James II - volume 3: December 1687 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: James II, 1687-9. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1972.

'James II - volume 3: December 1687', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: James II, 1687-9, (London, 1972) pp. 110-128. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/jas2/1687-9/pp110-128 [accessed 19 April 2024]

December 1687



568 December 1.	Commissions to William Spragg to be second lieutenant of Sir Martin Beckman's company in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers; to Charles, Duke of St. Albans, to be colonel of and captain of a company in the Princess Anne of Denmark's Regiment of Horse whereof Robert, Earl of Scarsdale, was late colonel; and to William Matthew to be lieutenant of Lieut.-Col. [Charles] Colton's company, to John Wybest to be ensign of Col. [Edward] Sackville's company, to William Latham to be ensign of Lieut.-Col. [John] Huitson's company and to Jeremiah Macawliffe to be ensign of Lieut.-Col. [Henry] Cope's company, all in the Regiment of Foot Guards called the Coldstreamers. Minutes.
	S.P. 44/164, pp. 431–2
569 December 2.	The King's pass for Sir John Barrington of Hatfield Broadhouse, co. Essex, bart., to travel beyond the seas for his improvement and better education and experience, with Andrew Fomeret, his Governor, and Fuller White, his valet de chambre, and to return with like freedom. Minute.
	S.P. 44/70, p. 288
570 December 2.	The Lord Deputy's report (dated Oct. 18, 1687) on the petition of Bryan, Viscount Iveagh, referred to him on June 6 last [not entered in this Entry Book], stating that he referred it to the Attorney General in Ireland, whose report, with which he fully agrees, he transmits.
	To be transmitted to the Commissioners of the Treasury for consideration and report.
	S.P. 44/71, p. 395
571 December 2.	Warrant for a commission to Theophilus, Earl of Huntingdon, to be Lord Lieutenant of co. Derby in the room of Robert, Earl of Scarsdale, with the clause of dispensation. Minute.
	S.P. 44/164, p. 431
572 December 2.	Commission to John Gilly to be captain-lieutenant [of the Princess Anne of Denmark's Regiment of Horse]. Minute.
	S.P. 44/164, p. 432
573 December3. The	Earl of Sunderland to the Mayor and Corporation of Hull. I have received your letter acquainting me with the choice you have made of me to be your Recorder, which I know you intended as a mark of your kindness to me, and therefore you may be assured I shall be upon all occasions ready to do you any service in any station; but I must desire you will excuse my not accepting and make choice of your Governor to be your Recorder, which I the rather recommend to you as being persuaded it will very much conduce to his Majesty's service and the benefit and advantage of your Corporation.
	S.P. 44/56, p. 399
574 December 3.	Reference to the Lord Chancellor of the petition of Thomas Gundry for a pardon, he being committed to the Fleet and an information ordered to be brought against him in the King's Bench for being privy to the levying of a fine by Robert Browne, aged about 18, which fine has since been reversed.
	S.P. 44/71, p. 394
575 December 3.	Commissions to John Molins to be captain and to [Edmund] Broader to be lieutenant of the company of grenadiers whereof Edward, Earl of Gainsborough, was late captain in the Queen Dowager's Regiment of Foot. Minutes.
	S.P. 44/164, p. 432
576 December 3.	Commission to James, Duke of Berwick, to be Governor and Captain of the town and isle of Portsmouth and of the new castle there called Southsea Castle and of the forts, blockhouses and fortifications belonging thereto, to hold by himself or sufficient deputy or deputies.
	S.P. 44/165, p. 1
577 December 3.	Warrant to the Chief Justice of the Court of King's Bench, etc.—after reciting that Richard Warburton and Henry Trinder are to be tried at the next sessions held at the Old Baily for and concerning the death and killing of John Lloyd of Fleet Street, sadler—to forbear putting in execution the sentence passed upon them, or either of them, should they be found guilty of manslaughter, until the King signifies his further pleasure.
	S.P. 44/337, p. 362
578 December 5.	The King [to the Clerk of the Signet Attending]. Warrant for a grant to Philip, Lord Cardinal of Norfolk, the High Almoner, of the goods, chattels and debts of persons becoming felons de se and of all deodands forfeited to the King in England, Wales and the Marches, with power to him, his deputy and servants to seize, levy, recover and gather the same as well within liberties as without and thereof to dispose in alms as to him shall seem best; with a clause authorizing John, Bishop of Adrimete in partibus, to execute the said place as deputy until the High Almoner shall send a deputation into England, and likewise the clause of dispensation now usually inserted in commissions of the peace and such other powers and clauses as are usual and requisite.
	S.P. 44/57, p. 189
579 December 5.	Reference to the Attorney or Solicitor General of the petition of Charles Holman for letters patent for the sole use for 14 years of a new invention of making a powder which being put into fair water, beer, ale or wine immediately turns it into very good writing ink.
	S.P. 44/71, p. 397
580 December 5.	Reference to the Attorney or Solicitor General of the petition of Ralph, Lord Stawell, for two fairs to be held at Somerton, co. Somerset, on Feb. 14 and Sept. 19 yearly, for buying and selling of cattle and other merchandize.
	S.P. 44/71, p. 397
581 December 5.	Warrant to the Clerks of the Signet to permit and suffer Robert Brent, together with such other persons as he shall think fit, to have recourse from time to time to any books or bills in the Signet Office and to take copies thereof, it being for his Majesty's service.
