Ibid. p. 371.] |
May 7.
Whitehall. |
Commission to George, Earl of Linlithgow, to be Major-General
and Commander-in-Chief over all the Forces, as well Horse as
Foot, already raised or to be raised in Scotland. [Ibid. p. 372.] |
May 7.
Dublin. |
Sir Nicholas Armorer to Williamson. I know how unseasonable
a time it is for me to importune you, nor had I done it now for
any loss I have sustained but out of the due respects I have and ever
shall have of your constant kindness to me. You may remember
how I have been perplexed with an unfortunate wool grant and
at Council and Parliament and after all left to play an after-game
and prosecute afresh, which was my business hither, and with
considerable expense and pains I was in a fair way to recover
my lost time. I had seized four ships of Joseph Ivey of Waterford,
and his person was in custody. When we were ready to have
judgment, he was ready to produce the King's pardon, which in
some measure, as my counsel tells me, would have done him but
little good. Yet the noise it has made here, I rather choose to
ruin my own interest than suffer it to be pleaded in open court.
His ships are now free, his person at liberty and gone home,
and I left still to play an after-game. The pardon, I hear, was
passed in your office, and procured by my friend and fellow in
office, who knows my concern and how I have been vexed with it
some years. Ivey says he paid well for it, and wished I had had
the money; so do I. However, the Court lies under the scandal of
doing anything for money. |
|
I say not this with reflection, but beg that for the future no such
pardon may pass till I have notice, to show cause to the contrary.
I know there is malice enough in the world, to take notice of
lesser matters than wool-stealing, and those glad enough to
take hold of anything. |
|
The officers of the Customs at London know all our proceedings
and Ivey's, for they send us certificates and we return such papers
as are necessary, that is, copies of informations and false certificates. Among the rest they had Ivey's information long before
the pardon came over. |
|
I beg pardon for giving you this trouble, when you have many
greater on you. God deliver our master and all you near him
well out of them. We are all quiet here. The Duke has been
these ten days at Kilkenny, but is expected to-morrow. If you
want uskabath or frieze lay your commands on me. [4 pages.
S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 338, No. 161.] |
May 7.
Whitehall. |
The King to the Lord Lieutenant. Warrant for a grant to
Solomon and Joseph Dabbs of Isberry, Berkshire, for their joint
lives and the life of the survivor, of the offices of Prothonotary of
the Court of Common Pleas and of Clerk of the Common Pleas of the
Court of Exchequer in Ireland in reversion on the determination
of the interest of the present patentees thereof. [Over 1 page.
S.P. Dom., Signet Office, Vol. 10, p. 231.] |
May 8.
Bridlington. |
T. Aslaby to Williamson. Several ships light and laden pass
daily to and again. But little wind at E. We have several
ships lading corn for Norway. |
|
I have begun the works of this fort to the sea, which I contracted
for with the Master of the Ordnance and gave bond for the
performance thereof, but to-day I received a letter from Sir John
Reresby not to proceed further, for it was in doubt whether
the fort might be continued where it is, which indeed is the
properest place for the security of traders, or a new one built.
I suppose none can give a better account hereof than the gentry
in these parts, several of whom are now at London, being M.P.s,
and one that was a committee for the first erecting of it was Sir Hugh
Bethell, who can give as good an account thereof as any I know,
and for the security of the coast in case of a war. The works are
like to be at a stand which I intended to have got done with all
expedition and I know not how to clear myself to the Ordnance
Office, so I request you to acquaint the Master of the Ordnance
herewith, that the blame may not be laid on me. [S.P. Dom.,
Car. II. 403, No. 188.] |
May 8.
Lynn. |
Edward Bodham to Williamson. Giving the direction of the
wind since Sunday.—On Monday two ships sailed hence, one for
Norway, the other for Stockholm. [Ibid. No. 189.] |
May 8.
Deal. |
Richard Watts to Williamson. This afternoon sailed the
outward-bound fleet, viz., the Jersey, wherein Lord Carlisle is
going over for Governor of Jamaica, and the Hunter, bound thither
also, and above 20 merchant ships for several places. The
Virginiamen bound home that arrived yesterday sailed that
afternoon and, 'tis said, will be in the River to-night. More
than a breeze at S.E. [Ibid. No. 190.] |
May 8.
Winchelsea. |
William Smith, mayor, to Williamson. On the receipt of yours
with the order in Council, I summoned a court and read the order
and caused his disfranchisement to be published and recorded
according to the true intent of that order. [Ibid. No. 191.] |
| May 8. |
News from Scotland. A great many of the gentry and lawyers
of both factions are gone for London to debate the business of
the West before his Majesty. A printed paper of 3 sheets is
come from the press called A Narration of the West, wherein
Lord Lauderdale vindicates both himself and the Council that
what was done in the West was by order of law and acts(?) of
Parliament of this kingdom. I will labour to send it you next
week. The Fanatics keep their conventicles as frequent as ever;
last Sunday there were three within four miles of Dumfries, where
Mr. John Welsh preached and two young men who never preached
before. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 403, No. 192.] |
May 8.
Whitehall. |
The Duke of Monmouth to Sir Robert Carr. I have been
moved in behalf of Mr. Lyndall's children, whose condition is
much to be pitied. It is proposed among other things for their
relief that, if their uncle, Mr. Henry Sclater, be made the next
high sheriff of Lincolnshire, he will make what provision he can
for them and settle his estate on them in reversion. I am informed
you were once inclinable to do this for Mr. Lyndall. The charity
would be greater now as I understand their case, which I heartily
recommend to you and shall be ready to join with you in moving
the King, if there be occasion. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 41, p. 130.] |
May 8.
Whitehall. |
Reference to the Duke of Ormonde of the petition of Thomas
and Henry Howard, showing that a letter was granted them in
1672 for 12d. per ton on all ballast taken in by any ships in
Ireland according to a grant already given in England, an office
being erected in London, that before the Lord Lieutenant and
Council the patent had passed, but that the letter was mislaid,
whereby the Lord Lieutenant wanted authority to make out a
fiat, and therefore praying, on the Lord Lieutenant's report of
the truth of their allegations, an order to him to make out a
fiat, that so the petitioners may pass their patent. [S.P. Dom.,
Entry Book 46, p. 235.] |
May 8.
Lisburn. |
Sir George Rawdon to Viscount Conway. I have no great
expectation this may overtake you at Ragley, yet, having received
advice from Lord Granard since I wrote last post that the Lord
Lieutenant begins his progress northward much sooner than was
expected, I have ventured this to tell you that he intends to be
at Charlemont by Midsummer day or soon after, and to lodge
there a night or perhaps two or three, and thence he goes to
Londonderry, to see the posture of that garrison, and Culmore.
There are 7 companies in Derry and 6 in Carrickfergus, where
the guns are mounting and a new platform a making. I sent
immediately a troop yesterday to Capt. Ball on this notice to
see if he can borrow or get any furniture or bedding there, which
I do not much hope, and think of sending yours from Portmore
by water to furnish two or three rooms. Also I have written to
Capt. Ball to set all hands he can to work at the repair of the
works slipped down in some places, and I think I must attend
there, you being absent, and that it will not be expected his
Grace should find such entertainment there in the Governor's
absence as if you were present. I give you this account that
you may suit your journey according to your inclinations to haste
or delay it. Our troops are to attend his Grace, I suppose, till
he return out of Ulster. There is no certainty yet which way
he comes or whether he will see Carrickfergus or not, but 'tis
supposed he will not, having been there formerly, but will see
most of this province and return by Inniskillen. |
|
Lord Granard writes he is to attend his Grace in this journey
and, I know, will be importunate to wind up the matter here,
yet he has not sent me any particular of his estate, only in general
that it was 1,700l. per annum. Though I very much rely on
his honour and truth, yet in these cases more certain and
particular demonstration is requisite, so that I think not fit to
proceed hastily and that the first intended portion is as much as
will be expected or can be suited with jointure. &c. |
|
John Totnall was saying you intended to send over a man to
make covering tiles. He has found excellent clay as he thinks
and such a workman would save timber very much destroyed
with shingling. Alabaster is found lately near Brook Hill, very
good as we think. We dread the issue of the misunderstandings
between his Majesty and the House of Commons, which have a
dismal aspect. [Over 2 pages. Conway papers. S.P. Ireland,
Car. II. 338, No. 162.] |
May 9.
Pembroke Hall. |
Francis Grigg to Williamson. I very lately requested my
Lord of Exon to bestow on me a small prebend then vacant,
but could not obtain it. I am credibly informed he has disposed
of two more since he was bishop of that diocese. You commanded
Mr. Benson to let me know that my lord had promised to bestow
on me the first vacant benefice. It is now a year and a half
since I received that letter and as yet I have not met with the
least piece of preferment. My acquaintance with Mrs. Ardrey
and Mrs. Curson, when I was in Cumberland, as also the knowledge I imagined you might have of my brother of Queen's College,
made me presume to solicit your assistance. I therefore most
humbly beseech you not to suffer me to be quite ruined by that
long tormenting word, Expectation. These late unhappy
disappointments have extremely troubled and perplexed me.
S.P. Dom., Car. II. 403, No. 193.] |
May 9.
Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to Williamson. Last night one of our packet-boats
sailed, wind S.E. To-day it is more easterly; the weather fair.
[Ibid. No. 194.] |
May 9.
Falmouth. |
Thomas Holden to Williamson. The 6th the Honour and
Dorothy of London from Virginia came in bound home. There
came out with them 14 sail more about 10 weeks ago and about
the 12th of last month they were separated by foul weather, so,
this being a good sailer, it is believed the rest are not come up.
Some of them have several soldiers on board that went over to
suppress Bacon, of whose company several were condemned and
hanged before the King's pardon came. There has been an
indifferent crop. [Ibid. No. 195.] |
May 9.
Whitehall. |
Pass for the John and Nicholas of London. Sign Manual. Countersigned, "J. Williamson." [Cancelled. On parchment. S.P. Dom.,
Car. II. Case D, No. 104.] |
May 9.
Whitehall. |
Sir J. Williamson to the Mayor of Newcastle. I let the King
know from time to time your zeal and diligence in the execution
of his commands and the matter of the press. This comes
particularly on that occasion and to let you know the account
you sent me some days since of the number, ages, &c. of the
seamen has been represented at the Council Board, which is very
well pleased with your care and commands me to let you know
as much and to desire you to continue it on all occasions for
the future as his Majesty's service may need it. |
|
I desire this may be communicated to the gentlemen that
jointly with yourself signed the several letters to me on this
subject. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 43, p. 205.] |
| May 10, 11. |
Journal of the proceedings in the House of Lords on those
days, which fully appear from Lords' Journals, Vol. XIII.,
pp. 216–220. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 403, No. 196.] |
| May 10. |
Journal of the proceedings in the House of Commons on that
day, which fully appear from Commons' Journals, Vol. IX., p. 478.
[Ibid. No. 197.] |
| May 10. |
Address of the House of Commons to the King. (Printed in
Commons' Journals, Vol. IX., p. 479.) [Ibid. No. 198.] |
May 10.
London. |
George Bowcher to Williamson. The 30th instant will be
35 years since I lost my father, being murdered by those that
were not afraid to lift up their hand against the Lord's anointed.
Since, as an apprentice in this city I spent some years till my
master sent me abroad now 26 years past, where trouble has been
my attendant and has now reduced me to a necessity of applying
to his Majesty for some employment to support me and my
family. He is the father of our country and, I hope, will be
so to me, who am so signally made fatherless. His father, in
consideration thereof, in 1643 granted my mother a patent for
100l. a year for her life, but no benefit accrued thereby till his
Majesty's restoration, who continued it, but she lived but one
year to enjoy it. The son of Mr. Robert Yeamans, my father's
co-sufferer, addressed himself to Prince Rupert, whom they
intended to admit into Bristol, and he presented him to his
Majesty. This encouraged me to take the same course, which
has been attended with good success. What his Majesty has
granted, I no ways doubt but by your favour and assistance
will be confirmed, my friend Samuel Gorges, sometime your
contemporary at Oxford, assuring me that, if my supplication to
his Majesty come to your hand, I need not doubt of success.
I had but just made my request to his Highness but I had the
happiness to meet his Majesty, and that you should be then next
to him what is it but the effect of that promise, He will fulfil
the desire of them that fear Him. [Ibid. No. 199.] |
May 10.
