Volume 181: June 1658, 6-10

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Interregnum, 1658-9. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1885.

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'Volume 181: June 1658, 6-10', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Interregnum, 1658-9, (London, 1885) pp. 51-61. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/interregnum/1658-9/pp51-61 [accessed 26 March 2024]

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June 1658, 6–10

June 6.
The London, Downs.
85. Capt. Wm. Whitehorne to the Admiralty Commissioners. The Dutch fleet sailed yesterday from the Downs; I sent the Forester to follow them as far as the Ness. About 5 a.m. the General appeared without the Goodwin Sands, on his way to Dunkirk, and I believe he got into Mardike Pits at noon. A hoy arrived with a mortar piece and other provisions for Mardike; I sent the Fame with her as a convoy, and as she is very leaky, and nearly out of victuals, I desire orders concerning her. I suppose you have heard of the good news of the routing of the Spanish army. [¾ page.]
June 7.
Lisbon.
86. Capt. Eustace Smith to the Admiralty Commissioners. While off the North Cape, we took a ship of Dort, bound from Bilboa to Cadiz, with iron belonging to the Spaniards, and carried her to Lisbon, where I sold the iron on the State's account, and unloaded the rest of the goods for sale; but I agreed with the master that he should have what belonged to him and his company, as also his freight. I have not been able to speak with the President, Colchester, or Fagon. I shall not stay for the recovery of the money for the prize goods, but take an account of it, and leave it in the hands of Jno. Reed, merchant.
I hear that the Spanish fleet of 43 sail have sailed for the Indies, with 4000 foot soldiers, and that they intend touching at Jamaica; also that the greater part of the Biscay men of war are plying off the Straits' mouth and Cadiz, to intercept English ships that pass in or out. [2 pages.]
June 8. 87. Petition of Reginald Baxter, maltster of Ingham, Kent, to the Protector, for relief, as granted to others in like cases. On 18 September 1656, a lamentable fire burnt his malthouse, millhouse, barns, outbuildings, and whole stock, value 750l. and the county justices have sent a petition to the Commissioners of the Great Seal on his behalf, which it is not in their power to grant. With reference thereon to the Privy Council, 7 July 1657. [1 page.] Annexing,
87. I. Certificate by Thos. Style, and 18 other justices of peace of co. Kent, to the Commissioners of the Great Seal, recommending Baxter's deplorable condition to them, and begging for the customary relief; 7 April 1657. 19 signatures. [1 page.]
87. II. Copy of the above. [1 page.]
June 8. Order thereon by Council, advising a patent for him to make a collection for his losses in co. Kent, he having a wife and 5 children; Surrey and Sussex added 22 June. [I. 78, pp. 676, 706.]
June 8. COUNCIL. Day's Proceedings.
His Highness present.
[The orders marked thus * were approved in person.]
3.* Sir Jno. Barkstead and another justice of peace to examine the persons concerned in the duel between the Earl of Chesterfield and Capt. John Whalley, and report.
4.* All persons holding books, papers, &c. concerning public faith bills, debentures, &c., which have been doubled on the credit of any Act for sale of forfeited lands, &c., to keep them safe till further order.
5. To advise payment of 100l. to Edw. Sedgwick, counsellor-at-law, for services before the Fraudulent Debentures' Commissioners, to be paid as advised by the order of 4 May, for an allowance to the said Commissioners.
6.* The report from the Committee on a paper from the Commismissioners on the Act for the new buildings read and agreed to, and order that they have 500l. beside their allowances by the Act, and that the Commissioners be authorised to issue warrants to the receivers appointed by the Act to pay 500l. as follows for the officers there employed, beside their allowance, viz., 400l. to the Commissioners for distribution among the officers, and 100l. to the receiver for like distribution.
7.* His Highness's counsel to meet occasionally, when so requested, with the Commissioners to prevent multiplicity of new buildings, to advise them in cases of difficulty.