	S.P. 44/337, p. 362
582 December 5.	Warrant to the Attorney or Solicitor General to prepare a bill to pass the Great Seal, containing a grant to James, Duke of Berwick, Governor of Portsmouth, of the offices of Constable of Portchester Castle, Lieutenant of the Forest of Southbear and Warden of the New Forest in the room of Edward, Earl of Gainsborough, together with all profits, etc., and with the usual clause of dispensation.
	S.P. 44/337, p. 362
583 December 5.	The Agreement. James Salmon, commander of the good ship called the Supply, burthen about 110 tons, carries 40 men and 24 guns, obliges himself to his Majesty for the consideration of 600 weighty dollars to be paid to him or his order at the port of Livorne to receive on board the said ship at Gravesend on some day between this and Friday next at furthest the envoy from the Czars of Muscovy together with all his retinue and servants and whatsoever goods or baggage belongs to him or them, and to transport them thence (God permitting) directly to the port of Livorne, there to put them safely on shore within ten or fourteen days at furthest after his arrival. He further obliges himself to accommodate the said envoy during the whole time of his being on board the ship with the use of his great cabin and gunroom and as much other conveniency (excepting the use of the roundhouse and cuddy) as shall be necessary for lodging his retinue, and to build such cabins and partitions as shall be fit for him and them together with such platforms, bulkheads or other conveniences for receiving and keeping their goods and baggage as shall be necessary, and also at his own charge to provide such beer, water and fire as shall be required for their service during the whole voyage.
	S.P. 29/359, p. 221
584 December 5.	Samuel Pepys to the Earl of Middleton. Enclosing the above agreement. Capt. Salmon covenants to be ready to sail by Friday next and is directed by me to attend your Lordship for your commands tomorrow morning.
	S.P. 29/359, p. 222
585 December 6.	The Earl of Middleton to the Lords of the Treasury. Sending them a copy of the agreement made between Mr. Pepys and Capt. Salmon, master of the ship the Supply, designed for the transportation of the Muscovia envoy to Legorne, that they may give such further orders therein as shall be found necessary.
	S.P. 29/359, p. 221
586 December 6.	Warrant for a commission to James, Duke of Berwick, to be Lord Lieutenant of co. Southampton in the room of Edward, Earl of Gainsborough, and Wriothesley Baptist, Lord Noel, his eldest son, with the clause of dispensation. Minute.
	S.P. 44/165, p. 2
587 December 6.	Reference to the Commissioners of the Treasury of the petition of Daniel Testas, Peter Rocante, Peter Laujol and other merchants of Bordeaux, subjects to his Most Christian Majesty, showing that their correspondents at Amsterdam loaded spice and other goods for their account on an English ship bound for Bordeaux, that the master landed most or all the goods at Exeter and other places in the West, whereof the petitioners having notice seized him with £130 about him, part of the money he received for their goods, and praying that if upon trial the master be found guilty and the money forfeited, it may be granted them towards repairing their great loss.
	S.P. 44/71, p. 397
588 December 7.	Reference to the Commissioners of the Treasury of the petition of John Stubbs and Mary, his wife, representing the great services performed by Sir John Webster, late of Amsterdam, merchant, Mary's uncle, to the King's father and brother without recompense, and praying to be granted certain concealed lands belonging to his Majesty which they have discovered and which are held by a grant from the late King now void, reserving the yearly rent to his Majesty.
	S.P. 44/71, p. 398
589 December 8.	Reference to the Earl of Tyrconnell, Lord Deputy of Ireland, of the petition of Gerard Coghlan, on whom the King is disposed to bestow some mark of his favour, for promotion to some employment, he having applied himself to the study of the municipal law of England for seven years in the Middle Temple and since practised at the Bar in Ireland and attended the judges in their circuits.
	S.P. 44/71, p. 399
590 December 8.	Reference to the same of the petition of Barry Foulkes and Mary, his wife, showing that Mounteford Westrop, by assignment and deputation enrolled, transferred the office of comptroller in the port of Limerick to Mr. John Yard, after whose death the petitioner in right of his wife, Yard's niece and administratrix, enjoyed that office till of late Westrop disturbed him and hindered the salary, because the deputation and assignment cannot at present be produced, and praying a new patent.
	S.P. 44/71, p. 399
591 December 8.	Reference to the Commissioners of the Treasury of the petition of Charles Banson of Gloucester, showing that being employed by the farmers of the Excise under the late King and giving them a bond in his Majesty's name under a great penalty, they, though he had been faithful in his trust, are putting the bond in suit to his ruin out of malice, and praying the matter may be examined and the bond discharged.
	S.P. 44/71, p. 400
592 December 8.	Reference to the Earl of Tyrconnell, Lord Deputy of Ireland, of the petition of John Dickson for a new survey of the land of Attyfloyne in the Barony of Poblebryan, co. Limerick, which was returned to contain 269 acres and so set out to him, whereas it is but about 200 acres, and that what he has accordingly paid over in proportion may be allowed him and the rent abated for the future.
	S.P. 44/71, p.400
593 December 9. St. James's, Westminster.	Certificate by the Hon. Ellis, curate of St. James's, that Henry Ball died in that parish and was carried away for interment Feb. 5 last.
	At the foot: Entered in the office of the Auditor of Receipts of the Exchequer, 16 Dec., 1687. Latin.
	Entered in the office of the Clerk of the Pells. Latin.
	Ball, Windsor Herald, by let. pat. dat. 13 March '86 to commence from Mich., '85.
	Dorothy Ball relict and executrix.