Plymouth. |
Philip Lanyon to Williamson. No ships have arrived here
since my last. Wind E. [Ibid. No. 200.] |
| May 10. |
Bill of Mr. Horsey for various stuffs for 12l. 4s. 2d. of which
10l. 2s. had been paid. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 403, No. 201.] |
| [May 10 ?] |
Proposals by Moses Pitt of London, bookseller, for printing
a new atlas to consist of about 11 volumes at 40s. a volume to
the subscribers who shall subscribe before 24 July, 1678. As
his Majesty has permitted his collection of maps and descriptions
of countries may be perused that such of them as are thought
proper for the work may be taken into it, and his Royal Highness
and Prince Rupert have promised the same favour and the like
has been done by Sir J. Williamson, President of the Royal Society,
and by Dr. Isaac Vossius, it is humbly desired that all gentlemen
who have any maps or relations of new discoveries or any more
perfect descriptions of places already known would send the
same to the said Moses Pitt. With a promise by Sir Christopher
Wren, Dr. Isaac Vossius, John Pell, W. Lloyd, Thomas Gale and
Robert Hook to give their advice for carrying on the work and
to observe how he makes his proposals good and to give account
thereof to the President of the Royal Society for the time being.
With a list of subscribers, including Robert Boyle, Gilbert Burnet,
the Archbishop of Canterbury, John Dryden, the Bishops of
London, Oxford and Rochester, Isaac Newton, and Samuel Pepys.
There are on it some almost illegible pencil notes by Williamson,
referring apparently to the debate before the presentation of the
address of 10 May. [Printed paper. 4 pages. Ibid. No. 202.] |
May 10.
Whitehall. |
Instructions from the Duke of Monmouth to Mr. Gosfright,
deputy paymaster to the forces in Flanders. He is to take
care that the subsistence money be duly paid the soldiers, as the
officer commanding in chief either at Bruges or Ostend shall
find requisite, and that the companies be cleared within the
usual times after the musters. |
|
He is not to stop poundage out of the soldiers' subsistence,
but the same is to be paid by the twopences stopped towards the
clothing. |
|
He is to take an account of the 1,700 guilders 16 styvers
expended in beef and butter, how much of it has been delivered
to the soldiers and what account is kept thereof, that it may be
stopped out of their pay, and what is found remaining and not
like to be disposed of to the soldiers shall be sold and the money
accounted for. |
|
He is to inform himself from Sir C. Lyttleton what quantities
of fresh straw will be requisite for the soldiers and how often
it is fit it should be changed, and give order that the same be
bought and paid for accordingly. |
|
He is to allow Sir C. Lyttleton such necessary contingent
disbursements as he shall make for the King's immediate service,
whose acquittance shall be his discharge. |
|
For providing shoes and other necessaries for the soldiers he
is to advance to each captain such a moderate sum as shall be
agreed on with him by the commander-in-chief, which is to be
stopped out of the twopences. |
|
He is to endeavour to provide a credit at Bruges that may
supply the soldiers with subsistence and the officers with necessary
money in case of a siege or intercourse being stopped between
Bruges and Ostend. [1¼ page. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 52, p. 15.] |
May 10.
Whitehall. |
The Duke of Monmouth to Sir Charles Lyttleton. I have yours
of the 11th and 14th (N.S.). This will be sent you by Mr. Gosfright,
deputy paymaster, who goes over fully instructed in all things
relating to money, so I hope there will be no occasion for any
further complaint on that account. (About providing straw,
the poundage, and providing shoes as in the above instructions.)
You are to send 300 men with officers to Damm and to relieve
them once a week, as long as it may be done with safety, till
further order. |
|
You will now receive your commission for holding courts
martial and the book of articles for your direction, so that I
shall expect that discipline be now established among the forces.
[Ibid. p. 17.] |
May 10.
London. |
The Duke of York to the Prince of Orange. "In my last I
gave you an account of the ill condition of our affairs here, which
grow worse every day, and this day the House of Commons
have completed their address to his Majesty for the removing
from him at once all his ministers, to which they have
added by name the Duke of Lauderdale, which is such a way
of proceeding as will discourage all the allies and makes us here
not know almost what to do, and this is but the forerunner of
worse things, so that I do not see how the war can be carried on,
it being visible that the chief design of the ill people here is to
engage the King in a war that they may the easier ruin him,
so that I believe we shall be forced to a peace. I do not say
that it is positively resolved on, but I am confident it must come
to it and therefore thought it very necessary to let you know so
much that you may take your measures accordingly. It is late
and the post ready to go, so that I can say no more, for fear my
letter should come too late. Ruvigny is come from the French
army. I have but just seen him, and by the next I shall say
more to you on that subject. . . ." [Nearly 3 pages. S.P. Dom.,
King William's Chest 3, No. 35.] |
| May 11. |
J. Knight to William Bridgeman. Requesting him to let the
bearer, John Musgrave, have his commission for chirurgeon to
Col. Stradling's regiment. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 403, No. 203.] |
May 11.
Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to Williamson. About 2 yesterday afternoon
arrived one of our packet-boats. The master says that, when
he came from the Brill, the Prince of Orange was at Honslardike,
and that the Hollanders are generally for a peace on the French
proposals, though as yet that it is fully concluded they do not
say. Three companies of Lord Alington's regiment came hither
towards yesterday evening and went presently on board. More
are expected to-day. The wind is easterly, the weather fair.
[Ibid. No. 204.] |
May 11.
Harwich. |
Thomas Langley to Williamson. I received your warrant of
the 7th ordering me to stop all deserters from his Majesty's
foreign service, but please advise me if you mean all from Holland
as well as Flanders, for from Holland sometimes have come
several heretofore by your licence. I entreat you to order one
of your secretaries to pay for the express vessel for Mr. Atterbury,
or if I shall place it on defalcation in the Letter Office. [S.P.
Dom., Car. II. 403, No. 205.] |
May 11.
Dover. |
Francis Bastinck to Williamson. To-day arrived the packetboats from Nieuport and Calais. From Calais we are told that
the peace is certainly concluded between the French and the
Dutch. From Nieuport they write that the Prince of Orange
is marched towards Holland, that the States refuse to give his
army any more pay and the soldiers, however, resolve to stand
by him, and that the French have taken Leere and are marched
with intention, as 'tis thought, to besiege the Sas of Ghent. Part
of the French army is within three leagues of Bruges and between
Bruges and Ghent they have made three bridges over the river.
[Ibid. No. 206.] |
May 11.
Whitehall. |
Reference to the Attorney-General of the petition of John
Hancock for a nolle prosequi on an information of Amy Adams
prosecuted against him purely out of vexation and to disparage
him on the statute of usury. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 46, p. 230.] |
May 11.
Whitehall. |
Warrant, after reciting the petition of Samuel Lowe and John
Revell of Chesterfield, Derbyshire, which represented that they
and Robert Mower alias Moore of Chesterfield were convicted
on an information for riotously taking away Hester Taylor against
her will and without her mother's consent with intent that the
said Mower should marry her, and that Mower had been fined 500l.
as the principal offender, which he had paid, and that the
prosecutor had thereupon released the petitioners and was
contented they might be absolutely discharged of the said
conviction, but that the said conviction remaining on record the
clerks of the King's Bench thereupon do issue out process to
the sheriff, so that the petitioners cannot go about their occasions and therefore prayed an order to enter a nolle prosequi on
the said conviction, a reference thereof to the Attorney-General
and his report agreeing with the statements in the petition,
for entering a nolle prosequi as prayed. [2 pages. S.P. Dom.,
Entry Book 51, p. 19.] |
May 11.
Lisburn. |
Sir George Rawdon to Viscount Conway. I had yours of
30 April but last post and write this at a venture chiefly for the
conveyance of the enclosed, for I sent Mr. Mildmay yesterday
to Belfast that he might give you a more certain account of the
money matter. If it have a ready passage, perhaps it may arrive
at Ragley before you begin your journey. |
|
I suppose Lord Granard will be at Dublin when you land, and
on notice thereof I intend to wait on you there soon after, and
now write to Lord Granard about the matter he has been so
solicitous of, if he think fit as a preparatory to the treaty to send
me a particular of his estate and his proposals and provisions
designed for his eldest son, &c., also for his younger children and
his debts, if any, as you advised, that I may consider of it before
we meet, for he has not offered any such thing yet, though he
said often he would make his estate appear as good as Lord
Coloony's. He has been a better courtier than his son and has
gained more on his mistress for him than her servant I think,
though he has been in France. As to the like matter about her
brother I do not hear of any in this kingdom fit for him. Therefore,
unless you will take it into your thoughts where it may be done
in England, I know not how to go about it. |
|
Our last intelligence of the great affair of war or peace seems
so uncertain that in this remote corner we seem not much
concerned and consider not how suddenly a flood may come
nor make any preparation for such an event. Scotland is so near
us, that we inquire more of the unseasonable differences there.
The embargo is now taken off, so perhaps next post we may hear
of the landing of those things you ordered to be sent from Chester.
We have been all together to-day, at a great christening feast of
Thomas Smith's son, Lieutenant Smith's second son's child, where
your health was drunk to by all the company; the Bishop and
his lady, our sheriff and his wife and many more, my sister
[-in-law] Hill, &c. Mr. Michael Harrison is in ill health and
believed to be near his end. [1½ page. Conway papers.
S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 338, No. 163.] |
| [1678.] May 12. |
T. B[arnes] to —. There is now a deal of discourse about
public affairs, of which I need not acquaint you, unless I should
seem as Phormio did to Hannibal, only divers paraphrases on
them amongst our friends in town, we being now full of doubts,
fears and hopes too that something may come out ont to our
satisfaction in the end. I need not tell you of the several speeches,
debates and other utterances about the alliance with the Prince
of Or[ange] and how 'tis reported Sir J. Williamson brought a
message from the K[ing] about it on the Monday following and
of divers things that, 'tis said, he spake about the K[ing]'s power
to raise an army, if he paid them, and much more, which I suppose
you know of, about the votes, about the addresses and questioning
some evil advisers, &c., in some former transactions. 'Tis talked
of that the army in Scotland is mouldered away, and here are
great expectations what will be the issue of the Duke of
Lauderdale's case, in which, they say, more are concerned, and
we wait with great expectation what answer is given to the
address yesterday, in which, they say, Duke Lauderdale is named.
There is much discourse now about the Court party, as they call
them now, and the Country in P[arliament]. Some say the former
talk of accusing or remonstrating against some of the latter, and
what may be the event ont, but these seem to be mighty
predictions. In the confusion that now the world seems hurried
in, many are at an end of their wits. Some days it passes for
current that the Dutch have complied with the French, but
yesterday came letters to a Dutch agent (I think they call him
Oldendauge, he lives, as I am told, in Leadenhall Street), and he
reports that now the Dutch are firmly resolved to adhere to
the Confederates and to quit the French proffers, and that the
Confederates promise they shall be at little charge for the future,
and that the Dutch offer the business to the consideration of the
Parl[iament] and are about also to prohibit French commodities.
Now the great talk is about the new raised army, what they are
for, whether to continue here, or to be disposed otherwise, and
some also are of opinion that, if the former news about the Dutch
and their allies hold true, we must be concerned in a war with
France, unless there be a general peace, which is also talked of
and hoped for by many. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 403, No. 207.] |
May 12.
Lynn. |
Edward Bodham to Williamson. Giving the directions of the
wind since Monday.—Yesterday arrived here several laden
colliers. [Ibid. No. 208.] |
May 13.
Yarmouth. |
John Woodroffe and Nicholas Cutting, bailiffs, to Williamson.
Informing him that he may expect their utmost diligence, care
and circumspection in observing what is ordered them in his
letter of the 7th, just received, but that as yet they have not
met there with any of the gang he writes of. [Ibid. No. 209.] |
May 13.
Weymouth. |
Nathaniel Osborne to Williamson. This morning a little off
Portland by a surge of the sea was overset a ship of Galway laden
with wine and brandy from Bordeaux to Ostend. All the men
were saved by one of our town coming from Wales, except one
boy, who is drowned. The ship lies on the stream and some
vessels of our town are gone out to see what they can save.
[Ibid. No. 210.] |
May 13.
Truro. |
Hugh Acland to Williamson. Wind W. and by N., fair weather.
[Ibid. No. 211.] |
May 13.
Pendennis. |
Francis Bellott to Williamson. Shipping news, all given in
Holden's letter of the 9th, calendared ante, p. 165, and in his
next. [Ibid. No. 212.] |
May 13.
Falmouth. |
Thomas Holden to Williamson. The 11th came in the Andrew
of Colchester from Bordeaux laden with wines and brandy, bound
home. They came out ten days past with nine more over the
Poll head, but were separated in foul weather. They say they
left but one Englishman there and that the talk of war or peace
is as uncertain there as here, one post bringing news of war and
another of a general peace. This vessel put to sea again yesterday.
Yesterday put in here 14 Dutch and some English merchantmen
under the convoy of two Dutch men-of-war and one fire-ship
bound for Cadiz. Wind S.W. [Ibid. No. 213.] |
May 14.