8.* On report from the Committee on petition of the mayor and burgesses of Kingston-on-Hull,—shewing that one of their desires is for the manor house, bestowed on the Town by Parliament and used as a magazine, to be kept in repair, and rent paid for it;—order that Col. Hen. Smith, governor, Col. Hugh Bethel, Hugh Lister, Maj. Waterhouse, Capt. Brockhurst, and Capt. Overton, see if the house is required as a public magazine, and if so, what it is worth yearly, being kept in repair by the State.
9.* Approval of the augmentation of 25l. for John Oliver, minister of Margate at Cliffe, West Cliff, co. Kent.
10. Order on Mr. Nye's report on petition of the inhabitants of Plympton Mary parish, co. Devon, that the governor of the almshouses of Windsor Castle order an account of the revenue, what has come in by rents reserved on old leases, and what is in arrear, what improvement has been made by raised rents, or fines taken on granting new leases, and what remains above the sum granted for support of the almshouses, and what further improvement may occur within a year by the running out of old leases.
11. The Committee on Scotch Affairs to consider the instructions given to the Council in Scotland, whose term of power is nearly expired, how far the same should be renewed, and what alterations be made, and to report.
14. A warrant to be issued to the serjeant-at-arms, to arrest on suspicion of being spies 2 persons seeming to be of quality, and Spaniards in Dutch habits, who have been in these parts lodging in a close way, and going by the name of Lord Francis of the Windmill, and another name. Annexing,
88. Draft warrant to Serj. Dendy to arrest them as dangerous persons, and bring them in safe custody before Council. 8 June 1658. [¾ page.]
15. Order on report on the petition of Francis Smith of Chelsea, that he has disbursed for service of England and Ireland 410l. 6s. 2d., whereof 127l. 0s. 8d., beside interest, is certified by the Commissioners to whom his Highness referred the case,—shewing his losses in one ship, and in the freight of another, both employed on State service in Ireland, and by suit arising therefrom to be 1,000l., and praying satisfaction for the 410l., or a yearly pension,—to advise an order to the Treasury Commissioners for a pension of 40l.
16. Order on report from the Committee on several certificates from Army officers concerning the condition of families of officers cast away with Lieut.-Col. White, viz., Wm. Gore, Lieut, to Capt. King;—Neede, Lieut. to Capt. Luson; Rich. Neate, Ensign to his Highness; John Collingwood, Ensign to Capt. Wright; Thos. Southall, Sergt. to Maj. Keene, and—Hitch, Lieut, to Capt. Preast;—to advise an order to the Treasury Commissioners to pay 200l. to Anne Gore for herself and 3 children; 75l. to Susannah Neate for herself and I child; 37l. 10s. to Anne Collingwood, and 37l. 10s. to Eliz. Southall for herself and 1 child, and to give notice to the Ely House Commissioners to cease their pensions there.
17.* The Ely House Commissioners to pay pensions to the following, until the Treasury Commissioners shall order them to cease, viz., to
Anne Gore and 3 children 10s. a week.
Susannah Neate and 1 child 6s. "
Anne Collingwood 5s. "
Eliz. Southall 4s. "
19. To advise an order to try Hen. Mallory and Sir Hum. Bennett before the Commissioners authorised by the Act for safety of his His Highness's person.
20, 21. Desborow, Mr. Secretary, Fleetwood, Mr. Comptroller, Wolsley, Sydenham, Lord Chamberlain, Strickland, Skippon, and Lisle to send for counsel and arrange the management of the trials, and counsel to have notice to meet them at 4 this afternoon in the Council Chamber.
His Highness withdrew.
22. Order on report on a petition of Capt. Rich. Pechell [see April 1658],—that if he pay into the Treasurers for Dean and Chapter lands 303l. 19s., being ½ of 607l. 18s., and deliver the bill for Bethel's arrears, they give him a single bill for 303l. 19s., and also a doubled bill for 607l. 18s., which latter shall be allowed in purchase of Dean and Chapter lands;—that the Treasury Commis- sioners have a warrant to repay him the 303l. 19s.; and that they advise with the Drury House Trustees how lands worth 100l. a year may be settled on him, in lieu of the 100l. a year ordered by Parliament, and report. Annexing,
89. Report alluded to by Fleetwood and Sydenham, adding also that he should have a 99 years' lease of forfeited lands in Ireland, value 120l. a year. [1⅓ pages.]
