Addenda, James 1 - Volume 44: July 1624

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Elizabeth, Addenda 1580-1625. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1872.

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'Addenda, James 1 - Volume 44: July 1624', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Elizabeth, Addenda 1580-1625, (London, 1872) pp. 667-670. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/edw-eliz/addenda/1580-1625/pp667-670 [accessed 26 March 2024]

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July 1624

July 2.
Denmark House,
Strand.
68. [The Council of the Prince of Wales] to Fras. Nicholls, receiver of his revenues in cos. Bedford and Bucks. The King having granted the Prince the honour of Ampthill, you are to receive from Thos. Daniell, the King's receiver in those counties, all the sums received for those lands newly granted, and to levy all rents and profits thereon from Michaelmas next. Six signatures. [1 page.]
July 3.
London.
69. John Earl of Bristol to Sec. Conway. Thanks for your friendly care of me. God knows how I desire to have this business fairly passed over, and shall contribute all I can if, by the King's permission, I might see you on Monday next, at your coming to town. In the interim I will get my answer ready to the questions which I do not doubt will be so satisfactory that His Majesty will not detain me one hour longer under his displeasure. But I hope my answer will not offend, it tending only to my own justification and not to the blaming of any, unless by their criminating me, I shall be forced to it. In that case, whosoever I shall find either to be my accuser or to oppose my admittance to the King, or Prince's justice, I shall labour to maintain my honour against any opposition. But I hope all parties (when by my answer they shall see my innocency) will join in restoring me to His Majesty and the Prince's favour. I have returned the original articles which you sent me, and which need not go to the Commissioners, as if you date and sign them, it will be sufficient.
Understanding of Marquis Hamilton's going to Court this day, I intreated to speak with him on divers things wherewith I shall acquaint you. [2 pages.]
July 5.
St. Giles.
70. John Earl of Bristol to Sec. Conway. I received yours of the 30th ultimo, with a paper of questions, neither dated nor signed by you or any of the Commissioners by which they may be avowed in future proceedings; yet some of them of that nature as, should I be found culpable of them, might prove capital. Pray send me another copy, dated and signed; meantime I will go on framing my answer. I understand His Majesty had appointed the Commissioners that were formerly for the Spanish business to draw up the questions, which will give my cause a fair way not to have questions administered upon particular distastes or to be examined upon opinions and thoughts, rather than upon any omissions or commissions in my employments. My suit to His Majesty is to continue the same course for expediting my cause, and that my answer may likewise come to the hands of the Commissioners, to every one of whom I shall send a copy, as their meeting will be difficult by reason of his often removes. I pray that my cause may come to a fair, public decision. [1¾ pages.]
July 5.
Windsor.
71. The King to [the Council]. Many persons have lately violated the proclamations for reformation of buildings in and about London, by rebuilding with timber, or building on new foundations. An exact certificate is to be taken of all offenders, and the sheriffs ordered to demolish such buildings as may give the greatest example to terrify others; the rest to be proceeded against in the Star Chamber. The buildings in Long Acre especially are to be pulled down, and information to be brought of any future offenders. [2 pages, draft; noted as sent to Lord Brooke unsealed.]
July 7.
Whitehall.
72. Council of War to the Council. Lord Danvers, Governor of Guernsey, represents that the castle has only men enough for times of peace, and not to defend it from surprise in these dangerous times, and begs and addition. We think there should be 50 more men at least, who might be levied about London, as he wants two gunners and 16 other artificers for repair of the castle and of the arms, to ease the annual charge therein. If you approve, we will give our warrant for the charges. [1 page.]
July 7.
London.
73. John Earl of Bristol to Sec. Conway. I have now made ready my answer to the twenty interrogatories. As I have reserved many things to be delivered to His Majesty by word of mouth, and as it will be impossible to clear any doubts which may arise without my presence, I have petitioned leave to present my answer in person, if not as a councillor and faithful servant, yet at least as a supposed delinquent and examinate. Although I perceive that my Lord Duke remains little satisfied, notwithstanding my address to him, yet out of his nobleness and love to justice, he has promised to assist in procuring me a fair and speedy trial; for the rest I must rely upon God, His Majesty's justice, and the goodness of my own cause. [1½ pages.]
July 10.
London.
74. John Earl of Bristol to the King. Last night I heard from Sir Fras. Cottington, that you did not hold it fit to comply with my petition to be admitted as a delinquent. I moved you not primarily to be admitted as such, but rather to have it in that nature than not at all; but I am most unfortunate to be debarred as a servant, and not admitted as a delinquent. I have sent my answers to the 20 questions. As a clear answer to so many could not be without length, I send you an abstract, which I beg you to give my cousin, Simon Digby (who is sworn clerk extraordinary of your Privy Council), leave to read to you, and which will not take up above half a quarter of an hour. I beg expedition in my cause, for besides the grief of being long debarred your favour, God has sent me a great misfortune, in the death of Sir Robt. Seymour, who for many years has managed all I had, so that my fortunes stand so embroiled that after I have kissed your hands, I shall beg some months to settle my private affairs. [1¾ pages.]
July 11.
St. James's
75. Lord Danvers to Sir Thos. Edmondes, treasurer of the household. Pray remind Sec. Conway of the 50 soldiers assigned for Guernsey, and beg him not to pretermit my petty portion when those for Ireland are resolved on. [¾ page.]
July 21.
London.
76. John Earl of Bristol to Sec. Conway. The day that the King removed from Theobalds', I received a sad message, being debarred kissing his hands. I hoped he would have been satisfied with my answers to the 20 questions, but I am to be further interrogated. Let the further questions be sent, and I shall make an honest and true answer. God knows that my heart is so free from any want of fidelity that a bare narration of the truth will suffice.
My wife likewise brought me leave for some months to tend my private estate, which, through my long absence, and the sudden death of Sir Robt. Seymour who managed it, is much embroiled. I go west next Monday, but shall leave some one always attending upon you, to understand His Majesty's pleasure.
P.S.—My nephew, young Lord Digby, well bred in religion, desires to make some abode upon his lands in Ireland; pray move His Majesty that he may go over with some particular commendation, as all the lands he holds are by His Majesty's special award, and he has taken much pains in the business. [1¾ pages.]
July 22.
St. James's
77. Lord Danvers to Sec. Conway. You promised the Duke of Buckingham to dispatch my 50 men. The Lords have allowed me arms and ammunition value 1,200l., requiring better guard than 14 warders and one cannonier for 40 pieces. Those soldiers, consisting of many artificers, will save the King much now spent in repairs. [¾ page.]
July 24.
Ashby.
Sec. Conway to Lord Danvers. He cannot receive a reply about men to be sent to Guernsey, till there be a resolution taken in some points propounded by the Council of War. Will endeavour to expedite it. [Minute, Conway's Letter Book, p. 139.]