Stockton. |
Richard Potts to Williamson. No news. Wind westerly.
[Ibid. No. 214.] |
May 14.
Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to Williamson. Saturday afternoon three companies more of Lord Alington's regiment embarked on the three
men-of-war that have waited here for some time for them.
Towards evening one more company came, and, because both
wind and tide were then against them, they quartered in town
all night and went on board about 2 Sunday afternoon, and
about two hours after the Lieut.-Colonel's company of the same
regiment came and were presently shipped, which made
8 companies of that regiment on board the three ships bound
for Ostend, which sailed at 11 yesterday forenoon with a stiff
gale from the west, which keeping their course could not be long
from Ostend. |
|
Saturday evening one of our packet-boats sailed, and about
1 the same day one arrived. The master heard that the Prince
went in haste one day last week, he supposes Tuesday, to
Amsterdam, stayed a very small while there and returned. He
also says that the French king has sent other proposals to the
Dutch and another time limited for their acceptance of them.
A great fleet of laden colliers bound for the river is before us.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 403, No. 215.] |
May 14.
Portsmouth. |
John Pocock to Williamson. The 13th the Royal James sailed
for Spithead, where she now rides with the Swiftsure, Harwich,
Greenwich, Staverin, Falcon, Garland and Lark. The Woolwich
and Royal Charles will follow to Spithead in a few days. [Ibid.
No. 216.] |
May 14.
Plymouth. |
Philip Lanyon to Williamson. Enclosing list of ships arrived.
Wind W. [Ibid. No. 217.] Enclosed, |
|
The said list. [Ibid. No. 217 i.] |
May 14.
Whitehall. |
The Duke of Monmouth to the deputy Governor or other
officer commanding in chief at Hull. As he has thought fit
to take off the dead-pays hitherto allowed for keeping the ferryboats in that garrison and that for the future that duty be
performed by the effective men in the several companies, requiring
him to appoint two men out of the Duke's company to take
charge of the said boats for one week and to be freed from all
other duty during that time and then to be relieved by two men
of the deputy Governor's company, and so in order to the youngest.
[S.P. Dom., Entry Book 41, p. 122.] |
May 14.
London. |
The Duke of York to the Prince of Orange. "I gave you an
account in my two last of the state of affairs as they then were,
which are not at all mended since, for the address I mentioned
. . . was brought on Saturday last to his Majesty by the Commons,
which so offended his Majesty that the answer he gave them to
it was, that it was so extravagant an address that he was not
willing speedily to give them the answer it deserved, and, when
you see a copy of it, you will find it did not deserve a better
answer, and yesterday, to show his further displeasure to the
Commons, he prorogued both Houses till the 23rd . . ., in hope
by that time to bring them into a better temper, and, had they
continued sitting longer now, they would yet have been more
troublesome. You see the temper we are in, and I have but a
very ill prospect of affairs and expect great disorders here or at
least great difficulties, so that it will be all we can do to keep
things quiet at home. It is necessary for me to say this to you,
that you may not take wrong measures. The King will write
to you himself, so that it is not necessary for me to say more on
that subject. . . ." [2½ pages. S.P. Dom., King William's
Chest 3, No. 36.] |
| May 14. |
Notes by Williamson.—Lord Treasurer, Williamson. At my
lodging. I writ these heads of a consultation while the Treasurer
was writing something what the King might answer the French
ambassador. What that was he did not show me. |
|
Proposed that the King should at present promise the King of
France:— |
|
1. That he will for himself admit of the propositions of
Nimeguen. |
|
2. That he will bring the States likewise to accept of them. |
|
3. That he will use his offices towards the rest of the Confederates
to bring them to acquiesce in them. |
|
4. That, in case he cannot prevail with the States and the
allies, he himself at least will remain neuter, &c., not assist, &c. |
|
Query, whether the King can enter into such a promise, or into
how much of it he may safely and reasonably enter at this
time? |
|
Consider. 1. That the King, having so expressly refused to the
Dutch ambassadors again and again to accept of the conditions,
and continued solemnly to summon them to proceed in their
treaty and say what they can furnish towards the war, in order
to his laying that part of the thing before the Parliament for
their advice. &c, till he receive an answer from Holland as to
that matter, cannot fairly change his mind, so solemnly declared
to the Dutch ministers, by accepting the conditions, and therefore
Holland must first answer that absolutely they will make the
peace on these conditions, even without the King, or that they
cannot comply with the three points sent from hence, before
the King can fairly change his mind and accept of the conditions. |
|
2. That the King, being engaged in a treaty with Holland to
obtain better conditions, can never justly engage himself to force
Holland to accept of worse, nor can he fairly promise to accept
of them himself, till Holland have first refused his last offer in
the three points and declare it will still persist to accept of
the conditions. |
|
3. That the whole matter of the peace or the war being by his
Majesty so solemnly referred to the Parliament to advise in with
a promise on his part to follow their advice and that of the Lords'
House at least being deferred till a certain answer come from
Holland as to the 3 points, how can the King at present, before
the answer be come and the Lords have formed an advice upon
it, resolve anything in the matter or say whether he will or not
accept of the conditions offered, since by his promise he is to do
it or not as the Parliament shall advise him, &c. |
|
Therefore it seems:—1. That till the answer from Holland
be arrived, and that communicated to the House of Lords at
least for their advice, it cannot be fit for the King to make any
such promise to the King of France. |
|
2. The answer from Holland will either be:—1. That they
totally reject the conditions, and then the King cannot accept
them. 2. That they would willingly accept the conditions
themselves, but that they will continue in the war on such and
such quotas, &c., and in that case, before the King can accept
of the conditions, he must have the Lords' advice, &c. 3. Or
that absolutely they will accept of the conditions so as to make
the peace upon them for themselves, and try to get the best they
can for their allies, and in that case only it should seem the King
is at liberty fairly to proceed likewise for himself by negotiating
in the interval of the Parliament to hinder the separate peace of
Holland being wholly made, if possible, till the Parliament can
meet and advise, &c., or, if that cannot be withstood so long,
then to do the best he can for himself, the Hollanders and the
allies, taking good witness in every step that he did not in anything
contribute to it, nay, that he did as far as was possible for him to
hinder it. |
|
To have a meeting with the States' ministers.—If not, to meet
with the Confederates, to see what can be done, &c., that all be
not lost. To watch what kind of peace France makes with
Holland. [3 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 366, p. 519.] |
May 14–24.
St. Malo. |
George Dumaresq to Sir Thomas Morgan. The news of a
peace betwixt this Crown and the States General signed the
17th instant at Nimeguen is both too credible and too considerable
not to impart it to you. The particulars cannot yet be known.
'Tis reported in general that Maestricht and all other places taken
from the Hollanders are restored to the Hollanders and that
they will enjoy the benefit of the treaty made in 1635. How
the case remains with the Confederates is not spoken, but great
hopes of a general peace. With this news came the order to
open the ports, so all vessels are free to go where they list. Here
arrived yesterday 3 frigates from Cadiz, but very light of plate.
'Tis thought the three brought not above 25,000 weight.
[S.P. Channel Islands 9, No. 90.] |
| May 15. |
Note from Prince Rupert in favour of Mr. Sand[y]s, asking his
Majesty to grant the rectory of Purleigh, Essex, being lapsed
to him on a simoniacal contract between Warham Horsmanden,
the patron, and William Whitehand, the rector, thereof. [S.P.
Dom., Car. II. 403, No. 218.] |
| May 15. |
Edward Master to Williamson. Mr. James, Master (sic) of
Queens' College, Cambridge, last Saturday told me my son's
time by the statute was over for taking Orders and that he could
not be admitted without a testimonial from him, whereat being
surprised I begged him earnestly to grant one for my son, but
he positively refused. That Saturday I wrote to him to come
up forthwith, which receiving he went immediately to the
President, telling him he was coming up to be admitted, and
requested a testimonial in order thereto, which was denied, he
saying he had order from the Master not to grant him any. My
son came up Monday night, whom I find much oppressed with
grief by reason of the many great unkindnesses continually
put on him. But he says God has called him to live under him
and he would gladly live comfortably, that by complaining he
may be provoked and use him worse, so prayed me that matters
past may be buried rather than mentioned, which his piety
cannot discommend, so in his behalf I most humbly pray that
the Bishop of London may be desired to admit him into Orders
without a recommendation, if not to be had. I assure him to
be as civil and temperate and of as good a repute both in his own
college and in the university as most men there. I would also
beg that the Master may be in some way required to carry an
equal kindness to my poor son as to others, which he has and
ever shall endeavour by all lawful means to deserve. [S.P.
Dom., Car. II. 403, No. 219.] |
May 15.
Whitehall. |
Presentation of Thomas Sandys, M.A., to the rectory of
Purleigh, Essex, void and in the King's gift by simony or otherwise.
Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 47, p. 70.] |
May 15.
Whitehall. |
Warrant for a patent for 14 years to John Roberts and his
assigns for his invention of grinding, polishing and diamonding
glass plates for looking-glasses, coaches and other uses by the
motion of water and wheels. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 51, p. 21.] |
May 15.
Whitehall. |
Warrant to the Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench, the
Recorder of London and the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex
to defer the execution of the sentence passed on John South, if
found guilty, who is to be tried at the next sessions for the killing
of Herbert Parrot. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 334, p. 489.] |
May 16.
Bridlington. |
T. Aslaby to Williamson. Yesterday morning loosed out of
this bay to the northwards six light colliers and two vessels of
this town for Norway, one of which has anchored, the wind being
much northerly. |
|
It seems one of the reasons that the Governor here, Sir John
Reresby, wrote to me to forbear disbursing any more moneys
for repair of the works to the sea is that I would not give his
soldiers more than 6d. a day, though they were very thankful
when I dismissed them, and I am not to blame in being as good
a husband as I can for his Majesty, but I suppose the great matter
is, that he has not the ordering of the concern. I should be loth
to do anything unjust or unworthy. I know it is not for me to
strive against his authority, yet I hope I shall be countenanced.
I have forborne any further proceedings to the repairs according
to his commands, although I have given caution to the Master
of the Ordnance for speedy effecting what I contracted for.
I desire your advice and countenance. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 403,
No. 220.] |
May 16.
Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to Williamson. Last night sailed one of our packetboats with the wind W. and by N., where it has continued, the
weather fair. We have no news and what I expected last post
from your office, I believe, has miscarried. Thursdays are the
most barren days generally of news here, because, as a packetboat sails hence, so one commonly comes from the Brill every
Wednesday which seldom reaches this by noon unless the wind
be very favourable indeed. [Ibid. No. 221.] |
May 16.
Truro. |
Hugh Acland to Williamson. Wind easterly, very fair
weather. [Ibid. No. 222.] |
May 16.
Pendennis. |
Francis Bellott to Williamson. The wind last Tuesday being
at N., the ships bound for the southward sailed. (Then follow
the names and other particulars of the said ships.) Wind now E.
[Ibid. No. 223.] |
May 16.
Whitehall. |
Allowance by Sir J. Williamson of the extraordinaries of
Sir L. Jenkins, ambassador for the treaty at Nimeguen, for the
year ending 13 Dec., 1677, amounting to 1,145l. 13s. 5d., except
as regarded the article of payments for the advance of money
upon tallies which must be in the judgement of the Lord Treasurer,
to whom he remits it. With particulars of the several items.
[S.P. Dom., Entry Book 334, p. 490.] |
|
Detailed account of the above bill of extraordinaries. [3 pages.
Ibid. p. 491.] |
May 16.
Whitehall. |
Warrant for a presentation to the Bishopric of Brechin in
favour of Dr. George Haliburton, minister at Coupar in Angus.
[Docquet. S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 4, p. 373.] |
May 16.
Whitehall. |
Warrant for a letter to James, Archbishop of St. Andrews,
requiring him to consecrate and install the said George Haliburton
to be Bishop of Brechin. [Docquet. Ibid.] |
| May 17. |
Sir William Dolben to [? Williamson]. Mr. South is not
found guilty of murder but of a special manslaughter, viz., the
party killed not having any weapon drawn nor first struck
Mr. South. From this sort of manslaughter clergy is taken
away by 1 Jac., c. 8, commonly called the Statute of Stabbing.
I thought the jury very severe to bring him within that law.
The enclosed warrant will be sufficient to stay judgment and so
to prevent the attainder. I hope to see you to-morrow at
Hampstead. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 403, No. 224.] Enclosed, |
|
Warrant to the Recorder of London to forbear to give judgment
against John South till the King declares his further pleasure.