25. Col. Roger Broadridge, prisoner in the Tower, to have liberty to prosecute his lawsuits a fortnight longer, on like security as before, and Lord Barkstead to take the security, and permit him his liberty accordingly.
26. Order on report on the petition of John Warre—[see 4 Nov. 1657]—stating his purchases of lands, &c., on behalf of Col. Phil. Jones' regiment; that the Commissioners for Obstructions, on 29 Jan. 1657–8, 25 June 1656, and 2 June 1658, allowed the claims of others to the said lands, and directed reprize to the purchasers, in ready money or new bills or debentures; also that the contractors valued the reprizes at 800l. 17s. 4d., being at 16 years' purchase, and also said they should be repaid 50l. a year for 7 years' profits, which they are to pay to the city of London, being 350l.—that the Treasurers for sale of Crown lands give them new debentures for the said sums; but as they cannot be paid out of those lands, that the whole sum, 1,150l. 17s. 4d., be paid them in ready money, on bringing in their debentures and public faith bills, provided they apply the same to be accepted in purchase of such fee-farm rents as Warre shall discover to belong to the State, and to be yet unsold. Approved 17 June. Annexing,
90. Report alluded to by Mr. Comptroller and Wolsley [2½ pages.]
90. I. Rough drafts of part of the above report. [2 papers.]
90. II. Certificate by the Commissioners for removing Obstructions in the sale of Crown lands of the value of the said reprizes. 26 May 1658. [2 pages.]
27. Order on petition of Geo. Eakins, of Rants, co. Northampton, that Phil. Turner, of Barton-on-Humber, co. Lincoln, be at liberty to come up to London, for levying a fine named in the petition.
29. The petition of Arnold Beake, merchant of London, and Company, and the report thereon from the Treasury Commissioners, referred to Sydenham, Wolsley, Lisle, and Strickland, to report.
30. The petition of the townsmen and parishioners of Ormskirk, co. Lancaster, referred to the Trustees for Maintenance of Ministers, to report.
31. Order on a letter from Walt. Ellwood, Thos. Berry, John Hunt, John Lindsey, Jn. Brockhurst, and Elisha Coles, Commissioners for ejecting scandalous Ministers in co. Oxon, of 4 June, in answer to Council's letter of 18 May,—giving account of proceedings in ejecting Hen. Beesley, late minister of Swerford,—to write signifying Council's approval of their proceedings, and encouraging them to execute the Ordinance and put a fit and able minister in Beesley's place. With the letter accordingly. [I. 78, pp. 666–676, 881.]
June 8.
Whitehall.
Pres. Lawrence to Arthur Upton and the Commissioners for ejecting scandalous Ministers for co. Devon. Council—hearing that John [or Edm.] Tucker, who was settled by the Committee for Plundered Ministers in the rectory of Dittesham, sequestered from John Stroud for his malignancy, has received much interruption and annoyance in his ministry and rights from Stroud, who has granted estates in the copyhold manor belonging to the rectory, and raised suits to eject copyhold tenements granted by Tucker,—empowers you to examine into the whole matter, summon the parties concerned, and witnesses, and try to arrange the difference in a friendly manner, to the end Tucker may have quiet enjoyment of his rights; and if you cannot do this, report who is the offending party. [I. 78, p. 878.]
June 8.
Whitehall.
Council to [the sheriffs of Counties]. Whereas large quantities of tobacco having been planted in England, tending to the decay of husbandry, prejudice of the Plantations, and hindrance of trade, by Act of 5 April 1652, it was ordered that no tobacco should be grown in England, and that any one finding it should be at liberty to grub and cut it down:—His Highness and Council hearing that, this Act notwithstanding, divers persons are preparing to plant vast quantities of tobacco, you are to put the Act into execution, assist those who destroy the tobacco, and suppress all assaults of those rising in opposition. With writ of assistance. [I. 78, p. 879].