	S.P. 31/3, fol. 155
594 December 9.	Warrant to the Attorney or Solicitor General for a commission to Henry, Earl of Peterborough, Groom of the Stole, to be Lord Lieutenant of co. Rutland in the room of Edward, Earl of Gainsborough, and Wriothesley Baptist, Lord Noel, his eldest son, with the clause of dispensation.
	S.P. 44/165, p. 2
595 December 9.	Like warrant for Lord Tenham, to be Lord Lieutenant of co. Kent and the city and county of Canterbury in the room of Heneage, Earl of Winchelsea, with the clause of dispensation. Minute.
	S.P. 44/165, p. 3
596 December 9.	Commission to Francis Hamon to be Lieut.-Governor of the fort of Landguard Point, co. Suffolk, whereof Lieut.-Col. William Eyton is Governor.
	S.P. 44/165, p. 4
597 December 9.	Pardon to John Trenchard of all treasons etc.
	S.P. 44/337, p. 363
598 December 9.	Warrant to the Attorney or Solicitor General to prepare a bill to pass the Great Seal, containing a grant to Ralph, Lord Stawell, his heirs and assigns, of two fairs yearly at Somerton.
	S.P. 44/337, p. 366
599 December 9.	Warrant to George, Lord Jeffreys, Lord Chancellor, setting out the form of words to be inserted in the commission for taking the oaths of the Sheriffs of the several counties and cities of England, Wales and the town of Berwick-on-Tweed.
	Latin and English.
	S.P. 44/337, p. 364
600 December 9.	Warrant to the same setting out the form of the commission or grant for constituting the Sheriffs of the several counties and cities of England and Wales and the town of Berwick-on-Tweed.
	Latin and English.
	S.P. 44/337, pp. 364–5
601 December 9.	The King to the Prince of Orange. On Tuesday last I had two from you, the one of the 7 (N.S.) the other of the 12 (N.S.), which I had answered by that day's post if I had not quite forgot 'twas a writing day, which I do not remember ever to have done before. I find by yours of the 12 (N.S.) that you had had the same news from Constantinople that I had received from my Ambassador there. By letters from France they say there are fresh letters come from thence that speak as if 'twas believed the Great Turk was strangled, the disorders there being very great, but this wants confirmation. I hope the Christian Armies will this next year be early in the field, having so very good winter quarters as they say they have in Transylvania and other parts.
	Holograph. S.P. 8/4, no. 55
602 December 9.	Warrant to the Lord Deputy of Ireland—after reciting that the King had been given to understand that Richard Coote, having omitted to enter himself in the Inns of Court, cannot be admitted to the degree of Barrister, though sufficiently qualified for the profession of the law—to cause a grant to be made constituting the said Richard Coote a Counsellor and Barrister at law in all Courts and other places in Ireland.
	S.O. 1/12, p. 245
603 December 10.	Reference to the Commissioners of the Treasury of the petition of Christopher Dodsworth, merchant, on behalf of himself and the rest of the ship Hawke, praying remission of the severity of a decree passed against them in the Court of Exchequer, whereby a parcel of dust gold amounting to about £600 is decreed one half to the King and the other to the Royal African Company.
	S.P. 44/71, p.401
604 December 10.	Approbations of Sir Lewis Palmer, Sir Matthew Dudley and Sir Thomas Samuel, barts., Sir William Craven, and Edward Griffin, George Holman, Edward Montague and Thomas Andrews to be Deputy Lieutenants of co. Northampton, and of Lord Fitzharding, Francis Pawlett, Sir William Bassett, William Lacy, Sir Hugh Tynte, Sir Thomas Bridges and Edward Strode, Edward Clarke, Robert Syderfin, Baldwin Mallett, Warwick Bampfield, John Anthill and Charles Steyning to be Deputy Lieutenants of co. Somerset.
	S.P. 44/165, p. 3
605 December 10.	Commission to Thomas Philips to be captain of the company of miners whereof Capt. James Adams was captain under the command of George, Lord Dartmouth, Master General of the Ordnance. Minute.
	S.P. 44/165, p. 4
606 December 10.	Commission to Nicholas Hubin, chirurgeon, to be chirurgeon to the Royal Hospital near Chelsea. Minute.
	S.P. 44/165, p.5
607 December 10.	The King to the Prince of Orange. For all I wrote to you by the post I would not let this bearer, M. D'Albeville, go back without writing to you by him, and shall make this letter but a short one, having charged him with all I have to say to you.
	Holograph. S.P. 8/4, no. 56
608 December 11.	Dispensation in the usual form for William Stafford, High Sheriff of co. Rutland, whose mansion house is out of that county, to be there or to repair to any other place out of the county. Minute.
	S.P. 44/70, p. 289
609 December 12.	The Earl of Sunderland to the Lord Mayor [of London]. The King being informed that Edward Hudson (whose petition is enclosed) was wounded in his service, it is his pleasure that you cause him to be made a freeman of the city of London without administering any oath.
	S.P. 44/56, p. 399
610 December 13.	Warrant to the Lord Deputy of Ireland to cause payment to be made to the Master the Great Wardrobe of the sum of £453 5s. out of the Irish revenues, in respect of several rich liveries and banners and a pair of kettle drums supplied for the use of six trumpeters and one kettle drummer.
	S.O. 1/12, p. 246
611 December 14.	The Earl of Sunderland to the Mayor of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. His Majesty is very well satisfied with your proceedings in what your letter of the 10th and the enclosed papers relate to.
	S.P. 44/56, p. 399
612 December 14.	The Earl of Sunderland to Lord Fairfax. Sending him a copy of the King's instructions to the Lord Lieutenants. He would have you be very punctual and exact in pursuing the directions of it and transmit him an account of your proceedings therein as soon as you can.