[Draft. Ibid. No. 224 i.] |
| May 17. |
Certificate by John Parsons that James Hickes, junior, was
employed in the Post Office in London as assistant to his father
in the Chester road by Henry Bishop, Postmaster General, and
is so employed to that day. [S.P. Dom., Car. II, 403, No. 225.] |
May 17.
Stockton. |
Richard Potts to Williamson. The 9th the Gift of Yarmouth,
coal laden from Sunderland, was stranded near Hartlepool pier.
The 14th the Patient Adventure of Ipswich, coal laden from
Newcastle, was stranded on Seaton Sands near the Tees mouth.
Here are several vessels for the Baltic, but hindered by contrary
winds, being easterly. [Ibid. No. 226.] |
May 17.
Deal. |
Richard Watts to Williamson. To-day Sir John Berry arrived
from Ostend. It blows so hard his boat has not been yet on
shore. No news. Gaping fools prate at their rebellious pleasure.
It blows hard at N.W. With Sir John Berry, who is in the
Dreadnought, came in Capt. Ashby in the Dunkirk, Capt. Presman
in the Swan, and a ketch that came from Portsmouth, which
waits on the Royal James. [Ibid. No. 227.] |
May 17.
Dover. |
Francis Bastinck to Williamson. To-day our Nieuport packetboat arrived, but brings no news save what we have from Ostend
that the French have broke down three large bridges they made
between Ghent and Bruges, and that a considerable body was
detached and marched with 13 pieces of artillery in order to
put the Isle of Cadsandt under contribution, but, when they were
within two miles of the place, they were remanded, and that they
talk much of a cessation of arms in order to a general peace.
This evening we expect the mail from Calais. [Ibid. No. 228.] |
May 17.
Plymouth. |
Philip Lanyon to Williamson. Enclosing list of ships arrived.
About 9 last Wednesday morning Lord Carlisle, the new Governor
of Jamaica, came into this port with his lady and family and
sailed again the same evening, he only taking a view of the Royal
Citadel, which fortifications he very much commended. Wind E.
[Ibid. No. 229.] Enclosed, |
|
The said list. [Ibid. No. 229 i.] |
May 17.
London. |
The Earl of Danby to the Prince of Orange. I am commanded
by his Majesty to let you know that he finds his affairs at home
in so ill a posture and his Parliament in so very ill an humour,
that he has not the least hopes of doing anything by his arms
for the preservation of Flanders, so that he desires you will take
your measures accordingly and that you would lose no time in
showing your willingness to comply with the people of your
country for the peace. He desires also that you immediately
use your endeavours with the Duke de Villa Hermosa to bring
him to the acceptance of it, both to prevent any exchange which
may be made betwixt France and Spain for Flanders and that
his Majesty may thereby have the better ground for entering into
the guaranties which will be necessary for the preservation of
what will remain to Spain and cannot possibly be saved otherwise,
and his Majesty gives you liberty to undertake for that guaranty
as far as you please. For what may relate to your particular
concerns, his Majesty has no doubt they will be fully preserved
to you and he is only troubled for the interests of the Duke of
Lorraine, which he will do all that lies in his power to remedy
by the best offices he can be able to perform on his behalf.
[2 pages. S.P. Dom., King William's Chest 1, No. 17.] |
May 17.
Dublin Castle. |
The Duke of Ormonde to Williamson. On receipt of the
reference of the petition of the Earl of Cork and Burlington with
the draft of a letter therewith I consulted his Majesty's counsel
here, and it appears to me that it will not be any prejudice to his
Majesty if he condescend to the petitioner's request by granting
him the letters patent desired. I send herewith a draft letter
by Sir John Temple, the Solicitor-General, such as in his opinion
may be fit for his Majesty's signature. On the back, |
|
Reference of the above report and letter to the Lord Treasurer.
26 May. Whitehall. And
|
|
His report agreeing with the Lord Lieutenant's report. 30 May.
Treasury Chambers. [S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 338, No. 164.] |
|
Another copy of the above report and reference. [S.P. Dom.,
Entry Book 46, p. 231.] |
May 18.
Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to Williamson. We understand by one of our
packet-boats which arrived at noon yesterday that the offered
peace in Holland is drove on with much fury by the commonalty
there. The master says, the French King has caused his letters
to be printed in Flanders and dispersed among them, in which
he desires and entreats them to be neuters, and promises them
to protect them from any that shall endeavour to disturb them, &c.
This coming among the vulgar, it is cried up and the French
King applauded, and so great the torrent is that no one with
safety of life may open his mouth to give reasons for war.
Yesterday was the day limited for their result on this affair, to
be returned by the French trumpeter that brought the former
letter. It is likely the next packet-boat may give us an account
of what they determine. Weather cool, yet fair, wind northerly.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 403, No. 230.] |
May 18.
Whitehall. |
The Duke of Monmouth to David Crawford, a commissary of
the musters. Warrant for taking off the respites of George
Churchill, lieutenant to Capt. Cutler's company, and of Jasper
Churchill, ensign to Major Cornwall's company, both in his Royal
Highness' regiment, on the muster of March last, and for allowing
them on the following musters during their absence at sea in his
Majesty's service. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 41, p. 123.] |
May 18.
Whitehall. |
The King to the Lord Lieutenant. You are not ignorant of
the disputes of late among the farmers of the revenue of Ireland,
and the trouble that matter has given us. We have been obliged
this week to give a hearing on the whole at the Treasury Chamber,
where, the matter having been at large debated before us, we
found reason to suspect, according to the information given us,
that Sir James Shaen and his partners have indeed a further
design to shake hands with us as to the business of the farm by
the end of this month, and yet to do it so as to pretend to put the
breach of the farm upon us, whereof we have thought fit to
give you this notice, that all possible care may be taken to prevent
them in that design. You will be best able to judge how that
can most effectually be done, only one thing we have thought
fit to direct you from hence, which is, that immediate care be
taken that the Commissioners of Inspection suffer no money to
be paid but on the account of our rent and the necessary salary
of the officers, till the whole arrear due to us be discharged.
This we think particularly necessary to direct from hence, leaving
to your care what other means you may find fit for preventing
so great an abuse. As to the future disposition and ordering of
the thing, we are upon consideration of what further measures
may be fit to be taken, which we shall order to be communicated
to you for your opinion and advice, before we come to any final
resolution therein. [S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 336, p. 77.] |
May 18.
Whitehall. |
Sir J. Williamson to the Lord Lieutenant. I must beg your
pardon that I enclose a letter of so much consequence and yet
am able to give so little account of the matter and reason of it.
It was the result of a meeting at the Treasury Chamber last
night, and it happens to be my lot to draw and countersign the
letter. You are acquainted with the long quarrel among the
partners of this farm much better than I am. I have endeavoured
to keep as near as I could to the very words of the minutes sent
me by Mr. Bertie from the meeting, only giving it the necessary
form to make it one continued thread and texture. [Ibid. p. 78.] |
May 18.
Treasury Chamber. |
Charles Bertie to Williamson. I have attended the AttorneyGeneral since I waited on you this morning, and, he having made
some alteration in the minutes about the Irish farm, I am
commanded by the Lord Treasurer to send you the enclosed copy
thereof as amended, whereon he desires you to form the draft
of a letter to be signed by his Majesty and sent to the Lord
Lieutenant by this night's post. [S.P. Ireland, Car. II. 338,
No. 165.] Enclosed, |
|
The said minutes, on the back of which is the draft of the letter
to the Lord Lieutenant, calendared on the last page, from which
the purport of the said minutes sufficiently appears.
17 May. Treasury Chambers. [Ibid. No. 165 i.] |
May 19.
Tredegar. |
William Morgan to Williamson. I received your letter to-day
and am in much trouble to find things so much out of order as I
hear by your proceedings in the House. I could wish moderation,
I was always for it and ever shall be. I know no good of violent
proceedings. Had I been able to attend, you should have found
in me as good humour as formerly, and I shall always be to serve
my king and friend. I have laboured hard all this winter, and it
has been very severe with me and has brought me very low and
weak, so that as yet I cannot with any safety stir from home.
I am heartily sorry I cannot attend on Thursday. [S.P. Ireland,
Car. II. 338, No. 231.] |
May 19.
Portsmouth. |
John Pocock to Williamson. The 17th sailed from Spithead
the Swiftsure, Harwich, Greenwich and Falcon to cruise in the
Channel. [Ibid. No. 232.] |
May 19.
Dartmouth. |
Ambrose Mudd, Mayor, to Williamson. I wrote some days
since to our recorder, Mr. Ryder, to wait on you, for your advice
and assistance in procuring convoys to go to Newfoundland, and
he now advises me, that you said you were informed we sent
away our ships by stealth after the embargo came, and that
others went away before the time limited in his Majesty's patent.
For answer, not a ship went out here before the morning of
1 March, when 18 went out and 11 more were ready and some
going out, but the order came to the Deputy Vice-Admiral by
the post, when he forthwith told me of it and went immediately
to the Castle to order that none should go out and stopped
some of the 11 then under sail and two of the first 18 are put
back by disaster. What is done elsewhere I know not, but what
I have been informed from time to time I have given Secretary
Pepys account of, and I made every master of the ships here
give bond for bringing home their men according to his Majesty's
patent, which bonds I have in my custody, which is neglected
elsewhere and men carry what passengers they please and leave
what men they please in the country contrary to the patent, as
I am credibly informed. |
|
By the desire of Sir T. Allin and Sir J. Kempthorne I have
listed and sent away about 220 seamen volunteers, besides men
pressed here by Sir T. Allin's lieutenant, and am still listing
seamen for them and there is a ketch now at Plymouth to take
in volunteers and to stop here, yet from Teignmouth and parts
adjacent, where are many seamen, not one is come to enter themselves, though I have often sent there. I hope you will be
instrumental that liberty be granted for some ship to go to Newfoundland to take off our fish from those ships, it being of so great
concern to this poor place and the only trade we have, and it
brings in a great revenue to his Majesty. I have desired
Mr. Ryder to wait on you with this. [Ibid. No. 233.] |
May 19.
Whitehall. |
Commission to William Stafford to be ensign to Capt. Ralph
Delaval in the Holland regiment. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry
Book 44, p. 89.] |
May 19.
Whitehall. |
Warrant to the Recorder of London to forbear passing sentence
against John South on the verdict found against him, till the
King's further pleasure be known. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 334,
p. 494.] |
May 20.
Lynn. |
Edward Bodham to Williamson. Giving the direction of the
wind since Saturday. To-day several ships sailed for Newcastle
and Norway. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 403, No. 234.] |
May 20.
Deal. |
Richard Watts to Williamson. We hear not any foreign news
material or remarkable. To-day the Monmouth and Mary Rose
arrived in the Downs from Ostend. Little wind, very various
between S.W. and S.E., but mostly within one point of S.
Pleasant weather. [Ibid. No. 235.] |
May 20.
Pendennis. |
Francis Bellott to Williamson. The wind since my last being
generally at S., few or no ships came in here. The three Surinam
vessels I gave an account of in my last are still in harbour waiting
for convoy. Yesterday we saw several great ships pass to the
south, and we see several now, plying some to the east some to
the west. [Ibid. No. 236.] |
May 20.
Whitehall. |
Grant of a baronetcy of England to Ralph Dutton of Sherburne,
Gloucestershire, and the heirs male of his body, with a discharge
of all services to be performed or payments to be made. Minute
[S.P. Dom., Entry Book 334, p. 489.] |
| May 21. |
Sir R. Everard to Williamson. At the earnest importunity of
some of the principal inhabitants I came to present you with
their humble desire. Since so many murders have of late been
committed within the liberty of Covent Garden and not one
example of public justice has been executed within their precinct
but at the common place so far remote from them, they, believing
that a public execution near the place where the last murder by
Charles Pamplyn was committed would be a great terror for
the future, humbly desire you would propose it to his Majesty.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 403, No. 237.] |
May 21.
Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to Williamson. Last Saturday one of our packetboats sailed. On Monday morning one arrived. By the master
we are informed that last Saturday, when he left the Brill, the
Dutch had not received the confirmation of the peace with France,
but expected the return of some deputies of theirs who were
sent to the French king for larger and better terms than were
offered them by his trumpet messenger, but they all conclude
it must and shall be done. Wind southerly, weather fair. [Ibid.
No. 238.] |
May 21.
Deal Castle. |
Sir John Berry to Williamson. I have received your order
of the 7th to apprehend all deserters and runaway soldiers from
his Majesty's service beyond sea. I shall use my utmost
endeavours to apprehend any such landing at Deal or adjacent
and keep them in safe custody till I return. I have commanded
my deputy to be careful in executing your further commands
in my absence. I would have answered this sooner, but I was
employed in carrying Lord Alington's regiment to Holland.
[Ibid. No. 239.] |
May 21.