June 8. 91. Account of receipts in the Pell Office of the Exchequer from Esa. Risby, Rob. Williams, and other farmers of the excise of cider, perry, and methegline, in cos. Gloucester and Somerset, and City of Bristol, from 29 Sept. 1657; total 7800l. [Parchment.]
June 8.
Flushing.
92. Jno. Gill, senior, to Maj. Robt. Thomson. I beg you will inform the Protector that there are some boats about to put to sea the first opportunity of wind, on some secret design, and as they are to be commanded by some of the King's captains, and are manned by the greatest villains that ever existed, precautions should be taken along the English coasts for preventing their villainies.
Present my service to the Protector, and tell him that he has a friend and servant in Flushing, as is shown by kindness to the State's men-of-war when they come there, as was well known by Vice-Adm. Goodson, Gen. Geo. Downing, and others, whose letters all went through my hands. [¾ page.]
June 8.
The London, Downs.
93. Capt. Wm. Whitehorne to Robt. Blackborne. Rear-Adm. Bourne arrived yesterday, and brought an order from Lord Montague to sail at once for Mardike Pits. I have since made all dispatch, and communicated the last letter I received from the Commissioners to the Rear-Admiral, so that nothing might be neglected. Pray thank the Commissioners for all favours; I hope I have given them content in what they have entrusted me with; I have not been wanting in taking any pains and care night and day, and have been at great expense, which I doubt not but the Commissioners will consider, having had experience of their goodness towards me. [¾ page.]
June 8.
The Swiftsure, Downs.
94. Rear-Adm. Jno. Bourne to the Admiralty Commissioners. I arrived in the Downs last night with the Bridgwater, and have been ordered by the General to take charge of the squadron there, and for the Bridgwater with Capt. Whitehorne to proceed to Mardike. The soldiers shipped for Mardike are still waiting orders, having been stopped from sailing by a warrant from Lord Lockhart. I supplied the ship with 70 men, which much disabled me; I wait directions. [2/3 page.]
June 8. 95. Rear-Adm. Bourne to Robt. Blackborne. To similar effect. [¾ page.]
June 8.
The Swiftsure, Downs.
96. Rear-Adm. Bourne to the Navy Commissioners. I sent my boat with the packet for Capt. Whitehorne, as he was under sail for Mardike, as also the letters for Gen. Montague and Mr. Creed. I return one from Capt. Whitehorne. I have sent the Fame to Harwich to clean and revictual, and then return to her station. The soldiers shipped for Mardike have received orders to return on shore, and I rejoice in the goodness of the Lord, which has taken away the present necessity for their going over. I will send the 600 deals that were shipped with them, as also some buoys and anchors, the General having sent for them. I hope the designs in Flanders will be crowned with success. [1 page.]
June 9.
The Swiftsure, Downs.
97. Rear-Adm. Bourne to the Admiralty Commissioners. The Bryer and Lark have come into the Road, with 250 soldiers belonging to Col. Salmon's regiment at Portsmouth, bound for Mardike; but there is an order from Lord Lockhart stopping all soldiers for that place, the Spanish forces in those parts having lately suffered a great defeat. The soldiers belonging to Col. Guibon's regiment were also commanded by his Highness not to proceed; I have therefore desired an order from the Secretary of State therein. There not being above 10 days' victuals left on board those vessels for the soldiers, I want your order touching the two vessels, in case they put the soldiers ashore here. [2/3 page.]
June 9. 98. Eliza Kemp to her brother, Lieut.-Gen. Ludlow, Dorchester House, near Westminster Abbey. Mr. Jackman, one of your troopers, will speak to you about Lathen's town for Mr. Lambard; it is yet in the list to be set forth for part of your lot, but there are daily changes; we should prepare for the worst, and labour for resigned hearts to the will of God. If he give you a settlement, in it, it will be a rich mercy. Your friends approve the proposals in your letter. I will make proposals to any dealers, but not till a full settlement be made.