	S.P. 44/56, p. 400
613 December 14.	The Earl of Sunderland to the Mayor and Aldermen of Leeds. The King being informed that some goods belonging to John Wales and other Quakers of Leeds, which were taken from them on account of their religious worship, remain unsold in the hands of John Todd, constable at the time of the seizure, or of some other persons, and intending that all his subjects shall receive the full benefit of his Declaration of Liberty of Conscience, it is his pleasure that you cause the said goods and all others seized from Quakers and unsold, in whose hands soever they remain, to be restored to their owners without any charge.
	S.P. 44/56, p. 400
614 December 14.	Reference to the Attorney or Solicitor General of the petition of the trading cheesemongers of London to be incorporated for prevention of abuses and grievances in selling butter and cheese.
	S.P. 44/71, p.401
615 December 14.	Warrant to Roger Jenyns for the preservation of game within the manor of Upwell and Outwell in co. Norfolk.
	S.P. 44/337, p. 367
616 December 15.	The King to the Master and Fellows of Pembroke Hall, Cambridge. Requiring them to elect Samuel Boys, student of that hall, into the fellowship there now enjoyed by Ambrose Bland, who is willing and desirous to resign it in Boys's favour.
	S.P. 44/57, p. 190
617 December 15. London.	The Earl of Clarendon to the Prince of Orange. I presume to take the opportunity of Captain Cunningham's return into Holland to present my most humble duty to your Highness, which I hope you will vouchsafe to accept. This gentleman has the honour to serve under your Highness' command, which he thinks his chiefest happiness, and I doubt not but he will so behave himself as to deserve your Highness' favourable countenance for his advancement when you think it proper. The honest people of Ireland think themselves very happy that some of their friends are in your Highness' service, of which Captain Cunningham is one, he being of the North part of that country.
	I cannot pretend to give your Highness an account of affairs which you have not the knowledge of from better hands. The general discourse now is that a Parliament will speedily be called, but, if one may judge by the answers which the majority of people give to the questions which are asked of them, of the little success his Majesty is like to have in what he desires, one cannot see much reason to believe they will yet meet. But a little time will show us what will be when the Corporations are new-modelled, which is the work now executing; and by some of the changes which are already made, it is probable those who are put into those Societies will be as averse to what the King would have as those who are put out. God grant we may all do our duties like honest men, both to God and the King.
	I humbly ask your Highness' pardon for this interruption I have given you, and for the presumption of putting you in mind of Captain Cunningham. I beseech your Highness to own me as I am with perfect devotion, Sir, your Highness' most faithful and most obedient humble servant. (fn. 1)
	Holograph. S.P. 8/1, pt. 2, fols. 187–8
618 December 16.	The King to the Recorder of London and the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex. Warrant to cause George Ward, convicted at the late session at the Old Bailey of the manslaughter of Isaac Orbell, to be inserted in the next general pardon for poor convicts of Newgate, but to be left out in the clause for transportation, and meanwhile to suffer him to have his liberty upon giving bail for his appearance to plead his pardon when required.
	S.P. 44/54, p. 389
619 December 16.	The King to the Attorney or Solicitor General. Warrant for a grant of denization to French Protestants. (fn. 2)
	S.P. 44/67, p. 12d
620 December 16.	Warrant to the Attorney or Solicitor General—after reciting that Sir Edmund Fettiplace of Swinborne, co. Oxon, bart., had by his humble petition represented that he had enclosed within a stone wall a parcel of his own lands of inheritance situate in the parishes of Swinbrooke and Wilford in the counties of Oxon and Gloucester, containing by estimation 324 acres or thereabouts, adjoining on the north side to Swinbrook common fields and Wildford grounds and parted by a highway which lies under part of the said wall; on the west side to Fulbrook common fields, from which it is divided by the said wall shooting westward down from Fulbrook common field side to the River Winrush; on the south side to Widford Meade and Swinbrooke West Meadow and also upon a highway leading from Asthal to Burford; and on the east side abutting on the town of Swinbrook from which it is divided by the said wall; with an intention to impark the same and has prayed for a grant of a free warren and park within the said enclosure—to prepare a bill to pass the Great Seal, containing a grant to the said Sir Edmund Fettiplace, his heirs and assigns, to impark the said enclosed lands, and to stock and store the same with deer, and to have liberty of free warren, provided none of the grounds so imparked be within the bounds or limits of the Royal Forest.
	S.P. 44/337, p. 368
621 December 17.	The Earl of Sunderland to the Lord Mayor [of London]. His Majesty approving the report of the Lords of the Council that it is their opinion that the Lord Mayor and Aldermen may appoint persons to preach in Guildhall chapel, commands me to acquaint you that he allows your Lordship and the Aldermen so to do.
	S.P. 44/56, p. 401
622 December 17.	Reference to the Recorder or Deputy Recorder of London, who sat on the bench at the petitioner's trial, of the petition of Margaret, wife of James Smith, condemned for buying goods stolen from Sir Edmund Anderson—to report how far she seemed on her trial to be a fit object of mercy.
	S.P. 44/71, p. 401
623 December 18.	The King to the [Master] and Fellows of Clare Hall, Cambridge. Requiring them to admit Richard Martyn, B.A., into the senior fellowship now void in that hall.
	S.P. 44/57, p. 191
624 December 19.	Reference to the Earl of Tyrconnell, Lord Deputy of Ireland, of the petition of Charles, Earl of Mountrath, that by virtue of any new Charter to be passed to Jamestown in Ireland he may not be disturbed in any of the lands or houses belonging to him by descent and that no part of the town or lands now in his possession may be inserted in the Charter. In the meantime no new Charter is to be granted to Jamestown.