Portsmouth. |
John Pocock to Williamson. The 20th towards morning
sailed from Spithead the Stavoren with two foot companies for
Guernsey and Jersey, and this morning the Garland is sailed
for the coast of Ireland. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 403, No. 240.] |
May 21.
Plymouth. |
Philip Lanyon to Williamson. Enclosing list of ships arrived.
This morning arrived here the Charles of this place from Wales
with 150 impressed men to be transported to the fleet, who are
to-day put on board the ketch which came hither for the said men
and will sail the first fair wind. Wind S.S.E. The above seamen
are to be transported to the Edgar. [Ibid. No. 241.] Enclosed. |
|
The said list. [Ibid. No. 241 i.] |
May 21.
Whitehall. |
Warrant to the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex for the
execution of Charles Pamplin, condemned to be hanged for the
murder of Charles Daleson, in part of the street in Covent Garden
near where the fact was committed, as a particular mark of the
King's justice on so foul a fact and for a terror to others. [S.P.
Dom., Entry Book 334, p. 494.] |
May 21.
London. |
The Duke of York to the Prince of Orange. "I received this
afternoon yours of the 27th (N.S.) from Honslardyke, by the which
I see you are resolved to stay thereabouts till you hear whether
the French will accept of the suspension of arms. I think you
do very well in it, for, besides there is but little good to be done
or hoped for in Flanders, I look upon your presence at the Hague
to be very necessary, especially when the answer comes from
the French by the deputies you have sent to them, for, by what
I hear from all hands and even by what you said to Mr. Hyde,
that the generality of the people as well as some of the chief men
amongst the States are very much for a peace, or else those
steps would not have been made that have been by them, and,
that being so, I would not have anything of that kind to be done
in your absence and, since you see there is no possibility of carrying
on the war as things now stand, in my opinion you ought not
to appear against peace, but ought to go along with the inclinations
of the people and not lose your interest with them by opposing
the peace, which will be whether you will or no, for as to Spain
you know as well as I the miserable condition they are in, and
as to us here, you see how little is to be expected from hence
by what passed the other day in the last sessions, so that his
Majesty was forced to prorogue them, and now they are to meet
again on Thursday and I fear they will be very disorderly and
that it will be all we can do to keep things quiet here at home,
for now the ill men in the House strike directly at the King's
authority and, should we have been engaged in a war now, they
would have so imposed upon the King as to leave him nothing
but the empty name of a King and no more power than a Duke of
Venice, and how long they would have let him have that name
the Lord knows. I am sure it would not have been long. I say
this to you to let you see how necessary peace is, and how
impossible it is for you to carry on the war. You see his Majesty
was very willing to have entered into the war and did his part
towards it, and has now actually ready all his land forces, and
by the end of this month or the beginning of the next, will have
90 ships at sea, but you see the Parliament, I should say the
House of Commons, in five months' time have done nothing
towards it, but given the Poll bill, which may be worth 300,000l.
once paid, and taken away so much a year and, instead of giving
any further supply, have done nothing but fallen upon ministers
and declared they would give no more money till they had
satisfaction in matters of religion. What effects such proceedings
have had where you are, you know best, and how they will end
nobody knows. I could not help saying all this to you to inform
you how things are here, and you may take your measures
accordingly and not run on in measures that may be very
prejudicial to our family and, as things now are, the continuance
of the war would, in my opinion, both ruin you in Holland and us
here. You see I speak my mind very freely to you. I am obliged
to do it out of the kindness and concern I have for you. I know
such a peace as is offered is a very hard one both for you and us
to submit to; however I see no remedy, and do not exasperate
France that may be of use to you. Pray let nobody see this
letter; it is only writ for you and not fit for anybody else to read
or to know I say so much to you . . . ." [7 pages. S.P. Dom.,
King William's Chest 3, No. 37.] |
May 21.
Whitehall. |
Commissions to John Strachan and John Inglis to be captains
of the two companies of dragoons to be forthwith levied in
Scotland, each company to consist of 100 men, besides officers,
and to John Lauder and William Cleiland to be lieutenants,
and to John Livingstoun and Henry Dundas to be ensigns to
the said companies. [S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 4, pp. 374–378.] |
May 22.
Oxford. |
Dr. John Nicolas to Mr. Smith, chaplain to Secretary Williamson.
You gave me leave to let the account of our affairs pass to
Mr. Secretary through your hands, which I cannot but embrace,
that the University troubles may by your assistance be offered,
when you know it to be most seasonable and least troublesome.
Some accidents have fallen out, that may very much enforce the
request Mr. Secretary promised to make for us to our judges.
Lately the proctor, examining a public alehouse for scholars,
was assaulted by the alehouse keeper with a drawn sword, and,
had he not declined it, had been wounded, but he became master
of the sword by the help of his company, though the outcry that
was added to the assault raised such a rabble of town's men and
women that the proctor could with no safety prosecute his office.
Others own the fact and speak out that they will lose their lives
rather than be examined by a proctor, so that, if we cannot have
some countenance, the whole discipline of the place is lost, and the
education here will be with greatest hazard of any in the world. I
suppose this is not a small reason for our petition to be heard
upon the rule of Court, before the delay that must be the effect
of a prohibition, for that, requiring another term, must lengthen
these quarrels, which we cannot prevent the growing of, whilst
the city brag not only of victory, but of more encouragement
than the merits of their cause. They have at this time great
advantage by the soldiers that fill the University, whom they
make use of to break our discipline. In my absence the Mayor
has quartered most of them on the privileged persons, and one
of the scholars has suffered deeply, for upon very small or no provocation, as far as I can find, the scholar was first cudgelled, and then
stabbed in the thigh. I am sensible how hard a task it will be to
moderate between the red and black coats, when there shall be a
third party still fomenting the differences. I do what I can to oblige
the commanders to assist us, and to require the scholars to abstain
from mixing with the militia. but I am fearful I shall not be
long free from a worse account. I am told that Oxford has been
ever free from quartering of soldiers, except when the King was
in it, and our good prince has as great kindness for us as any,
but I am not acquainted whether it be fit, or where to petition
for the renewal of that favour. If I may preserve peace here,
it is all I can hope for, and any directions for it I shall not swerve
from. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 403, No. 242.] |
May 22.
Dumfries. |
[John Rome ?] to Sir C. Musgrave. The conventiclers are
now so frequent in every corner of the kingdom, that it makes
me believe they will either rise in arms shortly or other ways
all go mad, for now they contemn all authority whatsoever. A
very great conventicle near Glasgow was on the 12th instant,
where a company of Linlithgow's regiment was commanded to
dissipate them. The minister escaped, but they took a great
many prisoners, amongst the rest 26 merchants in Glasgow, and
for the women there, the soldiers left not a ring on any of their
fingers. That same day there was another great conventicle in
East Lothian within sight of the Bass, so the Governor of the
Bass sent out a party to scatter them, but the conventiclers fell
on them and killed one of the soldiers and disarmed all the rest.
The Council has given orders for levying two troops of dragoons,
thinking that will do their turn. [Signature erased. Ibid. No. 243.] |
| May 23. |
Journal of the proceedings in the House of Lords on that day,
which sufficiently appear from Lords' Journals, Vol. XIII., p. 221.
[Ibid. No. 244.] |
| May 23. |
The King's Speech. (Printed in Lords' Journals, Vol. XIII.,
p. 221; Commons' Journals, Vol. IX., p. 481.) At the end follows
a journal of proceedings in the House of Commons on that day,
which sufficiently appear from Commons' Journals, Vol. IX., p. 480.
[Ibid. No. 245.] |
May 23.
Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to Williamson. Yesterday evening sailed one of
our packet-boats. To-day the wind is N.W., and has brought
with it a refreshing rain. [Ibid. No. 246.] |
May 23.
Harwich. |
Capt. Thomas Langley to Williamson. I received yours by
Mr. Walker and yesterday sent him immediately forward by the
packet-boat and according to your commands have taken care
to supply a boat, if orders come to me. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 403,
No. 247.] |
May 23.
Truro. |
Hugh Acland to Williamson. Wind S.E., very fair weather.
[Ibid. No. 248.] |
May 23.
Pendennis. |
Francis Bellott to Williamson. Shipping news. The three
Dutch Surinam men are still here waiting for convoy. Wind S.E.
[Ibid. No. 249.] |
May 23.
Falmouth. |
Thomas Holden to Williamson. The 20th came in here a ketch
belonging to the Swiftsure, who reports that frigate and three
more are gone upon the coast of Ireland, where they say are
some Algier men-of-war that infest that coast. The said ketch
put to sea again to-day, the wind S.E., with several pressed men
on board for the said frigate. A small vessel of Weymouth bound
for Wales says that off the Start they met with two Yarmouth
vessels from Bordeaux bound for Holland, loaden with wine
and brandy. They say there is no more talk of a stop than at
the first and that freights are very high. They left but five or
six vessels behind them. By a vessel come in here from Riga
bound for Bordeaux it is reported that the Prince of Orange
has called home Van Tromp out of the King of Denmark's service.
[Ibid. No. 250.] |
| May 23. |
Bill amounting to 2l. 10s. 6d. due from Major Braman to
Thomas Jarman for clothes with receipt at foot. [Ibid. No. 251.] |
May 23.
Whitehall. |
[Secretary Coventry] to the Earl of Winchelsea, Lord Lieutenant
of Kent. The King approves of Lieut.-col. Diggs, recommended
by his lordship as a deputy lieutenant. As to his complaint about
impressing drummers, the Duke of Monmouth says in answer
that the drum major assures him that the new raised troops
cannot be supplied without impressing the militia drums and
therefore the drummers cannot be released. [S.P. Dom., Entry
Book 29, p. 279.] |
May 23.
Whitehall. |
The King to the Privy Council of Scotland. Enclosing a
proclamation for a calling a convention of the estates of Scotland
and desiring them to take care it be timely published with all
the usual solemnities and specially recommending to them their
diligent attendance for the better governing of that kingdom.
[S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 4, p. 379.] Enclosed, |
|
The said Proclamation, calling a convention to meet at Edinburgh
26 June next, that the King may be better enabled to raise
more forces for securing the kingdom against all foreign
invasion and intestine commotions at a time when those
execrable field conventicles still grow in their numbers and
insolences, against which the present forces cannot in reason
be thought a suitable security. 1678, May 23. Whitehall.
[S.P. Scotland, Warrant Book 4, p. 379.] |
May 23.
Whitehall. |
Warrant for a commission to the Duke of Lauderdale to be
his Majesty's High Commissioner in the next Convention of
Estates. [Ibid. p. 381.] |
| May 24. |
Journal of the proceedings in the House of Lords on that
day which sufficiently appear from Lords' Journals, Vol. XIII.,
p. 226, except as follows:—An Act for the preservation of the
fishing in the Severn read. A committee ordered to prepare a
bill for preventing drunkenness and swearing. [S.P. Dom.,
Car. II. 404, No. 1.] |
| May 24. |
Journal of the proceedings in the House of Commons on that
day, which sufficiently appear from Commons' Journals, Vol. IX.,
p. 482. [Ibid. No. 2.] |
| [May ?] |
John South to the King. Petition for a pardon, he having
given Herbert Perrott a wound whereof he died, and the jury
at the Old Baily having found him guilty within the statute of
stabbing, though the petitioner knew himself to be free from
any malice against Perrott and the quarrel was accidental. |
|
At the foot, |
May 24.
Whitehall. |
Reference thereof to the Recorder of London. At the side,
His report that at the last gaol delivery of Newgate the petitioner
was indicted for murdering Perrott and also upon the statute
for stabbing him, Perrott not having any weapon drawn
nor having first struck the petitioner. The jury acquitted
him of the murder, it appearing there was no malice but a
sudden quarrel occasioned by Perrott's provoking language,
but found him guilty within the statute, though they had no
evidence for such verdict save only what Perrott declared
after receiving his wound, which the Court thought very hard.
28 May. [Ibid. No. 3.] |
|
Another copy of the above report and reference. [S.P. Dom.,
Entry Book 46. p. 230.] |
May 24.
Plymouth. |
Philip Lanyon to Williamson. Enclosing list of ships arrived.
To-day arrived a fly-boat of London, Capt. James Man commander,
from Cadiz for Amsterdam, which came out under the convoy of
Sir William Poole, and the Argier man-of-war, which Capt. Herbert
lately took. They had about 100 merchantmen in company.
Off the Rock of Lisbon she with about 14 or 15 more left the
remainder of the fleet and those that came in her company of
English and Dutch are now off this harbour. [S.P. Dom., Car. II.
404, No. 4.] |
| May 24. |
Bill of Major Braman for clothes amounting to 16l. 3s. 6d.
Noted, that 16l. was sent up to pay it 2 Aug. [Ibid. No. 5.] |
May 24.