There is great need of patience in this age. Land [in Ireland] is grown very cheap now, because so many claims are granted that men begin to grow weary of the trouble of it, and of the many great taxes upon it.
The Earl of Thomond shall be told of your desire. My husband will let Will. Coll have the grazing of his stock. I am troubled to hear of my mother's weakness; persuade her to take Dr. Goddard's medicine. [1 page.]
June 10. COUNCIL. Day's Proceedings.
[The orders marked thus * were approved in person.]
1. The petition of Francis Prince, merchant, for himself, Wm, Peacock, Robt. Stiles, Zeger Corcellis, and Henry Browne, all English merchants living in Amsterdam, for restitution of a ship of theirs called the Charity, with her goods, which, being bound for a voyage to the Sumner Islands, was seized at Barbadoes by Capt. Chris. Minns, commander of the Marston Moor, on pretence that she belonged to strangers; also the testimonial of sale of the Charity by Frans Janson, of Mununckendam, Master, and oath that the above are really Englishmen, and her true owners, referred to Desborow, Skippon, Strickland, Wolsley, Mr. Comptroller, and Mr. Secretary, to speak with George Prince, hear what he has to offer for the petitioners' relief, and report.
2. On petition of Mich. Jermin, D.D., who formerly enjoyed 2 benefices, one in London and the other in Sussex, but was, by the Committee for Plundered Ministers, sequestered from his London benefice, and permitted to enjoy the other, which in turn was also taken from him, and given to another, and now he prays leave to continue to preach, in spite of the order that sequestered ministers should not preach—order that he be allowed so to preach.
3. The draft instructions for the Council of Scotland, represented by Desborow from the Committee, read, approved, and sent up to his Highness.
4. Order—on report from the Admiralty Judges and Dr. Walker, of 29 May, on reference on a petition of the owners of the Endeavour and her lading, taken by 4 French ships employed in the King of France's service under Marshal de Mill Ree, on her way from Teneriffe to London, 21 Nov. 1655, that is, after peace was concluded between England and France, and so contrary to the articles of treaty; also on report of proceedings taken for redress according to the 3rd Article of the treaty, and taken in vain, whereby their case entitles them to have special letters of marque granted, to recover their loss of 16,587l.—that Mr. Secretary send copies of the report to Sir Wm. Lockhart and Lord Bordeaux, with letters signifying his Highness's unwillingness to issue letters of marque, and his desire that restitution should be made some other way.
His Highness present.
5.* The Lord Chamberlain to see that Somerset House be fitted for the entertainment of Foreign Ambassadors, and see those who lodge there accommodated elsewhere by 29 September.
6.* The Army Committee to order the War-treasurers, on account of the great arrears due to Lord Falconbridge's regiment of horse, to advance them a month's pay, as was done for Maj.-Gen. Bridge's regiment, as their assignation of pay is on places remote from London.
7.* The petition of Col. Hen. Brookes, of co. Chester, concerning his services and suffering by a party of the late King's under the Earl of Rivers, and his after reducing of Halton Castle there, which, as part of the late King's land, was since purchased by him, in the wall of which 506l. was lately found, presumably placed there in time of war, which he prays to keep, towards satisfaction of his arrears and losses—referred to the Treasury Commissioners, to examine and report the whole case, see that the 506l. is secured, and the State's right not prejudiced, and report.
8. The petition of Hen. Dumscombe, of Taunton, co. Somerset, and a letter from him to his Highness of 7 June, concerning a discovery of 2,963l. alleged to be in the hands of Aldermen Fowke and Andrews, and of 500l. in those of the Earl of Northampton, referred to a Committee on a former petition of Dumscombe's, viz., Montague, Sydenham, Jones, Wolsley, Desborow, Skippon, and Strickland, to report.
His Highness withdrew.
9. Order on report from the Committee on the Marquis of Argyle's petition, containing the facts concerning half the excise on wine and strong waters granted him 11 September 1656, that Jessop signify to the Marquis that Council thinks fit to leave him to make the best advantage he can in the matter, and if he finds difficulties, they will render him fit assistance in recommending his case to the notice of Parliament.