	S.P. 44/71, p. 402
625 December 19.	Warrant—after reciting that Francis Sandford, Lancaster Herald of Arms, had by the Royal command compiled a book under the title of History of the Coronation of King James II and Queen Mary, with an exact account of the several preparations in order thereunto, and had illustrated the whole with sculptures—for a grant to the said Francis Sandford, his executors, administrators and assigns, for the sole printing and publishing of the aforesaid book for and during the term of fourteen years, and forbidding the imprinting of the said book without the knowledge and consent of the said Francis Sandford, or the importation of imprints of the same and requiring the Master, Wardens and Company of Stationers to take notice that the same may be entered in their Register and due obedience yielded thereunto.
	S.P. 44/337, p. 369
626 December 20.	The Earl of Sunderland to the Lord Deputy of Ireland. Lord Mountrath having petitioned the King concerning some lands belonging to him in the town of Jamestown, his Majesty thinking his request very reasonable has referred it to you with directions that the new Charter to that corporation did not pass till upon your report he shall declare his further pleasure. This matter seems so just that I must recommend you to shew his Lordship all the favour and despatch in it you can.
	S.P. 63/340, p. 263
627 December 20.	Warrant to the Lord Deputy of Ireland authorizing the sale from time to time of such quantities of old gunpowder from the Ordnance as thought fit, and stipulating that the money thus received should be kept separately and used exclusively for purchasing fresh stocks of powder from the Master General of the Ordnance in England. Also forbidding the importation of gunpowder into Ireland by any merchant, and its sale by any person without a licence.
	S.O. 1/12, pp. 250–1
628 December 20.	Warrant to William, Viscount Mountjoy, Master of the Ordnance in Ireland, authorizing the sale of such quantities of old gunpowder as may be directed by the Lord Deputy.
	S.O. 1/12, p. 252
629 December 21.	The King to Henry, Earl of Peterborough, Groom of the Stole. Warrant to swear and admit Mrs. Elizabeth Bromley into the places of Mistress Laundress and Mistress Sempstress to the King's person in the room of Elizabeth Dupuy, deceased.
	S.P. 44/70, p. 289
630 December 21.	Commissions to Sir Edward Vaudrey to be lieut.-colonel and captain of a troop in the Queen Dowager's Regiment of Horse and to Thomas Butler to be ensign of Capt. John Molins's company in the Queen Dowager's Regiment of Foot. Minutes.
	S.P. 44/165, p. 5
631 December 22.	Reference to the Trinity House, Deptford Strond, of the petition of Nathaniel Johnston, Doctor in Physic, for a patent to keep lights on the North and South Forelands upon the forfeiture or determination of the former patent.
	S.P. 44/71, p. 402
632 December 23.	Dispensation in the usual form for Sir Walter Kirkham Blount, High Sheriff of co. Worcester, his mansion house being in co. Salop, to repair thither or to any other place out of co. Worcester. Minute.
	S.P. 44/70, p. 290
633 December 23.	The Attorney General's report on the petition of Messrs. Clowdesley, Sherard and Declux, stating that whoever introduces any foreign invention or manufacture, which never before was used in this Kingdom, is in the nature of a new inventor and may be granted by letters patent the sole use thereof for 14 years; but that he conceives that whether the present matter may have any effect on the Customs should be submitted to the Commissioners of the Customs. Dec. 16, 1687.
	Referred to the Commissioners of the Treasury.
	S.P. 44/71, p. 402
634 December 23.	Warrant to George, Lord Dartmouth, Master General of the Ordnance, to issue or cause to be issued out of the stores in the Ordnance Office 500 barrels of good, new and serviceable gunpowder to be sent to the Master of the Ordnance in Ireland, for which a warrant will be directed to the Commissioners of the Treasury to issue £1,212 10s. to the Treasurer of the Ordnance, after the rate of £2 8s. 6d. per barrel, for refurnishing the stores.
	S.P. 44/165, p. 6
635 December 23.	Commissions to David Roche to be lieutenant of Capt. Henry Roe's company and to William Chauvois to be ensign of Capt. Brent Ely's company, both in the Queen Dowager's Regiment of Foot. Minutes.
	S.P. 44/165, p. 6
636 December 23.	The Countess of Sunderland to the Prince of Orange, assuring him of her zeal and affection for his service. (fn. 3)
	Holograph. S.P. 8/1, pt. 2, fols. 189–90
637 December 23.	The King to the Prince of Orange. By the post which came hither on Wednesday I had yours of the 26 (N.S.) by which I find Mr. D'Albeville was got to you, but had not then time to give you an account of affairs here. As for news, there is little stirring here. I have had so much business this day that I could not write till now. It is so late that I have only time to tell you we have had for some days past cold blustering north winds but no frost.
	Holograph. S.P. 8/4, no. 57
638 December 23.	Warrant to the Lord Deputy of Ireland to cause a commission to be passed under the Great Seal for constituting Thomas Sheridan, William Dickenson, William Strong, Herbert Aubrey and Francis Plowden Commissioners of the Revenue at a salary of £1000 per annum each, and for revoking and determining the present letters patent, but continuing the pensions of £500 per annum to Sir William Talbot and £60 per annum to Charles Pleydell; and for constituting John Ellis as Secretary and Jn. Thompson as Agent and Solicitor to the said Commissioners, at such salary as they enjoy by the present commission.