Whitehall. |
Commissions to John Peckham to be captain of the company in
Sir Thomas Slingesby's regiment, whereof Sir James Bowyer was
captain, and to Ezekiell Everist to be ensign to the same company.
Minutes. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 44, p. 90.] |
| [May 24 ?] |
C. Godfrey to—. Requesting the above commissions.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 404, No. 6.] |
May 24.
Whitehall. |
Caveat on behalf of Lord Ranelagh or Dr. Taylor that no grant
pass of any lands in co. Wexford claimed by Mrs. Mary Thicknesse
without notice to Williamson. Noted, as withdrawn. [S.P. Dom.,
Entry Book 45, p. 49.] |
May 24.
London. |
The Duke of York to the Prince of Orange. "I have just now
received yours of the 31st (n.s.) from the Hague and it is now
so very late that I have time to say little to you. I see you wish
more troops might be sent over into Flanders, if they were ready,
which they are, and have been all complete for some time, but
the want of money has been such that we could send over no
more than those who are already there, which are 56 companies,
and it has been with much difficulty that we got money enough
to send down one regiment of foot, four troops of horse and three
of dragoons into the North, being apprehensive of some disorders
in Scotland, and to show you how little regard is had to what is
doing beyond sea, the House of Commons have done nothing
these two days and believe to-morrow they will fall upon finding
fault with the Chancellor's speech, so little are their minds turned
to what they should be, and I believe will fly higher than ever,
so you see it has not been his Majesty's fault things have not
gone as they should. . . ." [2½ pages. S.P. Dom., King William's
Chest 3, No. 38.] |
| May 25. |
Journal of the proceedings in the House of Lords on that day,
which sufficiently appear from Lords' Journals, Vol. XIII, p. 227.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 404, No. 7.] |
| May 25–28 |
Journal of the proceedings in the House of Commons on those
days, which sufficiently appear from Commons' Journals, Vol. IX,
pp. 483, 484. [Ibid. No. 8.] |
May 25.
London. |
Sir J. Barckman Leyenbergh to William Bridgeman. Begging
him to support the request of Monsr. Rodenburgh, a Swedish
gentleman, who is shortly embarking for Riga, for a passport for
himself and his wife. [French. Ibid. No. 9.] |
May 25.
Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to Williamson. Yesterday morning about 7
arrived one of our packet-boats. The master says that one of
his passengers confidently averred in favour of the States that
they had sent to the French king to desire a cessation of arms
for six weeks, in which time they would labour to persuade their
allies to a peace, when they resolved never to desert or fail to
assist as far as they were able, which, I believe, 'tis fit should
be so, but whether it be so or not, time must show. |
|
This morning, the wind southerly, the Navy yacht arrived, a
third-rate here, having been for some time ready, being intended
to be launched next Tuesday. [Ibid. No. 10.] |
May 25.
Lyme. |
Anthony Thorold to Williamson. Two days since arrived here
the Sarah of Topsham in a week from Rotterdam. The master
says the people there are even mad for a peace, and, if it may not
be a general one, they will agree with France on their terms.
Our trade here is very much stopped on the prohibition of French
commodities, which makes the people full of complaints. [S.P.
Dom., Car. II. 404, No. 11.] |
| May 25. |
Robert Hooker to his cousin. [Major Braman]. To-day I was
to look for you at Westminster and the Exchange. It was to
acquaint you that last Tuesday week I was arrested on the Exchange
by a writ out of the King's Bench, though I did not owe 10l.
in the world, which surprised me and it was at the suit of a man
I know not. I have been ever since endeavouring to know the
occasion of it. Yesterday I was informed it was because I did
not come to the parish church once a month. I am much troubled.
My request is that you would inform me what to do. I suppose
the country has had more experiences in these cases than, through
mercy, we yet have had. Also I beg you will inform yourself
from other knowing persons. If it were your hap to see
Col. Wildman, I know he is knowing. I hope you will honour us
with your company at our house. Endorsed by Braman, "Cousin
Hooker's letter." [Ibid. No. 12.] |
| May 25. |
Warrant from Secretary Coventry to John Bradley, messenger,
to search for — Cockaine, a Nonconformist preacher, and
bring him before the King or Council to answer to what shall be
objected against him; also to search his house, warehouse, &c,
for seditious and unlicensed books and pamphlets and bring them to
Secretary Coventry. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 28, f. 212.] |
| May 25. |
Two like Warrants to search for — Brewster, widow, and for
—Bridges, a printer, and for seditious and unlicensed books
and pamphlets. Minutes. [Ibid.] |
May 25.
Whitehall. |
Warrant for a grant for 31 years from the date thereof to
William Paston of the sole power and privilege of printing and
publishing in England and Wales all blank writs, indentures,
borders with the effigies and titles of the King and Queen and
the text and flourishes on all parchments, vellums and indentures,
all blank warrants, passports, recognizances, articles, bonds,
releases, acquittances for money and tax bills, statutes staple
and merchant, probates and letters of administration, elegies
and rhymes, with all manner of bills for cockfightings, prizes and
other sports and pastimes, and all policies of assurance, marriage
licences, licences of alchouses and wine licences and all summonses
to appear, blank indictments and indentures for apprentices, bills
of lading, debentures, bills of entry, charter parties, bills for
stage coaches and all other publications to be printed on one side
only of one or more sheets or skins whether for the instructing of
children or others in any art or science, all certificates and forms
of oaths and bills belonging to the militia (except all cases in
Parliament, all publications in Gazettes, Mercuries, or other
books of public intelligence and except all matters aforesaid
granted to Roger L'Estrange) with power to the said Paston to
erect one or more printing presses in the City or the liberties
thereof. [2 pages. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 334, p. 495.] |
May 25.
Whitehall. |
Certificate by Sir J. Williamson that Robert Stephens discovered
Andrew Souls, a Quaker printer in Shoreditch, on which the Master
of the Stationers' Company with a messenger and constable
found a private printing press in two upper rooms, to which
there was no passage but through trap doors, and there found
part of several scandalous and unlicensed books, printing and
printed. [Ibid. p. 497.] |
| [After May 26.] |
Memoranda.—Mr. Thompson. About 6 at night on Saturday,
25 May, in St. Bartholomew's Lane and on Sunday in the said
place.—His text was Proverbs c. xxi, v. 25, &c., much concerning
the troubles in Scotland and encouraging his hearers, for now
you have an opportunity, and speaking of the Duke of Lauderdale,
about their Covenant and that their persecution is for Christ's
sake, &c. |
|
Sunday, 26th, about 5 at night.—Mr. Ford, Mr. Ralphson in
Crooked Lane. His text 2 Kings, c. 5, v. 18. He spoke of
persecutions of God's people and brought in a comparison of
the trials in Smithfield. The times now are like to that, therefore
cleanse your hands and hearts, that you may purify yourselves,
for now is the time to do that great work, mentioning a great
duke that was a persecutor of God's people. Endorsed,
"R. Stephens." [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 404, No. 13.] |
| May 27. |
Journal of the proceedings in the House of Lords on that day,
which sufficiently appear from Lords' Journals, Vol. XIII., p. 229.
[Ibid. No. 14.] |
| May 27. |
Vote of the House of Commons concerning the Army. (Printed
in Commons' Journals, Vol. IX., p. 483). [Ibid. No. 15.] |
May 27.
Bridlington. |
T. Aslaby to Williamson. Here are several ships taking in
corn bound for the Baltic and Norway. |
|
There has been some ruffle at this port by a press for seamen,
which proves of no further consequence than the spending his
Majesty's moneys to no purpose, for they have not got one man
here. The chiefest way of getting men is at sea by the yachts
and tenders and at the least charge, for here at land they only
leave tickets at the houses and no moneys, though it is probable
they'll charge it to account. The truth is, most of our ships and
men are at sea, and the men cannot be had but where they are.
The wind is now much westerly. [Ibid. No. 16.] |
May 27.
Deal. |
Richard Watts to Williamson. This morning arrived a ship
from Cadiz, but speaks no news. This afternoon are coming in
and already at anchor 7 considerable ships, one from East India,
which is known by her ensign. Some say her to be the Fleece
from the Coast [of Coromandel], but as yet no certainty. The
wind blows so violently that boats cannot come ashore. Next
post I shall give a further account. I thank you for his Majesty's
speech and the Lord Chancellor's. It blows very hard at S.S.W.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 404, No. 17.] |
May 27.
Deal. |
Richard Watts to Williamson. Even now arrived from
Majorca the Welcome of London. In this fleet is brought home
the Tiger, the admiral of Algiers, whose commander was Canarys.
A storm, but not so high as 2 hours ago at S.W. [Ibid. No. 18.] |
May 27.
Weymouth. |
Nathaniel Osborne to Williamson. The Endeavour of Southampton came this morning into this road. The captain says
that 3 May last he came out of Cadiz in company with near
90 merchantmen under the convoy of the Leopard, the Guernsey
and the Algerine taken by the Rupert, and about 70 of them came
together to near the entering of the Channel. They met with
no Algerines by the way nor anything else worth observation.
[Ibid. No. 19.] |
May 27.
Truro. |
Hugh Acland to Williamson. The wind, being very fresh at
S.S.W., it's thought, may bring in the Straits fleet to Falmouth
or Plymouth, they being arrived on the coast last Saturday,
about 70 sail and upwards, of which one is the Tiger frigate of
Algier, taken by Capt. Herbert. [Ibid. No. 20.] |
May 27.
Pendennis. |
Francis Bellott to Williamson. The wind being S.E. and S.
and S.W. 10 ships came in here. Last Saturday morning, the
wind S.W., came in the Greenwich to get volunteers. He left
Sir Robert Robinson with the Swiftsure and Falcon off the Lizard
cruising. The 23rd they met with 7 sail from St. Ives and 3 Straits
men, with whom they came as far as the Lizard. The master of
the Welcome of London from Majorca reports that all was quiet
in the Mediterranean and that all the Algerine ships were got
into the Mole and lay there unrigged, except one supposed to be
in the Levant, and that Sir John Narbrough lay before that place.
The same evening they met a small French dogger from the
Bank of Newfoundland, who told them two days before off
Cape St. Clear in Ireland he met with a Dutch fleet, consisting, as
near as he could guess, of 6 men-of-war and 80 convoys, and from
the Swiftsure and Falcon, whom they met with on the 24th in the
morning, they understand that the Falcon the 22nd spoke with
a Majorca man-of-war bound for Ostend, in her company 6 English
and 7 Hollanders, who reported that on the 12th she had left
Sir William Poole in the Leopard with the Guernsey and Algerine
prize and about 72 convoys in latitude 40°, which fleet passed
to the eastwards yesterday morning, the wind S.E. This
morning and last evening passed before this place another fleet
to the east, which we suppose to be the rest of our Straits' fleet.
Here are three small ones that came in here. Wind now S.W.
[Ibid. No. 21.] |
May 27.
Falmouth. |
Thomas Holden to Williamson. The 25th came in here the
Greenwich, Capt. Carverth commander, who left cruising off the
Lizard three more of his Majesty's ships. She came in here to
get men, the captain being of this county. Yesterday came in
the Olive Branch of this port and the Yarmouth of Yarmouth,
both from Cadiz. They came out about three weeks past, 70 sail
under three convoys. To-day and yesterday most of them
passed before this harbour, wind S.E. It is supposed our frigates
have met with the fleet and so have furnished themselves with
men, which, they say, they very much wanted. The Yarmouth
vessel says that the day they came in they saw about 80 or 90
great ships, which they supposed to be the Dutch St. Tubus fleet.
Wind S.S.E. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 404, No. 22.] |
May 27.
Swansea. |
John Man to Williamson. The 16th sailed hence on board the
Charles of Plymouth 150 able seamen for Plymouth, pressed by
Sir Edward Mansell of Margam, Vice-Admiral of South Wales,
who all went into the service with a strange cheerfulness attended
with shouts. We are informed 100 more are sent to the same
place from Milford, pressed there by the said Vice-admiral's
order. |
|
A ship of Hamburg of 300 tons, 9 guns and 26 men, laden with
wines from Malaga lately arrived in this road, being by contrary
winds forced up this channel. She took a pilot here for Hamburg
and, being near her port in company of a Danish merchantman
of 22 guns, they were encountered by two privateers of Dunkirk
and after a sharp dispute of several hours, wherein the
Hamburger, making a close fight, lost 9 of his men and killed
20 of the French, both were taken and carried into Dunkirk,
as by a letter from the said pilot we are assured. |
|
The 24th arrived here in three days from Falmouth the Anne
and Elizabeth of London, to load coals for Falmouth. |
|
The winds the last 5 or 6 days have generally been between
S. and W. veering still westward as the sun declined to that
point, attended with northerly breezes every night. The wind
at this instant is E. and blows fresh. [Ibid. No. 23.] |
May 27.