10. A letter to Council of 7 June, from Drs. John Palmer and Joshua Cross, and other Commissioners for ejecting scandalous Ministers in co. Oxon, setting forth their proceedings in the ejection of Mr. Beesley, read; and a letter ordered to them, stating that the ejection has been according to law, and desiring them to proceed in the execution of the Ordinance, and unite their endeavours in so public and necessary a work. With the letter. [1. 78, p. 881.]
11. Desborow, Mr. Secretary, Fleetwood, Jones, and Sydenham to consider a letter from Lord Montague, General of the Fleet, concerning disposal of convoys and the Downs ships, speak with the Admiralty Commissioners, and report.
12. To-day's report from the Admiralty Commissioners, concerning the state and necessities of naval affairs, referred to Desborow, Mr. Secretary, Fleetwood, Jones, and Sydenham, to speak with the said Commissioners, learn the state and details of the fleet and stores, and what amount will meet the most pressing necessities, and report, and to meet again on Tuesday, and consider how the money may be supplied.
13. A pass requested for Dr. Taylor for Ireland refused.
15. The petition of Martin Lister, John Baker, and Stephen Kirke, concerning the fee farm rents of Hatfield Chace, late the Duke of Buckingham's estate, referred to the Treasury Commis- sioners, to speak with the Drury House Trustees, state the case, and report.
16. The report on Rob. Parkhurst's petition to be considered next Tuesday.
17. On report by the Jamaica Committee of a paper by Fras. Hodges, Treasurer of the Forces, containing proposals for payments to widows, wives, and other relatives of those in service there, and to the sick and wounded, and those who have been prisoners but are returned—estimating the payments to widows at 400l., 200l., 834l. 4s. 4d., and 665l. 16s. 8d.; also an estimate of sums due to sick and wounded and to parents of those who died in the service, including 290l. for the children of Rob. White and Col. Hen. Ferribosco, who was lately slain in the service;—order for a month's pay to the wives of those who are in Jamaica, and more to those who have received short of 8 months' pay; also the arrears of those who have died in the service, making a total of 1,500l., discounting as usual ⅓ for provisions; also 364l. 16s. to 8 sick and wounded or returned prisoners named; also 232l. 5s. 7d. to 14 parents named; also 289l. 10s. to children. This order, with their respective acquittances, to be Hodge's discharge for the payments. Approved 29 January.
18. The Treasury Commissioners, according to powers granted by patent, to pay out of money remaining in the hands of Hum. Blake, Prize money Treasurer, 800l. to Fras. Hodges, Treasurer for Jamaica forces, and the remainder due on a Privy Seal for 1000l. towards several arrears for Jamaica service.
19–24. The Committee on America to consider the following petitions, state the arrears due, and report:—Geo. Seignior, of London, tailor, and administrator of his late son John; Kath. Haworth, for her late husband, killed in service at Jamaica; Hen. Middleton; John Hooke, deputy to the Commissary-General of Musters in Jamaica; Hen. Foss, brother and administrator of Thos. Foss, deceased in service in Jamaica; Clement Hildyard, concerning an assignation from Rich. Godfrey. [I. 78, pp. 677–683.]
June 10.
Whitehall.
President Lawrence to Thos. Cutler, Robt. Good, Wm. Stone, and other justices of peace for New Sarum. His Highness and Council have received a petition from John Edwards and others, late farmers of excise for co. Wilts, that they, having for the last year given the rent of 755l. more than ever was given for the said excise, have, for several offences, legally convicted Morris Green and 5 other brewers of New Sarum, and desired you and others to grant a warrant of distress against them, according to the late Proclamation of Parliament, which you have flatly refused to do, as appears by an affidavit annexed. They therefore order you to grant the warrant at once, and no more to obstruct the speedy collection of excise, which is a matter of the greatest moment; his Highness and Council signify their disapproval of your conduct, and demand the reason of your refusal. [I. 78, p. 878.]
June 10.
Whitehall.