	S.O. 1/12, pp. 247–8
639 December 24.	Reference to the Commissioners of the Treasury of the petition of John Beare and John Hutchenson to be granted the collection of all recognizances, issues and amerciaments forfeited and become due at the quarter sessions throughout England, when estreated into the Court of Exchequer, upon their giving good security.
	S.P. 44/71, p. 403
640 December 24.	Warrant—after reciting that by his petition James Dounton, mariner, had represented that he had lately bought of the officers of the Vice-Admiralty of co. Southampton a ship called the Young Tobias of Hamburg which being decayed and perishing was sold to him for £110; and that he had since laid out in fitting her for service above £500 intending to employ her in a trade to Virginia or some of the Westward Islands, but has been informed that she cannot be used to any of the Plantations having an unfree bottom, and had humbly prayed, in consideration of his said great charge, for a grant of freedom for the said ship—for naturalizing and making free the said ship, with all rights etc. as an English built ship, and requiring the Commissioners of the Customs and all others concerned to enter the said ship accordingly and to grant certificates thereof in the usual form.
	S.P. 44/337, p. 370
641 December 24.	Warrant to the Chief Justice of the Court of King's Bench etc.—after reciting that Margaret Smith, wife of Thomas Smith, was at the last sessions at the Old Baily indicted as an accessory to a felony and sentenced to death for the same—to cause the said Margaret Smith to be inserted in the next General Pardon for the poor convicts of Newgate, without any condition of transportation, and in the meantime to take bail for her appearance to plead her pardon.
	S.P. 44/337, p. 371
642 December 27.	Approbation of Charles, Lord Brandon, Sir William Gerard, Sir Thomas Clifton and Sir Charles Anderton, barts., and Richard Townley, William Standish, Robert Dalton, John Girlington, Nicholas Townley, William Spencer, Christopher Banister and John Warren to be Deputy Lieutenants of co. Lancaster.
	S.P. 44/165, p. 7
643 December 28.	Warrant to the Attorney or Solicitor General—after reciting that Charles Holman has by his petition represented that he has found out a new art or invention of making a certain powder, which being put into fair water, beer, ale or wine, immediately turns the same into very good black writing ink, which can be afforded very cheap to the general advantage of the King's subjects, especially those in the country and at sea, and has prayed for the grant of letters patent for the sole use of the same—to prepare a bill to pass the Great Seal, containing a grant to the said Charles Holman, his executors, administrators and assigns of the sole use and benefit of his invention for and during the term of fourteen years.
	S.P. 44/337, p. 372
644 December 29.	Commission to Arthur Child to be ensign of Capt. Francis Godolphin's company in the Queen Dowager's Regiment of Foot. Minute.
	S.P. 44/165, p. 7
645 December 30.	The Earl of Sunderland to the Chancellor of the Duchy. It is the King's pleasure that Mr. Roger Kennyon, clerk of the peace for the county of Lancaster, who he is informed it not well qualified for that employment, be forthwith removed.
	S.P. 44/56, p. 401
646 December 30.	The Earl of Sunderland to Sir Josia Child. Having received a petition of one Mr. Skinner setting forth that a considerable sum of money is due to him from the East India Company, I think it both for the King's service and the Company's that you meet and discourse with Sir Nicholas Butler in this affair, as also upon some other matters.
	S.P. 44/56, p. 401
647 December 30.	Approbation of Sir Francis Butler, Sir Richard Anderson, Henry Guy, Silas Titus and William Hale, Sir John Gore, Sir Thomas Pope Blunt, bart., and Israel Mays and Bazill Moor, jun. to be Deputy Lieutenants of co. Hertford.
	S.P. 44/165, p. 7
648 December 30.	Commissions to John Blake to be lieutenant of Sir Alphonso Motet's company and to John Beverley to be adjutant, both in the regiment of foot commanded by the Earl of Litchfield. Minutes.
	S.P. 44/165, p. 8
649 December 30.	Warrant to the Clerk of the Signet Attending for causing the daily allowance payable to Sir Richard Bulstrode, knt., Envoy to the Governor of the Spanish Low Countries, to be increased by 10s. to £3 per diem.
	S.P. 44/337, p. 375
650 December 30.	The King to the Prince of Orange. I am sorry to find by yours of the 6 (N.S.) that the Province of [Groningen] had suffered so much by the waters, and that there had been so many ships cast away by the last ill weather. We have had frost now for four days, together with a north-east wind, which I hope will have done you good in the parts where you are. The Queen Dowager [sic] is now quite well again, yesterday morning she was not very well and was for some time afraid she should have miscarried, but now, God be thanked, she is very well and that fear is at present over. This place affords but little other news.
	Holograph. S.P. 8/4, no. 58
651 December 31.	The King to Samuel, Bishop of Oxford, President of St. Mary Magdalen College, Oxford. Warrant to admit Richard Compton, Thomas Fairfax, Edward Meredith, John Dryden, Philip Lewis, Alexander Cotton, Thomas Guilford, William Plowden, John Christmass, Laurence Wood, John Ross and Austin Belson into the vacant fellowships in that college and Robert Hill into the vacant demy's place, and further requiring him upon the next vacant demy's place he admit John Cuffand into the same, without administering to them any oath but that of a fellow or demy respectively, any law, statute, custom or constitution to the contrary being dispensed with. (fn. 4)
	S.P. 44/57, p. 193
652 [? December.]	Commission to the Earl of Clancarty to be colonel of and captain of a company in the regiment of foot whereof Col. Thomas Fairfax was colonel in the army in Ireland. Minute.