Whitehall. |
The Duke of Monmouth to Henry and Sir Cecil Howard,
Commissaries General of the Musters. Warrant, after reciting
that Mr. Lloyd, lieutenant to Col. Buller's company in his Royal
Highness's regiment, was appointed by Sir C. Lyttleton and is
now officiating as lieutenant to Capt. Middleton's company
of the said regiment now in Flanders in the absence of
Capt. Rookes, lieutenant to that company, at present commander
of one of his Majesty's ships, and that the said Lloyd by reason
of such absence stands respited on the muster of May last, for
taking off his respite for the said muster and allowing him on
the succeeding musters as lieutenant to Col. Buller's company
during his continuance abroad in the said employment. [S.P.
Dom., Entry Book 41, p. 127.] |
| May 27. |
The Duke of Monmouth to the Master and Registrar of the
Charterhouse. Recommending James Sanderson to be registered
in the place of Charles Mazine, formerly recommended to have
the first scholar's place in the Charterhouse in the Duke's disposing,
who has since relinquished his interest therein. [S.P. Dom.,
Entry Book 41, p. 131.] |
| [May 27 ?] |
The Duke of Monmouth to Mr. Pepys and Sir Thomas Chicheley.
Requesting estimates concerning the charge of 1,000 soldiers to
be raised for the defence of the Leeward Islands. (Both calendared in S.P. Col., America, &c., 1677–80, pp. 255, 256.) [Ibid.
pp. 128, 129.] |
| May 28. |
Journal of the proceedings in the House of Lords on that day,
which sufficiently appear from Lords' Journals, Vol. XIII., p. 234.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 404, No. 24.] |
| May 28. |
The King's answer to the vote of the House of Commons
concerning the Army. (Printed in Commons' Journals, Vol. IX.,
p. 484.) [Ibid. No. 25.] |
May 28.
Harwich. |
Silas Taylor to Williamson. One of our packet-boats arrived
yesterday morning. The master says that in Holland they
report there is a cessation of arms for 6 weeks and that they
shall have a general peace, in which the Emperor and all the
allies will be concerned. |
|
At 1 to-day the Restoration was well launched and went off
very finely. Wind easterly. [Ibid. No. 26.] |
May 28.
Portsmouth. |
John Pocock to Williamson. The 26th arrived in Cowes Road
the William and Jane of London from Cadiz. He came
thence three weeks since with the Leopard and Guernsey
and the Tiger and about 70 merchantmen. He was separated
from the fleet 8 days ago in latitude 40°. The news at Cadiz
was that the Moors were in arms against Argiers. He left on
the back of the Isle of Wight 6 English and 7 Dutch merchantmen bound for Holland and London, in convoy of a Majorca
man-of-war. [Ibid. No. 27.] |
May 28.
Plymouth. |
Philip Lanyon to Williamson. Enclosing list of ships arrived.
Yesterday morning and Sunday evening the remaining part of
our English fleet from the Straits passed before this port having
a very bare wind being at S.S.E., but, being fair weather, they
kept on their way. An English frigate, Capt. Russell commander,
is now in this harbour. About noon yesterday the Dutch fleet
convoyed by two Holland men-of-war came in here and are yet
remaining here, the wind being S. [Ibid. No. 28.] Enclosed, |
|
The said list. [Ibid. No. 28 i.] |
| May 28. |
Bill of mortality in London and Westminster for the week
ending that day. Christened 219. Buried 328. Decrease in
burials 9. Deaths from plague none. Assize of bread. A penny
wheaten loaf to contain 9oz. and 3 halfpenny white loaves the
same weight. [Printed. Ibid. No. 29.] |
May 28.
Whitehall. |
Certificate by the Duke of Monmouth that he gives leave that
Thomas Joyner be liable to all legal process at the suit of Johanna
Hyde for the recovery of a debt justly due to her, notwithstanding
any protection he may challenge as belonging to his Majesty's
stables. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 41, p. 132.] |
May 28.
Whitehall. |
The Duke of Monmouth to the Duke of Lauderdale. By the
King's command I have sent a regiment of foot and four troops
of horse and three of dragoons towards the Borders. The officers
are directed to obey such orders as they shall receive from the
Council there. The foot are commanded by Sir Lionel Walden,
who is ordered to Berwick. Major Binns commands all the horse
and dragoons in chief, whose station is appointed at Carlisle
with another troop of the Duke of Albemarle's regiment.
Capt. Stanhope of his Royal Highness' regiment of horse is ordered
with his troop to quarter at Alnwick and Capt. Sydenham of
Lord Gerard's regiment is to quarter at Wooller. The three
troops of dragoons are to quarter at Morpeth and places adjacent.
I have ordered them all to begin their march next Thursday
and Friday and I expect Major Binns should be at Carlisle on
the 14th of next month and the rest of the captains to be in
their several quarters within two or three days of that time,
sooner or later. The foot the King has thought fit to send by
sea and they are to embark next Thursday. [Ibid. p. 133.] |
May 28.
Whitehall. |
The King to the Duke of Lauderdale, High Commissioner,
and to the Privy Council of Scotland. Our inclination to
distribute justice equally and our desire to vindicate the honour
of our Privy Council prevailed with us to hear what could have
been said against some late proceedings for repressing field
conventicles and other disorders, and now, after full information
from such as were authorized by you to attend us and hearing
such as pretended they were injured, we, as formerly, fully approve
your proceedings, and the rather because such as complained
refuse to sign any complaint against those proceedings as illegal;
and, for obviating such clamours for the future, we declare that
we are highly dissatisfied with such as have raised those clamours,
and that we will on all occasions proceed according to our laws
against such as endeavour to lessen our prerogatives, oppose
our laws or asperse our Privy Council, and we also recommend
to you to take all such legal courses as may maintain our authority,
secure the peace of our kingdom and support the government
of the Church as it is now established by law. [S.P. Scotland,
Warrant Book 4, p. 382.] |
May 28.
Whitehall. |
Dispensation to John, Bishop of Galloway, to reside out of his
diocese, he not being provided with a convenient manse or
dwelling house within it. [Ibid.] |
| [Ma]y 29. |
The Earl of Danby to Williamson. The King would have the
underwritten gentlemen and whom else you think fit to attend
him at Secretary Coventry's to-morrow morning at half-past 8.
— Lord O'Brien, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir George
Downing, Sir Richard Temple, Mr. Pepys, Sir Christopher Musgrave,
Sir Robert Sawyer, Sir Adam Browne, Sir Henry Goodrick, Sir
John Cotton, Sir Charles Wheeler, Sir Edmund Jennings, Sir John
Hanmer, Mr. Finch. Sir Edward Deering, Mr. Cheney. Noted in
pencil by Williamson, "Till 1 June 171,000l. Clothes would be
repaid in 15 months at 6d. per diem for horse, 2d. per diem for foot.
Per mensem would be 47,000l." [Torn, only the bottom of the "y"
in "May" remaining. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 404, No. 29a.] |
May 29.
Lynn. |
Edward Bodham to Williamson. This day, being the day of
his Majesty's birth and restoration, is observed here with great
solemnity, the mayor and aldermen meeting at the Town Hall
in their scarlet and the Common Council in their robes went
thence to church with the town music playing before them, where
after divine service and a sermon for the day the mayor invited
them all to dinner with him, the conclusion of the day being
with bonfires and shooting off great guns from the fort. |
|
Yesterday the wind was S.W., this morning at N. with an
extraordinary rain for 4 hours, this evening it is come up again
at S.S.W. [Ibid. No. 30.] |
May 29.
Deal. |
Richard Watts to Williamson. The usual solemnity from our
three castles and ships in the Downs was this day performed
for joy of his Majesty's restoration and birth. |
|
The East India ship I acquainted you that arrived last Monday
was the Fleece. 'Tis now said she came from Bantam. |
|
Yesterday afternoon sailed hence for Scotland the Mary Rose,
Bristol, Dunkirk, and Antelope, to fetch, as is said, 2,000 men to
land at Ostend. |
|
His Majesty's speech has been read by very many, all rejoicing
for his great care in preserving his kingdoms. |
|
It is now pleasant weather, wind S. and by E. These four
days past God has been pleased to send as much rain to the
great refreshment of barley, pothware and beans, those grains
being almost lost by reason of the drought. [Ibid. No. 31.] |
May 29.
Whitehall. |
Warrant from the Duke of Monmouth, after reciting that
Capt. Thomas Cole, captain of a company in his foot regiment
mustered 50 men at his first muster of 29 March, of which only
25 appeared at his second muster of 10 April by reason he had
exchanged several men and dismissed some and taken others
in their places, for allowing to the said Capt. Cole his entire number
of 50 men from the said 29 March, the Duke being satisfied that
he had his number still complete. With note of a like warrant
for Capt. Gower. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 41, p. 134.] |
| May 30. |
Journal of the proceedings in the House of Lords on that day.
which sufficiently appear from Lords' Journals, Vol. XIII., p. 231.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 404, No. 32.] |
| May 30. |
Journal of the proceedings in the House of Commons on that
day, which sufficiently appear from Commons' Journals, Vol. IX.,
p. 484. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 404, No. 33.] |
May 30.
Whitehall. |
Certificate by the Duke of Monmouth of his desire that his
Majesty's letter may be sent to the University of Cambridge
for creating Joseph Coke, of Trinity College, M.B., he having
received sufficient testimony of his learning, sobriety and
proficiency in physic. [Ibid. No. 34.] |
|
Another copy thereof. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 41, p. 135.] |
May 30.
Whitehall. |
Request by the Duke of Monmouth that commissions be
procured for James Vernon to be secretary at war for foreign
expeditions and for Mr. Fourcade to be chirurgeon to the General.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 404, No. 35.] |
May 30.
Bridlington. |
T. Aslaby to Williamson. About 7 laden colliers are now
passing by. One of his Majesty's ketches is pressing seamen
amongst them. We have an account from Newcastle by a vessel
of this place that a ketch was pressing there, that last Sunday
had got 150 seamen. Wind S.S.W. Yesterday we had much
rain. [Ibid. No. 36.] |
May 30.
Deal. |
Richard Watts to Williamson. To-day arrived in the Downs
Sir William Poole, commander of the Leopard, and also the
Guernsey. Yesterday and to-day arrived about 80 merchant
ships from the Straits under their convoy. I believe also at
least 40 Dutchmen were with them, who made for their own
coasts yesterday and to-day at the east part of the Goodwin
Sands. |
|
The French Ruby from the River arrived in the Downs this
noon. 'Tis said there is now arrived the Mermaid from Hamburg.
His Majesty has now a considerable fleet in the Downs and
more daily expected. Little wind at S.W. and very pleasant
weather. [Ibid. No. 37.] |
| [May 30.] |
Morgan Lodge to Williamson. Giving the same news as the
last, adding that Lord Mordaunt is come along with Sir W. Poole.
Endorsed, "Deal, 30 May." [Ibid. No. 38.] |
May 30.
Portsmouth. |
Raleigh Hull for Mr. Pocock to Robert Yard. Yesterday went
out of this harbour to Spithead the Royal Charles, the Lion and
the Dover and the Woolwich and the Lark, which had been abroad
cruising, anchored at St. Helens. Also the Straits' fleet passed
by the Isle of Wight. There are now at Spithead the Royal
Charles, Royal James, Lion, Dover, Woolwich, Francis and Lark.