President Lawrence to the Commissioners for ejecting scandalous Ministers in co. Oxon. After serious consideration of your 2 letters concerning your proceedings in the case of Mr. Beesley, minister of Swerford, we conceive his ejectment to have been according to law, and desire you to proceed accordingly in execution of the Ordinance. [I. 78, p. 881.]
June 10. Instructions from his Highness to the Council in Scotland, for government of that nation.
The Council of Scotland being herewith appointed are to observe the following regulations:—
1. To repair at once to Scotland, study the state of the country, and consider how the peace and good government thereof may best be preserved.
2. To promote the preaching of the Gospel, and see that those concerned pay the various preachers thereof, whom they find pious and loyal, their stipends and arrears, and invest them with their rectories.
3. To have power to visit all universities, schools, &c., and suspend any statutes or persons whose action does not promote the good of the State, and propose fresh statutes and persons in their places. Also to remove any who are scandalous or insufficient, and appoint godly and learned persons in their place.
4. To see that none hold the office of magistrate who have been disabled by the petition and advice of the knights, citizens, and burgesses of Parliament, and if any do, to remove them.
5. To see that all proceedings in Courts of Justice are according to the laws of England, in order that the peaceful union of England and Scotland may be preserved, and if they find such cannot be done according to the powers and rules given to the judges, then to report such a case.
6. To certify the total of the Scotch revenue, with particulars of times of payment from lands, forfeitures, excise, customs, or yearly rents, and do the same once a year at least, and represent what might be done to improve the revenue.
7. To use effectual means to recover any part of the revenue concealed or detained, either Crown lands, bishops' or deans' lands, &c., or any other, and to see the excise on imports and exports duly collected and accounted for, and issued from the Exchequer according to order, without infringing on the 1,200l. for maintenance of ministers and schoolmasters in the Highlands.
8. To reduce all Crown lands illegally alienated from the State, and see the Ordinances in our several letters lately sent to the Exchequer Judges pursued.
9. To suggest some means to reduce the public expenses of the State in Scotland.
10. To have power to arrest or take security from any persons opposing the Government, or suspected of disloyalty, and to liberate them; also to remove from their residences any who shall be judged to be dangerous where they reside, send them into England, or allow them to return.
11. To consider some suitable reducement of public officers to such number as is absolutely necessary; and to have power by warrant to charge the Customs and ⅓ of the Excise money, with salaries of sequestration judges and other officers of justice; the rest of Customs' money, and all assessments and sequestration money, to be used. for contingencies, except what is charged monthly for the forces in Scotland.
12. To have power to transport to English plantations abroad such enemies of the State who are in arms as are in their power.
13. To see that no Baptist holds any office of trust, nor practices at law, nor keeps a school.
14. To use or erect any printing presses they require, for public service in printing declarations, &c., and prohibit the use of such by others as they see cause.
15. To consider and report fit means to encourage the trade, commerce, and fisheries of the nation.
16. To ask and receive any help necessary from the Commander-in-Chief of Scotland and from civil magistrates for carrying out any of these instructions.
17. To appoint fit persons to be Customs' and Excise Commissioners, and to levy all fines, &c., ordered, and any other duties connected therewith, and empower them to collect customs, &c., according to the rates levied in England, making seizures, issuing warrants, and distraining for non-payment, appointing collectors and sub-commissioners and also commissioners for receiving appeals, but this not to prejudice the farm of excise in Scotland.
18. To cause the monthly assessment in Scotland to be levied and paid in according to the Act of Parliament.
19. The said Council to have power to execute all the above instructions. [I. 78, pp. 882–888.]
June 10.
The Swiftsure, Downs.
99. Rear-Adm. Bourne to the Admiralty Commissioners. I received with the packet for you commands from the General to sail immediately for Mardike, and should have left the Fame here, with instructions to give you an account of occurrences as occasion offered, but she being gone to Harwich, there is no vessel but the ketch that brought the packet, which is to wait for the first express to be sent over. The frigates with the soldiers are still in the Downs, also several vessels bound for Rouen and Caen, who desire a convoy. [½ page.]