	S.P. 63/340, p. 264
653 [? December.]	Commissions to Lord Slane to be captain of the troop whereof the Earl of Clancarty was captain in Viscount Galmoy's Regiment of Horse, and to Edmund Morris to be cornet of Lieut.-Col. Theodore Russell's troop in the Duke of Ormonde's Regiment of Horse in the army in Ireland. Minutes.
	S.P. 63/340, p. 264
654 1686–1687. Six	leaves from a small MS. book containing extracts and notes dealing with Church matters and copies of letters, all dated from Durham between April 18, 1686 and June 25, 1687, one being to Sir William Creagh, in London, one to the Bishop of Carlisle, and one to Mrs. Sarah Rogers, the writer's cousin. The pages are so torn that the precise topics of these letters are not easy to determine, but they appear to be of a private nature.
	S.P. 31/3, fols. 219–24
655 [? 1687.]	Objections to an address of thanks (recited) for the Declaration of Indulgence.
	The reasons for subscription of the address are but two.
	First, that it may continue the King's favour, whereas the omission may irritate the Treasury to call upon the fifth bond for first fruits at full worth.
	Secondly, that it will testify our unity with and submission to the Bishop's requiring this address, and perhaps expecting it upon our canonical obedience, there being nothing in the address praeter licitum et honestum.
	The reasons against it are four.
	First, 'tis but thanks to his Majesty for continuing our legal rights, which either equally concern all states of men and ought properly to be considered in Parliament, or else it supposes our possessions less legal and more arbitrary than [other] subjects'.
	Secondly, it herds us among the various sects under the Toleration, who for favour in suspending the laws have led that way in such addresses, depending for protection upon no legal establishment but [upon the King's] sovereign pleasure and indulgence, which at pleasure is revocable.
	Thirdly, this address when subscribed is either designing the name of the Church of England, and then ought to have its birth at Lambeth or a Synodal Convocation, or else in the name of this diocese, which will disjoint us both amongst ourselves, who differ [upon] it, and from the body of the national clergy, who as we are sure dislike it; so that the inevitable consequences, set on foot by two or three bishops independently upon their Metropolitan, and without the previous concurrance of the rest of their order, must be a fatal division amongst the clergy, and either beget a new schism, or widen the old ones which are already too deplorable.
	Fourthly, it forfeits our reputation with the nobility, gentry and commonalty, and may tempt them not only to . . . . us for our rash compliances, but to waver in the steadfastness of their own religion when they see us owning the exercise of our established religion to be so precarious.
	Wherefore, may it not be expedient to remonstrate our scruples in this affair to our Diocesan, and beseech him not to require (without consulting us) our acts in things of so public and national a concernment, in which we conceive ourselves obliged to proceed on good deliberations and united measures, which under God and the King are like to be our greatest safeguard.
	As to the continuance of the King's favour, if that known loyal principles and practices of the Church of England, especially to this Prince in the Bill of Exclusion and Monmouth, will not serve, it is not this address, which only copies out fanatical thanksgivings, that can. Yet it might be thought expedient for the Church of England to address for the contents of the Declaration, with promises to engage the two Houses of Parliament in concurrence to so excellent a work, if the favour of continuing laws, which perhaps can't be repealed, were as great as of endeavouring to abrogate them for [the Dis]senters' sakes, which is the reason of the thanks in the Presbi[teria]n and Independent addresses.
	As to the Bishop.
	Secondly, this address is no instance of canonical obedience that I know of, neither is our unity with him such as to oblige us to disjoint from our Metropolitan and national clergy, neither has the summons from our Bishop had any paternal regard [for us] unless it be in treating us as children in a very weak and passive minority, when he requires our subscriptions to a formed address, wherein he neither has consulted us, nor given us leave to word it ourselves and speak our sense.
	And till the Bishops at their confirmation declare what faith they are of, as they did in the primitive church (for which there is the same reason now) our unity with him must either be with communion to the whole Church, or we may follow we know not whom, we know not whither.
	Copy. Rather decayed.
	S.P. 31/1, fols. 300–1
656 [? 1687.]	Perdonandi ac Dispensandi Regia Potestas: or A Discourse of his Majesty's Power Relating to Pardons and Dispensations in Matters Civil and Ecclesiastical.
	S.P. 31/3, fols. 20–37
657 [1687.]	Accounts of the Revenue of the Crown for the year 1687. The total figures are, Revenue: £2,119,044 11s. 3d.; Expenditure: £1,825,574 10s. 11d.
	This Expense this year less than the income, £293,470 0s. 4d.
	S.P. 31/3, fols. 38–9
658 [1687.]	Magdalen College, Oxford. A note of the Fellows who were expelled by the Commissioners.
	Endorsed: "Magdal. Coll. Oxon. 1687. Turned out".
	S.P. 31/3, fol. 96
659 [? 1687.]	A religious tract entitled Some Reflections on the present Times, in a Letter to a Friend.
	S.P. 8/2, pt. 2, fols. 121–8
660 [1687 or 1688.]	Col. J. Romsey to the Earl of Sunderland. My necessity compels me to trouble you again. What ready money I had, I have expended by the extraordinary expenses of two years' and a half confinement, not much short of £1000. Since being here it has cost me above £100, which I have been forced to borrow, and now it's the utmost of my credit. Of my wife's estate her son protests that since the rebellion he has not received one farthing, and does not know whether ever he shall, her jointure being in those parts where the rebels were. And Lord Stamford being so much in arrears reduces me to this state.