Wind S.W. [Ibid. No. 39.] |
| [May 30 ?] |
Arguments on behalf of Sir John Reresby. It is a new case
that, a petitioner against a sitting member dying, the member
should be disturbed by any further petition from the place. |
|
1. Sir John Reresby has sat 4 years. 2. Benson, who pretended
against him is dead. 3. Mr. Wentworth ought not, as he does,
stir up the borough and in the borough's name revive the
pretension. 4. It has been already determined by the Committee
of Privileges and allowed by the House on hearing the merit
of the return between Benson and Reresby that the latter had
the major number of the ancient electors, whose bailiff returning
him, he was judged duly elected. Therefore the petitioners against
him, being the inferior number of the ancient burghers, the petition
ougth not to be admitted against him. 5. They have also neglected
the order of the committee in serving Sir John Reresby in due
time to bring the matter to a hearing within the 14 days' limitation. The House to be acquainted however and to determine
this point, lest this case make a precedent for future disturbance
to the sitting members. |
|
The owners of the free burgage houses in Aldborough are 9,
one a child of 8 at the time of election, whose guardian is Robert
Turton. Four voted for Sir John, three for Benson, one of whom
was Turton, and one, Dikenson, voted for Mr. Aldborough. All
the 8 promised Sir John their votes on his first offering himself
but the said 3 were taken off by the threats or rewards of the
lord of the manor and his nephew Richard Aldborough, both
agents for Benson. Dikenson was haled out of the Court by
Mr. Aldborough and persuaded to subscribe for Benson, though
he gave him not his vote. About 11 more names have been
added to Benson's indenture, but how they came to be added
the 9 know not. Most of them are Mr. Wentworth's servants,
to whom it's said Mr. Wentworth sold houses the night before
the election, pretending them burgage houses, which they are
not. In answer it shall be proved that only the owners of the
9 ancient burgage houses ought to have votes, of whom Sir John
had the greater number, and that the 24 votes never did nor
ought to elect burgesses, and that, had they right, it cannot take
place against Sir John in this election, the sale of the said houses
to the pretended purchasers being fraudulent. The owners of
the said houses that voted for Benson never appeared in Court
nor were they polled nor did they sign or seal there. (See
Commons' Journals, Vol. IX., p. 485.) [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 404,
No. 40.] |
| May 30. |
Reference to the House of Lords of the petition of Francis,
Viscount Montagu, against Viscount Hereford's right to his
title. (Printed in Lords' Journals, Vol. XIII., p. 232.) [S.P.
Dom., Entry Book 46, p. 237.] |
| May 30. |
Newsletter to Sir Francis Radcliffe, giving an account of the
proceedings in the House of Commons on that day, which fully
appear from Commons' Journals, Vol. IX., p. 484. [Admiralty,
Greenwich Hospital 1, No. 25.] |
May 30.
Whitehall. |
Warrant for not only a ratification to Henry, Lord O'Brien,
and Lady Katherine Stewart, his spouse, and the heirs of their
bodies, which failing to the said lord, his heirs and successors,
of a tack granted by the late King to James, Duke of Lenox and
Richmond, deceased, dated 4 Sept., 1641, of the few duties of
the lands of Ila, in the shirefdom of Argyle, extending yearly to
9,000 merks Scots for 19 years from Candlemas 1642, for the yearly
tack duty of 500l. Scots, which tack was ratified in Dec., 1647,
and prorogate for other 19 years after the expiration of the first
19 years, which tack and prorogation his Majesty also ratified
to Charles, Duke of Lenox and Richmond, deceased, 22 April,
1662, and prorogated the same for other two 19 years, but also
for a prorogation and tack of the said few duties to the said lord
and lady and their presaids for other two 19 years to commence
after the expiring of the two 19 years of the said last tack, they
paying 500l. Scots yearly tack duty. [Docquet. S.P. Scotland,
Warrant Book 4, p. 384.] |
May 30.
Whitehall. |
Revocation of the gift to Sir William Bruce of Balcaskie of
the office of Surveyor-General of the King's buildings in Scotland,
it having been granted to him for designing and ordering the
buildings and repairing the palace of Holyrood House and for
other reparations then commanded, the said buildings and
reparations being now finished, and there being no further use
of any such office as Surveyor-General. [Ibid. p. 386.] |
| May 31. |
Journal of the proceedings in the House of Lords on that day,
which sufficiently appear from Lords' Journals, Vol. XIII., p. 234.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 404, No. 41.] |
| May 31. |
Journal of the proceedings in the House of Commons on that
day, which sufficiently appear from Commons' Journals, Vol. IX.,
p. 485. [Ibid. No. 42.] |
May 31.
Whitehall. |
Order in Council. His Majesty having taken off the general
embargo also ordered that notice be given to the Lords Lieutenant
of the maritime counties that he has commanded a stop to be
put to the further pressing or sending of any seamen to the fleet
and that they therefore direct the conductors to discharge all
the seamen under their care and to give in their accounts, but he
thinks fit that they proceed to finish the lists of seamen, boatmen
and bargemen within their precincts and return them according
to former order, that he may know the numbers against any
future occasion. [Ibid. No. 43.] |
May 31.
Plymouth. |
Philip Lanyon to Williamson. Enclosing list of ships arrived.
The Swiftsure sailed from this yesterday morning. The Dutch
fleet is still here, the wind being S.W. [Ibid. No. 44.] Enclosed, |
|
The said list. [Ibid. No. 44 i.] |
| [May 31.] |
Speech of Lord Chief Justice Scroggs to the Lord Chancellor,
on his elevation to the chief justiceship of the King's Bench.
The duty of a subject requires him to sacrifice his ease to his
sovereign, and he therefore leaves a place more agreeable with his
unactive spirit for this more busy and stirring court, where a man
should have a lion's courage to support the throne but not to worry
a lamb nor be grim to a young trembling gentleman, whose fear
makes him so carefully to eye the judge's face till he forgets his
business. It should be the court of good manners, where all
behaviour should be reverend without dread, awful but not stern.
When the bench and bar treat each other with due regard the
king's justice is magnified, and an overthrown client rests
satisfied. [Unfinished. S.P. Dom. Car. II. 404, No. 45.] |
May 31.
London. |
The Duke of York to the Prince of Orange. "The letters are
not yet come from Holland, so that we do not know how what
M. van Beverning has brought to you will be received, though
no doubt is made of the acceptance of the cessation of arms by
everybody here and the House of Commons are very earnest for
the immediate disbanding of all the new raised troops, as you
will see by the vote they have made to that purpose, and this
day they have busied themselves to make the calculations of
what money will be necessary for the paying them off, which I
think is very contrary to what ought to be done and all the
reasonable men I speak with are of that opinion. To-morrow
they are to consider of Lord Chancellor's speech. Some say they
will run into heats upon it and fall upon him and some other of
the ministers, I cannot say they will, to-morrow will show us.
You see by all that is done here in how unfit a temper we were
to have entered into a war, for all the new raised troops are
better than could have been expected, and I never saw so many
good looked new men in my life, and I could not have believed
the horse could have been so good as they are. 'Tis pity they
should be disbanded." [2½ pages. S.P. Dom., King William's
Chest 3, No. 39.] |
| May. |
James Vernon to William Bridgeman. The Lord General
desires that the commission of the eldest Lieut.-General may bear
date 30 April last and that the rest may be in their order, one day
after another. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 404, No. 46.] |
| May. |
Herbert, Bishop of Hereford, to the King. When your Majesty
honoured me with this bishopric, you expressed it was your desire
I should grant a lease to Bishop Monk's wife and daughters, the
fines whereof would have been 5,000l. to me. Lord Clarendon
further expressed it was your desire I should also gratify Col. Birch,
because he had done you great service in disbanding the Parliament
army, whereupon I gave him the renewing of as many leases as
would have raised me 2,000l. I never considered the smallness
of this bishopric worth in rents but 700l. per annum, nor that,
having given these fines away, it was not likely in many years
I shall raise half so much in fines, for in 16 years I have not raised
2,000l. Now comes a mandamus requiring the Dean and Chapter
to elect Mr. Seddon into a residentiary's place, which by the
statutes belongs to a person on whom I had conferred a small
prebend, to which by statute this would have been annexed.
But, before the Dean could call a chapter, I sent the Bishop of
London a certificate attested by three canons, as many as were
here, declaring the tenor of the statutes, desiring him to acquaint
your Majesty herewith, whereupon, as the Bishop sent me word,
your Majesty ordered Secretary Williamson to recall the
mandamus. On this account I presumed to desire the chapter
to forbear executing it, till your pleasure were further known.
Mr. Seddon also affirmed that you were resolved to have the
right debated at the Council table. I did not, nor shall ever
dispute matter of right with your Majesty, I only most humbly
petition that you would consider that this thing, though worth
not above 80l. per annum, is the best and only considerable thing
in my gift as bishop, my bishopric being as wretched in this as
in the revenue, and that Mr. Seddon is so ungrateful that, though
I made him prebendary of this church, whereby only he is made
capable of this your favour and by my means got a good living,
and though his father also by me, then dean, was made residentiary
of this church, yet he now brings your mandamus without the
civility of once coming to me in ten days, but he most uncivilly
and insolently walked up and down the town, boasting of his
great friends and their interest in your Majesty to carry him
through against all opposition, which is looked upon as a mark
of your displeasure cast on me here in the face of my diocese.
If it be still your pleasure that he should also have this, the only
thing I have to give, I shall in all duty and readiness submit.
[1¼ page. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 404, No. 47.] |
| [May.] |
Elizabeth, Countess of Lindsey, to William Bridgeman. I am
informed that the King has promised not to withdraw his
mandamus in favour of Mr. Seddon, till he has heard the cause
himself. Therefore I beg Mr. Secretary to give leave for a caveat
to be entered to that purpose, and I desire you will do me the
favour to see it done. I am informed Mr. Seddon has now much
more of the Bishop's favour than he had and I saw a very kind
letter from the Dean to him. [Ibid. No. 48.] |
| [May ?] |
Matthew Mead, of Stepney, Middlesex, to the King. Petition
for a nolle prosequi on an information of the Attorney-General,
Sir William Jones, in last Easter term, against him for the penalty
of 40l. on the Act for restraining Nonconformists from inhabiting
corporations, he having always lived quietly and peaceably. (See
Lords' Journals, Vol. XIII., p. 243.) [Ibid. No. 49.] |
May.
Whitehall. |
Warrant for a grant to Frances and Althamia Vaughan, daughters
of Richard, Earl of Carbery, at the nomination of the said Earl,
of all the personal estate of Lucius Lloyd alias Baker of Maesuelin,
Cardiganshire, forfeited by his having become felo de se. [S.P.
Dom., Entry Book 50, p. 21.] |
[May ?]
Whitehall. |
The Duke of Monmouth to Henry and Sir Cecil Howard,
Commissaries General of the Musters. Warrant for allowing John
Talbot, cornet to Capt. Connock's troop in Sir John Talbot's
regiment of dragoons, to whom he has given leave of absence for
six months, on the respective musters during such his absence.
[S.P. Dom., Entry Book 41, p. 126.] |
| [May ?] |
Warrant to Lemuel Kingdon for payment out of such moneys
as shall come to his hands for the use of a war against the French
King to Sir John Talbot of 2,055l. 19s. 10d. due to his regiment of
dragoons from the several days of their being mustered to 1 May,
1678. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 48, p. 48 a.] |
May.
Deal. |
Lists sent by Morgan Lodge to Williamson of King's and
merchant ships in the Downs, the wind, &c. |
| Vol. 404. No. |
Date. |
King's Ships. |
Outward Bound. |
Inward Bound. |
Wind. |
Remarks. |
|
50 |
May 1 |
7 |
3 |
0 |
S. |
|
|
51 |
" 2 |
5 |
3 |
0 |
N.W. |
|
|
52 |
" 3 |
6 |
4 |
1 |
S.W. |
|
|
53 |
" 4 |
6 |
4 |
1 |
S.W. |
|
|
54 |
" 5 |
6 |
7 |
0 |
S.W. |
|
|
55 |
" 6 |
6 |
8 |
1 |
W. |
|
|
56 |
" 7 |
8 |
8 |
10 |
S. |
|
|
57 |
" 8 |
6 |
3 |
0 |
E. |
|
|
58 |
" 9 |
6 |
4 |
0 |
S. |
|
|
59 |
" 10 |
6 |
3 |
0 |
S. |
|
|
60 |
" 11 |
7 |
3 |
0 |
N.E. |
|
|
61 |
" 12 |
7 |
3 |
1 |
S.W. |
|
|
62 |
" 13 |
7 |
1 |
0 |
S.W. |
|
|
63 |
" 14 |
7 |
2 |
0 |
N.W. |
|
|
64 |
" 15 |
7 |
3 |
1 |
S.W. |
|
|
65 |
" 16 |
7 |
3 |
0 |
N.E. |
|
|
66 |
" 17 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
N.E. |
|
|
67 |
" 18 |
10 |
0 |
1 |
N.E. |
|
|
68 |
" 19 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
N.E. |
|
|
69 |
" 20 |
13 |
0 |
0 |
E. |
|
|
70 |
" 21 |
12 |
0 |
0 |
N.E. |
|
|
71 |
" 22 |
13 |
0 |
0 |
N.E. |
|
|
72 |
" 23 |
13 |
0 |
0 |
E. |
|
|
73 |
" 24 |
13 |
1 |
0 |
S.E. |
|
|
74 |
" 25 |
13 |
1 |
1 |
S. |
|
|
75 |
" 26 |
13 |
3 |
1 |
S.E. |
|
|
76 |
" 27 |
13 |
3 |
4 |
S. |
|
|
77 |
" 28 |
8 |
3 |
5 |
S.E. |
|
|
78 |
" 30 |
11 |
1 |
4 |
S.W. |
|
|
79 |
" 31 |
13 |
3 |
1 |
— |
|