	That doghole that Mr. Bridgman saw me in I paid £10 for ten weeks lodging there, and I expect to pay no less for this, which is much better, but I have not the wherewithal. The greatest affliction is to see my wife want necessaries which with decency she ought not to be without. This is the main reason why I have been so importunate for leave to be at my house, where at least my want might been concealed. I beg you to intercede with the King for me.
	Postcript: I have enclosed a letter to Lord Stamford to see if he will pay me, if his Majesty will permit Mr. Bridgman to send it.
	S.P. 31/3, fol. 56
661 [1687.]	Sir Patrick Hume to the Prince of Orange. I wish my son may carry answerably to the favour your Highness is pleased to manifest for him and may study to deserve well. Certainly it shall be none of my fault if he do not. I am very satisfied that he has got a commission before he go, for that he is thereby in better condition to refuse what offers he may meet with from any in power where he goes, without being judged to slight the persons who have hitherto pretended friendship for him, and may be steadable in the particular which he will try of getting something of my estate for himself and the rest of my children. But truly I am not greatly concerned how that goes; nor is it likely that he will obtain much, if it be true that I am excepted out of a general indemnity. Yet I hope his voyage may serve an occasion of a more considerable purpose. I have expected, and yet do, accounts which may be fit to be made known to your Highness. Please tell the bearer if I shall enclose any letter that I need send to your Highness in one to Monsr. Benthing and I hope you will order that all be close, for while 'tis so I am the more capable to do you service. Monsr. de Dyckveldt was lately with me to whom I discoursed as freely as was needful upon my informations, but was and am loath to say anything by guess, for I am not yet clear enough to be positive.
	The new trick of State has great effects and is like to divide Scotland and England, complexly considered, into equaller parties than some will think; and they who pretend to tell how far it does or doesn't prevail may easily be understood to speak rashly, for nothing but diligent and exact trial through all quarters of the land and of all ranks of persons, can make or discover fit to be rested upon in the case, which requires more time that has yet been for it and great pains by fit and concerned hands. Such are at work where I could set it afoot, but I am not capable of so great a task for England, though I shall be helpful as I have opportunity. But it is certainly in the meantime your Highness' interest to discover yourself as little as possible to take side with any party, either Episcopal or Dissenter, at least till the strength of both appear clearly without an error in the reckoning. I am not as yet able to give an account of matters on either side such as I can answer for, but I hope I may, ere it be long, for Scotland. Yet I have some ground to think that the Dukes of Hamilton and Queensbury may make their court by leading the Dissenters in Scotland in serving the King, on the ground of securing this liberty by Acts of Parliament. I find no reason nor information as yet which can make me confident that either there or in England the Parliament Tests themselves will be struck at, in case they cannot have the liberty settled without taking them off, and this is a danger of the greatest size. If the Dissenters can be brought to this, no doubt the King and they will carry the Corporations or Towns and some Counties. I am confident that hopes of the contrary are ill founded and will prove vain. If this humour run high among the people there is no crossing of it, unless by those who state themselves openly of the contrary party. But if any such can be found these are likelier to do good, who in a sort of compliance with the general humour, if such it be, can lead them into some motion to strike at, which is fair in their way, as tending to the greater security of this, their darling liberty, which both the King and they pretend or really do value so much; and such a motion as the Episcopal Church should find their interest to join in. This must not be a quarrelling with the King about things past of whatever sort or with the judges or officers or others, whereupon there is, indeed, ground enough. Since certainly supposing that torrent of humour which be supposed a Parliament may beget, which will be loath to quarrel with the King upon inquiring in past things, lest they should break all hope of settling that liberty. Therefore, I think it were a good way to answer all the King's professions with a perfect assent and great expressions of confidence in his assurances given them, reckoning the establishment of the liberty as a perfect settlement of the country for the future, and hereupon to make the motion, that by the same Act of Settlement, his Majesty being at peace with his neighbours, the whole standing forces may be disbanded: and that the world may see the mutual confidence betwixt his Majesty and his people that in their place the ordinary County militia and trained bands of Cities be armed and exercised, with fit officers upon them, and kept in such condition, as whenever there is need, they may be called in whole or in part. And that in case of foreign war, or whatever need of men-at-arms, no levy should be made by beating of drums to take on such as will, but a calling out such a proportion of militia and trained bands; and to the effect all jealousies may be rooted out that the same be ordered in Ireland, and all people there made free to carry their arms, and, without quarrelling of bypast proceedings in the Government there, to get the dependency of that Kingdom upon England asserted anew and confirmed anew, for there is nothing more certain than a design of breaking off that dependence which, as matters stand, might do great mischief. If the King should condescend then of these materials such laws might be framed as indeed would make a considerable change in the state of busi- ness; and if he will not, then he may probably work a great miracle in opening the eyes of the blind. I have had my thoughts upon several expedients, but do prefer these as likeliest to unite parties. I assure myself of two things: one, that the King will not call Parliament if he doubt of their taking off the Tests, for he will no more lay himself open to a baffle; another is that if he do call them the way to obtain upon the Dissenter party, if it be strongest, is not to oppose directly and openly whatever tends to the getting their liberty settled by Parliament, but to go in with them and work them to a breach by one plausible motion or another. If your Highness like these thoughts please signify so much to the bearer, that I may do what I can; soon as I get information to be rested on I will send it. This from, please your Highness, your Highness's to dispose of.
	Holograph. S.P. 8/2, pt. 2, fols. 31–2
662 [? 1687.]	A Paper entitled Enquiries into the nature of Government and the measures of obedience chiefly with relation to the English Constitution.
	S.P. 8/2, pt. 2, fols. 179–82